SOUL-SEEKER || (On Hiatus)

(Chapter 32) Back On Work.

With a sense of curiosity and a touch of excitement, Lucas retrieved his phone from the comfortable sanctuary of his hoodie pocket. The act of sliding and unlocking the screen to answer the beckoning call evoked a familiar blend of anticipation and intrigue within him. As he pressed the device against his ear, a brief pause ensued, allowing him a moment to survey his surroundings. His gaze wandered, taking in the sights and sounds that surrounded him, as he patiently held his position, engrossed in the present moment. Each passing second seemed to stretch, amplifying his awareness of the world around him, while he eagerly waited for a voice to fill the void on the other end of the line.

ART: Morning, Lucas.
LCS: Ah! Good morning, Arthur.
ART: Miss Fiona called us to her office.
LCS: You think she's gonna give us a mission?
ART: Yeah, that's what she'll probably do. Meet you there in 10 minutes?
LCS: I'll be there. You'll get Selene along the road?
ART: Yeah, I'll get her when I pass by her place.
LCS: Gotcha. See you there then.
ART: Don't be late.

After Lucas finishes his phone call, he places his phone in his pocket. He then looks up at the sky and takes a deep breath, enjoying the cool and revitalizing breeze of the morning. Then, a sense of tranquility washes over him as he takes a leisurely stroll along the familiar path. The sun's gentle rays kiss his skin, casting a warm glow upon him. The symphony of chirping birds and rustling leaves serenades his ears, creating a harmonious melody.

LCS: (It's been just three weeks since my life changed significantly, and it's becoming more and more familiar. I feel a bit guilty for not fully grieving my grandma's death, but I know that's not what she would want from me.)

Lost deep in contemplation, Lucas was so preoccupied with the thoughts running through his mind that he had not noticed the minutes ticking away as he continued walking. Before he knew it, Lucas suddenly found himself standing directly in front of the entrance to the agency building, not even realizing that he had already reached his intended destination. As he paused on the sidewalk, still absorbed in his own little world of ideas and reflection, Lucas's two close friends who had been walking together behind him briskly strode up to his side. Noticing their friend gazing off into the distance in front of the office, seemingly unaware of his surroundings, they gave each other a knowing smile. His friends wanted to get Lucas's attention and signal that they had caught up with him, so they enthusiastically waved their hands and called out his name to interrupt his thoughtful reverie and indicate their presence.

ART: For the first time in your life, you're not late.
SLN: Don't be so rude, Arthur!
LCS: And for the first time in your life, you're not wearing all black.
ART: You got a problem with my fashion choices?!
LCS: You call that fashion?!
ART: I'll wipe that smug look off your face!
LCS: Try me, but be careful not to get your clothes dirty!
SLN: Stop it! Both of you!

Arthur, feeling a surge of anger rise up within him, reached out and took hold of Lucas' shirt, grabbing the fabric tightly in his fist. With a swift, forceful motion, he yanked Lucas towards him, bringing the other boy's face just inches from his own. Arthur's eyes were ablaze with fury, his teeth gritted together in a vicious snarl as he glared intensely at Lucas, his rage clear and evident in his tense, rigid body language. Lucas, unafraid and unperturbed by Arthur's threatening display of aggression, simply looked back at him with an arrogant, taunting smirk. He seemed amused by Arthur's anger, as if he was enjoying riling up his friend and provoking such a volatile reaction. Lucas' face was the picture of cocky nonchalance as he met Arthur's heated glower with his own cool, mocking gaze. The two of them remained locked in this tense standoff, Arthur fuming with barely contained anger as he clutched Lucas' shirt in his tight fist, while Lucas continued to smile disdainfully, clearly relishing the opportunity to push Arthur's buttons. Just then, the sound of approaching footsteps coming from the side caused both Arthur and Lucas, as well as their other friend who had been watching the confrontation unfold, to turn their heads in the direction of the noise. Their heated exchange was interrupted as they looked to see who was joining them.

FNA: Kids these days sure are feisty! Reminds me of my own student days.

Miss Fiona could not help but let out a faint, quiet laugh as she raised her hand to cover her mouth, hiding the amused smile that had formed on her lips. Arthur, noticing Miss Fiona's reaction, slowly released his grip on Lucas' collar and gave Lucas a light shove to create some distance between them. Arthur then turned to directly face Miss Fiona, standing up straight and folding his hands behind his back in a show of respect for his superior, waiting patiently for her next words.

ART: Miss Fiona, we've come here as you ordered to instruct us on our next mission.
FNA: Please, Arthur, no need for such tense politeness.
LCS: You sure are a goody-two shoes.
SLN: Lucas, stop before he gets mad again.
FNA: Come. I'll explain the mission along the way.

Fiona begins to stroll around the building of the agency, with the three students trailing behind her. As she discusses the mission, she gesticulates and uses body language to emphasize her words. Meanwhile, Lucas appears to be preoccupied with something unrelated, the peculiar markings situated at the rear of the building.

ART: Pay attention, you moron!

Arthur glanced over at Lucas and noticed that his friend's eyes were glazed over, staring blankly ahead. Concerned that Lucas was going to get in trouble for not paying attention, Arthur reached over discreetly and gave Lucas a light smack on the back of his head to get his attention.  Lucas flinched as Arthur's hand made contact with his head. Reaching up, Lucas gently rubbed the back of his head where Arthur had smacked him. He turned to look at Arthur with a wounded expression on his face. His eyes were sad and his lower lip stuck out slightly in a pout.

FNA: You're interested in the sacred markings on the wall?
LCS: Yeah, what do they mean?
FNA: Those markings are a written incantation, conjuring a barrier around the building that makes it look normal to outside people.
LCS: So that's how it works. I've always thought about how people crossing the street don't budge at the sight of this ominous looking building.
ART: Miss Fiona, the mission?
FNA: Right! Long story short, the three of you are tasked with the retrieval of a S-Class weapon, the Angels' Edge. It has the shape of a masamune blade and we only recently found out its' location, since we had lost it about 8 years back in an incident.
SLN: So we have to go to Nagano and check out two shrines?
FNA: Precisely! I believe in your abilities!
ART: Roger that, Miss Fiona.
LCS: Let's go and get that blade!
SLN: You bet 'cha!

Lucas, feeling energized and eager to take action, forcefully brings his closed right hand down into his open left palm with a loud smack. His eyes are intense, and his jaw is set with determination. Lucas' aggressive gesture makes it clear that he is psyched up and raring to go for the upcoming mission. Selene's long, flowing hair has suddenly begun emanating a fiery orange aura. The vivid glow enveloping her locks is a telltale sign that Selene is filled with enthusiasm and is fully prepared to give this mission her all. She is pumped up and ready to take the plunge into danger alongside her teammates. Arthur, on the other hand, seems unfazed by the imminent mission. His face betrays no hint of trepidation, excitement, or any other emotion for that matter. Arthur's stoic demeanor and impassive expression suggest that he feels neither fear nor eagerness about the perilous task ahead. While his companions are outwardly demonstrating their zeal and resolve, Arthur remains coolly detached, giving no visible indication of his state of mind.

End of Chapter 32
"Back To Work"

[ Lucas, Arthur & Selene are tasked with an expedition to Nagano! ]