Ch.22 Aphros

Chapter 22

"A golden olive bench and milk from Apollo's cattle," Ali read the words aloud from the book. His long slender fingers flipped through the pages carefully so as to not tear them. Maya took notes from across the table as Heyder scanned the pages of another book.

"What's the third one?" He asked.

"Aphros," Ali read.

"Aphros?" Maya frowned. "As in foam?"

"Aphrodite was born out of the sea from aphros, the heavenly foam," Ali explained.

"Just another fancy way of saying Uranus' sperm," Heyder said.

"Ew," Maya gagged.

"The other two we can find on Earth, but how do we get aphros?" Ali scratched his head.

"I can ask Caspian," Maya said. "I mean the goddess was born out of the sea so there must be some connection."

"That's a good idea," Ali nodded. "And what about the other two?"

"Tobias might be able to help with Apollo," Maya scribbled down her notes. "After all, Apollo is his nephew."

"Then we're just left with the golden olive branch," Heyder sighed.

"It kind of makes sense now," Ali said as he stared at Maya.

"What does?" Heyder asked.

"None of the past Mayas would have been able to secure two of the three gifts. Maya is the one."

Heyder and Maya's gaze flickered up at each other. A half smile appeared on the jinn's face. He had to agree with Ali's words.

"Everything happens for a reason," Heyder said.

"So the golden olive branch," Maya took a deep breath. "How do we get that?"

"Where is it?" Ali looked at Heyder.

"I'm not sure," Heyder rubbed the back of his neck.

"Ali...." Maya looked up curiously. "Is it made of gold?"

Ali looked down at the book in his hands, "Yes. That's what it says here."

"What is it?" Heyder asked as he watched Maya.

"A gold olive branch," Maya said slowly. "Think about it.....who is obsessed with gold?"

"Pixies," Ali and Heyder said at once.

"Exactly!"

"Your family had Arion imprisoned, don't they?" Ali looked at Maya.

"Yeah," Maya nodded.

"Who's in his palace?"

"It's a military state. Arion's commanders are guarding his palace. The Queen's guard and they have been at a stand still for years."

"We need to get into his palace," Heyder said.

"Oh yes, let me just call Arion and see if he will have us over for tea," Maya rolled her eyes. "The pixies hate us. We have their king in prison. And let's say we somehow manage to get into the palace, how do we know where this thing is?"

"We'll just have to look around," Heyder shrugged.

"Look around?" Maya laughed. "His palace is huge!"

"Well, he's not going to leave something important laying around his bathroom or living room," Heyder explained. "That already eliminates some spaces we don't' have to search."

"Where do we look?" Ali sighed.

"Where does he keep his gold?"

"His vault," Maya groaned. "That's impossible! It's probably the most guarded part of the whole palace."

"We have to try," Heyder said. "We just need to get inside somehow and distract the guards."

"You mean Arion's whole army," Maya corrected him. "The palace is their base. Their stronghold. We will never be able to go through."

"Maya," Heyder sighed. He leaned forward and took her by surprise as he placed his hand over hers. "Just because it's impossible doesn't mean we don't try."

"I love how the items from the gods are easier than getting a damn branch from a pixie," Ali laughed.

Maya slowly pulled her hand away from Heyder and leaned back in her chair, "I said I would speak to Caspian and Tobias. Doesn't mean we already have the things."

"Do you think you can speak to Arion?" Ali asked with hope in his heart.

"And say what exactly?" Maya rolled her eyes. She felt Heyder's eyes linger on her as she chewed on her bottom lip.

"We'll have to think of something," Ali said as he tapped on the table with the pencil.

The study grew silent as all three became lost in their thoughts. Maya played with her silver necklace as Ali dedicated himself to re-reading the book. After sometime Heyder rose from his seat and walked out.

The afternoon grew into evening as Maya contacted her father through her mind-link. Ali sat by her and helped her explain everything as she asked Exton to get in touch with Tobias.

I'll try, Exton sighed. I'll see if maybe Eden can send a word. She'll be much faster than me.

Thank you, dad, Maya said. Also, is Uncle Cassy at the palace by any chance?

No, he's on vacation with Margo.

Where are they?

California, Exton said. Why? What's up?

I have to speak to him about something, Maya sighed.

I'll let him know.

Thanks, dad.

Anytime, babe.

"What did he say?" Ali asked once Maya sat back down next to him.

