Isabelle POV)
Heading inside the ruins most of the monsters haven't responded yet making their travel easier. Exiting another empty room as she makes sure to keep up with her brother. With the silence between them Isabelle finds herself softly humming that song again. The same one her mother always sang every night when she was really little. It's a shame she'll never get the chance to hear her soothing voice anymore. Though if the Felixa was to succeed maybe that statement won't be so true.
Glancing at male she decides to ask what's been weighing on her mind. Perhaps she honestly wants some kind of reassurance. "Hey, Aki."
"Yeah, what is it?" Hands behind his head and gaze remaining straight forward.
"...When this is all over dad will finally open his eyes, and we can all be a family again, right?"
Akira's pace slows though he takes a minute to answer. "...Of course we will! Just have to listen to his instructions for now. Soon we'll obtain the chest and then his worries can be put to rest."
"Do you think he'll go through with it in the end?"
"Absolutely not. I'm telling you he only wants the chest to ease his guilt and fears too. He still feels responsible for pushing the old man into going on that last 'legendary' quest in the first place. I mean, who could've predicted things would turn this badly. Dad is trying to give grandfather his dark power and make up for it all. So much crap happened that he still blames on himself. Like for instance that friend who had to move back to his hometown. Their small business fell under and dad said the fault was his alone, just because he had more experience." It is true their dad carries many regrets that weigh heavy on his heart. Every mistake he has made still sticks to him even today.
"It doesn't end there but he insists mom's death is on his shoulders too. When those people started gunfire...he wasn't able to protect her. Now this curse that threatens the fate of our entire bloodline. I seen the jealousy in his eyes when he watches others happiness. All those negative emotions is what drove him into despair..." Akira's own expression crumbling, and causing a sad smile to form on her own face.
Isabelle still remembers their mother's smile. This wicked world took Louis away long before her time. She was just an innocent bystander in the wrong place at the wrong time.
"I really miss mom. Ever since we've been affected by this curse he hardly acknowledges whatsoever. It's even worse now than before..." she sadly mumbles. If they can help there's a chance he could truly see them again. That he wouldn't continue to shut his children out anymore. Something their dad has been doing for the past four years.
"We won't fail, okay? After we secure the chest we'll all have to sacrifice Brooklynn, so Aine will return to her chambers. It's most likely not in here so this is just another warm up. We do need to hold out longer than in the last battle though. They'll be watching us again, and need to see more of her spells in action."
"Well at least I have an even stronger weapon this time. I hope they don't knock you down flat, since you're too stubborn to use one." She flatly points out enraging the teen.
"I told you I don't need a stupid weapon! My marital arts is fine by itself and besides, you only changed because that Felixa broke yours!"
"So what? I love this one much better anyways!"
"Isn't that you could kill the light deity, but try not pushing to her limits. Nearly made the Felixa one with the wall, using your enlarge spell on that ball."
"She would've lived...just bearing a few broken bones."
"Isabelle!"
"Okay, okay." Silence falling between them once again as they walk down the open path. The gentle wind starting to blow more fearice speed. "It's not easy fighting against Sonny, is it?"
"Where is that coming from? He chose what side he wants to be on, so what difference should it make. He obviously doesn't care about his own life..." Isabelle can see the flicker of pain behind her brother's eyes. Really that's the reason she picked to face Brooklynn instead. It's much lighter on her conscious this way.
"I think were nearing the end now," she comments, changing the subject. As multiple voices can be faintly heard in the distance.
"Good. Let's do what we came here for and leave. Look, I can't have you going overboard but don't let your guard down," he advises. His sister giving a firm nod in understanding. In order to live happily they need to do everything they can for success.
When dad sees that chest with his own eyes will make him realize how foolish he's been. That doing this would only bring mom sorrow in her grave. He'll come back to senses and won't give the magic to grandfather. Then we can all live together as a family like the old days. That's why we're fighting...
(Brooklynn POV)
She isn't surprise when they reach the end of the ruin to find nothing there. Though it might be bad to have such thoughts every extra day she gains with Sonny makes her happy. Turning to face the brothers standing behind her. "Well it isn't here. We can head back for the entrance now. You did a great job helping, Finn."
"I guess you weren't half bad for your first mission." Sonny also compliments, the boy returning a smile.
"This was more exciting than playing adventure games. Maybe I can join you guys on the next one too?"
"We'll see about that..." Sonny trailing off and stopping dead in his tracks. Outside the same sibling have been awaiting their arrival.
