Archive of Our Own ^beta

Glimpses of sunlight through the trees were blinding his eyes. It was suspiciously quiet all around. No birds chirping. No rustles of the wind. Nothing except his own footsteps. What was this place? 

According to the map, they were supposed to come across the Blackwood Forest but unusually tall pine trees and unknown surroundings didn't look what it should have. Damn it! How come they're lost again... It was getting more and more confusing. 

"Acronix!" Krux called his twin brother out. "Give me the compass!" 

No one reply back. 

"Brother?"

And again silence was the only reply. 

Oh yeah, of course. That girl... Why did he agree to bring her along? She was the master of lightning in training, the youngest (and the loudest) member of Elemental Alliance.

Playing with her long curly hair, Libber was chattering and paying no attention to her very first mission as well as Acronix.

These two were laughing, and talking nonsense, and getting on his nerves all the time. Oh Lord, why didn't Wu send him alone? They're absolutely useless! And annoying... 

"...and then Gordon and I have met again and he—"

Acronix raised an eyebrow. "Wait, who's Gordon?"

"Well..." she giggled, blushing even more, "Gordon is a guy I'm in love with. We've met just a few weeks ago but you know it's a long story to tell," Her eyes sparked with joy. "Oh, have I told you about our first date? He asked me out and then-" 

"Did you not hear me, Acronix?" A dissatisfied, angry voice cut her story off. "Give me the compass! Libber, that's a mission not a walk. Stop blabbering and focus!"

"Oh, Krux, I've been telling your brother about that guy from the Ninjago theatre. He's so handsome—"

"Libber!"

"Oh, right! The mission! Myste-...? Mistiky? Ehm... What's that lady's name we're looking for?"

"Mystake," Acronix guessed. "What a strange name though." He added in surprise and turned to Libber. "Hey Lib, imagine naming your child after a mistake?"

"No way!" She gasped, putting her hands to her cheeks. "That would be absolutely ridiculous! If I ever had a cutie baby boy, I'd name him Jason."

Krux sighed in despair. "Why are you two always acting like kids?"

"Come on, brother, why are you always that grumpy?"

"I'm not grumpy," he objected. "I'm just being serious — that's what you're supposed to do as well, Acronix!"

"Huh, I am being serious, brother. I can't believe Wu put you in charge..."

Krux face palmed, there was nothing to comment though. He got his head down, exploring the map. Here it was — The Forest of Tranquility. It's not far away from their destination. Lucky them, this area was safe from any serpentines tribes. 

Their current mission was to find an old lady called Mystake who lived in a village in the south from the Blackwood Forest.

"So let's go and find her together!" Libber clapped in excitement, she was always ready for new adventures. 

Confused, Acronix exchanged glances with his twin brother. "Something is wrong, isn't it?"

Yeah... The village they were heading to seemed large enough and was populated by dozens of loggers, healers and craftsmen who served at the temporal shelters. Mystake has been hiding there for the past weeks. The problem was, she could be everywhere. How were they supposed to recognize her? What if she had already left the village and their mission was pointless? Oh Time Lord, why this fool Wu explained nothing to them! As always...

"Erm... How are we gonna get there?" Libber asked and shook her head. 

"By foot" Acronix suggested, grinning at her. "Huh, how do you think we're supposed to get there?"

"Well... Can't we just create elemental dragons?" 

He slighty chuckled. "You don't even know how to do it, Lib!"

"Neither do you, Acronix!" Krux returned with a sarcastic smirk. 

"At least, I know how to do it. Hey, Krux, tell her—" 

Full of doubts and no answers they decided to take a break. 

Libber got down on her knees with the legs behind her and breathed easy. Finally they could rest a bit! She's been waiting for this moment all the way here.

Krux followed Acronix who sat next to her. She giggled. Her fingers running through his long thick hair have started braiding it. 

"Uh? Hey, what are you doing?" he surprised. 

"Your hair is perfect for braids. Acronix, don't move!" she whispered.

