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Golden Skin, Black Heart

© Coco Reed

Up in the mountain valley was paradise these days. No one bothered him or judged. Humans may have shunned him but the animals and plants, rocks and streams, the flowers and the sweet winds carrying cool rain still accepted Echo. Here there were no cruel remarks or pitying looks. Echo forced a smile, making his pale features beautiful yet tragic. He plucked another wild strawberry for his basket to bring back to his cave home. It was dark and unwelcoming, but the nymph had made quite a lovely place deep inside it. Even knowing company was scarce he made the best out of his circumstances. After half a year he had grown used to his life and stopped praying to the gods and goddesses that seemed to have shunned him as well.

Echo’s eyes widened at the realization of how long it had been since his life was flipped on its side. It was all Pan’s fault. No longer did he cry when he thought about the forest god, but he still felt bitter anger. He did not love him. He did not ever want the man’s hands on him! Could he not see? Pan had been given one rebuff too many and struck him down in a childish and cruel way.

Many had said he had a beautiful voice. On clear nights, peasants could hear his song whenever he stayed out late to play in the moonlit meadows. He was a tad of a gabber too, one of his lesser faults he always thought. However, Pan, in his rage after hearing the young man speak of how disgusting he thought the faun was, cursed him. That pretty voice would never utter another sentence again that had not previously been spoken. To repeat whatever he heard for the rest of his life, not able to speak his mind, was what Echo had to work with now. He could hardly bear it. Still, he would not go to Pan and beg forgiveness. Surely the oversexed goat would demand him warm his bed in exchange for his voice back and Echo would never give in.

Depressed was never his way, and although it hurt, he tried to go on. Who needed pitying, flimsy humans when one understood the language of the sky and earth?

“It is rare that I see you smile whenever I drop in for a visit, pretty one.” Echo’s smile widened and he turned to look up at the towering man. He nodded toward him, indicating a hello. Nemesis came closer, keeping the longing out of his features. “A lovely day.”

“Lovely day.” Echo bowed, giving him a strawberry. Nemesis was one of the few that he enjoyed the company of. The man never judged or pitied him, and he had a feeling he was one of the few that was pleading his case to Zeus.

Nemesis strolled beside the nymph as he continued picking berries. He spoke of the goings-on Echo was missing and of parties the gods were having. It was useless, but he would never give up on trying to keep Echo from disappearing from their society. He did not see the problem. The young man couldn’t speak, so what? He understood his moods and wants just fine whenever they were in one another’s company. The fact that the other immortals mocked him like the humans did sickened him. If he ever caught Pan alone… He stiffened as Echo’s soft hand rested on his.

While thinking of all the ways Pan would suffer under his control, he had ceased talking, adapting a scowl, and tightening his fists. Golden brown eyes with specks of green and yellow looked up at him, concern making them large and sparkling. Nemesis smiled and stuck the purple flower he picked earlier between strands of Echo’s long russet hair. Thick black lashes around those enchanting eyes fluttered as the nymph leaned into his touch, worry melting away from his velvety pink lips and being replaced by another smile. The serious and logical heart inside Nemesis clenched. How could anyone harm such a sweet and free spirit? Before Echo could see his true feelings, he took his bright tangerine eyes away from the wondrous vision. His chin-length crimson hair fell forward, hiding the lustful blush gathering in his snowy cheeks.

“Worry not, little pretty one. I am fine.”

“Fine.”

Nemesis smiled, patting Echo’s head at the sound of his breathy voice. “Now I must leave for my duties once again. Farewell.”

“Farewell!”

Echo waved after him, smile outshining every star he had yet to see. With a sigh Nemesis left, aching with the wish that he could leave and come home to such a prize every day.

