Legends of Amacia Return of the Beowulf
Chapter 2: Hannibal meets the Sisterhood

As Hannibal and Selina approached the pool, Hannibal noticed the Harem leadership sitting poolside in their swimsuits. Many of those freed from the Black Fortress were in the pool with Arabella, Elle, Emma, Andrew, Hunter, and Josephine, who were helping them with their swim therapy. The Harem women were also helping with the swim therapy. Even Althea, Tala, and Suko were in the pool being helped by the Harem women. Then Hannibal noticed a number of his original team in the pool helping with the therapy. Sam, Ned, Thomas, Jonathan, Harry, Morrison, Cracko, and Nathanael moved around the pool assisting former prisoners with their swim therapies. Hannibal’s eyes grew wide when he heard Rachel laughing from the pool. He instantly saw Nathanael supporting her in the water, helping her float alongside Althea, Tala, and Suko. Rachel’s tan tiger-striped swimsuit covered her very well.

A smile crossed Hannibal’s lips when he saw Rachel enjoying the water. “Look Selina, Rachel’s in the pool with Nathanael,” he observed. “And she’s happy too.”

“I see,” Selina replied. “Push me over to the pool. I need to get to work on my therapy.”

“Of course,” Hannibal replied, pushing Selina to the pool moving past Izanami, Myra, Tasha, Chizu, Sakura, and Hitomi as they sat in their chairs. Speaking to them as he went by, Hannibal said, “Hi, sisters...just passing through. Selina is late for her swim therapy.”

Everyone stared in wonder as Hannibal and Selina passed through their midst. “Then don’t let us stop you,” Izanami replied for everyone. “Selina’s been keeping up with her therapy religiously. Get her in the pool.”

“Please come back and talk with us when you get a chance,” Chizu begged.

Hannibal smiled warmly, saying, “Of course I will. It’s one of the reasons I’m here this morning. Let me get Selina in the pool first. She needs to get to work on her swim therapy.”

“Okay,” Chizu replied, smiling as Hannibal moved on with Selina.

In seconds, Hannibal and Selina approached poolside. “You’re late, Selina,” Emma called out, immediately coming over to them. “We were wondering where you were.”

“Hannibal finally woke up,” Selina replied as he picked her up out of the chair and eased her into the pool. “He’s still a little weak and confused because he didn’t know where he was. But he’s okay now.”

“That I am,” Hannibal replied. “It’s good to be back and among friends. Do you need me to help with Selina’s therapy?”

“Not right now,” Emma chimed. “We can handle it. But there are many others who need assistance. Feel free to jump in and help out.”

“I think I will,” Hannibal answered, “Give me a minute. Nature calls.”

“Go right ahead, brother,” Emma stated, pulling Selina into open water. “Be sure to say hi to Izanami and the others over there. They’ve been praying for your swift recovery.”

“I already did, but I didn’t get to say too much,” Hannibal stated. “I’ll stop to talk with them a bit when I get back from the bathroom.” He immediately headed for the bathroom.

“I had no idea he was so handsome, Selina,” Emma admitted as they swam along. “And he looks so much like Enoch too. You have quite a catch there. Remember to kick your legs some as we move along.”

“I am,” Selina said softly as Emma supported her in the water while pulling her along. “And Hannibal is indeed a catch of a lifetime. I’m not letting anyone take him from me now that I have him back.”

“I know you won’t,” Emma answered with a smile. “Just don’t hold him back.”

“I won’t,” Selina said softly as Emma pulled her along. “He needs our support, not for us to chain him down.”

“No one here wants to inhibit him,” Emma stated. “We’re here to help, not hold him back.”

“I know,” Selina replied. “Stop here, Emma. I want to float for a few minutes.”

“You got it, sis,” Emma stated, helping Selina roll over on her back to float. “I’ve got you.”

“Thank you,” Selina purred. “This feels good. My legs are tingling now.”

“Excellent,” Elle chimed, swimming over to Selina and Emma. “It shouldn’t be long now before you have the use of your legs back.”

“I hope so,” Selina said softly. “I’m getting tired of that wheelchair. I want to climb and jump and swing like I used to do. I really miss climbing and jumping through the trees. It’s so much fun.”

