Sam and Fred arrived at kondo high that evening, the school was already empty as the students had scurried home after the closing bell. They were practically the only ones in school. Or so Sam thought.
As before, Fred led him deeper into the school bringing him in front of his house.
Fred took Sam into his house and they both entered.
The interior of the house was different from Sam's point of view regarding houses. He entered the first large room which served as a sitting room. The walls were filled with cracks and needed amendments.
"please have your seat I'll be right back" Fred said gesturing to one of the mats on the floor. The sitting room had no chairs. With that Fred went inside his house.
Sam sat on the mat unbothered. He was purely focused on his soul energy. He had come here, because Fred and said he had a way of solving his problem.
It didn't take long before Fred came back followed by a middle aged man whom Sam assumed to be his father.
He was like the older version of Fred, but more bulky. He had the Sam short orange hair as Sam broad shoulders and an impressive body built.
An older version, more of the opposite version of Fred. The only similarities was their face.
"oi, oi I see you have brought a friend home" He said giving Sam a friendly smile.
Sam stood up and greeted him to show respect. "Good day Sir."
"And good day to you." He replied rubbing his bare chest. "My boy here hasn't informed me of bringing any students"
Students? Sam thought, but he brushed it off quickly. He was still in his school uniform and it was normal for him to address him as a student.
"So well, let's begin your assessment" Said the middle age man rubbing his palms together. His face had an excited grin plastered on it.
"Assessment?" Asked Sam with a puzzled look on his face.
"Yes, didn't Fred tell you?"
At the mention of that, Sam gave Fred a questioning look at Fred who shrug his shoulders in response. He then moved his gaze to the man and replied. "Am sorry sir, but I think you are mistaken. Fred only said he has something that will help me regarding my soul energy problem."
Fred's father scoffed at the mention of soul energy. He sat crossed legs on a mat that was facing Sam. "Sit down kid."
Sam sat down crossing his legs as well.
"Are you a summoner?" The question caught Sam off guard, he couldn't say he was as a result of not having a contracted beast. He could at least manipulate his soul energy, but that didn't count.
After a short thought he gave an answer. "No, but I could manipulate soul energy"
"Then what are we talking about? You are an uncon, you can't have the possibility of a soul energy." The middle aged man said calmly interrupting Sam.
It was that moment Fred chosed to speak after his father has finished. "Dad, his ability to manipulate a soul energy without a summoned beast has placed him in a pretty bad situation"
Fred's father turned to his son. "Meaning?"
"He needs to find a way to release the soul energy inside his body before it cripples him, that is the reason why i brought him to you." Fred clarified before he sat close to Sam.
The man in front of Sam placed his hand on his chin and creased his eyebrows. He had a thoughtful look on his face. He then opened his mouth to say something. "Am not a summoner, so I don't know a thing about soul energy."
Sam heart sank at that moment, he had hoped for the better but was let in utter disappointment.
"But" Sam ears perked up as he continued. "I think I have something that will be of help to you."
Sam felt hope at his words, his eyes lit up. " Thank you sir." He said appreciatively. As the saying goes, half a bread is better than none.
"Oh, please call me Humphrey." Fred's father said to Sam.
Sam wasn't used to calling his elders by their first name, he found it unsettling to call someone who was old enough to be his father by his name.
"Thank you, sir Humphrey." This was much better. There needed to be formalities, since he didn't want to sound disrespectful.
"As much as I love for you to stay." Humphrey got up. "You got someplace to be, isn't that right kid?"
Sam almost forgot, he had closed from school two hours ago, he ought to be home by now.
"I don't want your parents to be worried about you, so why don't you come by maybe tomorrow." Sir Humphrey finished.
Worried? Sam was sure his father didn't know the meaning of that word. His father hard displayed a nonchalant act when he spent his night outside He doubted his father even care to be worried about him or any of his children.
Sam wanted to refuse but decided against it. He got up reluctantly.
"Thanks for your time, sir Humphrey."
"The pleasure is mine ummm...."
"Sam sir, Sam."
Mr. Humphrey nodded, before bading Sam farewell.
Sam adjusted his bag and turned his back leave with Fred trotting behind.
As soon as they came out of Fred's house, fred turned sharply to Sam.
"See, I've sorted your problem, don't you think it's time to hold on to your other end of the bargain."
Sam dipped his hands on his pocket and brought out the card Ember gave him. He gave the card to Fred without saying anything, his mind was too preoccupied with his own problems. He deemed it unnecessary for holding the card.
Fred caught the card wide eyed, he wasn't expecting Sam to hand it out easily.
"Thanks for your help." Sam said before leaving, navigating his way through the bushes and out of the school.
Fred didn't bother following Sam as he was too caught up in his ecstasy. He held the card close to his chest satisfactory.
It didn't take long before Sam got home. He was tired and eager to try out his soul energy but stopped himself. He anticipated trying to control would result in the backlash he had earlier.
Or should he?