Vex steadily, albeit a bit sluggishly, ventures through the tunnel all the way to its bright exit.
"So…this is the main attraction of this island, huh."
Somehow despite the time of midnight, this area…this garden is well illuminated. I cannot see the night sky above us, so the light isn't coming from the moons or stars. Colorful, almost neon, vegetation inhabits every corner of this garden as far as the eye can see; the only exception being this marble stone pathway. It seems to go through the center of the garden. Where do its paths lead?
"It honestly feels like a whole new world…"
"Look Sylow, he's back! He's still alive!"
Waiting just outside the exit, Flenn and Sylow rest underneath an orchid-color willow tree. The longer they stare at Vex, the more his physical condition settles in.
Right, those two are standing right there. My attempt to not make direct eye contact failed. Seeing the look on their faces, I better prepare my mind for what's about to happen. I can feel it…yep, and here they–
"Vex, bro…are you–?"
"Did you kill that dragon?! Is it dead? Is it finally dead? Can you show me its corpse? Do you have a piece of it?!"
Paying no mind to Vex's personal space, Flenn bombards him with question after question, inching closer to his face with each one. As each word from her mouth touches Vex's face, he clenches his teeth, seemingly holding back from saying what's on his mind. Speaking through his teeth, he responds.
"I managed to get it to back off. That's the best I could do."
"That's…that's it?"
Flenn's once elated face fades away, transforming into disappointment. Before she could take her next breath, Sylow pulls her back, nervously grinning.
"Come on Flenn, give the man some space. Look at the guy, shouldn't we be concerned about his condition?"
"I'm concerned about that too, but…"
"I understand. You hired me to take care of that dragon, not to be concerned about my personal wellbeing. That being said, I'm still alive but…"
Vex presses his back against a nearby willow tree–the same orchid colored tree that Flenn and Sylow stood under–then slides down until his body is grounded on the lime green grass. He props one knee upwards, the other lies on its side. Flenn, unsure of what he's doing, raises her eyebrows.
"Um, what are you–"
"Exactly what it looks like I'm doing. That encounter with the dragon took a toll on me, so I'd like to recover here near the exit. Once you guys are done doing your thing, I'll be here ready to leave."
"What?! You're telling me that you don't want to explore this place? This mystical garden is the heart of the islet–the place every man dreams to go at least once in his lifetime! Don't you want to find out the experience that awaits us? If anything, Flenn should stay behind."
"No thanks, I can see enough from right here. I've done the job you are paying me for, so I'm content."
"Are you sure, man? Come on, don't leave me hanging. I wanted to enjoy this with my fellow men!"
"Then you should have brought more men with you. Don't let me stop you, man."
Vex kicks back, crosses his legs, and closes his eyes. Understanding the message he is conveying without wavering, Sylow shakes his head and turns towards the marble pathway.
"Alright bro, it's your loss. If you want to see what all the fuss is about, then you know where to find me, Flenn. Surely you with your big ears can hear the spring from here. Although, it's not like a woman like you could comprehend…anyway, we can head out of here after that."
"..."
For some reason that only Flenn herself could understand, she remains planted in her spot right next to Vex, watching Sylow trek along the pathway deeper into the garden. Her eyes shift downward towards Vex, her face bears no strong emotion.
"Vex…please go with Sylow. There's something at the lake he really wants you to see with him, and I agree that you should experience it too."
"Is he using you to pester me? It's not going to work, so don't bother."
Vex calmly declines her suggestion, as he remains steadfast in his relaxed position. Despite his respectful decline, Flenn clenches her teeth.
"Sylow was originally planning to enjoy this islet with Edd, his best friend before that beast…took his life. Even though you don't have to, I think it would be a kind gesture to at least walk beside him and–"
"If you are supposedly his friend, then you should be by his side and comfort him. Don't delegate all of that emotional weight and responsibility on a temporary acquaintance."
Such a sudden cold rejection knocks the remaining breath out of Flenn's lungs. In just a mere second, like a reflex, her breaths become heavier and her eyes twitch.
"No…no, you need to go with him! You must!"
"Whoa, calm down lady–no need to raise your voice like that. What's gotten into you all of a sudden–"
She withdraws a small sack; a type of sack that Vex is very familiar with.
"If you don't go then…"
"?"
"I'll toss these coins into the bottom of the lake!"
"?!"
