jealouslyxestella

[jealouslyxestella]

Estella fully sat on the floor next to her brother, pressing her back against the wall and allowing the cool temperature of the marble underneath ground her from the reality. Yes, another version of their mother survived their father's cruelties and huddled under blankets in one of the many rooms, but the mother who raised them? Who tucked them in at night and suffered imprisonment at the risk of saving her children...was gone. Stell allowed herself the moment of grieving, the tears prickling her eyes blurring her vision while she attempted to will them away. She was the strong one, the older sister, the protector, remaining emotionally stable. Swallowing down emotions for years, however, damaged the young girl's ability to express her feelings. "I'm not asking you to, Ulric. I just can't wallow in my defeat while he's still out there." And perhaps, that is what made Estella most like her father, the revenge-seeking determination. She shook her head furiously at Ulric's words, one hand reaching over and cupping his cheek so she could lock their gazes, "Don't do this to yourself, Ric, don't start putting the blame on your shoulders. What happened to Nyrinn, what happened to Mother, is not your fault. We were never going to reach his expectations no matter how far we went." Estella dropped her hand back into her lap, eyes traveling elsewhere, "I will fix it, brother, I promise."

Ulric knew that his sister wouldn't have been far behind, no doubt feeling the entire interaction with his father through their bond. Estella always knew his emotions better than he did, needed to in order to protect him from their father, except this time, Envy got to him first. Where Stell felt rage at the news, feeling the vibrations from where he sat as evidence, he felt the sorrow settle into a profound numbness. Hollow. His rage had been quick and vicious in his attack on Envy once the truth came to light about their mother's fate, but it burned out just as quickly. His face pinched into a frown, eyes moving from his sister to the letters that were cruelly scrawled into his skin. Ugly and jarring, a reminder of Envy's words. "I can't keep doing this, Estella, I'm sorry," the prince whispered, rotating the words that now marred his skin away from his gaze and out of view, "everything we lost, every relative and loved one, I thought I could handle it. Then I lost Nyrinn, but we still had Mom. We still had our mother to fight for and to free, but she's gone. Because of us, because of me." Ric could feel another sob bubbling in his chest, but he swallowed it down with a shake of his head. "If I had tried harder to be what he needed me to be, she would still be alive. Disappointed that we turned into our father, but at least she would be alive to feel that way."

[jealouslyxestella]

What a God can or cannot do is far beyond my level of understanding, all I care about is that they find a way to fix this before someone else takes matters into their own hands. If they cannot interfere, what use to the situation are they then? I don't mean to sound pessimistic, but we're nowhere closer to figuring shit out now than we were before.

They probably hold themselves to rules that you and I don't have to. Interfering in the lives of those they watch over is a form of abuse of their power, I would assume. I've never met a god in person. None of this makes it better in the end.

[jealouslyxestella]

I have been playing my intricate game of chess since the moment the responsibility of protecting my brother fell on my shoulders. I'm aware how quickly they can change at the drop of a hat.

You think, no matter the fact you do not exist in your brother's timeline, that your connection will reestablish the bond with Azriel that you possessed before? For every action, there is an equal and opposite reaction. Magically and theoretically, you would need just as much juice to power another spell in order to pop the lock on the rift door. So, if spells aren't the way we go, we have no choice but to rely on the Gods for this.

Kindness can go a long way, I find. It sounds as though you're playing a rather intricate game of chess, just be careful. Some things can change rather quickly either way.

I can vouch that coming across those whom you see as family but don't recognize is unsettling, but I know that deep down, familial bonds can transcend time and space. It just may take a while for that connection to form. In theory, it might work that way if we're relying on the third law of physics, but magically, it could be something different. Seeing as a powerful resurrection spell is what created the rifts, I can only imagine what would need to occur to open them back up without essentially breaking the fabric of time more.

[jealouslyxestella]

Estella thought everything was turning out their way, at least for the moment. Her mother was no longer living under the roof of a monstrous father, her Uncle Azriel had been given all reason to track down Envy, proving more and more people in their lives were settling on their side. The perfect blazing fury before the storm, staring down the eye of the hurricane, but at least the twins were no longer floating in the boat by themselves. This relief was short lived, however, when a piercing agony tore right through the witch like a punch to the gut. Her bond with Ulric ringing out loud and clear that he suffered a tremendous blow. Stell searched the mansion from top to bottom, allowing the connection to guide her, before she finally found him. Clutching his arm, bloodied and bruised, looking wrecked and absolutely defeated. "Ulric, what the Hell happened-" Estella's blue gaze watched slowly as a severed finger rolled from her brother's hand, not understanding where and who it came from. Or maybe she did not want to believe the truth. The ring. Her mother's ring. "No..." The grief crashed over her body, astonishment, and then pure unadulterated fury losing the one person she and Ric fought hard so for. The one person they would have risked committing patricide in order to protect. "He did this. Everything...everything comes back to him." Estella could feel her magic seep into the floorboards, bury itself in the ground, and taking root until the vibrations shook the entire foundation. She peeled her feet from where she was standing, moving to kneel beside her twin as she received a better look at his injuries. "He is going to die, Ric. I don't care how and I don't care when, but I will be the one taking his head."

