The Velvet Siblings [Akumu and Lola]

The ocean sparkled around Neith as she slept silently on a couch within the Velvet Room. Fish swam by the sunken ship and the attendant -- the only sound in the silent room being her snoring and the occasional sleep-talk that came out of her mouth; usually related to combat or some other form of conflict. Things had been rather slow and calm today. There were no errands to run, Alex hadn't stopped by to carry out any business, and in general the girl didn't have much too do within the room. Of course, sleeping was an option as she was doing now but Neith did desire something more exciting or at least someone to talk to.

Eventually she'd awake to the sound of a door opening and would be greeted by----

A can of shaving crème and a feather. You had to love the classics. This was the best way to wake up someone that was sleeping and had their guard down. She would have to empty part of the contents of the can into her sister’s hand and went to tickle her nose with the feather. She could already see the look on her sister’s face when she woke up. It was going to be hilarious. She hadn’t pulled a good prank in a while, and she was such an easy target. Lola just couldn’t help herself with this sight. As long as none of her other siblings made any loud noises, she could sneak in without issue. She could do it. As long as her sister stayed asleep, her plan would work.

Spoiler:

If loud noises were a concern for Lola, then she need not worry for the one who followed behind her like a ghost was indeed very quiet. Despite having to pass through a door to get to the underwater room that was known as home, the ancient being did not make a sound as he easily drifted into the area, pausing briefly at the door to take in the scene.

His eyebrow would rise slightly as he saw one of his siblings was in the mood for mischief as the victim of said mischief was fast asleep on the sofa within the room with a white foam like substance in one hand. Tilting his head slightly at this, the older attendant would debate ruining what appeared to be a prank on the little one or if he should remain quiet and see how things played out. After all, it had been quite a while since he had a good laugh about something and the one trying to pull the prank was doing such a good job of being sneaky.

Perhaps waiting to see how things played out would be better and just deal with the consequences later. Besides, he thought he seen the little one stir before he came in, so maybe she was not fully asleep or maybe she had simply shifted in her sleep only. It was hard to tell as some could pretend very well to be what they were not. He supposed he would simply have to wait and see.

Being as silent as ever, Akumu would slid into the room and take a position off to the side being sure to stay out of the way of whatever would occur; however, he wondered just how unnoticed he had gone. While it was true he didn’t make a sound and the other was focus on her task, the movement could’ve been distracting or even startling if one caught it out of their peripheral vision and reacted to it. Hmmm…had he unintentionally foiled a plan by moving or entering the room?

It was certainly debatable; however, the thought would not linger too long as Akumu remained quiet letting the currents tug at his clothing as a fish or two swam by or decided to linger around the shifting folds of his sleeves.

A yawn would escape from Neith's lips just moments before the prank began; the girl awakening to a strange feeling on her nose as things went exactly according to Lola's plan. The young attendant's palm, full of shaving cream, would proceed to connect with her face; smearing the white substance all over it as her sister had been planning. The proceeding surprise and shock was enough to knock Neith off the couch literally; resulting in her falling backwards off of it. Standing up and positioning her head on the top of the couch, Neith would survey the area cautiously. She remained unaware of the cream on her face; eventually looking straight at Lola and easing up -- now both rationally and emotionally aware that no danger was present.

"Ah. It's just you sister." She sighed in relief as she put her palm to her forehead. A strange feeling would overcome it and upon pulling it back she found that was it covered in an unusual bright white. For a moment she appeared puzzled and would apply the tips of two of her fingers to her chin; stroking it as she attempted to figure out the mystery of what exactly had happened to her palm. For a few moments she simply stood there like that with a befuddled expression upon her cream covered face before eventually returning her arms to her normal position; still seemingly unaware of what was on her face.

