sirenstoryteller | Backdated for Will

Backdated for Will

Honestly, Alex didn't know how this had all happened. In all his travels to many countries and cultures around the world, never had a misunderstanding like this occurred. And now he would have to suffer the consequences. He only hoped Cam had gotten back to Borneo safely with their research and could find help. The sooner the better or he would soon be in even deeper trouble, of the matrimonial kind.

At the moment, he was sitting patiently in a ridiculous native outfit that consisted of a long loin cloth of colorful woven material and decorations of woven reeds, stone/bone beads and brightly colored flowers. His chest was bare except for a thick collar necklace that matched the ornaments on his wrist and ankles. Flowers and beads had been woven into his curly hair, much to the delight of the young men who had been tasked to prepare him for his wedding. He was sitting patiently with his teeth gritted as a man tattooed a band around his upper arm of stylistic waves, sea turtles and whale tails. The mark of the man betrothed to the future leader of the Sirena. To distract himself from the pain, he thought back on how he'd gotten into this mess in the first place.

--

While visiting with a siren clan in Borneo, just from Borneo as the sirens were private and claimed no citizenship of any of the three countries making up the island, Alex and Cam learned about a small, traditional clan of sirens living on a small island in the Philippines. They were supposedly direct descendants of the Sirena, the water deities who supposedly all humans in Indonesia were descended from. The matriarch of the Borneo clan warned against them seeking out the island, citing that the clan still followed many ancient traditional customs, including kidnapping travelers and drowning sailors that got near their island. She especially warned Alex in particular but neither he nor Cam could figure out why.

Finally, they said goodbye to the Borneo clan and decided that it would be a waste to come all the way out here and not attempt to make contact with the Sirena. Looking back, Alex wish they had heeded the matriarch's warning, but instead they used Alex's money to hire a boat and supplies to look for the uncharted island. Following local myths and reports of mysterious drownings, they were able to find the island. The Sirena were guarded but once Alex revealed his true form to them, they allowed the two researchers to come ashore. The second mistake Alex had made was not listening to Cam, who had pointed out how interested the Sirena were in him in particular. Alex had taken it as him being a full siren, while Cam was only half, and put it out of his mind.

They were welcomed by the tribe after that and were more then open to share their traditions with the researchers. Alex didn't know why they Borneo matriarch had felt the need to warn them off. At least, he didn't until a week into their stay when they were eating dinner in the main meeting house. The daughter of the matriarch, Dyesebel, offered Alex a desert, a sweet cake served in a carved coconut. Cam told him afterwards that the entire tribe had gone silent and watched him take a bite, then cheered once he'd swallowed. Confused, Alex turned to Dyesebel, who had taken his hand in hers to ask what was going on. Instead, he was urged by the matriarch to give his newly betrothed a kiss. Needless to say, that did not go over well.

Once everything had settled down, Dyesebel and her parents took Alex and Cam into a private hut to explain. Due to keeping their clan secluded on this island, their powers had decreased over the generations. When an engkanto, a tall, powerful siren with blue eyes, fair complexion and golden hair, had come to their island, they had taken it as a sign from the gods that their tribe would be able to return to their full glory. Alex had to admit, he fit the description pretty well but insisted he couldn't stay, he had work and family to return to. But the Sirena took offense and threatened Cam's life if Alex didn't stay and marry Dyesebel. Seeing no other option, Alex agreed, but did not allow any wedding preparation to begin until Cam and their research was safely away from the island. He remembered watching the boat disappear over the horizon with a grim finality.

--

Now, only a few short days later, Alex was preparing for his wedding day. At sundown, he would wed the future matriarch of the Sirena, unless help arrived. Considering it was midday now, Alex didn't hold out much hope. Excitement was buzzing through the tribe and he wished he could feel some of it, even if it was false. The marriage of the future matriarch and the engkanto was going to be the thing of myths and legends.

After spending his whole life studying myths, Alex wasn't so keen to become one.

