Finally! Chapter 5 is done! Sorry it took longer. Holidays are so busy. Anyway, close to 700 views! I'm so excited! Thank you everyone that has read my little story. I hope you continue to read as more surprises are in store for the Drac Pack. And a big THANK YOU to Gotham317 for some great ideas. It got me thinking and I think it made this story even better. I may be thinking of a sequel to this after this but too early to tell yet. Enough of my chit chat and on with finding out what has happened to Johnny in Chapter 5! As always, feel free to leave comments and reviews. Happy reading!
Chapter 5:
Hidden from The Truth
The sound of the pounding waves on the sand, the wetness of the water, and the intense rays from the sun. Johnny starts to stir. Sand through his hair, all over his clothes, and stuck to his partially sweaty skin. And the sun was making the sand hot, even under him. Slowly moving his limbs, he rolled over onto his back just to be blinded by sunlight. He placed his arm in the air as sort of a sun shade just for his eyes. He was stiff and sore. The human's throat felt rough and even coughing was harsh from all the sea water he may have swallowed. He smelled the air. A salty sea breeze and a hint of something else… something… smoky.
Johnny sat up, looking at his condition. He was whole. That he was thankful for. His life jacket tightly secured around him still. Some holes and tears in his clothes here and there but still whole. "Thank goodness they call them life preservers," he thought. He had some sore spots and scratches on his arms and legs but nothing serious. He just felt lucky he didn't become chum bait for a shark. Looking at his shorts, he saw some rips, especially in his left cargo pocket. It now became useless to store items in there as anything would just spill right out of the tear. Looking down at his legs and feet, he still had them. However, he was missing his left shoe. "Bummer. Those were new shoes too," saying to himself. He glanced around at his surroundings. Beach to the left and to the right. A vast blue blanket sparkling in the sunlight directly in front with waves crashing all around him.
His eyes went back to his shoe. Pondering a few more moments. "Wonder what happened to my sh…" His eyes went wide, "Oh no." Everything came back to him. It hit like a jolt of lightning. A bright flash in his mind, then seeing Mavis holding on to him in a stormy sea. Another flash and the scene changed where he was slowly being pushed from Mavis, quickly out of sight of her from the tall waves. Another flash and now seeing a purple mist in the distance and Johnny losing hope, not seeing any more of Mavis that night.
Johnny came back to reality. "Mavis. Where?" He stood up, looked around further. "Mavis?" he called. Then remembering it was daytime. She would probably be hiding to stay away from the sun. He turned around, looking inland, he saw a large line of sand dunes covered in tall grass that stretched far to his left and right. Further off to his left, he saw a tropical looking forest with palm and some coconut trees towering over small palm bushes, like skyscrapers.
Walking up to the sand dune, his senses heightened. He could hear the wind behind him, bringing the salty, dead fishy smell that any ocean had after a rough storm. Reaching the top of the shallow dune he got a panoramic view of what lay far beyond. Now with dry eyes and contacts, he tried to view what he saw past the dunes. A flat grassy plain. And on to his left and right, tropical woods starting at the beach and working their way inland as far as he could see. Further in the distance he saw some smoke billowing from a small mound, bigger and taller than the dunes it looked like but too far away to actually tell. "Could that be a volcano?" He called for his fiancé, yelling to both forests on each side, "Mavis!" He waited for a reply… anything. Only receiving the sounds of ocean and wind brushing through the tall grass. He clumsily walked along the dune and followed it to the beginning of the first tropical forest. It looked dense and dark. Perfect hiding for a vampire. Periodically, he kept calling her, hoping to get any response inside, "MAVIS!" Each attempt getting louder to hopefully provoke a response. He walked in to the forest but not too far deep, still no such luck in hearing his love. He decided he may have better luck at sunset when it would be safer for her to venture out.
Johnny walked along the forest, over the dunes and back on the beach. He was now far off from where he started. Now walking along the tree line on the beach, he noticed something in the sand from far off. As he tried to see through dried up contact lenses, it looked like a big rock, with a pink hue? He didn't think rocks could be pink. Probably just his imagination and the combination of expired contact lenses and the bright sun on his eyes playing tricks with his vision. He kept walking in that direction to check it out anyway. Getting closer, he could see that it was no rock. He was able to make out a definite shape, some sort of debris from the storm. Johnny started in a jog, as fast as the sand would let him without stumbling flat on his face.
