The Paleblooded Hunter in Terra (Bloodborne x Arknights)

Act 2.14 Under Tides - Truth or Lies

Chapter 25

Truth or Lies

"That a lie which is half a truth is ever the blackest of lies; That a lie which is all a lie may be met and fought with outright; But a lie which is part a truth is a harder matter to fight."

 - Lord Tennyson, Alfred

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The Bishop's eerie welcome into the chapel did little to unsettle Skadi, who had come here withher veiled purpose. As she stepped inside, she questioned the Bishop's uncanny ability to anticipate her arrival.

"How?" Skadi inquired, her voice tinged with suspicion.

The Bishop's response was cryptic, "What can I say...?"

Skadi's tone remained cold and unyielding, "Hmph. No need."

Inside the chapel, the Bishop's curiosity was piqued by the case that Skadi always carried on her shoulder. He couldn't resist asking her, "Do you carry that case everywhere you go, wandering singer?"

Skadi offered a simple affirmation, "Yes." Her guarded demeanor gave away little, and the mysteries surrounding both the singer and the chapel deepened with every passing moment.

The Bishop's curiosity seemed insatiable as he proceeded to ask another question, to which Skadi offered no resistance.

"Go ahead," she responded, her face still devoid of emotion.

His attention turned to the case once more as he pointed and inquired, "What is inside this case?"

Skadi's fingers gently caressed the case as she disclosed its contents, "A saxophone."

The Bishop appeared satisfied by the revelation, his interest in the wind instrument evident. He then ventured to request, "May I have the fortune to hear it? Music... this city has not heard music for a swathe of years." He hesitated for a moment before adding, "Oh, no, beg pardon... I realize asudden that a wandering singer takes coin for her song."

Skadi remained composed and replied, "No need for payment. I will play for you, Bishop." Despite the enigmatic and somewhat eerie circumstances, she was willing to share her music in this forsaken place.

The Bishop's words painted a somber picture of the once-majestic chapel and the city it stood in. He continued to express his constraints, admitting, "This does stump me. You see, I fear I cannot proffer much tip to speak of." He gestured towards the dilapidated surroundings, emphasizing the challenges of maintaining the building. "Yet look at this old building. Humph, taking care of it is quite the challenging task, when currency stands for little here, none will collect it, and none will use it."

He then shifted his attention back to Skadi, offering her a proposition. "But I can spare energy to prepare you a luncheon. Wandering singer, what say you? Would you will to perform a little something or other?" He followed this with a slight bow and a hand over his chest as he continued, "It is in my power, at least, to invite you to eat your fill, though it may not be any gourmet delicacy..."

Skadi's guard remained up as the Bishop's tone took a darker turn, "... Like the ones the Imposter cooks this morning." She kept her composure and remained silent, not letting on to her unease.

Noticing her silence, the Bishop shifted the conversation once more. "I see you are fallen silent... Ah, might I guess: you prefer dance, rather than song?" He then commented on her appearance, noting her dancer's dress. "You see, you are wearing a dancer's dress... you are talented. It has been too long since last we had a friend with such brilliant luster as you."