image [https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/pw/AP1GczPKNOy06oK6-kV2u8_-XGpNpd3BB9TzVI1JXCBwc60L4Nr5AWaoheTVb3uXvfj9Ugyd6NUze3cm55I8eE4IMPwUdeDTQVXIaBfEhfKW_xzXLRDH0T-QXHCaGgeXvol71A6PIkk4LqxAzcJwl61-mqf0Pg=w654-h654-s-no-gm?authuser=1]
(Concept of the forest Leon and Iris train in every morning)
It all begins with the shine of the beautiful summer sun. A radiating light piercing the sky with a cool breeze flowing through the fresh greenery of the forest. Birds chirped peacefully as they rested in their nest. 'Feed me', said baby birds, hopping up and down in a frantic excitement. The mother pigeon leaned to feed her kin. The tree shook violently, making them all hop and squawk in a chicken chaos panic.
A grunt escaped Leon as he crumbled against the leaves. He shielded his eyes as the sun blinded him through the trees. Towering over him with her indistinguishable scowl, his sister Iris bit her thumbnail irritably. Her dark curly hair flowed down to her hips, the pink highlights covering her cheeks.
They'd both shown signs of growth in their bodies, only five years and a half years, having passed since awakening. It was the only similarity they shared, having completely different shades of skin and different eyes.
"Leon, that was pathetic..." Iris said, kicking aside his arms.
Several broken pieces of wood and branches were scattered around them. They stood within Woodland Park, a forest close to their house. One would've called it a typical morning. Tranquil even. That wasn't something his sister worked well with. Gritting his teeth, he managed to swing his knee past her legs and kicked out. He slammed his heel into her gut. She coughed, grabbing it.
"Would you put some pants on? Any half brained retard could be gawking at that cloth you call a skirt! On another matter, why the hell are we doing this so early?" Leon asked, panting between words.
He pulled his knee in and snapped it back. It threw her off as he rolled to his feet. "Because today's the big trip! You know I can't kick efficiently in jeans, dummy! I could care less if they get an eyeful if my foot's lodged in their teeth! You never know who we'll meet," Iris said, placing her hands on her hips.
Leon shook his head silently. "You always say that... What, you think we'll be hijacked on our first cruise ever? Come on."
"I'm not assuming anything will happen. Just doesn't hurt to be prepared..." Iris said, raising her fists.
She threw a punch without warning. The wind around it whistled, scraping Leon's cheek. He watched her movements carefully. Her knuckles slammed into his elbows as he blocked each strike.
Her fists shattered every tree he dodged around. It was a wonder she hadn't broken any bones with how wildly she was swinging them. Whether it was his or her bones that were supposed to be shattering was another question entirely.
Catching her last hit, he twisted around her arm. "You're being overdramatic!" He caught her neck in an arm lock when her leg swung up. The toe of her boot crashed into his eye.
He scowled as he let her go, kneeling. She twisted around and grabbed his collar. "And you're being too relaxed! How the fuck can I expect you to be safe if you can't even fight properly?"
Her fist was inches from crashing into his nose. He parried and grabbed her by the hair, slamming her nose with a vicious headbutt. Iris bit back a squeal. His heel twisted on the grass as he spun. No time to react, Iris flailed her hands up as his left foot smashed into her side. She fell against a tree, leaves scattering from the impact. Crows cawed in complaint and flew away frantically above them.
"Last time I checked, this was a vacation! I don't need to fight! Can we just make it there in one piece? I'd rather not have to bleach out blood from my clothes again. Not today at least. "
Iris flared her eyes at him dangerously as she heaved. Taking a deep breath, she straightened herself out. "God damn it... ugh, alright. You win little brother." She offered an awkward smile, extending a hand.
I'm not falling for that... Leon groaned, crossing his arms. When he turned to walk away, she grabbed him from behind. His hands caught her wrists before they fell around his neck, throwing her over his shoulder. She crashed against the grass in a heap.