“And you will, princess,” Nathanael called out as he brought Rachel over to Selina. “Just have faith, it will come. Won’t it, Rachel?”

“Yes,” Rachel said with a broad smile. “I know momma will walk again. She still has her legs, unlike me.”

“You’ll walk again too,” Selina cooed to Rachel. “You’ll see. How do you like the pool, Rachel?”

“I love it!” Rachel chimed. “The water feels so good, but it does scare me some since I don’t know how to swim.”

“You don’t have to know how to swim,” Elle stated. “All you need to know is how to float. That’s what Selina is doing now. She’s floating. Do you want to try?”

“I don’t know,” Rachel replied, unsure if she could float. “How do you do it?”

“Just relax and lie back in the water,” Selina instructed. “Let your body go limp. Dad, help her float beside me, okay?”

“Of course, princess,” Nathanael answered, moving beside Selina and slowly sinking into the water. Holding his arms out with Rachel in them, he purred, “Just relax, Rachel. I’m not going to let you go under. Just lie back and relax. Let the water bear you up.”

At first, Rachel’s fear rose as she sank into the water. Yet, she felt Nathanael’s arms beneath her. “Relax, little one,” Emma cooed to Rachel. “The water is your friend. Let it embrace you; support you. Let go of your fear. Pretend you are a piece of wood floating in a stream. That’s it. See. You’re doing it. You’re floating.”

“I’m really floating,” Rachel whispered in amazement as she finally relaxed, letting the water hold her up. “Are you still holding me up, grandpa?”

“No,” Nathanael stated. “But my arms are just below you in case you start sinking. I’m not going to let you drown. I promise.”

“I know,” Rachel answered softly. “This is nice. I feel like I have no weight.”

“You’re doing well,” Selina purred, seeing Rachel floating just beside her with Nathanael hovering beside her. “I’m very proud of you.”

“We all are,” Nathanael stated. “You’re making amazing progress, Rachel. We worried you’d be afraid of the pool because those bad people tried to drown you repeatedly.”

“I am afraid,” Rachel admitted. “But I know you’ll not let anything happen to me. I trust you, grandpa.”

“I’m glad,” Nathanael purred. “Just relax and enjoy yourself. Let the water heal your body and mind.”

“Can it really do that?” Rachel asked.

“Yes, it can,” Elle stated, looking down into Rachel’s eyes. “The water of this pool is very special and therapeutic. It can heal both mind and body. You just have to let it. If you have anything that troubles you, let it go and the water will wash it away.”

“Elle is right,” Emma agreed. “The water can heal your hurts both physically and mentally. Do you not feel your stumps tingling from the water?”

“I do,” Rachel admitted. “It feels good too. It reminds me of how the snakes caressed me when I was alone. I like it.”

“Good,” Selina called out. “Very good, sweetie; you’re now able to let the water help you as it’s helped me. It’s okay to enjoy how the water makes you feel.”

“Was that Hanna who brought you to the pool, momma?” Rachel asked.

“Yes,” Selina stated. “But he’s not Hanna anymore. He’s Hannibal...your father. I’m sure he’ll come over after he says hello to our Harem sisters.”

“I hope so,” Rachel replied. “I want to see him up close.”

“Don’t worry,” Nathanael stated. “Hannibal will no doubt be over here in a few minutes to see you. He definitely noticed you in the pool with me when he and Selina arrived. Besides, I noticed he was dressed for swimming so you can be sure he’ll come see you.”

“I’d like that,” Rachel chimed.

As Rachel spoke, Hannibal returned from the changing room wearing only his swim trunks showing all his scars. He walked over to Izanami and the others, seeing a new face sitting with them: Muriel who sported a sleek single-piece jade swimsuit with high-cut legs, low-cut back, and a low circular cut on the chest. She sat beside Izanami as part of the inner circle of the Harem leaders. Stopping and scanning everyone, he smiled warmly, saying, “Looking very good, sisters; permit me to bow to such beauty. It’s only proper.” He bowed with a wave of his arm. “The swimsuits really bring out your individual character.”

