#twodragonswrites

The jar of brother on his desk is still, as it has been since he captured the rogue shifter.

Admittedly, he would like to just destroy it himself. But a part of him does still care for his sibling. Orio stands from his seat and picks up the jar, holding it in front of his face.

"Now listen, Ubeo. I know you're awake, you were moving around earlier." He pauses, looking around before waving a hand. The chair disappears from his desk and reappears behind him, he sits down, leaning forwards with his elbows on his knees. "I also know that you're probably sulking because you know I have to turn you over to Gharan and... She'll want to unravel you. As interesting as that kind of karma would be for you, I don't fancy losing you." He puts a hand on the side of the glass jar and the blue goo within wiggles a bit, moving to cover where Orio's hand is.

"I know you're not fond of me. You're upset because of everything that's happened…But I'm your only way out of this situation. You almost hurt Michael. Both Oswald and Gharan are going to be more than upset with you...being shredded is the least of your worries." There's no response from Ubeo, but Orio continues.

"The way I see it, you have two choices. I either take you to Gharan and she does god knows what to you or…" he grimaces, "I take you to the same beings that made me human. Or rather… froze me into the shape I'm in." Ubeo's slacks from the side of the jar. Falling into a resting position as if he were just water.

"I know you don't like the idea of it, but it would be better than death. And I know you're thinking that this is just me trying to get revenge on you or something, but it would be for the best. She wouldn't be able to touch you. And I would take care of you as best I can." When there's no response, he sighs and leans back, putting his hands in his lap.

"I'll give you till tomorrow to decide."

The following morning, Orio pops the lid off the jar. Ubeo had promised not to go berserk, so he trusted him enough to do this. Ubeo reforms next to the jar and kicks it.

"Stupid glass."

"...So you've made your decision then."

"Yeah, I'm… gonna try things your way." Ubeo grimaces, but Orio lights up.

"You're not joking with me right?"

Ubeo chuckles kind of half heartedly, "I mean, I don't have much choice otherwise if I want to live, right? So...What do I need to do?"

---

The cold further north didn't agree with Ubeo, but he had promised his brother that he would work with him, so he followed him there, to the furthest reaches of the Arctic at the north pole. They come out of the teleport in icy winds and snow whipping around them, nipping at their extremities, stealing their breath.

"So this is the place?!" Ubeo shouts, fighting to be heard over the wind. Orio nods, staying silent with a firm grimace. Whether it's fear or respect that's keeping him quiet is anyone's guess.

Lanterns light a path to a small structure of stone and ice surrounded by a circle of candles in the snow.

They trudge up the path and stop just outside the circle and Orio pulls a lighter from his pocket. It's strangely quiet here, almost as if there's a bubble around them. He lights the candles, the flames flicker, but don't go out. When they're lit, Orio takes his place back by Ubeo, he keeps his eyes on the structure, but finally speaks.

"They told me to find them here, if I ever needed their services again."

"Who's 'They'?"

"The Gods. The Administrator's assistant should meet us here."

"Administrator-?"

A sudden strike of lightning comes down on the roof of the structure. Striking it and passing through. When it disappears, standing there is a tall being, their eyes aren't cold, but not friendly either. They smile, and something about it is unsettling, as they descend down the steps of the structure.

"Hello again, split one." They're addressing Orio, who kind of sighs and crosses his arms.

"Look, I'm not here for pleasantries. I'm here for-"

"Your Brother. The charmed one?" Their head turns- more like snaps- to stare at Ubeo, who takes a small step back, gritting his teeth and kind of bristling.

"Yes he wants-"

"To undergo the same treatment you went through. So that he's not tied to...Her. Anymore." Ubeo's shoulders slack a bit.

"Am I wrong?" The creature asks. "Is that not what you want?"

"...Well. no. But it's the best I deserve right now." The conversation pauses as the creature considers Ubeo's words, but then it nods.