"You're the little sister, last time I checked. Come on... we're going to be late," Leon said, walking past her. She slammed her foot into his ankle. He yelped and fell over beside her.
Iris shakily rose against the dirt with her elbows. "I'm not letting you walk away with the last hit... you jerk."
She rolled onto his chest, and he half expected her to keep fighting. Instead, she paused to look at him curiously. "Since when have you been so... defensive? You never felt so strongly about anything before," Iris said, her voice drifting.
He groaned. "Iris, this is a daily routine with us. This is the one day I've been looking forward to, and I still wake up to trading blows with you. This isn't exactly my idea of fun," he said, lying there on the forest floor.
She leaned toward him, making his eyes widen. He instinctively caught her face short of her lips connecting with his. "What are you doing?"
"Was this the sort of fun you had in mind? If this was what we were doing, would it appeal to you more?" Iris asked, pulling his hand away and straddling him.
It made him sigh. "Aren't we supposed to be siblings? We aren't impersonating Alabama twins you know," Leon said, making Iris chuckle.
"It isn't like we're actually related. We've shared a bed for years... You're telling me you've never been curious once?" Iris asked, stroking his chest.
It was something that should've aroused him. Stirred something that would turn on any normal teenage boy. The thought of what Katie would think of this made him grimace. "We had our clothes on. It's not as if we were snuggling like a bunch of love struck puppies. I suppose I took the role of being your brother more seriously than I thought... We're going to be late," Leon said, pushing her off gently.
She landed against the leaves, staring up at the sky in shock. Clicking her teeth, she rose to her feet. "Fine..." Iris said dejectedly. She turned her back and moved on without another word.
Leon rose to his feet, Has Iris always had feelings like that? She always seemed irritated most of the time... Granted, that's usually only when Raina is talking her ear off. Whenever we're alone, she's usually more relaxed when she doesn't feel like being a drill sergeant in the morning. What if someone saw us.... He shook his head, straightening up. God damn it.
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If you spot this story on Amazon, know that it has been stolen. Report the violation.
(Example of the cruise)
It was a good two hours before they finished getting ready and arrived at the Rabblestone Pier. The scent of sea salt filled their noses as they got closer to the harbor. In front of them was a beautiful white cruise ship. Fog was incredibly thick outside the car, having grown more dense upon arrival. Leon and Iris stepped out of the taxi, bandaged and bruised in several places. More than a few pairs of eyes stared at them.
"Ignore 'em," Iris whispered, paying the driver.
Leon cursed under his breath. Wouldn't need to if you didn't insist on training this morning...
They walked through the parking lot, dark clouds plaguing the sky. A light drizzle of rain began as they drew closer to the ship. Standing beside the dock's gate, a young man with a couple of suitcases at his side watched them. His expression brightened as they drew closer.
"You two took your sweet ass time..." Richard said, silently shaking his head. "Jesus, the fuck happened to you guys this time? Get hit by a bus or what?"
"That's putting it mildly," Leon responded, shooting Iris a look. "Someone just insisted on sparring with me at 4 in the morning. It's not like any of us need any sleep or anything! Am I right, my dear sweet baby sister?"
Iris waved his comment off sheepishly. "Oh hush. One day you'll be singing me praises and licking my boots when these lessons save your life."
Richard shook his head, grinning. "You two are insane. Well, at least you made it." His eyes lowered to see they were both only carrying one suitcase. "Not packing much, huh?"
"Nah... just my clothes and my laptop," Leon responded, pulling out his phone.
Where are you guys? He texted Damien and Raina.
One sec. Raina responded almost instantly. A chill ran down his spine as he ducked down.
Before Richard could respond, a flying briefcase smacked him in the face. "Ow! What was that for?" He groaned, holding his nose.
"Sorry!" Raina smirked, winking at him. "Hey Leon."
"Hello Rain- AH!" Leon ducked as Damien and Raina both threw another large backpack at them. "Richard, how didn't you see them coming?"