With a defeated pout in response to her failure to determine exactly what had occurred she would look to her sister once more. Before she could speak though Neith would also notice another individual a bit away; appearing to be another of her siblings. Had they perhaps gathered here for a reason... or was it simply a coincidence that had drawn them together? Regardless, one of them should have been capable of answering the question that plagued her mind.

Lola would almost jump when one of her other siblings entered. She was afraid that she had been caught and wouldn’t be able to finish the prank she had carefully planned. When he went on his own and stood to the side, her eyes would twinkle. She was being given permission to continue. This was going to be fun. Her sister would awaken exactly as planned, smearing the shaving crème all over her face. Even better, she kept finding new places to put it. She had no idea if her sister was actually aware of what was happening or not, but it made her laugh either way. It was a small laugh, barely noticeable unless you were paying attention, “Just me. No need to worry.” Anyone that knew Lola, however, would know that they should have been worried. This was just normal behavior for her.

She would let a small smile crawl across her face as she pointed to one of the few sections of her sister’s face that was not glistening white, “Right there. It seems you got messy while you were sleeping. Don’t worry. It’s not that much.” Just her entire face. Lola really was a prankster and she loved to see people fall for it. It was even better to see her oh so serious old/younger-looking sister fall for it. It was a riot to watch anyone get a small, mostly harmless joke played on them. She would have gone for a bucket of water, but the ocean beat her to that. Her attention would then turn to her brother, “Thank you for letting our dear sister sleep undisturbed.” She was happy he hadn’t come in and ruined her plans. She could almost hug him. She would have too, if not for the fact that she was watching the fish play with his sleeves, “How do you do that? They always swim away from me.” Some people got all the luck.

Akumu would remain quiet as he drifted into the area, unintentionally startling his sister, but at the same time not wanting to make so much noise that the little one was awoken. While he was indeed intrigued with how this little bout of mischief would play out, he had to also admit that he was on no one side in this matter. He was simply an observer that did not place his nose in business that was not harmful to himself or his family, so to speak, so if he had ruined the prank by startling the other, then he would contend with the disappointment or anger that would follow; however, it seemed negativity was the last thing that he had to worry about.

His sister was able to compose herself as he took his spot off to the side and took to observing. He saw her eyes twinkle with delight as he decided not to ruin this master plan. Smiling lightly in return, he would watch as the little one stirred and gave a yawn just as the prank was played. Thanks to the feather, the little one reached for her face with the hand full of cream in it and effectively became a mess. It did not help that the little one seemed quite confused as to what had happened and proceed to smear the cream even more upon herself.

With a light chuckle, Akumu shook his head as he moved from his spot causing the fish that were around him to swim a short distance away before pausing to seemingly watch what was happening. Digging into one of his long sleeves with one hand, he would take out a white cloth as the his other hand went to the strange circular pendant on his necklace. Kneeling down he’d flip the circle over and level it with the little one, revealing that it was a mirror as he gave her a light smile.

“See for yourself, dear sister,” he would say politely as he held the mirror with one hand and offered the cloth with the other. Whether or not, the little one took the offer or not, Akumu would eventually stand back up as his eyes drifted over to the prankster of the group and tilted his head lightly as the fish that had swam away came back to hover around his sleeves once more.

Looking from his sister to the fish and back again, he shook his head lightly at the question.

“I don’t believe it is me at all. I believe they are attracted to the fabric,” he would pause and move his arms carefully to fold them causing the fabric to move and the fish hiding behind the waving material to follow. Finding they could not hide in the sleeves anymore they took to hiding near the floating fabric by his legs.

“Maybe they believe the fabric to be something that can protect them, but who is to really say. They've always done this to me,” he said giving the other a smile as he finished answering her question.

