The Siren Beckons

The sea was calm. Uneasily calm. Just the night before it had been a raging storm! They barely could get a handle on any part of the ship! But the calm was fine. No one wanted to be racing around in a panic, praying to whatever deity they believed in for their safe passage. And, out of everyone, young Ichigo Kurosaki didn't want to see the rain again. So calm was good.

Most of the crew had retreated into the bottom of the ship, drinking and having a merry time. Ichigo wasn't interested in that. He wasn't big on celebrations. The ship still needed checking after that storm yesterday – responsibility before fun. The few crew members that thought the same were with up on the deck, taking inventory of the ship's condition. However, some murmured about wanting to join the others. And eventually one by one...Ichigo was left alone on the ship's deck, save it for the odd, gruff man at the wheel.

'No wonder these ships don't last long. Everyone would rather get drunk than take care of it.'

With frustration, the teen chucked aside the mop he was using to clean a stain. He should have never taken this job. This...sailing across the ocean to sell goods to merchants in the west...it was pointless. But the ship needed a doctor, and Ichigo was the closet thing they would get without taking a real doctor out of the country. He wanted to stay home with his family and assist his father...but his family needed the extra money...so he accepted this job if half of his salary was being handed over to his father. There were no arguments to the deal. The ship needed a doctor, even an apprentice to a doctor, badly. But this constant lack of work from the crew members he was supposed to take care if they had ailments was driving him to the end of his rope.

The teen side, leaning against the side of the ship. He stared down at the flowing water as he tried to remember the name of the particular part of the ship he was on. He was sick of being made of by the crew how even though he had been on a few voyages that he still didn't know the terms for the different parts of the ship. In his mind, why did that matter? But after yesterday...he saw how it did. Out of everyone, he wasn't running to the proper places just at the command of the captain. No...he just followed everyone else. Somehow the captain noticed and scolded him for it.

'I'm your doctor...not your cabin boy...'

Suddenly, the stillness of the ocean was interrupted. The splash startled the orangette and he instantly sought for what it was that made the sound. There was nothing. But he could see the ripples from where the water was disturbed. He continued to search, even going as far as leaning a little closer to the clear waters. There was still nothing. Then, shyly, something surfaced. Ambers went wide with surprise. Before him was a woman with hair the color of ravens, eyes the color of the deepest purple silk, and skin the color of pale snow. The ocean covered the rest of her body, making it so only her neck up was visible to him. They stared at each other with with curiosity and in silence. What was a woman doing in the ocean? Was she in trouble? Her head inclined a little higher, showing her collarbone now. Her arm reached out from the depths...fluidly beckoning him to her. She began to hum a little tune and quietly smiled. For some reason...he felt the urge to comply. Ichigo slowly began to lean in closer and closer to the waters, wanting to join her. He almost had made it into the deep blue when...

“What the hell are ya doing!?”

Ichigo was jerked back, thrown onto the deck. He blinked in confusion – unsure of what just happened. The man that usually was at the wheel, Kenpachi was it, towered over him with this look of murder in his dark eyes.

“You idiot. Are you tryin' to die?” he huffed, sounding bothered about something.

The teen blinked again, now even more confused. “I was just -”

“That was a Siren. Do you know what Sirens are? Or are you just stupid?”

He paled. A...Siren? The women that lived to drag men to their deaths? The women with the haunting songs? “I...I thought those were...”

“Just tales? Feh. Lemme tell ya somethin' kid – Sirens are real. Those witches of the sea kill many good men, or idiots, just like you, who can't resist their song. So I suggest you stay closer to the middle of the ship. Unless you enjoy the thought of drownin'.”

Ichigo shook his head. The idea of drowning wasn't a pleasant thought. He'd rather die some other way. Anything other than suffocating in something so beautiful. Apparently pleased by the reaction, Kenpachi chuckled darkly and returned to his post. He left an air of unease in his wake. Poor Ichigo was staring out at the vast horizon, afraid of what lurked beneath it. Despite that fear, however, the thought couldn't leave his mind – the image of the Siren poking her head out and curiously looking at him.

'She was beautiful...'

He sighed, finally able to get back on his feet. He swiped up the mop he had tossed aside, resuming the tedious chore no one else wanted to do. Unknown to him that she still lurked nearby...watching him ever so diligently.





