Orchid

Evil Water

Isn't that a Latin word? Jason says.

 Yes, it means Evil Water. Amphitrite blinks her pretty eyes. This is bad. I didn't expect this...

  Amphitrite! Malumaquae's sneer pops my ears, and I squinch my eyes in annoyance. Amphitrite, daughter of Moray and Pereus. Long time no see.

 I get a closer look at him. He has dark gray, reflectionless eyes and dark hair in menacing spikes, more in a Mohawk. He curls his lip over sharp teeth, which are pointy and curved like a shark's. His wrists are circled with golden bands decorated with Lycaeon's crest: the yin side of the orb. His arms are muscular and look strong. He wears simply a T-shirt with the yin orb on it, and as I discovered, clothes don't get wet underwater apparently if you're a Faerie. He appears about Amphitrite's age. A young adult, though appearances can be deceiving.

 Shit, what are you doing here, Malumaquae? Amphitrite snarls. I should probably record this. Nothing like hearing your Latin teacher curse. Go back to where you belong, as a lapdog of Lycaeon's.

 My, my, Amphy, Malumaquae strokes his hair in mock shock. I thought you were all like, peaceful. He turns his cold, icy glare on me, and I shiver because they are so cruel. He laughs quietly, almost amusedly. Don't you see, younglings? 

 Go to hell, Madam Que Que, I manage to choke out. I realize my mistake and cover my mouth. Then I laugh. Madam Que Que--hahaha! For some reason, I keep thinking it's Madam Que-Que. It could be  a French name!

 And don't you damn think that we're not capable of kicking your ass far away from here. And good joke, Orchid! Jason grins.

 I see Malumaquae's face turn red in disgust and anger. Well, well, he whispers, and raises a tarnished silver dagger in his hand. I guess we won't have fun after all.

 We never had fun in the first place. Amphitrite advances steadily, her jaw set tight, her eyes focused on the skinny, ragged Faerie ahead of her.

 Malumaquae's expression changes to a smug one. So, you're with that jerk Tsukune now, eh? The one who grieved so badly for his lost cousins?

 Don't you dare bring him up! You lost your chance when you were still good. Amphitrite's voice is shaky as she clenches her fists.

 What are you talking about? Jason and I ask at the same time, throughoutly confused.

 So, my darling didn't tell you. I'm...disappointed. Malumaquae smiles. When we were young, we grew up together. Tsukune lived in the Outside world back then, in hiding because his father betrayed the Faeries. Amphitrite and I, we were the best in our class. We loved each other, yes. But she fell in love with Tsukune when he came to our world, Vidalia.

 Don't believe all of it, Amphitrite says slowly. He's a master liar and clever at deceiving with his words.

 Thank you for the compliment, Amphitrite, Malumaquae sneers.

  Really! Amphitrite's tone is pleading. My father arranged for my marriage and who I should love. When Tsukune arrived, my father admired him at once because he had risen to a grand warrior's spot and was certain to be the king of the sea. I had no choice, Malumaquae! She takes a breath. I regret your decision to join Lycaeon's side, for I might've ducked the marriage. I loved you.

 Loved? Malumaquae's voice is soft.

 I used to love you, Amphitrite says with certainty. But your jealousy, hate, and anger changed you, Aquae. Tsukune is much better than you now!

 Aquae is not my name no longer. Just as you don't love me any longer. Malumaquae's voice hardens again and he raises his hand to swipe at her with his dagger.

 Drama! I say. I've always hated drama. I've always avoided in in high school and in elementary school. Especially Romeo and Juliet.

 Fight! Jason lunges into battle, holding a shiny spear I've never seen before. The amulet burns on my neck. Message time? I tune in to Amulet Radio.

 I am a weapon, Orchid, the amulet says. Go ahead, take me off. I am an Angel Blade, the most deadliest Light weapon. Then press my ruby. 

 I do as it says and I gasp as harsh light comes over the amulet. The amulet widens into a medium-length knife/sword, so shiny I can see my reflection. An inscription is carved into the blade. Ego quoque anima, et curabo eum. 

 Amphitrite skids by me, thrown back by his attacks. Her cheek is bleeding, oozing into the water. She gasps as she reads it.

 You can heal him, she whispers in shock. 

 What does it say? I inquire.

 I can Light the soul, and heal it.