Acronix made an annoyed face and crossed his arms with a sigh. Fine, at least he didn't mind it. Their mother used to make him and Krux braids when they were kids. It's been so long ago. And he still remembered her caring hands gently going through his hair, and stroking it, and brushing it... 

"Acronix, why can't you just sit still!" Libber muttered. "Don't move your head!" 

"Come on, i'm not moving!"

"You are! He-e-ey, Acronix, have I ever told you about Ray and Maya's kiss?" She almost jumped up out of excitement. "Well, yeah! — Don't move! — They had their first kiss last week. Maya was training and—" 

...And now Libber was doing the exact same thing. A warm feeling suddenly embraced his chest, returning childhood memories.

Dimples on his cheeks appeared as Acronix widely smiled. He has enjoyed her company a lot since their very first encounter. 

'What vulgarity,' Krux thought, watching him. 'How could he be that easygoing and careless... Luckily, the FSM sons are not seeing him like this — Wu would be shocked by such inconsiderate behavior.'

For a moment he imagined them being together as a couple... In the name of Time, that'd be disgusting! No, she's not a type of girls his brother would fall in love with. At least he, Krux would never approve it... Yeah, Libber was cheerful, beautiful and quite intelligent but didn't seem to fit in their very private group. 

Krux felt someone touching his back and shoulders, gentle arms suddenly wrapped around him. 

"What are you doing, Libber?" he grumbled.

"I'm trying to hug you, Krux! You look like you want to be hugged. Oh, don't you love it?" 

"No!" he replied sharply, throwing her off. 

"Erm...What?" 

"He despises hugs and any touches." Acronix explained in a teasing way. Krux rolled his eyes, crossing his arms. 

Libber blinked — oh, how was it even possible? — puzzled, she tried to direct the conversation to another subject. To fashion!

"Hey, boys, have I ever told you how I love your style!" she exclaimed. "I like my outfit too — blue colour suits me so well, doesn't it? — but yours are so cool!"

"Thanks, Lib. Actually Krux sewed them himself," Acronix said proudly, resting his elbow on Krux's shoulder. "He's good at cooking and history too, you know." 

"And you are great at talking as well, brother." 

"I am not!"

"You know Libber, Acronix is always talking. Especially when he's asleep." Krux added with an evil smile. "Last night he's even started crying—"

"Hey, that's personal! I mean... Sure I cried but... Am I not allowed to cry? It doesn't make me weak in any way. Hey, what's so funny?" 

Libber let out a slight chuckle, quickly turned into such a contagious good laugh that Krux couldn't resist but join it. 

Acronix scowled. His pride was wounded as well as the honour in Libber's eyes. He was offended! And Krux would pay for it soon... He, Acronix knew all the ways to touch the heartstrings of his twin's soul. 

The twin revenge was always around the corner! 

His lips curved in a wicked grin.

"Hey, Lib, did you know Krux has a crush!" he blurted it out at one breath. 

Krux's face has dramatically changed. "W - what?"

"Really?" Libber gasped, covering her mouth. "Oh my FSM! Do I know her?"

Acronix giggled softly. "You do!" 

"Who is she? Don't tell! Don't tell! Is she an elemental master, right? Water?"

"Acronix, stop this nonsense."

He shook his head. "No."

"Is it...me?"

"Not even close"

"Well... Wait... Oh my FSM, I never knew that! You're in love with the master of Shadow?!"

"No, I'm not!" Krux shouted, embarrassing. He was about to strangle Acronix with his bare hands right then and there. 

"Yes, he is, they even had a date," Acronix nodded, grabbing his twin's shoulder. "Would you like to tell us about it, brother?" 

"Acronix, cut it out! That wasn't even a date..." 

"Your face can tell us otherwise! See Lib, told you." 

"Oh my FSM, why I've never heard of—" she cried but wasn't meant to finish. The red glow has appeared. And moveless, frozen with astonished expression on her lovely face, she stopped in time. 

