He wasn't like anyone else she had ever met in her long life as a Guardian. He was strong and kind, loyal and energetic. He was a stubborn mule so that when he decided on something he held fast and refused to give up until it was realised. He worked hard to become what he is now – a tough young man that protects others. He trained to act on his feet, never thinking. Driven by instinct he flew in and out of trouble with ease. He uses his fists to defend with a passion so fierce that it's hard to contain. Siren found herself drowning and she was willing to let it be. It didn't matter that his memories were slipping away. As long as they were together nothing else mattered.

Zell reminded her of the man she loved. He was a groom and also had some skill as a carpenter. Tall, dark and handsome he was someone girls fell for all the time. He enjoyed his work and had many friends.

Siren, who was known as Belle in her human life was a flower seller. With her looks it was easy to find a patron for the night. She was surreal with her creamy skin, her blonde locks and perfectly symmetrical face. Her eyes were an unusual shade of hazel that glowed golden when she felt intense emotion.

She awoke one day and stepped out into the garden. It was already past midday and her hair was tussled from sleep. She padded barefoot past the small and well tended gardens, appreciating the summer sun on her skin. Her feet tickled from the blades of green grass and the scent of flowers was heady. She heard rustling in the bushes but chose to ignore it. If they had enough coin to afford her services she would happily oblige when her working day started. More likely it was a boy that had nothing better to do than skip work.

"Hello Belle." She turned, startled. It was a young man she had glimpsed in the stables. She held no interest for him and had no reason to speak with him.

"Hello." She replied softly, hiding her wariness well.

"Just woke up?" he asked, brown eyes dancing. He had a nice face, she thought to herself. Almond shaped eyes not unlike her own, a nose that was slightly too big and an easy grin. He was tanned from working outdoors and so very tall. His shoulders were broad and she glanced down at his hands. They were the hands of a hard worker. His grin was most infectious. Unfortunately for him Belle had seen many young men that held that very same charm and the effect was lost on her.

"Yes," she replied, eyes roaming the garden. "Is there something I can help you with?"

"Woah there," he held up his large hands in surrender. "I didn't mean anything by it, just being friendly."

He ran his calloused fingers through brown hair that was in need of cutting. He smiled ruefully then sighed. "I'll take my leave. Have a nice day."

He bowed dramatically and swaggered back to the stables. He glanced over his shoulder to wave and grin again before stepping out of sight.

Belle found herself talking with the young man often. Conversation was pleasant and he seemed to enjoy her company. He taught her how to care for the horses and even let her groom one from time to time. He spoke much of his mother and was bitter about his absent father. It seemed that his mother was a healer and he her only child. Before becoming a healer she was a priestess dedicated to the Mother when the man that was his father (a traveller) relieved her of her virginity and blessed her with a child.

He was illiterate and Belle taught him to read and write. She was delighted when he was finally able to scrawl his name (barely legible but the effort was sincere) on paper. She taught him to care for his appearance and would often accompany him to the markets to purchase fashionable clothes and shoes. They visited his mother during their trips to the city and both insisted that they were not lovers as she suspected, merely friends.

He never said anything of her beauty to make Belle think otherwise and when she spoke he focused on her face. She noticed he gave all that he met the same courtesy and her fondness of him grew. It wasn't long before she found herself falling in love.

And they become lovers. Belle spoke of her feelings first, and he seemed genuinely surprised. The he grinned and introduced Belle to a whole new world. He spoke of leaving town, starting anew. Belle allowed herself to drown in his dreams and convinced that as long as he was with her she could do anything. He made her feel strong and loved. She could do anything with him at her side.

It all came to an end when a Sorcerer made himself known to Belle. He had fallen for the young beauty and knew of her relationship with the groom. He put an end to his life with a spell and stole Belle's will with another. After months of showering the young woman with gifts and affection it was clear that she continued to mourn the loss of her lover. She never spoke, never smiled and never wept. She was as beautiful as ever but it was clear that she was shattered and would not recover. On a whim the Sorcerer brought a harp to which she took to. It was unfortunate that all songs she played were desolate.

The Sorcerer loved her deeply and would not let her go. In a desperate attempt to claim Belle fully he screamed a Word of Power that bound Belle to a black pearl ring that he had bought her, locking her spirit to the small object where he would keep her at his side for eternity. He hung himself not long after unable to live with the guilt of keeping Belle shackled to the world of the living forever.

As time passed Belle discovered that she was no longer human. Her blonde locks grew heavy with muscle. She could pump her new found wings with little effort and had to the ability to fly. Her soft and musical voice was no more however the lap harp remained. When she played her emotions flowed through to her plucking fingers forcing all to dance to her tune. And because she was melancholy she was sure to kill any that were too weak for the burden of heartbreak.

There were many that discovered Siren. She had become a Guardian. She loathed being at the beck and call of whomever was fortunate enough to stumble upon her hidden powers. Humans over the generations used her power to conquer lands, sack and pillage villages and fighters for freedom alike. It didn't matter to her what her powers were used for- she no longer cared.

As time passed, she found herself awakening and grew closer to Zell. He was fire, he was hope. Zell sparked light in her wounded heart. He believed wholehearted that she would help him in his work. He wanted to put an end to fear in children. He wanted the elders It was that unrelenting optimism that drew her to him.

And she would protect him with all she had left.

Gentle Lady of the Sea hear our pleas

Free us from the Chains of Pain and Suffering

With your temperate melody

Lull our adversaries into Oblivion

Come forth, Siren

Siren played her harp to lure Zell's adversaries into her world. They were unaware that they had crossed from one dimension to another, lulled into a false sense of security. She brushed Zell possessively with her wings before fully emerging herself in her illusion.

She focused intently on his foes, sharp eyes assessing their strengths and weaknesses. Four masked men, all wielding small swords. She sat atop her boulder in the sea, a goddess that graced those pitiful men with her presence. One by one they removed their masks; their faces alight with awe and wonder. Her lips tilted slightly upwards as she pushed her illusion further, brushing their feet with the gentle lap of waves. They fell for her, hard. She allowed them to gaze upon her beauty and fantasize what it would be like to have one night with the goddess. She toyed with their feelings, wrapped them in a blanket of love and happiness as she played her harp. The melody was strange and hypnotic. Then, when she felt they were at their peak she snatched it all away from them, throwing their hopes and dreams into the depths of Oblivion.

She shattered the illusion and returned to her world inside Zell's mind. Two fell immediately unable to comprehend her cruelty and died from sorrow. The remaining two were incapable of continuing and surrendered to Zell. He dispatched the two men and hid their bodies.

Please... she thought as Zell celebrated on a job well done. Never change. I couldn't bear it if you changed.

Zell cocked his head to the side, his grin faltering. He thought he heard something but wasn't quite sure. With a shrug he jogged back to his position to carry out the remainder of his mission.

Siren stroked his muscled arm absently as he stared intently at his target.

"Hope they're all ready at their end," he muttered to himself. "Otherwise I'm flying solo."

Never... Siren thought, running her fingers through his hair. I am here. I will not lose another...