My Last Chance [Made in Abyss Fanfiction]

04| Lost Souls of the Abyss

As I'd thought, the man standing before us is Bondrewd. He's just as imposing as Ozen, yet with an odd sagely quality to him. Like Ozen as well, he's been immersed in the Abyss for decades. And from my past experiences with other White Whistles alone, he's cast in a light that dyes him a steel gray in my eyes. Still, I try to be cordial and respectful, smiling as I bow my head.

   "It's an honor to meet you, sir. My name is Len Keiri, and this is my friend and mentor Melva Avni. We apologize for disturbing you when your Delvers said you aren't accepting visitors, but we were already on our way here to ask you about something."

   "If I could guess, it has to do with the Life Reverberating Stone you have around your neck?" Bondrewd asks. "This is an exception, so I'll lend you my time since I have a feeling the circumstances around you acquiring that Relic weren't the most favorable. The guild controls everything having to do with that process, and that clearly isn't the case here." My heart sinks as my gaze falls to the side, and Bondrewd clasps his hands together. "We'll speak on that later. You two are in clear need of proper medical attention. You should be treated and rest for the night before I answer any questions."

   Relief hits me, and I nod. "Thank you again, sir."

   "Please, call me Bondrewd. You're a Sovereign yourself, so speaking on a first-name basis is due out of respect." He looks to the Delvers at his sides. "Enri, Scirorocco, please tend to Len and his mentor and help them settle in."

   "Yes, Lord Dawn," the Delver to his left speaks while the first nods.

   To my surprise, Melva speaks up. "Wait, I halfta ask somethin' before ya go." Bondrewd looks at her and nods to give permission. "'Bout thirty years ago, ya came to a town in Austerre called Redsong, an' ya took in three kids. Their names were Darren, Mari, an' Rem... Do ya know what happened to 'em?"

   "Ah, that was an age ago... In the Abyss' time, it's only been half that time." Bondrewd nods thoughtfully. "I do recall those names, though unfortunately they are no longer under my supervision. All three of them departed Idofront, though they were inquisitive learners. Mari quite adored telling stories."

   Melva's eyes light up, though her smile is more sad. "Sh-she did... But they were alive when ya last saw 'em?"

   "They were," Bondrewd replies, and Melva sighs. "If that is all you need, I will see you two tomorrow; I have some things to tend to. Enjoy your night here." Melva and I both call out thank yous, and Bondrewd vanishes back into the darkness of the halls.

   The Delver who had been leading the party that saved us, Kanja, steps away from us. "This is where we part ways..." The Delvers carrying Melva place her down, and she leans against the wall while the group of six follows after Bondrewd.

   "They could've carried me to wherever we're gonna be treated," Melva mutters, but she shakes her head.

   "At least we're not dead," I say with a shudder, and Melva nods. Meanwhile, the two Delvers Bondrewed had left behind approach us. One has a mask shaped somewhat like a diamond, blue lines extending from the four points to meet in the center. Their build is slim but more feminine under their calf-length coat and black tunic shirt with dull green accents. The other is slightly taller than their companion with a knee-length coat and baggier clothing with blue accents, their mask looking like a shield with points at the top. The blue lines etched on it follow the curvature of the mask's bottom, a line extending from the center to the bottom of the mask to meet the curving line.