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Bitter Sweet

Sibylle was infuriated by dead people. She didn't want to deal with them any more, but she didn't have much of a choice. At least the message gave her some help, since she now had a goal.

The water phoenix prince. He was said to be the most beautiful member of his race at the age of five. He had been spared from the slaughtering of his race, the elves made sure of that. They gave him power to walk on land, and take the form of an elf. However the boy did not leave the water. He was a man now, older than Sibylle by two years.

She would have sighed if she weren't underwater. The others had to wait for her this time. They could use magic to swim, but she didn't want anyone to scare the poor merman. She knew how that felt.

However, she had a weird feeling in the back of her mind. Like she had missed something.

Hello? said a weak voice.

Damnit. Another dead person, I'm sure. She turned her head. She was right. This dead person was a former mermaid. Her hair was shining gold, her eyes were bright, and her tail looked like flames. She didn't have back fins, which was unusual. It probably had something to do with her death.

You're looking for Hadrian, aren't you?

Sibylle nodded slowly. She wasn't sure if the girl knew if she were dead or not.

I'm surprised you can see me. He can't anymore.

Do you know why?

No. Because someone else can see me like you can. Am I alive anymore? She tells me that I'm not, and the only way she can help me is to talk. She says I can accept my own death.

Whoever "she" was she obviously knew what she was talking about. Before you take me to Hadrian, can you take me to this woman you're talking about. I'll explain everything then.

She nodded and lead Sibylle to a near by cave. It was nothing special, just an ordinary sea cave.

*Who is it?*

Me... said the strange dead girl.

*FINE. Come in.* The voice said begrudgingly.

I brought someone with me, a weird mermaid, a hybrid.

There was a growl as both of them swam into the cavern. The deeper they went the more decorated the cavern was. Jewels, fantastic objects, statues, gems, it was amazing. This was the biggest hoard Sibylle had seen in a long time. This person had some serious style, and a strong voice to boot.

*Are you dead to?* said the voice, it seemed closer.

Sibylle looked up, screamed, backed up and hit the wall. WHAT THE HELL ARE YOU?

*Shouldn't I be asking you that?* the creature tilted her head. She was a dragon. A long snake like creature that was a deep blue. She had dark eyes, that were lit up by her tail, which was shining with plasma light. She was a Bishel dragon.

But! You're a big snake thingy!

*My name is Numina and I'm a Bishel dragon. It's nice to meet you, and it's nice to know you're not dead like your friend.*

I guess.. it's nice to know that I'm not the only one who can see dead people.

*Can you hear them? Can you feel them? Smell them?*

I can hear them, and if you mean feel their emotions sometimes. If I smell anything it's usually blood. I have no idea why I'm telling this to you.

The dragon seemed to smirk, though her face was shadowed by the eerie light cast by her tail. *I think I'll travel with you for a while then, shall we head to Hadrian?*

I guess he knows about you.

*Yes, and he's the only way I can convince little miss muffet over there that she's dead.*

You're quite bitter about it, aren't you.

*I think I'm sweet most of the time.*

Hadrian really was as handsome and beautiful as the stories said. He was blessed to be a member of the water phoenix race. A perfect example too. He shone with his own radiance, his plasma matched the color of his hair, and his tail was a bright flare. His eyes were soft, and his skin was pale, he would make the perfect husband.

You mean there's another water phoenix out there? He asked in a desperate voice.

Yes, not sure who or why. There's a legend about a key bearer. She has the key to a water phoenix male and a water phoenix female, meaning there would actually be three of you. Sibylle grinned. Sometimes dead people were very useful.

*Neela, is the name of the part water phoenix-freshwater mermaid,* Numina interjected, and went back to staring at the blond mermaid who was still waiting in the shadows.

My brother then, and the girl from the other royal house. The oldest were protected because they are actually pure bloods. Neela was asked to protect them and I was asked to be a decoy for anyone looking for my brother who wasn't part of the Odjrán family.

And Sibylle was obviously the only hybrid around. They probably knew about her from the time of her birth. She smiled, So you said you weren't a pure blood. What else are you?

Hadrian remained silent for a moment. He looked out the mouth of his home staring at the water. I'm part elf.

She blinked a few extra times. It was amazing. That explained why the elf knew about this. She never would have guessed those stories were true.

This still means I have to find a set of salamanders, diamonds, and phoenix.

*But now you have better resources, since I'm coming with you, and Hadrian will keep "close" using his magic.* Numina winked. *Now, shall we get rid of this spirit, Sibylle?*

Sibylle sighed. The girl was still there. So, Hadrian, how did the companion you had here with you die?

She died of the sickness the humans spread. She lost her back fins and bled to death.

The spirit winced. She gave a sad look to the boy, and then to Sibylle and Numina. The dragon felt a wave of anguish and defeat wash over her. The girl was finally going to pass on.

Just tell him that I love him.

*This job. It tastes so bitter sometimes, and then I remember how sweet it is.*

I've yet to find the sweet part.