“That they do,” Izanami replied. “But I must confess we are stunned at you, Hanna; oh, I mean Hannibal. Forgive me.”

Hannibal chuckled and squatted next to Izanami, touching her on the shoulder. “There’s nothing to forgive, sister,” he chimed. “To be honest, I’m just as surprised about what I look like as you are. You may not believe this, but before Jo mutated me, I was not nearly this muscular and my eyes were pure ice blue. Now, my build is enhanced, my eyes have a distinctive silver tint to them and my ears look almost like Andrew and Hunter’s ears. Something happened in the womb of that machine that made me look like this, not that I’m complaining. It’s just a bit weird being almost as buff as Enoch.”

“Josephine told us what happened,” Myra said. “But she didn’t tell us how handsome it made you. You’re gorgeous. It seems the worry you had about transferring your beauty as Hanna into your present form was unfounded. You do know you’re good-looking, don’t you?”

Hannibal smiled wryly. “I suppose I do,” he stated. “I remember you all telling Selina you’d help her beat some sense into me if I came out of that machine not believing I was handsome.”

“You remembered that?” Sakura asked.

“I sure do,” Hannibal replied, smiling. “And I appreciate the faith you all had in me. It didn’t go unnoticed.”

“But do you think you’re beautiful?” Tasha insisted, pushing the question.

“Not like you girls are, but yes, I do realize I’m not ugly anymore,” Hannibal stated.

“When did you realize it?” Hitomi asked.

“When I looked in the mirror this morning,” Hannibal stated. “You must understand; this morning is the first time I really looked at myself in the mirror since going into the womb of that machine. I instantly saw the changes from what I remember of my old form and frankly liked what I saw. I feel much more comfortable looking like this than I did as Hanna.”

“You saw your true self in that mirror,” Muriel called out. “Didn’t you? You completed your soul in that machine, didn’t you?”

Hannibal rose and walked over to Muriel, kneeling down between her and Izanami. “You see through to the truth, Muriel,” he admitted, touching Muriel on her machine arm. “And you know I let you see it, don’t you?”

“I do,” Muriel replied softly. “You purposely have your guard down right now because you wanted us to see you as you really are. Why would you take a risk like that?”

“Because I realized what a folly it was to hide who I really am from those I care about,” Hannibal answered softly. “Because of my time as Hanna, I truly understand what you, my sisters, want and need from me. All my life I hid who I really was from everyone until Selina came along. She broke through my pain and hate and showed me a better way. She showed me I didn’t have to wear my mask to keep everyone away. Then I literally became one of you and learned how to let go and truly live. Sisters, your love and acceptance of me when I was one of you made the difference. I am forever grateful and in your debt for showing me the way.”

“You are still one of us,” Izanami declared, touching Hannibal on the shoulder, “...and will always be one of us, brother. Don’t you ever think otherwise. We are family because of the Emperor and will stand with you to the end of the world if need be.”

“So do all of us,” Myra agreed. “We love you, milord.” Everyone present reinforced the declaration.

“You honor and humble me, sisters,” Hannibal admitted. “That’s a good thing. I need to be kept humble because of the power growing inside me. Thank you.”

“Do not fear your growing power,” Muriel instructed. “It comes from on High from the Almighty. He will show you how to tame it now that you’re complete. You must trust Him.”

“I do trust Him,” Hannibal stated, “But I’m not sure I trust myself. The power growing inside me literally allows me to kill with a thought, and I’ve used it to do just that on multiple occasions.”

“You must learn to use your power for good,” Muriel insisted. “Use it to create, not destroy. You must understand the Elemental Earth is not a force of destruction, but of creation...of life itself. If you can use it to destroy, you can use it to create, to heal, and bring life. Look deep within yourself and you will find the way. The day will come when you see the true power of the Elemental Earth and use it to bring our world back into balance. I know you will discover the secret and use it to drive back the Darkness that’s infested the Emperor for eons. We believe in you. I believe in you. Just believe in yourself.”

Hannibal chuckled softly. “You have humbled me with your wisdom, Muriel,” he declared. “Thank you for reminding me of what I must do.”

“You’re welcome, milord,” Muriel replied, smiling. “You honor me by paying attention to my words.”

