Unsolicited School

Seek and Listen

Day 20 – 41 days left

Robbie (Short scene only)

Please… come in and take a seat

…

BEEP BEEP BEEP

The first sound Robbie heard when he woke up was the irritating noise from his alarm. He struggles to move his hand to turn off the alarm as the sleep paralysis demon smothered him for ten seconds. He finally moved his body and turned off his alarm as his nerve charged up, and omitted the demons off him. Robbie looked at his alarm clock. It's Saturday, 6 in the morning.

After he cleaned his room and doing his morning exercise, Robbie took the morning shower, put his indoor clothes on, and walked downstairs to watch TV while drinking guava juice. Today, he wears a red-black striped long-sleeved shirt, black baggy sweatpants, and white socks paired with indoor sandals. He turned on the TV and watched the game show that on air.

"Oh hey, Ryo. How's it going?" his father came behind Robbie – making him turned his head for a moment before looking back to the TV.

"Top of the world, and peachy. Thanks for asking, dad." Robbie smiled.

"Hey! It's Family Beef! Don't change the channel, son," said his dad as he looked at the show on the TV.

His dad sits down next to his son and watches the show together like a happy family. They watch the game show "Family Beef," where two families compete to name the most popular responses to survey questions in order to win cash and prizes. The competitors for today is the "King" family vs. the "President" family.

After 20 minutes of the show and 5 minutes of a commercial break, a funky ringtone came from Robbie's phone. He pulled out his phone from his right pocket and looked for the caller. It was his friend, Mullet.

"Sorry, dad. I gotta go,"

Robbie got up from that 2 years old sofa and walked upstairs to answer his call. But, just after he stepped to the wooden stairway, he missed the phone call and replaced by a notification, where his girlfriend, Ichika, sent him a message, where it reads:

Hi there, Robbie

I wrote you a letter, but you don't respond to me. I left you some of our pictures on the bottom. The picture about our date last month, I guess you must not-a got 'em. Anyway, forget it. I don't want to bring up a quarrel.

I understand you're too busy about moving to the new school. And I'm sorry about your parent's job relocation. You might have a hard time dealing with them.

Talking about your new school was your school days is fun? Did you make some friends? I don't want your fate as same as your life in elementary, where you're got trashed and got bullied.

How's your family? I hope they're okay. I heard that you and your parents are moved there and left Ruri alone. I heard she was recovered from her injuries. How is she doing now? Have you visited her?

If you're reading this message and you asked about me, It's okay. You don't have to worry about me. I'm okay here, but I feel lonely. I feel lonely because one was accompanying me. My parents left me because they have to go overseas for a month. But again, I'm doing fine with my little brother.

I hope you're fine in your new home, new school, and your new life in a new city.

Thanks for reading.

-Your sweet girlfriend. Ichika

Her message pierced Robbie with deep guilt as he neglected his girlfriend for a month. He remembered that he hasn't called her and read her message yet. He was too busy. Overly busy that he didn't reply to them all.

Robbie tried to reply to her. But suddenly, Mullet called him again – nixed his plan to reply Ichika's message. He looked at their pictures at the end of the message. He slid up the pick-up button and answered him.

"Yo,"

Mullet

"Heya, Robbie. It's time, let's go and find Jimi. I'll ride," Mullet replied.

"Alright, man. Just a second, I'll have breakfast first,"

"Okay. Imma head out to your house, okay?"

"Yeah. Go ahead,"

"Enjoy your breakfast, dude. See ya,"

The call ended with triple beeps come out of Mullet's phone. He put down his phone on his studying desk and changed his clothes before having a small snack before he goes to Robbie's house. Today, he wears a green flannel button-up shirt, a white long-sleeved t-shirt, baggy black jeans, and a pair of wheat-colored boots for going out later.

He walked downstairs after he suited up, took some bites of Chicken Kaarage and a glass of water before he said goodbye to his brother. He deliberately ate some foods so that he wouldn't starve during their adventure.

"Hey, I'm going out with Robbie right now. See ya, bro,"

"Yeah. Stay safe, and don't forget to refill my bike, alright?" Hiro replied while cleaning the dishes.

"You mean, refuel?" Mullet corrected his words.

"Yeah." Hiro snickered at his mistake.