Neith would proceed to place her palm on the point her sibling pointed at; inevitably getting more shaving cream on her face than before. It was only when her brother offered the mirror and towel that she realized that she had not gotten the cream off. Rather, it was covered completely in the strange substance and the one part her sister had pointed to was covered in it as well. Had she not got that part wiped off upon applying her palm to the scenario? Or, could it perhaps have been that... No. It couldn't be. No -- there was no other explanation. Her sister seemed to have mislead her into placing it there. For, upon examining her hand, she realized that it had even less of the white cream on it than before. To further cement this theory there was also the matter that she had been right there when she had awoken -- furthering any suspicions she had. However, why would her sister do such a thing?

Suddenly it hit Neith. If such had truly been the case perhaps it was what the humans called... a practical joke; if she was correct on the subject matter. Such matters were quests of stealth, cunning, and wit utilized in order to either trick or embarrass the other individual. If her recollection was also right she believed that this type of practice and conflict was founded in order to accomplish the thing referred to as humor.

It seemed that this practice had been accomplished. Neith herself had to stifle a giggle -- born partially of hilarity and partially of joy in her sister's success. The typical response would have been anger or embarrassment but she couldn't help but applaud her sibling. Of course, this couldn't go unavenged though. One day Neith herself would have to play a similar practice on her in retribution. Not out of malign intent or fury, of course, but rather for similar reasons she suspected her sister of having when carrying out the prank. After all, the conflict between them in order to outdo the other could indeed allow them to develop a great friendship in the future and change them in general as residents of the Velvet Room and living beings altogether. But alas, that would be a story for another day if such a chapter ever came.


The comment was genuine -- although she wasn't sure whether or not to feel pride in her as an older sibling would or look up to her as a younger would. Regardless, there was certainly some sort of happiness and praise for her sister in her comment; although it was muttered silently to the young attendant herself. There was no guarantee that she would hear it because of this; although it mattered not to the girl whether or not such was the case.

Taking the towel, Neith would proceed to wipe her face of of the strange and unrecognizable substance before handing it back to her brother with a respectful bow. "Thank you very much brother for your offering." She spoke in a well-mannered and polite tone.

It seemed that the subject had turned to speculation on the various fish swimming around them and their relationship with her brother. Her prankster sister appeared fascinated by the natural attraction present between them and, according to the theory presented by the man himself, it was due to the fabric within his hands. He proceeded to demonstrate this -- although Neith wasn't sure 100% that such was this case.

"Perhaps the fishies feel they can trust you sibling." She commented; pondering over her own suggestion for a moment or two. The explanation related to the cloth seemed more likely but it was certainly a possibility they had to account for.

The moment her sister covered even more of her face, she would fall backwards and laugh uncontrollably. She actually had to force herself to stop, since she was starting to get oxygen deprives from how hard she was laughing. Lola would give a small pout when her brother handed a mirror over to her sister, “No fair. You’re supposed to wait to see how long it takes her to notice.” Now she would never know how long she could have gotten her sister to walk around like that. She was sure someone would have eventually told her, but she had wanted to see how long she could make the laughter last. It wasn’t often she got to pull the pranks she loved, “At least our dear sister doesn’t appear to be angry with me. I was almost afraid I would have to run into the human world to escape your wrath.” She was sure she could have outrun any punishment, but she would not have preferred it. She tried to only be in a few places, and she still didn’t know the layout of Azores well enough to find her way around in a pinch.

The fabric was the thing the fishes were attracted to? That made her next course of action clear, “Brother, take off your shirt so that I may wear it and also attract the fish.” It made perfect sense in her head. She was determined that her manner of speech had even switched over to its natural way, instead of the human speech she often tried to copy, “I wish to finally be able to pet the glistening scales on one of these fish. Then my goal shall be complete.” She would get them to stay close to her long enough to pet them, or she would injure herself trying. Not die though. Dying was a bit extreme. If she died, she would not be a very good attendant. In fact, she would be useless. Death tended to make it so that one could no longer do anything.

