Seth and the Prometheus Guild

Mouse

"One of your classmates was actually supposed to tell you about this paranormal, but for now I will take over this presentation." Mr. Lennox continued his lesson, apparently unaware that barely anyone was paying attention. Not even the colorful picture projected onto the wall at his back succeeded in diverting the student's attention from the only subject they cared about at the moment: Mouse's disappearance.

Seth's muscles were twinging, those so called 'growing pains' still slithering along his bones. He lowered his head to the desk, resting his forehead on the cool surface.

"Sirens are quite interesting paranormals, as they don't rely on strength but chemicals to hunt their victims. They are anthropomorphized as you can see, and could even pass as humans except for their wings. These wings are the key to their success: they are actually unable to fly, they can at most glide because their body is too heavy and unsuited for true flight. But those wings aren't for the purpose of locomotion but for entrancing their victims. The feathers are covered with a fine dust - to hunt, they spread their wings and flap them, the dust will drift through the air. Once their prey inhales it, a strong hallucinogenic effect takes place and renders their victim senseless. The victim is in a state in which they don't even realize that the danger is already upon them."

"Seth?" Just a whisper next to him, trying to rouse him.

"Hmm?"

"Do you think Holly is okay?"

"Hmm."

"I still don't understand how this could have happened."

Seth shrugged and switched position, turning his head away from Kaya and giving the picture projected against the wall a quick glance. It showed a thin-boned, naked man with pale skin. His features were sharp and his eyes big, enhancing the bird-like quality he had because of the big wings spread behind him. These wings were quite colorful, exactly like those of a bird of paradise. The hues ranged from a gleaming turquoise through violet to greenish blue and vibrant purplish red.

Murmurs and questions similar to the one Kaya had just voiced could be heard throughout the whole classroom. Mr. Lennox cleared his throat and continued in a slightly louder tone of voice: "Humans later on discovered that the effect of this powder is multiple times stronger if it is inhaled in a concentrated dose. This led to one of the biggest drug epidemics of our time. Sirens were hunted down and their poison harvested to be sold at stellar prices. Addicts were easily found as the illusions caused by the powder were so euphoric that they could hardly bear the reality once the effect lessened. Of course this poison is harmful to the brain, especially with repeated use, it frequently caused brain hemorrhaging and similar injuries which were then called an overdose. Addicts were also prone to suicide or manic episodes if they had to stay sober for a certain period of time. Thankfully the guild cracked down on those drug operations. They were justified to kill the sirens, and in this way rob the suppliers of their drug source. In some cities they only cut the siren's wings and burned them, these sirens were left alive and later on even released. Through these methods the cartels lost momentum and opportunity. The drug didn't disappear completely but as all sirens that are spotted or caught are neutralized in this manner, the opportunity to acquire the drug declined sharply. Nowadays it's very rare and expensive and almost completely disappeared from street trafficking."

Getting no response to his monologue, Mr. Lennox rubbed his eyes behind his glasses. "Why don't we stop here for today, and you have a bit more time for your lunch break."

At the front of the class, Mary Ann raised her hand. Mr Lennox smiled. "Yes, Mary Ann? You have a question?"

"Mr. Lennox, do you have any news about Holly? Has Fabian woken up?"