"What - what have you done?!" Acronix screamed in horror. "Hey, you've...frozen her!"

Trembling inside, Krux could barely speak. Taking his breath away, his heart rate was higher than ever. The thoughts were invading his mind, and flashing, and whirling around it. He jumped up, held his head with both hands and was nearly to shout. 

"I wish I could have stopped your damned mouth, you moron!" 

"Uh?" 

"We both control time. However," Krux yelled at him with rage. "have you ever tried to control your mind too? You idiot! I told you it wasn't a date. Why did you have to tell her everything?"

"Hey, stop yelling at me!"

"Stop acting like a child! Oh Time Lord, why did I take you and Libber on this foolish mission? You're both just a bunch of annoying kids..." 

His words hit Acronix to the very core. He returned with a pouty face. "W - Why are you so mean to me?"

"I'm not mean. It's just you being oversensitive!" Krux objected. 

"I am not oversensitive!" Acronix cried and stamped his feet in frustration. "Crying doesn't make me oversensitive... Last night I had a horrible nightmare, I told you!" 

Krux didn't reply as the bittersweet memories have started plaguing him. All of a sudden his mind — every single word he could think of — was aimed to her once again.

His heart was racing and beating at an insane rate. For a brief moment he forgot to take a breathe.

"I lost you and everything I had because of this damned war. I was all alone!" Acronix continued, raising his voice. "Come on, are you not listening to me? If that stupid date is—"

"That wasn't even a date!" Krux cut him off, strangely. 

Acronix stared at him in confusion. "Huh?"

"I - I'm not even sure if it really happened to me..."

"Uh, what - what do you mean?" 

Krux looked away with a heavy sigh. He wasn't sure if he should tell Acronix about that date...

He had once happened to accompany her to the tea shop at dawn. They had exchanged a few words, and then she chose to remain quiet all the way back to the Monastery. He appreciated it. 

The first sun beams caressed their bright faces, casting its golden light and sense of complete serenity.

They kept standing there surrounded by silence and embarrassment. Just two of them watching the morning sky filled with a blaze of colours. Peacefully and calmly. Until their speechless conversation was interrupted by others. 

"I don't get it, brother," Acronix distracted him. "You're not sure if it did happen to you or if it was an actual date?"

Embarrassing, Krux put an arm around his neck. "N - Never mind. That - that's just too complicated..."

He truly believed so... And wondered why her melancholic, very grey eyes could heal his entire soul, yet be so heart wrenching. 

His chest full of uncertain feelings was bursting with such unbearable pain again. If only had he confessed his love for her... Oh Lord, how could he even think of something like this during the war? 

Shaking, Krux was blushing so hard as if she was standing right in front of him. 

"What's wro—?" 

"...Let's not talk about it," His voice trembled, terribly. He finally finished, staring off into the distance.

Acronix opened his mouth but no words came out it. Nothing. And the silence fell over them. He looked at Krux's face full of despair and blew out a sad long sigh.

Well... If he had wanted to touch his twin's soul, then why his own was hurting too?

The unknown pain has been tearing apart his heart by his brother's suffering... He caused it! — he did it! — but wasn't able to control, nor ease. The guilt he felt hit him with hundreds of swords. What a fool.. Such a miserable moron! He knew it yet he blurted out everything! 

Acronix couldn't bear it anymore... But if he weren't able to do it, then how Krux would have been hiding his tangled feelings all this time? The only thing he knew his own twin's love must be crystal clear to see. 

"Yeah... Fine," Acronix nodded in agreement. "Yeah... Hey, Krux, I want you to know... No matter what, I'll always be there for you, brother!" he said, laying his both hands on brother's shoulders. "I - I'm sorry, I'm so sorry, Krux! I shouldn't have said anything about your crush, and love... I know how painful it is for you. I knew it! I wish I hadn't said it. You must be so mad at me! Please, forgive me!" He cried out and suddenly broke in tears. 

