WONDER ( Twisted Forbidden Tales ) Book Three

Friendly Excursions Part One

ALISSA

As Hank and I tread along the stone pathway hidden in the depths of Tantric Gardens, I can feel the magical aura of the secret garden enveloping me. A small cough escaped my lips before I could catch it filtering through the communication system installed in the gas masks we wore.

“Issa, you good ?” Hank’s strange dual-toned voice sounded in my ears.

“Yeah, just a bit tired, don’t think too much. I’ll be back to chipper in no time.” I said, not paying attention to my words I just spouted to Hank to ease his concern. Unaware that what I said only made him worry for me more.

We would be approaching Orchid Island’s borders soon and I hoped my timing wasn’t off to meet Anfim. He was the only one who could take us safely to the New Bloom's Sanctuary on Orchid Island.

Each step I take seems to resonate with a foreboding feeling, that something unexpected was about to happen again. The path is lined with vibrant flowers of all shapes and sizes, their fragrances swirling around me in a kaleidoscope of scents.

“If you say so Issa, but don’t keep carrying everything on your own, especially if you’re not feeling okay,” Hank said, his steps in sync behind me. His presence felt a bit tense and I knew that he felt the foreboding feeling the Tantric Gardens was giving off once the sun had set just as I did.

As we approach the edge of the garden, the pathway suddenly widens, revealing a breathtaking view of Orchid Island. The land before us is a tapestry of colors, with lush greenery stretching as far as the eye can see. But what truly captures my attention every time is the interchanging colors of the crystal-clear waters that surround the island, shifting from shades of turquoise to violet and back again in a mesmerizing dance.

“Halt! Who goes there?” one of the Orchid Brigade guards yells out from the distance. The border of Orchid Island coexists with the Tantric Magic Gardens, separated by a boundary that pulses with raw energy. The Orchid Brigade stands guard, their presence a formidable barrier against any who would dare to trespass upon their sacred land. This much was expected, I just hoped I wasn’t too late and missed Anfim, or all our actions up until now would be for naught.

The guard who had spoken approached us with caution with a few more guards following behind them. I let out a gasp of surprise for their appearance had surely changed. Their hair cascaded down their backs like cascading waterfalls of petals, and their eyes gleamed with fierce determination as they approached us. Each clad in armor crafted from enchanted vines, they wielded weapons forged from the very essence of nature itself. It reminded me of those letters I received, had the spell that woman cast affected Orchid Island as well, what about the blooming of the Euphoria Orchid? I didn’t like unknowns, but at this point, I had no other choice but to keep moving forward to help my Happy Hank.

“Hold your horses, Vanda, this here woman is my friend, you remember Issa don’t you? Even with that mask on I could spot that figure miles away. Such a pity that figure of yours isn’t mine, I could do wonders with it. What you say huh.” a feminine voice sounded out from behind the guards.

“Humph.” Hank let out a huff at that comment, but I held in my laughter. Anfim was a piece of work, to say the least, it made me wonder how things would be once he met Hank after I introduced them.

“Long time no see Anfim.” I said, arching my eyebrow up at his ever-flamboyant appearance. His tall, lithe frame moves with grace, his every step seeming to dance with the gentle sway of the flowers around him. His hair is a marvel to behold tonight, with a cascade of lustrous locks streaked with shades of violet and pink, flowing freely around his shoulders like a waterfall of silk.

“Issa baby, finally you make your way to come see me. If a little birdie hadn't flown my way, we would've missed each other. Oh How, do I miss my Honey boo.” Anfim's voice rang out around us. The slight tensing of Hank next to me made me grin. Yup, he caught on quickly, Anfim wasn’t an ordinary person.

Anfim’s eyes, a mesmerizing feature in itself that captures the essence of the island itself, alternate between hues of lavender and emerald, reflecting the ever-changing moods of the land as he looked intriguingly from me to Hank beside me.

“I missed you too love. I’m guessing the old man is the birdie that flew about.” I said in response as he stretched his arms out to hug me and wrap an arm around my shoulders, His nose is slender and elegant, perfectly complementing the soft curve of his lips, which are often adorned with a warm and welcoming smile.