Night had fallen. The rowdiness of the crew members quieted. Finally. She had been waiting patiently for the opportune moment to approach the ship once more. Rukia raised her head above her watery hiding place, surveying every inch that she could of this vessel. It appeared that none were stirring, save it for the pesky fool that stole him from her. But even she could tell from the distance that he was starting to falter. A pleased smile touched her lips. Yes...it was time. She reached up, her hands touching the wooden texture. It was time to claim what was hers. Her mouth opened and she began to sing her arrival.

“What will we do with the drunken whaler? What will we do with the drunken whaler? What will we do with the drunken whaler early in the morning?”

Her tiny hands clawed on the rim, water slipping down her body as she hoisted herself up. A white, tattered, slightly dirtied, sleeveless dress seemed to fall from nowhere across her skin. It covered up anything that would distract women hungry sailors – allow them to take her threatening presence seriously.

“Way hey and up she rises, way hey and up she rises. Way hey and up she rises early in the morning.”

Her feet touched the deck, water dripping onto the fine wood. She glanced up at the man at the ship's wheel. He hadn't noticed her till now – his eye wide. He started to leave his post, drawing a sword from his side. So primitive. Rukia took a step forward...the deck beneath her beginning to rot and decay. The man ceased his advance...watching with bewilderment as the ship aged.

“Stuff him in a sack and throw him over. Stuff him in a sack and throw him over. Stuff him in a sack and throw him over, early in the morning.”

He couldn't move. It was as if he were frozen. But she could tell he was resisting her...or trying to. It was amazing, she'd give him that. However, she was ancient. Her song was stronger than the other Sirens he possibly came face to face with. She reached him, head tilted to the side curiously. Such a stubborn man. Barbaric too from what she sensed. She hummed, seeing no reason for her to sing to him. He twitched – signs of fighting. Her brow furrowed. He was a lit more stubborn than she gave him credit for. So she circled him, the wood under her toes aging with each step.

“Feed him to the hungry rats for dinner. Feed him to the hungry rats for dinner. Feed him to the hungry rats for dinner, early in the morning. Way hey and up she rises, way hey and up she rises. Way hey and up she rises early in the morning.”

He continued to struggle against her, but she knew he wouldn't last. With a musical sigh, she trekked back down the steps. He wasn't what she came for. That was down bellow. But before she could reach the door...an alarm went off. Ah, so he had rang the bell to awaken everyone? That was fine. Save her the trouble of going down there.

Within minutes the entire crew was out on the deck. They surrounded her – swords and pistols readied. Some showed signs of fear at the decay around her. Some slapped on brave faces. But him, and only him, realized who she was and gaped in shock. Her eyes fell upon him and a faint smile formed. She wouldn't be smiling for long. The captain had made his presence known. An elderly man riddled scars, Rukia had seen his face many times over the course of his years at sea. And he knew her as well.

“Hello, Genryūsai.” she greeted sweetly, curtsying to show some form of respect.

He didn't seem pleased to see her face again. He gripped at his walking cane tightly, the knuckles going white. “I didn't think I would see you on my ship again...Siren.”

The crew scattered frightened whispers. But he...the one with that brilliant shade of orange...he remained still. Rukia smiled sadly at Genryūsai, breaking her curtsy.

“Sorry...but I have some business here.”

“And what business would that be? Are you not satisfied with the death of the last crew?”

“That was not my fault. I was not the one to lead your men into those rocks. I was, unfortunately, a passerby. Besides, I am not here looking for death.” Violets darted to her reason for being here. “I just came for him.”

The orangette noticed that she was looking at him. He went incredibly pale real quick, but tried to hide it beneath a scowl. His fellow crewmen backed away, as if offering him up on a platter without second thought. Genryūsai, on the other hand, didn't seem that keen in letting him go.

“You cannot have him. He's just a boy. And he's our doctor.”

“You'll make do. You always have.” She took a step towards the youth, the wood rotting even more. Her hand outstretched towards him, and winced when he didn't shrink away. “This is all I want.”

“I said no!”

“And I say you will give him to me...or I will continue to ravage your ship with death? Which do you want?”

“You're not in the position to make negotiations.” spat the man of the wheel. “We outnumber you.”

She glared at him, opening her mouth and hissing lines from her song. “Shoot him through the heart with a loaded pistol, shoot him through the heart with a loaded pistol. Shoot him through the heart with a loaded pistol, early in the morning!”

