The Water-Nix

Two children are snatched by a water nix and are forced underwater. A Padma Patil and Parvati Patil tale.

The Patil twins, Padma and Parvati, lived by a great lake. Often they would play near the water, sometimes splashing each other if the weather allowed them. Once it was a misty afternoon, the air cold and the trees silent. The two sisters ventured outside and continued to play by the lake. As they passed the water's edge a beautiful song was heard. The voice was alluring and seemed to call forth for them.

"Take me away to a different place

And together we can be face to face

And all these complications disappear

And all that is left

All that is left is the piece that I hold here

The water is where I need to be

And I hope that this song can carry me

And if you'd like well, you could come with me

And I will show

I will show you everything that you need to see"

Padma and Parvati calmly walked into the lake. The music was soothing, relaxing their minds to any danger that it foretold. Below the surface was a beautiful mermaid, her fins brightly coloured and her hair waving gently in the current.

"Come to me, my children. Come closer into the water," she called.

Her beauty was astonishing, as were her words. They were hypnotising, the twins unable to turn away. The mermaid held out her hands, a silent gesture to grab hold. Parvati grabbed on first, followed closely by her twin. They were pulled under the water.

Down to the depths, the mermaid swam whilst the twins struggled to breathe. At last when the girls thought they were going to drown, they entered a small underwater cave. A large bubble of air was trapped with them, allowing them to temporary breathe. They were soaking wet and cold, shivering from the near death experience.

As the two girls calmed down, they finally gained a real glance at the figure which stole them underwater. What they thought was a beautiful mermaid was a hideous beast, a water nix. Rough scales covered its skin, as long tangled hair stuck to its head. Rows of sharp teeth, could be seen from its mouth. The creature looked at the children in disgust and spoke condescendingly to them.

"Now I have got you. Tonight you shall be my dinner."

The girls shrieked as its voice echoed around the cave. It sounded like nails against a chalk board. The water nix dove and disappeared underneath the water, leaving the two children alone.

"We're going to die Parvati," Padma sobbed.

"This can't be happening. This can't be the end," Parvati sat, still shocked at what had happened to them.

"We have to find a way out," Padma thought aloud.

The two girls searched the cave for any other exits but were bitterly disappointed.

"Our only option is to dive back into the water and swim to the surface," Padma suggested.

"It's a long way. Do you think we can make it?" Parvati asked.

There was an awkward silence.

"I-I'm sure we could. I mean, we made it down here," Padma quietly said, not convinced herself, "We have to try."

The Patil twins resolved themselves to escape. They took a deep breath and dove. The water was freezing but they carried on, pushing themselves out of the cave and swimming up towards the surface. The pressure was heavy and their strokes became weaker. The light of the surface came into view, as air became a necessity. Bubbles rose around them, as they pushed to their physical limits.

Padma and Parvati broke the surface and grasped for air. They were exhausted. Using the last of their strength, they swam to the shore of the lake and collapsed onto the bank. A few minutes later the water nix resurfaced and screamed at them to return. It swam as close to the bank as possible but could not leave onto the dry land. The twins were safe.