The Curses of Penny and Phaedra

Part 1: The Beginning and the Demon

Once Upon A Time there was an ancient kingdom, within which most people were very happy in the lush and green lands of Vorgania. But not everyone knew of the existence of Demons. Certainly there were rumours, legends that tell of the evil beings but no one had actually seen one to tell of. Just like the existence of magic, of fairies and witches. Though they were more likely to be spotted. Demons were keen to remain hidden. But there was one woman in Vorgania who did know about Demons. Who had associated with one, many years past, but no longer. Her name was Parisa Hallkett, and she had had a Demon who was in love with her. He had been possessive and cruel and she'd made a narrow escape into the world of the uncertain and unknown. She always knew he'd be back for her, though she hadn't seen him in seventeen years; since she was sixteen. But he'd promised he would be. Today was the birth of her twins, Penelope and Phaedra Hallkett. Parisa stood over their crib admiring them, watching their little arms and legs wiggle. She hugged her chest and sighed, tired, oh so tired, but content. She caught one of Penny's little toes between her fingers and rubbed it gently, amazed. How could babies' skin be so soft and sweet smelling? Suddenly a form appeared in the room. In the shape of a man. Parisa turned, her hands frozen on her chest, her heart stopped. In her chamber there stood the man who had tortured her unconscious for 12 years before she'd been able to shake the nightmares away. Her Demon. "Viler." She whispered, her hands clutched to her heart. The Demon smiled at her softly. "Oh my love. I've waited so long to see you again." Parisa felt her throat tighten and she tried to swallow, fighting her fear to speak. "I told you to stay away from me." She said, trying to sound steady. "Ah, but my love, I gave you space. I gave you time enough to love me." "I could never love you" Parisa said, straightening up and stepping forward. She was gaining more confidence, the strength of having her children. "I told you so seventeen years ago that I could never be yours." "But then you met that Merlin and I was forced to wait for you still further." The Demon continued as if she had not spoken. "But he is gone now, and I am still here my love." "I never want to see you again!" Parisa stood her ground, clenching her fists in anger. " You should never have come back." Finally the Demon ceased speaking and looked at Parisa, as if finally hearing her words rather than just her voice. His expression changed behind his eyes as he stared at her face. Then he moved suddenly to stand behind the twins' crib. Parisa stared at him as her heart froze in fear. Viler placed one hand on Penny's forehead and one hand on Phaedra's. "What are you doing?!" Parisa screamed in fear as she ran forward. Before she could stop him, Penny and Phaedra glowed with an orange light for a split second and then Phaedra was gone, and Penny began thrashing and crying. "Where did you send her?! What have you done with her?!" Parisa gripped the edge of the crib for support as Viler backed away smiling. "She's right there, Parisa." He explained sweetly. Parisa shook her head around, confused, and sure enough she heard Phaedra's whimpering at Penny's cry, as if she had never left. Parisa placed her hand down beside Penny and she felt the warmth of Phaedra. Her baby was invisible. Parisa gasped as her mind tried to grasp it. "And Penny? What did you do to Penny?!" Viler chuckled as if this was some light occasion. "Well, as your one daughter cannot be seen by any, your other daughter will never see any." "What do you mean, you blinded her?!" Parisa stared at Viler, hoping though she knew better, that he would deny it. "That's exactly what I mean, my dear. Ah, you shall have fun with that! And over the years you'll wish you had loved me." Viler said. Parisa started shaking with anger, an anger that has been deep within her bones for over seventeen years. "You're crazy." She said through gritted teeth, clutching the edge of the crib as if it was her lifeline to keeping herself from tearing him apart, because what more would he do to her daughters if she tried and failed? And she knew that if she did try, she would. Before she could even think to do anything, Viler was fading away, disappearing, a smile of sadistic delight on his face. Parisa looked down at her daughters, the one she could see anyway, and placed her hands down on each of them, stroking their tummies in comfort. Phaedra was nowhere to be seen, and now Penny would never see again. "Oh, what are we going to do?" Parisa murmured to her baby daughters.