At first, he tried to move and found his muscles mostly unresponsive. He felt his arms seize on him. His eyes were unfocused, so he didn't realize who he was staring at. A murmur escaped his lips, "Mmhmm." He realized how sluggish he felt.
Where's Irene? Was the first coherent thought in his head. His hand reached to his side. His head turned to follow to see her sleeping.
Wait, weren't we at…Freya! Panic started to override his rational thought. Why do I feel so slow? Why does everything feel blurred together? All these questions hurt to think more in-depth about. Right now, all he cares about is getting to his sister.
The sound of a bed being pushed together and it felt like his goal was in reach. His hand landed gently on something. Feeling around. He was relieved that it wasn't her chest, but her arm. She's here…that means she's alive…right D-
Like a shockwave, all the memories came back. That's right…we failed…Dia… it physically hurt to think about.
Wait, that was his chest. He blinked again, seeing movement across from him, above his sister. Blinking the blurriness out of his eyes, he was looking at someone.
This person was just standing there, a fragile smile plastered on her face. Blinking, "Who-?"
"Please do not speak yet," they said. It trickled some memories, "I don't want to explain twice."
Why do I know this voice? He exclaimed in his mind. How do I know it? "Do I…know you? No, you can't…be her…she died…"
Soon after the figure rounded the bed and Isaac felt a hand in his hair. "You'll be okay…I'll make sure of it." They sounded like they were holding back tears.
Moments later, a second shifting happened. Irene was waking up. She thought of the circumstances of what brought her here, she didn't want to remember it but the visions came, replaying over and over. In comparison, Irene was far more lucid than her brother. She gasped, "Dia!" Before her eyes opened. The next word to leave her was, "Isaac!"
Isaac was much more alert, still not one hundred percent, but he was coming to. "Irene…"
She tried to mentally speak with Isaac, but when she didn't feel the connection, she knew. She's been using it for so long now she doesn't know what to do without it. "She's gone…"
He swallowed the lump on his throat, "She is…Irene…who else is in the room?"
That seemed to get Irene's focus as her eyes met someone who was similar to hers. No, not similar, the exact same! They're my eyes!
"Glad to see that you're both awake, but I do have bad news, and well, good news…depending on your reaction," the words were firm, but there was a sheepish stance to this person.
"Where's the necklace?" The first question that Irene asked.
A clicking noise reached their dulled senses. Irene finally noticed how sluggish she was. It was a miracle she was able to turn over and grab Isaac. The necklace was held in front of them. They noticed that it was stained red with blood. "Dia…"
"Unfortunately, Lady Dia is no longer of this world. She has returned the Tenkai, and don't think for a second that I'll be letting this injustice stand. Freya will get her punishment for attempting to poach my grandchildren. She broke many rules and I am here to make sure that she gets what she deserves," they said which shocked the twins. They noticed that they weren't facing them fully. The long flowing forest green hair was covering most of their face.
They weren't angry, more in disbelief. The words went right over their head. However, they knew that the person in front of them was someone close to them. Their minds were slowed down, still trying to fully comprehend their current situation. "She…why do I know you?"
They turned to face the twins with a sad smile, "Because you thought I abandoned you when that was never the case."
Even with their slow minds, they both looked shocked as they both blurted out, ""Grandma?!""
Tears came to her eyes as she nodded, "Yes…it's me, your Grandma Sofia…"
The twins started crying, trying to reach her. For all they know, she could be lying, but right now, both Isaac and Irene are hurting. They need someone else to comfort them. They needed a pillar as one of the most important ones they've ever known collapsed into a pile of rubble.
Sofia closed the gap and hugged the twins, sitting on the edge of the bed, "I'm so sorry that I was too late…" Irene curled into the warmth that was being provided, her sniffling picked up as she started to ugly cry. Isaac was crying but he was trying to feel something. Sofia must have noticed because she tightened her hold on him gently. "Forgive me for failing you…I know I don't deserve it, but I…I want to be in your lives…for real."
"Why did Dia have to die? What's wrong with these Gods?!" Irene shouted into Sofia's robes.
"A lot," Sofia cooed as she silently glared at the door. She whispered under her breath, "You better leave before I decide to come after you…"
Neither twin heard the threat that was directed to the people outside the window. If they were smart, they wouldn't darken this place ever again.