* * * * *

Countless weeks drifted by. Echo never paid attention to the time anymore. There was no engagement for him to remember. Every now and again Nemesis came by to speak with him and fill him in on as much gossip as he could remember. He smiled; the god of righteous justice was so serious. It was fun and touching whenever he divulged in the rumors of the immortal court or picked flowers with him. He was beyond fortunate to have such a wonderful friend. His thoughts were shattered when the sound of running and voices disturbed the forest. Echo set his basket of apples down to snoop, curiosity winning over after being alone so long.

Silently he stayed in the shadows of the trees, his small frame unnoticeable. A gasp came as a soundless breath on his lips when he finally caught sight of the wood’s intruders. With a smirk in place, a man ran easily on athletic legs. He propped himself against a nearby tree, waiting for the stumbling figure in the distance. Echo’s eyes widened as he took in the man, his heart swelling. Tall with broad shoulders and hard muscles, the stranger’s skin was kissed golden by the sun. His blonde hair sparkled, falling over his eyes with the faint breeze. And those eyes! Echo had to put his hand on the tree he hid behind to keep standing. Drops of ocean water, tears from the Sky the day she wept for the lost Earth. They sparkled with laughter and something darker as they watched the other human.

This man had to be an immortal, or at least half. Echo felt his insides thrum as his heart recognized another nymph. Who was this being? Did he have a mate? He blushed at the thought, surprising himself with the surge of emotions. However, he couldn’t deny or hide what he felt. He was in love and would do anything to make the other love him. He gasped, hiding deeper in the shadows when the beautiful being’s companion came up to him, panting from his exertion.

“Narcissus, please talk to me!”

The beauty, Narcissus, gave a haughty chuckle and shook his head. He made no move from his position, looking at the teenage boy like he was a fraction higher than an insect. The boy tucked his ash blonde hair behind his ear and straightened his toga before slowly walking up to him. Narcissus looked a few years older, perhaps twenty-three, Echo thought as he watched the two interact. Narcissus did not move, but he did not stop the man-child from gliding silky hands untouched by hard labor up his chest, or the peach blossom lips that pressed lightly against his. When he got no reaction he stepped back, blush staining his cheeks.

“Please forgive me, Narcissus. I could not leave the house last night, Father kept checking in.” He lowered his head, clasping his hands together. “I believe he knows that I wish to give my virtue to you.”

Narcissus laughed again and stepped forward, tilting the pretty boy’s head up. “Forget it, Ameinias. There is nothing to forgive.”

Ameinias smiled, large green eyes watering with happiness. “Thank you! I know I am frustrating you, making plans to meet and then not showing, but tonight—”

“Let us just forget this; I grow bored with the chase. It is not as if you are the only bud among the noble boys that I can pluck.” Narcissus leaned once again on the tree, crossing his arms over his exposed chest. A smile came over his lips, exposing bright, even teeth. “And as for last night, your friend Iliamead happily volunteered to warm my bed the whole night and the better half of this morning. Do not worry yourself another minute over my discomfort.”

The look that came over his companion’s face would have crushed even Cupid’s resolve. Ameinias withered before his eyes, tears building like pure crystal water to stream down his baby-soft cheeks. “Iliamead… he… with you?”

He had confided in his best friend months ago that he had spoken with the most gorgeous man he had ever met at the market. Narcissus had helped him through the crushing crowd, pushing anyone who came too close away, and held him in the safety of his arms. He told Iliamead that he was going to give Narcissus his virginity. His heart beat faintly, dying with each word that came from Narcissus’ mouth.

“Mmm, in fact, your whorish friend begged me for another round tonight. So as you can imagine, I would like to get this all over with, little boy, and be on my way.” Narcissus set off to leave when a warm weight settled on his back. Hands gripped his arms as a face buried itself against his spine.

“Please, Narcissus, let me make it right.”

“As I said, there is nothing for you to do.”

“Y-you can have me right here.” Ameinias bit his lip, keeping his sniffling at bay. He would not appear as a child!

