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alloftimeandspacetosee · 2 years ago

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Overprotective Siblings, Part2

probably everyone needs therapy actually but like. yeah

They know they fucked up, but Arlette doesn't really... feel bad about it, she just feels bad about not feeling bad lmao

[1]

They walked along the edge of a crowd, tight-lipped and pale faced as they concentrated on not collapsing. They didn’t speak, just walk and look around for the water ride they had been beside.

Eventually they find their stuff, Sargeras still guarding it with a ring of water.

“Thanks, girl.” Arlette stepped over and sat down against the railing, scratching the vaporeon’s head.

Aurora pulled the mat towards them and picked up the coins, slipping them into a side pocket on her bag.

“Nice disappearing act you pulled.” Mark was leaning on the railing nearby, grinning. “Get lost on the way back?”

“Something like that.” Arlette stretched out her hand, examining the cut across the palm.

Aurora offered her own hand to her sister, revealing a similar cut. “They’ll be fine.”

Arlette nodded and packed away their stuff, returning all but Xen to their balls.

“How ‘bout the rest of you?” Mark asked, stepping closer. “You don’t seem so good.”

“Just tired. Had a… slight altercation.”

“Come on then.” Mark took their non-injured hands, tugging them after him. “This way.”

“What?” They exchanged glances as they stumbled after him.

“Well… you look like you’re annoyed, but too tired to be annoyed. So let’s go do some fun stuff, then you can just be tired. Sound like a plan?” Mark stopped long enough to drop their hands and release an emboar, which picked up the twins’ bags without being asked.

“Thanks, Mark. It’s – it’s been a hard day.”

“Hard week.”

“Long story.”

Mark held up a hand. “Don’t want to hear it. If you want to talk about it, I’ll pay for a therapist. But you don’t have the money to afford me.” He grinned, winking at Arlette. “My therapy’s better than that, anyway.”

The twins laughed, smiles not forced but faded. “Ah, but you’re amazing, Mark.”

“I know, I know.” He pushed his hands into his pockets, sauntering on. “People tell me all the time.”

“And yet, I still find myself wanting to slap you.”

“Not still sore over last time, are you?”

“Hmm…”

“Dodgems, then?” Mark grinned.

“Maybe a fast ride first.” Arlette shook her head. “I want to leave some things behind.”

“Then Sky’s Flight should do the trick.” Mark turned at the next corner and led them towards a huge queue waiting in front of the entrance to a ride, done up in red and green colours with Rayquaza’s mark over the door.

Aurora nodded, grinning. “Oh yes.”

They made their way up the VIP queue, Mark casually ducking under the rope at the front.

“Don’t mind us cutting in, do you?” He grinned at the people in the queue as they passed. “Room enough for all of us, I’m sure.”

“Right this way, young master.”

They left their bags in security with Xenos, Mischief and Zillre, and waited to be let onto the ride.

The three of them get the front row seats, and once everyone’s securely in place, the ride started off – slowly as it left the building, and climbing higher all the while. Arlette shifted and closed her eyes, feeling the faint breeze. Mark glanced at her, and reached for their hands.

They gripped each other’s hands as the ride reached its first high point and dived for the ground, moving fast. Arlette whooped, laughing maniacally as they swerve above the walkways filled with people, around the rides and through the length of the park.

Aurora started to laugh as well, blinking as the wind tore water from her eyes. Mark shook his head and grinned, keeping his noise inside.

When the ride stopped, the three of them were distinctly windswept and breathless. Arlette was still laughing, but it’s far quieter now. Mark shook his head as they unbuckled, leading the way to pick up their bags.

“Dodgems?” Aurora asked brightly.

“Well, you’re looking far better.” Mark smiled, examining his hands. “You sure you don’t want those cuts checked out?”

“They’re no that bad.” Arlette snorted, shaking her head.

“Yeah, but–” Mark showed them his hands, the lines of blood on them. “They’re still bleeding.”

“You shouldn’t grip so tight.” Aurora grinned, leading them towards the dodgems. “Broke the scabs.”

“Still scared of them?”

“I could’ve sworn it was you that was holding tighter.” Mark laughed. “I can barely feel my hands. Zillre, with us.”

The emboar lumbered after them, helping to part the crowds. Mischief jumped down from his perch on Zillre’s shoulder, landing on Aurora’s head.

“Hm.” The twins exchanged a glance. “Maybe it was just so you wouldn’t feel bad about being scared.”

“Sure, sure.” Mark shook his head. “Whatever you say.”

