FIC: Free Spirits, R, Tom/Bill, 2/2
Title: Free Spirits
Author: ???
Pairing(s): Tom/Bill
Rating: R
Warnings: Violence, minor character death
Disclaimer: I don’t own the members of Tokio Hotel, just this plot and the characterizations
Summary: They were never summoned separately. Never. The ancient texts listed them as one entity. Throughout the ages, they gained a reputation for being a twin force of beauty and destruction. But throughout all their adventures, they’ve never had to deal with this before
FQF Prompt: 52. Bill/Tom fantasy AU - Bill and Tom are two halves of the same creature, created by a mage to do his bidding and spy on his rivals for him. The twins literally share a body except when they split up briefly to scout different areas. One day while they’re split, one of them is captured, and the longer the stay apart the more they develop their own personalities. But they never lose their essential bond: once they’re reunited, Tom and Bill still feel very close to one another, but in a different way. Not only that, but they’re able to decide how to revel against the master who formed them. I’m imagining this in a high fantasy universe, but it could be steampunk or even sci-fi if they were genetically engineered rather than magically created. - submitted by kishmet
Author's notes: I feel like you do when you dig a hole and fill it back up and the dirt doesn’t fit back in the hole right. Kishmet, I hope this lives up to your expectations.
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Tom inhaled the forest air, at ease to be in an environment he understood. It was nothing like the busy, charged air of the city. Laynard and the carriages had roared northwards, tearing through dirt and leaving great dust clouds. It was effortless to track them.
These forests were not the same as Tom was used to, living with Gustav. These forests were more wet and muggy, and occasional patches of swamps and mangrove trees were scattered through the forest.
A mosquito dared to land on Tom. It swiftly met its end. Tom frowned; Bill would have hated this place. If Bill was really here, he certainly was not here of his free will.
The potions makers were poked and prodded into a cluster of muddy huts erected in a small clearing. Laynard -- as uncivilized and brutish as ever -- had eaten one potions maker a day before they finally reached their destination. Tom had been praying to Gaia that Gustav’s meaty little body would be unappetizing to Laynard, and Tom’s prayers were answered.
Laynard disappeared in a maelstrom of swirling fire, and some of the tension in Tom’s shoulders relaxed. A confrontation with the monstrous afrit might have resulted in his physical and spiritual incineration; the threat had been understandably wearing on his nerves.
Currently, the huts were guarded by the “imperial soldiers” who long shed their purple vests and curly-toed boots to clothing more suited to barbarians. Georg, Tom was disappointed to see, had been deceiving them from the start.
Some of the humans must have been mages if the demons were any indication. Occasionally, a lower-level demon would make its rounds on lumbering feet that crashed through the underbrush. That demon was the "muscle," and another one slinking around was the "eyes.” More than once, Tom had to dodge a quick-footed little cat with a flaming tip of a tail.
Tom sighed. The lower-level demons were so blockheaded. Why did they insist on taking on such obvious forms? It did nothing for stealth. Tom and Bill liked to blend in just enough to not arouse too much suspicion while looking just unique enough to make one stop and stare for a few moments before resuming the motions of life.
If they had to fight, Tom could easily win over these small fry. But, the noise and commotion would alert the magicians, who might be capable of summoning more powerful demons. Not that the Perrians seemed like much of a threat.
However, not wanting to expend the energy, Tom avoided detection and watched from a vantage point above their heads. Carefully and silently, Tom climbed hand over hand up tangled vines. He reached a clustered tangle of vegetation and vines from which he could effectively spy.
From Tom’s secret position hanging in the clumps of moist tree vines, Tom could see the potion makers each slaving over cauldrons. Gustav’s solid form stomped inside the hut, and Tom smiled at the indignation Gustav must be feeling at this forced servitude.
Funny how the tables turned; the master was now the mastered.
Despite his amusement and the sense of schadenfreude for Gustav, Tom was going to free Gustav anyway. He was just waiting for the moment that Katricina appeared with Bill.
Tom would offer Gustav an offer the human couldn’t refuse: Tom would free Gustav from potion-brewing slavery in this dank and humid forest if Gustav completed the spell to free Bill from Katricina.
Judging from Gustav’s stomping and stony glares at the guards, this deal wouldn’t be a hard sell. Gustav had been sulkily stirring potions all morning, and Tom wondered why the potion makers had all been kidnapped and brought here. They were not doing much; this was the most boring kidnapping ever.
By the time afternoon arrived, Tom was dozing in his hammock of vines, warm and drowsy from the sunlight filtering through the tree canopy. But a shrill shout woke him from his daze.
It was a good thing Tom had tied himself to the tree with vines, because he nearly fell out of the tree the moment he saw who it was who shrieked.
Apparently, Katricina finally saw fit to show her face. Katricina had a fair pale face framed with waves of black hair. She would be startlingly lovely if not for how ambition and malice twisted her facial features. Even when she smiled, there was a predatory gleam in her eyes. It was as if she was watching and wondering how she could best exploit those upon who she gazed.
Georg was cowering as she yelled at him. The last time Tom had seen the man, his eager attitude had grated on his nerves slightly. Now that he knew that Georg was a double-crosser, Georg was doing considerably more than grate on his nerves. Tom smirked and enjoyed Georg’s misery until Katricina snapped her fingers.
With a puff of smoke, Bill appeared.
Bill.
Tom’s entire being narrowed down into that one moment. It had been two years since Bill was torn from his arms. His soulmate, his partner, his twin, his other half. His Bill.
There he was, and he wasn’t looking well. Tom’s heart broke, and he’d never forget the sight. Tom had never seen Bill so defeated looking. Bill slouched, hiding his face behind a curtain of black dreadlocks. Gone was the djinni who held his head high, daring everyone to stare at him.
Bill’s beautiful features were gloomy and dull. His eyes were void of the zest and joy with which he used to live life. His tunic and trousers were a dull black, just like his hair. It contrasted his pale skin, which looked more sickly than anything.
The only thing that shone on his person were the bands of silver around his neck and wrists. Shivers ran up Tom’s spine; the bands glinted with an unnatural blue sheen. Tom could never keep up with the reasoning behind Bill’s fashion choices, but he doubted Bill would elect to wear such sinister looking jewelry. Bill carried his limbs as if the metal was weighing him down. It even looked silver, which had to be wreaking havoc on Bill’s energies. It did not bode well.
Katricina motioned for Bill to follow her inside a hut. Opening the flap it had for a door, she herded Bill inside.
Tom took this opportunity to crawl down the vines as quickly and quietly as he could. They were wet and slimy, causing his fingers to slip as he tried to grasp them. He lost his grip and landed right in the middle of the camp.
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Tom would not recommend landing in the middle of an enemy’s camp to anyone. It was unfortunate that he landed on his face as well.
He hit the ground and was dazed for a few seconds. Meeting the earth soil so quickly was not something one could prepare for. His spirit felt slightly jostled out of his body, as if he were a drawing with color that bled a little outside the lines.
The guards stared at Tom’s prostate form, dumbfounded at first. They overcame their wonder at the fact there was an actual intruder, and realized that they actually had to do their job.
Tom heard the guards bark spells, summoning their demons.
Groaning, Tom rolled onto his back. A small hoard of imps was rushing in, tongues waggling and claws extended. It was a lovely sight. Stumbling to his feet, he focused his magic and snapped his fingers.
With a flash of smoke and heat, the imps were vaporized by Tom’s flames and sent back to the spiritual realm with their tails between their legs. The guards would have to do better than that to keep Tom down. But Tom didn’t particularly mind -- he’d fallen a great distance and probably could not handle more than a few small fry demons.
Tom wanted to go to Bill, but he needed Gustav to work his magic. Gustav would have to construct a pentacle to transfer ownership of Bill from Katricina back to Gustav. The procedure would only require the most basic of pentacles to be constructed, and was so ridiculously simple that Tom would bet Katricina wouldn’t be able to predict it. And once Bill was in that pentacle and Gustav said the spell, perhaps Bill would be Gustav’s again.
More importantly, Bill would be Tom’s again.
As Tom swaggered dizzily towards the hut which housed Gustav, some guards with a bit of valor threw themselves at Tom. Tom twisted his body and dodged their blows easily. His warrior skills were automatic and still sharp, if not a little unsteady at the moment. It also helped that these were not the most skilled of swordsmen. Humans moved so slowly.
One sword nearly met its mark however, and tore the edge of Tom’s tunic. Tom’s eyes flickered up to the owner of the sword to see feline eyes gazing at him. It was a djinni like Tom who chose to take a human appearance, save for feline features. A mage had summoned this opponent, and it was swiping at Tom with accuracy and intelligence that made Tom uneasy.
Desperate and unarmed, Tom grit his teeth and summoned all of the magic he could. Its charges coursed through his limbs and rose to high levels. Admittedly, this much magic could prove difficult to control, but Tom had little choice.
The magic was reaching its peak, and Tom stumbled back a few steps as its power surged within him.
There was a small explosion. The wall of the hut exploded, and purple slime flew everywhere.
Tom let his magic wane, blinking in confusion. He didn’t do that. Did he? He squinted through the smoke at the site of the explosion.
There, holding a vial over a shattered cauldron and looking very surprised, was Gustav. He looked a little charred and purple.
Fortunately for Tom, the feline djinni had been a little too close to the exploding wall. It wouldn’t be bothering Tom any time soon. Unfortunately for the feline djinni, it lay unconscious a little bit away.
Tom rushed over to it and stole its sword. Easily fighting off the remaining human guards, Tom reached Gustav.
“Put that vial down and come with me. We’re gonna free Bill, just like we talked about.”
Gustav stared. “Tom?”
“And shut your mouth,” Tom grinned. “You look like a gaping moron.”
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Tom slid through the door-flap as nonchalantly as he was able. His smooth moves still startled Katricina and Georg where they stood huddled around a cauldron. Tom felt a little naked without a sword, but he’d stashed it just outside because it would have obviously made Katricina suspicious.