Mullet walked to the shoe rack and put on his wheat-colored boots before leaving his brother alone in the house. He gets onto the motorbike, starts the engine, and speed away from his neighborhood to Robbie's home, where it's located at Southwest suburban, Cherry St. number 7.

After 2 minutes of waiting for Robbie at his house, the guy finally came out. He wears a woodland camo jacket with a black shirt, baggy khaki with a camo hi-tops.

"Sorry for waiting, Mullet. I had a nice breakfast today," Robbie greeted him.

"Nah, it's okay. Here," Mullet gives him a spare helmet, "Wanna ride this thing?"

"Nah, the horse would love to go if the owner rides it. That ride's clean," Robbie put on the helmet and get on to the bike.

"Haha, nice one, Rob," Mullet snickered, "By the way, I'm gonna refuel this bike first. Maybe we can go get some snacks,"

"Yeah. Why not,"

Mullet finally hit the road off from Robbie's home, the roaring engine from the sound alarmed the whole neighborhood as Mullet hit the gas. The clear blue sky resonates with the sound of the engine – making it louder. The fresh wind that hits the duo refreshed the atmosphere from any pollution.

They speed away from Southwest Suburban in 5 minutes. Mullet glared at the fuel meter while riding the bike on a four-lane road. The needle almost points at E – signaling him to stop at the gas station immediately before it stops moving. Luckily, a gas station is located not far from its current location. Without further ado, they stopped there to refuel the bike.

"Ayy. Imma go buy some snacks, alright," Robbie took off the helmet, "You want something?"

"Yeah. Buy me two tortillas, a large soda, and a party-sized potato chip," Mullet took out his money and hands it to Robbie, "Here. Use my money, my treat,"

"Hey, thanks," Robbie smiled.

"Don't mention it. I just pay things that you gave me,"

Robbie walked away from Mullet into the 24/7, leaving him alone juicing the bike to the F. The gas station today is partially occupied by some cars that also came to refuel before continuing their journey. Just after the motorbike was fueled, Robbie came out with a tote bag in his hand.

"You're done, Mullet?"

"Yeah. Let's-A-Go,"

Mullet returned the nozzle, put on his helmet, and starts the engine. Followed by Robbie, who put the helmet and gets on the bike. Again, the engine of the motorbike roared as they're speeding away from the gas station.

"Oh yeah, Mullet. Whose bike is this?" asked Robbie while they're on the road.

"My brother. Hiro, why?"

"Nah, just asking. You're lucky enough to have such a bike, dude!"

"Thanks," Mullet chuckled.

They finally reached the bridge at Toto. The district is the least populated in the city as there are only a few buildings there, and only a few vehicles are passing. The lush forest covered the district and greened the atmosphere with its clean air. Also, the river that flows there is the perfect spot for fishing and recreation, as the water isn't too deep (around 40 cm deep), apart from the homeless who live under the bridge, where they're the true dwellers of Toto district.

Mullet parked the World War 2 style motorbike near the bridge (as there is a parking lot there) and walked together with Robbie to the intended place. Under the bridge, where Jimi lives there with the homeless. The river flows underneath the bridge are used for them as their daily needs. So, it's not that hard for them to live here.

"Remember, his name is Jimi," said Robbie while walking.

They walked to the homeless tents under the bridge. Mullet and Robbie looked around that slummy grounds. There are some homeless people who do their business, such as fishing, cooking, washing, and any other kinds of jobs they do.

Mullet smiled and waved at them as they're looking at him. The homeless here have a strong spirit of solidarity, proven where they carry out activities together, such as cooking food for everyone. They managed to make everyone here like a big family.

Suddenly, a homeless man about 176 cm tall came to him. He wears a shabby red winter jacket with work pants, with a red bandana tied on his face and a black beanie on his head.

"What can I do for you?" he asked.

"I'm here looking for a boy called Jimi. Is he here?" Robbie asked.

"Why do you guys need him?"

"We need to ask him a few questions," Mullet replied.

"What questions?" he asked again after silence for a moment.

"Umm…"

"Tell me! What is it?" he scolded.

"Look, we can't tell you, it's classified" Robbie replied.

"Classified? Tell me! I don't care!"

"We're sorry, we can't tell you," said Mullet.

"Then, where are you from?!"

"We're students from North Yamai High School," Mullet replied.

"Do you guys have a nickname?"

"Yeah," Mullet nodded, "I'm Mullet, and he's Robbie - Wait a minute, you asked us our nickname?"