(We apologize for the wait. Crazy weekend. >>)

Akumu would watch the exchange between his two sisters with a light smile of amusement upon his lips. It would seem the little one had managed to cover the last remaining spot on her face with cream when the other told where the “small mess” was located. To this, the culprit of the crime fell over laughing in an uncontrollable manner that was quite hard not to join in with; however, being more subtle and reserved than the other, the older of the trio would only give a light chuckle before moving to kneel before the little one and show her exactly what was on her face as he offered her a towel.

As he did, he watched as the little one played what happened in her mind as she tried to understand exactly what had happened before she came to her conclusion. When she did, the response was surprisingly not an angry one, but rather a compliment to the other for being able to trick her so well.

Akumu had to admit the trick was indeed well played; however, if it had been played on him instead, he wondered if he would’ve had the same reaction or perhaps had gotten angry with his sibling for doing such a thing. Hmm…a mystery that maybe if he let his guard down in the future would one day be solved; however, today fate dictated that the answer to the wandering thought would remain hidden.

In any case, after the small mutter came from the little one, she would take the towel and clean herself of the cream that she had been tricked into smearing all over herself. Thankfully, clean-up was easy enough and once she was done, she handed the towel back and gave him a bow as she thanked him. Taking the item, Akumu gave the little one a small smile.

“My pleasure,” he respond back in his usual well-manner tone before he was standing up and looking over to his other sister who seemed to be upset he had cut the fun short. Being careful not to get any of the cream in the towel upon himself, he would bow apologetically to the other.

“Ah, forgive me. I did not know there was a time limit on such things,” he said the words soft spoken as always, but truthful. He did not know that there was a time limit. While it was true he was the older of the trio in a manner of speaking, it was also true that in his line of business such tricks were never played. In fact, most of what people called “modern” day things was beyond the older being who lived in a time that most either had forgotten or did not hold to the rules of anymore.

He had a long way to go as far as learning what was okay and not okay these days, but he was certain that he would eventually catch up…someday…maybe….

In any case, the way the trick worked was learned now, so now Akumu knew to wait some time before revealing the truth to the victim.

After apologizing for the error, the man would straightened up once more with a nod to the other words.

“Indeed, our sister has taken quite well to the trick. I am not sure if I could’ve done the same,” he would say, the words both a statement of praise to the little one and a truth spoken. He was honestly glad nothing terrible had happened as a result of the trick. Perhaps no one would’ve been safe had the little one gotten offended instead. Good thing Lady Luck was on their side today.

In any case, Akumu would eventually dispose of the cloth he had before the conversation turned to the fish that liked to linger about him. He demonstrated in a logical fashion why the fish might linger about him. To his demonstration the little one suggested the fish trusted him rather than actually came to him because of the colors of the clothing.

“Trust? Hmm…that is a possibility,” he said as he bowed his head in thought. He had never pondered that angle before, so there might have been truth there; however, without a test of some sort Akumu could not be for certain which theory was more clear.

As if reading his thoughts, it appeared that his sister’s wish to finally be able to pet the fish in the area gave him the opportunity to see if it was indeed the cloth or perhaps trust that caused the fish to linger. When she requested his robe (shirt), there was hardly any hesitation in granting the request.

Unlike humans who might feel ashamed or bashful about one of the opposite sex requesting such a thing, Akumu held no shame or such thoughts in his head. The request was simple enough and this was a way to test a theory and perhaps grant his sister wish of finally getting the fish to come to her. Surely there was no danger in this, right?

So as he took off the robe leaving him with a white undershirt, his pants, shoes, and plenty of bandages on his pale arms, Akumu would hold the robe open for his sister.

If she took the offer, he would help the other put the robe on and if not he would allow her to do the task herself. Whatever happened really didn’t matter for in time, Akumu would move slightly away from his sister to see if the fish truly were attracted to the cloth or not

So far it was hard to tell. Even without all the colors of his robe upon him, a few fish remained around him and even nibbled at the lose ends of his bandages that swayed here and there in the water. Hmmm…How interesting indeed.

