Like the moon we have our phases // Wit, Any

[Wit]

genius always finds itself a century too early

He senses the discomfort in her knowledge that she had disappointed him and once again feels disappointed in himself. This time, though, he ensures that he keeps this emotion locked within him, not floating into the ether where his empathic sister would pick up on it. The last thing he wants to do is disappoint her with his disappointment, and he’d already done that just now. All he ever wanted to do was ensure others’ happiness.

He would have smiled when she reached to bump his shoulder had it not been for the events unfolding behind her. And then there was no time to think about any of it as they are forced to plunge deep into the forest, to try to outrun the massive wolf-spider beast and its companions. Unlike his sister, Wit had not noticed the little details on the massive spider. He had been too busy grappling with the abject terror that had gripped him for half a second before he was able to react. Even now, he hardly pays any mind to the forest around him as he barrels through it, choosing to be mindful of keeping his sister close so he could try to protect her if need be instead.

Eventually, he comes to realize that they are alone. There is no presence of emotionally charged memories from the wolf-spider creature. He slows his pace. Perhaps @[Saturnelle] had sensed this herself, or was following her brother’s cue, or was running out of stamina, but she slows as well. Wit throws his head over his shoulder to look back to confirm that they are no longer being followed before he stops completely, though.

His breaths come in gasps. Faster than he has ever breathed in his life. His limbs are burning. His lungs are burning! He feels like collapsing right then and there, but instead, turns to his sister, eyes wide, only able to keep himself standing with he adrenaline that still courses through his veins. “What–” he gasps, “was–” another gasp, “THAT?!?” He looks back the way they had come, searching for an answer as if the trees would provide them.

It is then that he realizes he does not recognize where they are. He turns back to his sister, another sort of terrified expression crossing his features. “Saturnelle,” he whispers, “do you know where we are?” It was definitely not any place in Taiga, that was for sure. They had been to all corners of Taiga already, exploring as far as their mothers would allow, and Taiga did not have any scrublands.

wit

Image by Katie Moum