"Yeah… why?"

"Are you Jimi?" suddenly, Mullet's conscience call told him to guess that homeless guy.

That homeless guy opened his bandana and his beanie. It's Jimi, the person that they're looking for is here.

"What's up, guys?" Jimi greeted the duo with fist-bumping, "Sorry for asking you guys roughly. Alco-san told me everything about you. Let's go."

"Wait," Mullet halted him, "We need to pick some of our stuff."

"What is it?"

"Snacks," Mullet rejoindered.

"Go ahead. I'm waiting here,"

The duo left Jimi and proceed back to their bike to take their snacks.

"I can't believe he's here. I guess this is our lucky day," Robbie smiled.

"I know, right? I guess it's a one step further," Mullet replied.

Yeah. One step further…

After taking the snacks from Mullet's bike, they walked back to the homeless tents, where they met Jimi, who currently sits on a worn-out tire.

"Let me see what you guys bring here,"

Jimi looked inside of the tote bag that Robbie bought from the 24/7. He astonished as there are some of his favorite snacks.

"Tortillas, I love tortillas. Come on! Let's get to my basement,"

"Have some snacking first? I don't mind," Mullet replied.

The duo followed Jimi to the tents, where some of the homeless peoples met them three as they passed, although Robbie and Mullet's presence is foreign in their eyes. Jimi stopped at one of the tents, which it's a large yellow tent. He went inside and took something that he needs.

"This is my tent, but you don't have to go in here. I just want to pick up the keys before we go," said Jimi with a bunch of keys on his hand, "Let's go,"

They walked to a rusty door on the wall under the bridge. Jimi unlocked the door, and they go inside. The dark and silent atmosphere greeted them three as they walked in.

Mullet looked at the left, where there's an abandoned large electric box inside there without its doors, and an empty hydrant and a shelf placed on the left wall.

"This actually used to be a bunker. But it has been long abandoned, and no one owns this thing. So I use it as my playhouse," Jimi turned on his flashlight. Followed by the duo who took their cellphone and turned on the flashlight.

"Whoa. But why the others won't live here?" Robbie asked.

"Nobody knows who has the key. You had to be smart and lucky if you want to own this paradise," Jimi chuckled, "I was the luckiest guy because I know the person who still owns the key. He said he was no longer using it. So I buy this bunker,"

"You buy this bunker?" Robbie scratched his forehead.

"Yessirree," Jimi nodded.

They kept walking down until Jimi walked to the corner left of the bunker, he hands that emitting flashlight to Mullet. The flashlight dazzled Mullet's eyes as the light is facing him. Jimi turned on the power outlet, and the room finally brightened by some lamps, although only a few of them are lit.

"At least they didn't cut the electricity here," Jimi turned back, "Welcome to the basement, boys! Let's go."

The sudden buzz from the electricity revived the whole power inside the bunker, proven by some of the electronics also lighted up as Jimi switched the power. The humming noise filled the bunker's atmosphere, so it doesn't feel dead silent.

The duo followed Jimi down to the lower ground, where he leads them to a room with a dimension of 11 x 7 meters. It looks like a conference room or a dining room of a mansion, but with some shelf on the corners with some books and boxes in it.

"This actually used to be a dining room for us sometimes. But this actually was our meeting room for people like you guys," Jimi explained.

"People like us?" Robbie asked.

"People with the third eye may come in at any time. Just like you," Jimi takes a seat. Followed by the duo, who does the same thing. Robbie opened all of the tortilla chips and put all of the snacks on the conference table.

"So tell me about everything that you guys know," Jimi asked while he starts eating some of the tortilla chips.

"Lemme start," said Mullet, "We've experienced weird yet horrible things since the first day in our school, where it went south two days later. Where-"

"Third day is the day where something's getting worse?" Jimi cuts Mullet by clarifying what it means.

"Yeah," Mullet nodded, "As I was saying, I and Robbie saved two persons from suicide, where I saved Erika from drinking too many bottles of bathroom cleaner. I don't really know why, but I guess she has a problem she can't cope with."

"However," Mullet took other bites from the tortilla chips, "On the day eight, a student named Hayato did a stabbing spree at school. What I remember, he was uncontrollably singing some nursery rhymes. But I don't know why he did that. And the next week, Erika did the same thing."