"We were going to just take the chest and make a run for it, but seems like it's not here." The older teen says with a smirk. She knew someone from the FDO was going to show up. Surprisingly Duran sent the two of them again.
"Akira, Isabelle!"
"Hello everybody! So you're here to join the party too, Finn?"
"I wanted to help them today."
"Lemme ask you something, Sonny. Are you honestly okay with destroying the Erebus chest, knowing your little bro here will also lose his life? Plan to rob the future from even him too? Didn't you both promise your dad to never transform again?" Akira questions, and his gaze drops.
"Given the situation I know he would understand. Besides what about the two of you? What purpose is it in capturing the chest? If simply wanting to save yourselves then why not attack the Felixa directly like Cheryl? Instead you're trying to give that magic to Duran that'll cause total destruction." Facing his cousin once more with a determined gaze. Isabelle remains quiet and now Akira is the one to look away.
"This is for our father. We needs this..."
"You might not ever support my decision and that's okay. But at least I have a mind of my own to follow."
"Cocky bastard! You don't understand anything at all! Ready, Isabelle?"
"Yup, Duclen form!" The agitation seeing to have both transform immediately this time. Now the other three getting into battle formation. "Okay Aki, let's show them what we can do!"
"Don't call me that around them! How many times do I have to repeat that!"
"You...dont have to fight against them if you rather sit this out." Sonny turning to his brother who quickly shakes his head.
"No. You shouldn't have to carry this burden alone."
Akira starts off making several copies of himself just waiting to attack. His sister holds up a new weapon from behind her back. "Remember how you destroyed my ball and cup, Brooke! Well I got a new toy now." This toy is a chain and sickle that's definitely more life threatening than her last one. She enlarges the blade head twirling around as if to show it off. "Pretty cool, right? I'm going to have fun with this."
Throwing the blade Brooklynn and Sonny just move out of the way to avoid the strike. Akira's copies all charge foward as they struggle to find the real version among his swarm. Slicing down many bodies the dark pink haired boy races at her. Finally Akira showing himself as she just dodges a kick. His footwork is so precise it's hard to block every blow. Throwing an ice attack he uses his shield to reflect them. Ducking they fly past her head, and before collecting herself, he suddenly disappears. Kicking the girl down from behind. "I forgot they can use that too," she mutters. The burnette quickly getting back on her feet.
Akira runs up swinging more fast air kicks as she tries using fire on him now. Though the older teen just slides out of the way as the fire disappears to nothing. It's not helping the wind today is throwing magic attacks off a bit.
He's quick on his feet. If that's the case...
Kneeling down she casts an electricity shockwave that paralyzes him for the seconds she needs. Wrapping elastic around his legs as she tries to yank him to the ground. Falling backwards Akira has his hand burn the magic rope to pieces. "Where is that precious light magic, huh? Don't think you can win against me without using it."
A dark hand comes from underneath Brooklynn squeezing her body tight. He forcing her into a situation where she'll have to transform. Saying that magic words the blast from change breaks her free. "Light beams!" Executing a follow up attack before he can strike first. If this is the way he wants to fight she's not holding anything back.
Meanwhile the brothers continue to dodge Isabelle's weapon. Sonny doing his laser at the chain but to no avail. "So that won't work for this then. Ice shards!"
One manages to hit though the girl shrugs it off. Going for Finely and his brother puts up the shield to protect them both. Her heavy blade still knocking the siblings back somewhat. Their feet slides very close to the edge before coming to a stop. Nothing to protect anyone from the long fall down. "Better watch your step. It'd be bad if you fell from this height apart from your Duclen from. But neither of you are willing to change, are you?"
"We can do just fine without." Sonny aiming a fire ball and her blade cuts in two. Next Finely throwing his boomerang hits some ivy plants, them landing right on top of Isabelle's head.
"What is this!" While she's distracted the older moves to attack. Attempting to shock Isabelle however she uses her flash ability. The girl appearing behind but rather than hit them she goes right for Brooklynn. Caught up in battle with Akira she fails to notice the surprise swing. A blade hitting her arm as she grunts at the sudden pain. The ginger zooms to her defense transforming alongside his brother. Finely's outfit similar to rest of theirs being an all black and purple one piece that stops under the knees. Also changing his small hat black as well.
Sonny and Isabelle throw a dark ball simultaneously them destroying each other. "Both of you fighting against her isn't excatly fair."
