Chapter Seventy-eight - Manipulation

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Warning: This chapter handles the topic of psychological and mental trauma and abuse, as well as mentions of physical abuse and trauma. Also dealing with confrontation with an abuser, and of course manipulation.

Seidou sat quietly, his face drained of life and visibly upset. He waits and he waits, hoping and praying to God, that it would be over quick. And soon enough, and unfortunately, a certain elderly male shows up.

"Ah, Takizawa! You actually showed up, I feel honored!" Seidou's eye widen, and the pupil quivers at the appearance of him. Akihiro Kanou, the bastard that ruined his life. "My, have you grown your hair a little? You're a bit...unrecognizable." The very moment Kanou attempts to tap Seidou's shoulder in a 'welcoming' manner, Seidou flinches away.

"Don't...take it the wrong way, got it?! I'm only here to clear something up." Kanou scoffs, smiling slightly. "Of course. However, my only wish is for you to stay at least for a cup of coffee, then you may leave your merry way!"  

Seidou scoffs, silent as he turning his head slightly to look through the window, showing a bit of his reflection. Kanou continues. "I've had to put everything on hold, ever since you've left. Technically there's been one more survivor, but he isn't really a successful case like yourself, he's floppy at best." Seidou remains silent, watching as his day passes him.

"I don't know how you've managed to escape, however I must admit that I'm quite curious." Seidou continues to stare blankly, silently.  "Hello, Earth to Takizawa?" Seidou turns his head calmly. "How did you find me...?"

Kanou smirks. "And he speaks!" Kanou sighs softly, leaning back within his seat. "It's a long story, so I'll just say...I have connections, and I actually take the time to observe the situation carefully." 

Seidou's expression turns sour and discontent. So many emotions were going through to him. Anger, frustration, sorrow and of course, terror. Seidou could feel all of these emotions slowly spill out of him, causing him to nearly break a sweat. 'Connections, probably some followers or fellow doctors he's manipulated...'

Kanou scoffs. "Takizawa, what's with that look on your face?" "My face...?" Seidou asks, having his voice change for that one moment. Kanou nods.

"Yes, you look...uneasy." Seidou rests his cheek onto his fist, his eyebrows lowered into that of a more angered expression. "You don't say...?" 'He's toying with us, don't let him get to you...' The voice comments.

Seidou scoffs, struggling to keep eye contact as he faces the elder male. "I guess I've just been...stressed out lately." 

Suddenly, the expression on Kanou's face shifts instantly, frowning and appearing cautious. He leans forward. "Wait, Takizawa... You haven't been feeling the way you had, back at the day of the 'incident', have you?" The older male asks calmly yet worryingly. 

Seidou freezes up, completely in understanding in what he meant by that. "N-No! No, I haven't! Why, what's it to you?" Kanou sighs, oddly relieved as he places his hand onto his chest. "Thank goodness... Takizawa, you need to  be careful about that out here, out there. If someone were to catch you in that state, CCG would find you in no time."

Seidou's body flinches, as he feels his fears grow. But, he takes a deep breath and sighs, moving on to the main subject. "A-Anyway... Why did you want to see me?" "Ah, finally going somewhere I see. Well to put it bluntly, I'm asking you...to come with me, back to the lab."

Suddenly, Seidou's entire body tenses up, and his eyes widen with anger and disbelief. "Why you-!" But before Seidou could even finish that sentence a server comes over. "Hi, sorry to keep you folks waiting, are you folks ready to order?"

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