Envy left Ric to wallow in his misery, and misery it was. Physical pain was something he could dull on his own, though he knew it wasn't a long-term solution. The emotional pain was what weighed on him the most, even as he trudged back to where he was staying with his uncles. Thankfully, no one was in the foyer or around the stairs as the prince painfully made his way to his room, holding his broken arm close to his chest as the other arm freely bled, staunched against his shirt. It wasn't until the door was slammed shut behind him that Ulric felt the exhaustion settling in and the headache brewing behind his eyes from maintaining his abilities. He allowed it to drop so he felt every excruciating wound he now carried, but nothing hurt as much as losing his mother, her severed finger still clenched tightly in his fist, and a gaping wound in his heart. The prince decided to sit on the floor before he collapsed, worrying about any mess he was leaving behind for later as he finally let himself break. First one tear, then another, then the dam of years of sorrow breaking through the crack that his mother's death left behind. It wasn't until he'd finally quieted that he realized someone was there with him. "How the mighty have fallen, right?" Ric couldn't help the hoarse, sardonic laughter that fell from his lips, two seconds away from hysteria. He let the severed finger fall from his palm, hitting the ground in an ugly thud. "He killed the only thing we had left. He killed her."

[jealouslyxestella]

Hey, a girl can change her pessimistic ways since you're just being so nice to me. I'm being honest here, some parts of my hope are manifesting in reality if certain circumstances at play move in the direction they are.

I'm relieved I came through with the person I did. If the rift pulled me through without my brother and I saw a different version of him here where he didn't remember me, I'd lose my shit. You really believe magic as strong as what brought us in another timeline could return us where we came from?

Those are very wise words, Estella. You're well on your way to a 'cup half full' optimism in no time. I think you'll achieve anything that you set your mind to, so I have no doubt in my mind that things will turnaround for you.

Honestly, as bad as it sounds, I'm glad I'm not alone. It's somewhat disconcerting to constantly come across people who know you well in your timeline but don't know you here. That's what I'm seeing as well, but where strong magic brought us here, there's the opposite and adverse reaction that will send us back. It's all a matter of waiting.

[jealouslyxestella]

The melancholy in the air was palpable even from where she was at in the mansion. Estella heard the fight break out when it happened, how anyone through those hallways couldn't would have been a surprising mystery, but she witnessed the aftermath of the commotion when she came down the stairs to investigate. Holes had plastered the wall as if somebody strong attempted punching their way through. Furniture, from chairs to a coffee table, were shattered in pieces. Scattered across the floor like a tornado swept through the room. It didn't take long for Estella to figure out what could have happened as her mother's familiar aura led her to one of many guest bedrooms, knowing exactly who is to blame for Gianna's move from her previous home. Stell knocked politely before coming in, her eyes immediately landing on the only parent who ever mattered to her and Ulric. "He finally did it then, didn't he? Showed you the real him?" She spoke quietly, slowly making her way to the nightstand beside the bed, picking up the ring with her father's initial etched into it for a moment and then setting it down. "I'm sorry, Mother. I wish it didn't happen this way."

Everything was muted in her head, a rare phenomenon that she'd never encountered before, but Gianna knew that with how much of a mess her head was, it would scramble everything else. It was a blur between landing at the Golden Trio mansion, encountering her brother briefly enough to feel a small spark of his apparent rage, before she was pulled away by Josephine and placed into a room where she could only collapse into the bed and cry. Cry and cry until there was nothing left but the numbness. Then and only then did she brave opening her hand again to reveal the ring that Envy had so callously taken off. Only then did she dare take off her own ring and the one he'd originally given her, with his initial on it, to place them on the nightstand. They sat there, mocking her with their reminder of happier times. The witch didn't respond to the knock on the door, only pulling the duvet up to her chin in hopes that whoever was on the other side would leave her be.

[jealouslyxestella]

It's hard turning away from the few rare good days when they come along.

[jealouslyxestella]

Our father might be the manipulative asshole, but all Ulric and myself will do is tell her the truth about what we've experienced. I know you possess the power to make it hurt, Uncle Azriel, more than my brother and I could combined. Once you locate the dagger, come find us. You will have your family back together soon, I promise.

Don't force her to do anything she doesn't want to do; that's not what families do. But if you manage to get her away from him, then I'm in. He won't be able to hide his dagger from me when I'm ripping his mind in half.

[jealouslyxestella]

A monster in sheep's clothing.

My brother and I are hopefully working towards helping my mother realize she isn't safe staying with him. Then you are free to haunt his dreams like a walking terror, Uncle, but we'll need your help digging through his mind. You know my father's paranoia well, so I'm hoping you can locate where he's hidden his dagger.

People don't change, only mask themselves.

I want him to burn to the ground until he's nothing but dust underneath our shoes. I can't move now, not with my sister on his side, but the moment he releases her from his grasp, I'm going to be his worst nightmare.