Narcissus sighed and turned around, smoothing the boy’s hair back away from his eyes. “Do not mistake me, tearing into untouched meat is the greatest joy a man can have, but what I want at the moment is a hole that knows what to expect.” He leaned down, lowering his already deep voice and smirked at the shivers he caused. “I trained your friend well through the night. He knows what I want. He will roll over, beg, and swallow. You, my dear Ameinias, can do nothing; not even show up to the stables to spread your teasing legs.”

“I can!” Ameinias cried out as he turned back and began walking away. “I will do anything you ask! Anything for you! Narcissus, I love you, please do not leave me!”

The half-nymph stopped and walked back, a cruel smile making his features disturbingly more handsome. He grabbed Ameinias hard by the biceps and slammed him into a tree. The pained cry and the tears were enjoyable, but he was already sick of this game, of this child.

“I tolerated your kiddy antics in the beginning – drooling and swooning over me like the rest of this city whenever I passed by. I even contained my annoyance when you followed me around today, but no more. I am at the end of my rope with you, boy.” He grabbed the sides of his face and leaned close, holding his attention with fiery blue eyes. “Listen to me well; I do not love you, I never will. I do not want you, and I will never take you as a lover. Do you hear me?” he yelled into his face, growing angrier at the sobbing fits he caused.

Scoffing, he let go. Ameinias yelped as he collapsed to the ground, choking and heaving for air as his ruined emotions exploded. He hurt. Gods, he ached and wished for everything to end! There was no point in going on if his true love did not return his feelings. Could Narcissus really not stand him? Had everything been a pretty, painted-up lie? Bitter, desperate anger flooded his mind and soul. Ameinias swallowed his sobs and stood up.

“I will kill myself!” That had Narcissus pausing again. Ameinias wiped his eyes, wishing he could burn holes through the man. “May the gods curse you, Narcissus! You played with my heart and broke it! There is nothing left of me.”

Narcissus narrowed his eyes and scoffed. Gods be damned. They probably wanted to fuck him too. “Go home, Ameinias. Your mother’s tit must be swollen with your lunch by now.” He laughed as his once potential lover winced and silently made his way back to town.

* * * * *

Echo stepped out of the forest and made his way across the field on silent feet. He had been tracking his prey for some hours now, content to watch until temptation grew too great. Narcissus had not gone to his other lover like he had told the child. A frown pulled Echo’s lips down at the thought. His true love could have been nicer, but he couldn’t fault him too much. Narcissus was perfection, impossible to stay mad at. Instead of leaving for town, the man had cut through the field and was lounging beside a small lake. He could tell he was sleeping and decided it the best time to see his dream up close.

He hadn’t meant to get close, but Narcissus brought Echo to his knees. The incredible vision was even more angelic relaxed and in slumber. Echo’s heart clenched, love so pure it was painful flooding through him. It made his breath catch. The small, polished stones around his ankles and wrists clicked softly as he moved into a better position to stare. He let his hand wander over Narcissus’ face, fingertips brushing against the short stubble on his chin. It was sparkling gold like the rest of his hair. Echo smiled, his body warming as Narcissus moved into his touch, mumbling in his sleep. Thoughts of pleasuring the man like he never had been drifted into his mind. Echo ran his hand down his chest, feeling the hot skin, sinking his fingers into the hard muscles to knead away tension.

Narcissus opened his eyes, sleepy fog disappearing as he focused on the one bestowing such nice touches unto him. Long wavy brown hair that fell to a delicate waist, creamy pale skin, and eyes like the mountain forests. He knew the being was a nymph. No human could have that much grace just sitting on the ground. He had no reservations about reaching out and running his hand along the young man’s side encased in a lavender silk toga. The nymph leaned into his touch, smiling and taking his hand to guide to his hip. Narcissus smiled, making sure his mouth was set in the certain curve that assured him possession of what he wanted. He rose, kissing the unbelievably soft lips that waited for his contact.

