A merman swam through the open waters of Aquarinix, the Undersea Empire. The open waters were said to be dangerous. So far, all he met were the usual animals that would make a meal out of him. But there was one that was far more dangerous, not a mindless animal, but one that could think and feel as he does. And it was his odd decision to go visit this person. Why? Because this person was a powerful sea witch, able to grant wishes, as long as you could pay her price. And there was a long standing price that was said to be beyond anyone’s ability to fulfill. The merman swam and swam…until he found a massive pit with several layers. He knew there WAS a bottom as light was coming up, he just couldn’t see how far down it was. He then cleared his throat as he swam down a couple of layers. “Erm, Madame Calliope?” he called. “M-My name is Lukas. I-I saw your ad for upstaging S-S-Ssylphiel. I…I wanted to help you fulfill it.” He then felt a presence. He turned to see a Cecaelia woman with blue skin and black tentacles glide down from the second level from the top of the pit. She had a grin on her face as her tentacles pulled her along the rocky floor.
“What would you have me do to upstage Ssylphiel, my lovely?” she asked, Lukas now noticing her eyes were not normal.
“I-I-I…I would…ask that you…let me serve you!” he said, using the phrase that indicated he had read the ad.
“Good…good,” purred Calliope as her tentacles coiled around the merman. “Now, the details. I shall grant you any wish you want, but you must complete twelve labors for me.”
“Y-Yes, Mistress!” replied Lukas.
“The first labor is quite simple, you will stay with me here in my lair,” explained Calliope. “But, in order to make sure you’re sure…” She then summoned a piece of parchment. “All I need is your signature.” Lukas read the parchment. It was a contract, stating that he willingly puts himself into the service of Calliope for twelve labors in exchange for his heart’s desire being granted. Any attempt to flee would land him 100 years in her garden. Lukas then signed his name. “Lukas,” purred Calliope. “A lovely name. So, what say you to the first labor of staying in my lair?”
“E-Easy, Mistress,” replied Lukas.
“Be warned, you may find the remaining eleven hard.” Calliope grinned. “Best be sure you’re ready, because you are mine now.”
“Y-Yes, Mistress,” answered Lukas.
“Good. …Now…let’s get you set up here.” Calliope beckoned for Lukas to follow her as she swam deeper into the pit that was her lair. As Lukas followed, he saw many polyps. Once they got to the bottom, Lukas could see an empty room. “Here, Lukas, is where those who took up my offer would rest. Pray make yourself comfortable.” Lukas bowed respectfully and entered the room. As Calliope swam away, he thought back to what drove him to serve her in the first place. …He hoped he could continue serving her after completing all the labors.