"I did! I thought they were trying to hit you!" Richard responded, scowling.
Iris watched them, tapping her foot. Many watched them as they passed by, whispering and snickering. Some laughed while others cringed at their behavior. After a moment, Iris gave a small smile. "Thought you two weren't coming?" Iris asked, raising an eyebrow.
"Ha, figured we'd surprise you! Had to sell Damien's kidney for these babies," Raina said, waving her tickets and kissing them dramatically. "Good to see you too, by the way."
Smoke passed overhead from the stacks of the ships around them. "This is going to be the best! The whole gang on a cruise?" Richard questioned, wrapping Damien in a headlock. "We owe your folks big time, Leon!"
Leon smiled, but grimaced as they all turned to get on the boat. I'm happy my friends are here... Just wish mom and dad didn't have to take that job, he thought bitterly.
Sven and Kara had gotten a last second request to investigate a ruin discovered in France. This was going to be the first vacation they spent together in years. Their jobs as archeologists had them traveling a lot, but because they were more than well off, they could afford to pay for their home and trips for Leon and Iris.
Iris shared a look with him as she moved on ahead of them. It made him think of the morning, making him frown. He followed his friends onto the ship, passing the crowds. Getting over the brow was painfully long. Many called out goodbyes from the pier. His eyes drifted to the hundreds of other ships docked around them.
What would I even do if Katie actually showed up? Would I know how to react? Leon thought, his eyes wandering. His friends chattered away, merry and laughing. It was a good day. Even the clouds and rain seemed to be parting above them, revealing a beautiful blue and the radiant sun. There was a strangeness to it, making his stomach tighten.
The sea of people made him grimace. Everything felt hot despite the breeze. Loud chatter all around him, only beaten by the horn of the ship blasting. He grasped his head as it ached.
Leon... The sound of his name being called made him turn around. There were several people, yet none of them were looking at him. Leon, can you hear me? The voice called again. There was no doubt that it was Katie's.
Someone knocked into him. "What the hell?" He whispered. The sight of her made him flinch. "Katie?" He accidentally said her name without thinking.
The girl snapped her head in his direction. They looked almost exactly the same. Long brown hair tied into a french braid, wearing a tight, silky green dress to match her eyes. She looked furious until their gazes locked. She leaned in and moved closer to him. There was something different about this one.
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image [https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/pw/AP1GczNG0-4ZN93VCrE1T-7jl8GBysasxgFHUodm465m6fhac_2ITbSLe0e01996vhCoZVN7PmEfuPHUO3_XK1V9zIxbaiA4PCm4MMZK6ihoPgnEGMftKcTGr9edkX4r9_JiLPmivNDFEj3sDBHvxYtcnmQsolwNGNfXQEme6TiI7DDNbJBo0RwY4orImQMT_s6zgnpXP-O40tOwA5ZhKBWEMu6ZzwK9S8_1cJdjCcJuul3Scwz5VpqA9SOLBrY9FCtlOYvND3I0f7fCfHjdGKXR2eEbWOP0K68cGAQ4350X-P06zRoVP15Oe0jzZP9y1CO0SYBbtCkXG7XrIfNJU7OpSRZM3sOaHxyTD8GlvUsIBykH__pxMmbvFGKV9SoCZEaSPTeLU7ARVRqehR1dEgtyjVd4SG_aW0IZmemBJxa_3KMk02uIsNSaTJ1rBxChc3a1HpIFTW9eD6YWAC-N8i1-ATztutd--7IwS2kOClc9XpzeANOjZARLnA12vhPxdaz9_oXA17K_dcNjQ-pZXKG5ZPaowotsQA3S1I7z4Y5McRANdbdrJuO5q1mS_C86cJDYRO08kIsoo1oMD4CRqPaqWLlIX3D-TA4alSM1uTkjGKME64u4DaYOPdyTnbdwx0LXAnDvhTPBJOr_ikMA_3vZvlTs_FB91eSBust9GwqhBQdbOv_L0sdaFNvXXfF82qm9XQRyB-bHs07XtW-rQOWHUOe-q4_gFsLe-N5c0ylauzOmn1LMYVoDVfVT6FdBQSmqxABUZI37T3fHKywnTkE_IN1Xl0hnoz4h6EQyGJ32xQKUQu-jC2zDF4tuGLQzwZ1mLPviVLb2zRjlJfkZUodJK6jZgWA6Cwc1kM_kswrhZ08IXHke72Ei8eunIrorPZ66icfkYq76YkSUz1kAMv814yMSTT1Lqy0NPziex_xvO9HdE-F52YC5Rt_TY3P2ELKH=w319-h370-no?authuser=1]
(Concept Art of Cynthia. Does she look angsty enough for you?)