The immortal crawled onto his lap at the slightest tug. Narcissus brought his arms around the lithe body, slipping his tongue inside the sweet mouth. His sharp ears picked up an almost silent moan. With a final flick of his tongue to the tart and delicious mouth, he pulled back with a smile. He chuckled when the nymph looped his arms around his shoulders as he brushed his soft hair back to study the pretty face.

“What is your name, cute one?” Thick lashes fluttered at him and a shy smile blossomed across his face. Narcissus ran his hand down his back. He would need a name if he was going to have a lakeside romp. “I am Narcissus. Be fair, sweetling, and tell me your name.”

Echo forgot all his troubles the moment Narcissus gathered him close. He smiled, pecking him on his lips before saying, “Your name.”

Narcissus chuckled, not seeing the look of horror on the nymph’s face. “That is not a very nice thing to do, cruel one. Are you like every other nymph and playing games?”

Echo shook his head, frantic for him to understand. “Playing games!”

A golden eyebrow rose as Narcissus looked him over. Realization made his eyes widen and he began laughing loud and barking laughs. A while later he calmed, chuckling. “Of course. You are the little dumb nymph that dwells in this forest, are you not?”

“Are you not,” Echo growled. Sadness and frustration made his voice scratchy. His words caused another peal of laughter and he was on the ground with a plop.

“Oh, you had me going for a minute there. When I woke up, I thought I may have found my true love.” Narcissus dusted his clothes off, rotating his head to get the kinks out of his neck.

“True love!” Echo nodded, desperate to get his point across. If only he had his free voice! Narcissus wouldn’t doubt their love. He lunged at him, grabbing hold and pouring every ounce of his being into the kiss he planted on the half-nymph’s now wooden lips. He cried out, falling on the ground when Narcissus shoved him away.

“Do not touch me again. Foul, dumb thing!” Narcissus wiped his mouth as if the kiss had been revolting and kicked the delicate him in his side. The whimper and teary eyes looking up at him with intense pain did nothing but strengthen his contempt. “Get out of here! Leave me be!”

He kicked dirt at the immortal as he scampered away, oblivious to the eyes watching him with burning hatred.

* * * * *

It had been weeks since that fateful encounter. Three weeks since Echo gave his heart and then had it broken. He curled up further into a ball on the small bed deep within his cave, tears sliding out of his swollen eyes. Things had gotten so far out of hand. He cringed, burying his face into the cushions as another stab of pain raced through him. Narcissus had been out by the lake since that first day, had yet to move, was dying, and Echo could feel him fading. He hadn’t meant it. The curse he called for was thought in anger. He would never intentionally harm Narcissus.

Someone had heard; someone had seen and deemed the beautiful half-nymph deserving of divine punishment. Echo shuddered when he thought of the once proud and elegant man. Narcissus was cursed to find love where it would be impossible. He fell for his reflection in the glistening waters he sat at; punished for his great vanity. Whenever he reached out to hold the being before him, the surface shattered and he grabbed nothing. It was not until the second week of not eating or sleeping that Narcissus began to grow mad. Echo had tried pulling him away from the lake, to live and be with him, but it was no use. It was as if Narcissus didn’t even hear him. Echo finally gave up, realizing his love was fated to die. The third week he remained in the shadows of the outlining forest to watch others come and attempt to pry Narcissus from the water’s edge and fail. His hope died early. If he, the man’s soul mate, couldn’t break the curse, no one could.

Narcissus was a dull and crazy being now. Today or the next his mortal thread would be severed and the blue-eyed beauty would be no more on this earth. Perhaps in another life they would be together. Tears continued to fall but Echo managed a smile at the thought. One day they would find each other again, and then he would be able to voice everything his beautiful fallen one evoked inside him. He would sing to the highest heavens the passion Narcissus would ignite within him when they make love. The cruel gods be damned, he would know happiness and he would share it with Narcissus forever! Footsteps sounded at the entrance of his home and Echo scowled, curling into himself more. He didn’t want to see anyone, especially him.