Slowly getting closer, he slowed to a walk. When over top the familiar object, he fell to his knees. "No," Johnny whispered. Black and pink fabric and a familiar "HT" in a shield. The "T" was formed like a bat with its wings straight out to the sides. A pink backpack. Mavis's pink backpack. For an odd reason, this provoked a memory from the past. All probably because of the situation he was in and scared that he could not find her at the moment. He remembered well when Dracula gave this back pack to her and being spun around in it to face her after being called an "accessory."
"You?" asked a surprised and concerned Mavis.
"You," saying back to her, smiling, not taking his eyes off of her.
"Why are you back?" Johnny placed his feet on the ground and walked toward her. Now face to face as she asked. She cringed back with a concerned look on her face. Inside that kind of hurt Johnny but he understood why with all that happened at the party the night after.
"Cause you're my Zing, Mavis."
"I'm you're Zing? But…I thought you hated monsters?" a little confused.
"Yea. Well. I thought your dad was going to suck the blood out of me if I didn't say that."
Feeling the now roughed fabric in his hands, the straps all wet from the ocean. His vision blurred with some shed tears, relieving the irritation of his contact lenses. He could see everything was in one piece. Although he really couldn't fit in her clothes, not like he wanted to anyway but at least he could make use of them, if he couldn't find her. And Johnny did not want to think that at all. Not now. He HAD to find her.
Something else broke his attention. At the corner of his eye sight, he saw something that looked like it just washed up. Turning his head, Johnny saw the object. It was red and white. Johnny got up and grabbed it before another wave came to take it back out to sea. Holding it upside down, he let any water drain out. He looked it carefully, turning it in his hands. Falling to his knees again but in the wet sand and pounding waves, tears started once again but stronger now and he really couldn't see. He brought Mavis's Converse shoe to rest on his chest, holding it in a hug. He convulsed as he cried. Longing to hold more than a shoe of his Zing. He didn't want to believe it. She had to be out there somewhere. He denied that the ocean took her. "She's a vampire for goodness sake! She can survive anything!"
Wiping away tears, Johnny got up, picked up her pink bag and proceeded to find some shade. The sun was getting hotter as the day wore on. He surely didn't want to have to deal with sunburn here even though Mavis probably packed some sun screen. He walked up the beach to the edge of its jungle and found a great bit of shade on almost every direction. Johnny sat there, staring at the back pack, hoping Mavis would just pop out of it and everything would be ok.
"Well Johnny, at least Drac got her a tent with the bag." Releasing the straps holding the rolled up tent, he unrolled it, finding her sleeping bag rolled in it too. He flattened them out in the sunlight to dry as much as possible. Johnny continued to go through the pack, removing clothes and trying to stay clear of her… "unmentionables." He found some souvenirs in between some clothes that she picked up during their travels. It brought back some fond memories, always seeing her smile, her bright blue eyes. Even her small fangs. He always found them cute and sometimes getting caught by her staring at them all with a cute grin on his face. "Cute little vampire girl with the fangy fangs," singing to keep calm.
Johnny continued going through clothes when he came to it. Shimmering navy blue color, short sleeves, small V-neck line, knee length dress. As he held Mavis's dress that she wore when he proposed, fumbling with it in between his hands, tears welled up again. He wasn't one to cry this much but when it concerned his still missing love, fiancé, his… zing, he couldn't help it. His heart ached so much. He hugged the wet dress, not caring how it smelled of the sea and covering his face with it as he cried uncontrollably into the shimmering dress. Oh how he longed to hold her right now while she was in this dress. "M…M…Mavis. Where are you?" he blubbered out.
Eventually snapping himself to reality…again, he had enough of remorse. He had to also survive. He knew she would be okay on surviving out there, she was a vampire after all. A lot stronger, faster, and could hunt too so he tried not to worry for her. A time would come when they would be together again, somewhere, and beyond. Only hoping it would be on this island. Johnny calmed himself down, continued looking through Mavis's things and was surprised to find that Mavis held onto his extra pair of glasses. What luck! His contact lenses were so dry and irritating, blinking and squinting in the sun was painful. He began to remove them but it was a daunting task. They were so dry. Eventually he freed himself of the sea-dried contacts and dawned his glasses. Oh how he could see so clearly now! It felt good feeling a burst of moisture return to his eyes.
