by Elon Vidal
ELEVEN
The fishing town was beautiful. Looking from above, the cobblestone roads glowed in the sunlight. People walked with their arms hooked together in pairs, fish wrapped in yesterday’s news. The wind whistled in Dawn’s ears as the trio walked down the rocky trail.
She had a good feeling, like she had done the right thing and she knew it. The light shined on her face, warming her cheeks. She enjoyed the sense of connection she felt inside of her. She wondered if she was connecting deeper with her magic, this unknown thing. Even though she didn’t know what it was, she felt as if she was learning more and more about who she was. It’s like puberty, but without all the pimples! she thought.
They arrived in the town square, looking around at all the hustle and bustle flowing through the streets. Dawn stopped in front of a fountain. In the center, there was a statue of a mermaid perched over the rocks.
“This must be the place,” Damon said. “Alright, so what’s the plan?”
“I think we should split up,” Elijah said as he folded his arms.
Damon frowned. “I’m not sure that’s such a good idea.”
“No, he’s right,” Dawn said. “We’ll cover more ground that way. Plus, it’s daylight. And look at how cute and nice everyone is!”
Damon looked around. “Okay, so everyone looks pretty quaint and happy around here. I guess we’ll meet here in about an hour?”
“Sounds good to me.” Elijah looked around, and headed out without saying goodbye.
Damon sighed. “Don’t worry about him. He just needs to get over it.”
Dawn shrugged. It hurt that Elijah still got jealous of Dawn, but even worse, that he took out his frustration on her. Hopefully by the time they met back up, he’d be less grumpy. “Thanks, Damon. I’ll see you in an hour.”
Damon nodded. “Hey, watch out for that pearl, okay?”
“You bet.”
The two parted ways. Dawn headed down a road that led to the sea. She felt relieved to have some alone time walking around and enjoying the sights, the smells in the air, and how the dust danced in the light. Dawn felt like she was watching a movie in slow motion, enthralled in the peace the town emitted. She watched as people chatted from their windows, the smell of fresh bread, fish, and toasted nuts in the air. Horseshoes clicked against the cobblestone streets, passing mustard yellow shutters and pistachio green doors.
“Pardon me, Miss!” A little old man waved at Dawn. His beard was as long as he was, practically dragging leaves along with him as he squabbled towards her. She stopped in the street, marvelling at how cute the little old man was. “Do you happen to know where Siren’s Square is?”
“Oh, I’m not from here, I’m not sure, but I saw a fountain with a big mermaid statue in the middle of it. Does that help you?”
“Ah, not from here you say? How strange, I sense the spirit of the sirens among you.” Suddenly, his eyes flashed red. “I can practically smell the pearl on you. Where is it? Give it here, lass!” His eyes morphed into slits, shining with murderous glee as he lunged out to grab her. Dawn shrieked and whacked him with her bag. The man fell over, laughing maniacally in place. “Run, girl, run before the Dark One reaches you first!”
She ran down the cobblestone roads, hoping to get him off her trail.
Why isn’t he hobbling over to get me? Dawn wondered. She looked around, checking to make sure he wasn’t hiding up above somewhere. She frowned, observing a stocky shadow contorting in the corner. My gods. The shadow bubbled up, creating a gigantic, monstrous silhouette. Not again, not another mystical creature. Can I pretend to be on vacation, just once?
“Hand over the pearl, girl!” the old man’s voice said, deeper and guttural.
“No way!” Dawn shouted, darting deeper into the windy, empty streets. The shadow stalked her, somehow catching her before she got to each corner. What should I do? What should I do?
“My queen!” A young woman’s voice shouted. “Use your light!”
Before Dawn could look around to see who was shouting, she raised her palms to the shadow, cascading towards her in a fit of rage. The closer it got, it swallowed the color and light around it, turning day into night, as if it were the eclipse all over again. In the face of its immense void, Dawn struggled to breathe, never having been so close to the face of pure destruction. I’m not going to faint this time! I can’t! Dawn thought, standing tall like a mountain against a black curtain. Streams of light shot from Dawn’s hands, disintegrating the shadow right when it was about to swallow her whole. It shrieked and gagged as its shape contorted and withered away into nothing. All that was left was black dust, fluttering in the cool air.