As if it were an order, the other crew members aimed their weapons at him. They were all quivering with fear and their faces read confusion. Those with firearms had their fingers ready to pull the triggers – those with blades were ready to lunge forward. The man stared her down with defiance...but there was a hint of fear in that one eye of his.

“And I can easily turn those odds in my favor.” She gave Genryūsai a sad gaze, showing that she honestly didn't want to harm anyone. “Can I have him?” She pulled the youth down, setting his head on her shoulder as her arms wrapped around him. “Please...”

An inner struggle was occurring within the captain. He didn't want to sacrifice his entire crew...but he didn't want to sacrifice the youngest member either. But he had to chose one or the other. He chose to save lives instead of give them up. He nodded, defeat in his brow. Rukia smiled and nodded her thanks.

“No...what the hell are you doing?!” cried the teen, wriggling away from her.

“I'm sorry, Ichigo...but I cannot refuse her...” the old man said with guilt.

'Ichigo...so that's your name. Ichigo...'

“But captain!”

Rukia didn't allow another word from him. She grabbed him from behind, her hands ensnared in his clothes. He froze – afraid to move. She forced him to walk backwards with her, her grip growing stronger. Finally...he was hers. All hers. With a tiny giggle, she threw them both into the dark depths of the ocean. The last thing she heard from Ichigo a scream of terror...





Was he dead? Did he die? If so...it sure was comfy in heaven. His eyes cracked open, a small groan escaping. Once in focus and fully aware...he realized that he wasn't dead. No...he was very much alive. And he wasn't in heaven. No...this place...this dark cavern of stone...it was hell. He bolted up from the bed he was lying upon, panic coursing through him. That's right...for the lives of an entire crew...he was handed over to the Siren. Ichigo's face tightened with rage. A prisoner...he was a prisoner to a witch of the sea!

He lept out of the bed, determined to find a way out. But the minute his feet touched the ground, there was a splashing sound. He stood still, very still. With this sound he now had to survey his surroundings. The cavern was dimly lit with torches, had a large oak door leading likely out of it, was decorated with old items from possibly sunken ships, and had three stone steps leading down to a pool of black water. He also took notice that the clothes he was wearing weren't his own. The night shirt was far too big, and the pants were made of odd leather. Not only that, but his boots were missing so his feet were bare. This only made him more frustrated with his predicament.

“I need to get out of here...”

Quickly, he rushed to the door and yanked at the handle. Locked. He banged on it furiously, shouting in hopes of being heard. Silence. He did it again, this time much louder.

“Hey! Let me out! Hey! Hey! Anyone there?! Get me out!”

A splash answered him. He jumped backwards, back flat against the door. His heart began to race as he saw...her. Like when they met, her head was poking out of the water curiously. She gazed upon him...those violet orbs full of wonder. Ichigo wanted to be angry at her. Wanted to curse her to the deepest depths of hell! But...for some reason...he couldn't. It was...something about her...something about those eyes...that halted his cursing. She swam up to the edge, crossing her arms onto the cold stone and resting her head on them. Innocent...she looked so...innocent...

“Hello, my Persephone.” she greeted, voice smooth and haunting.

Ichigo swallowed, pushing his scowl out to hide the chill that carved into his spine. “I'm Persephone? So what does that make you? Hades?”

Her expression softened  - saddened. “Yes. I am your Hades.”

There was a hint of hurt in her tone. It caused his heart to crumble. But he wouldn't show that. No. He had to be defiant...had to get out at all costs. He was not going to be her prisoner!

The raven haired woman hoisted herself up, the water sliding down her skin effortlessly. Ichigo's face went bright red as he expected to see...well...indecent things. But the very minute she began her ascension from the water...that tattered dress he saw her in earlier formed upon her skin. He held back a relieved sigh. He may have been a man who traveled the sea...but he wasn't woman hungry like many of his fellow crew members. She now was on the last stony step, staring at him with such hollowed eyes, water dripping down from her.

'Why does she...look so sad?'