[jealouslyxestella]

Well, when her use no longer suits our interests, we'll part ways and go in a different direction. The Gluttony in this timeline is far removed from ours, brother, he's useless for what we need.

We'll cross the bridge of our Uncles after we take the throne and hope to the Goddesses above that they support the regime change. It is what I want, Ulric, and I didn't think it would ever be my desire after what Father forced down our throats. I just think Hell deserves a King and Queen who don't instill fear keeping their subjects complacent.

I don't trust anyone, Stell, but it's about use. We're useful to her just as she's useful to us. If the Gluttony of this timeline isn't going to help us, then we have to take it where we can.

If we burn everything to the ground, then it's our right to take. We are the crown's successor. We might make an enemy of our Uncle if we take that step, though, and who knows about the rest of the Uncles? If that's what you want, then I'll stand by your side. Always.

[jealouslyxestella]

Or it's about finding the right person in your life who they themselves can help another see the world in more than the good versus evil mindset. Let's just say, I was naturally doomed to see the bad since the moment of my birth, but if things go my way, I could see a turnaround on the horizon.

I haven't come across a Sterling or Evangeline in this timeline yet, but it's nice you have two people you know who came through the rift. Looks like strong magic means we're going to be stuck here for some time.

There is good in many things. It's about being able to see through the darkness to uncover it, which is not the easiest to do when the world seems so gray. I'm sorry that you haven't had much of it. The only thing I can hope for is a quick turnaround for you.

It looks like the rifts enjoyed picking out twins. I came with a set of twins myself, Sterling and Evangeline. You're right in that aspect, though, magic that strong waits for no one except itself.

[jealouslyxestella]

Believe me, he didn't hide his hatred for our father. And this grandmother of ours...are we sure we can absolutely one hundred percent trust her? Not that I'm doubting your judgement, but we've been down this road before with Uncle Gluttony.

Then it's settled. If we care to take a torch to Envy's precious kingdoms and watch them burn, we guarantee Ramiel burns right alongside our father and any ally he has amassed over the reign of terror. Ric, I don't want to watch Hell's throne taken by another tyrant and see a repeat of history. I know we promised Gluttony a place as King, but we could take charge. You, me, and Mother.

He and Uncle Kai always hated Envy in our timeline, so it's not hard to assume that he might be the same way here. We have a grandmother, Stell. Someone who dislikes our father as much as we do– we might have more assistance on that front than we initially thought.

I don't like the way he spoke of Nyrinn, nor did I like how he talked to me. Anyone who follows my father so blindly and speaks down at our situation is no friend of ours, and Ramiel made himself our enemy. Besides, who knows what he would do if we moved against his King? Our father's entire empire needs to fall.

[jealouslyxestella]

Truthfully, it does lean more towards the optimistic glass half full spectrum, but that's sort of comforting. Knowing the good out there isn't consumed by the darkness I've known.

Nice meeting you too. Yes, I came here with my twin brother Ulric probably at the most inconvenient of time, but it really waits for no one.

I find that there is rarely anyone out there who doesn't deserve kindness. I know that may be optimistic of me, but I know what it's like to not have kindness shown. I strive to do better.

It's nice to meet you, Estella. Were you brought here by the magic, as well?

[jealouslyxestella]

I think I already found that person, Ric. Our Uncle Azriel. You remember how he was never our father's biggest fan from the beginning.

Or he's playing a fucked up long game, but I understand your point. I've never seen you vengeful like this, Ulric, however I am willing to help you take his ass down. Everyone associated with Envy will burn.

I'm sure we can find someone here who hates our father as much as we do to assist with that. We can't show our hand too early or else we'll be stopped.

He would have killed me if he were after us. He's after someone else, and I'll find out who it is. He's Father and Wrath's favorite, and I'll make sure he burns.

[jealouslyxestella]

If we're not banking on the possibility he will have the dagger on him, we'll just need to find a way to place distance between ir and our father.

We're not locked in with him, but our mother is and we're going to change that. I knew about Nyrinn from somebody claiming to be one of our aunts, but Ramiel? You know he's after someone if he's here and that could be us.

If our father is as controlling and paranoid as always, he's not going to let it out of his sight.

I'll hold you to that... anything just to get to look at her one more time. It's just like home, except we're not locked in with him. I don't like this, Stell. That's not the only thing. Ramiel is here and... Nyrinn.

[jealouslyxestella]

Mom should know where it is. If not, we find someone else who can get close enough.

I can see how it could be a completely jealous-worthy experience, Ric, I'll take you with me next time I go visit her. You're preaching to the choir, he hasn't left his fucking mansion barely.

Then we stop at nothing to get his dagger.

It may be our father in me, but I'm jealous you got to see her without me; I've only dreamed about her. When is he never around?

[jealouslyxestella]

You know, my brother and I have barely come across anyone with the kindness you've displayed that hasn't been given out of fear.

I'm Estella.

Stressful times can lead to outbursts, but I took no offense. Nor is it really indicative of your character, either.

I'm Asa.