"Nor is you and Finn doubling up on me." They further try to drive Isabelle back as she refocuses on her own opponent. Brooklynn taking a breath as her hands let off a bright shine.
"You wanna see my light then watch this. Blinding light!" The glow between her hands burning brighter as Akira's red eyes water up. Stumbling back as he tries to block the light from his field of vision.
"I can't see a thing!" The Felixa doing another ice blast this time knocks him right off his feet. Seeming to used up the last of his strength, Akira's Duclen form disappears.
Just as she's finishing it on her end the brothers have Isabelle cornered. The duration of her spell wearing off as the sickle size goes back to normal. It's clear this battle is definitely over. "Please stay down. You can't have any energy left to keep going," Sonny advises.
"Hmf, Isabelle we did what we came here to do. Let's retreat."
"Wait, lemme me try a new spell on her first. Better hold unto something, Aki. I call this one dark tornado!" Forming a massive dark ball she releases it towards the skies. Then quickly swinging her weapon around to have the dark mist form a large tornado. The four run for nearby pillars to hold on to as it's only growing bigger. Giggling at her creation which soon escalates to a manic laughter.
"You can't do this, Isabelle!"
"It's just a little payback for her breaking my last weapon."
As the spinning speed increase Finely loses his grip. The ginger swiftly grabbing ahold of his arm before he falls inside. "No, Sonny! You'll fall in too!"
"I'm not letting you go!"
Brooklynn squints back at the monstrous spell she's making. In there a few minutes too long and they'll be injured severely. The tornado is so violent alongside the already harsh blowing gusts. She isn't sure if they can out fly this kinda pressure.
Even her brother is hanging on for dear life. A certain sadness flicker in his scarlett eyes. "Isabelle...you've been in your form too long. You should take a break and we can stick with the plan. Let's fall back, okay?"
"No! Not until I show her what I'm really capable of!"
At this rate they'll run out of strength eventually and fall in. Though there is one spell of her's that could work. If she casts it quick enough then she should come out okay. "I have an idea. Sonny don't let go of Finely."
"Wait, what do you plan on-" But before he can ask anything she releases. Allowing her body to be sucked up in the eye of the storm. "Brooklynn!" Only being able to stare in horror as they anxiously wait for her. After a moment a blast of light completely breaks away her tornado.
"Diffusing spell!" Every ounce of magic is carried off fortunately her plan being a success. The boys bodies free from the wind all drop back down to the ground. Brooklynn falls to her knees immediately changing back to normal. Sonny runs up to the girl's side checking her condition.
"Brooke, are you okay?"
"Yeah, that just took a lot from me after being in my form so long."
They look at Isabelle standing dumbfounded before anger builds up inside her. "No, my tornado! You can't just beat my special spell! I'll make and even bigger one that none of you will still stand a chance against!"
"Isabelle, turn back!" But she ignores her brother's desperate pleading and begins to form it again. Her arms have to be burning by now with all the twirling she just did. Regardless the girl pushes through trying in making a new to surpass her previous one.
"We can't allow her do this a second time. Finely, let's launch that attack!"
His little brother nodding as he joins in making a large dark ball of their own. Sonny turning to face his little cousin who's still in a furious rage. "Stop please, Isabelle. This is your first and final warning."
However she continues the process and they both exchange looks giving a nod. Finely activates his speed racer on the dark ball it recashading fast on the walls. Sonny uses his lance to knock every one her direction, or at least so he believes to be the girl. At the last moment seeing Akira's body collapse on the ground.
"Akira..." Finely mumbles weakly, and the older boy's body starts to tremble.
"W-Why? Why'd you get in the way? You knew you couldn't take anymore damage!"
"Because I didn't want to see her...get hurt." The teen coughing up blood is very bad sign. This being enough to have Isabelle finally transform back.
"Aki y-you're bleeding! We-We have to go get medical attention for you and-" He cuts her off setting a hand on top of his sister's head.
"I'm glad...to see you're unharmed. Don't worry about me, alright? You know I just realized something. I don't want you fighting anymore...okay? Just believe in dad and...allow him to take care of the rest. Then the two of you can live happily again...like our wish."
Isabelle shakes her head furiously at every word he utters. "No, it's meaningless if you're not there too! You can't die like this, Akira. Just try to steady your breathing and you'll be okay..."
