AUTHOR'S Warning: This chapter introduces a sex scene unlike any other in the TSS world that I have created. Some of you may find it disturbing, due to the incest. I'll warn you now, this WILL NOT be a major theme in this book. You can stop reading before the sex scene, and not miss much as far as story goes. If this subject bothers you, please understand that this story is a work of fiction. I do not condone any form of sex between unwilling partners. The sex scene in this chapter was written for plot and character development. Now that that is out of the way, please enjoy this chapter!
The twins have their work cut out for them as they rush to rescue Brooke, one of the heroes of the Chaos War. What challenges do they face, and who is the real monster?
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Chapter 04
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Rescuing Down Under
"For the record, I still say this is a bad idea," Shelly's brother complained.
"You've said that already," she reminded him. Shelly didn't add that she wasn't enthusiastic about the plan either. "I'm sure Marchosias isn't as bad as he once was."
They were winging their way over Water's domain. The rain pelted them but didn't affect the huge birds. The same couldn't be said about their miserable riders. Nothing could be seen in all directions but blue water and gray sky. They had to yell to be heard while riding the two rocs, but the wind and rain wasn't bad enough to make hearing too difficult.
"You don't believe that anymore than I do," Gloria yelled. She was holding onto Eldon, while Jessica sat behind Shelly. "Demons don't change. At least, not very often. I ought to know."
She didn't qualify that statement, and Shelly chose not to press it. They all had their secrets.
"I don't trust her," Jessica muttered in her ear. "But I agree with Eldon about this plan. Isn't there a better escape route than going through the human world?"
"That's the closest portal," Shelly said. "Unless you know of another one that'll be closer to Varun's castle?" No response came. "Or some better way to escape Varun once we have Aunt Brooke?"
"What about the birds?" she pressed. "Why can't they take us out?"
"We'll need to be out of Varun's domain as soon as possible. The rocs are fast, but not fast enough to escape the Pillar of Water in his demesne or his wrath."
"What about the demon?" Jessica pressed. "Can he really be trusted?"
"Can any demon?" Shelly shot back.
That shut the other woman up. The plan wasn't perfect, no plan ever was, but it was the best one they had. Actually, it was the only one they had after hours of arguing about the best course of action.
Marchosias's island came into view a few minutes later. It wasn't large as far as islands went, maybe a couple kilometers across at its widest point, narrowing slightly in an ovoid shape. Trees grew thick on its surface. The center rose up in a gentle hill. Shelly knew that Marchosias's cave and home was under that hill. Or maybe she should think of it as his lair.
It was also where the Cyclopes worked.
Their rides landed on the beach. The four companions were soaked to the bone from the incessant rain falling all around them. She ordered her roc to head for home and dry off, wishing she could go with the majestic bird. If it was possible, they became wetter as both birds flapped their wings, sending water off in all directions before they took to the air.
"Hey Shelly! Hey Sheldon!"
Shelly tried to hide her grimace as she turned to the new voice. It wasn't that she didn't like her brother/sister. Not exactly. She never felt comfortable around this sibling. She never knew whether to think of him/her as Brock or Bridget. It didn't help that Brooke's child could change gender at will. At least he/she was confined to the water, never able to leave for more than a few seconds.
"Hey, Brock!" Eldon waived. She knew he was just as uncomfortable with this sibling, but he played it off better. "I thought we were meeting up with you after we talked to Marchosias."
"Areth said you'd be here," Brock said. At least he was staying one gender. "Are we really going to go save my mom? I couldn't do anything when they came to get her, but with your help I'm going to make them pay!"
"Areth?" Eldon groaned. "She's here?" He glanced around as if expecting an attack at any moment.
"Someone has to keep an eye on you four," the pixie tittered. She flew down from the tree line and joined them. "I remember what happened the last time Jessica and Eldon got together. Are you two going to do any more perverted stuff?" She didn't even try to hide her excitement at the idea.
"Not likely," Jessica said in a cold tone at the same time Eldon said, "I doubt it."
The tension between those two grew by the moment. For her part, Shelly didn't know how she felt about Jessica and her brother getting back together. When they'd fooled around at the fairy spring, she didn't have any intention of doing more. Afterwards, as they'd talked on the way home, she found she got along with the other woman.
"Was it really a good idea to send you with us?" Shelly asked. She'd heard stories about Areth and the demon Marchosias. Bringing her along didn't seem like the best idea.
Areth tittered as she fluttered about in the rain. Despite her only being four inches tall, the rain didn't bother the fairy at all. It had to help that her element was water. "That's the best part! Lyden doesn't know. You won't tell him, will you?" Areth flew to within a couple inches of Shelly's face. She had to go cross-eyed to look at the winged woman. "Please!"
"Go home, Areth," Shelly said in an even tone. It wouldn't do to insult or upset her, but she was more likely to cause problems than to be of any help.
"Uh-uh," Areth stated, placing her hands on her hips. "I'm a responsible adult. Besides, it might be fun!"