With only one simple threat, Vex forgoes his relaxation and springs up on his feet. His gaze is focused on the hostage that Flenn holds over her head.
"That's my payment! What are you thinking?!"
Flenn smirks, realizing that she now has Vex dancing in the palm of her hand. With newfound audacity, she placed the pouch into her breast pockets, and hopped away.
"Dang it!"
It might be a bluff, but I can't risk losing that money. Is she so stricken with grief that her mind has gone insane?
"..."
I can hear it…the flow of water. Although I can't see it through the thicket, there truly must be a lake or some body of water here. Since Flenn is threatening to throw the money into the water, she must have run off there.
"Tch, you dirty rabbit."
___________________________________________________________
Just how much further do I have to go?
A long, narrow pathway surrounded by various trees, flowers, bushes–endlessly. It's hard to enjoy the beautiful scenery when money is on the line. Once I snatch that sack from that woman, I welcome any and all misfortune to come her way!
Whizz
Whoosh
"!"
That's it, that's the sound of moving water. It's louder than ever before–I must be really close!
"Just a little further ahead, one final sprint!"
After taking a few deep breaths, Vex braces his body to give its all to make it to the opening straight ahead of him. Not taking a moment longer than necessary, he rushes forward with so much speed that any person or creature unfortunate enough to accidentally stumble into his path would be flattened.
"Hey Vex, you finally decided to come! I just knew you were too manly to resist this opportunity."
"..."
"Ah, you must have ran here once you realized your mistake. It's okay bro, I'll let you catch your breath. Take it all in."
At the center of this garden…a lake? There's even a large fountain in the middle of the lake, which explains where the sound of flowing water came from. The water itself seems to sparkle–perhaps this is partially why it's so well-illuminated here.
But forget all of that–I'm not seeing the person I'm chasing after.
"Heh, I can see it on your face, Vex. Completely mesmerized, aren't ya? Feels like this fountain is a whole new layer apart from the rest of the garden and the island itself, doesn't it?"
"Your partner has gone mad and is threatening to dispose of my promised income into that lake. Where is she?"
"Not in the mood even for small talk? Sigh…I honestly dunno. Haven't seen her since she was with you. Anyway, she can wait–don't worry, I'll make sure she gives you the money. Just take a look there!"
Sylow enthusiastically points towards the lake, his buck teeth reflecting the sparkling light.
"...?"
SWHIRL
After an awkward moment of nothingness, a giant whirlpool formed near the shore.
Huh? Is this whirlpool connected to the treasure or whatever they came to this islet for? I really don't want to see what's on the other side of that whirlpool.
"Peace. I'm going back towards the tunnel. Make sure that rabbit doesn't do anything underhanded."
I had enough of these shenanigans tonight.
Vex turns around, whereas Sylow prepares to give a rebuttal. However, before either one could take even one step–
"Welcome, my handsome hunks!"
–a lovely, captivating feminine voice graced his ears, enveloping them with its gentle touch.
That voice–I don't know what it's from, but it sent shivers into my chest…no, the shivers don't feel cold. Rather, I feel an intense warmth within me…is it my…?
With his body seemingly captivated by the voice, Vex turns around to identify the person speaking. Although humanoid in appearance, the creature is far from human.
A giant water nymph towers over the men, looking down upon them with her coral eyes. Her light skin glistens in the water's refraction, the ponytail of her peach hair reaches down her back, extending into the water. Her loose clothing gives onlookers a sneak peek of what her body has to offer, while leaving room for a vivid imagination. As one would naturally expect, Vex and Sylow are at a standstill, their bodies immobilized.
"...there she is, man. The rumors were real–this really is a man's paradise!"
"I still don't understand what's going on here…"
Though for some reason, my heart is reacting?
Vex grips his chest, his throbbing heart vibrating through his cloak.
"Don't you get it? This lake is the territory of water nymphs–one of the most desirable creatures for men to indulge in. And boy, am I ready to jump in!"
"By 'indulge', do you mean–"
"Don't keep me waiting, boys. Come here and find out for yourself! Who's first?"
My body! It feels like it wants to move on its own against my will. That water nymph is somehow messing with our bodies!
"Sylow, something doesn't feel right about this! I wouldn't listen to her advances and–"
"My body hasn't felt this good in a long time–everything feels so right to me! I'm coming, my lovely maiden!"
"Teehee, I can't wait, my handsome hunk."