"He tried to hunt you down or at least horrifies both of you until you guys forced to kill him. But remember, just don't kill and don't be killed. That just makes things worse," Jimi answered.

"That's what Alco-san told me before," Robbie added, "We're in the probational period, don't kill anyone. Unless you want to be like one of them instantly,"

"Exactly," Jimi nodded.

"Alco-san said any murder cases in the school will be forgotten the day after. And we have 60 days to get outta here. Do you know what it means?" Mullet asked.

"They won't let the case be known forever," Jimi stopped eating the tortilla chips, "Yes. The devil's pact that loser Tommy did before. He covers any horrible things to protect himself and the school. But it's still nothing. The school itself has been cursed since it was first opened. They made a pact with the devil hereditarily to close their demonic case. From the killing spree, mass possession, and the black magic lies inside the school."

"Whoa," Mullet reacted, "I can't believe that. And you called Tommy-sensei by his name too."

"Yeah. Everyone who did such a thing needs to keep it as a secret. You know what happened if everyone knows, people would kill you, purifies you, and kills the pact and the demon that owned by you." Jimi answered, "And as for 60 days, it's the invulnerable time for the third eye people. The devil itself cannot hurt you or used you directly. That's why it's the time for you to plan yourself to get outta here,"

Jimi frowned as he continues, "But many people like you guys have that third eye. But they don't know how to awake them. And it caused their demise,"

"What?" Mullet asked.

"Many of them consulted to me, and Alco-san. But none of them survived. So we think it's better not to tell them until we put trust."

"Why didn't you tell them?"

"It's too risky. But if they made it out, maybe they could get rid of the pact. And stop this once and for all. But again, everything we've done was a huge failure."

"Oh yeah," Robbie continues, "About the weird messages and things in our eyes. It happened until yesterday. A shadow person told me yesterday was the last. Then we will never see it again. Is that true?"

"Yes. It's right, if you've found out, that means you already know about the mysteries at least a few of it. They will not haunt you anymore as you guys made progress." Jimi answered, "So, you're on your own."

"Is everything that we did will affect our fate and upcoming decisions?" asked Robbie while he opens a bag of potato chips.

"Yes," Jimi answered shortly.

"Alright," Robbie opened the large soda and poured it in the stainless steel mugs for the three, "This is the last one. Do you know Yoshiko-senpai?"

Jimi nodded.

"She did a school shooting last night, and she hunts me down. Whether it's luck or a coincidence, I met one of her friends. She told me that Yoshiko-senpai's behavior has been weird since a day before the shooting happened, where she roamed around the school for no reason. But her friend told me she's actually a carefree girl, and she has a grudge that she kept for a long time."

Robbie took a sip from his drink, "It draws a conclusion for me. The devil chose her as an intermediary because of her grudge. Does that mean the devil chose the perfect person to possess by his or her background?"

"Yes. The devil chose the perfect one, the ones who have a perfect background. For example, Erika has a mental problem. She's actually psychotic and a bipolar girl. And about Yoshiko-senpai. She used to be my childhood friend. She has a huge mental pressure that she carries every time. Although Yoshiko-senpai always smiles, she actually full of sadness because of being neglected and anger due to her vengeance and grudge that overwhelms her brain at times. I think the shooting in your school was her catharsis."

"Thanks," Robbie greeted, "I guess that's all we could ask you this time. We'll come back when we have more."

"Sure, don't rush," Jimi smirked, "Stay here for a moment. I want to give ya guys something. Let me take care of the garbage."

Jimi took the empty bag of tortillas, potato chips, and the empty soda to the trash can and walked out to another room as he said so. Meanwhile, to kill the duo's boredom, Mullet asked Robbie a few questions, which is also to increase their friendship.

"Robbie, may I ask you some questions?"

"Sure," Robbie nodded. His fingers interlocked on the table.

"Your hometown is my hometown too. Northwest City, right?"

"Mmhm."

"No offense. But can you tell me why the reason you moved from your old school?"

"My parents got relocated," Robbie sighed, "So I had to follow them where they'll work."

"What are your parents' job anyway?"

"Both of them are business analysts. But my dad works as an IT while my mom works as a data analyst,"

"Dude! That's cool, so that's why your family drive that banana muscle car." Mullet astonished.

"And so are you. I see you have the bike that no one owns it. How about your parents? What are their jobs?"