The twins smirked and skipped into the queue for the dodgems. “Damn straight.”

“We waiting for this one?” Mark raised an eyebrow.

“Only if you don’t feel like flaunting your authority.”

“Well then…” Mark cracked his knuckles. “Don’t mind me – influential brat, coming through!” Slipping out of the barriers, he led them along the side of the queues to the front, where they still have to wait until there are some carts free.

It doesn’t take too long, and soon enough the three of them have left their bags with Zillre and are strapped into the carts.

As Arlette pulled away, she murmured soothingly to Xenos – only to be interrupted by someone thumping into her from the side. Aurora reversed and drove away, cackling. Arlette narrowed her eyes and grinned, pressing her foot down as she turned to shoot after her sister.

Mark followed them, but was hit off course by another driver. He spun, regained control, and shot after his own attacker.

Arlette slammed into Aurora’s tail and thudded to a halt, laughing. Aurora glanced back, smirked, and drove away.

As Arlette started to move again, Mark clipped her back and curved around to catch Aurora as well. He laughed, waving to the two of them as he shot away again. The twins exchanged a glance and nodded. Mischief coiled his tail around Aurora’s head as he balanced on top, pointing the way.

They turned, driving after Mark and neatly avoiding everyone else in the rink as they sped up.

Mark raced ahead of them as they closed in, trying to keep out of their way. They work together to force him into a corner with no escape.

One of the other drivers clipped Aurora’s back and she spun, crashing into Arlette who sped up and kept control just long enough to slam Mark into the side of the rink. Cackling like a maniac – Xenos whistled, clinging tight to her loosening hair – she reversed and let him speed away.

Behind them, Aurora snarled and turned to chase after the person who’d hit her, closing in on them easily.

Mark waved to catch Arlette’s eye, driving up to her side, and gestured after her sister. Arlette grinned and nodded, and they split apart to circle around Aurora’s sides.

Aurora whooped as she crashed into the other cart and turned again, heading for a big knot. Mischief shifted on her head, looking up to see streamers fluttering in the air. He uncoiled his tail to tap Aurora on the shoulder, pointing upwards.

Aurora looked up and saw them and sighed, slowing down and avoiding the knot as she curved towards the docking bay.

Arlette, racing towards her, saw her slow down and frowned.

Aurora pointed towards the sky, and Arlette saw the ribbons. She nodded and waved to Mark, completing a circuit of the track before heading to the side.

“What’s up?” Mark asked, stepping out of the way of people going to the carts.

“Our group’s caught up,” Arlette explained.

“Ah…”

“You can stick around if you want.” Aurora shrugged.

“Hm.” Mark tilted his head. “I’ll get Zillre and the bags.”

“We’ll be outside.” Arlette smiled. “Thanks.”

Mark nodded and turned away, easily spotting the emboar.

The twins wandered through the crowds towards the exit, and spotting the dark skinned girl crouching before the young boy.

“Do it anyway.” He took a coin, examining it.

“Well…” Soise laughed, showing her sharp teeth in a grin.

“We don’t have a permit to perform right here, Erris,” Arlette said, stepping up behind her.

“I see you’re back with us.” Soise twisted to look up at them.

“Who’re they?” The boy looked up, frowning.

“Oh, just my assistants. Tweedle Dee and Tweedle Dum.” Soise shrugged, turning back to him. “Doesn’t matter which is which, since they’re the same person.”

The twins snorted. “So what did you want us back for?”

“Why don’t we go and find out?” Soise bounced to her feet, brushing herself off.

“You were going to show me more magic!”

“Next time.” Soise pulled a business card from the air and passed it to the boy. “Keep an eye out for us, alright?”

As they left the pavilion, the twins instantly spotted the group, though it seemed to have grown a little.

“They’re all here?” Aurora flicked a glance to Soise.

“Of course they are.” Soise walked on down the steps. “But they’re not too angry with you.”

“Why would they be angry?” Mark caught up with them, passing their bags.

“This was part of what you didn’t want to know,” Arlette replied, swinging her bag onto her back and taking her sister’s hand.

“Ah. Never mind then.” Mark shook his head, continuing to walk with them.

“Phoe has some admirers.” Soise smirked, watching the group.

Nyx was in her wolf form again, and surrounded by children. The twins smiled slightly, pausing at the bottom of the stairs to watch. She looked up and barked, wagging her tail.

The children left, called away by parents, leaving Nyx to run up to the twins and bounce around them like a puppy. Zlata waved from where she was and Arlette waved back, although it was far more of a twitching hand at waist height than a proper wave.

