THE TRUTH SEEKERS
CHAPTER 2: DEATH ALARM

~The world is so narrow, but reaching you still feels difficult~

...[.THE SEEKERS 2: DEATH ALARM]...

At this moment, various thoughts filled my head. Like a fool, staring blankly at the glass door of a restaurant that previously displayed a person's back.

What just happened? That man-I still can't believe it!

Why is he here? Why did he suddenly approach me like this? Does he remember me? The guy who asked her to talk in the studio hallway that night? Or is it all just a coincidence?

But how did he know I was scared? How did he know that I... Can you see them?

My lips opened weakly. Realizing something certain all of a sudden.

I have to make sure of it myself! I need to talk to him!

Like the ringing of a bell, my heart suddenly thumped until it shook all over the body. I got up dragging my two feet which still felt limp and lethargic. Get out of the restaurant while holding the gray coat that covers my body. Looking around the place that has been crowded with people and all the commotion.

Where the hell is he going?!

Confusion became. Realizing that the figure I was looking for was nowhere to be seen. I recklessly broke through the crowd and approached the crash site that had been surrounded by people. Looking at the flames that were emitting blackish smoke. It shook slowly when it saw something terrible and immediately moved away from the place. Breaking through the crowd back, turning around, obscuring the people around me.

Nope. Nope. Not particularly. He's not either. Oh, my God, where did he disappear just now?! I should have recognized him easily. He looked striking with that tall body and the scar on his lips!

Damnit. Why didn't I come to him immediately? Why did I just fall silent when he walked back to me? He obviously knew something about what happened to me. My ability to see ghosts-and maybe more than that.

"Supernatural" things I don't understand.

He might be able to help me! But I've wasted this meeting!

Shoulder sagging.Stare at the road with a blank stare. "Then this..." I groaned, full of regret.

The man is gone. I'm losing...

..........

"Eh Erlanga, can you really see ghosts? "

The movement of my hand that was wiping the table immediately stopped when a senior asked me. Staring at him with a half-surprised face, but also tensed up, "Sorry, you mean? "

"We often see you suddenly talking to empty air, or you're like scared when some customers come. Even Bang Joe had seen you suddenly fall pale on the doorstep during the accident a few days ago and you muttered to yourself while staring at the flames."

"Seriously huh? Can you really see that dong? "

I gulped, not expecting their question.

Is my secret exposed?

Shifting my eyes, I tried to dodge both of my seior, "Bu-not. Maybe it's just a misunderstanding. I-i just... It's not always focused."

"really? But--"

"Oi Mel, don't keep talking. The broom cannot move on its own. "

The senior in uniform and the black-and-white celmek of this restaurant barista reprimanded the two of them. Both are ticking,

"O Joe, we're just asking Erlanga. Joe said he could see ghosts. "

"What did I ever say? "

The two look at each other. Brother Joe with a fierce face crossed and they both looked disturbed. Before finally choosing to retreat while grumbling towards me,

"Don't get into the heart, huh? They both like it, gossip. "

"Ah, that's okay, brother. Thanks for the help. " Reply with awkwardness. Brother Joe smiled then patted me on the shoulder twice,

"If they interrupt again say yes. Let me take care of them. "

I nodded and Brother Joe immediately walked out from before me. After the figure disappeared behind the kitchen door, I closed my eyes.

Damnit. Almost got caught.

Because of the accident three days ago, the secret about me being able to see this ghost was almost revealed. I purposely cover it from people because I don't want to be considered strange. But now I'm not even sure I can keep it hidden much longer.

This is because I don't wear glasses. Yeah, the glasses that part of the frame is already peeling it. Even as bad as it is, all this time the glasses have helped reduce my fear. Because the glasses reduce the view so that the ghostly figures I see seem more blurred and not too creepy. Because of those glasses I dare to get out of the house and work like this.

But six days ago when the accident occurred, the glasses accidentally fell and stepped on by someone else. The glasses are like my fortress. I only have one and now it can't be used at all. To buy a new one I have no money. Even just to fix it, I can't. This month my finances are in bad shape, and it's getting worse because my work is often hampered. But I can't just be absent because I really need the money. So I kept working without wearing glasses even though I ended up... I'm under pressure like this.

