Claxton 2: The Curse of Poseidon

Prologue: Crusader

Song: "Wolf Blood" - Adrian Von Ziegler

        The ocean was cursed. Watery sirens lurked, and a horde of them swam towards a dark, tropical island. The ocean water glistened due to the rays of the moon and gave it a mysterious feeling. The sirens crept closer and closer to the island but were unaware that somebody on it was ready for their arrival. Two shadowy figures of a horse and a boy stood on the beach, and they together watched the incoming beasts. The boy, whose long sideburns blew in the wind, drew a sword from his back and narrowed his eyebrows to a stern position. He gave his horse a pat on the rump as a gesture for her to move out of the way. As soon as he made sure she was safe, he attacked the sirens that dove for him at the same time. He slashed them with his sword and rolled out of the way of danger as four more flew towards him from each direction. They ended up crashing into one another and falling onto the sand. With his sword still drawn, the boy sprinted down the beach and whistled for his horse. She leaped out of the jungle and cantered towards him. Two more watery sirens appeared next to the boy, but he slashed them before they could drag him into the ocean. His horse soon cantered next to him, and she gestured with her head for him to jump on. Her rider put his sword up and grabbed her reins.

        He leaped onto her back and kicked her sides. "Go! Go! Go!" he yelled in a Scottish accent. His horse jumped into a gallop and leaped into the jungle again. They left nothing but the sirens' remains behind. However, they weren't the ultimate test. They didn't attack the boy just for the heck of it – they meant to.

        The boy and his horse galloped through the dark jungle as fast as they could and ducked under tree branches. The boy leaned forward in two-point position and jumped over a log. He checked behind him to make sure they weren't being followed by the sirens but quickly looked ahead again. His horse though unfortunately tripped over a tree root, and both she and her rider fell but without screams. They landed under an open gap in the jungle's treetops. The rays of the moon showered down on them and revealed their characteristics. The horse was a beautiful Palomino, and her rider was a handsome, bright-eyed, young man who looked to be around eighteen years old. He was dressed in a medieval-style tunic, a khaki shirt, gray pants, and brown shoes. On his back, he wore a sword case and shield.

        The young man pushed himself up from the ground and crawled to his horse. "Are ya all right?" he asked her. His horse nodded and got up. She shook out her body and quickly turned around in the direction of the dark jungle. Her rider, who was now covered in dirt, rested his palm on her side and added with, "Don't worry. I think we're safe now." He got up as well and prepared to mount her again. Before he could though, suddenly, a bright, purple light appeared in front of him, and the boy's jaw dropped open, "Master." He held his arms out to his sides and took a step back.

        From the light spoke a rather familiar, female voice, "Go, my young apprentice. You must start your journey for the two fairies. They are the fairy and human worlds' only hope for survival against the Octopus Man – the only ones who can prevent a calamity."

        The boy nodded, "I understand. All this training for the past month – it is time to put it in action, Master. Special Spells will help the two fairies win their battle."

        "And remember," continued the familiar voice, "your sister and I are going to be with you during your whole mission. You are not alone. Now go." Bobbing his head understandingly, her apprentice jumped onto his horse again and gave her another kick.

        He rode her to the very tip of the island's longest beach where his Fiji-like house was as well as a volleyball course and a few beach chairs. Dismounting her, the young man hurried inside his house and grabbed a bag. He fell onto his knees and opened it, grabbing some food and water. He put them in the bag, as well as a few weapons. He replaced the sword in his sword case that he used to fight the sirens with another sword, a crusader. When the young man zipped up his bag, he looked up, and his bright eyes landed on his master standing in the front door doorway. She only appeared as a sparkling, purple figure though because she wasn't exactly there with him, but he could still make out her eyes and touch her. Her apprentice threw the strap of his bag over his shoulder and approached her. They together shared a goodbye hug, and the young man took his master's hands. He smiled at her, and she smiled back. She watched as the mysterious boy hopped onto the beach and next hugged his horse goodbye. She rubbed her forehead on his side and closed her eyes.

        After exchanging goodbye hugs, it was time for the boy to leave, and he came within reach of the island's tip. As soon as he did, he drew his new sword and pointed it at the moon. Its blade glowed up, and green magic outlined him. The boy's feet lifted off the ground, and it wasn't long until he floated in midair and stared at the horizon. This was it. This mission would decide whether or not the human and fairy worlds would fall. Turning his head, the young man waved to his master and horse, and they waved back – his master with her hand, and his horse with her mane. Then just like that, the mysterious, Scottish boy shot forward and vanished into the black night.