"My mom works as a project manager. While my dad works as a lecturer. But if you're asking about the bike. It wasn't my parents who bought it. My brother used his savings to buy it," Mullet added.

"Cool! I guess the bike was fully owned by him."

"Yeah. I and my brother rarely used my parents' money. Apart from the monthly rent for the house tho."

"By the way," Robbie stretched his body, "Tell me about the reason you moved from your school."

"My parents and the school have a feud since the first day of high school. What I know from the school was full of corrupted teachers, two-faced students, and white collared bullies. My parents decided to transfer me to this school. Luckily, I don't have to find a new apartment, I can live with my brother, he's a college student at Fremont," Mullet explained.

"What a tough life for you, dude." Robbie lifts his eyebrows.

"All you had to do if you live in my school was staying alive. If not, I'm gonna make sure you never go to that school again." Mullet smiled.

"Whoa,"

"Oh yeah, speaking of jobs. Have you worked before?" Mullet asked.

"Me? Yeah," Robbie nodded, "I worked as a coffee barista at Bucks Coffee before. Part-time."

"That means you're a pro at making coffee then. Can you make one for me?" Mullet smiled.

"Yeah. Thanks, maybe I could make one," Robbie replied, "hhh… what good old days. Back when I still used that coffee-colored apron with that face mask,"

"Well, that's good for you, my part-time job as a cook at a beach café. I like the café tho, the nice view, and the owner has a great taste for music. Like Vietnam war rock, 70's rock, 60's pop, and some gold music. That makes the café more and more interesting," Mullet smiled as he flashbacks.

"Well I guess I can ask you to cook me dinner then," Robbie smugged.

"Well-"

"Yo, guys. What did I miss?"

Jimi's voice cuts their conversation and ended it prematurely. He brings his phone and two small books, where one of them is a classic novel titled "The Sherman's reservoir," and another one is an old dictionary.

"Here, pick one. Both are the same,"

After Jimi puts the books on the table, Mullet chose the old dictionary. He examined the cover before he opens it. The dark blue fabric of the book cover is stained by dust.

Mullet opened the dictionary. Strangely, all the contents that were supposed in the dictionary were not there. Instead, the book contains some verses, mantras, some unknown characters, and codes that they don't know.

"What is this?" Mullet asked.

"Good to ask. It's a journal and a talisman. It has some scripts to keep you and your family safe. The cover was just a decoy. Hide it in your house. And don't let anyone know if you hide this book, including your family. This book is a top-secret, and only for us to be known," Jimi explained.

"Okay," Mullet muttered.

"Try to light the book underneath, or see it against the light. It has some hidden watermark that you might need it,"

"And one more thing," Jimi used his cellphone and opened the contact app, "Give me your phone number, please,"

"Oh, sure," Robbie replied.

Mullet and Robbie pulled out their phones from their pocket and shared their number with Jimi.

BUDABLING

The sound of their phones signaled the number has been shared. Before they put back their phones, Jimi halted him and looked at their phone casing in amazed.

"Dude! That case is so cool! Where did you guys get that?"

"From the internet," Mullet replied, followed by Robbie with the same answer.

"Can you guys buy me that phone case later when we meet again?"

"Sure. Anyway, looks like you have a happy family there," said Robbie as he saw Jimi's wallpaper on his cellphone.

"Yeah. I have a happy family, and I the stubborn one. But I still care about my family. It was so hard and heartbreaking when I had to leave them to make sure they're safe." Jimi smiled, but his sadness can be seen by hearing his voice.

"Thanks, guys. I believe you can get outta this nightmare forever. Godspeed brothers!" Jimi smiled.

"Thank you, Jimi. See you later," Robbie smiled.

Jimi followed the duo walked out of the bunker while the journal in their hands. The duo walked out of the bunker, while Jimi stopped in the doorway to shut down the power and lock the bunker. The outside atmosphere has been changed. The clouds now covered the sky and lowered the temperature, where some homeless people are heating themselves on a burn barrel.

The duo walked back to Mullet's bike, saving their journal in the tote bag, and put on their helmet before going back home. Mullet's mind now swarmed about the book, where he can't wait to read it in his house.

"Mullet," Robbie called, "It's time for us to make a move. Jimi put his trust on us,"

"I know," Mullet replied while he's starting the motorbike.

I know. We can do this.

To be continued…