Because of the accident that happened six days ago, the area around here feels more bleak. I'd rather the customers that show up in droves than the ghosts that are currently swarming the streets in front of this restaurant. I think the accident caused the ghosts from other places to be interested and ended up gathering around here. They were huddled around the scars of the accident and looked happy to be circling there. Because of that the aura around here turned strange and uncomfortable. It makes me feel like I'm gonna be "sick" if I stay in this restaurant for too long. Even just to stand guard in front for an hour I can't. I felt dizzy and nauseous and even shivered at the same time. My skin continued to bristle and my chest was congested due to the atmosphere that was so nauseating.  Not to mention if there was a figure that was suddenly staring at me-in

It felt like my body was limp like a wet book being crushed.

I look at the scars of the accident that still appear there. Several police officers are still in charge of investigating the accident. Their car was parked on the side of the road and became the center of attention. When I remember what I saw in the news, I feel creeped back.

How not? There has been an accident involving 10 minibus passengers and 6 car passengers. And they all died on the spot. A total of 16 victims were burned due to oil spills from both vehicles that ignited the fire. Because the incident was also the next day the restaurant was forced to close and just opened the next day.

"Erlanga, your face is pale. Are you sick?"

I flinched when someone poked me on the shoulder. Turning around, I saw my senior who worked as a waitress-woman with her hair tied one high looking at me so closely. I was made nervous and held onto a cold sweaty arm.

"L-yes slightly... "

"just fine... Your face is pale from yesterday and your sweat is also a lot. Where are your glasses? You used to wear glasses, right?"

"My eyes are broken." Answer grimly. "Sorry, I'll excuse you for a moment. " I immediately turned around and went into the kitchen. Walk into the locker and pick up a small bottle inside the bag. Take out the two medicines inside and down them directly without a drink.

The bitter taste is not worth my fear. I do not want to use this drug, but my condition like this makes me forced to re-tow it. Even after all these years of living as an Indigo child, I still wasn't used to all this.

Was that the one behind Elsa? A figure that crackled like a black colored flame? I met a few times like that, but this one... Why does it feel more scary?

It was as if the figure was staring right at me.

I hugged myself and was silent for a while in the locker.

"Silent... No what... I can't collapse here... " I muttered, trying to calm down.

It's a risk, but I have to survive. I had to force myself who repeatedly wanted to go home to stay in this place. I have to hold on for the salary money I'm going to receive.

Finally the scary figure was not even more terrifying than the shadow when I was kicked out of the KOS spot.

"If only I didn't have this ability... My life will not be like this... "

I hateit. I hated those scary figures that only I could see. But in addition to all that, I hate myself much more.

Myself and this ability that is like a curse to me.

I'm always trying to figure out a way to make this ghost-watching ability disappear. Closing the inner eye or even what is referred to as obliterating the 6th sense. But nothing works. All the info I get from books, the internet, or other people is just a "ngawur" thing that doesn't even have any effect.

"Rubber..."

My strength disappeared completely and I sat down sagging, curled up in the corner.

I feel sick.

I don't want to see ghosts. I don't want to be an indigo kid and look at people strangely. If I could choose, I would rather live without being able to see the world if all I ever saw were those horrible figures.

But nevertheless... Even if I curse this ability, it won't change your apothecary. It won't change the fact that I'm an Indigo Child and can see ghosts better than anyone...

If only there was a way to be free of this ability-if

"Does that person know if I ask him? "

Yeah, that guy. He might know something. Ah-he probably had a lot of years regarding things like this. The guy I accidentally met at the restaurant, he was the guy I saw in the studio that night. My memory led me to an incident in the studio that was live-streaming the Supernatural Show. In the middle of the peak of the event, suddenly an unexpected thing happened.

What a terrible possession. The host lost control to harm the Paranormal who tried to do 'expulsion'. The show also turned into a tragedy because the figure who possessed the host began to spread 'terror' that could make the audience in the studio sit stiff with fear.

Until the man finally showed up.

When the audience began to run out I was accidentally left behind because it was pushed by some people and fell on a row of back benches. I chose to hide in a row of benches while peering towards the stage in fear.

And what I saw next I really couldn't believe.

When the possessed Host began to lash out with a look of madness, the man calmly pointed a metallic gun and pulled the trigger. The sound of a firearm eruption sounded faint, but I knew that it had missed something and managed to hit its target.