Aurora clutched harder at Arlette’s hand and offered her other to Nyx, letting her come closer.

“Who’s this?”

“Phoenyx,” Soise said. “She’s my daughter’s mightyena.”

“Your… daughter?” Mark glanced at her, eyeing her up.

“Or sister. It’s flexible.” Soise shrugged. “Probably sister in this form, huh… otherwise it’s a bit creepy.”

“Oh… you’re the zoroark.” Mark nodded slowly. “Right.”

Zlata joined them now, glancing at Mark. “Hello. Where have you been? And who’s your friend?”

“This is Mark,” Arlette said, glancing at him.

“Influential brat.” Mark grinned. “Do… should I be making a good impression?”

“You’re one of our friends, I doubt it.” Arlette snorted.

“Excellent.” He glanced Zlata over. “They seemed pretty down, so I kidnapped them for a few rides.”

“Nice to meet you, Mark.” Zlata gave him a shallow bow. “Thank you for making them feel better.”

Nyx sat down in front of them, whining and jerking her head towards the trees. Aurora nodded and squeezed Arlette’s hand.

“Ah… Mark?”

“You need to talk things over?” He shrugged. “I’ll leave you to it.”

Nyx padded into the trees and the twins followed.

“Are you alright? You just… disappeared like that, it was worrying.” Zlata followed them over.

Arlette closed her eyes for a moment and stiffened her jaw, but opened her eyes again. “We’re fine.” She lifted up her left hand, showing them the back of it as she waggled her fingers, forcing her voice to stay light. “And I didn’t break any fingers this time.”

Nyx glanced back and changed back to human, wincing and clutching at her shoulder as she did so. “Are you ok?” She looked at the twins. “Soise found blood on your sashes. And what did you say to Merwin, exactly?”

“You need to find a less self-destructive method of dealing with your anger. Even if you didn’t break your fingers, you’re still hurting yourself.” Zlata turned to Nyx and then stopped, looking back towards the twins.

“We fumbled our knives before Lairisse ‘ported us away.” Aurora examined her right palm. “They’ve stopped bleeding, though.”

“He’s doesn’t like listening to us, so we resorted to… baser methods. Just wanted to get our point across.” Arlette studied the ground at her feet.

“He’s left. He won’t be travelling with us anymore,” Nyx sighed, throwing up her hands. “You didn’t have to do that, ok? You shouldn’t have to defend my honour.” She rubbed her shoulder. “But… I suppose he did deserve to be punished for what he did.”

“Is that all?” Zlata frowned. “It looked like quite a bit more to me… it seemed really traumatic for him. I’m not completely sure if the punishment fit the crime.”

“We got carried away,” Arlette snapped. “It happens, alright?”

“Arl…”

“You don’t have to snap. It’s done, Merwin is gone. There’s nothing more that can really be said,” Zlata sighed. “I am sorry that we didn’t tell you about Merwin, but even I wasn’t really supposed to know. It would have been easier if we had, but it was not because we didn’t trust you.”

Arlette looked away, pressing the palm of her hand.

“Yes, but people have annoyed you before.” Nyx shook her head. “Just don’t feel you have to protect me, ok, I don’t want to be responsible for you getting hurt.” She looked over at their hands. “Have you healed them already? Are they still sore?”

“This… this was different. Harder to laugh off.” Arlette folded her arms, sliding down the trunk of a tree behind her.

Aurora held her hand out for Nyx to examine, the cut red and sharp across the palm. “Haven’t done anything about them yet, but they don’t hurt that much.”

Nyx took Aurora’s hand, sitting them down on the grass as she took a balm out of her back. “Why? It shouldn’t bother you what he did to me.” She shook her head, and gently started to apply it to Aurora’s hand. “If I were more gutsy, I might’ve been a bit more punchy.”

“I don’t think it’s a bad thing that you didn’t punch him, Nyx,” Zlata said.

“It’s what sisters do, isn’t it?” Aurora said, watching Nyx work.

Arlette rubbed at her hand, picking at the scab.

Nyx blinked, putting the balm back into her bag. “You… think I’m your sister?” She shook her head. “But I’m not really…”

Zlata looked between them, smiling widely. “You’ve known each other for a while, haven’t you? Of course they would think of you as their sister.”

“Well…” Aurora shrugged and glanced at her hand. “Maybe not genetically, but…” She motioned as if to break the scab on it. “Blood sisters?” She smirked.

“You’re as good as,” Arlette said, not looking up. “Even if we have got really crap ways of showing it.”