Isaac felt hollow, not because of Sofia, but because Dia was no longer in his life. A God is everything to a Familia, especially to the younger members. It leaves a psychological impact on them, and it makes it worse when they are wrenched from their lives. Isaac remembers getting his falna from Dia and that was the start. Now that she's gone, there's a hole.
Irene doesn't entirely remember getting the falna like Isaac. She remembers feeling the sensation of being massaged all over her body. She woke up shortly after feeling better. She did consent to getting it, as they agreed that if she ever offered or the opportunity came up, they would take it. Isaac explained it to her years ago, shortly after acquiring it.
"So, what happens now?"
Sofia pulled back, wiping a tear from her eye as well as her grandchildrens', "Well, a lot. Let me speak so I can catch you up. After that, I want you to tell me of your time here. Riveria caught me up, but I want your input. That's…if you want."
Irene nodded, looking like she needs something to talk about lest she get trapped in her own thoughts. Isaac nodded as well, trying to escape those thoughts.
"So that's everything," Isaac said. Sofia listened with rapt attention but even without his blessing, he could see she was nervous.
"I see. So, you've done a lot, and went through so much," Sofia grit her teeth after hearing her grandchildren's experiences. It made her want to go and finish off Freya right now. She was still in her home, at least she better be. I'm such a failure as a Grandparent. Honey, I wish you were still here.
Irene must have noticed her nerves, "Are you okay, Gra-Sofia?" The hesitation in her voice didn't go unnoticed. It was for a good reason after all.
"You're fidgeting a lot, you were expecting us to blow up at you? To resent you?" He asked lazily. "Right now, I don't have the emotional capacity to even scrounge up anger. Most of them died with Dia." Irene leaned her head on his shoulder and he naturally wrapped an arm around her.
"Truthfully, yes. I fully expected you to reject me and want nothing to do with me," Sofia raised a hand before they had a chance to speak, "Don't argue. I'd deserve your hate either way. I wasn't there for you, and right when I was coming to see you—among other reasons—I heard that the Pleasure Quarter is up in flames because of you."
"That…was only the entrance. They captured Irene and…Mikoto…where is she?" He asked, feeling something deep in his chest. Irene already noticed the changes in her brother, but was slightly relieved that he still had feelings for Mikoto.
"All of your friends and comrades are outside the room, and Issac, your courted is a cutie, you'll be happy. Don't mess it up," she pointed a finger at him.
Chuckling awkwardly, "I won't." Right now though, I can't drag her down because of this. I know she understands a little, but…
Irene set a hand on his shoulder, giving him a look. Even without their Mindscape, they still can read each other. Don't break her heart. Isaac and Mikoto were cute together. She won't let them break up.
"They allowed me this time to speak with you, to see if I was going to be hated. Rightfully, you should. However, there is something that needs to be said. Loki, Hestia, come on in."
The twins looked to the door as it opened. Hestia entered first, the Loki. Just as the door was about to shut, Isaac noticed Mikoto. She noticed him at the same time and she smiled, relieved.
He sent a small one back before the door closed. "Alright, Hecate, let's get this part of the conversation over with. Plus, don't you have business elsewhere?"
"I'm aware of what's waiting for me and that old coot can wait just a bit longer," Sofia replied tersely.
Irene looked out the window and saw an owl, that same white owl with two different eyes. "I've seen that bird before…" Sofia looked curiously at her granddaughter before turning her attention back to Hesita and Loki.
"How is everyone, Lady Hestia?" Issac asked.
The Goddess of the Hearth felt like she was talking to a different person. There was none of the normal cheer in his voice. She controlled her reaction, "So, right when you and Mikoto went on a date-"
"You, Loki, and Dia all talked, right?" Isaac said, feeling something but he couldn't identify it. "I guessed as much when I left and saw you briefly, Loki. That means I have to go see if I can find that letter."
"Letter?" Loki asked. Admittedly, Sofia was curious too.
"Before I threw myself into my intent...she left a letter. It's still…in the Complex, if nothing happened to it. I don't think I can enter it without breaking down into a puddle. Too many memories, even in my lack of an emotional state…" Isaac said. "She knew this was going to happen, and that's what hurts the most. If she knew then I would've stayed by her side or brought her to Twilight Manor…" Isaac put his head in his hands despite the casts on his wrists being in his way, "I should have listened to my instinct."