But no blood came out. No injuries are visible. Only the host stood unconscious before finally falling to the floor. To put off the monstrous black figure that shrieked loudly in wrath. Before it was finally silenced forever when the second shot was missed. About right in the head and seemed to be the trigger of a bright bluish-white spark that propagated burning all over his body. The black creature howled in pain and ended up becoming a pile of ashes on the chaotic dim stage.

That kind of thing was the first time I saw it. It was so shocking that I forgot to breathe for a moment.

Is that exorcism? But what he did was very different from what I knew. No Paranormal does exorcism that way - and even carries a gun instead of a sacred object? What did that man say before?

That time also somehow suddenly seeped into curiosity which made me so boldly call out to him. Trying to talk to the guy. Hoping to find answers to the strange things I accidentally saw firsthand. But he rejected me and kicked me out. Staring at me sharply through the corner of the eye that featured an iris as cold as a block of ice.

That guy's hard to approach.

But that man reappeared before me a few days ago and... And he helped me...

I looked at a jacket folded in my bag. The suit that the man gave me when I fell down was terrified by the accident. He then disappeared and did not return to retrieve his suit until this time. So just in case I keep her in my bag.

What else is that the suit is thick and seems expensive.

"It's been almost a week. .. Does he even remember his suit? " My mumbling was weak, half hopeful.

I really want to see that guy again. Maybe he'll be able to help me...

I immediately closed the bag and put it in the locker back. I came out in a much better situation. I saw some seniors whispering like I was talking about me but I ignored them. I had to get back to my torturous job and then get home to take a break from all the scary things I saw.

Time feels so slow. Fortunately, the torture was soon over. When the clock shows at four o'clock in the afternoon, the time to change shifts. After washing the last dishes, I was allowed to go home by senior. Ride your bike slowly, breathing the dusty air of a small town.

Go home. I just want to go home. Shower, then lay my body on the bed and close my eyes until morning comes. My power was completely drained to the point that I didn't have enough energy to respond to the creatures that were clinging to me.

But that day was the last time I could "go home".

Because when my phone rang, something suddenly hit my head hard. I fell off the bike until my entire consciousness disappeared.

.......

".... Wake up...."

".... Don't sleep... Darling..."

"... Run--- *******..."

"Thumbs..."  I muttered.

"Why... I have to run..?"

"Open your eyes, boy."

DEG!

An unusual bang spread inside my chest, making me jump due to an unexpected shock. I opened my eyes half unconscious.

Who's talking to me?

My breathing suddenly felt so tight that I coughed a few times. The air is hot as it burns the skin. A dry throat hurts when I cough a few times.

The eyes blinked a few times and only a faintly visible blurry orange color. Looking around, I was made to wonder.

This... My room..? Why is everything orange? Why...the air is so hot? Why am I sitting in a chair in a.. tied position...?

My eyes opened wide.

Eh? I'm tied to a wooden chair? And the severity is currently my room-

BWOSHHH

I cringe.

My room is burning!

I panicked when my consciousness had returned completely. Looking around was filled with flames. Draping all objects in the room to the ceiling. Hot air burns to the lungs. I coughed because of the depleting oxygen and inhaling the suffocating smoke.

Goddamnit! What the hell has happened?! Why is my room burning like this?! Who else has tied me up in this chair?! The fire just crackled wildly. I don't have time to think about all that! If you don't get out of here soon, I'm gonna be grilled alive!

"Yarooongg!! Uhuk! T-helpgg-khh--uhuk!" I screamed, trying to get help. Stare frantically towards the rope ties in the legs and hands.

Is my voice loud enough to sound out? What about the other room occupants? Do they notice a fire in my room?

Tch! I can't just rely on outside help! This bond-at least I should be able to let go!

I moved my hand, trying to untie it by twisting my wrist. But the bond is much stronger. My skin actually became scuffed because it rubbed against the rough surface of the rope.

Brakk!!

Damnit damnit! Why is the knot so strong?! I can't open it! There are no scissors or sharp objects. The knife was inside the nightstand, and the place was engulfed in flames!

I have to how?!

Gets several times because of the pain in the eyes. The blazing fire grew hotter and painful.

How'this?! How do I untie the ties?! Somebody's... Can anyone hear me before?

My gaze stopped towards the burning wood. Gurgling rough saliva. A crazy idea came to mind.

It's betting. But if I don't do it, I'm gonna be grilled to death. If I... I might lose my hand.

