Ithycca
Judgement day is coming, the supposed battle between good and evil at hand. The warlords of both Heaven and Hell will battle the final time, and the victory will determine the true rulers of all Earth. In the middle of it is the Human beings, ever naive of the situation and yet unbeknownst to them is choosing their side as we speak.
The New Testament however, is but a small, almost biased view of the world ahead.
Earth a long time ago was form by the basic elements of life, Earth, Air, Fire, and Water. Earth granted four spiritual essences, or Gods, dominion of these elements, and using their powers, created races to cultivate and improve their realms. The God of Earth created Humans, The God of Air Angels, and the God of Fire Djinni. The God of Earth, the favored god of the Planet, was the gatekeeper to the other realms. The Humans, weak as may seem, have the advantage to travel to the realms of Air (Heaven), Fire (Hell), and Water (Atlantis). The other realm's inhabitants could only travel to the Realm of Earth.
People have forgotten about the Legacy of the children of water, the Merfolk. A long time ago they ruled the oceans, providing barriers that prevented the Humans of Earth access to all of it's land. This forced the two races into war. The most memorable moment was the Deluge or Noah's Ark fame, sent forth by the Merfolk to eliminate the Humans.
Sadly, someone gave word of this to the humans, and survived. Seeing they were badly outnumbered, they had to find assistance. Luckily they had control of the gateway. For their assistance, the Angels and Djinn could have free passage into the realms of Earth, and do as they see fit. Now a part of the battle, the Merfolk had no chance, and were driven to extinction.
The Goddess of Water, Alora, felt a great pain as her children died. She removed a scale from her beautiful body, and dropped it into the oceans of Earth. One day, a special child, disguised as human, will find this scale, and with it she will be reborn: Ithycca, queen of the Merfolk.
A long time ago, the Earth blessed four spirits, making them gods. The gods of Earth, Air, Fire, and Water, oversee their realms, creating sentient creatures to help cultivate their lands. These beings constantly war over each other, eventually driving the servants of Water, the Merfolk, to extinction. Millennia later Kyle Weathers receives a gift from an old but mysterious lady while working in Haiti. This gift will change his life forever.
Ithycca- Chapter 1
The Rebirth of a Princess
By AoifeM
It was a beautiful morning. The water was at spring tide, perfect for surfing, if I was proficient enough to do so.
Then again, why do I need to surf anyway?
The glow of the morning sun shined on my wet skin, reflecting off the scales of my tail like little miniature mirrors. I was alone on a rocky island shore. Sometimes you need time by yourself, and surround yourself in tranquility. Trust me, the world is too messed up, and if you have time to get away, it really helps clear your mind.
And from the whirlwind I’ve gone through these past few years, you need all the quiet time you can get.
My name is Ithycca. I am a Mermaid, and I have been living as one for over two years. It hasn’t been the easiest of transitions mind you. First off, I wasn’t born a black girl. My golden brown skin belies the fact I was once a pale white male living in America.
Strange, huh? Well, I suppose the world is just full of surprises, and it seems destiny wouldn't be denied.
Before becoming Ithycca I was Kyle Weathers, a 4.0 college student who was fluent in the French Language. 2 years ago a major catastrophe occurred as a major Earthquake hit the Caribbean island of Hispaniola. The Haitian city of Port au Prince was especially damaged, as homes crumbled, and the government didn’t have the resources capable to help the victims, and clean up the disaster.
Without hesitating I volunteered to help out. I was a relatively athletic individual; I can do a lot of heavy lifting, and if anyone needed to translate, I was as good as anybody. While my parents weren’t exactly thrilled they knew I was my own man. Plus the trip was being paid for by the UNDP anyway; there really wasn’t anything holding me back from going.
And so I arrived, bags packed, at JFK Airport in New York City. The lines were crowded, yet to me, it seemed a lot more people were arriving rather than departing. Standing in line I began to take off my shoes for inspection. The things you do to get a flight these days.
“Isn’t this awful?” A woman asked me with an English accent. Turning to her I saw a rather attractive blonde hair woman, perfectly proportioned. Her clothes outlined every curve from her body. She was a beauty.
“Welcome to America,” I said with a hint of cynicism to my voice, “I think we really make things sound worse than they really are.
“I agree,” She stated, “You’d probably have a better chance seeing a volcano erupt in Manhattan than another terrorist attack.”
We had a little chuckle at that, reminded me of a stupid sci-fi movie.
She put her bags onto the conveyor belt, then turned to me and introduced herself. “Elizabeth Yves,” she said.
“Kyle Weathers,” I replied, picking up my bags as they passed through the sensors, “You’re heading off to Haiti too I assume?”
With a slight smile she answered, “You assumed correctly. I had to take a flight here from London, and connect with this flight.”
“I see,” I said. “We’ll probably be working together quite a bit then.”
“I hope so,” Elizabeth continued. “It will be a long stay. It would be nice to have kindred spirits while we're here.”
Finished sliding on my shoes, I departed. “See you on the plane, Elizabeth.”
“Please, call me Eliza,” she insisted as I began to walk away.
I didn't really have the opportunity to converse with her during the flight. It was kind of a shame, but what can you do? It shouldn’t be too long to get to Port au Prince, plus I wouldn’t have jetlag, seeing we were still under the same time zone. Hopefully we’ll reconvene once we arrived.
The sun was beginning to set as we finally reached our destination. Having access to the window, I glanced outside and looked at the surroundings. It was utter devastation. Buildings in shambles, smoke and dust seemed to be fuming up into the atmosphere above. The shame of it all. Even the airport we were to land at was rather shaky, the pavement was shattered and cracked; you had to be careful where to touch down.
After the rough landing we grabbed our things and headed into the town. The checkpoint was rather lax, I suppose that in times like this there were more important things then security. Outside I found Eliza, bags and all, trying to grab a taxi, I walked over to say hello.
“Need any help with those bags?” I asked, trying to be as gentlemanly as possible.
“It looks as if you have plenty of bags to worry about as it is,” she stated.
“Where are you heading now?” I asked.
“I have a place to stay in a hotel downtown, paid for by my government,” she answered. I’m sure your country has similarly done the same thing.”
“Yeah,” I admitted. “It’s on the other side of town though.”
“That’s too bad,” she said. She took out a piece of paper and wrote down her phone number. Giving it to me, she instructed, “If you wish to chat, you can always call.”
Her taxi arrived and she set her things in the back seat. “Take care,” she replied, and she closed the door.
I smiled. This will be a rather interesting experience. If I only knew how interesting it would really be.
Two weeks had passed, and I was already into my routine, as a translator and as a street cleaner, mostly trying to clean up debris and rubble, keeping an eye on survivors and meaningful items. During my rounds I saw something that shocked me; it was a young child, about three or four, walking around aimlessly. I couldn’t just ignore the sight of it. I needed to help that child find his family.
Dropping what I was doing, I approach the child. Leaning down, I asked, “Ou est ta mama?”
Obviously a little scared of my presence, he still gave me an answer, “Je ne sais pas.”
He didn’t know where his mother was. I proceeded to pick up the boy and pulled him onto my shoulder. “Nous se trouverons,” I told him, and proceeded to find his mother.
I headed to a nearby neighborhood, hoping someone would be looking for this child. Most people were more focused salvaging what remained of their home and their property. If I was a parent with a missing child, I’d probably be in a frantic mess, freaking out trying to do what I can to find him. Walking around the dusty streets, I began to give up hope. Maybe the best thing I could do is take him back to camp and maybe get him some food for his stomach.
Before I made our way back, someone from beyond the shadows stopped me, “My child!” She cried in a thick accent.
The child recognized her, and I let him go as he ran straight to her arms, hugging her tight as she picked him up. Another reunited family, and a job well done.
“I truly appreciate you going to these lengths finding my child,” She claimed, “I feel like I must reward you.”
Being rather modest, I insisted, “You don’t need to reward me. I was just doing my job.”
Still, underneath her purple robe, she pulled out a shiny, glittering, green object, tied around a string made of hemp. “This is a scale that my family had kept around me for many generations. It is very valuable; it even changes colors from green to purple at night. Please take it.”
She immediately grabbed my hand and gave me her necklace. As soon as it touched my hand I felt a shock run up and down my body. What just happened?
Shaking off the strange feeling I continued, “I really don’t deserve this.”
She laughed, “Sure you do. I cannot think of anyone better to hold onto something so important.” She turned away, stating “I’m sure we will meet again. I’m sure it will be a very interesting reunion.” She walked back into the shadows, kid in tow. I felt uneasy about that last sentence. Maybe I was just paranoid.
Looking at the time, my shift was approaching its end. That was a good thing. Eliza and I had been seeing each other quite a bit, and we agreed to meet tonight for some drinks. I really needed to get a shower.
I made my way home. The thought of a shower almost sounded addicting. I didn’t know why I felt such an overbearing need to do so. It was like the only thing on my mind at this point. Standing naked I turned the faucet on and step into the tub. The feeling was so extraordinary, like nothing I had ever felt, and I’ve taken showers before. I couldn’t help myself as I plug the drain and began to lie down and drift off. Only when the tub began to overflow did I break my trance. I immediately shut off the water, and began to drain it. Seeing the mess I made, I hadn’t any time to clean it. I was to meet her in 15 minutes, and I spent too much time relaxing in the tub, for reasons unknown. Getting dressed as fast as I could I ran out the door.
I was lucky to get there on time, as I saw the stunningly beautiful Eliza, wearing an indigo dress. She went all out it seemed. I felt kind of embarrassed seeing I didn’t dress as well, time was of the essence after all.
I pull up her seat and she sat down, mojito in hand. She took a quick sip and we began talking.
“Long day?” She began.
“Kind of,” I replied. “I’m sorry I’m not dressed for the occasion.”
“It’s quite alright,” She insisted, “This really isn’t supposed to be a pleasure trip anyway. But people do sometimes need to kick back, relax a little. The place can leave a person feeling depressed.”
“I know what you mean,” I agreed. Looking around this place, it was better preserved than most. It was a tourist destination for the most part; they probably had more money put into the place. A few days cleaning out the debris and it was reopened for business. Of course, the décor was ruined, but for us, that wasn’t a major thing. We just needed a place to kick back.
Looking back at her I saw her staring at my necklace. “Where did you get that?” She queried, taking another sip of her drink.
I almost forgot I had it on the whole time. Even in the shower, I didn’t think of taking it off. “Some woman gave it to me for finding her child,” I answered. “She was rather insistent of me having it.”
“That looks rather valuable, I’m surprised you didn’t give it back to her.” Well, thanks for the guilt trip.
“She left before I had the chance,” I half-lied. Yes, she took off before I had any say in the matter. However, something in me wanted this. I couldn’t seem to convince myself of giving it back, no matter how selfish it made me. I almost felt like without it, I was naked.
“I see,” She continued, “Sorry, I wasn’t trying to make you feel bad.”
“It’s ok, you didn’t,” I said. Changing the subject, I called for the waiter, “Garçon! One of your best bottles of rum s’il vous plait!” Eliza couldn’t help but giggle at my attempt at being sophisticated.
So we continued to chat for the night, drinking to the point of being buzzed. When the night was over I was ready to walk on home, but as I got up from my seat I felt dizzy and woozy.
Balancing myself I heard a worried Eliza ask, “Are you ok?”
“I think so,” I replied, confused. “Weird, I didn’t think I had that much to drink.”
Wrapping my arm around her shoulder, she said, “Come on. I’ll help you back to your hotel.”
Slightly embarrassed, I thanked her for the opportunity. But oddly other than the disoriented feeling standing up I felt fine. With her holding me for support, we made it back to my place. Opening my door for me she dragged me to my bed and laid me down.
“You’re rather heavy,” Eliza joked.
“Gee, thanks,” I replied, feeling a little better now I was on my bed.
“Are you going to be ok?” She asked.
“I think so,” I answered. After all it probably was just me drinking too much and I would be fine by morning.
“Alright.” She began to walk to the door. “I’ll check on you in the morning. Good night.”
She left, leaving me to my own devices. I must have looked like a fool. Oh well. Can’t change what’s passed.
Looking over I reached for my blanket and wrapped it around me. It felt good to be home. For some reason, I felt a lot more tired than usual. It didn’t take me long to pass out.
I had a dream that night. I imagined being underwater, underneath the most blue of waters. The feelings I had as it ran through my hair. I was in a cove, decorated in ornate seashells. In this cover there was a mirror. I swam over to a mirror made from the face of a clam. Looking through my vanity I saw a woman, I saw myself, wearing a brassiere made of clam shells, and jewelry such as a pearl necklaces, beautiful gold bracelets, rings, pearl earrings, and on my head, a beautiful golden tiara with a ruby in the center. My body looked so beautiful; the golden brown skin, the curvaceous hips, and my beautiful green tail, covered in scales which reminded me of the necklace I received from that lady.
Suddenly I was being escorted by two mermen. They must’ve been my guardians. I swam down the hallways and outside. I was greeted by a crowd of millions or merfolk, cheering at the very sight of my presence.
“Long live the daughter of Goddess Alora! Long live our princess!”
And with a cheer they praised me, the princess of the Merfolk.
I woke up the next day, feeling wonderful. I stretched out. I never felt so good in a long while. I wanted to up from my bed and start the day.
That’s when I first realized my life wasn’t going to be the same again.
I wanted to move my legs. Yet my brain wasn’t conforming to my commands. I opened my eyes, in fear. Could I be paralyzed?
That thought was thrown out the window as a I saw a pair of round orbs impeding my sight. I…had boobs!
I was freaking out, my hands were small and slender, my body, at least from what I saw, was just as petite. Speechless, I tumbled out of bed and fell on the floor. That’s when I saw it.
That’s when I saw my tail. My mermaid tail. I became the girl in my dreams. Without thinking, I let out a scream, loud and obviously feminine in nature.
I didn’t even realize that Eliza was just outside the door, about to check up on me. That scream obviously got her attention. “Kyle?” She called to me from behind the door. I declined to answer, because one my voice was altered, and two because I didn’t want her to see me like this. But my screech gave Eliza precedence to worry. She quickly swung open the door, seeing me, the newly minted Mermaid on the floor. She stopped, almost as shocked as I was.
“…Eliza,” I began as I tried to regain my composure, “It’s me, Kyle. I think I’m going to need your help.”
A long time ago, the Earth blessed four spirits, making them gods. The gods of Earth, Air, Fire, and Water, oversee their realms, creating sentient creatures to help cultivate their lands. These beings constantly war over each other, eventually driving the servants of Water, the Merfolk, to extinction. Millennia later Kyle Weathers receives a gift from an old and mysterious lady while working in Haiti. This gift will change his life forever.
Ithycca
Chapter 2- The End and a New Beginning
By AoifeM
My oversized shirt drooped over my tiny little body, the collar hanging off of my shoulder. I must have lost a good five to six inches of height, and over 150 pounds of muscle mass. Not too long ago my shirt would have fit like a charm. Now the only thing that kept it from falling off me completely was my breasts, which I didn’t even have until this very morning.
My pants weren’t so lucky. They were ripped to shreds, the result of my new fish like tail. Lying here I felt as hopeless as a newborn child. With my miniscule arms, I couldn’t even drag myself from off the floor.
And meanwhile, there was my friend, Eliza, looking at me like I’m a fairy tale come to life. In my mind I wished that this was like something from that movie Inception, that this was just a dream, in a dream.
And that dream I had last night didn’t feel like a dream either. It felt more like something within me unlocked and all these vaguely familiar memories came flooding back into me. Why was that? What did this all mean?
Finally, Eliza broke the silence. “This can’t be real,” she said, struggling to grasp the reality of the situation.
Still getting used to my high pitched voice I countered, “It’s way real.” Still attempting to climb back up to my bed I finally gave up. Turning to her in defeat I pleaded to her, “Could you help me up on my bed?”
Seeing I was now lighter and most likely weaker than Eliza she easily picked me up, her hand touching my scaly tail as she lifted, and place me on my mattress.
“That felt rather awkward,” She explained, “You tail is kind of slippery, if that’s the proper word. I hope I didn’t touch anything inappropriate.”
“I don’t think you did,” I replied, browsing my backside. I didn’t know where on my new body my gastrointestinal tract ended. Furthermore I didn’t even know where my reproductive organs were, and to be honest, I’d rather never know. Confirming I had a fish uterus would only destroy what little hope I still had that I was male, even though the evidence was already piling up against me.
As I continued staring at my tail I had an epiphany, and I was surprised I didn’t think of it earlier. Reaching into my oversized shirt I pulled out my necklace. Oddly enough, the scale had lost all of its brilliant hue; it now resembled a dull, clear piece of glass. Touching the scale caused it to disintegrate; nothing but particles remained, confirming the truth: that necklace made me into this.
Suddenly I felt like something was beginning to burn me from the inside. At first it was more like an inconvenience, but as time went on the heat within me rose. My throat felt parched, and my tail, which I wasn’t familiar with in any biological matter, felt brittle and rough to the touch. By the time I realized something was wrong I felt I was being baked in an oven. Panting, I instinctively began to flop around on my bed, violently flailing my tail, holding on for dear life.
Frighten, Eliza yelled, "What's wrong?"
“I need water!” I screamed, frightened to death of my predicament. “Get me to the Tub!”
Seeing that my life was on the line Eliza picked me back up and hauled me into the tub. The faucet immediately was turned on, and the shower quickly allowed the heat to subside. Plugging the bathtub I subconsciously submerged myself as the water rushed over my face. I didn’t even notice anything peculiar until Eliza pointed it out.
“My God,” She exclaimed. “Your neck- You can breathe underwater.”
I gently grazed my neck and felt tiny, sensitive slits on both sides of my throat. You would even notice unless I was underwater. I sure didn’t realize it until now, and neither did Eliza.
Freaking out, I rose swiftly, splashing water all over the place as I tried to balance myself. I found out that sitting would be a difficult task when you have no butt. “Is there any other surprises?!” I exclaimed, obviously about to break down from the overwhelming feeling of it all.
About to go all teary-eyed, Eliza witnessed my frustration and began to embrace me in a hug. I let everything go. What’s the point of fighting it? I was scared, confused, and unable to comprehend anything that happened to me. I was at least thankful that Eliza was there, supporting me.
Minutes passed and my composure slowly regained. Eliza kept an eye on me. I wasn’t hurt by her staring, however. I mean, how often could anyone truly say they have seen a mermaid?
My thoughts obviously were on more important things: how to return to normal, for one thing. Watching the scale of my necklace dissolve pretty much gave me all the proof I need. That was what turned me into this. And who gave me it? That strange lady, who rewarded it to me after I brought back her child. Put two and two together, and it’s obvious where I need to go next.
“That lady,” I said, “Eliza we need to find that lady who gave me that necklace!”
“How will we do that?” She asked. I really didn’t know either, seeing I’m not in the mobile of forms.
“You can carry me to your car!” I answered. “I can direct you to where I met her last!”
The plan set in motion she immediately got up, leaving me in the tub.
Wondering what she was doing I replied, “You can’t leave me here! I’m kind of important you know?”
Turning back to me she replied, “I’ll be back in a bit. I’m sorry but I don’t think you could go out in that!” Then she teased, “By the way, your nipples are showing.”
Looking down I saw my nipples, erect and showing through my gigantic shirt. Embarrassed, I immediately tried to hide it. Why did she have to remind me?
Giggling, she closed the door behind me. I almost think she’s enjoying this.
...Why me?
Impatiently, I waited. She really hasn’t been gone long, but that was beside the point. One more minute in this body was one minute too much. I wanted to return to being a human as soon as possible. At this point the only thing I’d get by staying a mermaid was a feeling of helplessness.
She arrived carrying with her an oversized beach towel. “This should help cover your tail. I don’t think people will notice.”
“Good thinking,” I commended. As she laid the towel on the floor I saw another piece a fabric in her hand; something I wasn’t about to put on.
“Oh, no,” I began, “I am so not wearing that.”
That, as I so eloquently referred to it as, was a top half of a two piece bikini. I may be a woman, but I’ll be damned if I’ll dress like one!
“Well, what else are you going to wear, Kyle?” She questioned, “All of your clothes are too big now, and I don’t think the locals will appreciate some well endowed woman flaunting her stuff all over the place. Well, at least the female half won’t!”
Sighing, I whined, “Couldn’t you have just grabbed a shirt or something?”
“Well, I figured this was proper,” she explained, “If you needed to find a place of water to soak in or something, I’d rather not have my wardrobe getting wet.”
“You’re worried about your wardrobe at a time like this?” I complained.
Shrugging me off she continued, “Take off your shirt so I can put this on.”
I was kind of uncomfortable about showing off my new jugs. I don’t know how she could be so nonchalant about it.
“Oh come off of it!” she cried, “It’s nothing I haven’t seen before.”
Dejectedly I relented, pulling off my shirt and swallowing my pride, allowing her do her thing. Oddly enough the maneuvering of my breasts as she adjusted the top felt good. I had to bite my tongue to keep from gasping. Like my tail, it seemed these things would take time to get used to. Maybe even more time.
Finished, she just had to comment. “Looks like you’re just my size.”
“Great,” I replied cynically as the sensitivity from my breasts started to fade.
Draining the water she carried me up from the tub and onto the bathroom floor. Try as I might, I still wasn’t capable of sitting as I fell on my stomach. I was the proverbial fish out of water.
Flipping myself over Eliza helped me cover my tail with her gigantic beach towel. Indeed it was good enough to hide my fish-like extremities, which was a load off my mind. With everything taken care of it was time to make way toward her truck.
“Are you ready?” She asked.
“Ready as I’ll ever be, I guess,” I replied half-heartedly.