Bill had been at the window, looking to see what the noise outside was about. Now, he turned to Tom Tom felt his heart leap in his chest. Corporeally, his heard was beating faster, but it was also a sensation he felt resonating in his soul. Seeing Bill again filled Tom with much more emotion than he’d felt in two years, and it was slightly overwhelming.
Peripherally, Tom noticed Katricina’s face twist into an angry sneer. Tom didn’t care. But he only had eyes for Bill, who looked shocked to see Tom.
Tom smiled, and hope glimmered in Bill’s eyes. He answered with a smile of his own. Tom felt like he could take on the world.
But for the moment, he had some business to take care of. Bill needed to step outside with him, and it would be best if this could happen in the calmest fashion possible. This might present a bit of a challenge.
“Who are you? This area is off-limits!” shrieked Katricina. Without waiting for an answer, she glared at Georg. “Who is this?”
“Nobody important,” Georg stammered. “That’s just a potions assistant. Tim, right?”
Both Bill and Tom looked insulted at the “nobody” comment.
Tom shrugged, “I go by Timothy-“ confided Tom. He winked at Bill, who looked understandably confused. “I don’t like ‘Tim.’ Let me tell you, ‘Tiny Tim’ is definitely not the nickname for me.”
Tom waited but nobody laughed. He continued. “It’s a pleasure to see you again, Greg - even it you did kidnap us and bring us here against our will.
“The name’s Georg,” said the man flatly. “I didn’t know you were in the chosen group, Timothy. What guard let you in here anyway?”
Despite the easygoing smile on his face and his entire being screaming and longing for Bill, Tom’s mind was racing, trying to think of a way to lure Bill outside without arousing further suspicion.
Katricina huffed. “Who the heck cares! Now is not the time. Listen, Tim -- if you have any experience with potions -- and half a brain -- you should know to keep out of restricted areas! This potion simmering here is very delicate. I’m afraid the commotion outside-“ she turned to fix her icy blue eyes accusingly at Tom, “-and inside- might upset it.”
She turned to the potion again, which didn’t look like anything special. It looked like water, but golden and yellow sparks floated through it. Occasionally, a spark would leap from the water and fizzle excitedly. Tom knew that potions taking on this appearance were indicative of power, and the sustaining, growth, or reduction thereof.
Potentially a very “powerful” potion indeed. Tom almost smiled at his cheesy pun, and wished he could share it with Bill.
Katricina was occupied by the potion, but she muttered, “Georg, go investigate what’s going on outside.”
Uh-oh.
Tom floundered for a story. “That’s why I’m here! I wanted to let you know we’ve got it all under control,” assured Tom. “No cause for alarm, but it appears that someone accidentally switched a dragonfly wing instead of a damselfly wing, and things got a little hairy,” Tom joked. “They’ll reattach his leg eventually.”
Georg chuckled while Bill just stared intensely and unblinkingly. It was as if Bill thought if he blinked, Tom would disappear in that short moment during which his eyes were closed.
“We did need an extra pair of hands, however. A bunch of jars got knocked off a really tall shelf, so someone who can reach it and help me stack ‘em back up again. I just need someone really tall…”
Tom tapped his chin. “Hey you!” exclaimed Tom to Bill. “You’d be just perfect! What’s your name?”
Tom made sure to wink as he asked this, if Bill needed the clue. However, it was likely Bill knew to play along since Bill and Tom had been their whole lives together.
“Bill.”
Tom nearly dropped his act hearing Bill’s voice. He got chills imagining Bill saying his name -- and if Tom worked this situation correctly, it could happen again. Like how it always used to be. Him and Bill.
“Ok Bill.” Tom liked that Bill shivered too. “Would you mind assisting me with picking up jar after jar of dried clover leaves?”
Bill nodded, but turned to Katricina. “Master?”
“Sure sure,” she mumbled, waving her hand dismissively. “Come back when you’re done.”
Heart thudding in his chest, Tom watched Bill cross the few feet to the door where Tom was. Could it be this easy? Just a few steps to freedom?
Tom pushed through the flap, which hid a waiting pentacle just outside the door. Gustav had hurriedly constructed it out of magic energy instead of drawing it with chalk. The runes and lines glittered as Tom stepped over them.
Grinning at Gustav and feeling overall elated, Tom gave a happy flail. Gustav’s pentacle was perfect. It was just big enough for Bill to stand in and small enough to not draw attention.
He turned to Bill, who was exiting the hut. Their eyes met and it was like universes colliding all over again.
“Bill, stand here ok?” whispered Tom. Bill nodded trustingly.
Tom stepped outside of the pentacle and picked up the sword he’d propped by the door.
“Tom, wait-“ Bill hissed. “Whatever you have planned is gonna be messed up by these!” He held up his wrists, which were encircled by the silver bands. Their blue glow reflected in Bill’s eyes.
“How?”
“Silver! She drains my magic with them. She never lets me take them off.”
Tom cursed. They didn’t have much time. The guards and demons were knocked out, but they wouldn’t be for long. And Gustav was already in the zone. He looked like he was reciting the spell to himself.
Most pressingly, Tom wanted to get them out of there before Katricina saw and summoned Laynard. Even worse, she might even pit Bill against Tom. Tom could hold his own -- maybe -- against Laynard, but battling Bill was unthinkable, impossible. Tom wouldn’t even pick up his sword if that happened.
Bill would never forgive himself if it was his blade which brought Tom down. Neither could Tom, if it was his fault that Bill felt that way. It was a vicious cycle of guilt and self-hate which Bill and Tom did not want to explore.
Tom muttered, “We just gotta try while we have the chance.”
He stepped back, scanning the area for any guards who decided to wake up. Some of the other captive potions makers were watching quietly from the safety of the huts (if a shoddy wooden structure could be considered safe).
Gustav uttered the spell, the syllables ringing with energy. Tom shivered, nervous that Katricina would hear.
The pentacle shone, pulsing with golden light as the melody of Gustav’s chant rose and fell. It lit Bill’s dark clothing and bathed him in a warm glow. It reflected in his eyes, which never left Tom’s.
It was done. The pentacle flashed once, blindingly, before fading from existence. Bill flew to Tom’s waiting embrace faster than a human could blink.
Bill felt amazing in Tom’s arms. His limbs slid into place around Bill’s back, finding their places with the memory of touch alone. They pressed their faces into each others’ necks. Tom inhaled the scent of water vapor on Bill’s skin. He held tighter, refusing to release Bill as if Bill were early morning fog that vanished at the first sunrays of dawn.
Bill was trembling. Squeezing tighter, Tom wanted to embrace Bill so hard that they molded together into one, like two lumps of clay pressed together. He wanted to join their spirits so they’d never be separated again.
“Hey!”
Turning reluctantly to the noise, they separated an inch to see Georg peeking out of the hut.
“What’s going on?” Georg demanded, voice rising.
In a flurry of motion, Gustav reached in his tunic and produced a vial. He flung it at Georg, who was silenced and surrounded in green smoke.
Gustav smirked. The smoke cleared, revealing a muskrat with glossy fur. The muskrat who was once Georg stumbled around confusedly, clumsy and tripping on its new limbs.
Bill’s eyes lit up with mirth, and he grinned at Tom. Tom beamed back. Trying to bite down laughter was so hard when one was so incredibly happy.
Katricina emerged from the hut as well, looking decidedly unhappy. Her unhappiness quickly morphed into rage as she took in the sight of Bill and Tom in each others’ arms. She kicked the poor unfortunate muskrat aside (it yelped) as she rounded on Tom.
“You!” she spat. “I didn’t want you. How did you find Bill?”
Tom clutched Bill once more, tightly, before letting him go and standing his full height against Katricina. Bewildered and furious, Tom countered, “He’s my twin! Of course I found him. We’re twins!” repeated Tom, amazed at how she did not understand that simple fact.
Katricina sneered. “I know that. I knew that when I summoned you, Bill. I knew I just wanted one of you, not both of you. So I simply summoned one.”
Tom was so furious he could barely get the words out. He had one question to ask before he tore her limb from limb. “Why would you summon only one of us?”
“I wanted to see if I was a powerful enough spellweaver to split the two legendary twin djinn. And what do you know; I was.” She smiled. “I consider it a jewel my crown of many achievements. Do you know why?”
Gesturing to Bill, she said, “Bill - show Tom your lovely jewelry.”
Despite the successful completion of the spell, the shiny silver bands still encircled Bill’s wrists and his neck. They glinted a chilly cerulean, looking cold even in the dappled sunlight of midday. It highlighted the blue veins running beneath the pale surface of Bill’s skin.
“That silver is custom-made to suck the magic right out of Bill,” laughed Katricina. “Bill hates them, don’t you Billy? But using these with Bill is more special. Why?”
The twins glared.
“Magic is affected by emotion. So I figured that if I could shatter Bill’s heart completely and tear him away from someone he’d been with for all of his existence, that it would mean all the more volatile, wild, and powerful magic for me to take.”
Sharp emotion cut through Tom like pain; rage, heartbreak, and bloodlust boiled in his brain.
She continued, condemning herself further. “I could have summoned anyone, and used those bracelets. Summoning one of you however -- and only one -- provides me with power that’s tenfold greater than what any other djinni could ever offer.”
Before Tom could wonder how good Katricina would look with his sword impaled through her vital organs, Katricina clapped her hands and chanted.
Bill crumpled, and Tom dove to save him before he hit the ground. Gasping as Tom caught him, Bill started writhing and moaning. The metal at his neck and around his wrists glowed bright blue. They pulsed in time with Katricina’s chanting.
Gently, Tom laid Bill on the ground. He picked up his sword and let it fall, cutting through the air and headed straight for Katricina.
A stream of syllables burst from her mouth, and a pentacle took form in the air around them. Tom jumped outside its boundaries, watching with horror as Katricina used Bill’s magic to summon Laynard.
The great demon’s shape took form, materializing in the air. The smell of burnt wood and ash assailed Tom’s nose.
They didn’t stand a chance.