She slowly approached him. Ichigo tensed up, his hands balling up into shivering fists. What was she going to do? Was she going to suck the soul out of him? Sing him to his death? The possibilities seemed endless! But, once she was before him, she just...continued to glance upon him. She was so...melancholy looking. It...reminded him of...well...him. It was as if they were both sharing a loss. A heavy, scarring loss. His guard dropped. He bore into her stare, trying to figure it out. She wasn't going to hurt him...he could see that. No...she was...lonely...had been for so long. His heart ached for her. All she wanted was a companion. But why him? She could've had anyone...so why him?

“I'm Rukia.” she whispered.

Ichigo nodded, almost transfixed. “I'm Ichigo.”

“Ichigo who?”

“K..Ku...Kurosaki.”

“Ichigo Kurosaki...” A ghost of a grin trickled up. Her hand shook as it reached up and cupped his cheek. “Nice to meet you.”

He shivered at her touch. It was so cold...but so soothing. He wasn't sure if this was all her doing, if she had him under a spell. In the end what did it matter? The teen let out a soft sigh, dipping his face into her hand. His eyes glanced at her...screaming with childish innocence. He trusted her...trusted her more than he had ever trusted anyone before. Again, he wasn't certain if this was due to a spell, a curse from a Siren...or if this was something else. In all honesty, after meeting her earlier...he couldn't get her out of his head. She was all he could think about. In the tales he had heard this wasn't normal. Most would want to forget a Siren that almost took them. But there was something about her that...enticed him. He grabbed her wrist, trembling from a mixture of excitement and concern about his mind. He kissed her palm, his throat tightening at his action.

“Don't be afraid.” Rukia said soothingly. “I haven't done anything to you. You are as you were when I took you. I may be ancient...but I am not that good of a seductress.” She curled her finger under his chin, raising his head. “Just...lonely.”

The orange haired man bore into her eyes again. He seemed to read them clear as day – as if they were just a book. She wasn't lying. Even in liar's eyes one could see its flicker. But there was none. She spoke only honesty. He blinked, and adverted his gaze.

“So why me? Why chose me?”

“Why not you?”

Ambers became consumed with shock. “I'm not a nobleman. I have no class. I'm just a kid from a small town.”

“What does that matter? I'm a Siren. People call me a witch of the sea. What does class matter to me?”

“I can have a temper.”

“So can I.”

“I'm not a soft person. I'm harsh. Blunt.”

“That's fine. But I see softness in you. It's faint, but it's there.”

“I don't know you.”

“Do you need to?”

He was dumbstruck by all of this. He always scolded people for falling into a fancy with someone they knew virtually nothing about. And yet here he was...trapped in this Siren's lair...somehow falling for her. Not only that, but it seemed that she had set her sights on him being her partner. His expression became somber with the truth of their situation...

“I'm human. I'll age. I'll die.”

She rolled her eyes, scoffing at the comment. He opened his mouth to argue further his point, but how could he when her fingers were resting on his lips.

“I will do everything in my power to fix that.”

“What do you -”

“Shhhh. Hush now. It's time to show you around your new home.” She backed away from him, hugging herself slightly. “Unless...you don't want that...”

Panic danced through his soul. Didn't want...at first, yes. He would've given everything to leave! But...something changed. Something made him want to stay. And that something was her. He was sure of it. “No! I...I want to stay!”

Rukia seemed...amused by his answer. “Really? What changed your mind? You were just trying to break down my door just now.”

He smiled sheepishly, a tint of pink tickling his cheeks. “I think I can get used to this place. But I need to visit my family once in a while. I don't want them to think that I'm dead.”

Her face lit up. “You have a family?”

“Uhhh...yeah. A dad and two sisters.”

“Oh! Yes! Yes we can visit them! How about now? Can we go now?”

“Whoa whoa whoa! Let me allow this to sink in first!”

“Ah, yes. Of course, Ichigo. That is a good idea. And it'll give me time to fix your...human issue.”

It was odd. First so sad, then calm, then excited, and now reserved. It was strange to see so many emotions cycle through one individual. Then again, he was around men a majority of the time. It was refreshing to be around a female who could easily express herself instead of hold it all in. He smiled, bumping her forehead gently with his fist. She seemed startled by this – leaning back and giving him a bewildered look.

“So...Hades...you were saying you wanted to show me around?”

The Siren softened up again, leaning up against him and intertwining her fingers in his hair. “I was. I hope you'll grow to like this place, my Persephone.”

“With you as Hades...” He dared to lean in, dared to kiss her forehead with timid affection. “I think I will.”