“Muriel, can you do something for me?” Hannibal asked.

“Of course, milord,” Muriel replied, “Anything.”

“Don’t call me milord,” Hannibal said softly. “Just call me Hannibal. It’s what my friends call me and I consider you, and all of our sisters here to be my friends and family. Just call me Hannibal. Can everyone do that?”

“Sure we can, Hannibal,” Tasha chimed. Everyone else agreed to Hannibal’s request.

“Are you sure it’s okay?” Muriel asked intently.

“Absolutely,” Hannibal replied with a smile. “I’m no god, just a man...a man with more friends now than I’ve ever had before. I’m so blessed and honored to call you all friends and family.”

“Very well,” Muriel answered. “If you insist; I shall call you Hannibal. But I sense a dream haunting you and causing you some distraction. You should share it with us. Remember, we’re here to help you carry the burden put on you.”

Hannibal sat down on his knees with a sigh. “I can’t hide it from you, can I Muriel?” he murmured.

“Not with your guard down like it is,” Muriel admitted. “This Leila is haunting you to the point you need to resolve the issue. Please, tell us the dream. Maybe an outside point of view can help you to find out how to proceed.”

“Muriel is right,” Izanami agreed. “I noticed your tension the moment you walked up with Selina. Tell us. You have nothing to fear by sharing it with us.”

“This is what I get by letting my guard down around a bunch of high-level telepaths,” Hannibal said with a tense chuckle. “Okay, you win, sisters. I’ll tell, but before I do, you should know I’ve been haunted by this Leila Karac in my dreams since before coming here. I even saw both her ghost and Beowulf’s ghost at Skull Pass on the surface before I ever came to this savage land.”

“Leila Karac you say?” Muriel asked with great interest. “This is indeed interesting. Please, tell us the dream.”

“All right,” Hannibal stated. “The dream began with both me and Hanna standing in a circle of giant crystals atop a high mountain. Hanna and I had dreamed of this circle before right after we came to the Harem.”

“You and Hanna were together in the dream as separate individuals?” Izanami asked, her tone betraying her surprise.

“Yes,” Hannibal stated. “That was the first surprise I encountered. I never expected to see Hanna in any form after the merger since we were supposed to be one. But she was there nonetheless. As always, I pulled her close to protect her from any threats. After a couple of minutes, we realized it was a dream since that’s the only way either of us could appear like that. Then we heard a ghostly moan...the same moan I heard the day I saw Leila’s ghost at Skull Pass.” With that, Hannibal told the dream to everyone in detail, right down to Ragnar Caverias appearing and using pieces of the Bane to open his and Hanna’s missing memories. “When the dream ended, I woke up gasping for breath,” he reported. “It was such a strange dream. Selina came out of the bathroom and helped me calm down. Afterwards, we came down here. So, does anyone have any thoughts on it? All I got out of it is that time is running out for Leila and I have to get to her. I promised to free her. The dream reminded me of how Rachel called out telepathically from the infirmary. It’s a potent distress call. I’m sure of it.”

“That’s what it sounds like,” Izanami agreed. “You should definitely look into this right away.”

“I agree,” Myra chimed in. “It looks like your destiny has been set in motion with your restoration. You should not ignore this dream with Leila. I sense your destiny is somehow intertwined with hers.”

“That very well may be the case, sisters,” Muriel declared. “Leila Karac was the wife of Thoth Caverias’ top general and best friend, Ezra Karac. It’s a matter of record that she fell on the battlements of Caveria when the Emperor overran the city. She was mortally wounded by a Dark Rider and its werack mount. After that, there’s no record of her, but there is something strange about the record.”

“What is that, sister?” Sakura asked.

“It doesn’t say when Leila died,” Muriel stated. “I remember seeing the record and it says nothing about her dying...only that she was mortally wounded and taken from the battlefield to Ezra’s Tower.”

“That is strange,” Hannibal admitted. “I should take a look at the record myself. But I cannot deny the other dreams of her. The dream that haunts me the most is the first one where I saw her fall in battle. It started with me floating down out of the sky in a place I’ve never been as a battle raged.” With that, Hannibal told the dream.

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