Under the burning skies

The Island of Naxos

The island of Naxos is dark, ominous and haunting.  When people bring up Naxos their pupils dilate.  Its a fact that fear induces this effect and this island is home to many tormented souls.  At campfires the townspeople tell different tales of Naxos but each story has one similarity that haunts them all the same, the lighthouse. 

There have been reports of people missing who have tried to make their way to the island, those who have gotten close to it state that a fog surrounds it while also experiencing hearing loss, dizziness and other neurological issues.

The path is obstructed by jagged rocks,  the currents are consistently rough; death is a friend of Naxos and many believe that its sole purpose is to devour sailors. Those who have studied the island believe that there is a divine connection, scientists believe that the gravitational pull from the moon is so strong that even at daytime it has a profound effect on the currents but when people think of it nothing comes to mind except fear and anxiety.

There are secrets on this island, secrets that cannot be seen by the naked eye. For the few who have made it on the island they do not speak of it except for the fact that it changes you.  Each person that has been says the same thing after their experience,  DO NOT GO TO THE LIGHTHOUSE!   Nobody knows how or when the lighthouse was constructed but they claim to have seen things beyond their imaginations,  nightmarish scenarios only found in dreams. 

After a few weeks of preparation and enjoying the Luna Crescente Crab Fest. Noah felt that he was ready to make his way, this was his chance to find peace, he needed this.  He had been preparing for the last 6 weeks. The only things he would bring with him are his backpack,  his favorite fishing pole, and a knife, he felt he wouldn't need much else as the island is not far.  Located a few 100 miles away from Luna Crescente, the Vauxville Sea will guide him towards Naxos.

He would spend his last day with Petey and Lorelei, playing with his dog and cooking her one  last meal before he embarked on this journey.  Lorelei looked at him concerned not fully understanding the reason for his leaving to find this mystical island. 

"What do you think you're going to find there?"  she asked.

Noah would rise to his feet, "Something is calling me out there, not sure why but after hearing that Gabriel became a changed man, I have to see for myself what is so life-changing about Naxos".  Lorelei did not have a counter for this and could only nod in acceptance.  A man who is seeking change should be allowed that opportunity, although she is also afraid for his life as she knows about Naxos.  Lorelei mentions that she is willing to watch Petey while he is away but given his trust issues he decides against it and mentions that he is going to speak to Jim once more about caring for his dog.

Noah left and did not know what to think of Lorelei's offer, was she being sincere or was there something more to this?  What are her intentions and how can a woman so strikingly beautiful be interested in a guy like him.  He looks back at Lorelei one more time through his window only to see her sadness, she looked as though she lost something but then she bends down and pets Petey between his ears and her smile captivates him yet he remembers this distant memory that is torturing him.  Maybe Naxos can propel him forward and that's why he has to try.

Jim was a pudgy man who lived with a community of cats, "Noah! Where ya headed to this time?"

"Hey Jim, this one is special, headed to an island off the coast of the Vauxville Sea"

His house had a peculiar smell but its only normal when you own that many cats.  Jim looked at him astonished, "You're not talking about.....Naxos are ya?"  He sounded terrified.

"Actually, yeah, how'd you know?"  Noah looked at him grinning.

Jim looked concerned, as if he's seen a ghost. "That's not a good idea Noah, I've heard on the yard a time or two about this island. The guys talk about it often and how many friends they've lost who tried to get there. Some of them even tried to go and find them but the second they got too close they started to hear things and see things flying around in the air, some demons or somethin' like that.. ya really shouldn't go"

He looks at Jim with wondering eyes as if he can't truly believe the things that he just said. Birds fly so that he can believe but demons?...Noah couldn't really comprehend that so he dismissed it. 

"So, you'll watch Petey for me?"

"Of course Noah but I really think you should reconsider, I know you miss Ariadne and I miss her too but she's gone", Jim put his hand on Noah's shoulder.  "Please Noah, you may not like what you find."

The name alone brings shivers down his spine and there is this feeling in his head that can only be described as numbness.  Grief has a funny way of attacking the body when trauma is involved.  Everyone in Luna Crescente knows the story of Ariadne but none better than Noah.  Ariadne was the love of his life and he cherishes all the memories.  He always recalls her smile- it was intoxicating but there was something sinister within her that no amount of love could've helped.  The moment he hears the name, memories flash and he is back at the carnival where it all happened.  Noah couldn't bear the thought of being back there and immediately shuts any further discussion.

"ENOUGH JIM! You know better than to talk about her like that!  Of all people....I really thought you would be the most understanding!"  He points at him and cannot stand to look at him any further.  Jim looks apologetically.  Noah walks away and through the window he notices Lorelei once more, she looks at him in shock surprised at his burst of outrage. 

Noah stares back at her for a brief moment and his eyes started to water, he walks in the other direction, towards the coast.  Naxos awaits anxiously and he is more than ready to face all his demons.  You can see the seagulls flying around the island, squawking in sync, patiently waiting for the next soul.