About to fall over, Dawn caught herself before she could faint. Deep breaths, remember? Deep breaths. A hand rubbed her back, making her flinch. Dawn stood straight up, arming herself with her palms, only to find Clothos looking at her.
“Clothos?”
“It is I, my savior. Come in, hurry.” She led Dawn into a shopfront. Dawn looked around, in awe by the beautiful collections of gems and minerals. The light poured in from the thick, old-timey windows, lighting the glossy wood panel walls. “Please, sit. You need to rest.” Clothos pulled out a chair for Dawn to sit in. She plopped down, looking around the esoteric collection of stones and charms.
“What is this place?”
“Why, it’s my store,” Clothos said as she heated water on a stove behind the register. “I always liked stones, although they’re more of Atropos’s hobby than mine.”
“Wait, but I thought you already had a job…” Dawn rubbed her palms, sore from the random battle she just fought.
“We don't cut the threads of life all day, Silly.” Clothos giggled. “We have other roles. Hobbies, even! But I suppose my sisters and I cheat a bit, for we can be in many places at once. It is a true blessing, I could not imagine being in that small, sweaty hut with my sisters all day long. And just look at my small business! Isn't it charming?”
“It is.”
Clothos smiled. The tea kettle whistled and she went to fetch it.
Dawn stood up, looking at all the bizarre stones Clothos had collected in wooden trays. Some were as small as pebbles, kind of like the rocks at the bottom of a fish tank, but glittering and metallic. In another tray, Dawn ran her fingers over the cold, jagged surface of a reflective cube the size of her palm. They seemed otherworldly, but she knew they were simply just a few of Mother Earth’s greatest creations. “I can’t believe I’m here.” Dawn said. “I didn’t even know what I was looking for, just imagining the way I would feel when I found it, and here I am. ”
“Some might even call it fate,” Clothos said, returning with a cup of tea.
Dawn laughed. “For an extradimensional, immortal being, you’re pretty funny, Clothos. That’s the kind of joke my dad would make.”
Clothos smirked. “Dear child, father’s jokes are even older than I. When you descend to Hades, my father will tell you an absolutely excellent ‘dad joke,’ so prepare yourself.” She handed Dawn the cup of tea. “Drink, this will repair your strength. You will need it soon.” Dawn took the cup to her lips. She wrinkled her nose at the bitter taste. “It is not pleasant, child, but you must drink.” Dawn obeyed, but not without grimacing at each sip.
Clothos reached for a cup of water and a small stone at the corner of her desk. “Now I must show you something. It is critical for your search for the siren stone. Watch.” Clothos demonstrated a translucent white stone. “This is called an aquamarine. It is opaque in the air, but when we put it in water—” Clothos dropped the stone in the glass. “It disappears. This is one of the properties of the siren stone, but there is something that distinguishes it from the rest.”
Clothos put the glass down and rummaged around for another stone. “Ah,” she grumbled, finally finding a purple jewel. “You see how this stone is purple now?” Dawn nodded. “This is an alexandrite. It shines purple with unnatural light, like the ones in here, but—” Clothos moved to a wi
ndow, which made the stone turn blue at the blink of an eye. The siren stone will do the same, but instead, it will turn purple in air and blue in the water. Ideally, the stone will be completely invisible when you go under.”
Dawn’s eyes widened. “How did that happen?”
Clothos shrugged. “Humans will provide you with a ‘scientific’ reason, but I believe it is water magic performed by the sirens. These are the qualities of the siren stone. Do not believe anyone who tries to sell you anything otherwise. Hades is among us, as we have just seen in the street. You must be careful, daughter of Eos. You are terribly close, and because of that, you attract danger.”