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There were few people on the Earth that could motivate Will to drop everything and fly halfway round the world to rescue him; his brother, however, was one of those few people. Glaring at the assistant, Will dropped his luggage into Cam's awaiting arms before climbing onto the boat that would take them most of the way there.

Ignoring the hurried explanations of Cam, Will gritted his teeth glaring a little at the man before killing the engine close enough to the shore. Diving into the waters, he swam the last distance before emerging from the waters like a God to murmured gasps and Engkanto as he walked towards his stupid, baby brother.

"I hear congratulations are in order!" Will boomed, his voice carrying loudly.

At the familiar booming voice, Alex's head shot up from where he was standing holding the hands of his betrothed on a rocky part of the beach surrounded by the entire tribe. They stood before a natural archway of rocks, painted and decorated with flowers for the occasion, with the matriarch underneath glaring daggers at the intruder.

"Will!" Alex shouted, in both relief and worry. While he had never been more grateful to see his big brother in all his life, he still didn't know what he was doing here or how he thought to help. He pulled his hands away from Dyesebel and made to go to Will, but a firm hand on his shoulder from tribesman kept him in place.

The matriarch moved through the crowd, who moved to back her up and create a barrier between the Cabot brothers, until she was standing before Will. "Unless you have come to take his place, engkanto, be gone."

His face lit up, all eager puppy smiles at Alex as his little brother looked like he was about to pass out with relief. Smiling brightly, the same wicked smile he had always smiled as a child; the smile that meant he was about to do something ridiculous, outlandish and something inevitably getting them all into trouble.

"Take his place? No, of course not. I'm here to wish them both long lives and happiness." His voice full of cheer as he clasped the matriarch with both hands and kissed her on both cheeks. Patting her with his hands, making her stumble a little he easily brushed her aside before opening his arms for his brother. "I can't believe you didn't invite me to your wedding. Shame it's such a short ceremony."

Will grinned at his brother, raising his eyebrow before punching the man holding his brother hard enough to knock him cold out. Alex may have gotten all the siren lure in the family but Will had gotten the strength.

"Brother, time to go." Will said, grabbing his brother and pulling him towards the beach and the water.

Oh no. Alex knew that smile. Relief started to bleed into dread. As much as he wanted his brother's help to get out of this predicament, he was afraid of what exactly Will would do. Plus, he didn't want anyone getting hurt on his account, especially his brother. He tensed as Will came towards him and he felt the hand on his shoulder tighten. "You know how it goes, Will. Figured we should just get it over with."

The matriarch narrowed her eyes at the big man as he came forward, supposedly in the name of friendship. Being brushed off did nothing to improve her mood to the intruder and the punch only served to verify her concern. "Do not let the engkanto leave!" She shrieked and the tribe set out to grab the brothers.

"Great plan, Will!" Alex said through clenched teeth as he ran with Will, trying to keep out of their pursuers' grasp. "You know they are sirens and will be able to follow us!"

And just as he spoke, someone grabbed his ankle sending him face planting into wet sand.

Will laughed, the booming laughter carrying, as he and his brother ran towards the water. It was almost like they when they were children, except it wasn't Henry for once rescuing his younger brothers and sweet talking all their way out of trouble.

"You know me, plans were always up to you and Henry. I prefer action," Will replied. He knew they were sirens but Will was strong and Alex was powerful and even after they got onto his boat, they wouldn't be able to keep up with them. "Don't worry, we'll get to the boat before they catch up with us. And you're supposed to be the storyteller, how did you not think of something to get out of this yourself."

Will heard the sound of his brother tripping, turning he almost caught him but was quick enough to grab his brother and carry him towards the water. They didn't have time for civility or dignity, the sirens clearly wanted his brother.

The scary thought was there were two more brother younger then Will and Alex. Henry had been the sanest brother and it had clearly gotten more diluted from there. Still, Alex reserved the right to laugh about the situation after they were safely on the boat and away from there.