Laynard’s flaming mane framed his snarling face, and he bit at the air like a savage beast.
The demon materialized more and more as Katricina was reciting the spell. She watched the twins as she spoke, a sick satisfaction in her eyes.
Tom turned his back to her and went to Bill. Bill lay still and exhausted on the ground. He looked so pale and fragile, so broken.
Kneeling, Tom pulled Bill into his lap. Holding Bill close in a tight embrace, Tom held Bill’s face to his. Bill didn’t have the strength to hold up his own head from all Katricina had drained from him.
Laynard was more corporeal now, and was roaring his grievances into the atmosphere. Despite that, Bill and Tom only had eyes for each other.
They looked into each others’ eyes, devouring the sight of their mirror images. Bill’s eyes slipped closed, and Tom’s followed. No distance was allowed. If Bill was too fatigued to keep his eyes open so they could look at each other, so be it that they connect in other ways.
Just a fraction of a distance was crossed when Tom brought their lips together in a sweet, loving kiss. Tom sought to contrast Katricina’s harsh treatment of Bill with the gentle press and slide of their mouths.
They had never felt each others’ lips in this manner before. Impulsively, Tom acted on what felt right at that moment, and nothing else had ever felt so right before. This was home; this was his soulmate, this was his, and this was where he belonged.
Even through the swell of sensation and emotion from their kissing, they heard Katricina stutter a syllable. She faltered momentarily, trying to start over.
Sad news for her was that there were no do-overs in the world of djinn. A mage either recited the spell correctly or not -- even minor changes had the potential to alter the spell completely. Every demon knew this, and every demon hoped for the day their master would fumble with a spell. Errors meant the possibility for escape and exploitation.
Katricina’s small stutter was all Laynard needed. Her slip-up meant she lost control over him. The old, ferocious, but clever lion demon took the chance and pounced on Katricina. His maw was open wide and showcasing dripping and ferocious teeth.
He lowered his great head and consumed Katricina whole, in only two bites. It was a quick and effective end, but absolutely disgusting.
Free to do as he wished, Laynard did what every demon preferred -- to return to the joyful dance of energies on the spiritual plane. Without even sparing anyone a glance, he faded away happily, entering the spirit world.
Tom and Bill laughed in disbelief and happiness.
“I can’t believe she messed up,” said Bill, relief coloring the tones of his voice. “She never messes up.”
Tom chuckled. “Well, I guess she does now. Or did. I guess we’re a pretty good distraction.”
They grinned at each other, and Bill stole another quick kiss. “I like this,” Bill divulged.
Tom whispered, “I like it too.” He kissed Bill back.
They hugged each other tight.
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The bracelets on Bill’s wrists and the necklace hanging over his collarbones lost their icy blue sheen. They faded to dull, unassuming silver. Bill picked at them, fidgeting as their hodgepodge group made its way back to the Great City. Everyone assured Bill they could be removed, but the services of a metalworker would be required.
The swamp lay miles behind them, and everyone was relieved. It was damply beautiful and verdantly green, but the mud and stink of the place was an ugly side to its beauty. Now, the smooth plains of the south stretched as far as the eye could see, and the swampy woods were just a dark spot on the horizon behind their little cluster of carriages and donkeys.
Back at the camp, Tom and Bill had easily overpowered the Perrian guards and mages. After taking them captive, the Perrians could only watch as the potions makers were freed from their forced servitude. Several of the potions makers stuck out their tongues at the Perrians; Bill participated as well.
Tom was shocked to see that Bill replaced his tongue stud with a tongue spike. The tip was dulled, but it was a spike nonetheless. Tom wondered what other things were different about Bill.
The twins were a little sad that the potions makers were allowed their freedom, for Bill and Tom were still serving their master Gustav. Until Gustav dismissed them or died, the twins would have to serve him. Such were the laws of djinn, that with great power came great limitations.
Bill and Tom walked hand in hand for most of the journey. All of the humans except Gustav gave them a wide berth. The twins were not usually avoided so much by humans, since their appearance was humanoid. However, when Bill had set the pants of one of the Perrians on fire, the rest of the humans kept their distance.
It was preferable; distance gave the twins privacy and the opportunity to become reacquainted with each other. It was the first time in their lives there was ever any reacquainting to be done.
Tom noticed that Bill was quieter and more reserved. He kept his facial expression carefully guarded when speaking to anybody. With Tom, he was considerably more expressive. However, Bill was not as quick to smile as he used to be. Tom wanted to change that.
Bill noticed that Tom was more relaxed. His sleeves were frayed at the edges, and the old Tom would have picked at the loose threads obsessively. Holes dotted his shirt, and Tom had simply shrugged when Bill asked about it. Tom had been confident before, and it had been a slightly overbearing kind of demeanor in which Tom felt he had to brag. Now, Tom did not sing his own praises and let his strong and sure actions speak for him. Bill liked it.
Tom noticed that Bill was kinder to Gustav now. Before, Bill had whined and complained, decrying Gustav’s every move in a futile act of rebellion. Now, Bill said please and thank you, and even complimented Gustav on his new pet muskrat. Tom was surprised at Bill’s sincerity. When Tom asked him about it, Bill said that Gustav was a much better master than Katricina had been. Gustav respected the twins and game them some autonomy of choice in their matters, which Katricina had never done.
Bill noticed that Tom was less worried. Gathering everyone together to make the journey back to the capital was no easy task. The old Tom might have gone a little insane trying to coordinate everyone and everything, to make it work. This new Tom, strolling at Bill’s side, was not stressing about a thing and only seemed concerned with Bill’s happiness (which was nice).
Tom noticed that Bill’s movements were sultrier than before. It was very interesting to watch Bill walk now; he carried himself with a mature grace, hinting at a potential for power within his limbs. His shoes had heels as tall as ever, but instead of stumbling on them as if he were on stilts, Bill used them to strut as if he were on stage. He cocked his hips out to dramatic angles, and his stance spoke of energy balled up beneath the surface of Bill’s calmer demeanor.
Bill noticed that Tom bulked up over the long two years. He had always been strong, but it had been mostly in the upper body. Tom’s body was more balanced now. It could be seen in how Tom lifted the bags and cauldrons when loading the carriages, and how Tom carried the load suspended from his own shoulders. The pack on Tom’s back was massive, but it was not causing Tom any difficulty at all. When Bill asked, Tom replied that living with Gustav presented its own unique challenges. It allowed Tom to focus on his muscles themselves, instead of on the edge of his blade in the fury of battle. He said he relished in the pain of training, and how proud he felt when he achieved a balanced and sculpted body.
Gustav smiled at the sight of the twins. They never took their eyes off each other - nor their hands - and chattered at each other seemingly without breath. It was obvious how much they loved each other, and how much they had missed each other. They clung to each other like beetles to bark.
The twins walked alone, separately, behind the carriage of terrified Perrians. Occasionally, the twins burst into laughter when Bill set more unfortunate trousers on fire.
They were cackling and shrieking with laughter again. Georg, who was curled up and draped over Gustav’s shoulders, hissed. His fur bristled and Gustav laughed.
“They’re just two twins reunited after years, Georgie. They’re happy as larks. And they’re really just harmless - I promise.”
A Perrian yelped, and Gustav winced.
“Mostly harmless.”
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The officials at the castle were very flustered at the sight of grubby and travel-weary potions makers on the front steps. They had no idea what to do when presented with a group of captive mages and guards who called themselves Perrians. The were but having two tall djinn shout that these men were traitors called Perrians. No one - the travelers included - really knew what to do.
They were sent to wait in the royal waiting room, which was where people were sent to wait while other people figured out what to do. The Royal Advisor, second in command to the King himself, was called in. He was debriefed as to the basics of the situation. At the name Katricina, he was visibly startled.
“Katricina?” he breathed. “This is not possible. Katricina is our most talented mage! She is currently on leave because of temporary personal illness!”
Bill scoffed. “Mental illness, yes - temporary, no. She’s pretty darn crazy if you ask me.”
With the testimonies and accounts of relevant parties, the story began to make sense. Piece by piece, they learned about how Katricina was a promising mage with a thirst to succeed in every manner. She was preoccupied with summoning stronger and stronger demons. Warning her multiple times, her mentor had said that she should not try her luck with the stronger demons, who were terribly clever. She had seemed to desire demons with raw power, or the potential for it.
No one knew why she kidnapped the potions makers until the potions makers revealed what potion was being made -- the a power-increasing potion which was perhaps the most potent to ever exist. It required an entire team of potions makers to monitor its brewing. If completed and consumed, Katricina would have easily been the most powerful magician in the continent -- perhaps even the world.
Bill shuddered at that, and Tom squeezed Bill’s hand in comfort. Even Georg the muskrat was nodding, glad that Katricina was no longer a threat to the world (and his eardrums with her constant screeching).
Tom shared their story as well, about how Katricina had summoned only one of them, to split them and feed like a vampire on their heartbreak.
The Perrians were sent to the dungeons, and were informed that their intense and highly unpleasant community service would begin the following morning. Apparently the stables had a lot of dung that needed to be moved. The Perrians were sincerely looking forward to it, since anything was preferable to having one’s pants set on fire.
The twins and Gustav were lauded for their bravery in freeing the potions makers. The Royal Advisor promised them quarters in the castle if they so chose.
Gustav and Tom shook their heads immediately, and Bill mirrored the movement even though he had no idea what he wanted. Both man and djinni had no greater desire than to return to the quiet life of their woodsy cottage, and Bill would follow wherever Tom led. Plus, Bill had to admit that after two years of drama and slaving under Katricina, a quiet life would be most welcome - especially if it were spent with his soulmate.
A metallurgist had taken one look at Bill’s energy-draining jewelry, ducked beneath his counter, and popped back up again with a flask of some concoction and a small handsaw. Assuring Bill that he would never saw off Bill’s hands or head, he had Bill set his hands on the counter. A few drips from the flask and encouragement from the handsaw, and the shackles sprung free. Bill rubbed his wrists and neck, grateful.
