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Water splashed relentlessly on the ship's deck, but with each wave, the water slides back out. Juyeon watched the storm from his cabin, through a window that oversaw the entire deck. He let out a sigh, the weather has been getting worse, with each day's rain stronger than the last. Winds have been tossing his ship around the vast expense of the sea, bringing him into unknown waters.
But Juyeon may have an inkling as to where they might have ended up. Legend has it that the mythical creature siren still inhibits the waters of the earth, starting storms that bring unsuspecting ships to their island. He was told as a child to make sure that every time the storm seems unnaturally strong, he should always steer back, regardless of how far out he was.
He was told multiple times, stories of captains meeting sirens and falling prey to their melodious voices. Time and time again, he was warned by his parents, both of whom were ship captains, to be careful of the waters and islands he saw out at sea.
"Juyeon. The storm is getting too strong. We might capsize." The second officer's voice rang through the cabin.
"I know Younghoon. But I need to get this done." Juyeon turned around, addressing the officer. "Get everyone to wear earplugs. I believe we are reaching soon."
Younghoon nodded in acknowledgement, turning to deliver the orders. Juyeon turned back to the window, finally seeing the dark clouds clear up. In the distance, he could see a faint outline of an island. A smile made its way on his face. He made it.
-
As the ship reached nearer to the island, Juyeon stepped out of his cabin, hands pressed against his ears. He could wear earplugs but he had a mission to complete. Behind him, Younghoon stepped out as well, ears carefully plugged. Juyeon looked at Younghoon, eyes asking if everyone was covered. Younghoon gave him a short nod, assuring the captain. Juyeon took a deep breath, everything was ready.
As he lifted his head to take in the view, he spotted a figure sitting atop a rock near the island. Immediately, he heard a sweet tune, prompting him to drop his hands down.
After I tell you these words
I’m not sure if we can go back
To smiling like we are now
But I have to
I
Like you
I tried holding it back
But I can’t anymore
Now I can tell you
I want to love
You
Juyeon was mesmerized. Never in his life had he heard such an ethereal singing voice. The voice sounded so light, so angelic, instantly covering him in a veil of calmness. Juyeon’s legs moved on their own, bringing him to the side boat that they rarely used.
“Juyeon! What are you doing?” Younghoon shouted, wanting to catch the captain’s attention but to no avail. Juyeon was trapped in a trance, his mind telling him to get closer to the source of the voice. His crew had no choice but to watch their captain walk straight into the trap of the sirens.
In no time, Juyeon was sitting in the boat, rowing towards the rock. As he got closer, the figure started to become more visible, he could see the face now. Flawless skin, long flowy hair, cupid’s bow lips, a perfect nose. The face matched the voice, an epitome of perfection. The creature opened his eyes, captivating Juyeon once more. The eyes held the ocean, a dark blue iris pierced Juyeon’s soul, seeing through every bit of him.
“Are… you a siren…” Juyeon opened his mouth to speak, still entranced by the beauty of the creature. Unknowingly, he reached out his hand, coming up to touch the cheek of the creature. The creature flinched at the touch of juyeon, yet he let Juyeon prod at the skin.
“My name is Juyeon. What’s yours?” Juyeon slowly withdrew his hand from the creatures face, dropping it only to hold the hand resting on the lap.
“Yes. Hyunjae.”
“A beautiful name for a beautiful you.” the siren, Hyunjae, blushed at the blatant flirting, red dusting his cheeks prettily. Juyeon was never one to fall in love easily, yet the siren had captured his heart immediately. He leaned forward, pressing a soft kiss to the back of hyunjae’s hand.
Hyunjae smiled gently at Juyeon, indulging in the warmth that Juyeon’s hand provided. But just as quickly as his smile appeared, tears started collecting in his eyes. Juyeon sat up in alarm, worry coursing through his veins. Hyunjae had a look of panic on his face, chest heaving with each breath he took. Juyeon gripped the hand tighter, trying to calm Hyunjae down.
“Hyunjae! Calm down! What’s happening?”
“They’re coming for you! Go!” Frantic was present in hyunjae’s voice. “You must be killed, but I can’t do it. Go!” Hyunjae was near tears, desperately pulling his hand out of Juyeon’s. Juyeon shook his head, holding on even tighter.
I told you not to be deceived
That the moment you take this hand, it’ll be dangerous
Now you’re bleeding, but are you still attracted?
You clearly know but why are you staring at me?
Just let go
Don’t even hesitate a little
Just let go
You know
That I’ll hurt you
The beautiful me of your fantasies doesn’t exist
Hyunjae began singing, stunning Juyeon to the core. Listening to the words sparingly, Juyeon looked down at his hands.
Can’t you see? Your hand that can’t let go
Is slowly getting red
Just let go
Don’t even hesitate a little
Just let go
You know
That I’ll hurt you
The beautiful me of your fantasies doesn’t exist
That was when he saw it. A puddle of blood pooled below their hands, dripping continually from Juyeon’s palm. He let go, turning his hand around, only to see a deep gash on it. The skin surrounding the wound was swollen, with the wound stretching the entirety of his palm. The gash was deep enough for him to see the flesh inside, a peachy red. Yet Juyeon felt no pain.
He has had less severe wounds and those hurt like a bitch. He could only feel slight tingling under the skin, but he did not feel the need to scream in pain. Blood was trickling out the cut, falling drop by drop from his palm, into the red puddle.
“Leave!” A piercing screech left hyunjae’s mouth. Juyeon snapped out of the trance, hurriedly picking up the oars. In the midst of his panic, he did not notice the incoming crowd of sirens.
Suddenly, all he could hear was shrill screeches, paralysing his movements. The sharpness of the screams sent chills running down his spine, his heart palpitating furiously. Before he knew it, he felt his body being lifted in the air, the oars in his hand dropping into the water. A tightening sensation encased his throat, slowly blocking off his airway as he inched upwards.
Juyeon’s eyes widened in horror as he spotted the mystical siren morph into a hideous creature. The ever so captivating smile stretch from ear to ear, displaying a row of bloodied fangs and crimson red gums. The flawless skin he once saw became folded with wrinkles. The enchanting blue eyes turned into bulging eyeballs, the whites lined with red veins.
Juyeon was beyond terrified, his blood ran cold. “You have heard our singing. No men who heard our singing leaves alive.” A thundering voice boomed. In a blink of an eye, Juyeon saw a flash of black and flapping of wings as the sirens came flying towards him. Sharp teeth bit into his flesh, accompanied by jolts of pain. Juyeon screamed in agony, writhing in pain. He trashed around, flailing his hands frantically.
Back at the boat, Juyeon’s crew watched the events unfold. They saw their captain get transfixed by the siren, they saw the horde of sirens fly towards their captain, they saw glimpses of him being pulled apart by the creatures. Thankfully, Younghoon came back to his senses upon seeing his captain get ripped into pieces. He ran to the steering wheel, desperately turning the ship around and bringing the whole crew back to safety.
But he was too late.
The same flock of sirens spotted them, immediately flying over and attacking the boat. Everyone dispersed in different directions, all with one goal in mind - to escape this nightmare. Despite the hiding and frantic steering, the crew were torn apart by the sirens, drenching the ship’s floor in blood. No one escaped the attack alive.
-
The ship arrived back onshore, but with no one on it, causing the townspeople to start panicking. Investigators went on the boat, only to see a bloodied crime scene, mangled bodies flung all across the deck. As they searched the ship, one of the investigators found a note. It wrote:
‘Stupid brainless humans
Invaded our waters.
Requested for their deaths
Eventually it came.
Never come back
Should you treasure your life.’