As time passed, Johnny was getting hungry. Luckily, he recalled Mavis kept a bag of some protein bars just in case. He opened the pouch where he thought they may be. Thank goodness there were a few left sealed in a bag, not wet. He could at least have one for now. Then worry about how he could catch fish or something later. Now, to find some fresh water, gather some wood and hopefully make a fire. Only other question in his mind's checklist. What could he boil water in?
This did turn out to be a long day, so it seemed to Johnny. First days in a strange or deserted place always seemed to drag on to him. No matter where he was. He found some good, dried fire wood and some stuff to start it with. He "stumbled" into a fresh water source while looking for wood. He marked its location and headed back to his little beach camp for now.
As the sun was starting to set, Johnny was trying to make a fire. "Com'on FIRE!" he yelled as he kept rubbing handmade fire starter together. Thinking his survival training he had should help him but it wasn't working. He stopped a moment. Johnny recalled showing Mavis how to start fire and how frustrated she got when she couldn't get a fire started. He was such a great teacher to her. He stayed calm and kept a smile all through her frustration. In the end, she got a fire going when he couldn't that time. He remembered what he did to help her and used this memory to help himself out. Eventually he got an ember going then a small flame. It worked!
FIRE!
The red head took some time the first night and did a little searching for his fiancé. Knowing she wouldn't be near the beach during the day. That would be dangerous for her. He walked around the beach, yelling for her. There were no answers to his call. Nothing on the beach and nothing from inside the jungle. Worry was starting to show on his face. He walked pretty far away from his camp by now. He decided double back and search the other side of his encampment and keep it in view this time.
Passing by the sand dunes again, he decided to look over them once more. Now seeing a faint glow where he saw smoke during the day. "Certainly a volcano. Hopefully this is all it does," thinking to himself. So not to dwell on this little… problem, Johnny kept moving up the beach, trying to find Mavis. Hours passed with no luck on finding his Zing. It was late in the night, he decided to get some rest and save some energy for tomorrow. He would need it to find food. Pitching the now dried tent, he crawled in with the slightly moist sleeping bag. Other than missing her warmth, the sweet smell of her smooth black hair, he just missed her company. Soon he fell asleep, hoping tomorrow would bring better results where he could find food and something to boil water to safely drink. And find Mavis.
Far away from the island, a pair of curious eyes floated in the water, a mermaid's eyes. Keen on seeing well and far in the dark, watching this human boy crawl in the tent as the light from the fire flickered around his face. Even from so far away, she knew he was gorgeous. "The poor thing must be scared and starving. I should help him." The eyes quickly darted back under the water, moving fast, diving deeper with her pale, greenish blue fin. Her mermaid tail glimmered in the underwater moonlight. With long blond and smooth hair that trailed behind, braided with colorful sea shells, she found her pile of junk from wreckage of boats and planes. "I know it's here somewhere! I saw it not too long ago!" Determination filled her dark amber eyes, almost an orange color that were strangely mesmerizing. Sticking her tongue out in concentration between her sea green lips, she then smiled showing her pearl white teeth and her eyes lit up at her discovery. Picking up the metal pot and holding it up high in her slightly tanned arms splotched with aqua colored scales. It wasn't much but it was a start.
Swimming back, she got closer to the beach and quietly casted the pot toward the little camp where it should rest in the sand until the morning. Then he should find it. "Now food will have to wait. If I bring something now, it will spoil by morning. He's sleeping anyway." As she entered the water again, she heard someone calling her with her sensitive hearing, something from far away. Her pierced lobed ears kind of cringed at the sound but knew she had to go to her responsibility.
After traveling a while, the mermaid reached the spot where the that someone's call originated. She surfaced, her head bobbing with the current and waves. Soon the water in front of her was becoming disturbed, making a whirlpool. The water splashed and bubbled when multiple black tentacles emerged from under the blackened sea. The tentacles were smooth and had a sheen to them with scales splotched all over. Splashes of water fell all around from the emergence of more tentacles, even splashing the mermaid. Evil, red glowing eyes emerged, staring at the mermaid. As it continued to rise, sharp spikes protruding from its cheeks and on the back of its neck rose with the enormous head. The mouth finally surfaced, closed but still showing large, sharp, fang-like teeth jutting from around the mouth. As the waters calmed, a deep, menacing voice in the mermaid's mind was heard. "What trouble have you been searching this past nigh, Azalea?"
