Siren's Elegy Volume 1: Orphans of Ashen Earth

Chapter 20: Invocation of Storms and Disaster

July 26, 4021 01:36 [Matriarch 03 AB Side- Khar Khot]

A deluge of rain fell down upon the city as the Bloodhounds pushed through the packed streets of Khar Khot, jostling their way past the crowd. A sea of translucent umbrellas flooded the roads as they traversed deeper into the eighth district, reaching the plaza. The steady patter of water against their clothes left them soaked and shivering.

"We should have brought some umbrellas," Skadi grumbled, rubbing her arms for warmth.

"I can make us some ponchos that'll keep us warm," Aisha offered, motioning for the others to gather around her.

"Aren't you guys cold?" Skadi asked, looking in Mirai and Akula's direction.

The two seemed unperturbed by the freezing downpour, standing apart from the group.

"Well, I'm part shark and he's part knifefish, so this is the perfect environment for us," Akula answered, reveling in the influx of moisture on his skin.

Mirai didn't respond, his eyes fixated on the upper districts. Towering skyscrapers utilizing varying styles of architecture surrounded the area. Floating vehicles rushed past the bright neon lights and flashing adverts as they cast the streets below in soothing light, awash with blue. Groups of people flocked to the night markets and street stalls, the allure of new products and the warmth of the sizzling griddles drawing them in from the cold.

"How is it raining like this in the middle of the desert?" Mirai wondered out loud.

"Some of the architects built a weather system for the city. The conditions vary based on the day and seasonal events," Dot explained. "I should've known today was going to be the start of monsoon season," he groaned.

"Wow, the city's gorgeous; much nicer than the last time we visited," Ghost noted.

"We're still in the main plaza. Once we get to the sparser areas of town, we'll need to be more vigilant," Dot said.

The crowd grew thinner the further in they traveled, passing by increasingly unsavory characters, some leaning against the walls of the alleyways, while others hid in the shadows, waiting for easy prey. Skadi reached into her pocket, procuring a small disk that she placed on her Nerve Cord. The disk began to expand and shift, overlaying her hand until it became a mechanical glove, whirring as she flexed her fingers.

"Insurance," she said when the others gave her inquisitive looks.

Slump nodded in agreement, igniting a fire in one hand while protecting the flame from the rain with the other.

"That won't be necessary."

The Bloodhounds spun around quickly, ready to pounce at their would-be attacker. However, Dot raised a hand to stop them.

"Kefka, what are you doing out here?"

A thin man dressed in a long overcoat, held his umbrella to the side, raising an eyebrow. He lifted up a grocery bag, saying, "I'm heading back to my bar, what are you doing here, and who are your friends?"

Dot looked at the Matriarch 07 trio, and then back at the man he called Kefka. "These guys are with us. They're the new recruits. We're here to see Gauss about a set of keys."

Kefka expressed a look of distaste, clicking his tongue. "So that's why he's been squatting at my place. Come along then. I don't want that miscreant at Dead Haven any longer. He's scaring away all my customers."

The Bloodhounds followed Kefka to Dead Haven, the alleys strangely devoid of life all of a sudden.

"The filth should stay in the shadows where they belong," Kefka muttered to no one in particular.