"Caspian is in California with his granddaughter,"

"Are you going to call him?"

"I think it's better if we discuss in person," Maya said. "Do you want to come with me?"

"Of course," Ali smiled. "I'll go tell Heyder."

"Okay," Maya nodded.

"I hope to god Fiza doesn't come along,"

"She might," Maya laughed.

___________________

By some luck, Heyder had managed to convince Fiza to stay home. She wasn't happy about it, but when Heyder put his feet down, she shut her mouth and stormed upstairs.

"Oh no, you upset your wifey," Maya teased as she opened the portal to Caspian's hotel.

Heyder didn't respond as he followed through behind her. Beside him, Ali adjusted his straw hat and popped the color of his light pink tropical shirt.

"You're wearing black to the beach?" He asked Heyder as he looked his friend up and down.

"Worry about yourself," Heyder said as they materialized at the lobby of the five star hotel. Soft music played as the sound of the fountain in the center of the hall reminded everyone that they were a tropical hotel.

Ali looked around and whistled, "I like this place."

"Why thank you," a voice suddenly spoke from behind them. "I just bought it."

The trio turned to find a tall man with dark hair standing before them. He wore a thin white shirt and his face held a mischievous smirk.

"Cassy," Maya smiled as she walked forward and hugged the man.

"Hello, trouble," Caspian kissed the top of Maya's head before pulling her into his arms. "So good to see you. I was starting to think you forgot all about me."

"Never in my wildest dream," Maya smiled.

"I heard you found the one?" Caspian raised a brow and looked over Maya's head.

Maya turned to look at the two Jinn. It was like looking at night and day. Heyder wore a black t-shirt with dark jeans. His tattoo covered arms were shoved into his front pockets and his face completely void of any hint as to what he was thinking. Beside him, Ali was like a ray of sunshine. His eyes were wide open and his lips were pulled back into a huge grin. His pink shirt and cargo shorts along with the hat made him blend right in with the guest in the hotel lobby.

"I am familiar with Mr. Dark and Moody, but who is the goldfish?" Caspian asked.

"That's Ali," Maya introduced him. "Ali, this is Caspian. King of the seven seas and my aunt's adviser."

"You have a jinn and an Ali?" Caspian laughed. "My dear, you're one carpet away from becoming Jasmin."

"Call Mirza, maybe he'll get you a tiger," Ali joined in.

"Hmm, he's strange," Caspian said looking him up and down. "I like him."

"Where's Margo?" Maya asked. "I haven't seen her in a while."

"She's by the pool," Caspian turned. "Let's go. We can have some drinks and talk about this treasure you need."

As Caspian led Maya to the pool, Ali and Heyder followed behind. They were greeted by women with trays of Coconut Drinks and glasses of champagne. Mermaids swam in the large blue pool and sat by the edge splashing water as people sunbathed beside them. A DJ played music as a warm ocean breeze blew past.

Ali grabbed a coconut drink in one hand and a flute of champagne in the other. He offered one to Heyder but when he didn't take it, Ali shrugged and sipped from both drinks.

"I see you still as chatty as ever," Caspian said looking at Heyder. "Darling, you can kill a man with your silence."

"Him? Silent?" Maya laughed.

"Heyder rolled his eyes, "Thanks for seeing us."

"I didn't do it for you," Caspian said as he took a seat at one of the tables under a large red umbrella. "I can't say no to my Maya."

Heyder smiled as he pulled the chair back for Maya. He sat down beside her as Ali looked around at the party.

"I think I'm in love," he said looking at Maya.

"Wit who?" Maya asked, turning around.

"With her," Ali pointed to a mermaid with long blonde hair and a pale green tail. "No, wait! With her."

Maya followed his finger to the other mermaid sitting beside the first one. She shook her head laughing as she spotted Margo coming down the stairs by the other side of the pool.

"What do you think about that one?" Caspian asked Ali as the Jinn's eyes caught the sight of his granddaughter.

"Oh sweet lord have mercy on my soul," Ali said as he sat his drinks down.

Margo was indeed a stunner. Her voluminous brown hair and dazzling blue eyes could stop the heart of any man. Her supermodel body and tan skin made her the center of attention in any room she walked into. Ali couldn't take his eyes off of her as she walked towards them in her pink bikini.

"Hello, beautiful," Maya held up her arms as Margo approached her.