"You can't blame yourself now. It happened," Loki said, as this song and dance is nothing new to her but it hurt every time. "I won't tell you to get over it, as I'm somewhat aware of what this is going to do to you. Which is why…"
"…why Dia allowed you to choose who you wanted to go to. Your Falnas wouldn't have activated for Freya anyway. They had to be your choice and since I can assume that you'll want nothing to do with Freya…that you do have options," Hestia said looking directly at them. She hated the vacant look in their eyes. They did not hold as much joy as they once did. Mikoto shouldn't come in. It would only hurt worse.
"Dia said that you both could go into either Familia, or one each, or even not at all," Loki said, to which Sofia raised an eyebrow. She didn't call them out on it. The twins didn't notice this like they normally would.
Hestia raised another point, "She also said to not let anyone influence you, so take the time to think about it. The offer remains open if you choose at a later date?"
Having said what they needed, Loki shoved her hands into her pockets, "Do you…want to let anyone in?"
Hestia just couldn't take it anymore and launched herself at the twins, hugging them, and started crying. Throughout the conversation, they've been building up, and she couldn't take it anymore. She's the Goddess of the Hearth and Family. So it breaks her heart to see a loving family that Dia was to them…gone. The twins wrapped an arm around Hestia to show they weren't avoiding it.
Sofia allowed this and stood, "I will be back in a few hours. Continue to rest and just call for Amid if you need anything. Right now, I have business with the rest of Orario."
Irene reached for her hand and managed to grab it, "Promise you'll come back?"
Sofia turned to see child-like worry in her eyes. "I promise, little fairy."
Irene smiled, "Okay."
She's showing signs of temporary memory regression…because it was traumatizing. She's forcing herself to not remember. Freya…I'll make you look at what you've done. Sofia left the room. Once she did, her gentle smile hardened, "I will be back. I have business."
The group of Bell, Mikoto, Welf, Lili, and Haruhime all shivered at the power exuded. Finn, Gareth, Riveria, Tione, Tiona, Ais, Bete, Lefiya, and Alicia all tensed but made no movement. Ryuu was not present, as she was at work. Amid, Martha, and Bernadette were close by, "So, has he woken up?"
"Both have," she turned to Mikoto. "You aren't going to like hearing this but Isaac's emotions are dulled. Whatever happiness he had died with Dia. However, when you were brought up, some light returned. Irene…on the other hand…" Mikoto didn't know how to take that. Her demeanor slumped for a moment before determination rose in her whole stance.
"What's happening?" Riveria asked, worry was clear in her eyes.
Sofia gripped her staff, "She's showing signs of temporary memory regression. Meaning that she's forgotten the events. She knows Dia is gone but she's not…accepting it…for lack of a better term," she trailed off. "Once she does, she will be in shambles."
Riveria felt her heart break but kept a stoic mask. "I see."
"Would it be better to say that she knows she's Falnaless but doesn't know why?" Amid suggested. Sofia nodded.
"Now, I must step out. I trust that you'll watch them," Sofia said, she didn't ask anyone directly as she already knew the answer. When she got nods, she stepped outside the clinic.
They didn't know that the twins were very good at hiding some things. This applies more to Irene.
What Sofia met was a crowd of people all clamoring. Sofia sighed once more before raising her staff and firing off a spell into the sky.
"Listen because I am only going to say this once!" Everyone quieted. Let's see how many of them are adventurers. Sofia let out her presence and she watched with critical eyes as to who fell, took a knee, or almost blacked out. That was around seventy-five percent of the people here.
"What the fuck was that?" Someone shouted.
"That was the aura of a very high-level adventurer and a pissed-off Grandmother. Hear me, Freya Familia, step near my grandchildren again…my warning will turn into consequences. As I'm sure you're all aware, Lady Dia of the Dia Familia returned to Tenkai, thanks to the aforementioned Familia and her delusional schemes."
"Who are you?" Someone said in the back in a normal voice.
