The Scarlet Prophecies

𝕮𝖍𝖆𝖕𝖙𝖊𝖗-5

ᕯ۞ᕯ✬ᕯ۞ᕯ

Gasps of shock erupted around them at the sight of Icurus, who felt uncomfortable in the tense situation. His hand still gripped the wooden deck, but he lowered himself deeper into the water.

"It's okay," Rosabella coaxed gently. "There's nothing to be afraid of."

Icurus whispered anxiously, "How do I turn back?"

"Have you ever met a shapeshifter before?" Rosabella asked.

Icurus would be lying if he said he didn't. So far he did, and that shape shifter just so happened to be Edward. But he met him when they were only ten. Six years have passed already and to top it off he only saw him do it once and never actually asked how he did it.

Ariana walked to the edge of the harbour, looking down. "I've heard Edward transforms back by focusing and concentrating on being human again."

Icurus's eyes lit up. "You know Edward?" he asked without thinking.

Ariana raised an eyebrow. "Yes, why?"

"Uh..." Icurus paused, sinking deeper into the water. "I-I was just asking since I heard he's a hybrid like me," he said awkwardly. 

Ariana glimpsed the necklace around his neck - a black thread clinging to his dark skin and collarbone. Resting on his chest, right above his heart, was the emerald stone, shimmering like his scales.

She narrowed her eyes at him. Realizing she was looking at the emerald necklace, Icurus grabbed it, holding it to his chest. 

Rosabella sighed and took a deep breath. "Okay, let's start from the beginning. What's your name?"

"Icurus..."

"So he is..." Ariana pointed at the unconscious Xavier.

"Xavier Harrison," Icurus replied, biting his lip.

"I see. Okay," Ariana said.

"Um...how do I turn back?" Icurus asked again.

Rosabella snapped her fingers. "Yes, that's still an issue. Why don't you sit up on the dock?" she suggested.

Icurus did as instructed, hoisting himself onto the dock. Seeing his new mermaid tail, the same vibrant turquoise as his wavy hair, he looked at his webbed hands in disbelief. Parts of his skin had a faint iridescent scaling that shimmered silver in the sunlight. Glancing at his reflection in the water, he saw his ears were now pointed and fish-like. He covered them, murmuring, "I look hideous..."

Ariana gasped beside him. "First of all, that's disrespectful to your MOTHER. Secondly, you look majestic. Do you know how many people would kill to look like you?"

Icurus paid no attention, gazing out at the ocean. Today had not gone as he expected.

"Okay, Icurus, I think I figured out a way for you to change back," Rosabella said gently, trying not to frighten him.

Icurus flinched. "Wait! What if I turn back..." he blushed and whispered, "naked?"

"Oh, don't worry about that," Ariana said, arms folded. "Whenever Eddie shifts back from dragon form, he manifests his clothes again. I think you can do that too."

"Right..." Icurus looked at the sea and whispered, "Mom, wherever you are, please help me turn back..."

Rosabella placed a reassuring hand on his shoulder. "Just concentrate...breath..."

Icurus nodded, shutting his eyes. He focused on his human aspects - his father, his best friend Xavier, his home on dry land. A tingling sensation crept up his legs. He snapped his eyes open with a gasp and checked his hands - they were normal. His whole body was fully clothed again.