Neith's eyes would gleam with stars as her theory, at least as far as she was concerned, was proven correct. A glow of pride would surround her as some fish remained around her brother; the young girl almost jumping into the air with excitement at the success. Eventually the glow would fade though as the attendant seemed to lose focus -- instead turning to observe the fish that had moved over to her sister. The smile previously engraved on her face would grow just a bit wider; the girl happy that her sister's desire could be fulfilled. Although she did have to wonder about that wish... What exactly was so wonderful about petting these fish? For many a second did the girl ponder this until eventually she looked over to her sister and began jumping wildly around the Velvet Room energetically.

Lola would give a small pout, but it would quickly disappear, “Next time, do mind the rules. A prank is only as good as long as it lasts.” She was the queen of pranks, after all. As her brother handed his shirt to her, Lola’s eyes lit up. She was even happier when some of the fish seemed to follow. Finally, the fish were attracted to her. She squealed with delight as she reached out to pet one. The moment her fingers connected, however, it swam away. That probably should have saddened her, but instead she was smiling from ear to ear, “I touched one. I finally managed to touch one. I am so happy.” She was almost dancing around from the joy of it. When her sister asked for the shirt next, she would remove it and hand it to the child-faced attendant, “It’s rather exciting to experience the feeling of their chubby scaly bodies.” She didn’t know how to describe the fish. To her, they were just something fun and she had finally gotten her chance to play around with them.

Akumu would watch his sister’s reaction to his apology at first wondering if she was truly upset by him interfering; however, when she spoke the other more or less had forgiven him, or at least that is how it seemed as she gave him a small reminder to mind the rules next time.
“It has been noted,” the male attendant responded back gently as he gave the other a light nod.

In any case, the subject of pranks was quickly pushed to the side as theories about the fish, trust, and fabrics were tossed out. To the words spoken, a request had been made and so both wanting to find out the truth regarding the fish being attracted to himself and also wanting to help a sibling perhaps fulfill a wish, Akumu had handed over the colorful robe (shirt) he wore to Lola and watched as some fish stayed with him and the others seemed to follow the robe.

The reaction of the fish was indeed interesting and seemed to make the little one quite pleased. She was beaming with pride as her theory was proven correct. The fish did seem to trust Akumu or else they would not linger by him in such a fashion, but on the other hand, Akumu’s theory was right too. Some of the fish did linger because of the fabric. That fact was proven as some of the fish gathered around Lola as she slipped the robe on. Watching, Akumu’s small smile would turn into a genuine one as his sister finally managed to touch the one of the creatures.

The fish shied away from the touch, but to his sister that did not matter. She was literally bursting with joy, but it would appear that the little one wanted to experience petting the fish to for just as the first got her wish fulfilled; the little one began to ask for the robe next.

Not minding this at all, Akumu allowed the robe to be passed to the little one to see what would happened. After all, the older attendant was not possessive of things and had no issue watching an item being passed around if happiness was to be gained from said item. Besides it was interesting to watch the interaction between the fish and his sisters. It showed a different aspect of life the older attendant would’ve never thought to examine if it wasn’t for the pair with him now. This was definitely a good day.

“Mhmm. Fish are quite interesting to be around,” Akumu said as he held out one hand allowing a small fish to dart between his fingers before it decided the safest place was to hide underneath the outstretched palm. The small fish remained closed by his hands, the small dorsal fin tickling the palm of the attendant’s hand as he let the fish rest there for a bit. “It is always fascinating to see what they do in response to change,” Akumu would finish as he closed his hand slightly causing the small fish to quickly dart out of the danger zone. The small slick scales could be felt as the fish wiggled by.

“Hmph. It is a rather exciting event, especially if you manage to catch one,” the old attendant said with a light chuckle as he let his hand drop before he drifted to the sofa and after making sure no cream was nearby to sit in, he would settle on the comfortable object. Once settled, blue orbs would move to see what Neith and the fish were doing.