Nemesis knew where to find the mountain nymph. All these weeks and Echo didn’t venture far from his bed or from Narcissus. Hate fogged his vision at the thought of the half-human. He had been stopping in for a visit and had witnessed the entire thing. Narcissus was not fit to breathe the same air as his fellow humans. He took love without returning it and broke the purest of hearts, crushing love in its gentlest and truest nature. Nemesis felt his own heart perform an odd plummet to his guts when he witnessed the man act so familiar with his sweet Echo. How he wished he could be the one to gather him close, kiss those lovely lips that surely tasted like the sweetest cherries. Narcissus did not deserve to feel Echo’s silky skin, see his smile, and hear his tinkling laughter. Soft sobs cut through his musings and he kneeled beside the young immortal.

“Please, Echo. Please, you have to eat, and smile, and live.” His pale lips stretched into a grimace when Echo shook his head and rolled over, pounding on his heart as tears splashed down his splotchy cheeks. Anger filled him. Why was Echo wasting his feelings on such a beast as Narcissus? He grabbed him by the biceps to shake, still mindful of his state. “Enough! He is not worth it, Echo! Your heart was never meant for him.”

Echo pushed against his hold, eyes accusing as he looked up at him. Nemesis squeezed him tighter, body thrumming at the feeling of him so near. However, those eyes burned him and his anger grew.

“Yes, I am responsible for his downfall. It is my duty.”

Echo shook his head again, hissing and frustrated for not being able to yell and scream the insults he knew were floating around his head.

“A boy is dead because of him, Echo. The boy that had fallen in love with him and was humiliated by him dove into the river and let himself be swept under.”

Echo froze, eyes widening before more tears fell. That poor, confused child. His love had caused many problems, it seemed. But that still did not merit such a punishment.

Nemesis pulled him closer, sitting in a comfortable position as he enjoyed the warmth of his precious nymph. He smoothed back Echo’s unkempt hair, not being able to control the urge to kiss his forehead. “He does not deserve you, little pretty one. Narcissus is a vain, arrogant, idiot.” He leaned down, taking Echo with him and not dissuaded when he stiffened beneath him.

The god trailed kisses down his neck. Shock rippled through Echo. He had never imagined Nemesis felt desire for him. A tiny moan rose from his throat and he unconsciously leaned back to give him access. It had been so long since he had enjoyed the touch of another. Those skilled lips smiled against his skin and arms went around him tighter. Echo smiled, his sniffling dying away.

“Echo…” Nemesis sighed against the flesh he previously marked with a purple bruise. The nymph was far sweeter than anything he imagined. He was his ambrosia. “I love you, far more and longer than you could ever guess.”

At those words Echo stiffened. His eyes opened as reality crashed down on him. His heart crumbled again and he gasped at the pain. This was not what he wanted. This was not his beloved Narcissus. Echo did not love Nemesis and he certainly did not give him permission to touch him in such a way. With his last burst of strength he pushed him away. Ragged sobs came from deep within. He hurt everywhere. Why could he never have what he wanted? The cursed gods always tried to cut his peace down and finally they succeeded. Narcissus was dying and he could feel himself fading as well.

Nemesis recoiled at the violence his little one showed him. Guilt swallowed him as Echo turned his thin frame on him, shivering with his broken emotions. They both knew that once judgment was passed it could never be undone. Echo would never beg and Nemesis would never regret or take back what he did to the wicked Narcissus. Pain gripped his heart as he accepted that not only did Echo not feel the same for him or would learn to love him, but he was dying too. He would never believe that Echo was Narcissus’ true love. Nemesis leaned down to rest his head against Echo’s side, ignoring the wince he caused. Why couldn’t Echo desire him instead of wasting his precious love on a black, foul heart?

“Very well, my beloved. You do not have to feel the same. I could never force you into anything, cherished one. But please, I beg you, move on. Narcissus would pay for his wickedness eventually; do not let his taint drag you down too. Please do not leave me.”