Picking me up I still couldn’t help but feel demoralized at how easy she could pick me up. It should be me picking her up, not the other way around!
We made our way downstairs, with me helping as much as I can by opening the doors and pressing the elevator buttons for her. Reaching the lobby, her truck was waiting out front. We made it outside; apparently no one was suspicious that some weird unknown girl was about being carried out by a British aid worker. Maybe they thought I was someone’s date for the night?
...That thought immediately made me cringe.
Opening the passenger door, Eliza gently slid me inside. Balancing myself with the armrest, I could tell that sitting on my tail like this was going to be stressful. I blocked my mind from the pain though. I couldn’t let that get in the way of finding that lady.
Shutting the door, Eliza started up the ignition. Let the searching commence!
With a decent photographic memory I led Eliza to the apartment complex where I met with the lady earlier. The slums were busy; people were cleaning up, trading, doing business, and salvaging items much like before. Still even with all the activity that lady wasn’t to be found.
Seeing we were getting nowhere just driving around, she slowed to a stop. Turning to me she asked, “You’re sure this is the place?”
“I know it is,” I reassured her, not too happy she would second guess me like that.
She shut off her engine and told me, “I’m going to ask around. She has a kid, correct? That should make finding her a little easier. Stay here and wait for me.”
Rolling my eyes like some immature little brat, I vilely replied, “Yeah, like I can just mosey out and leave here.”
Apparently unfazed by my snarky behavior, she shut the door and began to investigate. Maybe I was acting a little bitchy. But seeing how I’m starting to label my attitude “bitchy,” it only made it even worse. I really want to get back to normal, and I'd rather do it soon, because I’m starting to feel like this is effecting my head.
A few minutes passed. The sun was directly hitting me, and although I haven't been sitting here very long, the bright yellow orb was turning the car into an oven. Considering I was creature who needed to be moist and hydrated at all times, I could see how sitting in a car for any length of time would pose a threat to my health. however, I don't think either Eliza or I could have imagined that I could be dehydrated this quickly!
Starting to breathe heavy, it was getting hard for me to focus. I needed water…Eliza, hurry up!
I was drifting in and out of consciousness. Before I faded into black I heard the passenger door open, and a voice speaking.
“You be lookin' rather thirsty,” She said almost jokingly.
I opened my eyes. I was alive, somehow. But what happened?
Coming to, I tried to recollect what happened. Eliza left to investigate, leaving me in the car. Neither of us knew how harmful it would be staying in a hot car, so I couldn't fault her. I've been a mermaid for a few hours and I'm still subconsciously thinking I can endure things as if I was still human. I found out the hard way; sitting in a hot car for even a short period of time would be no big deal for a human, it proved nearly fatal for me.
Putting these thoughts aside, I decided to look around and see where I was. Almost immediately I realized I was underwater. All around me were fish of different colors and sizes. Looking down I spotted the kelp. Upon touching it, I realized it was fake.
Staring out in front of me, I was greeted by a barrier of glass. This glass seemed to cover every corner: front and back, side to side, and top to bottom. Trapped as if I was buried in a coffin, I tried frantically to break out, but with little room I hand't any momentum to shatter this glass. Beyond the glass seemed like a family room. And in that family room was that mysterious lady; the one one who put me into this mess. She was having a heart to heart conversation with her child.
Obviously that came to an end with my ceaseless squirming. With all the ruckus I was causing she knew I was awake and around.
“You run along now,” she chided to her son, “And don’t you be runnin’ off like ya' did before! I needn’t be greeted by some other generous stranger.” Obviously that was a jab at me. And trust me; if I had another opportunity, I would have taken him to child services, you witch!
“I know you can hear me,” She stated, obviously directing that to me. “And I’m not a witch, at least, not in a derogatory sense.”
Okay, now I was freaked out. Did she just read my mind?
“Well, how else would I be able to communicate wit’ ya?” She questioned. "It be kinda hard for you talkin' in the water like that." Yep, she was reading my mind.
“Oh, I must apologize for havin’ you cooped up in my aquarium like that,” she said. Not much choice seeing you were graspin’ for dear life.”
Well, that answered that question.
“Bein’ I saved your life, would you be so kind to allow me to talk?” She suggested. “I’m sure it be of great interest to hear what I have to say.”
Well, I’m kind of trapped here, I thought. I might as well hear her out.
She smiled. “Thank you sweet child. Allow me to introduce m’self. I am Gaia, the Goddess of the Earth.”
A long time ago, the Earth blessed four spirits, making them gods. The gods of Earth, Air, Fire, and Water, oversee their realms, creating sentient creatures to help cultivate their lands. These beings constantly fought each other for supremacy, eventually driving the servants of Water, the Merfolk, to extinction. Millennia later Kyle Weathers receives a gift from an old and mysterious lady while working in Haiti. This gift will change his life forever.
Ithycca
Chapter 3- Good Ol’ Auntie Gaia
By AoifeM
What should’ve have taken a least a few men to remove me from my watery prison only took a snap of her fingers for Gaia. In a flash I was transported from her aquarium and onto her couch, already draped in towels as if she was predicting my eventual arrival.
Twisting around a little bit to get comfortable, she warned me, “Now, don’t you go fidgetin’ ‘round like that. You get my floors wet, and I needn’t the time to mop after ya!”
Honestly I wish she wouldn’t act so carefree. She might be enjoying this but to me being half fish is a serious issue!
“You know,” she began as she walked to her kitchen and opened her refrigerator, “A long time ago mermaids would come and go and you wouldn’t think twice ‘bout it.” Grabbing what seemed to be a premade sandwich wrapped in saran wrap she shut the door and came back into the room.
Handing the sandwich to me she digressed, “I prepared this for you ahead of time. I got few supplies since the quake, but I just know how you folk like tuna.”
While I was staring at her offer, she barked, “What you be staring at? Go on, and eat! You be a mermaid only a day now! You be weak from the change, regain your strength, child!”
I held back long enough. I'm tired of being reminded of what I'd become. I needed answers, not a poorly constructed sandwich! Like a volcano I erupted. “Why did you change me in the first place!?” I yelled demanding my right to an explanation.
“What make you think I change you?” she replied. “What made you think you weren’t already this way?”
“What do you mean I was already this way?” I cried, wondering just exactly what she was trying to get at. I thought the whole “wise and powerful being answering questions with vague and non-descript answers shtick” was something that was shown in movies…or during presidential campaigns. I really don’t have time for this.
She reiterated, “Maybe your entire life was just a guise, leadin’ you to this very moment. The moment you broke from your cocoon and became what you are right now. Tis destiny, my dear.”
I didn’t want to hear it. 22 years of my life, living on this earth, and none of my choices, my decisions, mattered? Bullshit. “I don’t believe you,” I defiantly remarked.
She slowly paced around the room, eyeing me. “This form was always there, hiding. The athleticism, the intelligence, the charisma; where did you think all that talent came from?” Coming to a dead stop, she responded, “Because you had over ten thousand years of memories retained in you!”
It was true I was gifted in many skills, and maybe I did have it easier than others. But many people could pick up things faster than others. She still didn’t convince me.
“I suppose I need to prove it to you, yes?” She assumed. “Very well child, tell me, what be your name?”
What kind of question was that? I knew it like that back of my hand! Triumphantly I replied, “Ithycca!”
My smug look turned into utter shock. Ithycca? What? Who the hell was Ithycca? I was Ithycca. But that isn’t right. I’m Kyle Weathers.
Grinning, she revealed to me, “I proved me point. Subconsciously you blurt out the name you be now. You’d hafta take the time to even remember you be once Kyle Weathers”
I was shocked. I didn’t know what to think. I didn’t want to think! I didn’t want to know this “Ithycca,” or whatever was inside of me. I wanted to return to my old self, and by old self, I meant Kyle.
Unfortunately she told me everything regardless, “You are Princess Ithycca of Atlantis. You are the Daughter of the Goddess of Water, my sister, Alora. You were her finest daughter.”
The thoughts came back to me. The visions I had in my sleep, in front of thousands of merfolk, chanting out my name and my title as daughter of a God.
“Ten thousand years ago a major war occurred between the major elements. The beings of water, air, fire, and yes, these humans of earth, battled for the very thing I possess- The planet’s favor and the gateway. The gate is the way of entry between all realms on the planet. The result of this war was the complete annihilation of the merfolk race.”
All this, lost to the sands of time, I thought to myself. It’s surprising how much humankind really can’t remember.
“Alora, realizing this, had set up a precautionary measure. She tore a scale from her very fin, and sent it to Earth. One day, the reincarnation of her beloved daughter, would find this scale, and be reborn again.”
“And apparently, that was me,” I said, finally admitting to myself that this was too complex to be an old-wives tale. “But I don’t get it. Why would you willingly allow me possession of such a thing? Wasn’t my kind enemies with you?”
She sighed, and with exasperated breath, answered. “I do the planet’s will. It be not my place to hate, even if others wish me harm.”
Taking the high road I see.
She continued, “All I know is that your being here is of great import. Somethin’ real big be comin’ soon. ”
Like that answer really cleared up anything.
“Look, my dear,” She solemnly said. “What Alora did, and what I allowed, be unnatural. You live, you die, get reborn and move on; from each life absorbing new experiences and behaviors, without retaining the memories of your pasts. I would not be bringing you back if the planet hadn’t be wishin’ it. But it be what it be.”
“And what makes you think the planet wished for this?” I asked. Honestly I don’t know why something so omnipotent would need a little thing like me.
“Look around here,” she stated, “do you think this quake be natural? It was crying, begging, pleading for help. And I fear it will continue. The planet can sense the feelings of all beings. That means it can sense their intentions just as much. And if there’s an overwhelming feeling of anger and resentment…I fear it might be a repeat of 10,000 years ago.”
“But, I’m not a superhero!” I cried, “I’m just a plain guy!”
“Ithycca,” she sternly countered, using my new name for added emphasis, “I have existed for many of eons. I’ve created what you be seein’ here. I created human life. Soon after, I began interacting with them, going so far as to live as one. I had loved, been loved, and have punished much the same. I experienced everything one could. I even bore children- two of which be growing up right here now under me watchful eye. I heed the calls of the planet, not because of my position as Goddess, but because I care about me people, and me children. I refuse to let anything happen to them.”
Sad thing was Gaia’s feelings were resonating with me. The thought of someone’s children dying before they even had a chance to grow up would be depressing. My thoughts drifted deeper. What if they were my children? What if they couldn’t have the opportunity to grow up?
…Great, I thought, quickly trouncing the subject. If these feelings were my maternal instincts, then she’s really doing a good job bringing them out.
Fortunately, she ended her little chat, and like a flip of a switch, she returned to scolding me. “That sandwich be going bad, dear. Maybe you mermaids adore that smell, but I’d rather not be smellin’ that odor all over me house!” With that she turned and walk off, most likely giving me time to absorb all she told me.
Geez, lady, don’t need to be bitching at every little detail.
Reading my thoughts she yelled back, “Don’t be acting like you own the place! And it’s Gaia, or Auntie Gaia to you!”
Man, this will be one complicated relationship.
Turning back to my tuna sandwich, I began to unwrap it. Not able to recognize any stench, I brought my nose to it and gave it a quick smell. What stench? That didn’t smell all that bad. As in fact, it smelled pretty damn good! Smelling it again, I almost couldn’t help but drool. Not waiting any longer, in a most unladylike manner I started to scarf the thing down. It was bliss. Guess I know what I’m eating for the foreseeable future.
Laying back I still had a hard time believing in such an extraordinary story. I, Kyle Weathers, was just a vessel, reincarnated and predestined to be reborn as my former incarnation, Ithycca, and slowly her memories are returning to me.
But what’s the point of all this? Even if at some point I was this…girl, it’s been ten thousand years! You can’t just change someone’s gender, or species, for that matter, and think I’ll just go about my business like it isn’t any major deal. And what exactly does Ithycca have that I don’t? As far as I could tell, Kyle was stronger, just as intelligent, and oh yeah, he could actually walk. And it’s not like humans hadn’t advanced these past ten thousand years. Scuba gear, submersibles, hell even robotic drones could easily accomplish anything this body could!
To me, this tail was more a hindrance than anything. Since last night I’ve gotten somewhat used to my new body. With a better grasp of my motor skills, I began to move my tail in a slithery S like motion. It was strange, like every muscle of my tail could move in any way, with no joints locking them in place. It was obviously a lot more flexible than any pair of legs a human could possess. If I wanted to, I could touch the top of my cranium with the fin of my tail, either by bending it forward covering my face, or backwards behind my head.
There was another realization I immediately noticed. It seemed that my tail changed color too. When I first saw my tail, it was a fluoride green color. Now, it had an amethyst like hue. It must’ve been similar to the scale Gaia gave me; my tail changed colors at night.
All these new observations, while interesting, were proving to be way too much for me to handle. My new body and its history- we talked for a good while and yet I didn’t even accomplish what I set out to do. I wanted my human body back.
Gaia returned, apparently from putting her children to bed. I took the opportunity and grabbed her attention.
“Look, if by helping you or the planet out or whatever, can you change me back?” I asked, finally getting to the crux of the issue.
“Child, I can’t change you back,” she stated. “It be beyond my power. Only the planet can make such decisions. But I’m sure that by helping it you be currying it to your favor.”
Fine, so be the planet’s slave, get to be Kyle again. At least I felt I had a chance.
“Fine,” I reluctantly decided, “What is it I have to do?”
Her sullen face now sported a mischievous grin. Whatever what about to happen it wasn’t going to be good.
Her eyes shined a pure white as she raised her hand towards the ceiling. Some sort of vortex sprung forth as electricity came crashing down like lightning.
Scared to holy hell, I cried, “What the hell are you doing!?”
“It be worthless sticking around here lyin’ about like a sack of potatoes!” She explained.
“Better be you in an environment more suitable!”
“Wha-?”
I couldn’t even finish my sentence. With a flash the room disappeared and my vision became black, clueless of where I was heading next.
A long time ago, the Earth blessed four spirits, making them gods. The gods of Earth, Air, Fire, and Water, oversee their realms, creating sentient creatures to help cultivate their lands. These beings constantly fought each other for supremacy, eventually driving the servants of Water, the Merfolk, to extinction. Millennia later Kyle Weathers receives a gift from an old and mysterious lady while working in Haiti. This gift will change his life forever.
Ithycca
Chapter 4: Legs?
by AoifeM
The flash of light must have knocked me out for a few hours. The first thing I felt was the water filtering in and out through my gills- a feeling that still was new and unusual to me. Opening my eyes all I saw was black. The salty taste rolling off my tongue made it evident that Gaia sent me to the ocean.
The immediate realization sent me into a frenzied panic. There really isn’t anything more frightening than being in an unfamiliar place, all alone and in complete darkness. I wanted to scream, but all that accomplished was me coughing up access water in a rather violent manner, sending bubbles upward towards the surface. Seems Gaia was right, merfolk can’t simply communicate like a human can.
That still didn’t keep me from flailing around, worried. My tail was swinging around aimlessly, and I was blind as a bat. I had never been in the ocean before, let alone like this.
Clueless of what to do, and the adrenaline getting to me, I fell into instinctive drift, and not thinking, suddenly I witness a glow surround me. Surprised, my cognizance slowly began to return to me. Looking down I witnessed my tail glowing with faint, lavender light, illuminating the area around me. It didn’t last long, however, and soon enough everything went dark again.
This perplexed me. Could my tail have some form of bioluminescence? Witnessing my new ability, my thoughts were immediately directed to recreating it. That was easier said than done. It’s like an infant struggling to stand up for any period of time. I almost worried if I tried too hard I might fart or something! Not that anyone was around, but I can’t help but be a little self conscious about it.
I quickly became frustrated over the prospect. Ironically when I decided to give up my tail thought it funny to light up once more. This time the light illuminated a wider area. It seemed to be more of a reflexive action; the more relaxed I felt the easier it was to use it.
Spending a good amount of time playing around with it, eventually I got a good feel how to get my tail to light. It wasn’t a permanent light, but more like a firefly, I had to keep lighting it on occasion. Eventually it would become a routine habit when swimming leagues deep.
This led me to my next problem. For the brief period I’ve been a mermaid, the most water I’ve been into was my bathtub and Gaia’s aquarium. That gave me little room to actually learn how to swim. Now I’m out in the middle of nowhere, and I didn’t even know if this ocean ever had an end. Luckily, being able to breathe underwater gave me as much time as need to really get used to this.
I tried to think back to my old biology lessons. I remembered old videos of different types of fish: sharks, trout, tuna. My tail was oddly different from many of them. Most fish like species swim by moving their tails laterally from left to right. Mine was flexible enough to move left to right, and up and down in a paddle form. I couldn’t bend it like I could legs since my tail didn't have any joints, but instead a group of muscles I eventually learned are called myomeres. It was so flexible it could move with the currents, twisting and turning, I could easily turn on a dime.
It didn’t take much thought as my tail began to paddle, and I immediately was surprised how fast I traveled, and I hardly expended any energy. As a human, going this fast would easily wear them down, if they could swim that fast at all. I, however, felt like I could go even faster.
Deciding to swim in a more fish like undulatory motion, I moved my tail side to side, and picked up the speed. I easily flew like a bullet across the basins and the ravines. Swimming at top speed I felt like a torpedo. I forgot my worries, and I beginning to enjoy myself and my new body. The exhilaration I felt as the water jetted across my body. I went so far as to antagonize a group of two to three tiger sharks with my glowing tail, and even then I could out swim them. I never felt so alive. In my mind, I was the queen of these waters, a nothing could stop me.
Still all good things had to come to an end. I had to find shore, and hopefully find out where I was. Reaching the surface, I was greeted to a full moon and starry night; the moon light reflecting my wet bosom, still covered in Eliza’s swim top. I really needed to find her; she must’ve been worried sick.
Looking around at the surface however there was no sign of shore anywhere. At least I had a fair idea which way was north. I’d feared that swimming the opposite direction I’d be in South America. So deciding to swim away from the moon, I went that way.
It seemed to be the right the decision. Swimming near the surface at inhuman speeds, sure enough I spotted land. By the time I reached shore, the sun was creeping up. Reaching the beach my tail became a handicap. Using my delicate arms, I struggled to climb up to the shore. Seeing a nearby rock, I dragged my hapless body over and using it as balance since I hadn’t a butt to sit with; I leaned my back over it and rested. Land was definitely my weakness.
Obviously thinking ahead wasn’t my greatest of strengths either. I was on land, and with a little investigation I could probably figure out where I would up at. Unfortunately, I would have a hard time doing anything if I couldn’t move.
“I’m so proud of you girl,” I overheard. The Creole voice awfully familiar.
Looking up I saw the person who got me caught up in this mess in the first place. It was Gaia.
“What the hell? Where did you send me? Why would you do that to me?” I was obviously extremely irritated as I rapidly fired questions at her without breaking for breath.
“How else would you learn?” She said. “You’re a mermaid, you’ll hafta get used to swimmin’ great lengths. And you did a fantastic job by the way. Just like a real Little Mermaid.”
Getting compared to Ariel wasn't going to earn her any brownie points. Sarcastically I quipped, “Gee, thanks auntie.” I followed by flapping my tail, pulling the sand off my fin.”
“Well, I suppose I should reward you for your puttin’ up with me dear,” she proposed. And with a wave of her finger and a flash of light my fin was gone, replaced by a pair of silky smooth human legs.
Shocked I jumped up, my feet instinctively landed on the ground like I hadn’t lost them. “W-what did you do?!” I exclaimed, both freaked out and intrigued at the same time.
“It seemed like you be needin’ assistance moving about,” she replied. She threw me a towel. “You might want to cover up, ya clam be showin’, it not very lady like.”
Looking down I didn’t even realize that my crotch was showing. Embarrassed I quickly grabbed her towel and wrapped it around me.
With my face being as red as a copper skinned woman could get, Gaia decided to move on to a different topic, “Come. Let’s be headin’ to my place.”
“You’re place?” I restated. “Just how many places do you have?”
Laughing she answered, “I’m the God of Earth dear. I tend to get along plenty fine, living as long as I have.” Motioning me over she reiterated, “Come now.”
Shaking out the kinks of my new legs, I followed her. It really took awhile to get my center of gravity back. I had been a mermaid for over 24 hours, plus when I did have legs I didn’t have the curvaceous features I did now. As we walked the streets we continued our conversation.
“So,” I began, “Where are we exactly?”
“This be Key West,” She answered, shocking me, “I figured you might need a better place to relax, and maybe get used to your new self without all the problems.”
“Well maybe I was fine being in Haiti,” I stated, not very thrilled.
“Nuthin’ be sayin’ you can’t just swim back, dear,” she stated. “You got the capability.”
“I hope Eliza is ok,” I said with my head hung down.
“She be ok,” Gaia assured me, “When the time comes you can check up on her.”
She led me to a small, yet cozy beachfront house. Turning to me she invited me in, “Well what you be standin’ there for? Come in!”
I walked in. This was a quaint place, something back when I was Kyle I would love to have bought. It had a bar, with plenty of alcohol, fruit drinks and other beverages. The family room had a big screen television surrounded by leather furniture. Further in the back was a patio which oversaw the beach and ocean further on.
She led me to the bedroom, which was luxurious to say the least. It had its own aquarium. The teal covered walls gave it an oceanic flair. The bed had a water bed mattress; it would probably feel awesome in either mermaid or human form. Behind the headboard was a rocky wall, a man made waterfall gently flows from the wall to the bottom below. The sounds and sights could put anyone to sleep like a stone.
She offered me to sit down on her bed, and I happily obliged. Plopping down, I took the time to further interrogate her. I had many questions for her; the first question I truly wanted to know might be the hardest one for her to answer.
“What was my Mother like?” I asked her.
