by C C Morgen
“It’s easier said than done,” I answered while giggling at his pouting face. “Once he fixes his mind on something, it’s complicated to de-sway him. He’s just stubborn and does what he wants with whoever he wants.”
“Amphis… I love you with my heart and soul,” he heaved a sigh again, out of discontent. “You deserve better than this. You’re putting your life on hold over this foolishness. He doesn’t deserve you. You should refuse him by whacking him in the head with his own trident.”
“Oh Manee. I love you too,” I acknowledged with a soft empathetic manner. “I love and miss you all at home. I do miss my family and the privilege to swim the seas as I used to, but I’m really doing great here. This island has turned into my other home in a sense.”
“But you’re all alone here,” he rebutted with doubt. “You dare to state that even though you live in the kingdom of the Dark Queen.”
“Manatee,” I hugged him. “I’m doing ok. I’ve grown to appreciate it here. It has been harmonious, and the creatures are nice. I’ve been supporting them a lot, so it has made me feel needed… At least for a while and I’ve made one friend my entire time here.”
His curious eyes widened. “A new friend, oh my…” He batted his eyelashes at me. “Is this a special friend?” He grinned deviously, considering my new friend was a new suitor.
“Stop that dirty mind from progressing any further,” I pleaded. “She’s just a decent friend. She’s indeed the reason I summoned you here. Did you bring the necklace?”
“Yes ma’am.” He reached out his palm to reveal a silver locket with a slim silver string. The face of the locket had a turquoise stone, and the rear had the Egyptian eye of Horus engraved into the silver. He slipped it into my hand, and I let it rotate in the light to glimpse at its beauty.
“Thank you,” I kept glancing at it in the sunlight.
“What did you need this ancient thing for,” he asked out of curiosity. “It wasn’t simple, talking my father into parting with it.”
“I need to use it and create a remedy to block out my friend’s senses. She has been going through a troublesome time with her sense of smell lately.”
“What race is she that she can’t deal with her own senses?” He demanded to know more.
“She’s an Eastern Wood Elf,” I revealed. “Does that satisfy your curiosity? She’s quite cute to be honest.”
“Aww… No wonder,” Manee responded, realizing that Wood Elves are a charming race. “They have a sharp sense of smell and you are right… They’re so lovable even though they have a fiery temper. They’re too prideful of creatures to accept adoring compliments… Wait… Why is she having trouble in the first place? A Wood Elf never loses control over their heightened senses.”
“Turns out the Dark Queen’s new stray is a Succubus.”
“Oh, the ninth heavens!” His mouth dropped open. “I thought Harpys hated Demon creatures with a passion.”
“Sworn enemies is a better word,” I interrupted. “Well… Not this one I guess,” I surrendered myself to my curiosity and fell into a deep thought about the mysterious Succubus.
“Have you met it?” He asked right away after seeing my expression.
“No,” I answered blatantly. “No, I haven’t met her yet. I don’t even know what they look like or what to expect if I meet one.”
“I know what they are,” Manee paused. “They are beautiful girls, but their personalities are ugly. Stay away from them. A Succubus is not one to associate with.”
“Now that’s just plain cruel,” I replied, feeling not too pleased with his judgmental reaction. “All creatures shouldn’t be judged so harshly.”
“They are Demons that seduce and kill their prey!”
“And are you any better?” I had an anger in my tone. “Seducing sailors to their doom in the dark abyss and draining the life out of them.”
“You know we do it to live,” he tried to separate himself from the idea he is just like a Succubus, but with fins and gills. “We can’t help that our source of living is to drain the life of another.”
“Just as a Succubus needs to drain a life to live. You both can’t help being who you are or your source of survival. A Succubus does not differ from you or any other creature from the Underworld that has to feed off a life.”
“Oh, the ninth heavens, Ocean Goddess. You sure love your creatures from the Underworld.”
“Excuse me,” I responded in surprise.
