The Universe Beyond Ours

Chapter 10 (Part 3)

     As if summoned by a mystical call, a cavalcade of mermaids emerges from the depths of the navy ocean, their graceful forms gliding through the shimmering waters to encircle Denis in a mesmerizing dance of curiosity and wonder. With eyes that sparkle like precious gems reflecting the sun's golden rays, they regard him with a mixture of fascination and reverence, their ethereal presence casting a spell of enchantment over the tranquil scene. At first, the sudden appearance of so many mermaids startles Denis, his heart quickening with a blend of surprise and awe as he finds himself surrounded by these mystical beings. Yet, as the moments unfurl and he witnesses their playful gestures and gentle laughter, a sense of delight begins to unfurl within him, softening the edges of his initial apprehension.

Slowly but surely, a smile tugged at the corners of Denis' lips, his eyes alight with a newfound sense of camaraderie and joy in the company of these enchanting creatures.

"Wow! Darling, look! It's a man!"

"It is! It is a man!"

"Such a lovely, handsome man!"

Denis' fair face reddened, his heart skipping a beat.

"He looks like... he can be a compatible mate," one of the mermaids mused, biting her lip.

Denis was perplexed but was curious about the idea.

"We should bring this lovely man with us!" a mermaid grinned.

     Meanwhile, Philip, Meredith, Presley, and Felix meet each other near a gushing waterfall. They walk together along the shore, looking at the pebbles, assuming the totem might be hidden among the ordinary stones. While walking, Presley finds a glistening rock among the pebbles. It is the totem.

"We're done looking for the totem in Syreign Island, at last!" Presley cheered blissfully. "Finally, we can retreat for the day."

"Yeah, let's find Harris and Chloe, and we'll sail back to the mainland," Philip said, smiling.

As they traced their way back, Presley couldn't help but wonder. "Anyways, why's Syreign Island named Syreign Island? Do any of you have ideas?"

"Oh! I read before that the word Syreign from Syreign Island came from the word 'Siren,' as there are two primary beings that reside around the island. Those are the mermaids and sirens," Felix explained earnestly.

Enjoying the fact, Presley asked, "Mhm, interesting. What do mermaids and sirens do?"

"Oh, mermaids just do their thing like humans and fairies but underwater," Felix replied. "Meanwhile, the sirens look for human males to be their spouses. However, they must first drag the men underwater to marry each other. But... but... oh, shoot," Felix continued, but his voice faded.

"What's wrong?" Presley questioned, his brows arching with worry.

"I just remembered why the men in the legends didn't return to the mainland alive after visiting this island," Felix sighed, his tone wavering.

     Meanwhile, Denis finds himself drawn into a tantalizing dance of flirtation with the alluring sirens, their enchanting voices weaving a spell around him as they shower him with honeyed compliments and playful gestures. Their soft touch upon his biceps sends a shiver of pleasure through him, their seductive allure wrapping around him like a silken veil. As the waters beckon him deeper into their embrace, Denis' initial amusement gives way to a sense of unease that quickens into alarm as their gentle caresses transform into a forceful pull towards the open sea. Panic grips him as he realizes the true nature of these enchanting beings—sirens, whose mesmerizing songs hold a deadly allure for unwary souls like him. His cries for help are swallowed by the vast expanse of water as he struggles against their relentless grasp, his desperate shouts echoing through the air and reaching the ears of his companions—Harris, Chloe, Philip, Meredith, Presley, and Felix—who, alerted by his distress, rush to his aid along the shore.

     Their hearts pounding with a mix of fear and determination, Harris, Chloe, Philip, Meredith, Presley, and Felix follow the trail of turmoil, their footsteps hitting the sandy shore as they race to reach Denis before it's too late. With a sharp intake of breath, Felix retrieves a wand-like branch from his pocket. A glimmer of resolve sparks in his eyes as he takes aim towards a nearby cliff, his mind set on a daring rescue that may be their only hope of saving Denis from the clutches of the treacherous sirens.

"Vi Destrus!" Felix cast a spell.

     Then, a ray of bright light blasts towards the cliff, causing it to collapse and trap the sirens with Denis. Using her grappling hook, Meredith shoots towards the fallen rocks. Then, she glides towards Denis and catches him in her arms. They then land on the fallen stones. There, trying to recover, Denis coughs out water while the sirens flee and scream.

Later, Denis and Meredith reunited with the others.

"I'm sorry... I'm sorry for causing trouble..." Denis apologised sincerely.

"No, you're not causing trouble. Those darn sirens are dangerous to men naturally," Meredith panted.

Exhaling, Denis asked, "...Why would you risk your life for me?"

A tiny smile formed on Meredith's lips. "...Everything for a friend," she said, placing a hand on Denis' shoulder.

Philip decided to step forward and join. "...Everything for a friend," he smiled, adding his hand on Denis' other shoulder.

Presley chimed in, putting his hand on Denis' head and brushing his hair as he said, "Everything for a friend!"

     Despite being drenched in cold water, Denis feels warm as he realizes he is surrounded by a group of friends. Chloe, Philip, Meredith, Presley, and Felix are now his buddies, and he's happy to gain their trust. But as he looks at Harris, Harris averts his gaze. Denis then lowers his eyes, only focusing on the others.