THE TRUTH SEEKERS
CHAPTER 5: Give and Take

~When God dumped me you came to help me from the arms of death~

THE SEEKERS 5: Give and Take

The moving hand grabbed the door arm, put a little pressure on it and pushed it. Feet stepped out, treading the untainted bright gray floor. A little holding the pain in the injured part of the palm. Eyes that still show remnants of sleepiness circulate around observing around.

For me who used to live in a boarding place measuring 4x5m, this place feels very spacious. With shades of white-gray combined with a ceramic pattern of abstract gray. Sofas are neatly arranged in the middle of the room in front of a glass table with a vase containing live flowers. There is a big television in another corner that will certainly be very cool as a place to watch together. The kitchen looks like a cafe bar with complete cooking utensils. There are several other rooms that I have not tried to enter and there are even stairs to climb to the top. The ceiling of the house is so high and makes the impression wider.

Glancing at the wall clock, I was stunned for a moment.

At 11 noon. I slept this late this time. Maybe also because it is too tired and the effect of a soft mattress that spoils the body makes me able to sleep more than 14 hours. My feet stepped slightly limped to the other side that was covered in mustard-colored curtains. Waving her curtains and the light of the morning sun greeted me. The glass door slightly dewed until it opened. I walked to the balcony. Hold on to the iron that confines itself with free air. Observing the outside conditions under the blazing sun that shines without the interference of clouds.

I don't know why I miss. It has been a long time to not feel the warmth of the sun like this. Long time no air like this. Somewhat unfortunate because the scenery that greets are multi-storey buildings and some residential residents. But it's pretty cool to look at everything from this floor.

More quiet, no disturbance at all than ever since I got in here.

Ah yes, this room is on the seventh floor - not counted by the basement where I was previously held - in the interrogation to be more precise. I don't know what this building is because it's also big and there are a lot of windows on the floors below. But the place is quite quiet because it may be located in the suburbs.

"It still feels like a dream, but-" I'm squeezing my shirt arm, my view becomes gloomy, "Everything's true."

My memory goes back to what happened a week ago. To turn back the tragedy that happened to me. The fire that night. The little girl I failed to help. The judge who sentenced me to death. I went crazy and wanted to die. Then-then

My uncle came to help me.

"Uuhh-" I frowned when the pain in my back area and my legs came back. Finally the pain of being tied up for so long and sleeping in prison really came to the surface. My whole body screamed because it had no place to rest. The blister scar due to the burn on my leg also still feels sore to this day. I'm grateful because after that guy 'bought me', he was kind enough to let me sleep in one of his rooms in his house that had a soft mattress until I slept too well and woke up late.

Ignoring for a moment the fact that he made me owe as much as a state-debt

"If you think about it, how do I repay her debt?" I muttered while rubbing my arms. Thinking about the nominal he mentioned yesterday directly makes me weak want to plunge. I'm not even sure if I can pay it off for working in a restaurant.

Naw. Naw. Clearly impossible. Even if I work for a lifetime. Maybe all just paid off if I work for three hundred years--

Just thinking about it makes me shudder in horror.

Grukk~

"I'm hungry..." I muttered, holding onto the stomach that just sounded. Staring back inside-to one place that is the kitchen. As I remember from yesterday I haven't even eaten. When he came to me, it was actually nearing lunchtime but I was pulled out of jail. And now I'm really starving to the point of breaking out in a cold sweat.

Do I just cook? But will he let me use his kitchen? It looks like he's not home. He left me here without saying goodbye.

I'm pouting. Maybe I should wait until he gets home...

When I thought about it, I suddenly heard the sound of a door opening. I then turned inside and found the figure of the homeowner had returned while carrying a laptop bag and some luggage in a paper bag. I walked towards him.

"Happy afternoon. Let me help you get her stuff." I volunteered to help, though,

"The sick are silent and sit down." He answered, refusing my help. He walked in through me and immediately sat on the sofa after putting his luggage on the table.

"Cabin."

I followed the gesture and got closer. He took one of the paper bags and thrust it at me.

"Sit down and eat."

I blinked. Staring at the bag containing the food box complete with his drink, then looking at him again.

He really bought me food?

"Sa-my.. Don't you..."

"Say, sit down and eat."

I rested majestically in front of the table with a stiff body.

This guy is really scary!!

He seemed to be unconcerned and took out the laptop from his bag. A few seconds later he was busy typing something on his laptop. I just looked at him, then turned to the food he gave me.

This may not be the first time I've eaten something like this. But the contents really made me almost drool. Bento rice, with side dishes and complete vegetables decorated with cute octopus-shaped sausages. Coupled with chicken katsu and ocha tea smells good. Not to mention roasted chicken and bottled milk.

My stomach rang back, but I held back. I felt unworthy of all this and looked back at him,

"A-you sure gave me this? E-hm... It's too much..."

"That's the usual portion. If you don't put it in the kitchen."

"But-"

Tek-tek

He stopped typing and glanced at me with his eyes staring intently.

"Do I need to feed you like a baby so you can eat?"