As they saddled their horses (all-expense paid, courtesy of the Empire) and rode back to their forest home, Tom told Bill wonderful stories of life in the woods.
At first, Bill was shocked at Tom’s enthusiasm; their last consensus was that rural, isolated life was awful. Tom eagerly convinced Bill otherwise, painting pictures with his words and gestures about the way treetops were reflected in the surface of gentle brooks, about how the entire forest underwent a transformation of color when autumn came, and about how the snow made the entire wood so serene and quiet.
Bill was mainly won over by the passion shining in Tom’s eyes. The twinkle near Tom’s amber-brown irises promised Bill that he would love it. Tom said he could do better than tell Bill about it by showing Bill the beauty of the woods firsthand. If Tom was the tour guide, Bill was definitely looking forward to it.
Tom promised Georg that he would love it too. It appeared that Gustav had adopted the man-turned-rodent. Gustav insisted that every potions maker worth his salt had a pet. Tom and Bill were not aware of this rule, but went along with it since Georg was harmless now.
Georg had long since become accustomed to his small, furry body and took great pleasure in nibbling at Tom’s dreadlocks, spraying Tom’s shoes with musk, and tripping Tom as he walked. Tom playfully threatened to forcibly harvest “essence of muskrat” from Georg, but Gustav had laughed, pointing out that muskrat essence was already coating Tom’s shoes.
While Georg was occupied with showering Tom’s shoes with musk, Tom was interested in showering Bill’s neck and wrists with kisses every opportunity he got. The whole journey home -- and afterwards -- Tom kissed away the trauma of Katricina’s energy-draining silver. Bill didn’t tell Tom that he felt healed already, because Tom’s kisses felt so nice.
Tom’s kisses felt really nice, actually. Bill wanted more of them.
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Bill’s plan to get more of Tom’s kisses was simple -- look very kissable (an effortless task for Bill) and get into situations in which kisses were expected. It was a genius plan, and was not even difficult to implement. With his mohawk spiked and held in place with magic (for there was no other way to achieve such hairy height), entrancing eyes, and pouty lips, Bill made sure he looked like a dream.
His plan was aided greatly by Tom wanting to kiss Bill all the time anyway. They were always close to each other; if they weren’t bumping shoulders, they were at most within arms reach of each other. Relishing in each others’ presence after so long, they started giving each other little pecks on the lips from time to time.
Tom noticed Bill’s efforts, and found them amusing and silly. When Bill arranged himself against a tree trunk and under a sprig of mistletoe (it was the first forest plant Bill could consistently identify), Tom could not help but roll his eyes.
As if he needed a reason to kiss Bill.
Sometimes Tom wondered if the two of them should stop putting on such a show, but then he realized the audience was just Gustav and Georg and laughed. The other two seemed fine with the new, touchy-feely aspect of their relationship.
The cottage was more crowded now, with one man, two djinn, and one muskrat. It felt like a family, even if two family members were in demonic sevitude to another, and even if one of them was an animal because of another. Gustav had a lot to answer for, and the twins teased him for it.
Business resumed as usual, and Gustav put them all to work. Even Georg was sent to the bottom of the pond to retrieve catfish whiskers and frog tears. Bill protested at first, saying his job was to stand around and look pretty, but he eagerly followed Tom around nonetheless, helping here and there.
There was much serenity to be found in the happy routine of maintaining a potions-making business, even if Bill and Tom still refused to work with mandrake roots.
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The wind lifted the petals of the meadow flowers, and they nodded their contentedness as they swayed back and forth. The summer sun was bright and cheerful, and the sharp musty scent of grass tickled their noses.
The twins lay there on their blanket, kissing each other and watching the clouds.
“I wish we could be a cloud,” mused Bill. “We could float around free and not have to touch the earth and its soils.”
Tom looked over at Bill’s profile, beautiful and wistful as he gazed at the sky. Overcome by a surge of affection, Tom confessed, “You already make me feel like a cloud. My heart, I mean. You make me feel like I could float forever. It’s the closest I get to how it’s like back in the spiritual realm.”
Bill rolled over onto his side, and so did Tom. “Same for me. I want to make us feel like this all the time.”
“That’s no problem with me,” breathed Tom, and he leaned in to capture Bill’s lips.
The sensation was electrifying, satisfying. It sent tingles down their spines that settled in their stomach. They chased the sparks that grew between them by kissing harder, deeper.
Birds of the meadow whistled their encouragement when Bill’s hands slid under Tom’s tunic. Bill ran his hands up Tom’s strong back, and he felt more than heard Tom’s appreciative groan.
Neither the twins, the birds, nor the bees were particularly surprised when clothing was tossed aside. Bill rolled Tom onto his back, never breaking their heated kiss, and they rutted against each other. The springtime day was not very hot, but the twins warmed up their little patch in the grass very well.
Somewhere, crouched in the grass, a shy little fox blushed at the sounds of whimpers and moans filling the air. Meanwhile, a rabbit snickered and hopped off to locate its own mate.
The birds fell silent at the twins’ cries, tucking their heads under their wings at the sight of sweaty, tangled limbs. The only bird to keep staring at their drowsy, satiated bodies was the crow, which jeered and cawed.
Bill and Tom heard nothing, curled up in each other. They were in their own world, still reeling from the aftershocks of this new development in their bond. It gave them a soaring joy not unlike the absolute rush of energy and freedom they felt in the spiritual world.
After Tom remarked on this, Bill cursed the filthiest language he knew (ancient oaths they learned from the Loch Ness Monster, who had quite the mouth on her) that they didn’t think to have sex sooner. Tom agreed, but they promised to make up for it. They had a lot of making up to do.
The sun felt divine on their naked skin. Tom reached over and laced his fingers between Bill’s.
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The weeks passed. Though Gustav and Georg knew about it, the twins spared them from witnessing all the twinly frenzied lovemaking. The affection the twins had for each other was obvious; Tom and Bill chopped potions ingredients, stripped peas from pods, and stirred cauldrons while sending doe eyes at each other the entire time.
Gustav thought it was cute. Georg playfully made gagging sounds with his tiny muskrat larynx.
A knock at the door interrupted Bill and Tom’s chatter about the benefits of buttons over zippers. Georg leapt up, abandoning the stick he was nibbling. He raced Gustav to the door.
The twins watched with curious eyes as Gustav invited in a tall blond man he introduced as Benjamin. Georg danced happily around Benjamin’s feet.
“Shall we take tea in the garden?” suggested Gustav. He plucked a kettle off the stove, and the twins were startled that they did not even notice Gustav making tea, nor the plate of cookies Gustav had prepared.
“What a charming muskrat!” Benjamin cooed, kneeling to pet Georg’s glossy fur.
Gustav smiled, opening the door for the twins and their guest.
Setting the garden table, Gustav swept aside dried cattail fronds and dusted off the dirty benches for them to sit on. Regardless, Tom removed the outer layer of his tunic for Bill to sit on. Bill perched on it, leaning automatically into Tom’s shoulder. They waited, eyes wide and attentive.
Gustav picked out a cookie for Georg to nibble, and introduced Benjamin again. This time, he added, “Benjamin is my new potions assistant. He’s a student fresh from the Great City, and he’s here to soak up all the knowledge he can.”
Benjamin nodded, smiling nervously. “I’m excited and so very honored to learn from a teacher like Mr. Schafer.”
“So, Benny,” started Gustav, “You’ll be gathering ingredients from the wood, preparing ingredients, cooking up potions, selling them in town, and generally assisting me with running the business. You can even stand around and look pretty, if you find the time.”
Gustav winked at Bill with that last comment. The twins were dumbfounded, and the only sounds were the chirping birds and Georg munching on his cookie.
“Wait.” Tom blinked, confused. “So Benjamin is taking our jobs? Even Bill’s job?”
Gustav nodded.
“What gives, Gustav? I thought we had job security!” Tom joked.
Shaking his head, Gustav replied, “You don’t anymore. I’ve decided to dismiss you.”
Tom stared in shock while Bill was already on his feet, whooping and jumping most inelegantly.
Gustav smiled, standing and gesturing to the brink patio by the door to the cottage. He took a piece of chalk from his pocket, kneeled, and began to draw a pentacle.
“But Gustav!”
“I don’t want to hear it, Tom,” said Gustav, waving a hand. “You’re already done more than enough to help me, and you two have suffered more than you deserve with what happened with Katricina. I think you deserve a long vacation. And I’ve just hired Benjamin, and I have Georg to help me too.”
Georg skittered around, hissing. He ran up to Tom, squeaked once, and sprayed Tom’s shoes with musk. The twins wrinkled their noses, but neither were too put out. Those shoes wouldn’t exist in the spiritual realm and nor would the stink.
Shaking and jiggling Tom’s arm, Bill sang, “We’re going back, we’re going back!”
Tom took a look around the familiar sights of the cottage -- its ivy covered walls, the numerous plant pots stack haphazardly by the door, the weathered rows of soil and crops in the small garden, and the wind chimes hanging from the trees.
He and Bill stood in the center of the pentacle, and Tom looked at Gustav -- short, stout, and ever smiling. He’d proven to be a wonderful friend, and the best master Tom had ever had. He stood there next to Benjamin, and Georg ran figure-eights around their feet.
Gustav started reciting the spell, and Tom looked at Bill. Bill was already looking right at him, and they got lost again -- so easily, like always -- in the depthless fiery amber of each others’ eyes.
The spell finished, and Bill and Tom ascended. Their spirits took flight, leaving behind their physical bodies and soaring off into the spiritual plane.
They held hands, reaching their destination together.
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The horizon was filled with multicolored waves. They were endless, and glowing as if lit from within. Floating and bobbing along in the sea of energy, two brightly burning sparks of energy pulsed in time. They also shone and spun around each other.
Occasionally, they touched. When that happened, the light they were emitting grew so intense that they appeared as one orb of electric energy.
Faster and faster they spun, with spirits that were free and joyous. The two twin sparks were locked in an eternal orbit as if they were dancing to music that never stopped playing.