She sighed, obviously trying to come up with the words to answer me, “Your mother, Alora, was an eccentric being. We weren’t the closest of siblings. Then again, none of my siblings were. I’m sure as more of your memories return to you’ll understand her more.”
“So why couldn’t you two get along?” I couldn’t help but wonder.
“That’s just the way of the world.” She answered, “I was chosen to hold the gate of this world. Heaven, Hell, and even your world of Atlantis; all worlds meet here. Earth. My siblings are not the most appreciative of this fact.”
“My mom included?” I interrupted
She nodded, “I tell you this not because I wish for you to hate her. What you do be your own right. She obviously loved you enough to restore your existence. Whatever else you be needin’ to know you hafta find yourself.”
She began to walk out wondering where she was planning on going. She turned back to me, and said, “This place be your place now. Call it a gift from your loving aunt. Do what you will here. The legs are yours as well. It be a glamour, just think it and bam, you be human again. It be like magic. Can’t be a man no more though.”
Looking at my luck, I guess I should thank God for small blessings.
“And don’t think because you look human that you can go ‘round not havin’ to worry ‘bout ya mermaid biology!” She implored me, “You still need to maintain hydration at regular intervals, which means you need to be out and swimmin’, ya?”
“Hold up-!” I cried, though those words were unheeded and with a flash of light she vanished.
“Great,” I said cynically. I really hate when she does that. Here I was, alone, in a house given to me by someone I only just begun to know. And what’s worse, I was here wearing nothing more but the top half of a two piece bikini swimsuit and a towel around my waist, covering the more intimate parts of my female anatomy.
Walking to the bathroom, I took the opportunity to look at myself through the mirror for the very first time. Sure, I was human again, but the whole female thing still proved to be annoying. I spent 22 years of my life as a man. I steeled myself for what I was about to witness. Slowly I stepped in front of the mirror and gazed upon my whole, female self. I was mesmerized by every little detail of my face: the light brown skin, the cute face, the light brown hair, the petite little nose, the emerald eyes and succulent red lips. This proved too much for me to behold, and quickly turned my head away.
And the worst part was that feeling that my entire life as a man was a lie, that all the achievements I had, like my amazing intelligence, my athletic abilities, and my outgoing nature, was all just because I was really a mermaid, locked inside the body of Kyle Weathers, just waiting to get out.
Finding a robe on the bathroom door hanger, I decided maybe it was best if I covered up a little. Surprisingly it was just my size. It wasn’t a bad feeling as the microfibers seemed to massage my smooth, sensitive skin.
Walking back into the bedroom, I saw the sun peaking over my window. I pulled down the shades and plopped down onto my waterbed. It felt fantastic how the movement of the mattress rippled across my body. It felt so similar to that when I was a mermaid swimming just hours earlier. I suppose I can wait a little longer to reconvene with Eliza. I was obviously tired; it seems like swimming across the Gulf of Mexico takes a lot out of you. It didn’t take more than a few minutes before I passed out.
A long time ago, the Earth blessed four spirits, making them gods. The gods of Earth, Air, Fire, and Water, oversee their realms, creating sentient creatures to help cultivate their lands. These beings constantly fought each other for supremacy, eventually driving the servants of Water, the Merfolk, to extinction. Millennia later Kyle Weathers receives a gift from an old and mysterious lady while working in Haiti. This gift will change his life forever.
Ithycca
Chapter 5: Fish Sandwiches
by AoifeM
Here I was, overlooking a crowd of my own. The mermaids and mermen, all looking to me for guidance, for support. There must have been thousands, all waiting for me, to finally give my speech. Swimming forth I began giving my speech. In my dream it the words sounded like a mix between normal human English, and certain dolphin like cries that I began to gradually remember and translate.
“My people, how I have wept!” I cried. “How the great mother Earth neglects us so, instead giving her blessings to the Earth Goddess and her human filth! Look how they corrupt the land, and defile our waters! They are the ones charged to guard the mighty gate that separates the realms? Millennia from now there may not be a world left to guard, and Mother Earth sits by and accepts this?”
With a fierce determination in my eyes I shouted, “My mother, Goddess Alora, refuses to sit by and let this tragedy continue! With our army, we can win the Gate. Us, the rightful rulers of this Earth. And if my spawn must continue the fight years from now then I will give them up willingly! My Mother’s will is certain, and I will have no regrets! Let us fight! For Atlantia!”
And with a strong cheer I swam away from the podium, where a merman of fantastic physique waited for me there…
I work up from my sleep induced coma. It was 5:00 in the evening. Just 3 days ago I was in Haiti, as a man, helping people recover from a major earthquake. Now I was a young beautiful black woman, whose secret identity was the legendary mermaid princess, Ithycca.
Still groggy, I flopped off the bed and onto the floor. I was completely unaware my tail returned while I was sleeping. I involuntarily reverted to my mermaid form during my nap; my body assuming it would be better suited for the ebb and flow of my waterbed. I’d have to work on maintaining my legs while sleeping. Seems like even in rest Gaia was making me work.
Doing as Gaia instructed me, just by thought I casted my glamour, and my tail became legs again. Luckily I was wearing a robe so I wasn’t surprised this time by my naked and penis-free abdomen.
Standing up and smoothing out my robe, I turned my gaze to my aquarium. “Hey there, little fellas,” I greeted. I felt a kinship with the creatures. I was sure they wanted some breakfast. Reaching for the fish feed I poured the flakes into the water and they happily devoured it up.
“There you are,” I said. I looked at the bottle of fish food something in me wondered whether this stuff was as good as those fish made it out to be. Curious, I poured some flakes into the palm of my hand and into my mouth. The bitter taste was immediately apparent, and unable to keep from gagging, I immediately spitted it out. Nope, not all fish, I thought.
Once in the bathroom I grabbed a bottle of mouthwash and gargled the remaining taste from my mouth. Even that seemed difficult, as when I tried to gargle the mouthwash the liquid seemed to pour out from my gills, making a mess of my robe. Looking at me, it wouldn’t look like my gills were present, but indeed they still existed, and apparently they hate gargling.
Wiping the mouthwash off from my neck, I couldn’t help but stare at myself once more. I was very attractive. I still couldn’t believe I looked like this. In human form I could almost pass for a Rhianna clone. I didn’t know if I should be thrilled or disgusted. I just wanted to be Kyle again.
Stripping down to my bare essentials I turned on the water. A quick check down below confirmed the sensitivity of my new human vagina. For a glamour, it could pass as the real deal.
Before I knew it I was massaging my breasts and feeling my vulva. Realizing what I was doing I stopped, much to my body’s disappointment. I wasn’t some sort of slut.
In my mind I didn’t want to feel that. It only made me feel farther away from my old self. However, it seemed that even my new body was out to get me, to make me forget my male self.
I swear that wouldn’t happen.
The tub now filled, I slid into the water. Immediately my tail returned, and with my face submerged the water massaged my gills. Relaxed, I began to reminisce about my dream last night. It had me worried. What did I have against the Earth Goddess, Gaia? And that still didn’t answer why my Mother had a problem with her.
Seeing Gaia now, I don’t necessarily think of her as an awful being. She was a pain in the ass, yes, and I didn’t like being transported out into the middle of nowhere. But she did grant me my legs, and this nice house.
Plus, I look at her with her children. It’s hard to believe Gods actually interact so directly with the real world. But there was no question. She truly loved her children, her obviously human children, which she gave birth to.
Much like I assumed my mother gave birth to me.
I really couldn’t believe that fierce, charismatic mermaid was the woman I was now. She doesn’t seem anything like me. It made me question again if I even wanted to remember the old me. Throughout my life I might have been determined, and maybe a little aggressive, but I wasn’t a fighter, not by any stretch of the imagination.
Putting these vexing thoughts aside I stepped out in my human form and threw a towel over me. Even being a woman for just a few days I wrapped them around my breasts as if I was doing that all my life. Heading back to my bedroom I headed to my dresser. Opening the drawers I saw that all the clothes were feminine in nature, from the lingerie to the short shorts. She even was so bold to put a few thongs in there. With a roll of my eyes I sarcastically quipped, “Thanks again Gaia, you crazy woman.”
I kept it simple; I’m not about to go all girly. A spaghetti strap and tight jeans were as far as I’d take it and only because it was warm and there weren’t any tank tops available.
My main goal was to eventually get back to Haiti and reunite with Eliza. I could only guess how worried she’d be. I had just vanished without a trace, after all. However, I am 500 miles away, in Key West, and while I can swim like nobodies’ business, seeing I just got my tail muscles working, I don’t know how long or how far I could travel at this juncture. I needed to improve my endurance.
Of course, if Gaia wasn’t so damn frustrating she could just whisk me back over. But I guess that’s the whole point in me being here. One way or the other I was going to learn how to be mermaid, like it or not.
But, for now I needed to put this on the back burner. I was starving as I hadn’t had any food since yesterday. Deciding it might be wise to check out the island, I figured I’d head to a fast food joint and grab a bite. Looking for some cash, I came across a purse lying almost suspiciously on top of the family room coffee table. Beside it was a note, which I took the time to read:
To my niece,
I figured you might need something to tide you over. Work hard, but don’t forget to take time and enjoy yourself!
-Aunt Gaia
I looked inside and was flabbergasted. There had to be over ten thousand dollars in there! How the hell does she get this money? She must have had her mitts in the affairs of Earth for a long time.
I quickly snapped the purse up and threw the strap over my shoulder. If I had the wallet, let alone the pockets, to carry such cash around I would. Unfortunately, I don’t, and right now I’d feel more at ease with this money by my side than lying out where people could get to it. So for this time only I was willing to swallow my pride. Carrying my purse I headed out.
It’s surprisingly a decent neighborhood. You would think the beaches would be loaded with bikini-clad supermodels and parties galore, but that wasn’t really the case. If I had the opportunity it would’ve been a nice place to live.
I guess I have the opportunity now, albeit in my mind a short one.
There was a McDonald’s nearby. I can at least count on McDonald’s to be everywhere, even in this paradise. Walking inside, my growling stomach was about to take control. Immediately I came up to the cashier and gave my order.
“I’ll take 5 fish sandwiches and a Dr. Pepper!”
I guess I’m a growing, er…girl.
Coming to a total of fifteen dollars, I felt a little guilty having them break a hundred dollar bill, but I figured this community was wealthy enough that this happens quite often here. Receiving my change, I put it back into my purse and waited anxiously for my meal.
My stomach was about to mutiny as I finally got my sandwiches. I turned around and rushed towards a table, unaware of the man who stood behind me. Colliding, my tray was tossed into the air, and my fish sandwiches flew all over the place.
“…My sandwiches,” I pouted as they fell on the ground.
The man, dazed by me running into him got up. Looking at me, concerned, he asked, “Are you ok?”
Picking up some of my food, I replied, “Yeah, I seem to be,” looking at him embarrassed, I added, “Sorry about that.”
He held out his hand, “Here, let me help you up.”
Without thinking I cordially accepted his hand as he pulled me up. “Thanks,” I said.
“Let me grab your sandwiches,” he insisted, “They look ok. They’re still in the wrapper, but if you want I’ll be glad to buy you replacements.”
Was this guy offering to buy me something? I adamantly refused. “It’s ok! If I wait any longer to eat I might devour one of my arms!”
He laughed at my comment, and then offered, “You seem new here, would you care to join me? I could use the company.”
What the hey. I didn’t know anyone around here anyway. It would be a good opportunity to familiarize myself with everything, and everyone.
So I joined him at his table. Immediately I unwrapped my first sandwich and started to consume it, still unable to preserve any etiquette as I did so. This didn’t seem to bother him, instead he seem to laugh a little while watching me. I couldn’t help myself and belched, and realizing how I must have looked, a meekly responded, “Sorry.”
With a warm smile he replied, “It’s quite all right.” Seeing he finally gained my attention he began to strike up a conversation. “My name is Douglas Barth. And who might you be?”
“I’m Ithycca,” I stated almost immediately. At this point it was getting harder and harder to identify as Kyle, and in this moment, even if I took the time to remind myself, it would be a little awkward calling me that in front of a random unknown stranger, at least in my current body. I didn’t want to scare him away like that.
“What a beautiful name,” he replied, causing me to blush a little.
“Thanks,” I said, flattered.
“I haven’t seen you around here before,” he stated.
“I came here just a couple days ago,” I explained. Making things up on the fly, I continued. “My aunt had business and asked me to watch after her house for awhile.”
“I see,” he said, “Would your aunt happen to be Miss Gaia?”
Surprised he guessed correctly right off the bat, I answered with another question, “You know her?”
“Why yes,” he told me, “She is such a wonderful woman. Often during my studies she would come out from her house and offer me some tea. She knows how to treat a person, that’s for sure.”
Yeah, she’s one hell of a people person, I thought to myself, hardly believing him. Am I the only she seems to enjoy torturing?
I shook my head and continued. “So, what is it you do?”
“Me?” he started, “I’m a marine biologist. I love studying the flora and fauna of the seas, the Gulf Region and Caribbean in particular.”
You would’ve love the sights and sounds I’ve witness, thinking to myself.
“Ah, that stuff must sound boring to you!” He claimed as he saw me drifting into my thoughts.
“No, no!” I insisted, “I think it’s a very commendable career to have!” I added, “I’ve really grown to enjoy the water. I don’t think you’d believe me, but I am quite the accomplished swimmer.”
Grinning, he teased, “Oh really?”
Leaning closer to him I replied, “Yeah, really.”
Backing away, he took the last few bites of his sandwich and stated, “You’ll have to prove it sometime.” With a quick sip of his drink he got up from his seat. “I’m afraid I’ll have to get home. I enjoyed the chat. I hope to see you around.”
“Take care.” Waving goodbye to him, he turned away and walked away. Instinctively I focused in on his butt. Wow, I thought, wouldn’t it be nice to get my hands around that? It only took a second before I realized what I was thinking and immediately stopped.
What the hell was I doing?!
A long time ago, the Earth blessed four spirits, making them gods. The gods of Earth, Air, Fire, and Water, oversee their realms, creating sentient creatures to help cultivate their lands. These beings constantly fought each other for supremacy, eventually driving the servants of Water, the Merfolk, to extinction. Millennia later Kyle Weathers receives a gift from an old and mysterious lady while working in Haiti. This gift will change his life forever.
Ithycca
Chapter 6- Swimming from Myself
by AoifeM
I was pissed off.
Swimming near shore in the middle of the night, my mind couldn’t get over what I just did earlier this evening.
I admired the backside of a guy!
I was disgusted. I wasn’t like that! I didn’t like guys! I WAS a guy, and if I can find a way to turn back into a guy, I would do it in a heartbeat!
This whole being a princess reborn after ten thousand years of inactivity was irrelevant to me. I didn’t know whether I was Ithycca, or the scale was. What I did know is that I wasn’t like her.
I’ve seen her dreams, the past- my alleged past. That was me? There’s no way. She was nothing like me. I wouldn’t have blindly made false accusations over people I didn’t even know!
And how did I know if back then I hadn't met Gaia? How did I know I was just saying what I assumed was true? Was there proof Gaia was an evil being?
I shook my head violently. Damn it, stop trying to control me! You’re dead!
I turned sharply; my tail splashed up water, traveling meters away in a crescent like wave. Yeah, try saying that with a straight face. As long as I had a tail, I knew that she’s quite alive- watching, waiting; slowly taking over my mind.
I needed to get back to Eliza. At least being with her will keep me from going insane. Keep me from forgetting that behind this gorgeous figure was Kyle Weathers, the valedictorian and selfless volunteer.
I focused all my thoughts on Eliza. Before my transformation we had a bond going; something meaningful and strong. I felt it could’ve gone farther if this didn’t happen. I was hoping that somehow, someway, she still feels strongly about me as I do her.
I just hope that my strong feelings for her weren’t just me lying to myself.
Between me working out in the middle of the night and sleeping during the day I became more of a night owl. It was better I was not seen, I didn’t want to start a commotion, being aquatic and all. In a week I felt that it would be the best time to attempt my journey back to Haiti. I can keep close to the American shoreline if I needed to find food, or shelter from oncoming weather. I think I can manage.
Five days into my training and I got an unnerving ring from my doorbell.
Scared awake I rolled over, only to fall flat on my face. I was in mermaid mode again. I’m really growing annoyed by that.
Ring again, I screamed, “Just a minute!” Reforming my human legs, I pulled on a pair of panties and covered myself with my robe and rushed down to greet the annoying bell ringer.
I should’ve just pretended I wasn’t home, my mind thought, although I felt my body thought on the contrary. Opening the door stood Douglas. “Asleep at 2:00 in the afternoon?” he quipped.
“I’m kind of a night owl,” I nervously responding, wishing for him to go away.
“You mind if I come in?” he asked.
Fidgeting, I could almost feel a new strangeness in between my legs. Was this what it felt like getting wet?
“Uh…I kind of just woke up,” I replied nervously while scratching my neck.
“Yeah, I could see how inconvenient that would be,” he admitted. “I just wanted to let you know I would be working along the beaches here today. I felt it would be nice if I would stop by and visit. I haven’t seen you around in a few days, so I just wanted to see how you were.”
“That’s very sweet of you,” I said. Such a gentleman. Wait, was I glad he checked up on me?
“So maybe sometime you’ll show me how fast you swim?” he asked.
“I hope so,” I answered, staring deep into his beautiful sapphire eyes. I couldn’t help but be drawn into them. He was so handsome…
“I’ll see you around, Ith,” he said as he walked off. Shutting the door I smiled. I was weak in the knees as I leaned over the door and slowly dragged my butt to the floor. I felt like a young teenage girl dreaming of her first crush. I began imagining how wonderful he would be in the sack. He was so dreamy…
…Dreamy? Doug? Shit! I did it again! I can’t believe I’m thinking such nonsense. My hormones were conspiring against me! All I could think about was having him wrapped around my little finger! I was repulsed with myself!
Change of plans, I thought to myself. We leave, tonight!
Night fell quickly, and stars were out in full force. The moon was waning, but still provided the ample light needed for the journey. And if not, that’s what my glowing tail was for.
With nothing more but Eliza’s swimsuit top and a long skirt around my waist, I looked back at my beach house. I’ve been getting used to wearing skirts, often times preferring that than pants because it made it convenient for when I had to shapeshift from human to mermaid. I felt uneasy I said my goodbyes. Deep inside me, I still yearned for Doug, and wanted me to reconsider making this decision.
“Sorry, Doug,” I said under my breath, “Perhaps in another life, it would have been a great relationship. But I don’t want to be a woman forever. You’ll probably never understand, but, I hope you’ll forgive me nonetheless.”
With my eyes watering, I fought back the tears. With my resolve I jumped into the ocean. Eliza, I’m coming.
I really wasn’t prepared for this journey. No matter how much thought I put into it, I doubt I would have either way. Swimming against the current easily wore me out. Furthermore it was storm season. I had to be careful not to get caught in one.
On occasions I’d make my way onto shore. Sometimes it was to find food, but more often than not there was nothing available. Being a human most of my life I suppose I was used to the luxury of having food when I needed it. Being a Mermaid however, it wasn’t that simple. There were no undersea restaurants, just me and the open sea, and whatever creatures that reside in it.
It’s funny how certain things come back to you when faced with such a dilemma. Daydreaming I recollected about the time of my first hunt. Back then I was a young merchild, I’d say barely 13, and I was holding a harpoon like spear. I remembered my teacher talking to me.
“The spear is the Merfolks’ greatest weapon. It is not flashy, like magic, nor as powerful as an explosive. However, mastering one is vital to a young mermaid’s survival. You too, must train to master the spear, for the sake of defending your own, and the lives of your future spawn.”
Taking it, I felt a surge of pride. This was a major moment in the lives of all Merfolk. This was a major step in becoming an adult. Something I took quite seriously, particularly as the daughter of Goddess Alora.
He pointed to a school of fish. “These are your target. If you can slay them, you can eat. If not, you will starve. Only those with the skill to use the spear effectively can survive the perils of the real world. I will leave you to it. Do not return to me until you have accomplished your task.”
Swimming away, I looked at my target. These fish were mine. With the precision of a marksman I threw my javelin, and without any difficulty I connected, impaling the first fish, its blood gushing from its wound.
Startling the other fish, I wouldn’t allow their escape. With much swiftness I swam over to the harpoon. Pulling it out of the first fish, I followed it with a quick vertical slash. The sharpness of the blade was unreal, and sliced another fish into two.
I was a natural, most likely due to my Mother’s blood. Catching up with another I quickly ended its life; another meal for the taking. By the time I was through there was nothing left. I had successfully done my job. I had claimed my dinner.
As I dreamt I felt like my abilities were siphoning themselves back into me. My mind unlocked another ability I had from long ago, and seeing that I was starving, it was time to use it.
Finding a broken branch, it obviously wasn’t the same as my javelin from long ago. Still, beggars can’t be choosers. I grabbed it and jumped into the water. The hunt was on.
I felt like that same girl I was ten thousand years ago. Every thought, every movement I had- it all came back to me. I as swam deeper I found a school of blackfin tuna. I can remember the sweet taste of it in my mouth. Tonight was gonna be a fantastic supper!
Recreating the scene from my childhood, I raced out to meet my prey. Every muscle responded to every move I made like my skills never left me. In my past life I must’ve been a great warrior.
While it may have taken longer to secure my meal, mostly due to the lack of a decent weapon, I eventually killed my fill. Grabbing the slain delights, I threw them over my shoulders and my way to shore.
Returning to my human form I walked up to the shoreline. I decided to find a rather private place on the beach to sit down and eat.
I had no knife to cut into my fish, let alone any capability to start a fire to cook it. But, for some reason, I didn’t really find it a big deal. All I could do was smell that euphoric aroma.