"Who am I?" Sofia parroted. "I am Sofia Vlahos, Hecate of the former Zeus Familia. Those grandchildren I mentioned…are the ones I came back for. You all know them, Harpe and Aspis," She walked through the crowd and they parted like water. "No one is allowed inside. No one is allowed to ask what happened, and no one is allowed to offer them a spot in their Familia. If you do so…Grandma-bear will not be happy. So far, you've all disappointed me," The few Gods in the crowd understood clearly. "I know you're in the crowd, Hermes, this especially means you." The blond God was in the crowd and smirked. His Captain rolled her eyes and moved her glasses.
That was until she appeared in front of them, "I mean it, errand boy," Sofia spat. Asfi stiffened, feeling the pressure of a high-class adventurer.
"No arguments here, still can't believe that's where I found you," Hermes said with his signature smirk.
"Hecate!"
Sofia just made it through the crowd to turn and see Shakti Varma and some members of the Ganesha Familia. "Little Varma, you've grown up."
"Lady Vlahos, we-"
"I am already headed to the Guild. I myself have a few words for Ouranos, and what he should do for her punishment. If he doesn't…I'm taking my family and leaving—oops I mean leveling—Freya's home. This place is now nothing but pain to them."
Shakti stood ridgely in front of Sofia, nodding. I thought Ottar was intimidating, but she's on another level…literally! "Shall I escort you?"
"If you insist. I wish to walk and talk," Sofia smiled at Shakti.
As they began to walk, "Can I get your side of the incident last night?"
"Always the diligent worker, take a break every now and again, but I will tell you…" So, Sofia told in incredible detail what happened. When Shakti asked questions, she gave them the full answer.
"I see. And Sofia…" The Great Mage stopped and turned to Shakti who was starting to shake. "Please forgive me for not helping them sooner!"
I see, she feels guilty for not being able to help. I never blamed them. She has a good head on her shoulders. Sofia brought Shakti into a hug. Sofia was a little taller than the Ganesha Captain. "I know you tried, that's all I could ask." Shakti was too far in her shock to realize that a High Elf touched her.
Entering the Guild, Sofia made her way to the backroom, no one made a move to stop her. The only one who approached her was a red-headed werewolf and a light-haired elf approached. She noticed a half-elf lingering. That must be Riveria's friend, Eina. "How can I help you?"
"That's my line," the wolf joked, "My name is Rose Fannett. I am the advisor to both Harpe and Aspis."
"Sword and Shield…I see. And you are?"
"Sophie, Lady Vlahos," the elf replied.
Sofia tapped the elf with her staff, "Not a princess, and I'm sure Riveria has given up trying to get you to stop." She started to descend the stairs, "Now go. For what it's worth, Rose, thank you."
The crimson werewolf bowed, "You're welcome." Her fists were clenched, and she hated the way she felt right now.
Sofia descended the stairs with ease and was greeted by an altar with the Founding Father of Orario. "Ouranos." She disregarded the 'Lord' title to save time. A little petty but she's gained the right to be.
"Sofia Vlahos. Zeus informed me of your return. What business do you-"
"Save the formality. I'm here to make sure the Freya Familia pays for what they've done. You know what they did. This is far worse than when we were banished," Sofia cut him off, which most never do, but she was utterly furious. "And you, come out of the shadows, I know you're there, even before I walked down the stairs. At least put a concealment on that bird...it was foolish to think that you can observe me and I would be blind to it."
Without waiting for the reveal, she continued, "So, here's what I suggest…"
Ouranos listened intently, impassive as ever. Fels listened with rapt attention, I do not think that I will get the chance to speak to her. At least, not now.
"That is what I plan to happen, and I could have suggested much worse but since you care about a power balance so much, I refrained from killing them. As for that bitch, bar her from gaining any new members. She can only get new ones once they die."
Ouranos continued to be impassive, "Is that all?"
"Truthfully, I want them dead," Sofia admitted, knowing that anything else would be a lie. "All of them, and Freya banished to Tenkai where she can't ever lay a hand on my family. She will not be allowed to touch mine or their souls, ever."
Ouranos began thinking. "What about your family? What of the twins?" Since the subject was brought up, he chose to pursue it.
"I want them with me so that they can live a life without suffering more pain," Sofia said.
Fels spoke up, "A little selfish, is it not?"
"Easily," she retorted. Then, her shoulders sagged, "I've been away for too long, and I just want to keep the remnants of my family alive. As far as I know, me and my grandkids are the last of the Vlahos line."