Author: ???
Pairing(s): Tom/Bill
Rating: R
Warnings: Violence, minor character death
Disclaimer: I don’t own the members of Tokio Hotel, just this plot and the characterizations
Summary: They were never summoned separately. Never. The ancient texts listed them as one entity. Throughout the ages, they gained a reputation for being a twin force of beauty and destruction. But throughout all their adventures, they’ve never had to deal with this before
FQF Prompt: 52. Bill/Tom fantasy AU - Bill and Tom are two halves of the same creature, created by a mage to do his bidding and spy on his rivals for him. The twins literally share a body except when they split up briefly to scout different areas. One day while they’re split, one of them is captured, and the longer the stay apart the more they develop their own personalities. But they never lose their essential bond: once they’re reunited, Tom and Bill still feel very close to one another, but in a different way. Not only that, but they’re able to decide how to revel against the master who formed them. I’m imagining this in a high fantasy universe, but it could be steampunk or even sci-fi if they were genetically engineered rather than magically created. - submitted by kishmet
Author's notes: I feel like you do when you dig a hole and fill it back up and the dirt doesn’t fit back in the hole right. Kishmet, I hope this lives up to your expectations.
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Tom inhaled the forest air, at ease to be in an environment he understood. It was nothing like the busy, charged air of the city. Laynard and the carriages had roared northwards, tearing through dirt and leaving great dust clouds. It was effortless to track them.
These forests were not the same as Tom was used to, living with Gustav. These forests were more wet and muggy, and occasional patches of swamps and mangrove trees were scattered through the forest.
A mosquito dared to land on Tom. It swiftly met its end. Tom frowned; Bill would have hated this place. If Bill was really here, he certainly was not here of his free will.
The potions makers were poked and prodded into a cluster of muddy huts erected in a small clearing. Laynard -- as uncivilized and brutish as ever -- had eaten one potions maker a day before they finally reached their destination. Tom had been praying to Gaia that Gustav’s meaty little body would be unappetizing to Laynard, and Tom’s prayers were answered.
Laynard disappeared in a maelstrom of swirling fire, and some of the tension in Tom’s shoulders relaxed. A confrontation with the monstrous afrit might have resulted in his physical and spiritual incineration; the threat had been understandably wearing on his nerves.
Currently, the huts were guarded by the “imperial soldiers” who long shed their purple vests and curly-toed boots to clothing more suited to barbarians. Georg, Tom was disappointed to see, had been deceiving them from the start.
Some of the humans must have been mages if the demons were any indication. Occasionally, a lower-level demon would make its rounds on lumbering feet that crashed through the underbrush. That demon was the "muscle," and another one slinking around was the "eyes.” More than once, Tom had to dodge a quick-footed little cat with a flaming tip of a tail.
Tom sighed. The lower-level demons were so blockheaded. Why did they insist on taking on such obvious forms? It did nothing for stealth. Tom and Bill liked to blend in just enough to not arouse too much suspicion while looking just unique enough to make one stop and stare for a few moments before resuming the motions of life.
If they had to fight, Tom could easily win over these small fry. But, the noise and commotion would alert the magicians, who might be capable of summoning more powerful demons. Not that the Perrians seemed like much of a threat.
However, not wanting to expend the energy, Tom avoided detection and watched from a vantage point above their heads. Carefully and silently, Tom climbed hand over hand up tangled vines. He reached a clustered tangle of vegetation and vines from which he could effectively spy.
From Tom’s secret position hanging in the clumps of moist tree vines, Tom could see the potion makers each slaving over cauldrons. Gustav’s solid form stomped inside the hut, and Tom smiled at the indignation Gustav must be feeling at this forced servitude.
Funny how the tables turned; the master was now the mastered.
Despite his amusement and the sense of schadenfreude for Gustav, Tom was going to free Gustav anyway. He was just waiting for the moment that Katricina appeared with Bill.
Tom would offer Gustav an offer the human couldn’t refuse: Tom would free Gustav from potion-brewing slavery in this dank and humid forest if Gustav completed the spell to free Bill from Katricina.
Judging from Gustav’s stomping and stony glares at the guards, this deal wouldn’t be a hard sell. Gustav had been sulkily stirring potions all morning, and Tom wondered why the potion makers had all been kidnapped and brought here. They were not doing much; this was the most boring kidnapping ever.
By the time afternoon arrived, Tom was dozing in his hammock of vines, warm and drowsy from the sunlight filtering through the tree canopy. But a shrill shout woke him from his daze.
It was a good thing Tom had tied himself to the tree with vines, because he nearly fell out of the tree the moment he saw who it was who shrieked.
Apparently, Katricina finally saw fit to show her face. Katricina had a fair pale face framed with waves of black hair. She would be startlingly lovely if not for how ambition and malice twisted her facial features. Even when she smiled, there was a predatory gleam in her eyes. It was as if she was watching and wondering how she could best exploit those upon who she gazed.
Georg was cowering as she yelled at him. The last time Tom had seen the man, his eager attitude had grated on his nerves slightly. Now that he knew that Georg was a double-crosser, Georg was doing considerably more than grate on his nerves. Tom smirked and enjoyed Georg’s misery until Katricina snapped her fingers.
With a puff of smoke, Bill appeared.
Bill.
Tom’s entire being narrowed down into that one moment. It had been two years since Bill was torn from his arms. His soulmate, his partner, his twin, his other half. His Bill.
There he was, and he wasn’t looking well. Tom’s heart broke, and he’d never forget the sight. Tom had never seen Bill so defeated looking. Bill slouched, hiding his face behind a curtain of black dreadlocks. Gone was the djinni who held his head high, daring everyone to stare at him.
Bill’s beautiful features were gloomy and dull. His eyes were void of the zest and joy with which he used to live life. His tunic and trousers were a dull black, just like his hair. It contrasted his pale skin, which looked more sickly than anything.
The only thing that shone on his person were the bands of silver around his neck and wrists. Shivers ran up Tom’s spine; the bands glinted with an unnatural blue sheen. Tom could never keep up with the reasoning behind Bill’s fashion choices, but he doubted Bill would elect to wear such sinister looking jewelry. Bill carried his limbs as if the metal was weighing him down. It even looked silver, which had to be wreaking havoc on Bill’s energies. It did not bode well.
Katricina motioned for Bill to follow her inside a hut. Opening the flap it had for a door, she herded Bill inside.
Tom took this opportunity to crawl down the vines as quickly and quietly as he could. They were wet and slimy, causing his fingers to slip as he tried to grasp them. He lost his grip and landed right in the middle of the camp.
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Tom would not recommend landing in the middle of an enemy’s camp to anyone. It was unfortunate that he landed on his face as well.
He hit the ground and was dazed for a few seconds. Meeting the earth soil so quickly was not something one could prepare for. His spirit felt slightly jostled out of his body, as if he were a drawing with color that bled a little outside the lines.
The guards stared at Tom’s prostate form, dumbfounded at first. They overcame their wonder at the fact there was an actual intruder, and realized that they actually had to do their job.
Tom heard the guards bark spells, summoning their demons.
Groaning, Tom rolled onto his back. A small hoard of imps was rushing in, tongues waggling and claws extended. It was a lovely sight. Stumbling to his feet, he focused his magic and snapped his fingers.
With a flash of smoke and heat, the imps were vaporized by Tom’s flames and sent back to the spiritual realm with their tails between their legs. The guards would have to do better than that to keep Tom down. But Tom didn’t particularly mind -- he’d fallen a great distance and probably could not handle more than a few small fry demons.
Tom wanted to go to Bill, but he needed Gustav to work his magic. Gustav would have to construct a pentacle to transfer ownership of Bill from Katricina back to Gustav. The procedure would only require the most basic of pentacles to be constructed, and was so ridiculously simple that Tom would bet Katricina wouldn’t be able to predict it. And once Bill was in that pentacle and Gustav said the spell, perhaps Bill would be Gustav’s again.
More importantly, Bill would be Tom’s again.
As Tom swaggered dizzily towards the hut which housed Gustav, some guards with a bit of valor threw themselves at Tom. Tom twisted his body and dodged their blows easily. His warrior skills were automatic and still sharp, if not a little unsteady at the moment. It also helped that these were not the most skilled of swordsmen. Humans moved so slowly.
One sword nearly met its mark however, and tore the edge of Tom’s tunic. Tom’s eyes flickered up to the owner of the sword to see feline eyes gazing at him. It was a djinni like Tom who chose to take a human appearance, save for feline features. A mage had summoned this opponent, and it was swiping at Tom with accuracy and intelligence that made Tom uneasy.
Desperate and unarmed, Tom grit his teeth and summoned all of the magic he could. Its charges coursed through his limbs and rose to high levels. Admittedly, this much magic could prove difficult to control, but Tom had little choice.
The magic was reaching its peak, and Tom stumbled back a few steps as its power surged within him.
There was a small explosion. The wall of the hut exploded, and purple slime flew everywhere.
Tom let his magic wane, blinking in confusion. He didn’t do that. Did he? He squinted through the smoke at the site of the explosion.
There, holding a vial over a shattered cauldron and looking very surprised, was Gustav. He looked a little charred and purple.
Fortunately for Tom, the feline djinni had been a little too close to the exploding wall. It wouldn’t be bothering Tom any time soon. Unfortunately for the feline djinni, it lay unconscious a little bit away.
Tom rushed over to it and stole its sword. Easily fighting off the remaining human guards, Tom reached Gustav.
“Put that vial down and come with me. We’re gonna free Bill, just like we talked about.”
Gustav stared. “Tom?”
“And shut your mouth,” Tom grinned. “You look like a gaping moron.”
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Tom slid through the door-flap as nonchalantly as he was able. His smooth moves still startled Katricina and Georg where they stood huddled around a cauldron. Tom felt a little naked without a sword, but he’d stashed it just outside because it would have obviously made Katricina suspicious.
