SOUL-SEEKER || (On Hiatus)

(Chapter 1) Present Day.

Todays' day and age is characterized by the rapid evolution of technology and science, so much that someones' feelings and opinions can be affected from across the world. To many this may sound well but to the unlucky few designated with clean-up job afterwards may have a different view on the subject. A humans' life is made up of three parts; the body, the mind, and most importantly, the soul. Due to the sudden shift of emotions, an individuals' soul undergoes changes frequently and when those changes are negative, a common phenomena occurs. From humanitys' negative emotions are birthed what are called devils. The ones' tasked with the devils' exterminations are rightfully named hunters, who use the power of their soul to manifest an extraordinary ability into the physical world. In a very noisy city where no hour remains free of work, stands atop a tall building a so called hunter. With the flick of the wrist, he hangs up the phone and averts his gaze onto the landscape of buildings.

NLN: *sigh* This job is really getting onto my nerves.

Nolan pushes himself onto his feet and takes a deep breath, before jumping off the skyscraper. His speed rapidly increases as he gets closer and closer to the ground, until right before impact, the palm of his hand gently rests onto the street. His power courses through the ground and he drops onto it, but there was no impact, instead the road acted as it was made of some bouncy material, completely hindering all damage that would've been caused. Nolan lands on the sidewalk and takes out a cigarette and digs his hand into his pocket trying to find a lighter.

NLN: Damn it! I forgot my lighter at home again!
LCS: Need a light?

A teenage boy with brown, chestnut hair cautiously approached Nolan, the seasoned hunter. His footsteps were almost silent. Drawing closer to Nolan, he leaned in from the side, his curious eyes fixed on the hunter. In his hand, he held a flickering lighter, its flame casting a warm, dancing glow on his youthful face. The boy's gaze remained fixed on Nolan, a blend of curiosity and admiration sparkling in his eyes, as if he had stumbled upon a living legend.

NLN: Much appreciated, kid.

Nolan accepted the lighter from the teenager's outstretched hand with a nod of gratitude. With deft fingers, he ignited the tip of his cigarette, the flame momentarily illuminating his rugged features. As he took a long drag, he exhaled a plume of smoke into the cool evening air, the wisps of gray mingling with the surrounding shadows. Returning the lighter with a casual, weathered hand, Nolan began to turn away, ready to continue his walk through the city. But just as he took his first step, a firm grip on his coat yanked him to a sudden halt. Startled, Nolan swiveled around to face the teenager, his eyes narrowing slightly in a silent inquiry. The boy's grip on his coat remained tight.

NLN: Something bothering you?
LCS: There's no mistake about it! You're that hunter!

To not raise any suspicion, considering it is forbidden to tell civilians about the power of the soul, Nolan brushes the kids' hand away and turns around.

NLN: Don't know what 'cha talking about, kiddo.
LCS: I've wanted to ask your name, mister! This isn't the first time I've seen you and your ability in action and I just wanted to thank you for protecting us from those creatures!
NLN: (He can see my ability and the devils..?)
LCS: So please accept my appreciation!

Nolan, now interested in the kid, turns back around and looks at the boy in front of him with sharp eyes.

NLN: Kid, what's your name?
LCS: I'm Lucas!
NLN: Say Lucas, would you be interested in taking a walk with me to a nearby shop?
LCS: Of course!
NLN: Alright then, let me show you what our world is all about behind the scenes.

As Lucas and Nolan make their way toward the shop, their footsteps fall in sync. With a practiced ease, Nolan, the seasoned hunter, turns toward the young boy, his eyes filled with a mix of anticipation and wisdom.

NLN: Just follow my lead.
LCS: Yes, sir!

The two enter the shop and greet the worker at the counter. Shivers are sent down Lucas' spine as he lays his eyes upon the horrifying creature that stands behind the worker. He turns to Nolan to say something, but is interrupted by his fierce look.

NLN: Marie, how's work been lately?
MAR: The usual, my body hasn't been all that well lately though. Must be that cold that's circulating around these days, right?
NLN: Yeah, probably the cold...
MAR: So, what will you have today?
NLN: Two packs of cigarettes and that'll be all. Here's the cash. Keep the change, you need it more than I do.
MAR: Always so considerate, thank you Nolan!
NLN: Don't even mention it.

Nolan takes the two packs of cigars and starts to head out. Lucas goes to grab his shoulder and ask him about the devil but Nolan just responds with a smirk, as he takes a cigarette and pushes it against the glass door of the shop, before letting it go. The cigarette propels off of the bouncy surface and goes directly through the chest of the devil, obliterating its' rotten core. Marie noticed that her cold lightened up a bit. Nolan and Lucas both leave the shop and sit on a nearby bench, looking at the passing traffic.

LCS: You handled that so professionally.
NLN: It's kinda my job, kiddo.
LCS: So, why'd you take me with you?
NLN: To show you a glimpse of a hunters' daily life. You're pretty unique already, y'know?
LCS: Because I can see the invisible. People have clowned me all my life for even mentioning it.
NLN: If you're lucky, you might even go further than just viewing and you could start actually doing.
LCS: What do you mean?
NLN: Ones' ability to use their soul to create physical techniques usually is revealed at the teenage years. Some people might get it older, while other might get it a lot younger.
LCS: Are you recruiting me to be a hunter?
NLN: Pretty much. Hunters are very rare nowadays and we can use all the help we can get.
LCS: Wonder what my grandma would think of this...
NLN: So what's it gonna be, kiddo?
LCS: Can I have some time to think about it?
NLN: All the time you need. Here's my number so give me a call when you're ready!

Nolan gets off the bench and disappears into the crowds of people, leaving Lucas staring at the bussiness card he gave him, as countless thoughts cross his mind, unable to choose.

End of Chapter 1
"Present Day"

[ Lucas is presented a life-changing choice. ]