Sorry, this one is a bit of a cringe story, but it will get better after this. Just stick around, and trust the process (wink). I am writing stories based on on The Unwanted series, not the Quests.
As usually I do not own any of the characters, they all belong the Lisa Mcmann, I am simply writing a fanfic on her books The Unwanteds.
Alex stepped out of the not-so-secret-hallway, which was rare ever since Aaron's departure, but he needed to discuss with Miss Octavia about an artsy spell he had been working on. The second he exited his hallway he received numerous pats on the back and respectful nods from his fellow Artimeans. It had been 3 months since the battle and still he was praised. Eager to get some fresh air he left the mansion and was amazed to see so many people out.
He spied the warbler children with Claire, and numerous couples dotting the lawn. Sam and Lani seemed to be discussing a spell while holding hands. Sean and Carina had finally announced that they were "a thing" and were freely walking with Seth in between them. Crow and Scarlet seemed to be spending more time together, much to Thatcher's disapproval, and Florence was almost always seen with her giant boyfriend.
With so many duos here and there Alex longed to be with Sky. He had a hunch that she would be near the beach, as Sky had taken a liking to the water ever since she learned to swim.
"Hey you," he called out when he approached her from behind.
3 sets of warm eyes greeted him. "Ax!" They screamed.
Before he could react, he was pinned down by his 3 most favorite girls in the world. He laughed gently kissing each of them before holding Sky in a tight embrace.
When he finally released her she pointed toward Crow walking with Scarlet. "Crow seemed busy so I offered to watch them," Sky smirked, "What do you think, Scarrow, or Crolet?"
Alex chuckled "definitely Crolet." Noticing that Sky seemed to be obsessed with watching her little brother, Alex decided to give her some space.
"Come on girls, let's build sand castles down near the water," Alex called. They both toddled after him giggling. Alex helped them fill buckets and turn them over on the damp sand, but his mind was elsewhere. It had wandered back to when Alex and Aaron made sand castles with the twins before his brother left them. This memory made his heart ache. He missed his brother, more than he cared to admit. Recently Alex had been having dreams of when Aaron and he were kids in the necessary quarters with their parents. How they used to play with shoes when no one was watching, pretending they were animals. They both could turn anything into a game. Alex had always known that Aaron had just as much creativity in him as Alex did. But kind-hearted Alex didn't ever think twice about helping his brother. Convinced that his life was already ruined, he didn't see the point in ruining his brother's life too. The truth was, Alex would have gladly given his life for his brother, because that is who he is. And now he was pretty sure Aaron would give his life for Alex too. Aaron… he thought. It seemed like the twins caught the vibe as they plopped down and sighed.
When Alex asked them " Thiz, Fig, what's wrong girls?" Thisbe just said "Ay-on."
With an echo Fifer whispered "I wan Ay-on"
Alex smiled sadly. "Me too," Alex mumbled. Realizing that Fifer was close to tears he pulled her onto his lap and pulled Thisbe close to him. Unsure of what to say, he took a moment to ponder.
Then, he simply stated, "you still have me, and I will always be there for you." This scored Alex a tight hug from both his sisters and a wet kiss from Fifer.
"Ay-on weave me. I no wuv Ay-on. I wuv you Ax," Thisbe announced.
"Me twoo" Fifer echoed.
"Well you know Aaron is pretty great too. He has saved my life before, and I know he loves you both very much. Besides, Aaron is just on an adventure, he will come back soon to us, because we are family. And after he comes back I bet he won't leave you guys either." Alex replied.
Fifer thought about this.
"Ay-on will come to me. Ay-on wuvs me mowe" she said proudly.
"No. Ay-on wuvs me mowe" Thisbe fought.
Fifer shook her head.
Alex watched his sisters admiringly. Remembering that Thisbe had another brother she instantaneously replied "Ax wuvs me mowe!"
" No, me!" Fifer said while Thisbe pounced on her big brother. Alex laughed out loud.
"I love both of you equally, and so does Aaron" he said, kissing the twins. "But Aaron loves someone more than he loves both of you, you know who that is?" Alex asked mischievously.
Both the twins blinked in confusion and surprise
"Hoo?" Thisbe asked.
"Me!" Alex screamed, tickling them. They shrieked with laughter and shook their heads no in between their tickle attack. Suddenly, he stopped short. There was a ripple in the water. Alex squinted and shielded the sun from his eyes. With utmost difficulty he finally saw a boat coming their way. It was too far to identify if it was friend or foe, but Alex was not taking a chance with his sisters so close to the water.
"SKY! Come check this out," he yelled. Taking Fifer in his arm and struggling to take Thisbe due to his handicap.
Zapped to reality, Sky rushed toward Alex's voice and took Thisbe. " Hmm, a boat, it's surely coming this way but who could it be?" Sky pondered out loud. By now more Artimeans had caught sight of the boat and returned armed with vests. His best fighters had perked up and rallied their teams ready for Alex's command.
Realizing this Alex called out " Woah, Artimeans relax. These may not be enemies so don't fire until my command, but please remain alert!"
Sky immediately took Fifer, "I will take them to Crow then be back with my sword and some extra components for you," she whispered.
"I don't think we will need that. I don't understand how, but I have a feeling that they mean no harm. And, I mean it feels familiar, so I won't attack until I know for sure it's not one of our friends from the other islands," Alex replied sternly.
Sky nodded approvingly before rushing off, and soon returned armed. As she handed Alex his components, Alex heard the familiar voice. The voice that was so similar to his own, the one that kept talking to him all night when they were younger, the one that he had missed so badly when its owner decided to go on an adventure. Aaron! he thought.
With Alex's command, all of Artime stood down and returned to their activities, meanwhile a small group had formed to welcome Aaron back. Lani, Samheed, Meghan, Carina, Crow with the twins, Sky, and of course Alex.
Aaron sped down the vessel and tackled his brother in a bear hug. Alex zoomed toward Aaron and met him halfway. "What happened, and where is Ishibashi?" Alex questioned.
A disappointed Kaylee climbed down behind Aaron, " Well, we searched every inch of the scroll feature and there is no clue as to how to turn it off, we are 100% sure that there is no way out. At Least for the time being," she pouted. " Oh, and the scientist wanted to go back to their island for some research, so we dropped them off." After momentary hugs with the group Kaylee and Aaron knowingly shared a glance. With a wink Kaylee turned toward the group of friends. "Something good did come out of this trip though!" She said animatedly. The quizzical looks from the group made Aaron quite uncomfortable. Alex raised an eyebrow at Aaron, Aaron blushed. Kaylee didn't need to say anything more. She just ran over and hugged Aaron, who pulled her into a kiss before releasing her. The gaping looks from everyone except Sky and Alex made Aaron blush even more.
The news of the unlikely duo dating spread like wildfire, Aarolyee was the hotshot news for a good 2 weeks before it died down. Finally when Aaron got a moment alone he made his way towards Crow and took his sisters from him. He spotted Alex at the shore and settled down next to him. "You guys miss me?" he asked his sisters. They nodded before embracing him.
"And you Alex?" Aaron asked mischievously.
Alex sighed, "Always" he whispered sincerely.
After a moment passed for the two brothers to soak in the show of affection they just displayed, the silence was broken.
"Ay-on, hoo you wuv mowe? Thizee, me, or Ax?" Fifer asked.
"I love all three of you guys with all my heart, because we are family." Aaron said quite emotionally.
With that Thisbe and Fifer decided to go to the kitchen and Crow went with them leaving the boys alone.
"Just to be clear, you love me more right?" Alex asked, smirking.
Aaron chuckled before replying "Always."