"There's no other way!"

I moved my chair to get closer to the wood that had just fallen. Positioning yourself as best you can in the back position. The hand that was tied behind me faced the burning surface of the wood.

Nyeesshhh

"Khhhkk--" I frowned. Biting the lips until they bleed. The fire just came into contact with my palm. The smell of burnt meat almost drove me crazy. I endured the pain of the burning and kept my hands in such a way towards the burning wood.

It's working! Bond loosens. The fire hit the rope and started burning it as well. My eyes are tight, though,

Hold on. a little more... It almost worked-it

Tess!

Bond I'm loose. Without thinking any further, I opened my legs. My blistered hands seemed numb so it did not hurt too much when rubbing against the surface of the rope. Until I finally got free.

"Uhuk! Uhuk!" I covered my nose and mouth with my arms. Smoke that erodes oxygen. Walking gontai towards the door of the room with a view of the yellow.

Cklek! Cklek!

"Damn! Locked up!" My meaning. Frantically banging on the door of the room and shouting as loud as possible.

"Please!! Tolo-uhuk! Uhuk! Akh-uhuk please!" The air is thinning. My breath is uncontrollably tight. I tried to break down the door, but it had absolutely no effect. I screamed in despair.

"DON'T!"

Am I going to end up here? Am I gonna die roasting this time? Is... Is this my way of death? Why is life so cruel? Why should I have to be this fate? Why do I always end up alone....

I want to cry from frustration and not think clearly. Screaming lost my mind until my voice disappeared. Even if life is painful... I still want to live...

I want to search.... "truth"-

"I want to live... I don't want to die... Right here..."

Suit.

That suit... That suit is here..?

My hands trembled as I grabbed a suit that had fallen near the chair that bound me. The suit was still intact, only a little part of his arm was blackened by burning. I then covered my body with it, making me drown because of its size is too large.

I hope this gives you a little protection.

I want to live. I have to live.

I have to live to find the "truth"!

Stand with feet. I looked back at the door with anger. Feeling the door as if mocking towards me and praying for me to die roasted.

"I'm not going to die like this, asshole!"

Tap tap tap-tap

BRAKK!!

The shoulder wrapped in a suit collided with the door. So hard that it feels tingling. The door to the room still didn't budge. But I repeated it again. Pull a step back before throwing your body toward the door again.

BRACKET!

"Open!"

BRACKET!

"Expand open!"

BRACKET!

"I don't want to die here!"

Ctass

"I will live!"

BRAKKK!!

WOWOSHHH!!

GRUNTUNG! GRUNTUNG!

I crashed into the fence when the door opened. The ceiling suddenly collapsed and hit the floor of my room so dramatically. I just stared at him with blurry eyes as the ashes were billowing from within.

I managed... I made it out...

I survived-

Perhaps too soon to conclude making my breath choked instantly.

Not likely... The fire.. The fire has spread to other parts of the building!

I couldn't help my surprise. I was so shocked my voice couldn't even come out. Looking around with horror. This three-storey building has been engulfed in flames all the way from the bottom to the roof. There was nothing left, the fire raged ferociously and burned the entire unreachable place.

Outside the sky had become dark. The people in front of the fence gathered with a commotion. Looked at me with a face full of horror. The siren sound from the fire engine was heard, a sign of help coming.

But it's too late.

It's all burned.

"Mothers... Hix... Mum...."

I looked up when I heard that voice.

A small child, perhaps five years old, was sitting at the door of the room, which was burning reddish flames. While holding a stuffed cat, crying, calling his parents with tears.

"Open mom..."

Just now I wanted to call him when one of the doors from the last boarding room suddenly opened. Something pokes.

A hand-i don't know what I could call a hand-in-black with a shape like a kitchen knife. Gives an incision mark on the edge of the wooden door. Then a black-bodied figure more than two meters high came out from there. His huge body touched the ceiling and looked like a black blaze. His legs were longer than his body and looked like grasshopper legs. His head was round and he was like wearing a white mask that looked cracked.

The figure was staring at me with red eyes burning like a laser. My body instantly froze and I fell limply. The horror spread all over my body and made my jaw shake. The heavy pressure I felt was like commanding me to kneel to death.

What the fuck? What exactly is that figure?!

When the figure switched and smirked vilely, my entire body shivered and automatically followed towards its focus.