Great, just what I needed. Not a break, not a vacation. More danger, the way I like it. Because you know, Danger’s my middle name! Dawn Danger. Cool. That’ll show them. She took a breath. “Clothos, but how am I supposed to find the siren stone? I thought there was a mermaid I had to find.”
Clothos smiled. “Yes, dear. The clue lies with your pearl. It is looking for its mother, who lies among clams like Aphrodite. Keep your ears open and your pearl close. She will sing to you if you listen.”
Dawn nodded. “I understand. Thank you for saving me just now.”
“Of course. I hope you save me soon as well.” Clothos winked. “Lachesis tells me you will do well on your mission. But remember to protect your palms.”
An uneasiness came over Dawn as she stepped out the door. She felt as if she were being haunted now, and she was especially unenthusiastic about returning to the Siren Square, where the old man had asked for directions. Don’t be a baby, Dawn. They’re just demons or people possessed by Hades! Besides, there’s no reason to fret. You can shoot beams of light out of your hands. And you know, activate ancient pearls with light to transport all over the world. That’s cool, right? If you need to escape, boom— transport. See you later, demons.
“They’re simply projections!” Clothos called from the window. Dawn turned around, confused at first, but then she remembered that the Fates could read minds too. “It’s just Hades playing with your emotions to make you doubt yourself! Don’t fall for it!” Clothos started to hum a melancholy tune.
It stayed with Dawn as she walked back, the volume ebbing and flowing like the tide as she twisted and turned among the narrow streets. Well, I certainly have some news for the boys, Dawn thought.
TWELVE
Dawn arrived at the fountain. Damon was already waiting for her there, appearing to enjoy the sights as much as she had before she was chased by one of Hades’ demonic projections. She sat down next to him, envious of his blissfully relaxed disposition. She thought about dumping everything that had happened to her, but she wanted to relish in the last few moments of normal she had left. “What did you find?”
“Well, I found a library and I read a good deal about sirens and mermaids. It was fun; I got to practice my Gaelic.”
“You speak Gaelic too?”
“Of course. Anyway, we should be careful about distinguishing mermaids from sirens, because apparently sirens are quite ravenous. Apparently they’re more closely related to birds than to fish, did you know that?”
“You know...I didn’t. I should brush up on my sea world lore, I guess. I just never thought I’d have to use it.”
“For once, I think I might have to agree. In the magical community, sea lore is kind of like how humans see algebra.”
Normally Dawn didn’t like when Damon compared humans to magic folk, but she couldn’t help but laugh. That was something her dad was always rambling about— how useless all his math classes were.
They sat in silence. Dawn looked around, getting more nervous as the moments passed. “Where do you think Elijah is?” she asked, unable to stop thinking about the old man and the shadows she encountered.
Damon shrugged. “Wherever he is, I hope he’s less grumpy.” Just as Damon said that, Dawn saw Elijah walk out from one of the side streets. Her heart dropped. He had a bewildered, even frightened look on his face. Dawn grabbed Elijah by the shoulders.
“What’s wrong?”
“Well I was in the weapons store— you know to see if there was anything we needed for the battle against Hades and the underworld, when I saw...” Elijah’s eyebrows pulled into a frown as he struggled to speak.
“Who?” Did Elijah see one of Hades’ projections like her? Or what if he saw the real Hades, but in a possessed body? Or Fisher? Or something worse that she wasn’t even capable of imagining yet? She really didn't have time for any more surprises. “Elijah, who?”
Elijah scratched the back of his head. “I think I saw Anna-Maria.”
Damon frowned. “Who?”
Anna hyphen Maria? Are you sure?”
“Yeah, but she… she was different. It was like she saw me, but she had this weird look in her eye. Like, evil…”
Dawn folded her arms. “Well yes, she is evil.”
“But this was different! It was like she was… possessed or something.”
“Sorry, who’s Anna hyphen Maria, I’m confused,” Damon asked.