"Hey, babe," Margo drew out her words like a true California girl. "So nice to finally see you."

"Close your mouth," Caspian laughed as he watched Ali.

Margo looked up and spotted the bewitched Jinn. She smirked as she let go of Maya and walked around to stand beside her grandfather. She eyed Ali up and down.

"Are you going to speak or just stare at me all day?" she raised a brow.

"I....Um....hello," Ali suddenly grew shy.

Maya and Heyder watched him with amusement as Margo pulled his tail some more.

"That's it?" She asked.

"Ah....yeah?"

"Who's going to tell me your name?"

"Ali,"

"Ali what?"

"Jinns don't have last names," Ali took his hat off and placed it over his heart.

"You're a jinn?" Margo smiled slowly.

"Yes, ma'am," Ali nodded.

"Why are you not blue?" The feisty mermaid turned to her grandfather. "Pops, why is he not blue?"

"I can be blue if you want," Ali rushed. "Or pink. Or any color you want."

Margo moved her gaze over to the jinn once more, "How good is your magic?"

"Very good."

"I don't believe you, show me."

"Here?"

"Yes."

"Now?"

"Yes!" Margo said.

Ali looked at Heyder but the other jinn just shrugged him off. When he looked over to Maya she gave him a wink and held her two thumbs up.

"I'm waiting," Margo tapped her finger on her arm.

Ali took a deep breath before he sat the straw hat down on the table. He cracked his knuckles and then his neck. Everyone waited to see what he had to show.

"Madam," he said looking up at Margo.

"It's your grace," Margo corrected him.

"Your grace," Ali bowed. "Can you please pick up my hate."

Curiously, Margo picked up Ali's straw hat from the table. A small smile crossed her lips as a little white kitten wearing a tiny diamond tiara scurried out. Margo quickly pulled the little furball into her hand and held it against her chest before it fell off the table.

"Oh did you drop this princess?" Ali asked as he dangled a red ruby necklace. Caspian nodded his approval.

"No, no. I think you dropped this," Ali laughed as he snapped his fingers and a crown appeared on Margo's head.

Margo reached up and touched the crown with her long fingers and perfectly done nails. She handed the kitten over to her grandfather and then took off the crown.

"I already have oceans full of treasures," she said. "What else do you have?"

Ali's shoulder fell in defeat. A big frown formed on his lips as he looked at Margo.

"You make me nervous," he confessed.

"Good," Margo said.

"I'm afraid other than my poor little heart I have nothing else to offer you."

Caspian looked at his granddaughter as she held Ali's gaze firmly. Her lips started to pull back as her eyes softened.

"I have gadgets and gizmos aplenty," Margo said slowly. "But I don't think I ever had someone's whole heart."

"You can have mine," Ali said. The two stared at each other as if everything around them had disappeared. "All of it. It's yours."

Margo smiled, "Are you going to buy me a drink, Mr. Ali or do I have to scare you into it?"

Ali broke out into a huge grin as he held his hand out for the girl. Margo laughed as she took the jinn's and and her kitten before following him to the poolside bar.

"Ah love," Caspian sighed as they all watched the couple.

"What the hell just happened?" Heyder asked.

"It's been years in the making," Caspian cooed.

Maya snapped her eyes back at the merman, "Wait.....you knew? About Ali and Margo?"

"Yes," Caspian nodded. "And I also know why you are here."

"You do?" Heyder asked.

"Of course,"

Maya gasped as Caspian snapped his fingers and a small mason jar appeared at the center of the table. It was filled with what looked like white shaving foam.

"Is that....." she looked up at Caspian.

"Aphros?" Caspian raised a brow. "Yes, yes it is."

"How did you know?" Heyder asked.

"How did I know Exton would lead my army. How did I know Rye was pregnant with Mavi?" The old man leaned back in his chair. "Dream, boy. Dreams are powerful stuff."

"You saw us in your dream," Maya said as she reached for the bottle. It was cold to the touch. Maya's fingers buzzed as if she was touching live wire.

"Not him," Caspian said motioning towards Heyder. "But I saw you. I saw myself giving you the aphros. But I still don't know what it's for."

"It's a long story," Maya sighed. "I'll explain it when you come over for Christmas or something."

"Christmas is in a month,"

"Hopefully, all this will be over in a month."