"You've given me much to ponder, Sofia. Where is Freya?" Ouranos said after a moment's pause.
"In her home, where I cast a barrier that won't go down until you need it to, so she can face a public trail. If she uses her charm, I will intervene. In fact, that'd be an admission of guilt, you could banish her for that," the Great Mage suggested.
"I see. Go, I will call for you when I need you for the trial," Ouranos said, allowing Sofia to leave. "And Sofia," she paused and tilted her head back, "Congratulations for being the first in history to reach level ten." Fels almost felt his cloak fly off his figure.
A small smile, pain written in her irises, "A badge and a burden, Lord Ouranos. A badge and a burden."
The next stop was to that Witch, Lenoa. At least that was until she stopped in front of the Hostess of Fertility. Curiously, as this wasn't here before during her time years ago, she stepped inside. The first person she recognized was Ryuu, "Little Gale."
Ryuu's head snapped over to the entrance to see Sofia. "Lady Vlahos, are they awake?"
"Yes, but that is another discussion," Sofia said before turning to a sheepish and nervous looking Syr. She stepped closer to her, "You are not who you say you are, little agent. I know exactly who you are. You're not innocent as you seem. Mess with them and I will expose you, understand?"
Lunoire, Chloe, and Anya wanted to intervene, hell, even Ryuu wanted to. None of them heard what she said but the way Syr stiffened and the way Sofia smiled smugly, meant she was the one being teased.
Mama Mia heard the distinct elvish accent and came from the back room. Once she made her appearance, she paused. Sofia's soft look hardened in an instant. No intent came but just a hard look. "Former Captain," Sofia said. "Didn't expect you here."
"Hecate," Mia replied back. There was no one in the pub to witness this. They were still prepping the opening.
The three girls who didn't know who this was stepped back in awe and a mixture of fear. "Were you involved?" Ryuu looked back and forth, not knowing what to do.
"Yes, letting the girls go to help see what was going on," Mia said.
"And?" Sofia turned to them, "Is that true?"
"Yes, meow!" Chloe said first, Lunoire dumbly nodded.
"Did nya spare my brother?" Anya asked instead.
"After he called me an old hag so I sent him into a wall, but he lived," Sofia recalled on who he was. She noticed the worry that the brunette had. "Little Gale, I believe them, but if they or you lied to me, I will not be the soft Grandmother you saw earlier."
"They wouldn't," Ryuu responded instantly, even going as far to stare defiantly into Sofia's eyes.
"I'll hold you to that. Our conversation will have to wait." Sofia then headed towards the door, "I did hear the food was good here, Mia, so if it won't be too much trouble, I would like to sample before I leave."
Mia sighed but gained a faint grin, "You always did like trying food that you haven't before."
Sofia rolled her eyes, "Beats the things the old man tries to give me, and elvish food did not always interest me. Oh, and when it comes down to it, I'll vouch for you. You always were more sensible than your former charge."
Mia nodded, "I see…thank you." A subtle exchange. Sofia already knew she was innocent, mostly.
Sofia then found herself outside the Witch's hut. She didn't knock when she entered. "Lenoa, you have a visitor!" Sofia called.
"Is that you, Hecate? Come in!" Lenoa's voice called. Delving further into her workshop, she came across the Witch concocting something. "You're alive and you haven't aged a day!"
"You've aged for me," Sofia replied before they shared a laugh.
Lenoa got herself together first, "Are you here for business or personal?"
"A little of both. I noticed that you gave them the weapons," Sofia said, going to the wall with the remaining staffs. They didn't call out to her as they did with the twins because her own staff is one as well. It's just a more advanced version.
"I was cashing in a favor from you to help them. Your line is close to dying."
"I'm more than aware, and I have been making the rounds, letting them know that I do not leave a sin unpunished. I should go see if she knows what she's really done," Sofia said. "I thank you for giving them the weapons. They helped-"
"But what about them now? I heard their Goddess is now gone…" Lenoa said, looking away.
A sigh, "That's true and I'm just worried about them."
"Ahh, there's the concerned parent," Lenoa teased.
"I've been out of their lives since they were five…I don't deserve to be the concerned parent."
Lenoa sat close to Sofia, "Do they hate you?"
