Crow's Blessings → Sylus

Scorching Irony

I spent the rest of my time at the bar, lounging about with a glass of coke, which was watered down due to the melting ice at this point. The ambience of the kitchen and dining room was nice, even with the dim lighting that created the illusion of a smaller room despite the actual size.

A loud flapping sound caught my attention. Something flew past my head, and there perching on the bar counter was none other than Mephisto. He tilted his head, as if asking me something.

"What? Your boss is taking me on a joyride later, so I'm not allowed to leave yet - he said," quoting Sylus's words made the crow cawed in response. "I'm not staying here willingly. Imagine if my coworkers found out that I was saved by Onychinus's leader!"

Mephisto cawed several times fairly aggressively, as if taking offense that he didn't get the credit he deserved. After all, he was the one that alerted Sylus to come and save me.

"Not trying to discredit you. Like, I thank you. But, if I knew it'd lead to this, I might as well go for option B!"

Mephisto's caws filled the entire room as we bickered back and forth. It almost felt like I'm a lunatic, talking to a bird, but with how Mephisto is cawing offensively, I felt like it's only fair to yell at him back.

A loud, exasperated sigh caught our attention as we both turned to look at the doorway. There, Sylus stood with his arms crossed over his chest. Raising his left hand to pinch the bridge of his nose, the man eyed us with a confused expression.

"I'm starting to doubt your sanity, Miss Hunter," he sauntered over towards the bar. In contrast to his loose, casual outfit previously, he wore a black leather jacket and leather pants. "That Wanderer must have hit your head pretty harshly."

I scoffed, "Says the man that owns a pet crow. I bet you also talk to him daily."

Mephisto's aggressive caws stopped as Sylus hummed. "He's not a pet, and yes, I do. But, at least I don't argue with a crow," he turned on his heels, facing towards the main door. "Let's not waste more time. We have a place to visit."

Deciding to comply, I stood quietly, glancing to glare daggers at Mephisto, whom returned the feelings as he raised his wing - I'm guessing to flip me the bird, a kind gesture of 'fuck you'.

Too caught up with Mephisto, I ended up bumping against Sylus's back as he stopped to enter a code on the door's lock. "How could someone so clumsy become a deepspace hunter?" he shook his head as he mumbled, opening the door wide for me to step outside.

"Likewise," the bitter night air made me shiver. It was a whole new scenery outside, like a ruined city that was forced to stay alive. "I'm surprised that someone with a huge bounty on their head be kind enough to save my ass earlier."

Sylus lead me towards a lone motorcycle parked by the curb. "I'm flattered that you think I'm kind, sweetie," he turned round to throw a gray helmet, which I managed to catch after nearly slipping it out of my hands twice. "Consider yourself an exception. I don't usually treat strangers with kindness."

His words sounded threatening, but there was a hint of actual kindness laced in his voice. It made me silent for a moment as I watched him starting the motorcycle, letting the engine heat up. "Well? I suggest you hop on, unless you wanna walk a few kilometers."

Reluctantly, I put on the helmet whilst walking towards the motorcycle. Keeping a safe distance away from him as I sat, I patiently waited for him to start driving. Sylus briefly pulls the throttle, my body jerking forward along with the motorcycle. "Don't be shy," he remarked before finally pulling driving away into the night.

It wasn't the most pleasant sight. The streets were dark with minimal lights illuminating the sidewalk, some were even flickering on the brink of its life. The buildings too weren't as tall as what you've seen in Linkon, and some of it was considerably rustic rather than modern. Despite the desolate streets, the buildings were roaring with life. It seemed most of them were converted into an entertainment business, such as casinos and such.