Time After Time

Can't sleep?

{NASHI'S POV}
I toss and turn, trying to find a comfortable position in Mom's bed. It smells like her, but at the same time doesn't, and that bothers me. Luke seems totally at peace, sleeping like an angel next to me.

Finally, I can't take it anymore. Luke whimpers when I slip out of the bed, his chubby toddler fist closing around my scarf.

"It's alright, little bro. I'll be back before you know it." I whisper as I gently extract it, kissing his forehead lightly.

I check on Mom and Dad before leaving. Both are fast asleep, Dad's arms wrapped tightly around Mom's waist.

I smile at the cute picture, then exit the apartment through the window. With no aim in mind, I start walking along the edge of the canal.

"Can't sleep?" I yelp and spin around when someone behind me speaks.

"Geez, Nova, don't sneak up on me like that!" I complain with a pout.

The older twin giggles. "Me neither."

"It's so weird. Everything's different, even though it's the same." I mutter.

"Yeah." Nova nods sadly. She tries to brighten up with a cheerful smile. "I know, let's go to the East Forest and train a little. Blow off some steam."

"Okay. Race you!" I take off in the direction of Magnolia's East Forest. Laughing, Nova runs behind me, but I know she just let me win.

We find a pretty good clearing. I face Nova and light my fists on fire. "Get serious Nova!"

"Oh, well. You asked for it." She shrugs. "Takeover: seraphic soul!" Her outfit changes from a pair of oversized pjs that must've belonged to Aunt Mira or Aunt Lisanna to a sleeveless gauzy white dress that flutters in the wind. Along with that are two silver wrist cuffs that go up to her elbow, and silver knee high gladiator heels. Giant white wings sprout from her back, lifting her into the air.

After a few rounds, most of which I lose, we're interrupted again, this time by the Fullbuster trio.

"Oh great, why are you here?" I roll my eyes. Storm sticks his tongue out at me. I start laughing, pointing to his bare chest as an explanation.

"Storm, your clothes." Mizu hands them to him, then answers my question. "We were having trouble falling asleep, and decided to go for a walk in the forest when we heard something. Looks like we're not the only ones?"

"Yeah." Nova nods.

"Kori wishes to train with Nashi and Nova as well." Kori blurts out.

"Sure. Mizu, you can spar with me. Nashi, do you mind training with Storm and Kori?" Nova asks.

"Yes."

Nova ignores me. "Then it's settled. Me versus Mizu, Nashi versus Storm and Kori."

We split off. Out of the corner of my eye, I see Mizu immediately start attacking Nova with water, snow, and seemingly effortless grace.

"Pay attention!" Storm yells, coming at me with an ice hammer. I duck and kick, but my foot passes right through his chest. Stupid water body.

"Ice make: floor!" Kori yells, and the ground beneath turns to ice. It tries to crawl up my feet and make it so I can't move.

"Fire spin!" I counter. Storm jumps backwards, right before I unleash my spell. I spin very fast in a circle, breaking the ice trying to trap me and sending out a heat wave that melts all of Kori's spell within a eight foot radius.

"Is that all you got? Ice make: ceiling!" Storm yells. I recognize this combo. Pillars of ice rise from the ground and form a sheet of ice ten feet above me. Sure enough, Kori stands directly over me.