“She’s a girl we went to school with and she’s terrible. Do you know for sure it was her? You know something our brains do when we’ve been away from home for a while is it starts recognizing people with similar features and making it think it’s someone we know. Maybe she just looked like her.”
“I don’t know. Maybe you’re right.” Elijah looked at Dawn’s hands gripped tight around her elbows. “Dawn, are you alright? You’re practically digging your nails into your skin.”
Dawn shook her head. “What if Hades is just trying to mess with us? Or I guess… that’s a good sign, it must mean we’re close. Closer than he wants.”
“You never told us what you saw, Dawn,” Damon said. “What happened? You seem more scared than Elijah.”
“Well, I went down to a mineral shop near the sea. I mean… I ran there. This little old man chased me. He wanted the pearl.”
Elijah gaped. “Your mom was right, we have to be careful of the pirates!”
“No, but something strange happened. He turned into a… a shadow monster. He followed me everywhere. I wouldn’t have made it, but a shop owner came out to help and can you believe who it was? Clothos! From the hut, remember?”. ”
“What? Really?”
“Yeah, She’s one of those gem and mineral people. Anyway, she told me Hades is making projections of demons so we get off track.?”
The boys nodded. “Well as terrified I am by finding more underworld creatures. I have to admit, I’m thrilled you’re learning more about your powers, Dawn!” Damon said, giving Dawn a pat on the back.
Dawn smiled. She looked up at Elijah, who had a hurt smile on his face. She knew he must have calmed down on his walk. Or maybe seeing Anna-Maria’s possessed form scared the ego out of him, who knew.
“Thanks, Damon. Actually, I think that’s another thing about the siren stone. It glows purple in the air and blue in the water. But technically, underwater, it would be invisible so… we have to be careful, because a lot of people will try to offer us the stone, but most of them will try to trick us. Now, we just have to follow the mermaid’s song.”
“How are we supposed to do that?” Elijah asked.
Dawn fished out the pearl from her pocket and looked at it closely in her palm. “I think I can try to call her, now that we’re close.” She closed her eyes, imagining where the mermaid would be. Yet all she could see in her mind was billowing clouds of dull white fog. As she drew in a breath, she felt a flash of warm white light flash against her eyelids. A cool breeze sent a chill up her spine as a soft, flute-like hum echoed around her.
She opened her eyes to find Damon and Elijah looking around, bewildered by their sudden transportation. Elijah rattled his head and stumbled deeper into the fog. “I think I’m going to be sick,” he said.
As Elijah dry heaved his breakfast, Dawn took in the sights. The sun was lower in the sky, nearing sunset. Yet while the sky was usually pink and orange, at
that moment, the sky was a mixture of pastel purples and greens. The fog that billowed in from the shore reflected those pastel colors, creating a dreamy atmosphere. Dawn felt as if she were in a fantasy world, the humming droning in her ears. She had this feeling that she was being drawn there somehow, as if there were a pull between her body and the mermaid.
“Hey Dawn, why is the pearl still glowing? Are your powers acting up?” Damon asked.
Dawn frowned. “No, I don't think so.” She looked down. there was in fact a small light peeking out of the spaces between her fingers. She opened her palm and observed the pearl, pulsing faster and slower depending on what direction she took. “Why is it doing that?”
“Wait, try walking just that way,” Elijah said, pointing to one side. Dawn followed suit, noticing that the pearl blinked less the further she walked in that direction. “And the other way?” he called out. Dawn returned, walking past the boys. The pearl blinked faster and faster as she walked further in that direction.
“It must be this way!” Dawn yelled. She squinted. She could barely see them with the fog pouring in. The pearl’s light pulsed in the white clouds around her. She felt like she was in a Lady Gaga video with the mermaid’s voice in the background. She swayed her hips in the mist as she waited, entertaining her fantasy for the moment.
“Okay, that’s the last time we separate with this fog, okay?” Damon said as he and Elijah appeared through the mist. “If it weren’t for the pearl’s light, I don't think we would have found you.”