I shook my head and opened my bento box. What a grumpy bastard! Is it natural for me to feel bad in a position like this? What else he gave me free and told me to eat alone...

Gosh, this is so good! I've eaten something like this, although it's rare, but it tastes much different. The rice is delicious and still warm. The vegetables are good too. And what I like better is the chicken is really tender and crispy. I feel like crying every time I bribe. I did not even pause and continued to bribe until my mouth was full.

Rarely can I eat well like this...

Suddenly I felt embarrassed and glanced at the man. He was busy working on something on his laptop and was wearing glasses. Her hair was tied one origin back and a lit cigarette tucked in the slit of her lips. Occasionally he would sip a cigarette then exhale it deliciously and throw his ashes on the ashtray. His tie had disappeared somewhere and his white shirt sleeves were rolled up to the elbows. His face was serious, so I felt like I was bothering him just by eating nearby.

He looked like an office worker instead of a psychic... Maybe I was wrong about him?

"What's wrong?"

I stammered as he suddenly uttered, "A-anu-you've eaten?" My toot.

"It."

"Ehm... When?"

"So."

Short, solid, and clear answers.

Uhh.. There's actually a lot I want to ask. But I'm afraid to ask. He seemed to be busy and I didn't even know where to start. All I did was bribe the rice and occasionally glance at it.

I saw his fingers typing enter and his movement stopped. He pulled his brightness and placed it next to the laptop.

"You don't have to worry about identity. I've taken care of everything and it'll be in a few days."

I was a little surprised when he started talking, "Well? Mercifully... Th-thank you..."

"For a while it's best that you hide at least until the Fire case subsides."

I bowed my head, "Yes, I understand. If I came out in the current state, people would consider me a fugitive."

He just muttered and sipped his cigarette back. He slightly changed his sitting position and looked at me, "You can talk if there's anything else you want to ask."

I was suddenly nervous and put down my spoon. "I-it's... If you're not busy, there's a lot I want to ask you..."

"Ask me then."

"Would you promise me that you will answer all my questions?"

I knew my request was a bit strange and probably exaggerated - visible from next to her eyebrows that were raised in wonder. I was ready if only he would spout insinuations, but unexpectedly he replied with one word of consent,

"All right."

Maybe this is my chance to know everything that's been happening to me all this time. So I started asking him, too,

"Before, may I know who you really are?"

He looked a little grin at me. "So you're more curious about me than what happened to you huh?"

"It's not so! I just... Just want to know. Maybe you don't remember, but I was in studio xx on the 22nd. That time you suddenly appeared and stopped the possessed Host. I saw everything until you left the studio."

"Ah, so you were a kid back then huh?" He seemed to start remembering me. I nodded steadily, "Yes. I was talking to you because... I think you can help me. I've seen you chase away that black ghost. Then at the restaurant, you even helped me to calm down when I saw the accident. So I thought you were a great exorcist..."

He threw cigarette ash into the ashtray, he said,

"It seems you misunderstood son." He said, I frowned, "I mean?"

He also began to uncover his identity which has always remained a mystery to me,

"My name is Razark Shiryuu. And I'm not as paranormal or exorcist as you think."

"Eh? Wasn't... Paranormal and exorcist? L-then...?"

He grinned with a cigarette tucked in the crack of his lips. "I'm a Grave Looter."

"I'm a Grave Looter."

I blinked twice.

"...... Uh--"

"Euhhh?! Seriously?!" The words came straight out of my mouth right after hearing his words. Realized by my actions, I then covered my mouth with both hands and turned pale.

So stupid! Why do I scream at him so! B-but I'm really shocked gosh! Tomb plunderers said? You mean like that Tomb Raider?

He looked uncaring and put a cigarette on the ashtray. I again asked, "A-you really are a tomb raider? Nope.. Paranormal or Exorcist?"

"Not."

"If you're a tomb raider, then what were you doing in the studio that night? And even... That time you also shot something black-colored that-"

"Do you think the tomb raiders are just wandering around the ancient Tombs and stealing the treasures of the dead?"

I can't help but know that that's what's going through my mind. He snorted.

"You don't need to know the details, but the reason why I was in the studio was still related to my work. And about the disgusting creature I shot back then - the black one was ridiculous - people used to call it a demon, a ghost, or a demon. But in my world, it's called 'Unliving'."

"Yes... Not alive?"

"Yes. A non-living creature. It comes from the darkness of another world. Creatures that are not supposed to appear in this world. Its existence was more than a ghost or a Ghoul, but nothing compared to those black Vampire Figures were just slaves ruled by a Necromancer. You can call it Nazgulez."

I'm cengo. A ghoul? A vampire? Then what was Nazu-what?

"You don't have to remember it for now." Said. I looked down in shame. He took out a second cigarette from his pants pocket and lit it. "This means that the black creature is an enemy that must be destroyed. If not, it will be difficult for the mission later."

"Ehm... Do you also have the ability to do some kind of Exorcism?"

"Please take it that way."

"Then... Will you help me?"

She's speechless. I continued with a thumping feeling.