"What do you want Idris? You always call at the wrong times," replied Azalea.
"I smell something foul in the air," as the kraken sniffed with its large nostrils. The red eyes opened wider and glowed brighter at the familiar scent. "A HUMAN! ON THE ISLAND! I SHALL GO AND END HIM!"
Azalea rushed in front of the sea beast and placed herself between him and the island. "That human is to be left alone! He is in my charge now!" Idris halted a moment so not to swim over his master. "Why do you care of this human? It ruins the purity of the island and sea with its existence!"
"He did not come here willingly Idris. He is stranded and needs help. Besides… he is gorgeous." Azalea paused a moment, looking away from the kraken and closing her eyes with a smile forming and cheeks growing red, "I think I have fallen for him."
"FOR A HUMAN!? HA!" loudly spoke Idris in her mind. "You cannot be serious! Your father forbids it!"
Azelea became angry and it showed on her face as she spoke loudly to the kraken, "MY FATHER DOES NOT NEED TO KNOW! THIS BOY IS MINE!" The large beast started to squirm and roar in pain of some kind as Azelea used her control over Idris to cause him to suffer making it known who was in control. "You will not hurt him or so help me, I will BREAK you!" Azelea said calmly to the thrashing monster. "You will guard this island from everything, including my sister. For she will surely tell father and that will not happen, right Idris?" As Azelea let the invisible hold on Idris go, the tentacles calmed and its head bowed to the water in front of the mermaid when she heard him in his mind one more time. "Yes my master."
"Good boy. Now go." As quickly as Azelea said this, the kraken quickly sunk under the water and jetted away into the shimmering black ocean. The mermaid watched and made sure Idris obeyed. "Now back to the boy. It will be sunrise soon by the time I get back."
From what sleep Johnny got, he dreamt of Mavis. He found out even in sleep, he cried. I was not a good dream. She was right in front of him but just barely out of reach. The more he would try to get to her, the more she moved farther away. And all she did was smile at him. This was all just too cruel for him. Soon, Mavis was sinking in black water and there was nothing he could stop it. It was almost like he was being held back. Feeling helpless, he yelled and yelled for her as he tried to break free of this invisible force holding him back. Her head just above the water now is when he woke up abruptly, startled and breathing heavy.
Sitting up, he felt his face. his cheeks and around his eyes were wet from crying. "It was only a dream, Johnny. Only a dream. She's fine Johnny. She's fine and we'll find her," talking positive sense into himself. Exiting the small tent, he noticed the sun was rising. He sat down on the beach and watched as the beautiful colors of the rising sun danced in the sky and reflected in the water. It was beautiful. Just like Mavis's first sunrise.
He took a deep breath and closed his eyes. He then exhaled. A lot calmer now and ready to find some food, hopefully. Also trying to find something to hold water for boiling, that would be tough. Glancing down a little to his right, something shiny caught his eye. Partially buried in the sand, it looked metallic. Johnny got up and went to see what it was. Digging in the sand, he couldn't believe what he saw. A metal pot, just right to hold water to boil in. "Awesome! What such luck!" saying to himself. Quickly running past his little camp to the fresh water source he found, he got some of the water and carefully made it back all without spilling. That was an achievement for someone like Johnny who was never good with his feet. Brining his fire back up to a good heat, he boiled his water, let it cool and drank. It was so good! It did have a smoky taste to it but Johnny didn't pay much attention to it since he was extremely thirsty.
As for his hunger, he went to see if he could find any downed coconuts or catch any fish in a makeshift net. To his surprise, he didn't have to search long for food as a couple large fish looked like they stranded themselves on the beach. They were still thrashing around so Johnny knew they were still fresh. He surely felt like the luckiest man right now. During the rest of the day, he gathered more wood and purified more water. He found a good container that can be covered to hold more water. That way he had a good supply without having to wait for it to boil and cool.
Later that night, starting around sun down, Johnny continued his search for Mavis, walking around the beach. As he did, it only took a few hours to actually walk all the way around. This island wasn't too big but still what concerned him the most was still no Mavis. Deciding to look another night, Johnny just sat by his fire, looking over the sparkling ocean, bathed in moonlight. He just thought and felt so lonely. Soon, something caught his attention.