Salivating I took a bite from the raw fish. It didn’t feel unnatural to do so, even if I felt like an animal. I’ve had sushi before, and hadn’t any problem eating it. But this seemed like a whole other level, and even though it was still bloody, I was gobbling it up.
Leaving but only the entrails (I have my limits you know!) I wiped my mouth using my hand and just laid back and look at the dawn sky. I never really appreciated the majesty of the sun rising; I suppose you realize that when you feel more natural in the world. And I did feel a connection, something I feel that I a human I may have taken for granted. Hopefully, when I return to normal I can take back this moment as a reminder of what’s really important.
…If I ever did return to normal.
Either way, I still had to try. There were still too many things I was not at all comfortable with. Having an attraction to guys, for one thing. And there still was that fear that the feelings and beliefs I held back when I was Kyle would disappear, leaving me with the fiery, war driven Ithycca. She who even now I can’t believe I was.
I really hope that it was a lie, or that someone may have manipulated to believe such things. But, why? I was a being of the water- my beliefs most likely represented many of my peoples’ sentiments.
I turned my thoughts away from that. There was no use getting upset over something I have yet to remember.
Soon after, my thoughts drifted into nothingness. The comforting sea breeze rolled across my body, relaxing my tense muscles. I slowly rubbed down my hair, ridding it of access water. Eventually I settled my hand on my face as my eyes grew heavy. I gave in as this place was as good as any for a brief respite. I closed my eyes, and went asleep.
And it was a fantastic nap too. But, like all good things, they come to an end, some more abruptly than others. This was one of those cases. Like a sixth sense, something instinctively told me to wake up. Maybe it was the odd feeling in the air, like something bad was about to happen.
Indeed, my intuition was correct. Opening my eyes I was greeted by a steel blade, nearly striking me dead in my face.
My reflexes quickly allowed me to dodge the sword that was coming down on me. Still in human form I jumped up to my feet. I looked up and stared at the woman who was attacking me. I couldn’t help but be in awe.
It was an Angel. And she didn’t look friendly.
“So, the rumors were true,” She began. “I can’t allow you to exist. The Merfolk can’t rise again. For the sake of this world, I must kill you!”
A long time ago, the Earth blessed four spirits, making them gods. The gods of Earth, Air, Fire, and Water, oversee their realms, creating sentient creatures to help cultivate their lands. These beings constantly fought each other for supremacy, eventually driving the servants of Water, the Merfolk, to extinction. Millennia later Kyle Weathers receives a gift from an old and mysterious lady while working in Haiti. This gift will change his life forever.
Ithycca
Chapter 7- Guardian Demon?
by AoifeM
I had a lot to learn. I never thought much about just how important I was. Not only was I a Mermaid, I was the only Mermaid. My existence was all that kept my race from being extinct all over again. Never did I think once that would make me a very important target.
Being attacked by that Angel served as a major wakeup call in more ways than one. I was unarmed, alone, and still not familiar with my body. Sure, give me a tree branch and I can hunt like the best of them, but fight?
What’s worse was the constant stumbling I did while tripping over my long white skirt. I figured it was the most appropriate clothing; if I were in my human form it would help keep perverts sneaking a peak at what was otherwise a panty less woman. Next time I should replace modesty with practicality.
Still, running wouldn’t do me any good. She had the major advantage of flying. Try as I might, she could catch me.
And I still didn’t know what exactly I did to deserve this. I mean, was my race that bad? And even if they were, it wasn’t as if I had intentions of breeding. I mean, I don’t even know how! And I don’t appreciate having to think of guys in that manner!
Even if my body wants to think otherwise.
Dodging another swipe from her blade, I turned to her and yelled, “What the hell?! It’s not as if I’ve done anything to you!”
She looked at me sternly, “Your kind has caused enough trouble. We had to live through an Ice Age as proof of your transgressions! Your existence only continues to complicate such matters!”
I avoided another attack. I hoped that somehow my words could sway her mind and reconsider sparing me.
“I don’t know what happened a long time ago!” I insisted. “But I swear I am not like those people!”
“And, why should I believe you?” She demanded, “I may not have been around to see such atrocities, but I am not a fool, Princess Ithycca!”
It was getting tiring trying to keep up with her. I didn’t know how much longer I had.
“Damnit!” I screamed, panting uncontrollably. “Listen to me!”
“There is nothing to listen to!” She retorted, swinging her sword wildly, obviously getting a little frustrated by my dodging. “Yahweh says you must be destroyed, so I must!”
She was stubborn as all hell. I didn’t have any advantage whatsoever. Hoping to get a little distance, I turned around and started to run from her. However, again my skirt proved to be quite the hindrance as my legs got caught up in it, causing me to fall face first into the sand.
Flipping over, I wanted to jump up and continue running. Unfortunately the Angel was right there with her blade at my throat. I ran out of options.
“This really isn’t my forté,” She explained as her blade inched closer to my neck. “Normally I would give my enemies as least a sporting chance at fighting back. However, your death is of the utmost importance, and I can’t afford to lose this opportunity. Forgive me.”
She was preparing for the deathblow. I closed my eyes, preparing for what was coming. What did come however surprised even me.
A chain with a hook like end to it wrapped around her sword, and with a tug successfully disarmed her. At the end of that chain was a demon looking entity of the female variety, cloven hooves, spade like tail, and ram like horns. She could be considered attractive, if she didn’t look like she could rip your head off.
I didn’t know what she was up to, but when she began to raise her hands I knew it wouldn't be good. Instinctively I ran for cover as she casted her spell. And from my previous spot she unleashed an explosion. While the angel was attempting to escape, she did get caught up in the blast, and was sent flying.
“Mmmm,” The devil like entity began, “Looks like we’re having bird tonight!”
Dusting herself off, the obviously shocked angel demanded an answer. “What purpose do you have here, Hellspawn? This doesn’t concern you!”
The girl grinned as she replied. “First off, it’s Djinn, Birdbrain! And second, maybe I just like messing with your type!”
Angered, the Angel reclaimed her sword. Raising it in an attacking stance she charged headstrong towards the young “Djinni.” I didn’t know what was going on. All I know is that this was my time to escape.
Deciding not to go through the problem again, I used all of my strength to rip my skirt in to a much more manageable size. Now up to my knees, I decided enough was enough and decided to make a run for it, looking over my shoulder to see the battle going on overhead.
And indeed it was an intense one. The Djinni’s chains were obviously meant for this type of battle. She couldn’t fly like the Angel could, and the chains were doing a good job keeping her grounded. They were indeed polar opposites. The Angel held a calm, tempered demeanor; her aura shined confidence. She was one who led by example, the type who didn’t seem shaken by anything.
Meanwhile the Djinni preferred to show her confidence in an almost antagonistic manner. If you screwed up, she’d let you know it. Taunting her opponent endlessly, she seemed to delight when she got a rise out of people, particularly someone as stone cold as her opponent right now, who seemed to be livid as the battle continued.
I couldn’t really take the time to observe the epic struggle. My goal was the water. My best bet was to run away from the field of battle, and hopefully once clear swim away where I knew neither of them could get me. It seemed almost too good to be true; they seemed so focused on each other that they forgot about me. It proved easy to escape.
I pushed my dainty little legs as hard as I possibly could. It was a difficult proposition.
In the water I was as athletic as anyone possibly could be, yet on land I was anything but. Perhaps I could gain more oxygen in the water. Perhaps it was the fact that in the water I didn’t sweat. And of course my tail was rather strong compared to these legs, and on land sweating only makes me more dehydrated, which makes it easier for me to get dehydrated.
The shore wasn’t far, however. The rocky coast was a welcome sight, free from the fighting that was occurring up ahead. I slowly walked over to the shoreline; the water messaged my human toes. Kneeling down, I was about to swim off, however someone wouldn't allow me.
Completely unaware, the Angel surprised me from behind, pulling me up from my hair and onto my feet. Apparently, even though the Djinni gave her a hell of a fight, she came out of it victorious. Obviously frustrated beyond belief, she pulled me over to a nearby rock and threw my back against it, subduing me in a fit of pain. With her hand she pinned me down, her sword preparing to do what it should have done earlier. My luck had ran out. I was out of chances.
Panicking, I did the only thing a defenseless girl could do- I screamed.
Yet this scream was beyond anything I’ve heard before. It almost felt like the ground was moving. My mouth was wide open, and my gills followed, almost like a woodwind instrument. However, the sound coming out of it wasn’t pretty.
I’ve never heard a banshee scream, but if I had to compare it, it would be like that. Stunned, the Angel fell backward, holding her hands to her ears in agony. The blood was running down her hands. She was beaten.
I fell to the ground, writhing in pain. I barely could stand up. Luckily the Angel had enough for one day. With the last ounce of her strength she flew off, leaving me thankful.
With a hand on my kidney I staggered to my feet. I was greeted from a distance by the Djinni who was fighting earlier.
“Aw, man!” she exclaimed like a little kid at his first monster truck rally. “That. Was. Awesome! You could hear that for miles! Totally tore that bitch a new one!”
I didn’t know what to make of her. As she began to move closer to me I instinctively went into a defensive stance.
Nervously I asked, “Who are you? What do you want?”
She stopped halfway, not real appreciative of my reaction. “That’s kind of rude, you know? Acting all paranoid like that? And to think I saved your life too!”
All of a sudden she ignited in a sea of flames, and when those flames subsided the demon looking entity became a gorgeous, honey skinned, blue eyed woman, with golden locks of hair reaching down to her shoulders, covered only by the short miniskirt and flimsy top she was wearing prior.
“That’s better!” she exclaimed. “My name in Khalifa, but you can call me Kali.” She resumed walking, closing the distance between us. “And you must be Princess Ithycca.”
“Don’t come any closer!” I warned. “I’m serious.”
“Oh come on!” She yelled. “If I wanted to kill you I would have.”
That didn’t help me get comfortable.
Now standing right in front of me, she began to lick her lips. “Besides…”
Spontaneously she dragged me into an embrace and began to intimately kiss me, her tongue wrestling mine. As her lips and mine connected, you could see the steam rising from our mouths as if it were vapor.
“Mmmm,” she seductively moaned, “Tangy.”
I was freaking out. What the hell was going on? Was she flirting with me? I really didn’t need this now. I had a lot of thoughts circling my head as it is, with Douglas, Eliza, my sexuality. I didn’t even know her!
“No, it would be a waste to see such a beautiful thing like you disappear,” She stated. “I must say Alora did a good job on you.”
“So then what do you want?” I demanded, wishing she would just answer me already.
“What do you think I want?” she retorted. “Need I spell it out, Y O U. You, you sexy thang you!”
It didn’t make sense. I was totally uncomfortable with the situation “But…but I don’t even know you!”
“And that’s what makes blind dates so a-MAZ-ing!” She cried while giggling. “And I must say, you sure know how to pick a first date!”
“I…I don’t know,” I stammered. Actually I did know. I didn’t want anything to do with her, but I was afraid of the repercussions by rejecting her outright. She was rather powerful, after all.
“I tell you what, my little Ithy,” she began. “You’ll need help don’t you? After all, that Angel won’t be the only thing after you, you know. You’re so special- everyone seems to want a piece of you!”
“Uh…” My mind was having a hard time coming up with the words. I couldn't even begin to form a sentence without Kali cutting me off from the get go.
“So, that settles it!” She confirmed. “Just call me your Guardian Ang-…er your Guardian! Yeah! Guardian!" She began to giggle in an almost sadistic manner. "This’ll be sooo much fun!”
“But…” I still was unable to get a word in.
“Don’t worry my sweet little fish stick,” She interjected. “You don’t hafta tell me anything now. Deep down I know how you feel, and I’ll be here when you ready.” She gave me another seductive kiss on the lips. “Well, babe, getting dark, you oughtta get swimming! You have somewhere to be right?”
“Uh…yeah,” I replied, nervous as all hell.
“Well don’t just stand there!” she chided. “Get going! Waves won’t be cooperative forever!”
I turned around and look at the waves. They were rather calm. Getting in the water might help soothe the back pain.
I looked over my shoulder, and Kali was gone; vanished without a trace, leaving me alone as the sun set beyond the horizon. Gods, Angels, and now Djinn, the whole world seemed to be after me. It seems like my life just got a little more complicated.
I took a deep breath, and in the immortal words of Dr. Sam Beckett of Quantum Leap fame, I exhaled and uttered, “Oh, boy.”
(In order to make a more detailed and complete universe, I wanted to focus on the stories of the other major characters of Ithycca. This one will be in the point of view of the Angel from the previous chapter, taking place from her realm of Heaven. Enjoy!)
Ithycca Sidestories: Chapter 7.5
Subjects of Air
By AoifeM
I failed, and my punishment was justified. My equilibrium was imbalanced, and my ears damaged to the point I could no longer hear. It was no other’s fault but my own.
I made it back to my world, Heaven. To humans, it’s the gateway to paradise, but it’s just like their world, it has its good and bad parts. Of course traversing here was impossible unless you had a pair of wings- there was no solid ground, and buildings all levitated, a marvelous example of our technological prowess.
I am Angela. It’s an apt name for what I am. I serve my God, Yahweh, as does my brother, Darius. My brother is miles ahead of me in terms of actual skill, however. He was unofficially the most skillful warrior throughout the land, and our God’s right hand man. I had a lot to live up to, even though we were born barely 2 years apart.
And so I flew to our capital city of Ahura Mazda. Unlike many of the Gods mine took a particular interest in managing the lives of his subjects, and we followed him unequivocally.
I entered the palace doors of our blessed leader. With no more strength to push me, I fell to the porcelain floors below, writhing in pain. Immediately this caught the attention of my brother, who was waiting for my triumphant return. I felt embarrassed I let him down.
He flew to my aid, and wrapped his wing over my shoulder. Reading the movements of his lips I was able to get the sense he was worried sick. He immediately helped me to my feet, and using him as a crutch I carried myself to Yahweh’s Precipice, the name of the room in which his throne resides. If anyone could heal my wounds, it was him.
Darius set me down in front of our lord’s presence. One look at Yahweh’s countenance was enough to know he was quite displeased. However, he was kind enough to service me, and using his mighty powers he restored my sound; the gentle zephyr winds rushed through my ears and the pain disappeared without a trace.
With a sigh, he began to scold me. “It was a simple mission,” he began. “A surprise attack on somebody who had yet regained her skills and memories, and yet somehow you failed. Now she knows of our intent. We won’t get another chance like that.”
I felt guilt in letting him down. It was the greatest dishonor. “Forgive me Lord,” I pleaded. “Apparently a Djinni knew of our attack and intervened.”
“A Djinni?” Yahweh repeated. “So now my brother, Efreet, has a stake in this as well? What exactly does he see in keeping Alora’s child alive?”
“I don’t know my lord,” I explained. “It almost seemed as if this Djinni was acting on her own.”
“Just a bunch of roaming barbarians,” He remarked. “No sense of honor, no sense of order. Just doing things without any idea of the consequences.”
He turned away from me and returned to his throne, sitting down as he continued to ponder.
“Without my leadership there would have been many deaths. Humans would have died out long ago. The Merfolk are a scourge. If one could be revived, how many more can? It would be Armageddon all over again. And knowing Alora, she will be looking for blood. It will be a lot worse than just an Ice Age.”
Suddenly a strange voice interrupted my Lord’s outspoken thoughts. “Why be you assumin’ the Merfolk be after vengeance?”
My brother got into a defensive position and unsheathed his magical sword, obviously weary of this foreigner. “You!” he cried, ready to strike.
“Oh hun,” The wingless being stated to my over eager brother, “Put down the sword. I’m not a fighter. Goes against my personality.”
“Such is the answer of a powerless God,” Yahweh insinuated. “Tell me, dear sister, why do you defile this room with your presence?”
“Ha!” she scoffed. “You come to my realm, attack without provocation, and not be expecting a visit from little ol’ me? You have some ‘splainin’ to do.”
“Do I?” He retorted. “As far as I can tell I was only doing the job that you should have doing to begin with. But, of course, you never were one to take matters to your own hands. That’s why you’ve lost the worship of your followers.”
“If humanity be wishin to follow someone besides me, that be their right,” she concluded.
“Face it, Gaia,” Yahweh continued, “Without my influence humanity would have no structure, no advancement. They would be as hopeless as my brother and his Djinn.”
“Perhaps,” she replied, “but unlike you I believe in my people. They not be needin’ my constant approval of everything.”
“Hmph.” Yahweh proceeded to change the subject. “So, why do you assist her anyway?”
“Ithycca?” She assumed. “Why not? Does she not have a right to live like anything else? Regardless of her form?”
“She nearly destroyed all of us,” he sternly reminded her.
“And?” Gaia questioned. “It’s been 10,000 years, my dear brother. The planet weeps for her lost children. And I be a firm believer that the guilty need not be victims of retribution, but rather rehabilitation.”
“And you think she can change?” He asked, with a slight rise in his voice.
“Why not?” She continued. “Before her rebirth, she was a Human male, after all. One of humility; kind, caring, committed. She has experience from the other side. Something that just doesn’t go away even after she fully remembers.”
“You’re playing with fire, Gaia,” Yahweh insisted. “You’re going to get burnt.”
“And without love,” she concluded. “Nothing ever changes.” Lowering her head, she commented. “Sometimes I wonder if it be strong enough, that maybe one day we all could make amends.”
“…Gaia,” Yahweh said in a compassionate manner, “We cannot change the past. Alora made her bed. She must now lie in it. We did what we must. Sometimes no matter how hard you try, nothing will ever change.”
“Maybe,” She said. “Either way, leave Ithycca to my care. I will take full responsibility.”
He sighed, obviously not real thrilled about the whole prospect of this. It seemed like he was going to grant her what she wanted.
“…Very well,” he conceded. “But I will be watching very closely. I will not hesitate to cut the power from its source if needed.”
“That be your prerogative,” she claimed. “Just don’t expect that to be simple as you wish it to be.”
With that she turned and walked off. Now just the three of us, obviously he had just about enough of our presence as well. “Leave me,” he demanded. “I have much to think about.”
We bowed and made our way for the exit. As we walked downstairs from the Precipice, I could see the frustration in my brother’s eyes. I became increasingly worried.
Not holding back any longer, he screamed, “What a fool! What kind of Goddess preaches restraint?”
“What do you mean, dear brother?” I asked him.
“Look at what that Sea Monster did to you!” he cried. “I know of your skill, and yet she nearly killed you! And to think that was only but a modicum of her power.”
“But what are we supposed to do about that, brother?” I inferred. “Our Lord gave her the opportunity to work with her. We cannot just defy him!”
“And what if after all of that she fails?” he suggested. “Just how powerful can this Ithycca become?”
“I… I don’t know,” I replied, recollecting the intense pain her shriek induced and shuddering at the mere thought.
“Our Lord may have given such an order, but I doubt that is what he truly wants.” He continued. “He wants to eliminate this threat before she gets that far. Before she becomes so powerful, that not even I could best her.”
“So what are you suggesting?” I asked, almost scared to hear the obvious.
“We need to kill her, Angela,” he declared. “We just need one chance. And when that time comes, we shall strike!" Raising his voice, he yelled. "No one gets away with hurting my little sister! No one!”
I wanted to stop him, but he stomped off, too angry to pay any attention. What can I do? Defy my Lord’s will? It was sweet to see my brother go this far to defend my honor, but at what cost? Even if he had the go ahead, I will still be nervous seeing him in battle against her.
I stared at my hand, and realized it couldn’t stop shaking. Was I afraid of her? Of what she could possibly do? I’ve never felt this way about anything in my life. I was trained to be gallant, to hold myself up high, and fight without fear. Now look at me.
“You know, fear be all to healthy,” A familiar voice said from behind.
“You…” I replied, obviously not using the most tactful greeting.
“She truly is a nice kid, you know,” Gaia claimed as she appeared in my sight. “Right now, she’s just as scared as you are.”
“And why?” I asked.
“She feels she’s losing herself,” She explained. “She has her own demons to face. I'm sure she's slowly recollecting her past, and it's sickenin' to her. Your presence only further emphasizes those feelings.”
“I don’t get it,” I continued to question, “why are you telling me this?”
“Because I know deep in your heart you be not a bad person,” she stated. “And I don’t believe you or Ithycca should live life havin’ to fear each other. Heh, in fact, in another life you two would be like good friends.”
She walked closer to me and put a hand on my shoulder. “Do me a favor child, and keep an eye on your brother. He not be thinkin’ straight, and I’d rather he not be involved any more than he has to be. There be no use gettin' hurt for nuthin'”
“…I.” I really couldn’t answer her. She had a lot of clarity in her words whenever she spoke, regardless of her accent. I too wanted to stop Darius, however, he was much more powerful. If he set his mind on something, regardless of how much I was against it, he would do it. My objections can only hinder him for so long.
“Go out, see the world,” she digressed, “Life isn’t always black and white. Trust in your own judgments, not the judgments of others. Maybe then you’ll see maybe certain people aren’t as evil as you first thought.”
Walking by me and turned and gave me a quick grin. “I be sure we be meetin’ again, Angela.”
I blinked my eyes, and somehow she vanished. I had a lot to think about. I just didn’t know what to do.
All I knew was, I was a major player in all of this, whether I wanted to be or not.
A long time ago, the Earth blessed four spirits, making them gods. The gods of Earth, Air, Fire, and Water, oversee their realms, creating sentient creatures to help cultivate their lands. These beings constantly war over each other, eventually driving the servants of Water, the Merfolk, to extinction. Millennia later Kyle Weathers receives a gift from an old but mysterious lady while working in Haiti. This gift will change his life forever.