Bill had been at the window, looking to see what the noise outside was about. Now, he turned to Tom Tom felt his heart leap in his chest. Corporeally, his heard was beating faster, but it was also a sensation he felt resonating in his soul. Seeing Bill again filled Tom with much more emotion than he’d felt in two years, and it was slightly overwhelming.
Peripherally, Tom noticed Katricina’s face twist into an angry sneer. Tom didn’t care. But he only had eyes for Bill, who looked shocked to see Tom.
Tom smiled, and hope glimmered in Bill’s eyes. He answered with a smile of his own. Tom felt like he could take on the world.
But for the moment, he had some business to take care of. Bill needed to step outside with him, and it would be best if this could happen in the calmest fashion possible. This might present a bit of a challenge.
“Who are you? This area is off-limits!” shrieked Katricina. Without waiting for an answer, she glared at Georg. “Who is this?”
“Nobody important,” Georg stammered. “That’s just a potions assistant. Tim, right?”
Both Bill and Tom looked insulted at the “nobody” comment.
Tom shrugged, “I go by Timothy-“ confided Tom. He winked at Bill, who looked understandably confused. “I don’t like ‘Tim.’ Let me tell you, ‘Tiny Tim’ is definitely not the nickname for me.”
Tom waited but nobody laughed. He continued. “It’s a pleasure to see you again, Greg - even it you did kidnap us and bring us here against our will.
“The name’s Georg,” said the man flatly. “I didn’t know you were in the chosen group, Timothy. What guard let you in here anyway?”
Despite the easygoing smile on his face and his entire being screaming and longing for Bill, Tom’s mind was racing, trying to think of a way to lure Bill outside without arousing further suspicion.
Katricina huffed. “Who the heck cares! Now is not the time. Listen, Tim -- if you have any experience with potions -- and half a brain -- you should know to keep out of restricted areas! This potion simmering here is very delicate. I’m afraid the commotion outside-“ she turned to fix her icy blue eyes accusingly at Tom, “-and inside- might upset it.”
She turned to the potion again, which didn’t look like anything special. It looked like water, but golden and yellow sparks floated through it. Occasionally, a spark would leap from the water and fizzle excitedly. Tom knew that potions taking on this appearance were indicative of power, and the sustaining, growth, or reduction thereof.
Potentially a very “powerful” potion indeed. Tom almost smiled at his cheesy pun, and wished he could share it with Bill.
Katricina was occupied by the potion, but she muttered, “Georg, go investigate what’s going on outside.”
Uh-oh.
Tom floundered for a story. “That’s why I’m here! I wanted to let you know we’ve got it all under control,” assured Tom. “No cause for alarm, but it appears that someone accidentally switched a dragonfly wing instead of a damselfly wing, and things got a little hairy,” Tom joked. “They’ll reattach his leg eventually.”
Georg chuckled while Bill just stared intensely and unblinkingly. It was as if Bill thought if he blinked, Tom would disappear in that short moment during which his eyes were closed.
“We did need an extra pair of hands, however. A bunch of jars got knocked off a really tall shelf, so someone who can reach it and help me stack ‘em back up again. I just need someone really tall…”
Tom tapped his chin. “Hey you!” exclaimed Tom to Bill. “You’d be just perfect! What’s your name?”
Tom made sure to wink as he asked this, if Bill needed the clue. However, it was likely Bill knew to play along since Bill and Tom had been their whole lives together.
“Bill.”
Tom nearly dropped his act hearing Bill’s voice. He got chills imagining Bill saying his name -- and if Tom worked this situation correctly, it could happen again. Like how it always used to be. Him and Bill.
“Ok Bill.” Tom liked that Bill shivered too. “Would you mind assisting me with picking up jar after jar of dried clover leaves?”
Bill nodded, but turned to Katricina. “Master?”
“Sure sure,” she mumbled, waving her hand dismissively. “Come back when you’re done.”
Heart thudding in his chest, Tom watched Bill cross the few feet to the door where Tom was. Could it be this easy? Just a few steps to freedom?
Tom pushed through the flap, which hid a waiting pentacle just outside the door. Gustav had hurriedly constructed it out of magic energy instead of drawing it with chalk. The runes and lines glittered as Tom stepped over them.
Grinning at Gustav and feeling overall elated, Tom gave a happy flail. Gustav’s pentacle was perfect. It was just big enough for Bill to stand in and small enough to not draw attention.
He turned to Bill, who was exiting the hut. Their eyes met and it was like universes colliding all over again.
“Bill, stand here ok?” whispered Tom. Bill nodded trustingly.
Tom stepped outside of the pentacle and picked up the sword he’d propped by the door.
“Tom, wait-“ Bill hissed. “Whatever you have planned is gonna be messed up by these!” He held up his wrists, which were encircled by the silver bands. Their blue glow reflected in Bill’s eyes.
“How?”
“Silver! She drains my magic with them. She never lets me take them off.”
Tom cursed. They didn’t have much time. The guards and demons were knocked out, but they wouldn’t be for long. And Gustav was already in the zone. He looked like he was reciting the spell to himself.
Most pressingly, Tom wanted to get them out of there before Katricina saw and summoned Laynard. Even worse, she might even pit Bill against Tom. Tom could hold his own -- maybe -- against Laynard, but battling Bill was unthinkable, impossible. Tom wouldn’t even pick up his sword if that happened.
Bill would never forgive himself if it was his blade which brought Tom down. Neither could Tom, if it was his fault that Bill felt that way. It was a vicious cycle of guilt and self-hate which Bill and Tom did not want to explore.
Tom muttered, “We just gotta try while we have the chance.”
He stepped back, scanning the area for any guards who decided to wake up. Some of the other captive potions makers were watching quietly from the safety of the huts (if a shoddy wooden structure could be considered safe).
Gustav uttered the spell, the syllables ringing with energy. Tom shivered, nervous that Katricina would hear.
The pentacle shone, pulsing with golden light as the melody of Gustav’s chant rose and fell. It lit Bill’s dark clothing and bathed him in a warm glow. It reflected in his eyes, which never left Tom’s.
It was done. The pentacle flashed once, blindingly, before fading from existence. Bill flew to Tom’s waiting embrace faster than a human could blink.
Bill felt amazing in Tom’s arms. His limbs slid into place around Bill’s back, finding their places with the memory of touch alone. They pressed their faces into each others’ necks. Tom inhaled the scent of water vapor on Bill’s skin. He held tighter, refusing to release Bill as if Bill were early morning fog that vanished at the first sunrays of dawn.
Bill was trembling. Squeezing tighter, Tom wanted to embrace Bill so hard that they molded together into one, like two lumps of clay pressed together. He wanted to join their spirits so they’d never be separated again.
“Hey!”
Turning reluctantly to the noise, they separated an inch to see Georg peeking out of the hut.
“What’s going on?” Georg demanded, voice rising.
In a flurry of motion, Gustav reached in his tunic and produced a vial. He flung it at Georg, who was silenced and surrounded in green smoke.
Gustav smirked. The smoke cleared, revealing a muskrat with glossy fur. The muskrat who was once Georg stumbled around confusedly, clumsy and tripping on its new limbs.
Bill’s eyes lit up with mirth, and he grinned at Tom. Tom beamed back. Trying to bite down laughter was so hard when one was so incredibly happy.
Katricina emerged from the hut as well, looking decidedly unhappy. Her unhappiness quickly morphed into rage as she took in the sight of Bill and Tom in each others’ arms. She kicked the poor unfortunate muskrat aside (it yelped) as she rounded on Tom.
“You!” she spat. “I didn’t want you. How did you find Bill?”
Tom clutched Bill once more, tightly, before letting him go and standing his full height against Katricina. Bewildered and furious, Tom countered, “He’s my twin! Of course I found him. We’re twins!” repeated Tom, amazed at how she did not understand that simple fact.
Katricina sneered. “I know that. I knew that when I summoned you, Bill. I knew I just wanted one of you, not both of you. So I simply summoned one.”
Tom was so furious he could barely get the words out. He had one question to ask before he tore her limb from limb. “Why would you summon only one of us?”
“I wanted to see if I was a powerful enough spellweaver to split the two legendary twin djinn. And what do you know; I was.” She smiled. “I consider it a jewel my crown of many achievements. Do you know why?”
Gesturing to Bill, she said, “Bill - show Tom your lovely jewelry.”
Despite the successful completion of the spell, the shiny silver bands still encircled Bill’s wrists and his neck. They glinted a chilly cerulean, looking cold even in the dappled sunlight of midday. It highlighted the blue veins running beneath the pale surface of Bill’s skin.
“That silver is custom-made to suck the magic right out of Bill,” laughed Katricina. “Bill hates them, don’t you Billy? But using these with Bill is more special. Why?”
The twins glared.
“Magic is affected by emotion. So I figured that if I could shatter Bill’s heart completely and tear him away from someone he’d been with for all of his existence, that it would mean all the more volatile, wild, and powerful magic for me to take.”
Sharp emotion cut through Tom like pain; rage, heartbreak, and bloodlust boiled in his brain.
She continued, condemning herself further. “I could have summoned anyone, and used those bracelets. Summoning one of you however -- and only one -- provides me with power that’s tenfold greater than what any other djinni could ever offer.”
Before Tom could wonder how good Katricina would look with his sword impaled through her vital organs, Katricina clapped her hands and chanted.
Bill crumpled, and Tom dove to save him before he hit the ground. Gasping as Tom caught him, Bill started writhing and moaning. The metal at his neck and around his wrists glowed bright blue. They pulsed in time with Katricina’s chanting.
Gently, Tom laid Bill on the ground. He picked up his sword and let it fall, cutting through the air and headed straight for Katricina.
A stream of syllables burst from her mouth, and a pentacle took form in the air around them. Tom jumped outside its boundaries, watching with horror as Katricina used Bill’s magic to summon Laynard.
The great demon’s shape took form, materializing in the air. The smell of burnt wood and ash assailed Tom’s nose.
They didn’t stand a chance.
Laynard’s flaming mane framed his snarling face, and he bit at the air like a savage beast.
