Seth and the Prometheus Guild

Wrong Scent

Before this day the most horrifying human dwelling Seth had witnessed was the cafeteria. Now, though ... looking around he decided that this almost rivaled it.

It was filled with dead bodies ... that looked as if they would move at any second. There was no trace of decay, their fur or feathers were shiny, their eyes clear but strangely empty and their mouths and beaks open, showing healthy pink flesh. But none of them had a heartbeat. They were surrounded by an unnatural stillness, frozen in different positions, patiently crouching on a giant shelf.

Experimentally Seth hissed at one of them, but it didn't even flinch, let alone reciprocate.

Mr Lennox noticed his actions with an indulgent smile. "Do you like my collection of paranormals? Some of them were quite expensive, but seeing a true specimen is always worth it. Maybe you recognize this Chamrosh here? If I remember correctly both of you should originate from a similar region."

Seth glanced at a winged, dog-like creature and didn't respond. Instead Kaya addressed the teacher. "Mr. Lennox, was it possible to translate what the gnome told me?"

"Ah yes, this was truly an interesting task. Thankfully, I possess quite a few dictionaries pertaining to the paranormals most commonly found around here. That said, these books aren't all that reliable, as gnomes didn't really hold a high priority and their speech is very basic at best." He presented the small notebook Kaya had used to write down the gnome's words. That day at the Guild she had stood by her words, and returned alone to the cell to talk with the gnome, ignoring Seth's derision.

"I can tell you with certainty that your gnome is looking for something. If he lost it or if it was stolen is not clear though. I also think he's looking for more than one thing." The teacher glanced at the page. "Oh right, and the thing or things he's looking for seem to be alive. At least the word he's using refers to something that can move by itself." He handed Kaya her book with a slightly apologetic smile. "Like I said, this language allows a lot of different interpretations. We think that gnomes like to make their meaning more clear with their expressions or gestures, but I'm not an expert at that."

Kaya had a thoughtful look on her face. "Thank you, Mr. Lennox."

"No need for thanks, it was a good brain exercise. Now, hurry and eat your lunch or your whole break will have passed."

Kaya once again expressed her gratitude before closing the door to Mr. Lennox office behind her, a silent Seth in tow. Since their little conflict their time spend together had increased, as if Kaya had felt his sudden dislike and was trying to make up for it.

"Looking for something ... or someone?" Kaya pondered. "Don't you think this is suspicious?"

Seth had no real thoughts on the matter. Honestly, his mind was completely occupied with food and the question when he could finally flee and eat something.

Thankfully Kaya could contemplate and walk at the same time, so they made their way to the bustling cafeteria. Seth ditched Kaya at the end of the line and simply yanked a smaller kid next to the food away, taking his place. While she had good intentions, Seth didn't understand this and was quite fed up with their recent sticking-together behavior. He did like her smell, but it didn't top his dislike for general human companionship.

Finally loaded up with a bowl full of soggy meat and some small potatoes that had sneakily cheated their way in, Seth searched for a place to sit. Spotting Mary Ann and Himiko he walked over and placed his tablet on their table without further ado.

Mary Ann glanced at him, her delicate brow wrinkling. "What are you doing here?"

Wasn't it obvious? "Eating."