Disclaimer: Well I don't own a damned thing except Monica and Chris. Damn.
A/R: Here we are, second chapter, and nothing real exciting happens, but that's okay because things are building up. Just go along with me for now, and things should pick up after awhile.
Chapter 2
Monica stirred to the sound of birds chirping outside in the afternoon sunshine. The thick stream of light across her face was what woke her. The presence of rain had all but vanished from the sky, for now it was a cheery blue with plump little clouds scattered here and there. There was a cold, wet rag on her forehead so she reached up with a hand and removed it. She sat up gingerly, waiting for the world to stop spinning. A glance told her she was alone in the room, which was nicely furnished if not modestly, with the sense of being vacant and unused much of the time. The next thing she noticed was a change of clothing, which lay at the foot of the bed freshly pressed and clean, if not oddly fashioned.
They must take their hospitality very seriously to let in a half starved drowned rat and give her a comfortable bed and (silk!) clothing. And am I complaining? Not in a lifetime! I haven't felt this well rested in months! As Monica was considering giving all her worldly goods to the host/hostess, the door to her temporary bedroom was opened. Then to her surprise and delight Chris walked in, dressed in his own set of clothing which wasn't silk but never the less flattered him. But he looked changed and there was something about him that Monica couldn't quite grasp that was different.
Grinning sheepishly Chris said, "Hey yearling, what took you so long? I thought you were going to sleep forever!" She only looked at him, and ignored the teasing nickname.
"Where are we?" she asked hesitantly, and he put a hand through his rough brown hair. Although they were twins they looked nothing alike. She had strait blond hair, pale transparent looking skin, blue eyes and a delicate bone structure, while Chris had dark brown hair, deep green eyes and a rugged look that made him seem self-possessed and assertive, despite the fact that he was usually kind and had a soft heart; or as they say in Japanese, kokoro ga ii desu.
"Well, technically I know where we are, if you want a name that is. But as for the location," He waved his hands in front of him with the same feeling as a shrug, "I have no idea where we are." Monica gave a sigh though not in the mood to be disagreeable. Chris went on, "If you want to know, I came up here to, a,) see how you're doing and, b,) ask if you felt hungry. Because if you're hungry, the food here is excellent." Suddenly, as she was acutely aware of how much her stomach was protesting, Monica nodded vigorously.
"Yes, yes! Show me the food, and I'll love you forever!" She cried. Chris laughed and said, "That's what I thought. I'll let you change then and if you want anything, I'll be right out here." With that he closed the door, giving her privacy.
Strange how quickly attitudes can change. Monica felt like she had experienced every possible emotion all in one day, from anguish, to fear, to hopelessness, to contentment. It was strange, but it gave her a very mature feeling, and she liked it. Nevertheless she certainly, by no means wanted to relive the experience again.
Standing up, she stripped off her warm covers and after doing away with her old ruined undergarments, picked up her new ones, which were on the top of the pile and put them on. Next, eyeing the rest of her foreign clothing, proceeded to hold up the blouse. It was light blue and made of silk, which made her boyish looking curves seem more feminine. She put it on happily. The skirt was light brown-almost tan, and was made a bleached fabric, close to the texture of jean, but softer with embroidery running down the seam. All and all she liked the selection, and thought that who ever picked it out must have very good taste to find complimenting outfits for her and her brother that actually looked respectable on them.
Looking in the mirror that hung above a dark wood dresser, she admired herself and smiled. But the smile faltered. Leaning forward, she took a closer look at herself. She had aged! Monica no longer had a fourteen year olds body; it was more like the figure of a twenty year old. Her hair had grown, and so had her feet she noted looking down. Her face was longer, and all remaining baby fat had disappeared. She started, absolutely at loss of words. So that was what made Chris look so different!
* * *
On the other side of the door Chris twiddled his thumbs, absently, waiting for his twin to change so they could eat. He was saving his lunch so they could have it together, even though he was warned it might be cold by then. Still he didn't mind, since it pleased him that he was able to have it at all.
: Did you think they wouldn't give you something to eat? : A voice in his head made him jump in surprise.
"Jesus, don't do that!" he swore, and then felt a little ashamed at doing so.
Kyril chuckled softly, : Try speaking to me through your mind next time, and it might save you some embarrassment.:
Chris flushed. : You're right you know,: he thought at her, : I'm just a little confused by this, and not very used to it either.:
: I know,: she replied gently, : But when you get over the initial shock of being Chosen, things should mellow out a bit, and you'll find it very useful in some cases.: He did not ask exactly why it would be useful, but simply nodded, as a figure entered the hall from the end of corridor to his left who he didn't recognize. The man was not here for room service or helping hands, because he was dressed very nicely and held an elegant sort of air about him, though his posture was made him seem tired and tense. He was lean, almost gaunt Chris was startled to note, and had beautiful black long hair and a pretty face. There was something in this man's pale gray eyes that was lonely and Chris could almost relate. After all with no home and no family except his sister, well, that was pretty pathetic.
Chris turned and knocked on his sister's door. After no reply he tapped again. "Oi," he called, "You still alive in there?" After still no answer he turned the knob, and peeked inside.
"Hey, Moni-" was all he said before getting a face full of pillow.
"Pervert!"
Chris gapped, then shook his head in disbelief and retorted, "I'm your brother, not to mention twin, thank very much. I've seen you naked plenty of times when we were young, so there's certainly nothing to surprise me!" Monica stuck her head out the door with a humph, and was about to say something in return. But that was when she saw the well-dressed stranger with a slightly bemused expression. Instead of returning the insult like she was planning to, she flushed and glared at Chris who shrugged.
"Er, Hello," She tried to salvage what was left of the ruined introduction. The man smiled. It was nice smile, Chris thought amusedly, aware that Monica would probably kill him if he tried to flirt with the man. He hid a chuckle. My sisters star struck, he thought, that's so perfect.
: She's not the only one.:
: Quiet.:
Chris Shook head slightly, as if to order his thoughts. He couldn't help but smile back when, Vanyel as he introduced himself, greeted them.
"So, I take it you're feeling comfortable here?" Vanyel asked formally. Monica nodded, standing next Chris with hands folded in front of her very nicely. Just in spite of her he crossed his arms and leaned against the wall smugly.
"Very," she said gratefully, "we thought we was going to die last night." Chris scoffed teasingly and said, "Speak for yourself yearling, I always new things were going to work out."
She rolled her eyes, "Liar."
"Yep."
* * *
Vanyel watched them bicker with a sort of longing for the relationship they had. As siblings they looked very close, something he had never really been to any of his brothers or sisters. Suddenly he felt a protest from his stomach and realized he should have had lunch a little while ago.
"I think I'll leave you two for now, seeing as I haven't had any lunch yet," Vanyel commented and watched the pale girl turn from her brother with surprise.
"Well," she said, "We haven't had any lunch either. Do you know where we could find some?" Vanyel nodded, "Sure follow me," and lead the way, hearing Chris protest half-heartedly.
"I know where the kitchen is you know."