Krux frowned. "Acronix... How could I not forgive you? Stop it! I'm not even mad at you anymore."

"You're not?"

"Of course, I'm not. Hey, what are you— hey, are you kidding me? Acronix, leave me alone!" 

Krux has despised any touches, but in a warm twin's hug he found comfort for a little while.

"Well," He smiled peacefully. "Let's keep going!"

"Wait!" Acronix stopped him. "What about Lib?"

Oh yeah, that girl... Libber. They almost forgot about her. Krux didn't even care about her until she became dangerous enough to tell everyone their secrets. Nervously he was tugging his moustache, looking at his brother. "Any ideas?"

Acronix scratched his head. "Let me see... Erm... Huh? Huh!" The brilliant idea hit him. "Come on, rewind the time, so Lib would never know what happened."

"Not sure if it'll work. She might still remember—"

"A-a-aw, you're too cute, boys! I just can't—!"

Shocked, they slowly turned around. Was she standing there all this time...right? Yeah, she was... Watching them, Libber was flapping her hands and melting by such cuteness.

"Oh, Krux, you were right! Acronix is super cute when he's crying!" 

Oh Lord... Did she really said that in front of them? Krux shot her a death stare — the same way if she were the one of serpentines. 'He better rewind the time until...'

"Uh, are you f— kidding us!" Acronix shouted and flew into a rage. The anger lightened his eyes. "Huh, cute? We are not cute! How could you ever say that f— crap?!"

Frightened, Libber scowled at him. "How could you yell at me like this, you idiot?" A tear run down her cheek but she wiped it immediately. "You're not even cute anymore!"

"I've never been cute, I told you..."

Watching them, Krux aggressively face palmed with a heavy sigh. In the name of Time, why his brother was always acting like a toddler? Even at such a moment! Their mother was right — Acronix's mouth was his greatest enemy, the reason why he kept losing his friends. 

Focusing, Krux closed his eyes and took a deep breathe. He must do anything until it's too late... The flowing power from the inside has embraced him. A yellow glow coming from his fists became more and more intense. Now he was ready to fix everything Acronix had messed up.

"...and you are annoying as fu—!" 

"What?!"

"Oh yeah, you are, Libber! And I'm not even sorry for this, 'cause I can't believe you have f— annoyed me!" He cried out and... 

Everything around him has started moving backwards at high speed and, he knew Krux was rewinding the time.

...the anger lightened his eyes... they slowly turned around... in a warm hug he found comfort... his chest was bursting... she stopped in time... such a contagious good laugh... as he widely smiled... her caring hands gently going... braiding his long thick hair... Libber got down and stood up from her knees with the legs behind her... Wait!

She froze, blinking in confusion. At the middle of the Forest of Tranquility. The scenes kept flashing through her foggy mind, and racing, and getting lost again and again for no reason. 

"W - What just happened?" Her hands were trembling as she spoke. "Why - Why do I feel like I've already seen this before? It's so- oh my FSM, what was that?" She covered her mouth in horror. "Did you feel it too, guys?"

Twins seemed unfazed — with the map in Krux's hands both were involved in something important, much more important than the question she asked. Her panicked voice distracted them, they turned to her together as they often did.

Acronix gave her a cold look. "What?"

"Well, was it...deja vu?" Krux supposed, raising an eyebrow. 

"Oh. Oh! Yeah... You're right," She nodded slowly and breathed a sigh of relief. "Oh, boys... It felt so real like - like if we were sitting right there and talking about..." She stopped. "Wait, what were we talking about? I can't- I mean — Wait, Maya! — their first kiss! Well, she was training and, Ray asked her out, you know, they were holding hands and Maya was like-" 

Twins exchanged quick glances and broke into cheerful smiles. 'At least, she doesn't remember...' 

Acronix's expression toughened as he stared at her in resentment again. "She's so annoying, brother..."

"I told you. We don't have much time for this. Come on, keep moving on the South..."