"As you know, it's about j

The incident at the restaurant at the time. I may have mistaken you for a psychic, but you can even do things like expulsion. You also know that at that time I was scared to the point of not being able to move. From then on, I tried to find you to ask for help." My word. "I... He is an Indigo child. I can see ghosts, sense them, communicate with them, even further - I can touch them." I paused for a moment, looking at the response that the man might say. But without guessing he kept quiet and listened to my story. So I felt that I could tell her everything.

"I've had this ability since I can remember for the first time. And because of that, I had a lot of trouble. I hate ghosts and the horrible creatures I see so often. And more than that... I hate myself for not being able to escape this terrible ability."

"Because often disturbed, I became a coward until now. But there's nothing I can do. I just kept running and hiding. I hate to have to live like this."

"So you want to ask me to remove that ability of yours?". Ask the man with a serious face. My lips vibrate.

This... My decision.

"No."

"Then?"

"Can you teach me to fight them?"

"What?"

I was a little surprised. For the first leg I saw a change in expression on the man's face. The cigarette almost fell,

"Emmm... Is it not possible? Even.. Even if it is not possible, at least I want to ask for advice to be able to survive when I see them. So that I don't run off face to face with those creepy creatures."

"Pfftt-haha!!" I jumped up, not expecting that guy to laugh suddenly like that.

Did I speak wrong?

"A cowardly boy who's been running from life for 19 years, now finally chooses to hit the storm of his life, huh?". There was a mocking tone I could hear, but what he said was the truth.

"I just don't want to waste this second life you've given me." My reply.

His laughter subsided and he suddenly looked at me strangely. "You seriously want to fight? Even with all the terrible things you've been through?"

"Yes. I want to fight. For myself and those who have been forcibly snatched away. Didn't you say that I had to stay alive to uncover all the truth about the fire incident back then?"

The man was silent for a while and put out his cigarette again. His face really became serious.

"Hey boy, this is a warning. Once you know these truths and begin to enter my world, your life will completely change. You will not be able to live normally anymore."

"This world is like a place created just to torment me. From the beginning, I could not live normally. Because of this ability-I hate it so much! But-" I fixed my position and sat down in front of him, "Now I can't keep cursing myself. Therefore, please teach me to live without fearing the world."

That's my decision. If the world stays the same, I'll have to change. To expose the truth and lift the slander given to me. For the lives of those who have been snatched without knowing anything.

Only I can do it.

His eyes were closed and I waited for an answer with anxious expectation, before he finally said,

"All right."

"You want to teach me?"

He's nodding. I feel like I just got a medal so happy.

"Before that, I wanted to ask." He said, "What are your plans after this?"

"... Plans?"

"Plan your life." Unmistakably. I was pensive to hear his question and then replied in a soft voice, "I have not planned a life plan for now. Mu-maybe tomorrow after my new identity becomes as you say. Because there will be many things that I have to buy for needs, so-so... For a while if you don't mind... Lend me a little money?"

He frowned, "Why are you asking me for money?"

"I don't have anything at all right now. I need a place to stay and money to eat as well as some secondary needs. El-then... I also have to find a job to pay you a debt..."

His face turned unpleasant. I hurriedly continued my sentence, "A-you don't need to worry. I will repay your money and the debt of my life. I will not run! I will definitely pay it all off! U-for his training too I will visit every time you have time."

There was no response, and I started to break out in cold sweat. I feel like this guy is like a coin that has two sides. He could suddenly relax, but then turn into as terrifying as he was now.

"Stay here."

I raised my head, "..eh?"

"You can stay here."

I was surprised to hear his words. "But later I trouble you-"

"You think it's easy to start everything from scratch without the slightest help? Your life is not only yours, I am also responsible for it. You also need a lot of practice to overcome your abilities, so it will be more effective and efficient if you stay here."

I really didn't expect an offer from him. But I really don't want to bother him too much.

"I am truly grateful that you have given me a second life. You even allowed me to sleep in one of your rooms and give me good food. You also took care of my files beforehand. I don't deserve more help from you. All of this-I'm not even sure I'll be able to repay it properly."

"You're a 'Give and Take' guy, huh?"

I'm getting a lot worse, "Not so, just-"

"That's it. You-you work for me."

I raised my head with my mouth open, "..huh?"

He sat down with his feet, "I will pay you according to your work and you can get the facilities of this entire house besides the second floor. I'll also give you three meals a day This way 'Give and Take' will still go right?"

I was really tempted by his offer. But I feel ashamed to accept it, though,

"Didn't you.. stay harmed?"

"Say I'll pay you according to your work. So I have nothing to lose."

"really... That okay?"

He grinned, "I just need to train you and hire you to death."

Also true. Because he was being nice for a moment, I forgot that this person was actually a crazy psychopath who had previously locked me in the basement and strangled me to the point of feeling half dead.

I pulled my admiration earlier.

"If you don't mind.... I concur. Maybe I'll trouble you more."

"No problem. This is actually better. " Suddenly my feelings became unpleasant as she grinned wider. "Then I'll teach you how to use that ability and turn it into 'Psychic Power'.

[CONNECTED]