"So now you call me Akira, huh? You're such a little pain. Don't go into your form anymore, please. I want to stay innocent just like this. Promise?" Weakly giving her hand a squeeze until the grip lessens. His green eyes slowly fall shut and everyone is completely silent.
Isabelle sits unmoving in shock for a moment. Then suddenly shakes at her brother's lifeless body begging him to wake up. Hearing absolutely no response she finally chokes out a sob. The small girl's cries is the only noise that can be heard among the soft wind.
Brooklynn can hardly believe what just happened. Only wishing she could've healed him, but his injuries were too severe. Glancing over neither brother has said a word to her, though the guilt on both their faces speaks volumes. The time Isabelle's crying is under control she faces the three eyes totally empty.
"This is all your fault! You killed my brother! I'm gonna tell my dad and he'll end you both! Once through with her the Felixa will join the rest of you in your graves!"
Looking at her brother once more tears yet again start streaming down her cheeks as she takes off for the exit. Sonny tries to give chase but Finely grabs his arm. "Isabelle, wait we-!"
"You should leave her be, Sonny," he whispers. Peach eyes filled with sorrow and Sonny's fist bawl up tight. Forcing himself to meet with his cousin lying dead on the floor.
"Akira, I'm sorry."
Brooklynn gaining enough strength changes temporarily to heal their wounds. Then heading back for the entrance without a word. She feels so bad but can't manage to say or do anything for them. When reaching the car Ron is first to ask if they're alright. Jerry fetches the medic kit patching up a few minor scrapes her magic couldn't fix. The three piling in their backseat take off towards the academy.
They must've saw Isabelle running out and knew something happen. They chose not to ask any questions.
...
Dropping them off Finely is about to get out of the car when Jerry informs they'll drop him at home. Sonny says he'll let his uncle know and the two hug. The ginger telling his brother something she can't make out. With school having a delayed start Sonny insists for them to go on their next mission early morning. After setting a time the limo drives away into the distance. Walking in the school gates she doesn't know how to start when he speaks up first. "Looks like we won't get a chance to go on that date."
"What?..."
"I already told them about our camping field trip. We'll be gone for the rest of the evening, and won't get here until late night the day after. We're to check the last ruins upon coming back, if it isn't in the previous. Really there's no time for it now."
"That's true..." Their classes do have a field trip for the next day and a half. Plus it's not to say Sonny will make it there if they complete their mission tomorrow morning. She can't help but wonder why he wanted to push the mission even sooner. They could've hung out during that time instead of the next ruin.
Maybe fighting his family like this is getting to be too much for him, and he just wants this to all be over...
Brooklynn's walking comes to a sudden hault and he glances back. "Let's go now then."
"But...curfew is in less than an hour. It's no time today."
"And what difference does that make? The most we'll get if they catch us is detention. I really don't want to cancel this. Let's just change clothes fast and go tonight."
"Well we can ride the late bus there..." That's the only approval she needs lightly pushing her partner toward the dorm housing.
"Great then let's get moving."
...
When changed to casual wear they wait at the stop with a few minutes to spare. Awkwardness is still lingering between them with zero small talk. Sonny's ocean eyes gazing up at the night sky. "Um, there is something I need to tell you. I should probably wait but I have to say this now, or it won't leave my mind."
"What is it?"
"Firstly, I'm sure you realized how they change when in Duclen form. I didn't say this before because I didn't want to believe it but...We'll all end up the same as Duran one day. By losing our sanity I mean."
"But he's the start of the curse, not you."
"You noticed it, right? The way Isabelle's personality changed today. Cheryl had the same thing happen to her too. Even I saw how Akira got much more aggressive when we last fought."
What he's saying is true for both incidents. Thinking back Sonny did vaguely speak before of FDO members losing their minds. Back when he first explained to me my mission...
"Look, I'm telling you this for your safety. Be prepared to do whatever you may have to in the near future. If I ever attack you-"
"That's insane! You'd never hurt me."
"Like this no though when I'm in that other form I can't say for sure. I know it's an unfair burden to put on your shoulders but don't hesitate. You're the Felixa and...I could never rest peacefully knowing I brought harm to you."
"Sonny..."
"The second thing is I don't think they're out to capture you anymore. Back when Ryder awaken to his powers and went to the first ruin the four acted together. Coming for him all at once and we barely managed to escape. For you though it's different now. They're attacking separately and don't seem to have any interest in kidnapping you anymore."
