Blue

After a couple of days of getting adjusted to my new life of sorts, I finally found some closure. Closure in the sense that I knew what I wanted to do now. There were many things to be done, and many ways I could mess up life. But as with my previous plans, I made a new one. I was definitely going to start a cult and become a cult leader and change the world. But I was also going to incorporate the existing church and Den into the equation and make it work somehow.

How?

I had a rough plan. Of course, I didn't know if it was going to work or not but the chances weren't zero and it was certainly better than betting on nonexistent cards. I wasn't going to do anything brazen but I wasn't going to be completely passive and behind the scenes either. I'd made a reputation for myself, something the Barracks and the headmaster had conjured up on my behalf, and I was going to use it to the best of my ability.

Again, thinking all that and planning was easy. Actually doing it, wasn't.

Which was why for the time being I stopped worrying and went out to get some lobsters with Shia. This had become our new thing these days. Eat lobster and finish with a spiced yogurt drink.

"I tried making this the other day," Shia said. "Thought I'd save up on cash. The ingredients cost about half of what this costs, so I was going to save a lot of money, or so I thought."

"But the taste wasn't the same?"

She snickered and looked away. "Yeah. Kinda sucked."

"Maybe we can get a recipe," I said.

"I tried but he wouldn't open up," she said.

I still went up to the guy and asked him about the recipe. I didn't put up any fronts or make small talk. I just asked how he produced this taste. I finished by saying I was going to leave town in a couple of days and really loved his drink.

He took me to the back of his stall and showed me how he did it. The amount, the secret ingredient and the creaming method, everything.

I thanked him and explained the whole process to Shia before I forgot.

"Damn, he kind of just said no to my face," Shia said, sighing.

"I got lucky," I said.

"No, I suppose you were too sincere. I went there and talked for hours. I think he suspected I had ulterior motives which I suppose I had."

"Maybe," I said. "Let's go?"

"Yeah," Shia said, staring at the sunset. "Good to have you back Sol."

"…"

***

The next day, we had to cover some ground. We were off to the visit the Sirens.

The main reason we were going to see the sirens, was because they had the power to carry us past the reefs so we didn't damage the hull of our new ship. And yes, the crew were actually building a new ship or maybe they were repairing our old one, I wasn't sure.

"They probably won't agree right away," I said.

"It's more likely they wont," Alustur said. "However, we can always force our way."

"I would appreciate it if you didn't," I said. "Their scents are rather potent."

"They don't work on me," Alustur said.

"That's good but it's still a big risk. If they just refuse, let's leave without causing any trouble." He was conflicted but still agreed.

We met up with Armania. "How will you breathe underwater?" She said.

"I can breathe just fine," I said. "How about you two?"

"I can hold my breath long enough," Alustur said.

Shia sighed. "I'll stay behind."

"Are you sure you can hold your breath long enough? Besides, won't you want to speak to them? What if something goes wrong?" I asked.

"We have a safe zone below so he should also be able to breathe as long as he can hold his breath long enough," Armania said.

"Oh, that's wonderful," I said.

"You seem to be familiar with our ways. Are you perhaps, half," she spoke with an analyzing gaze. "Never mind."

That being said, Alustur did some breathing drills while I poked my head into the water to see if I still had it. As I thought, the scales formed and I could breathe underwater, albeit it was kind of suffocating regardless. I suppose things wouldn't be remotely as good as it was back then.

I instinctively I wanted to breathe. Though my diving reflex was mostly keeping that in check. So as long as I was mindful, I was going to be fine. At least I hope I was going to be.

Once Alustur was ready, the Siren took a dive and he too. I was about to when Shia reached out to me but stopped at the last second. "Good luck," she said.

"I'll be right back."

Blue.