“Leave me!” Echo turned, screaming as loud as his weak vocal cords would allow.

Nemesis had the gall to look hurt. It broke his heart further and he couldn’t stand it. Echo lashed out, hitting and clawing whatever he could. Nemesis endured his wrath, neither blocking nor moving away from him. He stood, bloody gashes marring his usually perfect features. Echo sobbed, the god’s blood making his fingers stick, as he looked over what he did. Things would have been much simpler if he returned his feelings. Nemesis stood and took a step back.

“Very well. Kill yourself over that undeserving cretin. Remember this, no matter how things end, I will love you forever.”

Echo lie back down, not watching Retribution’s form fade from his sight. His pulse was faint. Narcissus was close to death as well. Echo smiled at the thought. Whatever happened, soon they would be free.

* * * * *

Slipping through the dark forest, the tall figure used the bright moon to guide him. Even in the dark he would know the way, though. A crisp breeze swept by, stirring his deep red hair and carrying the sweet scent of fall. Finally the woods ended, leaving a wide meadow to walk through. When he made it to the lake Nemesis sat down on the cushioning grass and flowers. He lie back to look up at the sky, smiling at the night sounds.

“When are you going to move on?”

Nemesis’s face became a mask of indifference and he sat up at the sound of the woman’s smooth voice. “Aphrodite,” he nodded to her. She had her uses but right now she was an annoyance. They all knew he wished to be left alone when he came here. This goddess always persisted.

“A lovely night, is it not?”

“What do you want, Aphrodite?”

Eyes blue like the tropical seas narrowed, a playful smile hinting at her red lips. “Answer my question, Nemesis.”

“I am sorry, but I am going to have to refuse your demands, my Lady. That is none of your business.”

Aphrodite chuckled, giving up for now. Her gaze fell to the ground where he sat. Hundreds of flowers stuck out from the grass. Pale petals with a vibrant yellow trumpet for a heart. Sweet and tempting flowers; tragic and lovely. “They are beautiful flowers, Nemesis. Fitting, though I expected the lad to waste away and be sent on his way to another punishment in the Underworld.”

Nemesis smiled as he yanked a handful of the Narcissus flowers up to smell before throwing them into the water. “Such vanity will always be remembered. His story will forever be remembered, as a warning.” His voice trailed off as he looked over the lake.

“It is time to let go, my friend.” When she didn’t get a reply she pressed further. He scoffed at the label she gave him but she refused to get angry again. Nemesis was good at avoiding the truth. “When will you let him go?”

“Never,” he didn’t yell but his voice still carried over the meadow. He smiled again at the sound. His beloved would never leave him altogether. Echo would be remembered forever as well. “When the world collapses on itself, when the mountains fall into the boiling oceans and the last human screams, Echo will have the last word.”

“You are keeping them from moving on.”

“I know, my Lady. You need not tell me the plans I make. Yes, I immortalized Narcissus, let Echo waste away to nothing but his voice without lifting the curse, but it all works out. I made sure of that.”

“What do you mean?” Aphrodite shuddered to think of what he implied.

When he came to her to make good on the favor she owed and asked for Narcissus to fall in love with his reflection she thought the whole thing disturbing. She didn’t want any part of it. It was not unknown to her that the god of justice was in love with Echo. It really wasn’t surprising that he thought of something exceptionally cruel for Narcissus. Nemesis laughed and stood, taking a step toward her. Aphrodite willed herself not to cower before him and his intense, burning orange eyes.

“Mark me, Aphrodite, because I know how much you love to meddle. I let him go, but my feelings were not unscathed from Echo’s behavior. I love him, always will. I will never allow Narcissus and Echo to meet ever again. They will remain as they are for eternity.”

He turned his back on her. Aphrodite knew it was useless to try anymore. With one final look she left the god to his thoughts, gazing up at the sky and listening to the sounds of night echo across the land.

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