"Now that you mention it..." The two of them did take down Gores pretty easily as if he was holding back. Additionally Akira had mention their mission was done when trying to get his sister to leave. What was their true intentions to coming in the first place?
"Duran's planning something I'm just not sure what that is yet. We're down to the final two ruins so we need to be ready for anything."
The conversation ending as the bus slowly pulls up. Their ride is a short one exiting in front of a skating rink. She's honestly shocked this activity is what he settled on. "Cool I haven't been skating in forever, and it's suprisingly affordable."
"I'm paying for our way inside. I was only joking before. Thought you'd catch unto that by now." Sonny pulling out his wallet and covers for the entrance fee and their rental skates. Even the skating rink is much larger than back at home, and filled with tons of teenagers. Bright colorful flashing lights going off with a food counter towards the back. Taking a seat to put on their rollerblades before going around the wooden rink.
As the two finish another a round she turns to face her partner with a competitive smirk. "Wanna have a race? The first to finish three laps around wins. Given you don't try cheating like you did last time."
"Fine, I'm game." They line up and at her countdown both speed off around the rink. It's a little difficult maneuvering past the other teens in the way. However during their third lap she just pulls ahead of him for the win.
"Yes, I won! That's what happens when we really race."
"You do have better stamina now than before. I didn't know you were such a good skater."
"Yeah, there isn't much entertainment in Ymirk Creek, so me and my friends go all the time."
"Let's have a rematch then. I was going on easy on you, but now I see there's no need to hold back."
"Don't be a sore loser when I beat you again." Skating over to their original positions to start a second race. When first arriving there the boy seemed mostly quiet. Like Sonny was forcing on a smile for her own sake, but now he looks genuinely happy. The worries of tomorrow evaporate for a little while continuing to enjoy themselves. It's fun skating and joking around and soon the pair take a short break. Brooklynn ordering nachos insists the two of them can split her snack. Though a bit embarrassing to sit so closely sharing food like this. Still she has to admit not excatly a bad feeling either.
The announcer declares couples skate and people start to make their way towards the rink. She was just about to skate some more, but now is stuck waiting for this song to end. To her surprise the ginger awkwardly clears his throat offering a hand. "Um, do you want to go around?"
"Uh, s-sure." Brooklynn following his lead as they begin to skate side by side. The burnette can tell he's matching speed to keep with her own pace. She can't explain why her left hand is a clammy mess now, and feels butterflies in the stomach.
What's wrong with me? It's only Sonny so why do I feel so nervous?
...
When they do make it back to the school the pair successfully sneaks past security. Managing to make it inside the dormitory without being caught. Reaching their rooms a certain awkward silence has fallen, despite the laughing mood only moments before. "Well today was fun. I'm glad we got to go after all."
"I should be thanking you for sticking to your end of the deal."
"I know but it doesn't really seem fair though. I had such a good time."
"Yeah, I did too."
"I'll see you in the morning then." Brooklynn attempting to open her door though his hand holds it in place. She assumed they were done talking unless there's something else he wants to say. "Sonny?" Turning to face his ocean eyes that are staring directly in her own. The sudden change of atmosphere has her heart skip a beat.
What is this feeling? Why am I nervous and yet at the same time so...
His next action causing her inner thoughts to go wild as he slowly leans in. A warmth rising in Brooklynn's cheeks as their lips are centimeters apart.
"Good evening Hira, Sonny. You're getting back awfully late?" One recognizable voice startles them both out of their skin. The blonde now standing a few feet from the two. Sonny quickly stumbles backwards refusing to meet his sharp gaze.
"J-Josef! Hi-um we..." she stutters, though her mind is utterly blank.
"I hope you're packed up for the field trip tomorrow. It'll be a lot of fun."
"Y-Yeah, of course." He's giving her a look she can't quite read. Emerald eyes then narrowing the boy's direction before he turns back for the loudge.
"I won't keep you since I'm sure you two must be beat. See you then." His reply flat as he storms off out of sight. With his presence gone she can finally take a minute to breathe. The ginger has fingers running through his hair and eyes still glued at the carpet.
"Sonny-"
"S-Sorry, goodnight Brooke," he mutters, cutting the girl off. Rushing inside his room and slams the door closed behind him. Left all alone in the empty hallway she slowly does the same. Resting her back against the door as she releases a deep sigh.
"Way to go Brooklynn. Just what on Nebula is wrong with me..."
A/N Hope you enjoyed the chapter and apologies for the length. Will be updating very soon.