"I'm trusting you," Caspian said. "That stuff isn't easy to come by. I had to hunt for years to gather just enough."

"Years?" Maya was left stunned. "How long have you known I would need this?"

"I had my dream the night before your mother gave birth,"

"Cassy," Maya saw softly. "I.....I don't know how to thank you."

"Thank me by not getting me tangled in any kind of mess," Caspian said. "Use the aphros wisely."

Heyder looked at the bottle in Maya's hands. He felt a fraction of the weight he was carrying around lift from his shoulder. Looking over at the merman, he gave him a small nod.

"Thank you," Heyder said.

Caspian smiled, "Are you coming to Christmas dinner this year?"

"Of course he is," Maya said before Heyder could say no. "It's our first Christmas together."

"Oh boy," Caspian wiggled his eyebrows. "It sure will be interesting. I'll bring extra wine."

Heyder rolled his eyes as Maya laughed beside him. Just then, a man in a suit walked up to Caspian and whispered something into his ear. Caspian gave him a nod and then started to rise from his seat.

"Alright, darlings," he said. "Duty calls."

"Okay," Maya rose from her chair. "Thanks for everything."

"You're staying for dinner, correct?"

"Ah..." Maya looked down at Heyder. "We have to go. There's a lot to do."

"Nonsense," Caspian waved his hand. "I'm not letting you leave before dinner. There will be fireworks."

"We really can't st-" Heyder began to say as Caspian clapped his hands three times. Maya felt a shock of energy hit her as her sundress disappeared, leaving her in a black bikini. Beside her, Heyder stood shirtless in a pair of matching black swimming shorts.

"I'll have someone bring you the keys to your room," Caspian kissed Maya's cheeks.

"Caspian, we r-"

"I won't take no as an answer," Caspian gripped Maya's shoulder and shook her. "Beside, how do you plan on taking that one home?"

Maya and Heyder followed the merman's eyes to the pool where Ali and Margo swam around as if they were the only ones. Margo lifted her pale pink tale and splashed the jinn as he swam after her.

"I'll see you at dinner," Caspian patted Maya's shoulder before following the man back into the hotel.

Heyder looked at Maya as she stood holding the jar tightly to her chest. She looked down at herself before her eyes slowly ran up Heyder's shirtless body.

"Do you want to go for a swim?" Heyder surprised her by asking.

"I thought you would want to leave," Maya tilted her head sideways.

"A few hours won't hurt," Heyder shrugged. "Plus, I think Ali will murder me if I disturb him right now."

"What do I do with this?" Maya held up the jar of aphros.

"I can take care of that," Heyder reached over and took the jar from her hands. Maya watched him as he placed one hand over and one hand under. The glass began to shimmer as the started to shrink.

Right before Maya's eyes, the mason jar shrank to the size of the silver heart around her neck. Heyder held it between his fingers as a gold chain dangled from the cap of the bottle.

"Turn around," he said to Maya as he took a step closer.

Maya pushed the chair back as she lifted her hair. She stood still as Heyder clipped the necklace around her neck and the jar fell against her silver heart. She wasn't sure if the goosebumps on her skin started to rise because of the coolness from the aphros or from the back that Heyder didn't step away.

His fingers traced over Maya's back. He let himself run his finger down Maya's back as she shivered from his touch. She dropped her hair and turned to look at him with hooded eyes. Heyder traced his finger down her arm before he took her hand. Maya stayed silent as she let him lead her to the ocean on the other side of the pool.

They walked along the side of the hotel before kicking off their shoes and heading into the sand. Maya wiggled her toes as the heat from the Earth embraced her. Heyder held her hand firmly as the dry sand beneath their feet turned into the wet shoreline. He looked over his shoulder as Maya came to a stop beside him.

Her cheeks were rosy from the sun. Her bark blonde hair gleamed like gold as she let go of Heyder's hand and walked into the incoming wave. Heyder watched her footprint on the sand as he followed behind. The cool water leaped up around their ankles as they walked deeper and deeper. Once they were waist deep, Maya leaned forward and dived in.

Caspian liked to keep his beaches clean. The water was so clear that the beams of sunlight piercing through the surface of the ocean made it seem as if Heyder and Maya were swimming with a million spotlights on them. Maya pushed up to the surface for air just as Heyder pulled her into his arms.

With ragged breaths, the two bobbled in the ocean as the waves slowly rocked them. Heyder held Maya in his arm as she hung from his neck. Her hair was wet and slicked back as she lowered her gaze to his lips.