Ithycca
Chapter 8
Duality
by AoifeM
I really didn’t know where I was swimming. At this point all I needed to know was “head east.” Hopefully I won’t wind up in Africa or something.
My mind was focused on something else; what happened back there on the beach. I never felt so scared in my entire life. I was so vulnerable. That Angel was only the first of many, I could be sure of that.
My existence was a big deal, and the whole world was watching, waiting for a chance to take my life. Even Kali, who “claims” she wants to protect me, didn’t make me feel any more at ease.
And she was all over me, kissing me, caressing me, feeling the steam rise from our lips intertwined. She seemed to enjoy herself immensely, and yet, I didn’t feel any attraction to her, unlike how I felt with Doug. To me it felt all wrong, all unnatural. And it’s been bothering me immensely. I just can’t admit such things to myself, no matter how much evidence has already proven.
No, in my mind, there’s a simple explanation as to why I felt nothing for Kali. She was creepy. She was acting all flirtatious and aggressive. She just freaked me out. She was nothing like Eliza. I love her, I love her, I continued to repeat over and over inside my head. I needed to believe it, for a felt the traces of my previous life were disappearing right before my eyes.
I didn’t get out of the water; not once. I feared what lied above there. The ocean was my sanctuary; the only thing that kept me safe. I think that I was so frightened that I swam deeper than normal, having to resort to using my tail to light up the area as I made my way eastward. I wouldn’t rise until I reached Haiti. I didn’t want to take any more chances.
Something I began to learn while traveling undersea was to use my shriek. In land it was powerful, but I could control it, learning to use it at different frequencies. What I found out was how good my reaction was to it. I could feel the sound bouncing off the rocky walls and what not, eventually learning that in addition to bioluminescence I had the ability to use sonar, similar to what dolphins could. This really helped as a further travel deep into the water, my tail could only light up a short distance around me; if I wanted to travel as fast as I did in shallower waters I had to learn to embrace this new ability.
Of course that led me to a whole new realization. Slowly, surely I began to remember vocabulary. I subconsciously remembered a few things from my dreams, how slowly I started to recollect my speeches from English to my Merfolk tongue. Even in dreams where I was Kyle I began to envision myself talking in a weird mix of the two. I could remember certain sentence structures and whatnot.
The Merfolk language was a combination of shrieks of different frequency and durations. Sometimes it was almost singy-songy in sound, which may give way to the myth of our beautiful songstress voice. There were a lot of thoughts going into my head, trying to remember more and more about it. Finally I could cobble together a few words and create my first sentence.
“My name is Ithycca,” I said using my new language.
The realization was I couldn’t remember my former name. All I knew was I was once a human male. The only way I could remember that I was Kyle Weathers was if someone I knew told me, and even then hearing myself being called that didn’t seem right.
Plus, I couldn’t translate human names anyway. I was called Ithycca by the other races because they couldn’t restate it in my own language. Even the way I stated my name in my first tongue seemed a lot more natural.
All the memories and new skills I was learning began to tire me out. I picked up a solid lining of kelp and seaweed and found a nice underwater cove to make home in for the night. It felt relatively spacious, just like the one I had at home 10,000 years ago. At Atlantis. Everything was reminding me of 10,000 years ago. But that’s gone now. I was alone.
I wrapped myself in kelp creating a kind of makeshift blanket. It was rather comfortable, just me, floating in my cove, feeling the water flow underneath me. It reminded me of my waterbed. I could see why I woke up with a tail and falling flat on my face to the floor.
With everything in order, I turned off my bioluminescent light and fell asleep.
I woke up relatively early. Sensing the tuna would be out in full force I hunted down my breakfast before I started my day. The currents seemed stronger than usual; there must be a storm coming.
I submerged back deep into the ocean waters, feeling that the currents would be less affected there. I had a little better idea where I was heading now. Using my sonar I could tell where the sea floor would rise, and if it rose high enough, you knew that you were reaching land.
I took the time to ascend on occasion when the land rose high enough. Often times there wasn’t much luck. There was more of a chance of seeing a rocky island than an actual human settlement. Furthermore other major determining factors, such as the increasing sounds of motors from boats and cruise ships, weren’t being heard; the storm tended to postpone the activity of such things.
And the storm was indeed violent. I almost felt hurricane like. Staying up on the surface too long was dangerous. I practically learned firsthand. In an instant lightning came crashing down hitting the ocean surface, and quickly used me as a conduit.
Yet, I didn’t feel hurt in the slightest. What’s weirder was my eyes were closed, and yet, I could see right through my eyelids. This was too weird… I held my hands to my eyes, and even that freaked me out. My skin was translucent blue! I could see my insides! It was like my skin was similar to a jellyfish!
The skin’s translucent hue continued downward until it reached my scales. It was weird seeing my inner anatomy for the first time. Somehow my skin was very resistant to electrical discharge. This was a rather interesting discovery. Yet something in me thought there was more to it.
Swimming down into the water I bumped into another school of tuna. Time to play tag! I swam out towards my hapless prey. They tried to escape, but there was no way out. Reaching out my hand I caught up with one of the fish and with a simple touch all my electrical energy released. I was hoping for a warm meal for lunch, but sadly by touching it all the electricity within me discharged, turning it into nothing more than charred ash.
Without any voltage left in me my skin tone returned to normal. With my merfolk speech I pouted, “Oops.” Guess it’s only good for one shot. It could prove useful for self defense. Cooking…not so much.
Honestly a lot of things just made me wonder. I seemed to have quite a few abilities. Sonic screams, bioluminescence, creating the world’s biggest static shock. It made me wonder why Humans weren’t as naturally gifted. Really they aren’t really overly skilled in anything. No super strength, no immense speed, no real way to defend themselves without bringing a weapon into the fray. It just was weird to me.
I assume though that’s why they compensate. Even looking back at my life in Atlantis 10,000 years ago, it wasn’t like we were some super advanced civilization. I mean, compared to what humans have now, we could be similar to early human tribes. Our buildings were the eroded remains of the ocean floor, coral, and whatever else the ocean provided. Our evolution was based on our skills. Magic for one thing, something at this time I can’t remember how to do. The other thing was our natural abilities. My mother, Alora, may have made the most perfect marine lifeform in the four realms, but as a cost, we relied on it too heavy. Maybe that’s why we were destroyed.
Of course maybe there were things about humans that elude them to this day. There might be more than meets the eye.
The storm eventually passed and I swam onward, this time remaining in shallow waters. I knew I wasn’t far away now. Better to keep an eye out.
And sure enough I could witness the boats finally loading up from the seaport of Haiti’s capital city. The place still looked a little bleak to my eyes, but for me, this place meant everything to me. As long as I’m with Eliza, this was home.
Making it up to shore just a few miles from the outskirts of town, I took the time to ring out the water from what remains of my torn skirt. Putting it back on I reverted to my human form. Being in the water for so long really proved difficult, as I had a hard time balancing myself as I stood up and began walking. Looks like I had to get used to my land legs again.
Once I adapted I made my way up through the small jungle to a country road. I tried to get someone’s attention so I could hitch a ride. Luckily a nice guy noticed me and helped me get to town. I just hope my skirt wasn’t so short that he could catch a peek of my you know what.
Sigh. It’s hard for me to admit, but what I wouldn’t give to be wearing a nice pair of panties right about now…
Thankfully nothing came of it. He was able to drop me off right at the British Embassy where she was still staying. I said a kind “Merci beaucoup,” to my driver, and made my way inside.
I was greeted by a dour man, who obviously wanted to know what I was doing here.
“May I help you?” He asked, whose body language belied his otherwise formal greeting.
“Yes,” I said, still having some trouble readjusting to speaking human words. “I was hoping to see Miss Elizabeth Yves.”
“I see,” he replied. “Do you happen to have some form of writing or proof of your meeting with her?”
Geez, this guy’s getting way too official here. I’m just her friend for Gaia’s sake. Did I really need some documentation for that?
I didn’t know what to say. I began to speak up, telling him I had no such thing. “I-”
I was immediately interrupted from behind me I heard a voice calling out my name.
“Ithycca?”
I turned around to see Eliza, who just came downstairs. It was rather fortuitous as it saved me a lot of grief from dealing with that guy.
I was so happy. It may have been only three weeks, but it was three weeks too long. Finally I was able to reunite with her.
“Eliza!” I cried as I rushed over to her. We quickly embraced in a long lasting hug. “I missed you so much,” I whispered to her as I tried to hold back tears.
“I did too,” she replied, sharing my sentiments. “Let’s get you upstairs. You must’ve been through a lot.”
I smiled as I followed her to her room. I was so wonderful being with her again. The hug was just as spectacular…
…Yet was I happy because she was a good friend, or was it something more? Because for some reason, I didn’t feel anything, yet.
Please let me feel something, I pleaded to myself. Please don’t let this be true!
A long time ago, the Earth blessed four spirits, making them gods. The gods of Earth, Air, Fire, and Water, oversee their realms, creating sentient creatures to help cultivate their lands. These beings constantly war over each other, eventually driving the servants of Water, the Merfolk, to extinction. Millennia later Kyle Weathers receives a gift from an old but mysterious lady while working in Haiti. This gift will change his life forever.
Ithycca
Chapter 9
Gaia, the Therapist
by AoifeM
I rushed inside her apartment, using whatever superhuman strength I had to carry my sweet Eliza onto her bed. We were in the throes of our own lust, stroking each other’s bodies as we kissed all over. She seemed abnormally aggressive; the most of the time she was so demure. But I liked this behavior out of her; it felt so right.
Setting her down on her bed she tugged at my arms and pulled me down with her. With her flipped over on my waist she ripped open my buttoned up blouse, exposing my perky breasts, awaiting her pleasure. My mind was searching for the words I felt as she lightly grazed each areola with her fingers. Cupping them, squeezing them; I soaked it all in, each time raising the pitch of my voice as I gasped in approval.
I just lie back and let her do her thing. I felt her face nuzzling every little part of me. I wanted her to go further. I wanted to see just how real Gaia’s glamour really was! Take me you wonderful human you! Take me all the way!
I could feel my pants slide all the way down onto the floor, leaving all of me for her taking.
…Wait. Her taking? What can she take? I’m confused. What exactly does she have?
I don’t know what was happening. My subconscious was being tied into knots, trying to understand what I was truly wanting. I wanted her in me! Her…in me? This didn’t compute.
“It’s okay,” A baritone voice assured me. I looked down in front of me and found Doug, looking down on me in all of his naked glory. “I understand what you really want. Just lie back and relax. Just let go, and I’ll handle the rest.”
I didn’t know why. I’ve beaten myself constantly, trying to fight against these invading thoughts, but now I gave in. I couldn’t take this urge any longer. I needed what he and only he could provide.
With my eyes staring at the ceiling I could feel the sudden prick from his penetration. I opened my mouth in surprise, and then slowly exhaled as I took all the euphoria within me. I moved up in down, and in my head I knew…it felt good.
“More!” I screamed as the motion kept getting faster. “More!”
I was reaching my peak…I could almost feel it…with one gasp of air I yelled…
“Doug!”
I was in Eliza’s bed; the room was pitch dark. The only thing you could hear was the sound of the ceiling fan running overhead, and not even that could muffle the reverb from the name I just shouted from overhead.
I was hoping Eliza didn’t hear me- she offered me her bedroom for the night as she slept out front on her couch. I didn’t want her to think I’m over her, which to be honest I don’t know what she thinks yet. If there’s even a fleeting chance that she may feel something for me still, then I was determined to reach out for it, gender be damned.
And no, I still didn’t understand the whole love issue. Why did it matter who I loved? There are many ways for someone to make love with someone, right? I didn’t need THAT.
And why does it have to be a sexual thing anyway? I love Eliza because she was there for me. We had similar goals and we were easy going people. She just loved to have a good time and at the same time she was hard working enough to achieve anything she set out to do. She was like my other half, or at least she was while I was still a guy.
Now I felt like my personality has shifted dramatically. My goals were so vague anymore I don’t even know whether I’m accomplishing them or not. I’ve become extremely insecure and can’t seem to have a good time without reflecting on how much I’ve lost, let alone the threats from every being imaginable.
I just couldn’t believe how difficult it was for me to picture myself with another woman. I was the woman. I was dreaming up things I never thought I would in my life. And what’s worse was I was enjoying it. It didn’t matter in what way or what manner, whether dominant or submissive, even if I started thinking about making love with a woman my dreams would always shift to being with a man at the end.
In the battle of the sexes, I felt like I put a lot of money on the male in me to win, or at least keep some of its personality within me. Now I’ve realized how much of a losing bet it was, and I was getting desperate to do anything I possibly could to give it a fighting shot, if nothing else.
Morning came and it wasn’t a moment too soon. I needed to get out. It’s been a good week since I returned from my long excursion, and ever since then I’ve been inside, and when I wasn’t catching up with Eliza I was thinking about my shaky sexual orientation. It wasn’t the healthiest of things.
I was soaking in Eliza’s bathroom tub. It was rather constricting compared to the openness I had from swimming across the sea, but it at least kept me hidden from unwanted human eyes. I didn’t want to be the next bigfoot, being chased all over globe.
Eliza came in with a new change of fresh clothes, something quite different from the normal t-shirt/skirt combo I was accustomed to. “Must’ve sucked having to have worn the same clothes the entire trip through,” she assumed. “I brought you a gift. I figured these would be a lot more comfortable for you, at least when walking around on land.”
I looked at her attire: a lime green spaghetti strap shirt, a blue ballerina skirt, and yellow matching bra and underwear. Even with the bras and skirts I’ve learned to wear, albeit begrudgingly, this had to be the most effeminate clothing I’ve worn to date. I looked at her, and not trying to be rude I cordially replied, “Thank you.”
Eliza giggled a little bit. “It’s funny, it wasn’t but a few weeks ago and you were so vehemently against wearing stuff like that.”
“Well,” I commented. “I suppose things change when you’ve been out in sea for a few weeks. Just a lot I’ve had to think about.”
“I suppose that would be the case,” she agreed. “Must have had plenty to ponder. I’m just glad you’re starting to accept yourself, even if that’s a small plus.” She turned and walked out of the bathroom. I didn’t really appreciate that last comment.
It wasn’t like I wanted to accept myself. Let’s be honest here, I wear skirts because it’s adaptable when I go from tail to legs. The bra is only for covering up for the sake of not attracting a bunch of bread dead, perverted men, and even having to think about men as if their minds were located in their penis made me feel like a misandrist. But, even with these additional talents I had I needed to be careful.
But, if anything I have grown accustomed to my new form. Everything was starting to be routine: the hours I needed to swim, the hours I wandered the surface. I was juggling normal human life with the life of a mermaid. But I’d do anything for Eliza, even multitask if need be.
I made my way out of the bathroom wearing her new batch of clothes. I felt kind of odd how womanly I felt. My midriff was shown, my legs as smooth and silky as the skirt blossomed like a flower in bloom. My assets were out front and center. It almost was as if these clothes were intricately designed for me in mind. In fact this doesn’t seem like anything Eliza would wear at all!
“I knew those clothes would just scream you!” she exclaimed. “I’m kind of glad when I bought them.”
“You bought them?” I cried, wondering when and where she would have the chance at doing that. “When did you go out and do that?”
“A few days ago,” she admitted. “And I must say they look hot on you!”
“Really?” I said as my ears perked up.
“Yeah!” she reiterated. “A real knockout.”
It made me feel good to hear her say that. It made me feel like there was a chance she still wanted me, as long as my feelings agreed with me.
She quickly vanquished my good vibes as she made her announcement. “I’m going to have to head out to work Ith,” she stated. “There’s still a lot of clean up to get done; a lot of people to be helped. I’ll probably be back later this evening.”
She gave me a warm hug. My brain told me, kiss her damn it! Prove to yourself you still love her! Yet my heart was very passive, telling me, what are you doing? This makes no sense! Why would you kiss someone you haven’t connected with?
She let go of me before I could prove my heart wrong. “Get out a little, won’t you?” she suggested. “You’re a free woman now, you haven’t any obligation to anyone anymore, you should live a bit, get used to yourself. It’ll do you good.” She opened the door, and said, “I’ll see you later, Ithycca.” She shut the door behind me, leaving me to my thoughts.
And how they began to eat at me. Damn it how I wish there was a way I could just rid of them! Why can’t I keep this one, major part of me: the last vestige of my masculinity?
Then it hit me- Gaia. I have been so caught up with Eliza I totally forgot about her! Maybe she could help me sort things out; staying here wouldn’t make it any easier.
So without further ado, I decided to head out, hoping that this time she wouldn’t teleport me out into the middle of nowhere.
Outside I didn’t look any different from any other Haitian on the street, and yet I had a feeling that all eyes were on me. At first it creeped me out, but yet as I saw the men continuously throwing glances my way I started to feel a rush of pride. You’re damn straight I look good! I couldn’t help but bask in the exposure.
I reached Gaia’s house, and in record time too. I felt flattered by all the attention I was getting, but I almost felt if it kept up I would be responding with advances of my own. I knocked on the door, and one of Gaia’s children opened it in response.
Kneeling down in front of the little young boy, I stated, “Salut, grand homme! Ta má¨re est ici?”
He nodded and screamed inside the house, “Maman! Cette dame de poisson bizarre veut te voir!”
“Hey!” I yelled at the little brat. I’m not a weird fish lady. He knew he was in trouble and immediately ran off to safety. He was lucky, that little weasel!
“My son be givin’ you trouble, dear?” I heard as the voice startled me from behind. I reflexively turned around to find Gaia standing there.
“Why can’t you just greet me normally?” I asked her, wondering if she gets a kick raising my blood pressure.
“And what be the fun of dat, now?” she inquired. “Besides, it be good to test out your reaction. Tells me how hard you be working.”
“Speaking of that,” I began, “I need to get a few things off my chest, and maybe you can help.”
“I can’t do much ‘bout that!” she replied. “Would be difficult fillin’ out that shirt wit’ out them, eh?”
“Not those!” I yelled, although if she could I’d be so ready to accept it. “My thoughts. My head has been going around in circles and I feel like I’m being overwhelmed by everything going on inside of me.”
“Hmmm,” she thought, “perhaps I may have a bit a time for ya. Come in.” I obliged as I made my way to her couch. My life is full of the supernatural. If I had a real therapist they’d probably call me clinically insane. But Gaia’s is no ordinary therapist.
“So, young lady,” she began, “What do you need be sayin’ to your good ol’ Aunt Gaia?”
“Well,” I began by gathering my thoughts, as disorganized as they seemed. “I’m losing myself. I don’t know who I am anymore. It’s hard to tell where on life ends and one life begins. My past life, ten thousand years ago, my male life, and now this; I just don’t know what to do anymore!”
“If you’re losin’ yourself,” she remarked, “you should look to a mirror.”
“This isn’t funny!” I told her, feeling like this is just some game to her. “Every single day another part of my former self gets replaced. It’s like my memories of my male life is slowly coming to an end! I can’t even remember my former name!”
“It be Kyle, hon,” she reminded me. Hearing it felt so odd. That couldn’t be right, I thought to myself. But why couldn’t it?
I kept on expressing my feelings, just letting loose everything I had. “And the worst part is, I don’t even know if I love women anymore! I’ve lived 22 years of my life, and all I can think about; my fantasies and dreams, all revolve around being with a man!”
She sighed at me. I almost believe that she finds this a waste of her time. But she gave me her advice anyway. “Listen, Ithycca. You be making too much out of this. Your name, you desires; those be nuthin’ more than the reality of your life as of right now. You’re a woman, born in the most atypical of matters. Born naturally, you be never rememberin’ the lives you had the past. What be happenin’ now, is just similar. The life you had as Kyle will vanish. You will most likely forget everything about that life: your family, your hobbies, your wants and desires. That be fairly certain.”
That hit me like a shockwave. My life as Kyle…gone? Cease to exist, like I couldn’t even remember? That was too much to bear.
I put my hands on my face and began to sob wildly. Why? Why did this happen to me?
“What was the point!?” I screamed. “Why did I even become Kyle when all of that life would wind up as a vanishing dream!?”
“There be more to life than just the moments and the memories,” she stated. “What feelings did you take out of it? What behavior? Did it make you better or worse than before? That be the purpose of all life. To live, pick up new thoughts and behaviors, die, and move on with those abilities. That is true evolution of the soul. If in one life you were a complete monster, you take with you those same traits. Yet, if in one life you were compassionate, that too would carry over. That is why every life is important. Take that what you may.”
She handed me a tissue as I couldn’t help crying my eyes out. It still was too much to believe.
“And as for your current issues with lust,” she continued. “Maybe you should stop tryin’ to think about it. It seems that the more you be worryin’ about the more you pay attention. That be why your mind be messed up.”
She was right. I just needed to take things as it may and ignore it. I knew it might be difficult, but who knows? Perhaps with enough temperance I can actually see myself loving Eliza again, even if she may not have everything my body desires.
I gave my aunt a hug as she comforted me. “Seriously,” she replied, “look in the mirror sometime. Don’t remind yourself about your pasts, just look at yourself and tell yourself what you think you truly be. There be nuthin' to be ashamed of.”
I thanked her for spending the time with me. I thought she did a good job helping me, or at least I thought I did. Perhaps I didn’t understand her completely enough…
Evening came, and I was sure that Eliza would be home by now. I hoped I hadn’t made her worry too much. Yet when I opened the door I was in for a big surprise.
“Kali?” I cried out in utter befuddlement.
“Hey there, princess!” She crooned. “You didn’t forget about lil ol’ me, didja?”
(In order to make a more detailed and complete universe, I wanted to focus on the stories of the other major characters of Ithycca. This one will feature both Ithycca's friend and supporter, Eliza, and the rambunctious Djinn girl Kali. Enjoy!)