“I bet you would compare me with a vampire because of how charming I am.” He winked. “You have so much empathy for the darker creatures that roam in the night. Before you know it, you will say how much you love Harpys and that they are just misunderstood creatures.”
“Oh, now you are just mocking me as always.”
“This is to be true,” he softened his tone. “You have too big of a heart to deny it.”
“I will say this for the last time,” I stated. “Let it sink in. I have no empathy for a Harpy. The Queen and her family are cursed creatures made to be who they are by the decree of selfish Gods who wanted to sway the scales in the immortal world. They're only dark hearted creatures with no sense of purpose to exist. Hades gave them the will to choose not to kill or act on the bidding of others, yet they spill blood regardless. They can choose not to wreak havoc or torment, but no! They do it all with no remorse towards their actions. It’s not like they need to do it to survive. They are as strong as a God, but they do it anyway. So—No—I have no empathy or love for them. Not now… Not ever.”
“You speak all this hate towards Harpys, but you would show empathy for a Demon,” he stated. “You confuse me. I think you have a deep fascination for the dark my blind friend.”
“Ugh… What makes you believe such a thing?” I asked while rolling my eyes, feeling annoyed.
“Because I can obviously see it intrigues you about a Succubus, being on this island,” he answered. “You are my best friend. I know when you are excited about something. Ever since we were kids, something has drawn you to the stories of dark creatures. You wanted to learn about them as if they fascinated you. You were too curious about their kind; Vampires, Werewolves, Dark Elves, the Demon world. Sometimes it feels like your soul is searching for something. That’s why I’m surprised that you dislike Harpys. I only say this because they are part of the shadowy world you enjoy learning about. Sometimes, I suspect that maybe it’s the opposite with how you feel for the Harpys. Maybe you admire them.”
“Ugh,” I sighed. “You are annoying, you know?”
“That I do, Ocean Goddess,” Manee replied. “That I do.”
“You should come visit more often,” I changed the subject. “It’s been awhile since I had disagreed with someone. Now I have this necklace, I can help Yuna.”
“Oh, Yuna is her name?” He winked.
“Stop-it.” I snickered. “You are so annoying.”
“Come on… If she’s cute you should try to court her,” he suggested with a large grin on his face.
“She is beautiful, and she's sweet, but my heart doesn’t feel that way about her,” I answered. “I enjoy her as my friend. And she is remarkably loyal to her word. I need a friend more than a lover right now.”
“Now more than ever is the best time to find love,” he responded. “You are a gorgeous woman, who deserves to receive love just like anyone else in this world.”
“You and I share very different opinions on love.” I swayed off into the water with the waves. “Manee, I’m at a point where I don't want to search for romance and love. The only desire I have is to find myself within these circumstances. My soul has pondered about the idea of love versus lust. Did I feel entirely lust for my lovers or did I feel love? Either way I’m tired of being used because of my beauty. Poseidon sees me as a figure to lust over. Beauty has deceived me so many times in my romances just because of attention. For the first time in my life, it has felt good not being deceived by lovers and being caught up in the scheme of things that is
drama.”
“Just because you had a few deceitful experiences doesn’t mean it’s the end,” he tried to console me. “How much do you want to wager you will fall madly in love with someone in the future?”
“In the future you say—I highly doubt that,” I answered. “Any way it's a lost cause because I’m not even trying to look. I don’t feel like it.”
“Oh Amphis… You are as dried up as the sand you live on,” he sighed, like I was too stubborn. “Soon enough you will be back to your old passionate self.”
“I’m not counting my luck on that just yet,” I exhaled feeling a wave of sadness drift over me. “For now, I’ll just help the creatures on this island and enjoy the time away from the pig-headed Sea God. But it has been pleasant seeing you. You should visit again soon. I have to get this necklace ready for Yuna.”
“Well I hope it helps her feel better,” he commented. “I’m glad you have made a friend and who helps you feel at ease here.” He gave me a gentle hug this time. “Send for me anytime and I’ll come, ok.”
“Thank you again,” I cried. “You should get going before your father worries.” His arms released, and he drifted out to sea.