"Isaac can't express enough emotions to hate me. Irene has gained a child-like demeanor. This event hurt them so hard psychologically, that I can't help but worry what it means. It's not like Dia didn't come up with a fallback plan. She did because she knew. That sweet Goddess never deserved it," a lone tear came down the High Elf's face.
"What are your plans now?"
Still crying lightly, "Whatever the twins decide, I will go along with. I don't have a right to interfere in their lives. That right was gone as soon as they thought I hated them. I wanted nothing more than to visit them but every time I thought about it…I chickened out. You must think poorly of me." I could never bring myself to come see them until now. I've faced so many monsters that my own family is what worried me the most...
The Witch signed, "No, I understand. Emotions often cloud judgment, and you choose rationally. I don't see the blame in that. If you looked through everything objectively, then you did well."
"Thank you, old friend." Wiping away her tears, she stood, bid Lenoa a farewell, and headed back to the clinic. She needed to fulfill at least one promise.
The twins sat on the bed, looking out the window, seeing the bright sky, "Dia would have loved this." Isaac mused to himself, not knowing his sister was listening.
"She would, wouldn't she?" Irene said.
"You were faking it, weren't you? The memory regression?" He asked. Loki and Hestia have long since left the room.
A sigh. It was not surprising he saw through it. They've known each other for eighteen years. Lying to each other is hard to do. "Yes and No. I really don't want to relive that but I can't shake the fact that it happened." Irene sat up and put her feet on the floor. She made no motion to stand, not yet. Her body felt too weak. Isaac joined her, and that was when he noticed the boxes.
He froze, seeing Dia's immaculate handwriting, and reached for it. He snagged both boxes, looking at them. "Irene…"
"What, Isaac? Did you re…member?" Irene felt tears come to her eyes automatically. "Did she…"
"She did, she had to have. She went to Davlin. I mean, it's the same wrap that he used for her gift," he said. Said gift rested on the table opposite them on the bed, still bloody. In future years, it would never be cleaned, a reminder.
With shaky hands, they opened the gifts, and they almost dropped them. Inside their respective gifts was a pin. A pin that represented the Dia Familia. Irene's pin had a small shield that was engraved with the symbol of her Familia. Isaac's had a sword hilt that looked to be sheathed in the symbol. Behind it was a circular base. On the back—flipping it over at the same time because of twin timing—was a small personalized message to them.
For my shield, keep each other afloat. Irene, continue the song that can protect everyone you can. With all my heart, Aunt Dee-Dee.
For my sword, keep each other afloat. Isaac, be the one to stand in the face of adversity. With all my soul, Aunt Dee-Dee.
When they read their respective messages, they both felt a warmth wash over them. Dia, they thought at once. They didn't need the Mindscape to know what she did.
There was something under the small point that the pins rested on. A note, the same one for each of them.
Dear Isaac and Irene,
This is only a portion of what I want to say. You two are my only Familia members in all of my time in the lower world, ever. No one can ever replace you. If you got these gifts, thank the two Goddesses who kept it a secret for me. Please, do not let me hold you back. I have said much more in another letter.
Your first and hopefully not only Goddess,
Dia.
PS. I still think you both were the cutest little babies I ever met. I never could decide which one of you I loved more.
Their vision blurred as they looked at one another and clung to each other once more. The heartfelt note and the little post-note was so Dia, that it made them miss her more. This time it wasn't in anguish, but remembrance. Even though they were crying, Irene more than Isaac, they managed to murmur out a small joke or two.
The heart-crushing confirmation that she'll never be in their lives again was enough to get Isaac to fully cry.
Outside the room, everyone heard it. Loki and Hestia already knew what was inside. They haven't left at all, no one did. Amid knew she couldn't throw them out. Mikoto cuddled with Haruhime, and the Renard let her. She was hurt just as much as he was. Obviously, he was hurt more but she doesn't want him to shut off.
Finn and Gareth were attempting to cheer up the High Elf. So were Alicia and Lefiya; Ais as well, but she doesn't have enough experience with people.
The most concerning one was Bell. He was resting his hands on his chin, leaning forward, tapping his foot constantly on the carpet. He wanted to be a hero and yet he couldn't even help his friends, the twins who helped him through so much already. I want, no need, to help them somehow, whatever it may be.