Ithycca Sidestories
Chapter 9.5
My Best Frienemy
By AoifeM
When I started doing volunteer work, I was doing it for the sake of the people whose lives had suffered. I was always a compassionate individual. Plus, just going out to see the world was interesting in its own right.
I didn’t expect how much of the world I would actually see- far beyond the normal cardinal directions of north, south, east, and west. Beyond my wildest imaginations as in fact. I was rather fond of Kyle Weathers. I thought he made a good friend in what was otherwise a rather lonely and unfamiliar place. Perhaps a part of me wished for a little more.
However, my life turned upside down when that same man became something I could only imagine in fairy tales: a mermaid. He changed gender and everything. The idea that such mythological creatures did exist, that magic truly wasn’t just sleight of hand, but an actual, supernatural phenomenon; that blew me away.
But I knew he- or now she was even more shocked than I was. I was but an observer; he was actually experiencing it! Having your life change so drastically, so immediately, made my fright meager in comparison.
So, even with little knowledge understanding a mermaid’s…physique, I did what I could to help her. Sure I tried to keep things as light hearted as I possibly could. I even joked about the situation, hoping to at least relieve some of the tension. I felt as if the only one that was positively affected by it.
Still sometimes I wonder, even now, if she understands even a modicum of my own feelings, because it’s not like this isn’t stressing me out either! I keep quiet about my concerns however; I didn’t want her to worry any more than she has already.
Putting my hand over my doorknob to my apartment, I was surprised to see my door was unlocked. I knew that somehow Ithycca could grow legs at this point. I didn’t have a clue how, but I just went with it. Most stories I was told when I was a little girl suggested that some form of magic allowed her to do that. I just hope she didn’t have to sacrifice her soul or anything else important to some “Real Life Ursula.”
In either event I assumed that she must’ve gone off and forgot to lock the door behind her. Seems like even after all she’s been through she still has some annoying masculine habits left in her. I suppose I should reprimand her when she returns.
Opening the door came an even bigger surprise. My room was being invaded by some latina girl with golden blond locks. The women already went through my wine cabinet, as I saw her pop open my bottle of vintage chardonnay and let the fizz run down to my carpet. I already knew she was going on my shit list.
“Who are you?” I yelled. “What are you doing in my home? And what the fuck are you doing ruining my perfectly good carpet?!”
The woman was fooling around, looking all over, almost toying with me. She knew there was absolutely no one else around that I was referring to. “Oh, me?” The woman asked, making a pouty face as she pointed a finger towards herself.
“I don’t see anyone else invading my home without my consent!” I angrily told her.
And with a quick 180 ° her pouty frown turned upside down. “I like you,” She replied enthusiastically while avoiding all my questions. “I could see why Ithy would dig such a lady like you. Not afraid to take charge, no siree bob! I guess spending her past life doing all the handiwork; even I would wanna take a break and let someone else do the heavy lifting for me. I better write that down! Gotta keep these things in mind you know? That’s what keeps a relationship healthy!”
I didn’t get what she was babbling on about. There was truly only one thing she stated that stood out in my mind.
“You know Ithycca?” I asked, surprisingly.
“Well, of course!” She answered. “Why else would I have gone so far to arrive here unannounced?”
She seemed to give off a rather shady vibe. She obviously wasn’t afraid of me, or worried that I caught her. I decided to proceed carefully. “Well, she isn’t here at the moment,” I stated, feeling a little uneasy. I could tell- this was no ordinary woman.
“Oh, I know,” She declared. “She’s not the one I wanted to see; at least not yet.”
Now I knew I could panic.
“What do you want?” I yelled as I nervously began to back up.
“Well, Eliza,” She began; her mischievous smile and her knowledge of my name only made me feel even more discomfort. “I guess I’ll have to be totally honest with you. I like Ithy. I mean, I really, really like her. And yet here she is, getting all cozy with you. I mean, honestly, what do you have that I don’t? I’m lovable and I know how to have a good time! Hell, give me the opportunity and I can create fireworks with just the wave of my finger!”
“You’ve got it all wrong!” I desperately tried to relay to her. “I don’t like her like that! I don’t like women! As much as he was interesting back when he was Kyle, I can’t see her like that. If she wants to hang with you, then go for it! Leave me out of this!”
“I wish it was simple, my human friend,” she countered. “But as long as you’re in the picture she won’t even notice me. I’m just trying to root out the competition, so to speak.”
“So you’re gonna kill me?” I retorted, already preparing for the worst. “Just like that?”
“Kill you?” She repeated, stunned. “I’m not some murderer! Heck, once I have her wrapped around my little finger I was gonna let you go anyway! Maybe once this is all over with we’ll be great friends.”
You sure have a weird way of making friends, I couldn’t help but think to myself.
I didn’t even finish my train of thought before I realized I was transported out of my home and into a wide open desert. Being the middle of the night I couldn’t believe the chill that was present.
“Ah, the wonders of Gate control,” Gaia gleefully replied. “You humans oughta try it sometime. Better than paying for airline travel.”
“Where am I?” I yelled in astonishment. “What the hell did you do?”
“Don’t need to be bitchy,” she replied. “Just sent you out in the Sahara for a little bit! Just till my little date is done!”
“Are you mad!?” I asked, even though in my mind I already knew the answer. “I’ll freeze out here!”
“Geez-Louise!” She shouted. “You humans and your body temperatures!” She began to cast a spell which surrounded me with a barrier of fire. “There! You see? What are frienemies for?”
I almost was ready to tackle that bitch. Yes, she was obviously more powerful, and such rash behavior wasn’t the most logical solution. But when taken out of your comfort zone, sometimes you throw logic out the window.
“Send me back!” I demanded with my fists clenched and face seething.
“Sorry!” She told me, not intimidated at my rising anger. “I’ll check up with you soon! Promise!”
And with a flash of light she was gone.
“Damn you!” I shouted at the top of my lungs. “Come back!” I knew yelling was pointless however. Out here, no one can hear me.
My stomach began to growl. Hours past and that childish woman didn’t even consider that I could starve out here. And yet, even if I could hunt or gather food in a place like this, this barrier she put up was a double edged sword; sure it kept me warm, but it also prevented me moving from this very spot.
I lied down and put my arm over my head, coaxing my stomach to settle down. I was feeling a little weak. And without any sustenance I felt that the best thing I could do at this moment is save my energy, as little as I had.
Suddenly I was greeted with an oddly reddish hand, holding out what seemed to be a drink of some sort. I didn’t worry about what was giving me this; I just grabbed it and began to chug it down.
“Consider it a free gift,” The strange figure replied. “An apology for your treatment by my little sister.”
Sister? I immediately stared upward at the person, and realized, he looked like the Devil!
I immediately scuttled back in fright, he didn’t seem to be thrilled by my reaction.
“Please,” The demonic man pleaded. “Do not be alarmed. What you hear in those fairy tales and religious texts defile our very nature.”
“What…” I started to stutter, “What are you?”
“I am Said,” he replied. “I am Djinn. I see that you have met my younger sister, Khalifa, or Kali, as she prefers to be called.”
“She doesn’t look anything like you!” I exclaimed, frightened to death at the fiery presence before me.”
“She must be under a glamour,” he assumed. Seeing that I wasn’t going to be any more comfortable around his devilish appearance, he casted his own “glamour” to appear human.
“Does that make you feel more at ease?” he asked cordially.
“A little,” I replied, even though I still didn’t understand why he didn't just do that in the first place.
“Gaia is a good soul,” he stated. “Bless her heart that she allows us these spells to adapt to your society, even if it’s most temporary.”
That explained Ithycca being able to walk on land.
“I remember Ithycca talking to me about someone with that name," I remarked, "although I myself have never met her. She apparently gave her the scale that turned her into…well.”
“Yes,” he informed me. “Who knew she had possession of such a powerful artifact? And to believe she would use it; it is very interesting indeed.”
“I don’t get it,” I admitted. “Why Kyle? Why not anyone else?”
“He was obviously the reincarnation of the late Princess,” he answered. “Still, her existence wasn’t going to go unnoticed. Even Lord Efreet is having trouble deciding what to make of it all.”
“And what is your purpose, anyway?” I asked.
“We’re fairly neutral,” he told me. “We Djinn live in a free society. We do what our heart desires. That tends to be good, or bad, as you can see from your circumstance.”
“No kidding,” I seconded his notion.
“Most of us prefer to work alongside other species. We specialize in mercantilism. We could be considered the one who taught humans the art of trade and bargaining. The stories of Three Wishes? Nothing more but a sample, a trial offer of what we could offer, if the price is right.”
“That’s pretty amazing,” I remarked. All of a sudden it felt like history was being retold right in front of me.
“Of course, that’s where the ideas of soul stealing, and blood sacrificing came along. Obviously the Angels didn’t appreciate our business.”
“Angels?” I replied. “You’re trying to tell me they’re the bad guys?”
“No,” he answered. “We’re just polar opposites. We live as individualists. Angels are collectivists. Much like the Catholic Church; while there are many priests and cardinals and bishops who have their own interpretation of the words of Yahweh, the Pope has the final say. Angels follow the same model. Most Angels cannot comprehend our line of thinking, and to be honest, I don’t understand them just as well.”
Chaos versus order, I realized in my own head.
“I must again apologize for the mess my sister has put you in,” He repeated once again.
I grew comfortable with him enough to the point I could ask him. “Could you perhaps get me out of this place?” I wondered.
“For the sake of my own guilt,” he replied, “I will do what I can. However I cannot dispel the barrier, which is blocking all magicks from within. Only Kali can do that. However, being Djinn, fire doesn’t hurt me. I can walk in and out of the barrier without trouble. If you don’t mind waiting a little longer I can have a “talk” with my little sister. Although I know she may be quite the troublemaker, but I doubt she’d just leave you to die. However, maybe with my assistance we can shorten your time spent here.”
I sighed, knowing I wasn’t going to get anything better than this. But it’s not like I have anything better to do. “Alright,” I reluctantly accepted.
“Then it shall be done,” he affirmed. “Shall I show you my wares before I leave you then?”
“Wares?” I said, unsure where he was heading.
“Yes,” Said began. “No offense to your situation, but there isn’t a better customer than one who’s trapped outside in the middle of nowhere.”
“And you know this how?” I asked, acting like the wife of a TV sitcom family who just knows her husband is hiding something.
“Heheh,” he nervously chuckled, scratching the back of his head in embarrassment. “I suppose I shall go now!”
And as he left the barrier he immediately vanished. Hopefully he’ll be able to take care of my little “problem.”
A long time ago, the Earth blessed four spirits, making them gods. The gods of Earth, Air, Fire, and Water, oversee their realms, creating sentient creatures to help cultivate their lands. These beings constantly war over each other, eventually driving the servants of Water, the Merfolk, to extinction. Millennia later Kyle Weathers receives a gift from an old but mysterious lady while working in Haiti. This gift will change his life forever.
Chapter 10: The Tangled Webs We Weave
Quickly the young minx rushed over and threw her arm around my shoulder, guiding me over to the sofa ahead of me.
“You must be worn out doing whatever it is you Mermaids do!” Kali assumed as I had a seat on the couch below me. Yes, she did have a point. I was worn out. I was worn out from all the mental strain that has become a constant symptom of my new life. And her impromptu appearance from out of nowhere isn’t setting my mind at ease.
“What are you doing here?” I demanded to know. “Where’s Eliza?”
“Oh, don’t worry about her,” she tried to assure me as she headed to the wine cabinet. “She knows I’m here. I bet you don’t know, but we happen to be reeeaaalll good friends.”
Somehow I had a hard time believing that one.
“So I just told her, hey, take a night off!” she continued. “You’ve been spending a lot of time helping Ithy, and I figured I could take some of the load for her.” She came back with a bottle of champagne as she quickly popped the cork. “Want some?”
“I think the word ‘help’ has a very different meaning between you two,” I informed her.
“Oh?” She wondered. “How so?”
“For one thing,” I began. “She knows better than to not get me drunk. Dehydrates me.”
She just shrugged, and proceeded to down the bottle by herself, which is surprising for such a petite looking girl. She belched fire as a result, much like a dragon exhaling after a deep breath. I didn’t appreciate the fact that this very powerful Djinni standing before me was the ultimate party girl.
“Hehe,” she giggled, embarrassed at her unwomanly behavior, or at least pretending to be at least. “Sorry!”
“This is seriously too weird,” I said as I stood up and walked over to the bedroom, hoping that maybe Eliza was there, though I wasn’t holding my breath. But Kali kept trying to real me back in immediately getting in front of me.
“Hey, hey!” she cried. “Don’t leave! I can do better! Honest!” I rolled my eyes. She’s obviously hiding something, and if she did something to Eliza, I didn’t have any time to play these games.
She dragged me to the kitchen table. Obviously it won’t be easy getting by her; she is a powerful pyromancer after all, plus I wouldn’t want to be on the receiving end of her hooks- I can only shudder to think about getting one of those snagged in my gills like a helpless fish. I would rather avoid conflict as much as possible. Perhaps by sticking around I could get her to divulge Eliza’s location. She does seem to be easy to coax, at the very least.
“You know,” She began, “you may not know it, but I’m quite a chef! Wait here I’ll make you something!” She rushed back into the kitchen. Looking underneath the cabinets and into the refrigerator to try and impress me with her “talent.” Honestly I just wished that she could get it through her thick head that I’m not interested in her. Hell, even as a man she wouldn’t be my style. I liked a girl with a sense of responsibility; sure, having a sense a humor is a plus, but there’s a difference between having a good time and…this! This keeps up Eliza’s place may collapse in a fiery inferno!
“Ah ha!” She yelled, taking a fresh chicken breast out from the freezer. “How about some chicken parmesan? I guarantee it’ll be so delicioso!” She grabbed a pan and began to put the ingredients together. She actually seemed to have a cooking acumen, measuring each ingredient to its exact amount. Color me impressed.
Of course that all ended as she proceed to hold the pan in the palm of her hand and began to cook it to a charred brick. Apparently she didn’t know how to control the intensity of her powers.
Or she was oblivious to the fact Humans, or me for that matter, don’t eat things burnt to a crisp. She got a good whiff of the atrocious aroma, and apparently approved of it. Giddy, she put the blackened remains on a plate and ran it back to me. One smell was enough to make my stomach upset. I couldn’t hold it as I ran to the bathroom. This seriously had become the most challenging situation I’ve encountered at this point. Not even the Angel was this scary.
After a few minutes in the bathroom I slowly made my way out, praying that the terror that was Kali wasn’t waiting on me. My prayer went predictability unanswered.
“Are you okay?” She asked, concerned.
I was obviously getting fed up with everything. “Why don’t you use the stove!?” I yelled.
“That box that’s in the kitchen?” She wondered. “So that’s what that is! I always thought it was a heated chair!”
I facepalmed. Was she seriously that dense?
I needed to sit down, as this was beginning to be too much. I already had a headache, and I’m sure that by throwing up I lost a lot of my hydration. Having to gurgle a bottle of mouthwash didn’t help matters, as that just gave me another chore to clean up after.
Kali walked over to me and sat down beside of me. She did seem rather guilty for all the things she did.
“I guess I’m not the best hostess, huh?” She pouted. “I’m so sorry this didn’t turn out better.”
I just sighed in disgust. I appreciate she at least admitted it.
“It’s just, Ithy,” she continued, “I really, really like you. When I was a little girl I was so enthralled about our world’s mythology and the Merfolk and everything. People called them scary, warmongering people, but I don’t think that was necessarily true! And now that you’re here, I have a chance to understand you a little better. And ever since, I’ve been watching. I saw how lonely you were. And I wanted to be there. I wanted you to realize you’re not alone.
She moved closer to me. I didn’t feel scared of her anymore. I actually feel sorry for her. And maybe I felt a little guilty as well. It was true, I was lonely. I felt like I was the only person in the world. I wanted to find my place in the world. When I was Kyle, I had it. And so much I wanted to retain that. But I’ve lost it.
But, I just don’t like Kali like that. I don’t even know if I love Eliza like that, as much as I wanted to believe otherwise. I wanted some hope, some gleaming promise that I still have a little bit of the old me inside me, that I do love women, but not like this.
“Kali,” I began, “I really appreciate all you have done for me. You’ve saved my life, and it’s obvious everything you do is because you really do care for me.”
I put my hand over hers. I never looked forward to rejecting someone. “Kali, it’s true, I’ve been lonely. I won’t deny that. But it’s because of friends like you, and Eliza, that makes me feel like I matter, that I’m loved. But Kali, please don’t take this the wrong way, but I just can’t love you like that. I’m truly, truly sorry.”
My words hit her like a ton of bricks. I could see the tears welling up in her eyes, and I’m surprised a Djinni could do that.
“No!” She blurted as the tears began to run down her face. “I know you love me! I can make you love me!”
She forcefully began to jump onto me and pulled my face into hers, kissing me aggressively, trying desperately to get me to feel something, anything. But it all felt wrong. It felt like that dream- like something was missing. And the manner she was doing all of this didn’t make it any better.
I struggled but eventually I was able to push her off. I stumbled off the couch, and stood up. Our eyes met, and both of us could see the pain and sadness on our faces.
“Why?” She yelled. “Why can’t you love me?”
“Kali…” I meekly said. I just didn’t know what to do now.
Suddenly another man popped up out of thin air and entered the scene. “Khalifa!” he yelled. “That’s enough!”
“Said!” Kali blurted out. Obviously these two had some connection.
“Do you know what you’re doing?” he asked.
“But…Ithy,” she sobbed.
“She doesn’t love you like that, Kali,” he replied. “And as a result, you’re not only hurting Ithycca, the one you supposedly love, but also her friend, who had nothing to do with this!”
“I just didn’t want her to get in the way!” she exclaimed.
“She doesn’t even like her that way!” he remarked. “She is a straight woman!”
That shook me to the core. She didn’t like me like that? She knows…she knows I was once a man! She knows that deep inside I still wanted to maintain and eventually reclaim my manhood! Can’t she at least see this?
“My sister,” Said continued. “I know you love Ithycca very much. But if you truly love her, you would support her in any of her decisions. I know it’s hard, but trust me, don’t think of it like she doesn’t love you. She does. But there are some things that some people can’t do. Physically, she just can’t find you attractive. But emotionally, she loves you as much as anyone.
Physically!? I thought to myself. Kali is knockout damn it! If anything that shouldn’t have been the least likely reason I wasn’t attracted to her! Yet, even looking at her I couldn’t feel anything. Nothing! Damn it! I know I can find her hot!
They were still talking in the background.
“I suppose I can deal with that,” Kali replied, still sobbing. “I’m sorry, Ithycca. I just…”
Said interrupted, “Kali, I think you have someone trapped out in the middle of nowhere you need to free.”
“Yeah,” she replied. “Care to come along, Ithy?”
“Please,” I pleaded, “take me to her.”
I was summoned into a desert. It was rather immediate, and my cold bloodiness couldn’t compensate from the sudden change of temperature. That wasn’t the true focus of my mind. No, my focus was directed to the person that sat there waiting to be rescued, and most likely she was waiting impatiently.
“Ithycca!” Eliza cried as she ran up and hugged me. I felt confused. Does she really find me unattractive?
“You’re free,” Kali said, still looking a little depressed. “I’m…sorry I did this to you.” It didn’t sound all that sincere, but I doubt Eliza cared. She was just happy she was free.
“We’ll take a small leave of absence, for now,” Said declared. “I think we have caused enough trouble for now.”
“I’m sorry to hear that,” Eliza replied. What, you really wanted them to stick around?
“I’m sure we’ll meet again,” he assured us. Chances were, I could count on that. “Let us take you back to your home.”
And with a flash of light we were back home. It was just me and Eliza.
A few minutes past since we've returned. My mind was so caught up in anger and confusion. I tried to calm down, but it was futile. Does she even see me as Kyle anymore?
“God,” Eliza began. “It feels so good to be home.”
But I wasn’t in the mood to feel “good.” I needed answers. I needed to know.
“Did you love me?” I asked her point blank.
“What?” She replied, honestly wondering where that came from.
“Back when I was…when I was male!” I reiterated, obviously frustrated that again I forgot my old name.
“Ithycca…” She said.
“Is that all you see now?” I continued to interrogate. “Is all I am Ithycca to you?”
“Kali was right,” She realized. “I just was too naíve to realize it.”
“Realize what!?” I wondered, my anger getting the best of me.
“That you still have feelings for me!” She answered. “I mean, I knew the possibility could be there, but, I didn’t think you would actually consider it.”
“Consider it?” I continued. “Damn it, Eliza! All I know, all that I was; it's disappearing right before my very eyes! I don’t even know my name anymore; my real, male name! Even this; even this is all confusing. I don’t want to lose you. You’re all I have left from my former life!”
“Ithycca,” she stated, “Look, it’s true, I did feel some with you! I did find you attractive as Kyle. But I a woman! And as a woman, I find myself attracted to men. That’s just normal!”
“But I was a man!” I made her remember, “And I don’t want to this way forever! I swear I would do whatever it takes to return to my former self!”
“But can you?” She asked. “And how long can I wait? I don’t want to be pessimistic, but I just can’t see that happening.”
“So you too,” I replied, “You too can no longer look beyond all this and realize I was someone else.”
“Tell me, truthfully,” she argued, “Are you actually in love with me for me, or are you trying to convince yourself you love me to prove you’re still male?”
I wanted to say yes; that I truly loved her. But she could see right through me. She knew I wasn’t attracted to her, or any woman, any longer.
The tears built up. I couldn’t take it anymore. I felt like I lost everything. Kyle Weathers ceased to exist at that very moment. I turned and ran out the door.
