Screaming fills the house, and I sprint over to the bedroom.

  Yuna’s awake, while Salka’s still asleep.

  Going to Yuna’s side, I pull her into a hug, rubbing her head. “Hey, hey, you’re alright, you’re safe.”

  She stops screaming, instead trembling and crying into my arms. Even worse than when I came back from the mirror.

  ‘What did she go through in there? Now I see why Salka told me to prepare comforting things.’

  “There there, you’re safe, you’re fine, big sis is with you.”

  Shaking, she slowly looks up at me, as if scared I’ll leave. “S-sis?”

  Nuzzling her cheek, I speak calmly. “Yes, yes it’s me, just relax. I made you your favorite foods, and there’s a hot bath for you ready. Whatever you need.”

  Hugging me back, she nods slightly. “...a… bath… and… ice-cream… a lot…”

  “Of course, of course. You’re safe, you’re fine.” Rubbing her back, she flinches before relaxing into it.

  After a few minutes of this, I assume I might need to do the same for Salka, so it’s probably a good idea if she gets the bath now before Salka wants it.

  “Alright, let’s get you in that bath, how does that sound?”

  “G-good…”

  Slowly I help her up out of bed, her leaning against me on the way to the bathroom. “Do you need help getting in?”

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  “No… I can…”

  “Alright, I’ll be nearby if you need me.” Walking out and shutting the door behind me, I head back to the room, sitting next to Salka and gently brushing her hair.

  “...just what did you two go through…”

  As if hearing my voice, she suddenly shoots up, her eyes wide and hyperventilating. Quickly, I pull her into a hug, feeling her flinch and muscles tense.

  “Hey, it’s me, Lumi. You’re safe, you’re safe.”

  Slowly, she hugs me back.

  Then tighter, pressing her cheek against mine.

  “Lumi… lumi… oh thank fuck… it hurts lumi…”

  “...what does?”

  Slowly, she speaks, her voice still trembling, but holding herself together better than Yuna. “...my soul… she killed us… slowly… painfully… taking our skins to wear…”

  My eyes widen. How do I know she’s the real one, or Yuna is, then?

  “...then how are you here?”

  After a few breaths, she answers. “...the spell we used… it split our souls… she only killed half of us… we looked whole because of Mordret’s name…”

  She hugs me tighter. “...but it still hurts… I can feel her there… still… it hurts so much…”

  I can’t help but cry a bit. These two went through… dying? Enough for Salka to cry from the pain?

  Rubbing her back, I nuzzle her cheek back. “You’re safe, you’re fine. I got Yuna in the bath now, and you have some food outside for you, some ice-cream.”

  “...can we… stay here… some more…? I… just want you right now…”

  My face heats a little, but I don’t deny her that, simply nodding and hugging her. “Yes, of course.”

  Her hand gently grabs my tail, making me blush a bit, before she slowly fluffs the fur on it.

  ‘She likes that too much… just this once, she can touch my tail.’

  Sighing, I nuzzle her more, our bodies pressed against one another, as I comfort her for a change.

  ___

  Well, how’s that for the doppleganger arc? Or well, arcs. Let me know what you liked and didn’t in general, I’ll keep it in mind for future chapters!