"They threatened Cam's life! And you know how much I hate manipulating people." Just because he could doesn't mean he liked using his powers against people. The getting people to talk part was one thing, and thankfully easier. Manipulating them with stories felt wrong and he tried not to do it. "Plus, one siren verse a tribe of sirens is not good odds for anyone."

The hand that grabbed Alex's ankle earned a kick in the face for it's owner before he let out a startled squawk as he suddenly found himself over his brother's shoulder. The change in perspective was jarring...as was his sudden view of the tribe chasing them. "They're catching up Will!"

"Rather be married little brother than use your gifts just the once? If that's the case mother will surely be pleased she can find at least one of us a bride," Will replied, lifting Alex easily onto his shoulder. His brother barely weighed anything, another sure sign that his latest trip had been going oh so well. It was all very good earning stories but words, despite proverbs, could not actually be eaten. "One Cabot versus many other sirens and now two Cabots, I like our odds."

Will grinned as Alex yelled that they were catching up. He was barely even trying. Putting an extra bit of strength and speed into his limbs, he waded into the water before throwing his brother further in- clothes and all- into the deeper waters.

"Better start swimming then."

His curse at the idea of letting their mother con him into one of her political matches was lost as he grunted from being tossed over his brother's shoulder. Their mother loved to mourn the fact none of her sons were married yet and she didn't need fuel from the fire.

And it wasn't his fault he got so caught up in his work to eat. "Clearly I just needed your confidence, brother."

The sudden shock of being thrown into the water stole the air from Alex's lungs but he quickly surfaced and shook his head out, dislodging the headdress and some of the ornaments braided into his curls. "Their forms are dolphin based. Think some sharks can outswim them?" He said as he shifted into his siren form, which was heavily based on a leopard shark. The white and black stripes were oddly comforting.

Will laughed because if there was anyone who his mother wanted married off it was her two eldest sons and seeing as Will wasn't exactly helpful, he was sure her attention would turn to Alex. Will's choice was never going to be his parents, despite him agreeing to many things for the family that was one area he would not let them trespass on. Especially since the one choice he did have, he knew they were bound to disapprove of.

"Don't worry, she's got fiv- four sons. I'm sure we can distract them with the others," Will dived into the water, shifting into his siren form and grinning at his brother. While Alex was all sleek lines and stripes, Will was darker and much bigger. Strength and speed had always been reflected in Will's shark form. "Sharks versus dolphins, I knew who I would bet on. Come on, race you. First one to the boat doesn't have to marry mother's choice."

Which meant Will would win of course. He had someone in mind, he wasn't going to let his parents put that aside.

When it came to the idea of marriage, Alex just held no interest. To say he was obsessed with his research was putting it mildly and he didn't want any distractions. Not that he hadn't gotten offers. This was not the first time he'd been proposed to by a siren or matriarch in his travels, they were just the first to not let him refuse. Plus, he was more then half convinced the others had been kidding. Cam had thought otherwise but that didn't matter.

"I'm sure Phil and Ed are going to love us for that, but I know Corry will be disappointed when I bear you!" Alex said, letting himself laugh for the first time that day. This was familiar, racing with his brother through the water. The sirens chasing them wasn't even that different given where they'd grown up. Then, after one more look behind them, he took off for the boat.

"They're the youngest, that's what they're for surely?" Will replied, his grin revealing far too many teeth as he dived beneath the water and swam just that bit quicker at the mention of Corry. It wasn't like his brother wasn't aware of his... affection for Alex's friend but he hadn't been entirely honest about how deep that affection was. Will had, had precisely two lasting relationships. One which had ended badly because of his lack of commitment and the other was Corrine. He wasn't going to let Alex beat him. "Beat you."

Hitting the boat before his brother, he pulled himself up before reaching down to help Alex up onto it.

"Shouldn't have mentioned Corry brother," Will grinned, blowing a kiss backwards at the other sirens before heading towards the wheel to start the engine and get them home. And perhaps, for Will, into Corry's arms.