Eliza tried to run after me, hanging outside the door as she called back to me, “Ithycca! Come back!” I didn’t listen, however. I needed to be alone.
I could only think of one place that made me feel at east at this point. I pulled off most of my clothes save for my bra, and headed out to sea. At least the open waters could hide my shallow tears.
A long time ago, the Earth blessed four spirits, making them gods. The gods of Earth, Air, Fire, and Water, oversee their realms, creating sentient creatures to help cultivate their lands. These beings constantly war over each other, eventually driving the servants of Water, the Merfolk, to extinction. Millennia later Kyle Weathers receives a gift from an old but mysterious lady while working in Haiti. This gift will change his life forever.
Chapter 11: If Tears Were Liquor
Drinking isn’t a healthy habit, particularly for a mermaid. It tends to dehydrate the body, and for me, that kind of thing is very important, even if I was under my glamour.
Still, I threw caution into the wind. Ever since I became Ithycca I had been on a perpetual roller coaster. I was able to do many things, breathe underwater, swim to depths unapproachable by humans, and travel ocean to ocean without need of a boat or plane. Yet, for all I gained, I lost a lot more. Eliza, who I adored. I only wish that I could have met and fallen for her earlier; back when I was Kyle.
I didn’t want to accept the truth, so I ran- or rather, swam, back to my second home in Key West. Perhaps there I could get a little privacy. Or perhaps I wanted something even more.
Like some cruel joke fate intervened as Douglas entered the pub. Under normal circumstances I would be embarrassed behaving like this, but I didn’t care. If I’m going down I’m going down hard.
He obviously looked at me, seeing my sullen visage, and came to talk with me.
“I’m surprised someone like you would be out here drinking like this,” he stated.
Woozy, I couldn’t help but giggle slightly and responded, “It’s true I’m not the strongest of drinkers. I’m just a girl, after all!”
He looked at me with disgust and worry. He put his arm over my back and grabbed my purse, handing it to me. “Come on. We should get you home.”
He escorted me out the door, me stumbling as if I was walking on Jello. I laid my head over his muscular shoulder, locking my arms around his shoulder in order to gain support. I once had shoulders like that, I thought to myself. Walking down the rainy street, I began to cuddle and nuzzle him, closing the distance between us as if I was some clingy girlfriend. But, that’s what I’m supposed to do, wasn’t I? I’m a girl, after all, and as a girl I was supposed to like boys. At least that’s what Eliza told me, bursting my bubble.
A little nervous and confused about my drunken actions, he decided to initiate conversation in hopes of me settling down.
“So…Ith,” he began as he gingerly pulled me up from his arm. “Care to tell me what happened?”
Looking at him, I replied in an almost snotty matter, “What does it matter? It’s not like you care for me!”
Shocked by my outburst, he told me, “Of course I care about you! How come you think I don’t?”
With a little chortle, I answered, “Do you know what it’s like to be lonely? I feel like I’m the only person in the world. And because of things I can’t control, my life has gone off the wall!” I could feel the tears slowly falling. I would normally resist it, but girls do this, right? That’s what I am, isn’t it? I’m obviously not manly, with this delicate little arms and perky orbs of flesh. So why fight the truth?
He put his hand on my head and stroked my hair, wet from all the rain. “I know lonely,” he said, “I’ve lived 34 years of my life. I’m still single. No family. I never have time because when I’ve finally had a chance to settle, I’m off to somewhere else, moving from ocean to ocean, scouting for new life, or whatever. Sometimes I feel I need to settle down.”
I drew myself closer to him. It wasn’t the same as being the last Mermaid on Earth, but loneliness comes in many forms.
“I don’t want to be alone anymore,” I said while sobbing up a storm.
He embraced me in a slight hug as we made our way to my place. I didn’t know what I was thinking. But I was still so drunk. I wanted to be accepted so badly. I really wanted to be Eliza’s, at least I thought I did. But I knew it could never be. How could she like someone with clearly the anatomy as her? Upon retrospect, why was I disgusted at the thought of being with a guy? He had just the parts I needed. I had a vagina, Doug had a penis. Odd how my thoughts began to make me wet. Were my thoughts giving me the go ahead?
Of course it was! My body’s been giving me the go ahead since I first met Doug! The truth was I didn’t need a woman anymore. I needed a man. I needed Doug. And how I fought time and time again, avoiding the truth which stared back at me right in front of my face!
I stared at the man that was escorting me in a whole new light. It was one of passion and desire. This time I wouldn’t fight it, or run away. I am a woman, and I will have sex with this man tonight.
How could I have loved Eliza anyway? What does she have that I didn’t? As far as I was concerned I was more attractive than that bitch anyway. Look at my body! Small, slender, curvaceous; I was a total babe.
Now Doug, there is a keeper. Strong, washboard abs, broad shoulders, rugged appearance. These things were what a woman should desire; that and maybe one other thing.
If Stockholm Syndrome was something that could happen through internal conflict, then I was definitely a victim. No longer was I fighting these feelings. In fact I was purposely forcing myself to think these thoughts; to excite myself over the proposition that I was about to do. It didn’t matter- I was a woman now, this is what women do. This is what I want. That’s what my dreams told me, right? And only after slamming down a few drinks I could finally let down all my walls and inhibitions and see things as they truly were.
We reached my apartment, and my man opened my door. A few steps in and I immediately tackled him. My horniness reached its peak, and my inhibitions were set aside. I denied myself for too long, trying to fight to gain something that didn’t belong. I was going to be the woman Eliza wants to be- no, I’ll be better! I’ll give him the time of his life!
Stumbling into my bedroom, I ripped off his shirt, buttons flying everywhere. It was quite surprising to see how strong I could be when intoxicated with lust. He himself seemed to be in a trance. Was that how a man acts when a woman forces herself on him? When I was a man I don’t think that was the case. Maybe I was already a master at my craft, which excited me even more. Like many other things, I was proving to be a natural.
I licked his bare chest upward till I reached his mouth, and passionately I kissed, tongue intertwined with mine. Oh, my sweet, sweet Dougie. His hand wrapped around my waist, pulling me closer, and how gladly I accepted! I pulled off my shirt, leaving me with just my bra. The sensations were building up and my nipples grew hard. They needed to escape! With a simple flick of my wrist I undid my strap, and my breasts were left out in the open, ready for my big man to play.
Oh, and did he. The feelings he gave me as he fondled and caressed. I resumed kissing him, moaning from the pure ecstasy. Ecstasy I’ve never felt before. I then felt something below me, moving up my leg, tenting up his pants, wanting to say hello. He was ready to get to the main event.
As wet as I was, I had to slow down and analyzed the situation, with what little train of thought I had left. Was I, a female who just a few months ago was male, ready to cross the point of no return, and actually allow him to penetrate me? I looked down at his cock, obviously erect and just itching to be let out. It must be painful having it remain all tied up in there. And for some reason, it felt so tempting.
I discarded all thought. I lower my head, and using my teeth I unbuttoned his jeans. I was a girl, damn it. My body was made for this! The only thing that could satisfy me was his pulsing cock. Eliza knew it, and now I get to find out.
Pulling down his drawers I saw it: I was astonished. It was right there, so big, so amazing. It was waiting for me, waiting for me to receive it.
Perhaps my mind fought a little bit, but my body clearly knew what was about to happen. Pulling off my pants, all that covered me was my panties. I was too far gone to put up a fight. I submitted to my urges. I wanted him in me.
“Fuck me,” I demanded, surrendering the last bit of defense as I lied there, on my bed, removing my panties and throwing them across the room. I spread my legs opening my vagina. I submitted, and prepared for the consequences.
I felt a prick as he entered me. I bent my head back, jaw dropped as I exasperated. The warm feeling of his member inside of me, moving, massaging. I let out a couple gasps; soon they turned into moans. He proceeded to pump harder and faster and I reacted, moving up and down as he was. The feelings were building inside me, I felt like I was about to burst. This was it, the big finale. And with an involuntary spasm I released, unleashing my first ever female orgasm.
He too couldn’t contain himself, and orgasmed. His cum filled the walls of my uterus, and the deed was done. I just had sex with a guy, and for all the time I fought myself for this very moment, ultimately I have never experienced anything better. Content, I fell asleep with a smile on my face, using his chest as a pillow.
The next day came. I was fully alert as my drunkenness seemed to have passed. But for the longest time I couldn’t really remember exactly what happened.
The pounding of another being’s heart that I felt underneath me gave me the first clue. Shocked I jumped out of my bed. Obviously naked, I ran to the only place I could: I ran down the hall to my bathroom.
I looked at the mirror. I could see my fake thighs were rather sticky from the intercourse I just had last night. Freaking out I sat down on my toilet seat, shaking my head, still trying to come to grips on what I just done.
What possessed me to do such a thing? And what possessed him to take advantage like that? Was I really that messed up? I mean, I was lonely, but to have sex with a guy!? Unprotected? I feared I would get pregnant!
“Well are you a mess, young lady!” a rather cheerful voice said. In a flash, Kali entered the room.
I immediately curled up into a ball, using my hands to unsuccessfully cover up my nude body.
“Geez, get a grip!” She cried, “It’s nothing I haven’t seen before! I mean, look at my sexy self!”
“What do you want?” I demanded as I pulled on my robe
With a grin, she asked, “Did you like it?”
Already fed up with her I stomped out the room.
“Oh come on! What’s the big deal?” She whined, obviously not knowing when enough was enough.
Enraged by her carefree attitude, I gave her a piece of my mind. “What do you think is wrong!? I just had sex with a guy! Unprotected! Without any care in the world!”
Looking at me she felt obliged to point, “Well, that is what your body is made for.”
She just makes it worse it worse. Do Djinn even know how to be compassionate? “What if he gets the wrong idea about me? What would he think if this was just a one night stand? What about me? What if I get pregnant?”
“Oh, you can’t get pregnant by him!” She claimed, much to my relief. “You’re a Mermaid, and he’s a land dweller. You have totally different anatomies. Your glamour is a temporary thing. And as for him, well, it wasn’t like he was really in control that night either.”
“What do you mean?” I wondered.
“Mermaid pheromones,” Kali explained, “It kind of does weird things to landdwellers, or anyone else for that matter. Don’t you read your mythology books? How else could you seduce guys so easily? I mean you can practically control him!”
I couldn’t believe it. I made him have sex with me. All against his will. I used him in order to sexually satisfy me, satisfy me in the way Eliza wouldn’t.
The tears ran down my eyes. I felt like such a whore! All I wanted was someone to care for me. How did it get this far?
Kali, seeing my tears, came to comfort me, “I don’t want to see my love cry,” she said.
I had the need to just blurt everything out, “Yes!” I cried. “Yes, I liked it Kali! I liked having sex with that man!” I admitted with the tears flowing out nonstop. “And that scares me! I don’t want that! Particularly like this! That’s not who I am!”
“Then what do you want then?”
“I-I don’t know!” I stuttered as I sobbed. “I just don’t want to lose a friend because of my dimwitted mistakes!”
Kali proceeded to plant a kiss across my cheek, “You’re just young still. You’re trying to figure yourself out. I mean, technically you’ve been dead for over 10,000 years, and back then you were still the young girl you are now. Just everything was easy back in Atlantis. As I’ve read females had their mates picked for them. You just haven’t learned the finer details of snagging a date.”
I suppose that made since. “I…”
She continued, “And think about this. Not only do you have the disadvantage of bring a princess, you also for a time were sealed as a man! Talk about making your mind go crazy!”
I laughed a little under my breath, realizing I had it harder than I realized. “You’re probably right, Kali.”
“Probably?” She said with a quizzical look, “Most definitely!” We both had a nice laugh. For all the craziness that Kali brings, I’m still glad that she’s my friend. “Anyway, you should go get dressed. You’re lucky it was raining out last night because if not you’d be charred like shrimp on the barbie!
Trying to tackle my recent problems I totally forgot about that. I probably needed to head to the ocean soon. But there’s still one problem I needed to care of. “What about Douglas?”
“Don’t worry, I handle it,” she stated. “He won’t remember anything. That’s what you wanted right?”
I really didn’t like the prospect. I knew Kali was one hell of a spell weaver, but erasing his memory seemed drastic. I still would rather never bring this up again though. I was drunk, and my inhibitions were gone. I really liked Doug, but only as a friend, and for the sake of my friendship, nothing more.
“You’re just erasing the memories from last night?”
“Yup, “She confirmed. “I can send him right back to his house, no one would be the wiser, except you of course.”
Yeah, just me, the jackass. Even after all that I don’t know if I can ever see Douglas the same way again. I suppose I just need to stay away for awhile. I have the whole ocean floor to myself, hopefully a few weeks under the sea and I can put this all behind me.
“Do it,” I said with overbearing guilt. Grabbing my swimsuit I headed for the shower, in hopes that I can wash away the last traces of residue from that night.
...The night I truly became a woman.
(In order to make a more detailed and complete universe, I wanted to focus on the stories of the other major characters of Ithycca. This one will feature both Ithycca's friend and supporter, Eliza, and the Goddess of Earth, Gaia. Enjoy!)
Chapter 11.5: The Weight of the World
It’s been weeks since I’ve last seen Ithycca. I was worried sick, even more so this time because this was in a way my fault.
I really couldn’t imagine all the mental anguish she was going through, no matter how painfully obvious it was painted on her face. Before all of this she was a man- a kind, caring, selfless man. He was very intelligent and quite funny as well. What I wouldn’t give to live those moments again.
I wish I could love her like that. I wish I could love her like she is right now. Kali didn’t seem to have any inhibitions trying to seduce her. Then again, she is a devil, literally. But loving a woman didn’t resonate with me, no matter how much I may want it. It was too unnatural.
But I didn’t want to push her away like that. Honestly I only want to help her, yet it seems like it’s impossible. I can’t empathize with something I probably will never understand.
My worry got the best of me. I had to find her. And if there was one place on this island she could go, it was to the home of that mysterious Creole lady, Gaia. I returned to the rough and dilapidated neighborhood where Ithycca and I first searched for her. Even though we’ve done our best trying to fix up the neighborhood, these things take money, and time, things we don’t always have.
I asked around the neighborhood. I was surprised how kind and helpful everyone was, even under these circumstances. They all seem to have glowing words about this “Auntie Gaia.” Eventually they led me to her humble abode. While the outside seems to be in pitiful, it seemed to be one of the least affected areas from the quake, oddly. The door to her house stood wide open, almost like it was inviting me in. Standing outside the home’s entrance was the supposed “Earth Goddess,” spinning some clay pottery. Even though her focus was directly towards her spinning, she seemed to recognize my presence.
“You needn’t be standin’ ‘round like a zombie, dear,” she began. “Come on in.”
I walked inside and had a seat on her couch. “It isn’t real safe to leave your door open,” I told her, “There could be looters.”
“They know better,” She insisted, “Besides, it be hotter than the gates of Angra Mainyu. Gods be hot too ya know?”
Angra Mainyu? No clue what that was.
“Now, Eliza,” She continued, “you obviously had a question for this ol’ woman here. Go ahead and ask it.”
“How did you know my name?” I asked, stunned. She turned to look at me sternly. Obviously she didn’t have time for semantics.
“I…I was wondering if you knew where Ithycca went,” I told her.
“Ah, Ithycca, my poor niece,” She replied. “My child, it be best if you leave her be.”
“But why?” I asked with a rise of my voice.
“I feel she be needin’ her time to herself. She has a lot of things going on in her mind. She needs to find herself. Give her space.”
I felt a tinge of guilt, but for some reason being around Gaia I felt like I could talk to her about anything. “I just…I think I may have hurt her,” I explained. “I…suppose at one time I loved her, back when she was Kyle. But now…am I wrong? She’s still Kyle in there! You would think I could see past her physical shape, but I just can’t!”
She stopped midway into finishing her pot and turned to me. “Child, love have many different forms, more than just the bumpin’ and grindin’.”
I couldn’t help myself but giggle a little bit in between the sobs that I was trying to restrain.
“Your love hadn’t changed of her,” she stated. “You still care for her. You still want to be with her. Even now you can’t stand to be apart from her. Would that be no different than being with a man?”
I suppose she had some point.
“Life has many of purpose,” She continued. “Givin’ birth be one thing, and that be why you be wantin’ a man; that be nature. But reproduction and love be two different things. Some may go farther than others, and some may never want a child to begin with. But that be okay! The Planet accepts whatever path you choose in life.”
“So what you’re saying then is?”
“I’m saying that you may be straight as an arrow, but that doesn’t make it wrong to love other people, regardless of who or what they be. That be the love of the soul. And one day, may you find a man that makes you love his soul just the same.”
I really didn’t look at things in the way before. Love of the soul, beyond any physical boundaries. I didn’t love Ithycca because of her gender; I loved her for her soul. And I may not be a lesbian, but I still wanted to be with her, because I care about her, and I want to support her.
“You know,” Gaia interrupted, bursting my train of thought, “You can always show your love for her in a different way.”
I was intrigued. “And what would that imply?”
“You claim you want to be there for her,” she explained. “However the road she travels be long and difficult. She could use someone like you. Someone who could fight alongside her.”
“What, me? Fight?” I’ve never so much as punched anyone in my life. I couldn’t fight by her side! Shoot, I mean, Kali could easily best me! Although I really don’t approve of her guarding her, if you could call it that. To me, she seemed more like a stalker. Ugh...I really disliked her.”
“So why do you let that Djinni get away with that?” She asked.
I was speechless and my jaw fell agape. Did she just read my mind?
“Come to me here my child,” Gaia instructed. I slowly gather myself and walked over to her as she was preparing a new piece of clay for spinning. Or so I thought.
Just be waving her hand over the clay she gave it life. It formed arms and legs, and pretty much was anthropomorphic, moving. She really was the Earth Goddess!
“What are we but just moving, breathing rocks?” She philosophized. “The solidity of our husks, the air in our breath, the blood of our hearts, and the heat of our souls- all connected in unity. Four elements. Much like this clay here. Clay made from sediment of the earth, moistened by water, spun by wind to mold, and dried by heat. She lowered her hand, and her miniature golem returned to a glob of putty.
“Come,” she commanded as she rose from her seat, heading outside from the back of her house. I followed right behind her.
Out near the shore she kneeled and stared at the sand below her feet. “Earth is only one part of a much greater whole,” she claimed as she grabbed a handful of sand. Standing up, she further explained, “It crushes, compresses, turning even this frail dirt…” She paused and with clenched her hand into a fist, sand and all. As she opened it, the sand turned into a beautiful garnet crystal.
“…into a thing of beauty,” she finished. She handed the gem over to me. My hand shaking I took the garnet from her. I almost thought I was dreaming.
“Tis a shame that humans forget the skills of their past,” she remarked, “Look at the magnificent masterpieces they built. The Pyramids, Stonehenge.”
“That’s how they built it?” I interrupted.
“Aye,” she replied. “And if you’re willing, I too shall teach you this power.”
“But…why?” I asked, kind of overwhelmed by the idea that I can actually learn magic.
“Because,” Gaia said, “Ithycca be one piece of the puzzle, and mayhaps even the most important one. But she is but one element. The things the Planet be requiring us to do, requires all four. Much like Kali holds the gift of fire, you hold the gifts of earth. Ithycca needs you as much as you need her. Your compassion proved to me you be worthy of this skill.”
“But why not yourself?” I couldn’t help but ask. “I mean, you’re a literal Goddess!”
“My child,” She began to explain, “I be getting old my child. Believe it or not, even I have a time limit, dear. It may be over millions of years, but even I will one day perish.”
“What?” I couldn’t believe it, God’s could die.
“Yes,” She replied, obviously reading my mind. “The other Gods wish not to believe this fact. Yahweh be fightin’ tooth an’ nail just to maintain his existence, because he fears with his death that all he built up would be destroyed. Others have their own reasons to defy the Planet’s will, but, let it be said; without an heir to pass down our skills, the planet will collapse.”
“Collapse?” I repeated, absolutely freaked out by the idea.
“Aye,” She replied. “The quake here was one of those warning signs. I’m tryin’ my best to regain control, but there be no doubt, there will be more. Tornados, floods, volcanic eruptions- they will occur with more frequency without the transfer of power.”
And then she turned to me, and stared directly into my eyes. “And that’s why I had to turn Kyle to Ithycca. It was not by choice. It be her destiny to receive the powers of her mother: the Goddess Alora. Without that, this world will end. All four elements must be balanced. If there be another way, I wouldn’t have gone to these lengths.”
“Why are you telling me this?” I wondered. “This all seems too much.”
“Because, I can sense your personality,” she replied. “You wouldn’t accept anything less than the truth. And, I would like you to be the one to eventually take my power, dear. I just needed to explain to you the severity of what I ask.”
“Gaia,” I said, unsure of what to do. To learn magic, to protect Ithycca- that was one thing. But to become a Goddess? That isn’t a decision you can make on the fly. The thought of controlling and maintaining the Planet…that was too much!”
“Come child,” She said. “The magic lessons be on the house. I’ll let you think hard on what I be askin’ of ya. If you decide against receiving my powers when the time comes, then so be it. I can find other people. I can only find one Ithycca however…”
I decided that at least the training would be beneficial. I wanted to protect Ithycca, now more than ever, now that I knew the extent of what she had to do.
And besides, maybe with this I could get even with Kali.
A long time ago, the Earth blessed four spirits, making them gods. The gods of Earth, Air, Fire, and Water, oversee their realms, creating sentient creatures to help cultivate their lands. These beings constantly war over each other, eventually driving the servants of Water, the Merfolk, to extinction. Millennia later Kyle Weathers receives a gift from an old but mysterious lady while working in Haiti. This gift will change his life forever.