Looking over to his left near the water, on the wet sand lay something that was struggling. It was dark over there so Johnny could only see a silhouette of what looked like a girl. "HELP!" he heard from that direction. He got up and ran toward the cry. "HELP!" The girl looked over and saw Johnny running toward her, she yelped and tried to scurry away, back into the water but could not move quick enough. "I'M HERE! Please don't be startled, I'm just trying to he…" as Johnny froze in what he saw before him. He couldn't believe his eyes. "A…a…a mermaid?"
It was Azelea. "Pl…please don't hurt me," said the mermaid cringing back, trying to crawl away.
Johnny was still stunned, eyes wide and jaw dropped. He couldn't believe what he was seeing. Although he believed mermaids existed with his new discovery of vampires and other monsters, he was still in shock at actually seeing a real live mermaid. Quickly snapping out of it, he slowly squatted down, far enough away to not scare the mermaid but close to see her a little clearly.
"I'm not going to hurt you. I just heard you yelling for help and I thought you were someone I knew that I have been looking for," cautiously said the red haired boy.
"You… you shouldn't have seen me. No human should," replied Azelea, still scared for her life even though she wanted to be with Johnny.
"Don't worry, your secret is safe with me. Anyway, I'm kinda stranded here so no one for me to tell. Besides, I kinda knew mermaids existed as well as other beings like vampires."
"You know of vampires?" asked the surprised mermaid.
"And werewolves, mummies, ghouls. All sorts of monsters. Now… mermaids."
A silence fell over them for a moment as Azelea's dark amber eyes met Johnny's. She could see them so clearly in the dark of the night. She had a moment, almost like a sparkle in her eyes. Mesmerized by Johnny's hazel eyes, she didn't realize how beautiful they actually were. She was… love struck.
"So do you need help?" asked Johnny smiling at her shocked expression. The mermaid blinked and snapped out of her love struck trance. "Yes, sorry about that."
"It's cool. How did you get on the beach?"
"Something got caught around my fin and I couldn't swim so I was kind of dragged until it stranded me here. I tried to break free but I think I made it worse."
"Let me take a look. May I?" Johnny cautiously slid over a little closer and to the mermaid's tail and saw a black wire wrapped and knotted around her. Azelea just nodded an okay for him to help her. "You got caught in some sort of wire. It's tangled up pretty good. I don't have a knife to cut it but I can try to untangle it if you don't mind."
Even though Azelea wanted to interact with Johnny, the fact that a human would be touching her kind of scared her but she had to get untangled. "O…okay. But don't try anything," still hesitant on humans.
"I promise I won't hurt you," Johnny said as he held three fingers up like a Boy Scout. Azelea looked confused at this but trusted he wouldn't do anything. She got a sense of gentleness and kindness just by staring into Johnny's eyes. She never took her eyes off of him, still concerned he might do something but then, she didn't want to stop looking at him. So confused with herself.
"My name is Johnathan but you can call me Johnny," speaking up trying to distract the mermaid from his task.
"They call me Azelea."
"That's a pretty name," replied Johnny.
"Thank you. So you are not shocked at all for seeing a mermaid the very first time?" asked Azelea as she watched the human work a knot free, feeling his fingers lightly rubbing her scales as he untangled some wire.
"For the first time, yes but only for a second. It's not much of a shock to see different beings in the world since I got engaged to a vampire. So it wasn't too surprising to see a mermaid too."
"Engage to a vampire? Where is she?" asked the mermaid. Johnny stopped untangling for a moment. Never lifting his head, concentrating on holding back his emotions then continued back at removing more wire from her tail.
"I…I don't know," he replied somberly. "We were on a plane when it crashed around here and I haven't seen her since. I was hoping she would be on this island but I still cannot find her. I'm just hoping she is at least on another island and is okay." Johnny held back tears so not to look weak in front of Azelea.
"You were on that plane when it crashed?" asked the surprised Azelea.
"You saw it? Tell me, did you see a short black haired girl with a black fitted dress, black and red stockings?" Johnny asked looking up in surprise and staring into Azelea's dark amber colored eyes, waiting for a positive response.
"Did she have blue eyes and black lips?" asked Azelea.