"To make up for our disappointment?" Alex returned before attempting to keep up after his older brother. He should have known mentioning Will's on-again off-again lover who also happened to be a child hood friend of his would be fuel for his fire. No, he didn't know quite the depth of Will' affections...but he suspected.

It didn't really shock him that Will won, Corrine aside. His brothers, all of them, had always been faster then him in the water. Despite everything he was laughing as Will hauled him up and he changed back to human. "You would have beat me anyway. At least this way I got to have some fun out of it."

As Cam rushed over to make sure he was alright, Alex reassured him with a smile before looking after them. The Sirena tribe had stopped in the water, as they realized the chase was futile now, though they were glaring daggers and yelling curses at them. He gave a soft sigh of relief and let Cam offer him towels and clothes. When he'd wanted to research stories and myths, this is no what he'd had in mind!

Once he was in dry clothes and they were underway, he made his way over to the wheel to stand beside Will. "Thank you, brother." He knew he didn't need to say it but it was important. After all the years he'd been gone, it was comforting to know his big brother would still come get him out of trouble.

"Exactly, I think father took one sight of me fresh from the womb and thought no, no this one will never do and had you. And we've all been disappointments ever since." Will replied, turning the engine over before pushing the throttle down to make them leave the sirens cursing them in the waters wake.

Shaking water out of his hair, he concentrated on getting them all as far away as possible. He wouldn't mention this to their father, Will might joke about them all being constant disappointments but his father's fury was not something any of them ever wanted. Or the look of disappointment on his face. Some things, some people, were worth the disappointed looks.

"No problem, you'd do the same. Or at least you'd try and talk me out of whatever mess I'd gotten myself into." Will replied. Like Australia and a very unwilling to let go of him ex. He'd hurt her a lot, he got that but... well, Will just hadn't felt the same not really. She was wonderful but she wasn't the one. "I suppose this means you'll want to stay at mine then?"

"Does that make Ed the perfect one or did they just stop trying?" While he joked, there was little mirth in Alex's voice as he watched the sirens get smaller in the distance.

While Alex knew neither Will nor Cam would tell the Senator about this, he had the uncanny ability to find out about these things. He only hoped he wasn't in direct line of fire when he did. His mother would probably just be disappointed she didn't get to meet a potential daughter in law.

"I'll leave the brawn to you and you leave the talking to me." He too though of Australia. That had taken some fancy talking, especially since he'd felt bad for her. She wasn't the first to be caught in his brother's orbit and he doubted she would be the last. "If you wouldn't mind? I'll have to make a show of staying at the house or Mother would be crushed. But I have a feeling it won't last long."

“I think that with Ed, they resigned to the fact that it was all going down hill.” Will teased. Ed was the youngest and therefore prime for teasing from four older brothers, it was his job as youngest to endure it until he could get his own back on them all. Which had been known to happen after all. “Father really did pick the wrong son to go into politics, you’re much better at it all then I am.”

William was destined for great things, or so his father told him if he accepted a little more responsibility. Will was smart after all, he just had a tendency towards laziness although that had shifted these last few years since Henry’s demise.

“Of course I don’t, you can tell me all the things that have been going on. And you can of course persuade your friend that she wants to see me again,” Will said, thinking of Corry. They were still on good terms, Very good terms but it always paid to have someone else in his corner.

"Watch Ed be a late bloomer who ends up President." Alex said with a shake of his head. Ed, and Phil, had both gotten back at the older brothers as time wore on and they both had great potential, as all the Cabot boys did. Then he laughed and shock his head harder. "Perhaps. But I think I want it the least of all of us. I would rather use my powers for posterity then politics."

Will was destined for great things, Alex had always believed that. Henry had accepted his destiny head on, Will just needed some nudging and support. Maybe that's why he and Alex were so close, Alex didn't mind being that influence right behind him.

"Oh I see. You pretend to listen to my stories so I will talk you up to Corrine." He nudged his brother playfully. "I had heard she was back home as well. It seems to be the season for homecomings."

Edited 2014-09-18 06:47 (UTC)

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Backdated for Will

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