"Did you leave that Mati necklace in my room?" she asked.

"Yes," Heyder said as her legs moved between his underwater. "You didn't wear it."

"I don't want it," Maya said.

"I got it for you,"

"And also for Fiza."

"Then what did you want?" Heyder pulled her closer when the wave tried to pull her away.

"I wanted roses," Maya frowned.

"Ali got you roses."

"I didn't want Ali to get me roses," Maya snapped. "I wanted you to get me roses."

"I don't do flowers and chocolates," Heyder reminded her.

"For anyone? Or is it just with me?"

"What is that supposed to mean?"

"You're different with Fiza," Maya felt her heart start to burn. "The way you speak to her. The way you notice every little thing about her."

"It's an old habit," Heyder sighed. "Look, I know you are not happy about her. But please just bear with me until we solve this mess."

"Are you asking me to stand by and watch you relive your life with Fiza until she is gone?"

"No," Heyder shook his head.

"But you are," Maya said. "Isn't that what you are doing? You're trying to fulfill all of your promises to her while having me on standby. I'm your plan B, Heyder."

As Maya said the words, she realized just how true they were. Her stomach tied in a knot, leaving her breathless. She looked into Heyder's brown eyes as she slowly moved away from him.

"Maya," Heyder called to her as her arms slipped from around his neck. "Wait....listen."

"I need to get out of the water," Maya said as she turned away and started to swim back to the beach. The sound of the loud music playing by the poolside and the people laughing at the beach were starting to overwhelm her. She dipped her head underwater and let her body float right below the surface for just a few seconds as she gathered her scattered thoughts.

Just then, Maya felt a hand wrap around her upper arm. Thinking it was Heyder, she tried to pull away but the hand began to pull her below. Maya's eyes snapped open as she came face to face with a dark shadow.

A frightful scream came out of her mouth underwater as Mirza began to materialize. His eyes fell on the necklace around Maya's neck as she tried to swim away. Mirza dug his nails into her skin as he pulled her closer as he reached out for the necklace. Realizing he was after the aphros, Maya threw her hand up and hit the jinn with an energy blast.

Mirza's hand slipped just a little but it was all Maya needed. She kicked away from him and tried to surface. But the stubborn jinn was fast. He shot up with Maya just as she lifted her head out of the water.

"Heyd-" Maya tried to scream as Mirza pulled her back under. His hands fumbled at her neck desperately as she tried to fight him off. Her lungs began to burn as Mirza's sharp nails scratched at her.

Maya felt her heart almost stop as one of his fingers hooked around her necklace and he tugged. She felt the pressure at the back of her neck as the necklace broke into two pieces. Thinking he had gotten the aphros, Mirza let go of Maya and tried to grab the sinking pieces of the necklace. Maya's hands shot up to her neck. She looked down as her fingers touched the cool glass bottle still hanging from the gold chain.

A low growl left Mirza's lips as he grabbed the pieces of the silver chain. He zoomed back up to Maya and grabbed her neck in a choke hold.

A shiver ran up Maya's spine as she spotted Heyder far off in the distance. He was surrounded by a group of shadow figures as he tried his best to fight them off and race towards her.

Panicked, Maya turned her eyes to Mirza. He snared and squeezed her neck as his finger took hold of the old chain.

Suddenly, Maya felt a surge of energy rise from her toes and move it's way up her body. Her belly warmed as the tips of her fingers began to glow. Not knowing what was happening, Maya dug her flowing fingers into Mirza's arms.

The jinn screamed as he let go of Maya's neck and swam back a few inches. Maya stared in shock as smoke started to rise from the holes she had created on Mirza's arms. Mirza slammed one hand over his injured arm and held it up. Maya's eyes grew wide open as he shot her with a powerful blast and sent her flying through the water.

Mirza's blast left her breathless as Maya felt the salt water rush in through her nose and down her throat. Her eyes began to burn as her body started to sink. Frightened, Maya started to kick with her legs and push with her arms to the surface.

But right before she could get a breath of air, Maya felt her eyelids grow heavy as rocks. Without her permission, they snapped shut and her body began to sink to the bottom of the ocean.

The New York heat waves are making me cranky and I can't write when I'm cranky. Not my favorite chapter, I'm not feeling it. But the story has to go on.