An Offer

With quick reflexes, Arik pulls out his laser gun and points it at the ghost. "Care to explain more?" Arik threatens the unknown being without hesitation.

"Wow now, there's no need to resort to violence," pleads the white cloth in desperation.

"Huh? Do you want to tell me not to be wary? You just barged into our house, should I not be cautious about this?" Arik says sarcastically.

"OK, ok, ok, I'm gonna explain everything to you guys, but stop pointing your weapon at me. Even though it won't affect me, it's rude," the ghost descends to meet their gaze.

Suddenly, a thin red laser goes through its pure white fabric when the cloth stops descending.

"What the heck, dude!" the ghost complains.

"So you're not lying..., you may start now." After testing his doubt, Arik puts down his gun.

The ghost pouts with its hollow holes. After their brief skirmish, the ghost starts explaining the reason for their arrival. Hika is still silent, processing the situation they've found themselves in.

"Ok..., where do we start..., Oh yeah! It all started when I was wandering in this barren desert," the ghost begins.

After a long explanation, the gist of the ghost's story is that they were bored and trying to find some amusement in the middle of the desert. After some time, the cloth felt some tingling, hinting at a connection to time. Coincidentally, it was pointing to their plane.

"I felt a trace of time somewhere near that giant hole and snake beside this plane wreck. So, I came to investigate. Surprisingly, I met a familiar past figure, which is you guys. That's all," the ghost explains.

"Ohh yeah... I just got revived. Did that snake eat me?" Hika looks over at Arik, seeking confirmation. Arik nods, knowing this is part of their routine. Each time Hika dies, Arik summarizes their recent and past activities. However, nowadays Hika keeps a diary to record his activities.

"We now know you are innocent. However, I am confused about how you can be the source of power for Hika. Isn't he a mutant, just like me? As far as I know, all of us with abilities have been infected by the mutant virus. If you are Hika's catalyst, shouldn't you be the source of power for everyone with abilities? Are you the virus? I still don't quite understand your statement." Arik inquire.

The ghost is grinning, amused by Arik's curiosity. "That's a good question! Let me clarify why I'm a catalyst, but before that, let me tell you a story. It was during the early days of the apocalypse, when the virus had just started spreading across the world. Amidst the chaos, a foundation started a 'Mutant Deterrent' project to contain the abilities of mutated beings and fight against the mutant outbreak. It's hypocritical, considering that they caused the apocalypse themselves. Unfortunately, I became one of the mutant victims. So listen here buddy, you are holding my power," the ghost points at Hika, but his hand passes through his chest. The cloth continues to speak.

"Sadly, the foundation fell to ruin by some mutant before they even finished absorbing us and programming you guys and the other army of artificial humans. So you guys might have an error or a bug of some kind. But I think you guys are the only artificial human survivor."

"Huh? Were neither human or mutant?" Hika ask.

"Yup," The ghost quickly answers.

Hika and Arik turn to face each other and then look back at the ghost, while making a confused expression. This is a bit shocking to them. What do they do after knowing this information?

"Why do you tell us all of this information? This is pretty valuable stuff. What's your intention?" Arik starts being suspicious of the ghost.

"Of course, I'm not just giving freebies to everyone, so I have a proposition to offer. If you guys help me get my power back, I will assist in fixing all of your power drawbacks. Pretty good deal if I think so myself" The ghost smug, while proudly pumping its chest out.

"But that's mean..." Arik mutters, knowing the consequences of the offer.

"Ohh~ You probably know what the result of this proposition is. Yup, she will lose her power."

Arik is hesitant about this offer. Is it okay? Will Hika be okay with this? He contemplates.

"Sure!" That sudden answer almost gives Arik a heart attack. What is Hika thinking? They still don't know if the information from this fabric is true or not.

"Stop it, Hika. We still don't know if-" Arik's sentence was cut short by Hika. His eyes were filled with determination. He believed that he was always a hindrance to Arik, but this was his chance to pay him back. He was not going to let this opportunity go to waste.

"It's okay, Arik. I don't need this power. I can't let you suffer more because of me. Your power is more useful than mine, and it can even help others. My power is just for my selfish need to survive, and the drawbacks always burden you. So, it's okay, Arik. I want to pay you back," Hika said, giving a bitter smile.

Arik's voice halted mid-sentence as he struggled to find the right words. "Hika..." he said slowly, his guilt weighing heavily on him for not noticing his family's troubles earlier.

"Ohh~ so you agree girl?" The ghost asks

Without hesitation and not even waiting for Arik's approval, Hika replied "Yes, and I'm a boy."

"WHAT?" The ghost's eyes wide open showing its void.

...***...

It's been two weeks now. Arik and Hika now name the ghost "Cloth", pretty straightforward. The ghost is now aware of Arik and Hika's limitations and has witnessed it firsthand. And this past few weeks they've been collecting material for their coming journey. 

"Food and drink, check; clothes, check; camping equipment, check. Alright, we're ready to go." Hika is doing a re-check of their luggage.

"Yeah, we're ready to go!" the ghost cheers.

" Shuddup you dirty rag." Arik is still annoyed about agreeing with Cloth.

"Hika," Arik nudged Hika with his elbow.

"Hmm?" Hika turns his attention to Arik.

" Today we're gonna buy a weapon for you in the trade market. After buying that then we can travel." Arik started donning his rugged mountaineering backpack.

"OK!" Hika answers with a bright smile.

Cloth still doubts Hika's gender. But for now, it will still be a mystery for the ghost. Their journey has just begun.

"Let's go!" Arik calls out to his companion.

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