The demon materialized more and more as Katricina was reciting the spell. She watched the twins as she spoke, a sick satisfaction in her eyes.
Tom turned his back to her and went to Bill. Bill lay still and exhausted on the ground. He looked so pale and fragile, so broken.
Kneeling, Tom pulled Bill into his lap. Holding Bill close in a tight embrace, Tom held Bill’s face to his. Bill didn’t have the strength to hold up his own head from all Katricina had drained from him.
Laynard was more corporeal now, and was roaring his grievances into the atmosphere. Despite that, Bill and Tom only had eyes for each other.
They looked into each others’ eyes, devouring the sight of their mirror images. Bill’s eyes slipped closed, and Tom’s followed. No distance was allowed. If Bill was too fatigued to keep his eyes open so they could look at each other, so be it that they connect in other ways.
Just a fraction of a distance was crossed when Tom brought their lips together in a sweet, loving kiss. Tom sought to contrast Katricina’s harsh treatment of Bill with the gentle press and slide of their mouths.
They had never felt each others’ lips in this manner before. Impulsively, Tom acted on what felt right at that moment, and nothing else had ever felt so right before. This was home; this was his soulmate, this was his, and this was where he belonged.
Even through the swell of sensation and emotion from their kissing, they heard Katricina stutter a syllable. She faltered momentarily, trying to start over.
Sad news for her was that there were no do-overs in the world of djinn. A mage either recited the spell correctly or not -- even minor changes had the potential to alter the spell completely. Every demon knew this, and every demon hoped for the day their master would fumble with a spell. Errors meant the possibility for escape and exploitation.
Katricina’s small stutter was all Laynard needed. Her slip-up meant she lost control over him. The old, ferocious, but clever lion demon took the chance and pounced on Katricina. His maw was open wide and showcasing dripping and ferocious teeth.
He lowered his great head and consumed Katricina whole, in only two bites. It was a quick and effective end, but absolutely disgusting.
Free to do as he wished, Laynard did what every demon preferred -- to return to the joyful dance of energies on the spiritual plane. Without even sparing anyone a glance, he faded away happily, entering the spirit world.
Tom and Bill laughed in disbelief and happiness.
“I can’t believe she messed up,” said Bill, relief coloring the tones of his voice. “She never messes up.”
Tom chuckled. “Well, I guess she does now. Or did. I guess we’re a pretty good distraction.”
They grinned at each other, and Bill stole another quick kiss. “I like this,” Bill divulged.
Tom whispered, “I like it too.” He kissed Bill back.
They hugged each other tight.
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The bracelets on Bill’s wrists and the necklace hanging over his collarbones lost their icy blue sheen. They faded to dull, unassuming silver. Bill picked at them, fidgeting as their hodgepodge group made its way back to the Great City. Everyone assured Bill they could be removed, but the services of a metalworker would be required.
The swamp lay miles behind them, and everyone was relieved. It was damply beautiful and verdantly green, but the mud and stink of the place was an ugly side to its beauty. Now, the smooth plains of the south stretched as far as the eye could see, and the swampy woods were just a dark spot on the horizon behind their little cluster of carriages and donkeys.
Back at the camp, Tom and Bill had easily overpowered the Perrian guards and mages. After taking them captive, the Perrians could only watch as the potions makers were freed from their forced servitude. Several of the potions makers stuck out their tongues at the Perrians; Bill participated as well.
Tom was shocked to see that Bill replaced his tongue stud with a tongue spike. The tip was dulled, but it was a spike nonetheless. Tom wondered what other things were different about Bill.
The twins were a little sad that the potions makers were allowed their freedom, for Bill and Tom were still serving their master Gustav. Until Gustav dismissed them or died, the twins would have to serve him. Such were the laws of djinn, that with great power came great limitations.
Bill and Tom walked hand in hand for most of the journey. All of the humans except Gustav gave them a wide berth. The twins were not usually avoided so much by humans, since their appearance was humanoid. However, when Bill had set the pants of one of the Perrians on fire, the rest of the humans kept their distance.
It was preferable; distance gave the twins privacy and the opportunity to become reacquainted with each other. It was the first time in their lives there was ever any reacquainting to be done.
Tom noticed that Bill was quieter and more reserved. He kept his facial expression carefully guarded when speaking to anybody. With Tom, he was considerably more expressive. However, Bill was not as quick to smile as he used to be. Tom wanted to change that.
Bill noticed that Tom was more relaxed. His sleeves were frayed at the edges, and the old Tom would have picked at the loose threads obsessively. Holes dotted his shirt, and Tom had simply shrugged when Bill asked about it. Tom had been confident before, and it had been a slightly overbearing kind of demeanor in which Tom felt he had to brag. Now, Tom did not sing his own praises and let his strong and sure actions speak for him. Bill liked it.
Tom noticed that Bill was kinder to Gustav now. Before, Bill had whined and complained, decrying Gustav’s every move in a futile act of rebellion. Now, Bill said please and thank you, and even complimented Gustav on his new pet muskrat. Tom was surprised at Bill’s sincerity. When Tom asked him about it, Bill said that Gustav was a much better master than Katricina had been. Gustav respected the twins and game them some autonomy of choice in their matters, which Katricina had never done.
Bill noticed that Tom was less worried. Gathering everyone together to make the journey back to the capital was no easy task. The old Tom might have gone a little insane trying to coordinate everyone and everything, to make it work. This new Tom, strolling at Bill’s side, was not stressing about a thing and only seemed concerned with Bill’s happiness (which was nice).
Tom noticed that Bill’s movements were sultrier than before. It was very interesting to watch Bill walk now; he carried himself with a mature grace, hinting at a potential for power within his limbs. His shoes had heels as tall as ever, but instead of stumbling on them as if he were on stilts, Bill used them to strut as if he were on stage. He cocked his hips out to dramatic angles, and his stance spoke of energy balled up beneath the surface of Bill’s calmer demeanor.
Bill noticed that Tom bulked up over the long two years. He had always been strong, but it had been mostly in the upper body. Tom’s body was more balanced now. It could be seen in how Tom lifted the bags and cauldrons when loading the carriages, and how Tom carried the load suspended from his own shoulders. The pack on Tom’s back was massive, but it was not causing Tom any difficulty at all. When Bill asked, Tom replied that living with Gustav presented its own unique challenges. It allowed Tom to focus on his muscles themselves, instead of on the edge of his blade in the fury of battle. He said he relished in the pain of training, and how proud he felt when he achieved a balanced and sculpted body.
Gustav smiled at the sight of the twins. They never took their eyes off each other - nor their hands - and chattered at each other seemingly without breath. It was obvious how much they loved each other, and how much they had missed each other. They clung to each other like beetles to bark.
The twins walked alone, separately, behind the carriage of terrified Perrians. Occasionally, the twins burst into laughter when Bill set more unfortunate trousers on fire.
They were cackling and shrieking with laughter again. Georg, who was curled up and draped over Gustav’s shoulders, hissed. His fur bristled and Gustav laughed.
“They’re just two twins reunited after years, Georgie. They’re happy as larks. And they’re really just harmless - I promise.”
A Perrian yelped, and Gustav winced.
“Mostly harmless.”
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The officials at the castle were very flustered at the sight of grubby and travel-weary potions makers on the front steps. They had no idea what to do when presented with a group of captive mages and guards who called themselves Perrians. The were but having two tall djinn shout that these men were traitors called Perrians. No one - the travelers included - really knew what to do.
They were sent to wait in the royal waiting room, which was where people were sent to wait while other people figured out what to do. The Royal Advisor, second in command to the King himself, was called in. He was debriefed as to the basics of the situation. At the name Katricina, he was visibly startled.
“Katricina?” he breathed. “This is not possible. Katricina is our most talented mage! She is currently on leave because of temporary personal illness!”
Bill scoffed. “Mental illness, yes - temporary, no. She’s pretty darn crazy if you ask me.”
With the testimonies and accounts of relevant parties, the story began to make sense. Piece by piece, they learned about how Katricina was a promising mage with a thirst to succeed in every manner. She was preoccupied with summoning stronger and stronger demons. Warning her multiple times, her mentor had said that she should not try her luck with the stronger demons, who were terribly clever. She had seemed to desire demons with raw power, or the potential for it.
No one knew why she kidnapped the potions makers until the potions makers revealed what potion was being made -- the a power-increasing potion which was perhaps the most potent to ever exist. It required an entire team of potions makers to monitor its brewing. If completed and consumed, Katricina would have easily been the most powerful magician in the continent -- perhaps even the world.
Bill shuddered at that, and Tom squeezed Bill’s hand in comfort. Even Georg the muskrat was nodding, glad that Katricina was no longer a threat to the world (and his eardrums with her constant screeching).
Tom shared their story as well, about how Katricina had summoned only one of them, to split them and feed like a vampire on their heartbreak.
The Perrians were sent to the dungeons, and were informed that their intense and highly unpleasant community service would begin the following morning. Apparently the stables had a lot of dung that needed to be moved. The Perrians were sincerely looking forward to it, since anything was preferable to having one’s pants set on fire.
The twins and Gustav were lauded for their bravery in freeing the potions makers. The Royal Advisor promised them quarters in the castle if they so chose.
Gustav and Tom shook their heads immediately, and Bill mirrored the movement even though he had no idea what he wanted. Both man and djinni had no greater desire than to return to the quiet life of their woodsy cottage, and Bill would follow wherever Tom led. Plus, Bill had to admit that after two years of drama and slaving under Katricina, a quiet life would be most welcome - especially if it were spent with his soulmate.
A metallurgist had taken one look at Bill’s energy-draining jewelry, ducked beneath his counter, and popped back up again with a flask of some concoction and a small handsaw. Assuring Bill that he would never saw off Bill’s hands or head, he had Bill set his hands on the counter. A few drips from the flask and encouragement from the handsaw, and the shackles sprung free. Bill rubbed his wrists and neck, grateful.