“Yeah, Yeah, save me the theatrics, but a mask really?” he asked his eyebrow arched in amusement, while his eyes wandered toward Hank yet again.

“Yep, no repeats okay!” I answered, making Anfim and a few others burst out laughing.

“Gotcha boo, now come on into our Orchid Island so you can introduce me to this fine specimen traveling with you,” Anfim said, his eyes watching Hank like a hawk.

“Should I be concerned here, Issa? Why do I look like a fine specimen to these people all the time, I mean he’s your friend and all……..” Hank’s voice sounded completely perturbed by Anfim's perusal. He had a point but I could only imagine his expression from Anfim onslaught.

“No, you shouldn’t Hank, be cool Okay,” I whispered. Taking another look at Anfim, who in many ways had changed, his skin glows with a delicate porcelain hue, a testament to the purity of the island's magic that courses through his veins. His hands are slender yet strong, fingers adorned with intricate rings that glimmer in the sunlight as if imbued with their enchantment.

His attire is a testament to his unique blend of femininity and strength. He wears flowing robes crafted from the finest orchid silk, their delicate fabric billowing around him with every movement. The designs on the robes are intricate and ornate, reflecting the beauty of the island's flora in every stitch.

Despite his feminine appearance, there is an undeniable strength that emanates from him—a strength born not only of physical prowess but also of the hidden magic that lies within. Though his demeanor may be flamboyant and friendly, there is an air of authority that surrounds him, a testament to his position within the Orchid brigade. It seems Anfim had grown up, making me ponder just what he had endured doing my time away over the years to bring about this change.

I let out a sigh, that made Anfim pause in his steps. He took a deep look at me before speaking again.”Those were fun times, though outside of the Tweedle twins and all. Healing takes time my boo, but you have always been strong, so don’t give up on your progress hmm? “ Anfim said with a knowing smile. Tears weld up in my eyes for a moment and I bit my lip to keep my tears in check.

“Issa?” Hank asked, subtle with concern again. I realized as of late he has become more attuned to my emotions lately. Was this a side effect of the poison or the result of the wild night we had before?

“I’m okay, Hank don’t worry,” I said my voice slightly garbled a bit from my surging emotions. Anfim was one of the people that helped me get through that dark time. I chided myself for not having the courage to come to visit him just because I had to encounter the Tantric Gardens to do so.

“Enzo and Zuri Tweedle are the past Fifi, but if we are talking about fun times on the Island, then Tilly still owes me one,” I said frowning a bit thinking of Anfim's cousin Tilly Tulip.

“Any who, whose the Hot Toddy?” Anfim asked rubbing his hands together in interest as he glanced at Hank. Taking him in as he looked up and down the beautiful visage that was Hank. His clothing, a reflection of his unique persona, is a symphony of fabric and flair. Anfim wore garments crafted from the finest silk, adorned with intricate embroidery and delicate lace. Each piece is a work of art, blending masculine strength with feminine grace in perfect harmony.

“Down boy! He is Hank and completely off limits got it!” I said, once again surprised at myself for the unfathomable feeling I got from Anfim's wandering eyes over my Happy Hank.

“Whoa now, boo boo, I’m just appreciating a good piece of new blood. I already pegged he was yours on the meet-up, so I won’t touch or even bite, though he looks very tasty.” Anfim winks at Hank, fluttering his petal-like lashes flirtatiously.

“The f**k, Fifi!” I said a bit annoyed, I didn’t like Hank being uncomfortable around me because of Anfim's actions. Sometimes he just played too much no matter whether it was appropriate or not.

“s**t, don’t tell me he’s a cannibal?!” Hank said exasperated. I almost choked on my saliva as he whispered that.

“Alright, Alright, damn, that must mean he must be good then, huh,” Anfim says walking forward toward the inhabitant part of the Island, leaving me and Hank gaping at him speechlessly.

“The friends you make are indeed a special kind of friendly Issa,” Hank said as he caught his bearings and came back to his senses after Anfim's comment.

“Well….He isn’t wrong though, besides don’t tell me you are afraid of a little friendly excursion. “ I said with a smirk on my face as I finally took off the gas mask Leaving Hank’s fiery gaze boring into my back as I walked forward to catch up with Anfim.