Chapter 12: ½ Full
There I was, in front of a crowd of hundreds who were there to celebrate this joyous occasion; a crowd of my people, my kind, the merfolk. Here I was, draped in the most beautiful garbs made of the finest of material, they were clothes made for a princess.
In front of me was a merman, stunning in appearance. He had the physique that would make any girl go gaga. His body was a physical specimen, trained to champion the cause of my people. He too, wore a finely woven garb, which only accentuated his beauty. I vividly remember this day.
Under his breath, in Merfolk tongue, I could remember his words, even now.
“With this oath we will be bound as one. The eggs you will lay will be the template to build our people’s bright future. Let us lead our people into a new golden age.”
Such words were never so eloquently spoken. How they made me weak in the fins. He was my rock, and it would be my honor to marry such a man.
I woke up from my dream. From my experiences I knew that wasn’t some hallucination. That was me, ten thousand years ago. The memories slowly but surely return to me. Something obviously triggered it.
It all began with Eliza. I wanted to be with her. At least I thought. I was trying to force myself to be something I was no longer. As a male landdweller I found her very attractive. So much I wanted to maintain that identity.
When I pressed too hard she denied me. I thought the rejection stung at first, but maybe it was the hard truth I was about to face. All it took was a few bottles of beer to lower my walls and give into my true self. When I had sex with Doug I felt so wonderful. To have him in me was a joy that I never felt as a man.
And yet, to me, guilt feels worse than rejection. That I, albeit unknowingly, used him, just so I could be with someone, anyone. Release my hormones and he’s practically under my beck and call. Even so ignorance is not an excuse for my actions that night. My behavior was inexcusable.
And with all of that the confusion set in. I still fought in my mind, although the battles were very short and rather pointless. Do I really like guys? My mind used to fight off these realizations but in my heart, I knew.
I was a girl mentally as I was physically. And the dreams proved it. I remembered him, my one and only.
Marid. Just saying that name made me feel all warm inside. He was one of my champions, or guardians of my safety and well being. At first it was a simple working relationship, but soon I found his attitude and behavior very enticing. He was a go getter; someone whom would rather be in the front lines accomplishing some major goal instead of being pent up guarding me. I shared that sentiment. Growing up I too became rather proficient at fighting; my skills with a spear were practically unmatched, even for many of our warriors.
However, I’m sure that my mother, Alora, knew of my desires. The Merfolk were a very protective society, even with my skill. The past rulers were always protected, particularly when the war between the other three races took part. Even me, being a Demigod, was proved too sacred just to lead into battle head on. That’s why Alora knew that his influence would most likely drive me to go against tradition and fight alongside my people.
I fell for Marid, just like I fell for Doug. That was all the proof I needed. I indeed was a mermaid, a female who naturally felt attracted to the male gender, and nothing else. I felt the most comfort with a man, protecting me, supporting me, to be assertive more often than not, particularly in the bedroom. I wanted him to take me.
Women just didn’t cut it anymore. And that would take time to sink in. Sometimes I would slowly try to immerse myself in my new sexuality. In my human form sometimes I would lay back on some highly populated beach, watching the young studs play volleyball as the sun glittered across their perspired skin. I figured the “look but don’t touch approach” was the most appropriate. And while I did find certain attractiveness in them, I still had doubts about myself. It was all so foreign and yet so normal to me. The more comfortable I was the more I could accept myself.
And still even those boys couldn’t come close to the man Marid was. He was the only one I could dream about without my inhibitions popping up. I could accept him. He was my fiancé and future husband.
And he’s gone.
All I had was the present, and by fighting my true feelings I was hurting everyone who cared for me. If I didn’t wish to be alone then I need to make amends.
The first person I really needed to apologize to was Eliza. It has been a few months since I left her. I felt bad about how it all ended. Still, I felt that I could salvage our friendship.
It’s been a good 2 months since I ran away from Eliza. Coming back once more I found it surprising how quickly Port au Prince was rebuilding itself. For all the things that humans are criticized for, in the heat of the moment, when crisis strikes, they know how to come together, regardless of race, religion, or sex. Sometimes it takes the point of view an outsider like me to realize and admire that.
Through a little investigation and by talking with some of her colleagues I heard she decided to become a full time worker here. She hasn’t returned to her homeland once, and has considered applying for citizenship. She apparently felt a kinship to the people here, and that their need for support gives her reason to remain here.
So I followed the information given to me and in my human form walked to an apartment flat right next to the coastline. It was very convenient for someone like me who needed to ocean for survival. Wonder if she was considering me when taking this place. Walking inside her residence I saw her, apparently checking up on a little kid whom apparently was getting over sickness. Turning to see me brought some sort of sparkle in her eye, although I couldn’t tell if it was from joy or anger.
Looking at her patient she said, “You look good. Now go on out and play.”
With him gone all that remained was the two of us.
“Eliza,” I began, but really didn’t have the words to express all the emotions I felt at the moment.
Putting down her stethoscope she rushed to me and held me in an embrace. “Oh Ithycca,” she cried with tears of happiness running down her cheek. I couldn’t help myself and shed a few of my own. I knew, even after all of this, she still cared for me. I was very fortunate.
10 minutes later we were in her living room, with her bringing in a couple glasses of raspberry tea. Sitting down we began to talk, and Eliza was first to break the ice.
“I’m so sorry,” she began. “I know how hard it was for you. You were a man, and here you are, unsure of what to do, or how to act.”
I stopped her, and pointed out the contrary. “No, Eliza. I was wrong. It was because of me trying to fight for my masculinity I forced myself on you. I was trying to fight for something I didn’t have, and because of that, I nearly lost what I had already: your friendship.”
“I never wanted to lose that,” she stated, “I know how awkward it is. When you hadn’t visited in awhile I assumed you never wanted to see me again. I thought my rejection caused you to move on.”
Taking a sip from my tea I replied, “Your rejection was just what I needed, Eliza. I needed a wakeup call. I needed to take the time to understand and accept what I’ve become, what I am.” Taking a deep breath I let it all out, “I…I like boys Eliza. When I yelled at you that night, I did it because I was afraid of what I had become. I felt like I was losing myself, like I said. But my love for you, that wasn’t true. I was lying to myself, and I know this now.”
She smiled, “I think you love me Ithy,” she said, shocking me. “And I love you. But I love you the way two very close straight women would love each other. I want to be there for you. I want to help you with whatever it is you’re dealing with. I just wish you’d talk to me. If I would have known what you were dealing with a little sooner perhaps we would have gotten through this.”
“I’m sorry,” I responded.
“It’s okay,” she answered. “I’m just glad you were able to sort some things out.”
“Yeah,” I meekly said, “I’m still not used to these feelings yet.”
With the smirk growing wider she suggested, “Well we could always double date sometime. I do know a couple of guys. It’ll be fun. I’ll even teach some pointers. Trust me; there is nothing more enjoyable than being pampered by a guy.”
I could imagine. I guess maybe I am a little materialistic; I am a princess after all. Having boys buying stuff for me sounded like a fantastic deal.
“I would like that a lot,” I replied.
“Hey! What about me?” I heard a voice speaking from overhead. And right on cue, Kali popped into the picture.
“Can I ever have some privacy?” I whined.
“Hey, I am your guardian, remember?” Kali taunted joyfully.
Looking at her Eliza replied, “I…guess you can always join us.”
Letting out a squeal of excitement, she exclaimed, “Yay! Just give me some time to change. This’ll be fun!”
Vanishing into thin air, Eliza looked at me, and remarked, “She is a weird one isn’t she?”
Looking back at her I shared her sentiment, “Definitely.”
We made our way to the bar- the very same one when I had my date with Eliza as Kyle so long ago. This time I was the one being escorted, this time by a man named Eric. He was joined by his friends James and Lyle. All of them were good friends with Eliza- fellow British volunteers who came to Haiti to help clean up the place after the major quake.
The bar was one of the biggest remodels. From what it was it became a best example I could think of for the progress this country had shown. Eliza, along with the three guys, made this a priority to fix up, not only because they needed a better place to hang out, but because that even the citizens need a place to get away and just enjoy their selves for a change. And it’s true that this building had a whole different atmosphere than the rest of the city outside. I was impressed.
As a treat they decided to bring us over to the hibachi and have one of their chefs in training cook up a wonderful Caribbean dish. Kali seemed to get excited at this. She immediately got my attention.
“Hey, I didn’t know this was a restaurant and spa,” she whispered.
I didn’t even know what the hell she was talking about. “What?”
“Well, isn’t that what this thing is?” she continued. “Looks like a tanning bed.”
“We cook food on it, Kali,” I told her.
“Oh,” she realized, and then commented under her breath, “Note to self. Invest heavily on hibachis, sell to Djinn as the latest breakthrough for a comfortable night’s sleep.”
I resumed facepalming. Obviously the way Djinn cook is so vastly different from us.
Talking to Eric, I began to admire the young man. He reminded me so much of myself back when I was Kyle. He was a captain of his college’s rowing team, and was trying hard to get into Oxford for his Graduate program. Most of all he seemed kind of down to earth which was a welcomed respite from all the craziness my life has recently granted me.
Seeing the progress that was being made Eliza wanted to further immense me in a woman’s culture, inviting me to “head to the ladies room” to freshen up. Why not, I figured. It gave me a little time to chat with my friends.
Shutting the door behind me, Eliza was the first to break the ice.
“So Ith,” she began. “How does everything feel?”
I answered as best as I could describe it. “It feels…nice,” I replied. “I’m enjoying it.”
“Eric is a sweet man, isn’t he?” She continued.
“He seems that way,” I said. I did think he was a swell guy, but I just didn’t feel the connection. Maybe it was because he felt so much similar to my old life, even though I could only remember bits and pieces of my life as Kyle. Or maybe it was because I was in love with someone else- someone I took advantage of.
“Isn’t this your first date as a girl?” Kali asked. “Doesn’t it feel awesome just being able to experience the other side? How now you’re the one being pampered?”
“I’m surprised myself,” Eliza stated. “I thought you like girls.”
“I do!” Kali answered. “I’m an equal opportunity lover!”
“I was initially worried you would try to run off with Ithycca again,” she admitted, “but I’m happy to see you’re behaving yourself for a change.”
“What do you mean by that!?” She asked, offended by her recent remark.
“Oh, nothing,” she replied. Suddenly Eliza waved her hand and a baseball-sized rock appears and dropped on Kali’s cranium.
“OW!” she cried, rubbing her head.
“What did you just do?!” I cried, not able to believe that Eliza just casted magic!”
“Oh, it was just a little payback for a few months ago,” She replied. “Your aunt is surprisingly a good teacher.”
Gaia was training Eliza now? For what? I wasn't so sure if I wanted her to be involved. Unfortunately I was never able to get any more information out of her. It was definitely something I'll have to bring up to her later.
“…I said I was sorry!” Kali pouted.
“And now we’re even,” Eliza remarked. It was kind of hilarious seeing Eliza with such a proud smirk on her face.
The rest of the night passed without much incident. The three guys offered to take us back to their place. Kali immediately agreed- no surprise there. Eliza also took up her date’s offer. They were mostly just friends anyway, they felt like I needed a little alone time and decided to let me have Eliza’s place tonight all to myself, if I needed to. I was nervous at the idea of being alone with some stranger I’ve haven’t gotten to completely know yet, but it looks like I was going to have much choice in the matter. Eric was going to be taking me home this night.
A long time ago, the Earth blessed four spirits, making them gods. The gods of Earth, Air, Fire, and Water, oversee their realms, creating sentient creatures to help cultivate their lands. These beings constantly war over each other, eventually driving the servants of Water, the Merfolk, to extinction. Millennia later Kyle Weathers receives a gift from an old but mysterious lady while working in Haiti. This gift will change his life forever.
Chapter 13: ½ Empty
Eric really was a gentleman. He was someone I could have really gotten used to. He didn’t have a problem escorting me to Eliza’s apartment, seeing they were obviously good friends. Using the spare key Eliza so graciously gave me, I unlocked the door and together we headed inside.
“I had a wonderful night tonight, Ithycca,” Eric began. “Your personality just seems to click with me, I don’t know why.”
“I appreciate your keeping me company,” I remarked. “It’s been awhile since I’ve…gotten back into the dating game.”
“Ended on a sour note I take it?” he surmised. In truth it was anything but. However my insecurity, along with my guilt, made it hard for me just to continue instigating such manners. I loved Doug, but, I felt ashamed by all the things I did to him. That’s why I ran away, again. And that’s what led me to the conclusion I needed to make an effort to immerse myself in my new femininity, because it felt so sad being alone.
My silence most likely told him all he needed to know. “You’re a wonderful, beautiful, funny lady, Ithycca,” he declared. “I don’t know what happened, but I could almost see it in your eyes. It wasn’t your fault. Trust me.”
Yeah…you don’t hafta deal with the pheromones.
“I appreciate all you’re trying to say,” I responded, “Trust me- I’m slowly making my way out of it. It just takes time.”
“Time goes by quicker than you think,” he countered. “You’re too beautiful to just let life pass you by.”
Beautiful, funny, wonderful: all of them were just sweet nothings being spoken into my ear, but each one caused me to melt like butter. Slowly my libido was rising; I began to feel a little confused.
“I-I just don’t know,” I said, although my body wanted to make the decision for me. I subconsciously was inching myself closer to Eric, even though I didn’t know if this was a good idea.
Yet I could see my pheromones were starting to grab a hold of him. He had that same relaxed look on his face as Doug did a few months before.
“I…I think I’m in love with you,” he said, obviously too spaced out to even think straight.
That was all I needed to hear: love. My body heard the signal and initiated the sequence as I threw my arms around him and began to passionately kiss him over and over around his face. I could feel myself falling deeper and deeper into my lust as I threw him onto the couch and pulled off his T-shirt. His chest, his abs…oh God he was gonna be a good one.
But something kept interfering with my ultimate desire. Did you forget, my subconscious reminded me. Did you forget what happened to Doug? Are you going to do the same to this man too?
I stopped midway, shocked at myself for what I was about to do. Obviously the tranced out Eric was disappointed, but luckily practically engulfed within my scent I could easily control him. Putting his clothes back on, I gave him the command to go home, that we had a very good night and none of this ever happened. He just nodded his head and I shut the door behind him.
I stood there, standing over the rails on the deck in the back of Eliza’s apartment, thinking about today’s events. Why was I doing this? Was I that shallow? Was I unable to control these behaviors?
The worst thing even if I could control my sexual urges, the people I feel attracted to, be it Doug, or even Eric, albeit in a lesser degree, couldn’t. They were enslaved by the very pheromones that I produced. Is that really love, or is it all just a lie produced by my body I had no real ability to control?
I could feel the sea breeze flowing over me, comforting me, reminding me that no matter how lonely I got that it was always there, waiting for me. Loneliness: what a terrible word. At first I thought I was lonely because I was trying so hard to be a man. Now I feel that it was something more. Even these dreams began to tell me as much. I remember the friends, the people, the subjects and all of my fellow Merpeople back when I lived so long ago. They all just disappeared, gone…without a trace. And worst of all, Marid, my better half, my true soulmate.
I was lonely because I was the only one of my kind. I needed their kinship. It may have been my fault that they had suffered such an unfortunate end, but why was I the only one lucky enough to be born once again?
I could hear the nearby screeches of the various birds and sea life. Perhaps they were dolphins, making a rare appearance in the night waters. But the sounds sounded quite familiar. I couldn’t help but listen in further. To a normal human being, they may not think anything of it, but to me, I could realize, it was Merfolk tongue! And what’s more, it was directed to me!
“Ithycca…” It said, “My daughter…”
Daughter? It couldn’t be...
“Mother?” I replied back using the same language.
“Dearest Ithycca,” She continued, “indeed it is I, Alora, Goddess of the Water.”
“Where are you!?” I begged to know. To be reunited with my mother; this was a major breakthrough.
“Please, do not search for me!” she demanded. “When the time comes you will be able to find me, but right now it would be suicidal. Please understand.”
“But mother!” I exclaimed, wanting so badly to help the one who 10,000 years ago gave birth to me.
“I understand your loneliness, dear,” she insisted. “I too, have been trapped in Limbo for too long. But with your existence our people will persevere. The Merfolk race shall rise again.”
“But, how?” I couldn’t help but wonder. “Even if I live, there are no others! I couldn’t even procreate if it came down to it!”
“Go north, my dear,” she pleaded. “I cannot talk much longer, but the answers you seek are there. Please, go!”
“Mother!” I cried as her words began to fade. I didn’t get a reply. The echoes faded into nothingness; all I could hear was the gentle pushing of the waves.
I didn’t understand it. None of it made sense. Was I imagining things? I know Gods and Goddesses are capable of some amazing things- I’ve been around Gaia enough to know better. But why now? What was so important that she finally wanted me to swim out in the middle of nowhere?
With nothing more than a bikini top and wrap skirt, I made my way on to the beach, where the moist beach sand gave my toes a tingly sensation. Even if I was imagining things, I was determined to find out anyway. I don’t know, or at least couldn’t remember, what my mother’s involvement in our people’s extinction was. Even if she was a major contributor, however, 10,000 can change people. Even I feel guilty of my involvement. Perhaps that was the former me, the male me, talking. Perhaps there still is part of him in me.
Either way, I needed to find her. She’s the only one who could understand me. She might be the only other Mermaid that exists in this world.
“Out for a late night swim, Ithy?” Kali cried from behind. It’s becoming old hat how she continues to sneak up on me like that. She realized she didn’t spook me that time, and just smiled.
“I’m surpised you’re out here,” I began. “I thought you’d be having a good time with Lyle.”
“Ah,” she realized. “Nah, he’s a good dude, but I believe we were in agreement that this night was for you mostly.”
“So you’re saying they were all in on it?” I assumed.
“Pretty much,” she replied matter of factly. “Speaking of which, what happened to Eric? Did you have a good time? C’mon! Don’t hold back! I wanna know all the juicy details!”
I looked at her and sighed, which turned her playful demeanor into a rather concerned one.
“Not so hot, eh?” She stated.
“Face it, Kali,” I bluntly said, “I can’t live like this.”
“Is it the whole loving guys thing again?” She questioned. “I thought we’ve been through this!”
“No,” I admitted. “It’s not about that. It’s something bigger.” I paused, holding back the tears as I finally blurted out, “I’m not a human anymore Kali! I feel so wrong trying to be something I’m not!”
This was probably the first time I’ve ever seen Kali a little upset, and it surprised me. “You know, I’m getting a little sick and tired of these little episodes,” she sternly remarked. “I’m not human either, doofus! I do my best to adapt as well as I can. It can be difficult, but I tell you one thing I won’t, and never will do! I won’t run away!”
I looked at her, speechless as she continued to give me a good dose of her tough love.
“This is the third time now, Ith,” She stated. “First from Eliza, second from Doug. I even helped you out in a couple of situations, which I now regret. Even now we’re trying to get you acclimated in your new life and went out of our way to set up a date and everything! And now you wanna run away again?!”
“But,” I protested, “the pheromones…”
“So what?” She interrupted. “He’s only reciprocating what you’re feeling.”
“But what about his feelings?” I argued. “Maybe that isn’t what he wants! Why do I feel like I’m using him so?”
“Because you’re a good person, Ithy,” she answered. “You try so hard not to hurt anybody. Sometimes it’s not fair. But if you’re planning to run away, you’ll be hurting two people who care about you very much. So please.”
Her plea was heartfelt. I did care about her feelings; Eliza’s too. But look at me. I’m a wreck. What was once a question of gender now became a question of race, and the more I look back, the more I realized how different I really am.
I am a Mermaid. The ocean is my home. No matter my sexual frustration I cannot coexist with humans. The power I have over them was too much for me to bear.
I needed to find Mother. She’s the only one who can help me now.
“I’m sorry,” I told Kali. Without her getting another word in I dove into the water. I made my bed, now I had to lay in it.
Night turned into day rather quickly. I swam north going against the currents. I didn’t know where I was heading, but I had to find out.
I could’ve sworn that only a few hours passed since the sun rose. However, the further north I swam the darker it became. Eventually it was darker than it was even back a few hours ago. Using my bioluminescent tail and my sonar skills I pushed forward. Eventually the currents began to lessen, and then I realized I was actually starting to swim with it. I was still swimming north- how was that possible?
It didn’t take to much more for me to figure out the reasons why. It only took witnessing a downed WWII Airplane Fighter to make sense of it all. I thought it was all a hoax, but I should’ve been more open-minded about the idea by now.
I was in the Bermuda Triangle, and the currents were dragging me into a single point, like a black hole, swallowing me up.
What the hell was I thinking? Quickly I tried to swim out of its range, but it was no use, the currents became too strong as I inched closer and closer into the giant whirlpool. Even with my strength, I quickly fatigued. It didn’t help matters that the air and water temperature emitted from the whirlpool changed dramatically. My cold-blooded body couldn’t adapt as the icy cold water hit me like a ton of bricks, and as a result, I was quickly losing consciousness.
I tried to stay awake but I had a hard time keeping my eyes open. Perhaps Kali was right. Perhaps I shouldn’t have run away. I suppose this was the price to pay for my stubbornness.
I gave in to the currents, and my body went limp. I closed my eyes, and fell into hibernation.
It was still cold, but manageable. What was strange was the lack of water running through my gills. Was I on land?
I conjured up my legs and immediately jumped to my feet. All around me I could see the wreckage of downed aircrafts and ships, covered in mounds and mounds of snow. I was freaking out. I wondered where I was, but it didn’t take long to figure it out.
Beyond the horizon I could see the majestic view of ruined city. Buildings of coral and basalt, layered in gold. This was my city; the place I ruled 10,000 years ago.
This was my home. This was Atlantis.