"Yes…yes! Did you see her? Is she alright?" as Johnny came closer to the mermaid's face, stunning her a little as she tried to back off. Her face showed a little fear in Johnny's movements. "I did see someone like that," as she turned her head away with a frown and eyes glancing down. Johnny's eyes lit up more. "But she was underwater when I saw her. She…she wasn't moving and she was sinking," as a frown formed on her face. Johnny was in shock, not knowing what to think or what emotion he felt. He fell back onto his knees. It felt like his heart stopped. His world around him just crumbled. Tears welled up in his eyes, slumping back down even further in the wet sand away from Azelea. He covered his face, sobbing uncontrollably with outbursts of crying and yelling.
"I failed her… I failed her… I failed to protect her!"
"I FAILED HER!"
Azelea felt his pain. But she didn't know what to do. Before Johnny could mention it again, she lunged her way over to Johnny and surprisingly pulled him into a hug. Johnny's eyes went wide. He didn't know what to think about this but quickly accepted the hug and cried on her shoulder. Azelea accepted his hug back all while looking into the ocean and smiling devilishly. "He's now mine," thinking to herself. "I'm so sorry Johnny you had to hear that."
"Sh…She was my zing," replied Johnny in between sobbing.
"You're zing?"
"Love at first sight. When we first lo…locked eyes, we both felt and saw a sp...sparkle in each other's eyes. A sparkle. Almost like we saw each other's lives to...tog...together in an instant. Except for th…th…this" explained the distraught human.
"I'm so sorry about that Johnny. But please don't give up on yourself," Azelea placing emphasis at the end before taking in a breath to continue. "She can live through you, you know. Live on and keep her in your memories and…" hesitating a moment, "your heart. I'm sure she wouldn't want you to give up. Right?" Azelea finished trying to calm him and show her meaning.
"You're right. I'm sorry about that. Let me finish helping you." Johnny broke the hug and continued working on the tangled wiring. "It's quite alright," assured Azelea. Moments pass, Johnny is heard sobbing a little but is getting quieter. Azelea is starting to feel sick from being on the beach for too long.
Azelea broke the silence, "I'm starting to get sick. I'm drying up which is not good."
"Do you need water?" Johnny looked up at the beautiful mermaid as she nodded as she looked like she was about to faint.
"Do you have anything that we can put water in and just pour over…WHAO…WHAO! WHAT ARE YOU DOING?" Startled and confused, Azelea found herself being picked up by Johnny who was now carrying her to the water, deep enough that she can get refreshed but shallow where he can work at the remaining wire.
"You need water and it would take too long to pour water over you. You didn't look too well anyway. This is the quickest way and you won't be in danger. I'm sorry if I startled you," replied Johnny.
"You could have warned me," the mermaid said all while being slowly lowered into the water. She felt the water hitting her body. It felt good as moisture returned to her scales. She didn't feel so sick and more color was returning to her face.
"I'm sorry. You feel better though, right?" asked Johnny as he saw her head nod in approval. He continued at the entanglement, slowly one by one removing knots and twists until finally, she was freed. "There we go. All done. How do you feel?" Azelea looked up at Johnny standing up as he stared down at her with a smile.
"That feels so much better," as she started to dunk her tail into the water. "Thank you Johnny. You saved my life. And I am truly sorry about what happened to your fiancé." The mermaid gave Johnny a partial smile knowing how hurt he was but also glad she had him all…to…herself now. No one to meddle in her plans to have Johnny all to herself. But first, she had to earn his trust, hopefully get him to feel affection for her before she could move closer to her goal.
"Thank you," the messy red head said as he tried to hide his emotions from the mermaid but tears in his eyes gave it away. "If you don't mind, I'm going to keep this wire. It could come in handy if you don't mind." Johnny looked down, put on a smile, a terrible fake smile. Trying to hide how torn he was inside.
"I don't mind," as she slowly moved into deeper water, swimming and flapping to get feeling back into her tail. She stopped and looked at Johnny. "Thank you again Johnny! If you ever need my help, just call my name. No matter how far away I am, I'll hear it. And if you need help catching fish or anything, I'll help you. You should get some rest Johnny. You are not looking to good either."
"I will! Will I see you again?" yelled Johnny as she swam away. He heard a "Yes!" from her as she swam away and disappeared into the night and dark water. Walking back up to his camp, he placed another piece of wood on the fire to keep it going. He sat staring at the wire as he fumbled with it in his hands. He just couldn't believe it. Mavis…GONE! He didn't want to believe it. Tears filled his vision as he continued to stare at the wire in front of the fire. Uncontrollably, he sobbed and cried out loud. Johnny let out a scream of pain. His love, fiancé, zing. Gone in such a short time. Now the future he had planned with Mavis was broken…shattered. His future was uncertain on this deserted island.
