Chapter 3 ahoy! I enjoyed writing this chapter- this is the first time I have written from the twin's point of view. Hope you enjoy reading it. There be mention of 3/6 and 4/8 pairings.
Unlike the dull grey days that had crawled by for around a fortnight after that dreadful day, the dawn was a bright red sun, shining cheerfully on the world with a warm happiness. This left everything the light touched feeling refreshed- as if they had forgotten what had happened a long time ago. 3 and 4 lay sprawled atop the watchtower, basking in the sunlight and being warmed by its rays. Though they felt no better than they did the day before, or the day before that, there was a cheerful sun, a gentle warm breeze, and that was all that mattered.
After all, there's nothing wrong with enjoying a bit of sunlight. We've been holed up in the library for so long, and we did not get enough time to relax during that desperate hour-
It wasn't just an hour!
Ugh, NOT LITERALLY, 4!
3 rolled her eyes as 4 blinked irritably to herself. 3 and 4 did not differ in many ways- they were twins, after all. But, they still had their arguments. 3 was more carefree than 4 was- 4 was more shy, organised, and a little pedantic. When distressed, she was more so than usual, and 3 was left feeling the tiniest bit frustrated. There was silence between the pair as the warm sunrise turned into a crisp and beautiful morning. 4 sat up, facing 3 in a crosslegged position. 3 blinked lazily at her sister.
Something wrong, 4?
Well, yes. I mean- I think we need to talk.
Talk?
About- about the accident.
Do we have to? Right now?
I think we do. The sun will help.
...I suppose he will.
3 sighed, sitting up, positioning herself so her body was symmetrical to the form of her twin. Her hands folded rather naturally in her lap, while 4 rubbed her optic nervously.
Uh... what do you think happened?
We were both there, 3. The beast exploded.
I mean... what if they were still out there?
They haven't returned since the accident.
That's exactly my point.
Point?
They could be out there, lost... hurt... but alive.
Don't ever say that again!!!
What? Why not?
Just how do you think 2 would feel if you so much as let that slip around him! You know he would get his hopes up, and... if he found them...
Oh. I guess you're right.
Not to mention poor 7.
Yeah... 7. She hasn't left her room since the accident.
I overheard 8 saying that she hasn't left her bed! Oh, 7... it was so unlike her to fall so hard- to fall in love at all! Just like in the stories we asked her to read to us!
She loved him so much... but it was so romantic...
You just wish 6 treated you like that.
Yeah... wait, WHAT? NO!
Yes! You finally admitted it! You like 6!
No I don't!!!
Yes you do!!!
NO I DON'T!!!
YES YOU DO!!!
No. I. Don't.
Yes. You. Do.
You like 8!
Yes. WAIT!!!
HAH!
"What in Creator's name are you two talking about?" 2 asked as he climbed up onto the watchtower. He was almost sent crashing to the ground as 3 swung around behind him to hide from her angered sibling. 3 peeked out under 2's arm, blinking up at him.
She likes 8.
NOOOO I DOOOONNNNNN'T!
"Girls, this isn't really a time or place for games. Look around- the ruins are beautiful before the sun reaches the centre of the sky." he scolded gently, with a wise edge to his voice. He was right- he was always right- the ruins looked lovely, despite the fact that 3 found them rather grotesque at the best of times.
"5 used to love coming up here in the mornings. Before... I used to join him up here every morning. I have decided to continue the tradition." he continued, gesturing the the very spot on which 5 used to stand. The floorboards looked a little worn there- 3 held back a gasp as her imagination brought an image of 5 to her on that very spot. He looked happy. 3 exchanged a glance with 4, who stared at the spot, wide-eyed. Once again, they had shared their thoughts with a telepathy that existed in the minds of twins. A great sadness came upon 3. 5 would never stand in that spot again...
"Cheer up, 3. After all, neiher 5 or 9 would have wanted us to be sad. They would have wanted us to move on, to find new things! They would have wanted us to keep fulfilling our purpose- to live." 2 told her, though 3 noticed that his optics were tight. He was trying to be strong. He was failing rather miserably.
...You know she likes 8? 3 blinked, bringing her first random thoughts to light. 2 somehow understood their language, and 3 decided to use that advantage to help. He smiled disbelievingly.
"No..."
Yes, she does. She denies it.
That's because I DON'T LIKE 8!!!
"There's nothing wrong with liking 8, child. You know how he likes to watch you play sometimes."
He does? What about 6?
"6? Why 6?"
3 likes 6.
Nuh-uh!
You admitted it before!
No I didn't!
You so did!
I did not!
You did too!
"Girls, don't argue. You'll never get answers from arguments." 2 said, before taking one last look at the horizon. The sun had not moved much, but it still looked like the world was celebrating.
"The world has moved on far too quickly for my liking." he mumbled bitterly, before leaving the twins by themselves at the top of the watchtower in a hurry. 3's heart went out to 2- he was trying so hard.