Strangers of Sea & Land

Chapter 1

The sand was soft beneath my bare feet as I strolled along the shoreline. Admiring the soft glow of the setting sun as it was cast onto the small clear waves.

My shift had ended as the beach was closed for the evening, there were no people in sight. I relaxed in the calm environment, closing my eyes and taking a deep breath.

I listened to the sounds of the ocean; the crashing of waves, sand rippling under the tide, and a rhythmic splashing. A smooth melody entered my ears, an angelic voice broke the silence.

I swayed to the tune, mesmerized by the song, I felt a warmth growing within my chest. Unknowingly, I began walking towards the voice until the water hit my knees.

Jerked out of my trance by the cold water, I looked around for the source of that song.

There shouldn't be anyone out here...

I turned towards a group rocks further out into the ocean and catch a glimpse of pale hair before it disappeared behind the rocks.

I begin to turn back but once again the song floats into the air.

-

My tail glided smoothly through the water, shimmering as the fading sunlight drifted into the water. I climbed onto a rock as the breeze fluttered against my large fins.

A song slowly echoed from my lips. Carried by the wind my voice took on a steady tune.

Tears came to my eyes, as they always did when I used this curse. The beautiful melody of a siren.

I longed to be part of the merfolk, part of their warm colorful kingdoms. I was cursed by birth to thrive in cold waters. My smooth dark scales and blood red fins were stark against the blue waters.

I continued to sing, unable to control myself, I dreaded the macabre allure of my song. My tears ran down my face as I saw a girl wading into the waters.

I gasped and came to an abrupt stop. She was bewitching, more captivating than any I had seen. Her long russet locks flowed around her shoulders, framing her form. 

I ducked behind the rocks, hand pushed against my lips to stop the song from escaping. I couldn't bring myself to let her drown, to draw her in as I had done so with so many others.

My mind began to cloud, I strained against the dark force within me. My hand slid off and everything went black.

-

I closed my eyes humming along with the sweet song that flooded my senses. I walked deeper and deeper into the water. It was warm and soft, lulling me into a trance.

The waves washed over me as I was swept into the current.
them
My lungs began filling with water, suffocating me, mentally and physically. Filling my mind with panic.

How did I get here? How far out am I? Help! Somebody! I was a lifeguard for god sake!

I kicked and pushed against strong tides, reaching towards the surface, my eyes burning. Huge black dots invaded my vision, and I felt myself slowly fading away.

Within my last seconds of consciousness, I felt strong arms wrap around me, lifting me away...