Johnny decided sitting here crying wouldn't do him any good. He composed himself and decided to best get some sleep and save his energy. As he got up and opened the flap to his… or Mavis's tent, he saw her pink back pack, sitting on one side and her sleeping bag on the other. He laid down, staring at his fiancé's back pack. It brought on more tears to the human's face. He reached for it and pulled it closer to him as he put both arms around it and hugged the pack tightly. It was the only thing left he had of Mavis. Soon, his eyes grew heavy and dry as his crying and sobbing lulled him to sleep. Over the past few days now, his life and future had changed drastically. From proposing to the most gorgeous, cute, vampire with the fangy, fangs to now finding out the one you love so dearly is now gone. Taken…by the sea.
As Azelea watched from a distance Johnny crawl into his tent, she couldn't help but smile. She now had Johnny all to herself. Even though meeting him this way wasn't part of her plan, getting ensnared in that mess of wire turned out better than she hoped. And now… she was glad he believed her that this "fiancé" was lost to the ocean. "Johnny, you are all mine now. Just you and me."
"Forever."
Days passed by quickly. Johnny was mourning at the news of his fiancé's passing. Too much mourning. But the mermaid was right, he had to keep moving. Mavis would want him to stay alive for her and remember her always. To help "move on," he built a memorial for Mavis in a sacred and secluded area inland. It was an open area, surrounded by bushes and trees, lush and short green grass with beautiful white flowers growing around in patches. It was still dark there in the daylight thanks to the heavy canopy. It suited the memorial well. Only a few rays of sunlight shown from above, especially on the little memorial, a small cross stuck into the ground with Mavis's Converse shoe hanging on it. It was a perfect way to honor Mavis. His fiancé. His love.
Most of his days were made for discovery and gathering. Johnny found a cave on the rockiest part of the island near the water. It was perfect! The cave had an opening on the jungle side where Johnny cut a small path around to the beach. Going into the cave more, he found it opened to the sea. Perfect for Azelea when she stopped by. Moving all of his "belonging" took some time but he was able get more protection from the sun and storms. The cave felt more like a home now as he settled down in it and decorated it. Living as comfortable as he could. As best as he could. Living off the land. Living for her.
Days, maybe a weeks have gone by. Johnny lost track of time while being stranded. But for now Johnny made sure every day he would live. He would do it for Mavis. And if he did escape this island, he would head back to Hotel Transylvania and apologize to Dracula for failing him. Failing to keep her safe, just like he promised and live with whatever consequences he would face. This would at least bring him some closure. Johnny swore that his love would always belong to Mavis, no one else. For the rest of his life.
Azelea stopped by every few days. Johnny was very glad that he befriended the mermaid. Without her, Johnny could be worse off than he is now. She helps him with fishing for food and finding useful items. But most important, she kept Johnny company. Keeping him sane. And he was starting to feel an attraction to her. He tried to hide it and suppress it as he remembered his vow to only love Mavis. But it was there.
As time went by, it seemed to Johnny that Azelea was coming to see him more and more often and was feeling an even deeper connection. It wasn't like a zing, like he felt with Mavis years ago, it was just an affection he had for a very close friend that was getting too close. He missed her when she didn't come and was excited to see her when she showed up. "But what about Mavis?" thinking to himself. His mind felt torn and confused. Not knowing if he would ever get home or if he would be here for the rest of his life. This occupied and burdened his mind. Was he falling for a mermaid? Should he move on? Would Mavis want this for him? To be happy? Yes. No! Yes! NO!
Today was nothing new. Azelea showed up as the sun set. Johnny occupied himself constructing a spear for hunting and a shovel for planting, Azelea sat on a partly submerged rock, head down, her finger making small doodles in the little bit of sand on the dry rocks. "Johnny, do you like me?" asked Azelea in a quiet, sheepish voice.
This gave Johnny a little chuckle but saw how serious she looked at him when he met her eyes. "Of course I do, Azelea. You are a great friend and without you, I don't know if I could have survived."
"I'm not talking about that way. I really mean it Johnny, do you REALLY like me?" Johnny looked at her with a surprise look on his face as he swallowed air in nervousness. His smile dropped seeing how serious she really was.