Several miles away on the beach.....
A beautiful girl with long brown hair slicked into a high ponytail, blue sunglasses, and glistening skin took a red martini from a sweating bouncer, "U-um, miss, there's a bikini shop I'm sure that'd be much more suited to-"
"Oh please, it's showing just as much skin. Either bring me another drink or beat it, you're burning daylight," Cynthia sneered, waving her hand at him to move out of the way.
She was stripped to her black underwear as she laid against a deckchair on the beach. She took a nice long sip as another woman dressed in all black approached. "You're not choking me out? That's a first, Lilith," Cynthia said, lowering her shades enough to look up at her glowering mother.
Lilith's eyes narrowed. "It would be a waste of my time. Where is your sister?"
"Beats me. She left to go meet her boy toy and split," Cynthia said, drinking more of her martini.
At those words, Lilith's eyes widened. "A boy? Who are you talking about?"
"No clue. She practically flew out of that shuttle without another word the second we found out where the cruise was. Spent all night looking it up... real pain in the ass really," Cynthia grumbled, furrowing her eyebrows.
The bouncer brought another drink to which Lilith snatched it out of his hands. "Ma'am, are you going to pay for that?"
"Will blood suffice, you simpleton? Know your place and walk away!" she snapped, making him spin and walk as quickly in the other direction as he could. Her hands trembled before she took a sip of the martini. She spat it out immediately, crushing the glass in her palms. "I should've known better than to try a child's choice in drink."
Cynthia bit back a laugh. "I wasn't aware you liked drinking... or anything in our oh-so-lovely childhood."
Lilith snarled, but then she stopped. "You understand why you were all created. Whether you approve of my methods or not, peace is impossible as long as Diablos exists. When will you set aside your rebellious attitude and understand that?"
"We've spent our entire lives doing nothing but what you've told us. I put Katie and Isabella through hell for your pointless fight. Where is Diablos now? Are we expected to wait for the big bad Boogey man the rest of our fucking lives?"
"If that's what it takes, so be it!" Lilith snapped, smashing the glass out of Cynthia's hands. "If it wasn't for your father's blasted interference you'd be-" She stopped, but she didn't need to finish for Cynthia to interpret the rest.
She sighed. "Is that supposed to make me want to cooperate? You're a really shitty negotiator, Lilith."
"It matters little. Be thankful my heel isn't being driven into your neck and tell me more about this boy. She had to have said something," Lilith said, turning toward Cynthia. There was more than the usual coldness in her eyes.
Anymore back talk at this point would obviously end in nothing short of a brutal beating or death. She would never sell Katie out of course, but even a lie was better than nothing. Sighing, Cynthia sat up so she could face her. "All I know is that they meet in their sleep. I couldn't get her to spill too many details about it..."
Lilith's eyes widened. "Do you realize what you've done? The only one to share a mind with Jalaiya is Diablos himself! Your sisters may well be dying or dead before either of us can do anything about it!"
It was Cynthia's turn to look surprised. "What? Diablos? Are you serious?"
Her mother was pacing back and forth, clutching her mouth. "We need to go now! Put your clothes on immediately!"