The water nymph holds her hands out towards the shore, forming a bridge. Sylow, showing no hesitation, steps into her hands, his eyes stricken with hearts.
"What's your name, handsome?"
"I'm Sylow Donell! You don't have to tell me your name—I already know it's 'cutiepie'!"
"Oh, you are such a man, Sylow! Say, I have a favor to ask of you, but I don't want to burden you…"
"Go on! I'll do anything you want!"
"Really?"
" I have something stuck in my teeth. Would you like to get it out for me?"
"Is this some kind of foreplay? Heck yes I will do it! Open wide, my maiden!"
Sylow, unable…or unwilling to control his body's urges, rapidly thumps his feet as a typical hare would.
"Okay…AHHH."
The water nymph opens her gigantic mouth, gradually bringing Sylow closer inside. Before she could do it herself, Sylow joyfully leaps into her mouth.
Gulp!
A thick lump smoothly goes down the giantess' throat, her cheeks blushing in satisfaction as though she were a person who ate desert. Feeling unsatisfied, she turns to Vex who remains at the shore.
"Now it's my turn to make you satisfied. You must be feeling overheated, don't you? Don't worry, my mouth can make it all better. Come here, handsome!"
"No!?"
Ba-dump!
Why do I feel the urge to go towards her? I clearly saw her eat Sylow–this is clearly a trap! But my body…it feels…
Ba-dump!
Step by step, Vex draws near to the water nymph's delicate hands, that are patiently awaiting to carry him.
I must fight it! I must resist!
"Get away from me, you giant whore!"
Using all of his willpower, ignoring the outcry from his body, Vex runs the opposite way. The water nymph, however, reveals an expression of annoyance. She speaks under her breath.
"Silly man, once you are in our sights, you are as good as dead. Resistance is only delaying the inevitable…"
___________________________________________________________
"M-mu-st…g-get…aw-way…haaah…"
It feels like every second that passes by, my internal body temperature rises by 10 degrees. I never thought I could experience heat so bad that I don't even have the strength to walk on my feet like an adult…it also doesn't help that my legs haven't properly recovered from that dragon's bite. That water nymph's curse radius is too wide…
My field of vision is tinged in dark red hues–I will be completely fried before I can escape. Well, that's assuming that I can even escape; I can't see very well anymore.
Perhaps if I just get into the water for a moment… I know it's risky since another one of those water nymphs could be lurking, but I'd die anyway if I refuse to take the risk.
I shift my body closer to the heavenly waters of the lake, dragging it to relief. I'm almost there…
I'm almost there…but–
Thud
"...haaa…"
I can't feel my body anymore.
I can't feel anything–not even the texture of the earth I'm now crawling on.
I can't…feel.
Is this what the brink of death…the absence of life…feels like?
Absolute nothingness.
Sweat drops that are thicker than blood drench my face, blurring my vision even further. Not that I could see well enough for that to matter much anyway…
I close my eyes–rather, my body forces them shut. No matter, I can't see it, but I know I'm within reach of the water.
Just one more final stretch…
Vex, who is only a few centimeters away from the shore, stretches the tip of his fingers, dipping them in the water.
"Di-di-did I…?"
Am I in the water now?
Was that still not enough?
Was that…
…not…
"..."
Vex's body stopped moving.
Minutes pass, Vex's skin becomes a dark crimson; he is indistinguishable from a corpse. Only the tip of his fingers of his left hand are submerged in the water, begging for someone–anyone–to help finish what it started.
A terrible silence was the only response given back.
"This is terrible! The heat from sister's curse is killing this guy, and I'm supposed to eat him…but I don't want to see him die. If I just leave him here, he will completely die, but if I put him in the water to recover, my sister would just eat him. What should I do…"
A gentle voice of a female reaches the ears of Vex, but he can not hear her. The water nymph looks around frantically, unsure what she should do in this situation.
"Yes, that's it! I can cool his body by putting him in my mouth. It's…embarrassing for me to do this, but I have no choice!"
The water nymph carefully picks up Vex's body, holding the small man delicately inside her smooth giant hands. She has a nervous, but determined look on her face as she stares at the unmoving vessel.
"Gulp, I-I will save you, mister!"
Mustering up her final resolve, she widely opens her mouth, ensuring to place the man gently on her aqua blue tongue.
"Aaaah…"
The water nymph, upon successfully acquiring her rescuee, tightly seals her mouth. With a slight blush on her face, she nods her head and dives under the water.