Thistle of a Twin (Season Finale)

Amiana covered the windows and watched the candles in the room burn their flames by Papilus's magic. "It's true what they say, you know? I can feel almost everything that Arlot feels, but I can't feel his emotions towards myself," the silver-haired werewolf laughed to herself. "A few months ago, I hadn't been sleeping right. I felt something was off, and when I went to see what was happening, I noticed mother wandering about. Later through the week, I saw her acting peculiar again; she looked as if she was searching for something. It had only happened twice, so I kept my thoughts to myself, but I soon started to wake up more often; at one point, I woke up to mother talking to someone. Eventually, all the weird occurrences were enough. I marched myself down to where mother was, and she pushed me from the window." Scarrden looked at his daughter with wide eyes. "What?" he demanded.

Amiana took his hand, "It wasn't really mother. When I fell from the window, I managed to reach the terrace railing of the next floor; from there, I saw man slinking around the Castle. I sneakily followed him, unaware of Arlot making his way to me or mother drifting into insanity... Because I had heard Juliet scream, I assumed Arlot had gone to check on her..." the girl whispered to herself. "Anyways," the young werewolf continued as she felt her hand being squeezed, "I followed the man into the woods. Standing in front of me was Apollo. He- um... he had a glass of blood with him... and- and I froze." The child was crying now and being embraced by her father. "Ar-Arlot... he- he had been following me... and- and he must have thought I was in danger, because he jumped out and scared Apollo off," the werewolf girl quivered.

"That must have been scary," Papilus comforted before looking at Scarrden. "I said at Fairy Court that the Supreme Deity was taking back His control. It seems that Apollo has gone rogue in his desperation for power," the old man spoke. Scarrden agreed with the nod of his head and continued to shush his little girl. "What happened next?" he asked when she had calmed herself. Amiana hid her red and puffy face from the two older men, "I... I was upset with myself that I didn't do anything, so I took it out on Arlot. I told him that I hated him and ran off into the woods. Before I lost consciousness, I came upon a beast from the fairytales. After that, everything I know is hazy... and more than that, it's from Arlot's perspective." Papilus hummed in thought. "My dear," he started, "you shouldn't blame yourself for reacting in emotion. I can promise that your brother has nothing but love for you. I'm sure you know that he's blamed himself just as much as you have. As for seeing the world through your brother, I do believe that it may be because of a previously mentioned comment on your half."

Scarrden leaned in and folded his hands together. "You had said that you could feel Arlot's life draining away, but I think what's happening is an exchange of a shared soul. There just so happens to be a creature that could help regain Arlot's conscious," Papilus informed. Amiana took in a breath and smiled brightly. "Do you really mean it?" she asked. "Yes," Papilus said, and all the candles went out. The air in the room became cold and swirled about as Scarrden grabbed Amiana with one hand and Papilus's throat with the other. "Who's coming, old man?" he growled. Whatever it was, it made his fur stand on edge.

"Wait for a moment, boy," the high wizard choked as he grabbed his staff. The wooden stick had a sphere of obsidian at the top of it, but once Papilus had spun it around a few times, a blue haze emitted from it. The dim light was enough to see each corner of the room as well as the new visitor. "Take off your hood," Scarrden ordered. The being hummed like he was smiling, "If I do that you won't be able to see me." The werewolf man began to get frustrated, "Are you a shadow then?" He jumped up to open the shutters. "No! Wait!" Amiana shouted. "Is it you, Ambrose?" the girl asked. The man held out his hand to caress the young werewolf's face. "So, you remember me, do you? I appreciate that," he hummed happily, "If you'll give me a minute, I'll give myself some flesh."

Papilus grunted, "This tower is protected from all evil intentions. The man in front of you is a Shade." The man bowed, "It's true. I am but a mere Shade. Truthfully, I do have the softest spot for your daughter." Scarrden didn't take to the introduction well, and he didn't enjoy the small blush that his daughter had in response. "One of my crows saw Arlot carrying you home and ever since, I've been trying to keep a close eye out for you," he smiled sweetly. Amiana began to answer him, but Scarrden stepped in front of her, "Thank you for watching out for her, but I assure you that I can handle my daughter." Ambrose frowned, "You say that, but you weren't home when your wife needed you, were you?" The large werewolf began to make a retort, but instead he rushed downstairs. "Something's happening!" Amiana exclaimed with her ears up. All but Ambrose ran down the stairs.

In the middle of the room was an angry mob. Vivian's fur was showing its edge, Xuario's fangs were barred, and every wizard and mermaid had their sights on a single threat. "I come in peace!" yelled the woman from inside the wall of creatures. Ambrose quietly walked down the stairs with a handsome grin. Some of the beings turned from their focus to admire his beautiful features. "Artemis! Without your twin today, I see? Thank you for coming," he welcomed.