A small knock on the door, "Can Mikoto and Riveria come in?" The voice was Irene. The two mentioned people stood, shared a look, and carefully approached the door.
Riveria ended up in front as she gently turned the knob. She peered inside and saw they were sitting on the edge of the bed, at least Isaac was. Irene was using the bed to support herself. It may not have been mentioned that the IVs were taken out once they were moved.
""Issac/Irene,"" the two invited women said.
Isaac looked up and saw Mikoto and smiled, but she could tell that it was slightly forced. Sofia was right that a shine entered his eyes, but his emotions weren't actively firing on all cylinders. Riveria closed the distance between the twins and gently hugged Irene. "I'm sorry I-"
"Don't apologize, please," Irene said. "Don't put that on yourself."
Mikoto went over to Isaac and reached for him. When she got close enough, she felt lips on hers. "Thank you for being here, I'm sorry you have to see me like this…"
"Why are you apologizing?"
"It's one of his bad habits," Irene answered from the hug, "he feels bad for worrying you like he has."
Mikoto just sighed and cupped his cheek before kissing him again, slower this time. Once they separated, "I don't want you to feel that way."
Isaac, despite his current emotional situation, reacted properly and kissed her back. He gently tugged on her to have her lay with him. "I just need you here."
"There better be no…illicit activities," Riveria warned.
"Mum, he wouldn't, not in here," Irene said, shooting her brother a withering look. He rolled his eyes in response.
"I never planned on you being present," he shot half-hazardly back as Mikoto ran her fingers through his hair.
"At least he still can joke."
"I just don't know what to feel besides a buzz of content," he whispered, his hand around Mikoto's waist, all but clinging to her. Whether she noticed or not was uncertain.
Oh…that means this hurt him a lot more than he's letting on, Riveria thought, since her higher level meant she could hear better.
"So what happens now? To us?" Irene spoke after being smothered in a big hug from Riveria.
"Well, that depends on you," Sofia's voice floated in the room.
"How fast do you walk?" Riveria asked in amusement but with hints of curiosity.
Sofia hummed, "If I had to guess, about the max running speed of a level four. Running…you wouldn't see me until I was in front of you again."
A whistle from Isaac, feeling a tingle of something. "Wish I could've been that fast…" It's not lost on any of them of what he wanted. Mikoto curled into him, her breath on his neck.
"What's done is done, now, a trial for Freya's actions will be held. Ouranos will inform us of when. It just comes down to after that. You've heard their explanations, you've suffered a great loss, now what will you do?" Sofia said, a distinct lack of warmth in her tone in comparison to previous.
"Sofia…" Riveria warned, not that she could do anything against her former teacher.
She continued on, "Will you stay in Orario after the trial or will you leave with me and possibly return another day?"
Irene, for the most part, felt those words sting more than she thought that would. A frown graced her features, "I'm not opposed to leaving, if anything, as much as it pains me to say, I want a blessing again…"
Isaac regarded his sister with intrigue, "I don't see many points in staying…" he paused when he felt Mikoto's body tense, "…but I can't come to a decision right now. I have more important things to worry about." Mikoto felt the tension wash away, not all of it, but most of it.
"Fair enough, I will give until then to answer. I would hate to split you up." For some reason, Issac felt that statement was a double entendre.
Amid entered the room, "Good news, once I give you both an examination, you should be able to leave, on the condition you take a potion, nothing expensive, just enough to finish healing the lingering wounds, if any."
The twins looked to each other before looking to the Doctor that has saved their lives more than once, ""We agree.""
Riveria and Sofia shivered—more the former than the latter—at the words. Hidden beneath them was hunger and a tinge of eagerness. Both will not be sated so easily.
...
A small timeskip next chapter, like a week or thereabouts. The trial is next. I have put a decent amount of thought into her punishment, and that's what the conversation with Ouranos was about.
I think it was chapter 32 I put up a plan for chapters...yeah, that's out of here. Chapter 38 is a deciding chapter. That will be when I put this story on a temporary hold while I build up a buffer for chapters again, focus on another story or two. One of which is getting an update today. (If you follow me as an author, you know this.)
The twins' fate is not over. Considering the fact that it has taken me 38 (come next week) chapters to get through LNs 1-8, 9-14 are going to be a different breed of interest.
So, what do you think?