“I’ll see you soon, Ocean Goddess.” Manee waved his hand. “Farewell!”
“Farewell.” I waved back, and I watched him dive into the ocean current and disappeared.
I strolled back onto shore and entered my hut. Jars of herbs were on my table from when I collected them around the island the other day. I mixed lavender and chamomile to mask the odor of the other deathly herbs I had to mix in my hand. I rolled it in the palms of my hand, pressing back and forth until the oils released. This was the old way of mixing, I learned from the Sorceresses from the west before they broke off into Covens’ of witches.
Once the mix was complete, I stuffed it inside the silver locket and sealed it shut. It was finally complete, and its aroma was delightful enough for a Succubus not to notice. After it was done, I called a Fairy into the hut.
A purple Fairy approached me with her wings, flapping like a dragonfly; glittering in the light. She levitated near my face where I could see the iris of her eyes were purple and she had no garments, so I could see that Fairies carried the same body characteristics of a woman.
“Hey there,” I greeted the Fairy. “Can you do me a favor and bring this to Yuna? She’s in the Dark Queen’s castle.”
She used her inner voice to speak. “Yes-yes. I’ll bring it to her. She’s that Wood Elf, right?”
“Yes, she is,” I answered. “She has blonde hair and wears green garments just like the traditional Elves.” I handed the locket over to the Fairy where she held it by the thin silver chain. “Thank you,” I said as she flew out of my hut and into the sky. When she fluttered in the distance, I felt accomplished by helping my new friend, and I still had a smile on my face for seeing Manee again and listening to his sarcasm. Then I thought again about what he explained about my fascination with dark creatures. He was right. I'm curious about the Succubus; however, I'd hope the necklace works for Yuna’s sake, because the alluring power of a sex Demon can be irresistible.
CHAPTER XIX
Solitary One
IT HAD BEEN DAYS SINCE MANEE DELIVERED the necklace. The visions of our long-time reunion had awarded me a thought of optimism to go longer without the recurring sense of solitude, disturbing my tranquility in the cove. I soared in absolute joy, knowing he would show up if I pleaded. Our discussions are always entertaining, and he gives simplicity to my complex life.
While my thoughts preoccupied me, I noticed something flying near. A blue Fairy flew through the open door into my hut with a small roll of parchment. Its wings shone with sparkling shades of radiant blue and buzzed near my face like a dragonfly to give me the role, about the length of my index finger. I unrolled it to discover it was written in Yuna’s handwriting.
The message was just a thank you note for all the help I had given, and the necklace worked so effectively she could serve the Queen as her normal self once again. It also read she admired the scent of the herbs and the strength of the enchantment placed on the necklace was powerful enough to help her resist the pheromones of the Succubus. Now she could be around the girl like before and support her through the transition on the island. I felt accomplished after reading her comments; yet, it calmed me that she wasn’t suffering anymore.
When I found out about the Succubus, I have noticed no one particular on the island while venturing closer to the Queen's castle by the rock arch. The sun had reached high in the sky and the ocean air had stormed in heavier than normal. As I listened, a whisper in the water called out near the coastline where the waves curled over the shore. The speech sounded dull in the wind, but I could detect its direction.
“Over here!” It carried a feminine tone, guiding me to the edge of the water.
The waves dashed against my ankles and my feet sunk into the sand, making it challenging to roam. Then I realized the terrain was extremely loose where I stood, so I crouched close to the water and the waves lifted up my skirt, soaking it. Meanwhile particles of water sprayed on my chest and tickled as it dripped down my breasts, causing it to feel refreshing with the cool breeze, brushing against my bare skin.
I proceeded to explore and was advised by the mysterious voice. “Over here! You’re getting closer.”
Once I discovered the spot, I reached my fist into the water and touched the wet grains against my fingertips. There wasn't anything at first, so I burrowed further, until I noticed a solid object, with a rippled surface. When I manage to get my palm around it, I gripped tighter and plucked it out. Then I recognized it was a clam that had been calling out all this time. I gazed at it, trying to figure out what it needed.