Nyx sat back, taking it in. “I’d be a terrible sister,” she murmured, glancing at Aurora’s hand. “I can’t believe you think of me like a sister…”

“Don’t be silly, Nyx, you’d be a fine sister. It’s not assessed and everyone does it in their own way. You look out for each other and help each other, that’s really all siblings have to do.” Zlata shrugged.

“Don’t worry about trying to live up to anything, alright?” Aurora smiled, pulling her hand back.

“We’ve set pretty low standards,” Arlette said, nudging a pine cone with her foot.

“It’s… it’s still really nice of you.” Nyx smiled, moving forward to hug Aurora. “I always wanted a sibling, but all I had was Rem, well… and all the crows, Nameless, and a wolf pack.”

Aurora grinned, hugging Nyx as Rem appeared on her shoulder.

“You have not one, but two now, Nyx,” Zlata said, stepping back to give them room.

“Yeah… buy one get one free week on siblings.” Aurora grinned, sitting back.

“Not for you. Well, unless you count Rem, though she’s not exactly the best sister.” Nyx smiled at Rem. “Cute, though.”

Rem started to groom her ears.

“She does have an off switch though, there is that.”

Rem squeaked, giving Nyx’s ear a nip.

“An off switch?” Zlata looked at Rem. “You’ve never told us about this before, Nyx.”

“Oh, she has a special scratchy spot, if you hit it she’ll fall asleep just like that, and it’s hard to wake her.”

Rem squeaked, sitting up on Nyx’s shoulder.

“No you won’t.”

“Why have you never told us about this special spot before?”

“Not that we’ve ever cared to know, have we?” Aurora shrugged.

“It’s useful to know, but I hardly think you’ll get that close, she doesn’t usually like other people stroking her.” Nyx took Rem into her hands, stroking her gently.

Rem hissed, taking hold of her tail and glaring around at them.

“Alright Rem, we won’t touch it. As long as you don’t threaten Hohenheim with Cole, understand?”

Nyx laughed, scratching Rem’s ears. “No threats, understand?”

“That is my job.” Zlata gave Rem a glare.

“Rem, hush!” Nyx hissed. “Zlata, don’t rise to it, she likes to argue.”

Aurora glanced over at Arlette, who was still slumped against the tree rubbing at her hand. She shifted over while Nyx and Zlata continued to talk with Rem.

“Are you ok?” she asked in an undertone.

Arlette flicked a glance at her and nodded. “Yeah.”

“So…”

“Why am I sitting back here?” Arlette snorted, looking away. “Because I need more time.”

“You have plenty of time.” Aurora forced a smile and punched her sister lightly on the right shoulder.

“Do you know where we were sending him?”

“Yeah… Hoenn.”

“Do you know when?”

“That’s… that’s your area.”

“So it is. Don’t worry about it.”

“I think I–”

“Hey… coming for lunch?” Nyx looked over. “Are you ok?”

“Sure.” Arlette nodded, pushing herself to her feet. “We were paying, right?”

“Only if you made enough money,” Zlata said.

“Which we did. Easily.” Aurora offered her hands to her sister, who helped pull her up.

“Lunch would be nice after all that.” Zlata passed Rem back to Nyx as the rattata woke up in her hands.

“In the park or somewhere else?”

“The darumaka lunch boxes are nice. And cheap.” Aurora smiled.

“Lead the way,” Zlata said.

“Told the others?”

“They’re coming.” Zlata nodded. “I hope they’re big enough.”

“They’re a proper size for lunch.” Aurora shrugged.

“We can always buy him more than one.” Nyx smiled.

“Really makes you think, doesn’t it?” Aurora asked softly.

It was late and the room was dark – everyone else was already sleeping. But Arlette was still sat up on her bed, leaning against the wall with her arms around her knees.

“What?” She looked towards her sister, eyes glinting in the dim light that filtered through the curtain.

“Well – Phoe is the NightChild. She’s supposed to be the evil one, the one to bring Giratina back. But…”

“Still thinking about earlier?”

Aurora nodded.

“He’s not dead, or even hurt.”

“Not physically.”

“Did you see the way Jade was looking at him? There’ll be nothing permanent.”

“I guess. But still…”

Arlette laughed quietly. “We’d have been better for that, huh?”

Aurora shifted onto her back. “It really says something when the Guardians are worse than the NightChild, doesn’t it?”

“Well… it’s Unova. We are the Demon Twins, are we not?”

“I guess…” Aurora nodded against her pillow, staring towards her sister.