Shadow of the Abyss

Chapter 182: Syris I

Within the Blue Whale, Altair and Lyain sat silently, and much to Lyain's annoyance, Altair did not so much as glance her way. She could sense her lady's presence outside and felt rather uncomfortable about the entire thing.

"If she causes harm to—"

"Shut the fuck up," a voice from behind her snapped, roaring with laughter.

Altair glanced at Lyain, who seemed entirely unaware almost everyone had been enthralled by [schizophrenia]. But the look he gave her just about said, 'What he said.'

Lyain's face went red. Then, began to contort when she saw him laugh.

"Stop it!" she demanded.

"But why?" said Altair, still laughing, his voice still cold as a river of ice.

When their eyes met, Lyain felt a hint of dreadful premonition slither up her spine. It had been the very feeling she had when she'd stood face-to-face with a demon. Her head began to ache, her chest began to burn, and her gut began to churn.

"Sorry about that," said Reina's voice, suddenly adjoined by Syris. "Did we miss anything?"

They took a seat, and Altair shook his head, though that shrewd smile said otherwise.

In that second, Lyain knew she would never get along well with this boy. He was arrogant. Rude. Unsettling.

She tsked and went silent.

Syris gave Lyain a side glance and knew there'd be much to talk about later. Much indeed.

Of all her seven mentors granted to her by the Reverend Mother, there had been none who knew her true identity. They'd all assumed Syris was the direct disciple of the Reverend's mother, and so they treated her as such.

And of all her mentors, Lyain had been the only one Syris disliked the most. Unlike the other seven, Lyain had not been conditioned from birth by the GCP but rather grew up showing great promise off-world. And despite her being the strongest. Syris found she was the dumbest when it came to geopolitics, traditions, etiquette, and bloodlines.

As lunch proceeded without further incident, ice-cold beer was laid out before them.

"I've never had beer," said Syris, eyes glittering. "Is it good? "

"50-50," said Ren, laughing. "Yesterday, we tried one that tasted a bit like piss. The day before, like cinnamon."

Syris stared at the beer, ogling it with wonder.

"Cheers," said Altair and Ren and Syris a little late, clanking their tankards together.

Lyain didn't join.

A rush of sweet bitterness surged across Syris's smooth tongue down her throat, warming her belly as she gasped.

"Orange. Woody. Crisp. And... Sour." She took another sip and then a gulp, finishing the beer in under three seconds.

"It's better than wine. "

"Depends on the time of day and mood, " said Altair, grinning from ear to ear, feeling as though he was corrupting an innocent soul.

He ordered three more, then six more, then twelve before their faces were red beneath their masks.

Though he had to admit she looked lovely in it all. Which apparently wasn't a wise thing to say as Ren began to look annoyed.

"Come on, Art, which one looks prettier? "

'... someone kill me'

"But... you look good in them all, " Altair uttered, desperately glancing around for Thaan. But there had been far too many people.

"Look here, "said Ren, lifting two sets of sleeveless low-cut dresses, one black, the other snow white.

"... Both? Ren, this really isn't my forte. I—" he stopped when he saw the red mist filling her pupils. He pointed to the white one. "it'll match your eyes."

Ren beamed, and the scarlet mostly faded. "Maybe tonight I can wear it for you," she said happily, kissing his cheek.

For the next hour, they toured the square, buying or rather compelling various peddlers to gift them various items before Altair spotted Thaan, wrapped in his usual black robes.

"Thaan!" shouted Altair, hurrying over with Ren on his heel.

There was a shadow of a smile that did rise as Altair and Thanatos shook hands.

"Good to see you again."

"yes... though I wish it were under better circumstances. Zags in jail."

Altair wanted to pull his hair. "So I've heard. What happened? "

Thanatos rolled his eyes. "wrong place at the time. About three weeks ago. That idiot had decided to visit a whore house, claiming he'd never been. As if all the whores who died in the underworld weren't enough. A brawl suddenly occurred, and being an idiot, Zag kept on with his fun rather than leave until the city watch showed up.

Apparently, to detain all parties involved. That being two major house descendants. "

Altair clutched his head. " Let me guess. They are pinning the blame on him."

"yup"

"Shit on wheels. Why... damn it." Altair groaned.

"Hey, Art," said Ren curiously. "Can we go to a brothel? I've never been."

Thanatos gave her a queer stare and then tilted his gaze to Altair, equally shocked, so much so his mouth was wide open.

He might have understood if Ren's other personality had said this. But not Golden Eye Ren.

"Ren... are you feeling ok?"

"Never better. I'm just curious how they live. Aren't you? Are they happy, sad, or indifferent? I can't imagine being happy with so many strangers inside them, but... I'd like to know."

Altair was still a little hesitant. "still... that seems a little... much... They are just whores. Why bother?"

"well... to most people, this is rock bottom," she said. "or it's their only means of survival. Not to mention how many stories or techniques they might have. Oh, please, Art! Let's rent a hoe!"