Scattered Souls

Chapter 5 - Let's get to work

"Then what are you? How am I seeing you" my genuine curiosity was evident.

"I actually like this genie theory of yours.  Think we'll go with that for now."

"You cannot be serious. I think I have a right to know!" I exclaimed.

"What makes you think you have a right to know?" he questioned,  one eyebrow raised. It still baffled me how his face appeared so clearly in the light that I could notice all these tiny nuances.

"Well you are a part of my gift after all." I retorted.

"The answer to your question lies in the note you received."

"The cryptic riddle you mean?" I had a feeling he was just making things more difficult than it needed to be, but I decided against pointing it out at the moment.

"Yes! To be used for good or evil.  I am that which can be used for good or evil." he beamed.

"That still doesn't explain what you are. " I groaned. "And how exactly am I supposed to use you?"

"Oh, my talents are plenty, love."

"Care to elaborate on those talents?" This Q and A session was exhausting.

"In due time you shall see for yourself. Adios." and poof, with those final words he disappeared; the teapot lid closing on it's own accord.

Much to my dismay, when I went closer and opened the teapot,  I was graced with the tune of Amazing Grace once again.

I tried closing and reopening the teapot a few times, getting the same outcome each time. 

Eventually, I gave up, just sitting on my bed and staring at the teapot, trying my best to piece together the events of today. 

I even got out the note and read over it a few more times,  the more I scanned it,  the more confused I became.

I had to assume the genie-like creature was the most complex construction mentioned. Of creation and destruction. What did that part mean? The nature of Xypher's existence was hidden in that one line.

Creation and destruction? Could it be a biblical reference? Perhaps a historical one? I drifted off to sleep with those thoughts predominantly in my mind.

********************

I was up bright and early the next morning. Determined to unravel this newfound mystery. Even though I didn't know what this gift was supposed to be for exactly, somehow I had a feeling that the sooner I figured it out,  the better.

I called Alexa as soon as I was out of the shower. I think she could sense my desperate tone, as she agreed to come over, no questions asked. Then I called another good friend of ours,  Scott,  he was a total nerd(he even had the 'scruffy brown hair and wide circular framed glasses' look going for him). If anyone was smart enough to decipher the riddle, it was him.

"Alright, what's the emergency?" Alexa asked, as soon as we were all in my room.

I pointed to the teapot.

"You called us over to show us a teapot?" she looked beyond confused. "It's stunning sure, but I never took you for much of an antique fan."

Scott moved closer to the teapot and opened it. 

"Ah, it's a musical teapot. Sweet."

"Actually guys, I think it's more than that. Apparently it's been in my dad's side of the family for years and every firstborn female grandchild inherits it upon turning eighteen."

"Wow,  go on." I could tell Scott was fascinated.

"Well, there was also a cryptic note. " I pointed out.

"Where's the note?" Alexa asked. "Is that what's gotten you so freaked out?" she knew me way too well.

"Uh, I don't know how to word it without coming across as a crazy person." I admitted.

"Come on,  spill." Alexa encouraged.

"I know this sounds crazy... but another tune has played a few times. A rather creepy tune." I couldn't contain all this information any longer.

"It is quite old." Alexa pointed out. "Maybe it gets a bit off tune sometimes."

"No, guys, it plays a completely different tune.  Instead of Amazing Grace, it plays Strange Enchantment."

"That's rather odd." Scott agreed. He closed and opened the teapot. Amazing Grace played again as anticipated. He repeated this process a few more times.

"I tried that last night. It's like the Strange Enchantment tune plays on it's own accord." I sounded deranged even to my own ears.

"Are you sure?" Alexa questioned. 

I nodded.

Judging from her concerned reaction and Scott's current expression I knew I couldn't tell them about Xypher's appearance.

"I think the riddle has the answers. I really need some help deciphering it."

"Let's get to work!" Scott urged.

I smiled. I knew this was his thing.