"I…I do. I really do like you Azelea." As Johnny finished, her eyes and face lit up. She was happy to hear those words. I do. Johnny continued as he looked away with concern and remorse, "But… I had Mavis and I swore to love her the rest of my life. She was my zing after all. And was irreplaceable. So I…" he paused and sighed as confusion settled over the human's face, "I don't know what to do anymore."
Azelea was kind of hurt at hearing this but she understood. "Oh Johnny. I understand but wouldn't you think she would want you to be happy? Even if it means to move on?"
"I know. But I just can't stop thinking about her. It's like if I do, then I totally forget all about her. The way she looks, her personality, her kindness. And that scares me," Johnny was cut off by Azelea. Her voice sounded strange, almost like an echo and he mouth wasn't moving. It's like she was in his mind.
"Johnny… Johnny… Johnny. You have me and I want to be with you." As she spoke, Johnny felt a yearning to walk closer to her. He couldn't control himself anymore. "I have been with you ever since I have found you here. I have helped you, cared for you and brought you food. I love you Johnathan. I want you to be with me and I will be with you! Forget Mavis. She is gone. She doesn't exist. But I am here. I am here for you. Love me Johnny. Forget Mavis. Forget. Forget."
As Azelea's voice echoed through his mind, he couldn't help getting closer and closer to her until he was in the water with her. His face looked stunned, his eyes wide and lidless. Irises dilated and glassed over. Azelea put her arms around Johnny and brought him closer. He could hear her voice so clearly but her lips were not moving at all. Her eyes wide open, never leaving his gaze. "Be with me, Johnny. Be with me forever!"
"I…I…Lo…love you Azelea!" blurted out Johnny while his head was still in a fog. Azelea brought him even closer and kissed him, thus sealing her control over him. Still in the effects of the trance, Johnny returned the affectionate kiss. What felt like hours, only moments passed and Azelea finally broke the romance now speaking in her normal voice and through her mouth. Johnny trance ended and looked around and noticed he was soaked. "Wha? Why am I in the water?"
Azelea replied with an affectionate giggle, "Silly. You came over here to kiss me but accidently fell in the water but I caught you… somewhat."
"Oh. Sorry about that," Johnny replied as he blushed.
"No need to be sorry," as Azelea gave Johnny a quick kiss. "Johnny, I have to go take care of some things tonight. It is getting late so you should get some rest anyway."
"O… O… Okay," he said with sad puppy dog eyes. "Will I see you tomorrow?"
"Of course my dear, I will see you tomorrow, I promise." Before making her way to the exit to the cave, Johnny kissed her one last time as a good bye kiss. She then proceeded to exit the cave.
"Azelea!" yelled Johnny getting her attention to stop and turn around. "I LOVE YOU!" This brought a great big smile to her now knowing Johnny was all hers and not this Mavis. She quickly replied, "I love you too darling. I will see you tomorrow," as she dove under the water. Johnny stared at the ripples she made when leaving. He found someone to care for and to be cared for. He felt…lucky. He felt strange like he was missing something, forgetting someone, and was not sure what. Johnny felt something empty in his soul. Like something was taken but he didn't know what. Not dwelling on it, he just thought of his mermaid. Those mesmerizing dark amber eyes, the way he scales glistened in the dancing fire light. So beautiful. He finished his spear and decided to get some rest.
Not known to Johnny but Azelea swam to her kraken, Idris. As he emerged with a thunderous splash, red eyes focused on the small mermaid. "So, you now have a pet. A human at that. How touching."
"Oh stop Idris! Johnny is mine and I will never hurt him. Neither will you or so help me I will place you back in your cage!"
"I obeyed you the first time you spoke your command. I have no intentions of disobeying. You know how I despise humans though. Watching them suffer gives me joy. However, I will never hurt your human. Besides, I have news that your sister's 'pet' almost lurked over our borders. I drove him away," calmly said Idris.
Azelea responded with a deep, worried sigh, "We must not let my sister know what we have been up to. Keep them AWAY!"
"As you wish," the dark kraken said in Azelea's head. "It did bring me joy watching you from afar brake this human's mind and spirit. It shows how easy a creature they are to break. And I enjoyed every moment watching him suffer. Please continue Azelea," as Idris gave an evil grin toward Azelea and toward the island…and Johnny.