Nope-

My trembling legs forced me to get up when the figure began to move while raising its claws. My fear pressed as deeply as I could and I ran with all my might as I reached out as the figure pointed its claws at the little girl sitting dazed at the door.

"AWASS!! "

ZRAKK!!

The claw floated down on the door and split it in half. The flames then shot out like small explosions. I managed to grab the girl and lay on her stomach to avoid her really sharp claws. Staring at the former pieces on the door with a growing sense of horror.

Maddened. I WILL REALLY DIE IF I GET TO THAT!!

Not to mention that my shock was complete, the figure had already raised its claws back. This time he was heading towards me. I then rolled over while holding the previous little girl and the claw stuck deep into the floor. I got up with the girl in my arms and looked at her with my heart pounding madly.

"Monster's."

That one word escaped my lips. A pitch-black creature two meters tall with a blazing body like black flames was giggling. He pulled out his claws and looked cool licking those sharp claws with his tongue sticking out long like a snake. I retreated with all gripping and bracing feelings that were trembling in fear.

How do I escape from him?!

I slightly shifted my focus as the figure in my arms moved,

"Sister... That's what?" Ask with a plain face. I shook my head with a serious face, "Sister Don't know. But he's dangerous. "

"He's evil? "

I nodded back. Little hands were crimping my work shirt that had been soiled by charcoal, those big eyes were glazed over and like they were about to shed tears,

"Mothers... Mom's still in sister-hiks.mom's in danger..."  His cry while pointing weakly towards the door that had been split into pieces. I bite my lips, though,

His mother is trapped inside. And she's... Maybe it's dead.

I pecked at the little girl's shoulder. Staring at him with a wistful but try to give a smile as much as I can, "Dek, was the mother pesen same brother he said told bring you down. I'm waiting there."

"But I was deliak inside..."

I shook my head, "Mom's under me. You're coming with brother, aren't you? We're gonna get out of here. "

The girl seemed doubtful. He looked at me, then at the door of his room and looked terrified when he saw a black figure still twitching strangely in front of his door. I then blocked his gaze with the oversized gray coat I was wearing.

"Believe the same brother. We'll definitely be safe. Yea? "

Those innocent eyes trembled, before finally nodding weakly and draping his little arm around my neck.

"Yes. Keyla truste same sister... "

One problem solved. But this one in front of me... Can I pass through to the lower stairs?

I put up the horses as the figure stopped twitching strangely and refocused on me. I could feel something strange about him. It was as if these unpleasant feelings were talking to me.

He'll be lunging at me.

And it's true. One second after the thought flashed, he immediately jumped like a grasshopper to lung at me.

ZRAAATTT

"Hieehkk-" I lowered my head to avoid his claws and he just scratched the wall of the boarding room. It was a chance for me to escape from him! I immediately ran with all my might towards the stairs at the end of the room kos--

"Ap- khh!!"

But my steps stopped. I looked down with a gripping feeling. The stairs had been destroyed and the lower floors had been filled with flames with no gaps to escape.

"Sister? Why belhenti?"

I immediately regained my senses and smiled at the girl I was carrying with cold sweat pouring down, "No. You just shut up. Anyway no matter what happens, big brother will definitely protect you."

There was a twinkle in that pair of children's eyeballs. The sparkle that made my chest tight to the point of barely holding my breath. I have to apologize to him after this. But atleast... I need to be safe with him to be able to make up for all this.

I turned around and the figure walked back towards me. I don't know what happened but now he was laughing with a creaking sound like the friction of a metal plate. I frowned because I felt like my eardrums in a match by a lidi.

The stairs down have been destroyed. The second and first floors must have also been burnt to the ground. If it stays here the black creature will tear me apart! Or I'll be hit by the roof ruins first!

Then... There's only one way. A painful way and still can't guarantee my life.But if I don't try.

Look outside with your heart beating. Measuring the distance between myself and that black figure. Look more closely at all his movements. My feet rose above the third-floor guardrail and stared at the ground below as if waving and commanding me to come down immediately.

My hug to the little girl tightened.

I have to stay alive.

OOMMU!! GRASAKK!!

Just when an explosion occurred, the figure lunged back.

And I jumped from the third floor with my back facing the ground.

ZRATT

What I saw last time was claws piercing through the empty air and a collapsed roof.

GRASAKK

[Connected]