As they saddled their horses (all-expense paid, courtesy of the Empire) and rode back to their forest home, Tom told Bill wonderful stories of life in the woods.
At first, Bill was shocked at Tom’s enthusiasm; their last consensus was that rural, isolated life was awful. Tom eagerly convinced Bill otherwise, painting pictures with his words and gestures about the way treetops were reflected in the surface of gentle brooks, about how the entire forest underwent a transformation of color when autumn came, and about how the snow made the entire wood so serene and quiet.
Bill was mainly won over by the passion shining in Tom’s eyes. The twinkle near Tom’s amber-brown irises promised Bill that he would love it. Tom said he could do better than tell Bill about it by showing Bill the beauty of the woods firsthand. If Tom was the tour guide, Bill was definitely looking forward to it.
Tom promised Georg that he would love it too. It appeared that Gustav had adopted the man-turned-rodent. Gustav insisted that every potions maker worth his salt had a pet. Tom and Bill were not aware of this rule, but went along with it since Georg was harmless now.
Georg had long since become accustomed to his small, furry body and took great pleasure in nibbling at Tom’s dreadlocks, spraying Tom’s shoes with musk, and tripping Tom as he walked. Tom playfully threatened to forcibly harvest “essence of muskrat” from Georg, but Gustav had laughed, pointing out that muskrat essence was already coating Tom’s shoes.
While Georg was occupied with showering Tom’s shoes with musk, Tom was interested in showering Bill’s neck and wrists with kisses every opportunity he got. The whole journey home -- and afterwards -- Tom kissed away the trauma of Katricina’s energy-draining silver. Bill didn’t tell Tom that he felt healed already, because Tom’s kisses felt so nice.
Tom’s kisses felt really nice, actually. Bill wanted more of them.
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Bill’s plan to get more of Tom’s kisses was simple -- look very kissable (an effortless task for Bill) and get into situations in which kisses were expected. It was a genius plan, and was not even difficult to implement. With his mohawk spiked and held in place with magic (for there was no other way to achieve such hairy height), entrancing eyes, and pouty lips, Bill made sure he looked like a dream.
His plan was aided greatly by Tom wanting to kiss Bill all the time anyway. They were always close to each other; if they weren’t bumping shoulders, they were at most within arms reach of each other. Relishing in each others’ presence after so long, they started giving each other little pecks on the lips from time to time.
Tom noticed Bill’s efforts, and found them amusing and silly. When Bill arranged himself against a tree trunk and under a sprig of mistletoe (it was the first forest plant Bill could consistently identify), Tom could not help but roll his eyes.
As if he needed a reason to kiss Bill.
Sometimes Tom wondered if the two of them should stop putting on such a show, but then he realized the audience was just Gustav and Georg and laughed. The other two seemed fine with the new, touchy-feely aspect of their relationship.
The cottage was more crowded now, with one man, two djinn, and one muskrat. It felt like a family, even if two family members were in demonic sevitude to another, and even if one of them was an animal because of another. Gustav had a lot to answer for, and the twins teased him for it.
Business resumed as usual, and Gustav put them all to work. Even Georg was sent to the bottom of the pond to retrieve catfish whiskers and frog tears. Bill protested at first, saying his job was to stand around and look pretty, but he eagerly followed Tom around nonetheless, helping here and there.
There was much serenity to be found in the happy routine of maintaining a potions-making business, even if Bill and Tom still refused to work with mandrake roots.
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The wind lifted the petals of the meadow flowers, and they nodded their contentedness as they swayed back and forth. The summer sun was bright and cheerful, and the sharp musty scent of grass tickled their noses.
The twins lay there on their blanket, kissing each other and watching the clouds.
“I wish we could be a cloud,” mused Bill. “We could float around free and not have to touch the earth and its soils.”
Tom looked over at Bill’s profile, beautiful and wistful as he gazed at the sky. Overcome by a surge of affection, Tom confessed, “You already make me feel like a cloud. My heart, I mean. You make me feel like I could float forever. It’s the closest I get to how it’s like back in the spiritual realm.”
Bill rolled over onto his side, and so did Tom. “Same for me. I want to make us feel like this all the time.”
“That’s no problem with me,” breathed Tom, and he leaned in to capture Bill’s lips.
The sensation was electrifying, satisfying. It sent tingles down their spines that settled in their stomach. They chased the sparks that grew between them by kissing harder, deeper.
Birds of the meadow whistled their encouragement when Bill’s hands slid under Tom’s tunic. Bill ran his hands up Tom’s strong back, and he felt more than heard Tom’s appreciative groan.
Neither the twins, the birds, nor the bees were particularly surprised when clothing was tossed aside. Bill rolled Tom onto his back, never breaking their heated kiss, and they rutted against each other. The springtime day was not very hot, but the twins warmed up their little patch in the grass very well.
Somewhere, crouched in the grass, a shy little fox blushed at the sounds of whimpers and moans filling the air. Meanwhile, a rabbit snickered and hopped off to locate its own mate.
The birds fell silent at the twins’ cries, tucking their heads under their wings at the sight of sweaty, tangled limbs. The only bird to keep staring at their drowsy, satiated bodies was the crow, which jeered and cawed.
Bill and Tom heard nothing, curled up in each other. They were in their own world, still reeling from the aftershocks of this new development in their bond. It gave them a soaring joy not unlike the absolute rush of energy and freedom they felt in the spiritual world.
After Tom remarked on this, Bill cursed the filthiest language he knew (ancient oaths they learned from the Loch Ness Monster, who had quite the mouth on her) that they didn’t think to have sex sooner. Tom agreed, but they promised to make up for it. They had a lot of making up to do.
The sun felt divine on their naked skin. Tom reached over and laced his fingers between Bill’s.
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The weeks passed. Though Gustav and Georg knew about it, the twins spared them from witnessing all the twinly frenzied lovemaking. The affection the twins had for each other was obvious; Tom and Bill chopped potions ingredients, stripped peas from pods, and stirred cauldrons while sending doe eyes at each other the entire time.
Gustav thought it was cute. Georg playfully made gagging sounds with his tiny muskrat larynx.
A knock at the door interrupted Bill and Tom’s chatter about the benefits of buttons over zippers. Georg leapt up, abandoning the stick he was nibbling. He raced Gustav to the door.
The twins watched with curious eyes as Gustav invited in a tall blond man he introduced as Benjamin. Georg danced happily around Benjamin’s feet.
“Shall we take tea in the garden?” suggested Gustav. He plucked a kettle off the stove, and the twins were startled that they did not even notice Gustav making tea, nor the plate of cookies Gustav had prepared.
“What a charming muskrat!” Benjamin cooed, kneeling to pet Georg’s glossy fur.
Gustav smiled, opening the door for the twins and their guest.
Setting the garden table, Gustav swept aside dried cattail fronds and dusted off the dirty benches for them to sit on. Regardless, Tom removed the outer layer of his tunic for Bill to sit on. Bill perched on it, leaning automatically into Tom’s shoulder. They waited, eyes wide and attentive.
Gustav picked out a cookie for Georg to nibble, and introduced Benjamin again. This time, he added, “Benjamin is my new potions assistant. He’s a student fresh from the Great City, and he’s here to soak up all the knowledge he can.”
Benjamin nodded, smiling nervously. “I’m excited and so very honored to learn from a teacher like Mr. Schafer.”
“So, Benny,” started Gustav, “You’ll be gathering ingredients from the wood, preparing ingredients, cooking up potions, selling them in town, and generally assisting me with running the business. You can even stand around and look pretty, if you find the time.”
Gustav winked at Bill with that last comment. The twins were dumbfounded, and the only sounds were the chirping birds and Georg munching on his cookie.
“Wait.” Tom blinked, confused. “So Benjamin is taking our jobs? Even Bill’s job?”
Gustav nodded.
“What gives, Gustav? I thought we had job security!” Tom joked.
Shaking his head, Gustav replied, “You don’t anymore. I’ve decided to dismiss you.”
Tom stared in shock while Bill was already on his feet, whooping and jumping most inelegantly.
Gustav smiled, standing and gesturing to the brink patio by the door to the cottage. He took a piece of chalk from his pocket, kneeled, and began to draw a pentacle.
“But Gustav!”
“I don’t want to hear it, Tom,” said Gustav, waving a hand. “You’re already done more than enough to help me, and you two have suffered more than you deserve with what happened with Katricina. I think you deserve a long vacation. And I’ve just hired Benjamin, and I have Georg to help me too.”
Georg skittered around, hissing. He ran up to Tom, squeaked once, and sprayed Tom’s shoes with musk. The twins wrinkled their noses, but neither were too put out. Those shoes wouldn’t exist in the spiritual realm and nor would the stink.
Shaking and jiggling Tom’s arm, Bill sang, “We’re going back, we’re going back!”
Tom took a look around the familiar sights of the cottage -- its ivy covered walls, the numerous plant pots stack haphazardly by the door, the weathered rows of soil and crops in the small garden, and the wind chimes hanging from the trees.
He and Bill stood in the center of the pentacle, and Tom looked at Gustav -- short, stout, and ever smiling. He’d proven to be a wonderful friend, and the best master Tom had ever had. He stood there next to Benjamin, and Georg ran figure-eights around their feet.
Gustav started reciting the spell, and Tom looked at Bill. Bill was already looking right at him, and they got lost again -- so easily, like always -- in the depthless fiery amber of each others’ eyes.
The spell finished, and Bill and Tom ascended. Their spirits took flight, leaving behind their physical bodies and soaring off into the spiritual plane.
They held hands, reaching their destination together.
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The horizon was filled with multicolored waves. They were endless, and glowing as if lit from within. Floating and bobbing along in the sea of energy, two brightly burning sparks of energy pulsed in time. They also shone and spun around each other.
Occasionally, they touched. When that happened, the light they were emitting grew so intense that they appeared as one orb of electric energy.
Faster and faster they spun, with spirits that were free and joyous. The two twin sparks were locked in an eternal orbit as if they were dancing to music that never stopped playing.