“I have a gift for you,” The clam spoke back as it opened its shell and exposed a genuine pearl. “Many seek the pearls of my kind, but now I grant you this, because you are the most beautiful Goddess on this island.”
The kindness of the creatures on Sanctuary genuinely moved me. “Thank you,” I acknowledged with gratitude. I picked up the sparkling green, purple and white pearl into my free hand. The shell of the clam closed up once again, and I buried him back underneath the sand.
Suddenly, I had an odd sense in my heart that someone was observing me. My head twisted towards the beach to find a figure, laying on the sand in the distance. It was a young girl, gazing at me with a bewildered look on her slender face. Her hair black as the night, her skin was fair and looked pale as if she wasn’t from the south. Perhaps she’s a northerner.
I rose to my feet and a burst of wind brushed strands of my curly locks in my face, which obscured my view of the girl. I needed to get closer to her. She didn’t appear to be like the usual servants I’ve come upon. So, I pushed my hair aside and made my way towards her.
Her rosy cheeks appeared flushed from the hot weather and her pink lips tilted open as I drew closer. She gave me the notion she might be shy or maybe surprised since I wasn’t covered. Perhaps she’s not used to meeting someone in the nude before, based on how she was glaring at me. This is unpleasant, but I’m keen on knowing who she is.
Why is she staring at me with those sharp eyes? Is she this disturbed by my presence? Her hazel eyes became fuller in a daze and it glistened hints of gold I thought looked charming with the contrast of her long black lashes. As I gazed hard into those eyes, I recognized there lied innocence I would encounter in an adolescent, and the sorrow behind those eyes masked a purity inside her spirit that hasn’t had enough understanding. She was nevertheless a child by her expressions and undoubtedly hadn’t matured yet based on how she acted by not speaking a word.
Then I realized her cheek wasn’t flushed from the heat, it was wounded. She had brutal marks and bruises all over her body that made it look like she had been in a battle with someone much stronger than her. This was Luna’s handy work, I was sure of it after speculating about it for a minute. Which meant this adolescent is going through trainin
g?
Was she the new servant in training that Yuna was talking about? The Succubus? This young innocent girl a sex Demon? That’s impossible… She doesn’t fit the vision of what I studied from my mentors and all the frightening tales of them coming for you in your dreams, thus turning it into nightmares. It can’t be… I thought they were more flirtatious and had influence on their style. This upset my ideology of a Demon if this young woman is the Succubus that Yuna had mentioned.
I so wanted to give in to my interest and ask her matter-of-factly if she was a Demon. But instead, I greeted her as friendly as conceivable. She was silent though and proceeded to gawk at me. By all the batters on her torso, it looked like she was in a lot of grief. I wonder if she will be ok with me healing her or will she react badly if I touched her? I should just do it. It looks like she could use relief even though she was being utterly rude by not answering. I asked if it was ok to touch her, before she became panicky, I reassured her I was a healer. After specifying that she was rude, she eventually answered, but remained reserved.
While caressing her to initiate the healing process, I noticed how silky her skin was. She didn’t seem like the fighter type with hardly any firm muscles. The running water traveled through my hands into her torso where I sensed the essence of her soul unite with mine. It was an unnatural experience as I noticed my body reacting to hers. I saw in my mind all the fractures in her body clear as the sea. My soul connected stronger to hers and I could sense her emotions in my heart, which was heartbroken and lonely for such an early age. What has this girl been through to endure so much anguish? All the loneliness in her heart matched with mine. She reminded me of me.
I could feel her mind and body relax to my touch. The blissful smile on her face was of someone that has never experienced water healing before. She let herself collapse into a deep high, and I could tell she had scars from an early injury, but it was new enough to regenerate and restore. However, the darkness that established its presence inside her soul drove me into concern. It was like a small seed sprouting roots in her energy field. I’ve never known such a thing in anybody before, but I could only foresee it of a Demon.