Anemone

Despite its delicate beauty, the Anemone has developed a mixed set of meanings depending on the culture viewing the flower. Some see it as protection against disease, while others feel the opposite way and warn against it as an omen of impending illness. But for her, Anemone means a fading hope, a forsaken or forgotten affection. No matter how beautiful the flower is, whenever she looks at it, the only thing that she sees is death.

For her, he was her entire world. From the first time she opened her eyes until the time she closed her eyes, she was sure that he will still be her entire world. After all, just like how she thinks of him as her entire world, she knows without a doubt that for him; she is also his entire world. In this bleak world which had been nothing but cruel to them, they only have each other. At first, there is only the two of them.

They are the first pair. The elder. And because they are the first one, they have long learnt to only lean and trust each other. They have learnt that the world isn't a kind place and being trapped in the building where they rarely see anyone except for each other and a handful of scientist who wants nothing but experiment on them, they only have each other. Thus, they only live for each other.

And it was alright with her. Even if there is only the two of them, she feels content enough. She doesn't need anyone as long as he is with her. Even if they have to live their entire life trapped in the building, as long as they are together, she feels content. The only important thing for her is the fact that they are together.

She knows that the two of them are different from other people. She also knows that if by any chances they go out to the outside world, they will be deemed as unnatural or peculiar by normal people. Though she personally doesn't think that they are abnormal in any way. After all, what is the definition of normal? How could people categorize something or someone as normal and abnormal in the first place?

If the definition of normal is so subjective, then others couldn't say that they are abnormal when she doesn't even think that herself and her twin as anything other than normal. They might be slightly different than other people but that doesn't mean that the two of them are abnormal in any ways. After all, even though the two of them are twins, they are special. They are distinctive from each other in a way that they complement each other. And that's enough for her. Nerd is all Tim needs in her life.

Nonetheless, even if she was content enough with her life with Nerd, the scientists were unsatisfied with the lack of progress in their research. Thus, they try to do more experiment on them. At first, she thought nothing of it. After all, their entire life had been nothing but research and observation for those scientist but then they asked one of them to come with them. That was the first time Tim feels fear and rage.

It was also the last time she lets Nerd leaves her side. She had became protective of him since that day. Never letting him out of her sight even for a while. She won't let them take him away again. Not after what they have done to him. Nerd is her twin, her brother, her family. For her, he is her entire world.

***

Since the time he let those scientists experiment on him, Tim had gone all protective over him. In a way, he understands that it was all because his twin was afraid for him. Tim was afraid of losing him. Because they only have each other. From the first time the two of them opened their eyes, they only have each other to rely on.

They are always together and he is sure if somehow he lose Tim or if Tim lose him, they will be lose without another. It will kill them. Besides, they have learnt not to trust all the things that the scientists told to them. They might be their creator, they might be their parents in a way but that doesn't mean that they really care about both Tim and Nerd. Those scientists only care for the result of their experiment and research.

Nerd was completely aware that those scientists are willing to lie to both him and Tim as long as it gets the result they are looking for. No. They have stopped trusting everything that the scientists told to them easily. It might sound callous but they have learnt that the only way to survive living at there is by always being cautious and wary of everything. It won't do to fall for the same lie which ended up on him getting experimented and Tim losing her control over her hidden power.

At first, there's only two of them but then one day on a particularly cold winter, the scientist come to see them. It's been a while since they come to see both him and Tim personally. After what had happened the last time, they had become wary of both him and his sister. But that day, they come to see Nerd and Tim. There are two children with them.

Another children. Does that mean those scientists have given up on them? Will they dispose him and Tim then? Though knowing those scientists, there is also that possibility that they only want more test subjects now that both him and Tim aren't so cooperative with all their experiments. Nonetheless, he couldn't help but feel wary of their intention.

The new children or their new siblings as the scientists called them are a bit different than them but also similar like them in a way. They are called Dim and Noa. It feels strange to have another siblings. After living with only Tim for a while to suddenly get another siblings feels peculiar for Nerd. Even Tim was a bit perplexed.

Dim and Noa are completely different than Nerd and Tim. While Tim and Nerd are calm and reserve individuals, Dim and Noa are playful and curious. They have an abundance of curiosity. Unlike Nerd and Tim, both of them can't stay still in one place for far too long. They are always looking for new things to do and learn.

Their new presence took both him and Tim off guard. It feels strange to live with another pair of twins after living his whole life only with Tim. Their new siblings are quite rambunctious pair. Still, both him and Tim tried their best to take care their new siblings. They watch over them and teach the younger twins about all the important things.

Their first experience watching over and taking care of Dim and Noa was exhausting. Nerd never thought that they can be that handful. Perhaps, it was because they are far more energetic than both him and Tim. Nonetheless, it was the first time he felt so exhausted in one day. "It's strange, isn't it?" Tim asked softly while she was sitting on her bed across from his on the first night after they met with Dim and Noa.

"They are so..." He thought a bit of their newest siblings before he continued slowly, "exuberant."

"It's different, isn't it? To think that they could be so carefree and cheerful in a place like this. But it's a good thing. In a place like this, their vibrant personalities really lighten up the atmosphere. I just hope that those scientists don't experiment on them too like what they did to you,"

Nerd could clearly feel Tim's concern over their younger siblings. He understands perfectly the reason why she is so concerned about both Dim and Noa. Tim is kind just like that. Not wanting his twin to continue worrying over it, Nerd quickly reassured her. "We will teach them everything that we know. We will tell them to be wary of those scientists. It's okay, we can do it together."

All of them are family. And family always look out for each other. Also, in a place like this, they only have each other to rely on. Therefore, they have to look out for each other to stay safe. Because for those scientists what's important is the result of their experiments than their happiness and well being.

***

If there's one word to describe their newest siblings, Tim will choose the word sun to describe them. In her opinion, their younger siblings are lively. Compared to her who is cautious, Dim and Noa are fearless. They aren't afraid to tell others their thoughts. It was quite refreshing to face such honest disposition.

After facing lies and deceit so many times from everyone aside from Nerd, Tim really appreciate Noa and Dim's honest words and bold personalities. It's nice to talk someone who don't have any hidden motives or agendas. Though there are also times when she feels at lost on handling her younger siblings. Nonetheless, Tim took the responsibility of taking care her newest sibling amicably. It was difficult.

She have been living with only Nerd all these times, now that they have new siblings; it was quite difficult to remember that they also have to take care of others aside from their own self. Be careful of the scientists and the doctors also they have to remember to always control and restrain their emotions all the time. That was the first thing that Tim and Nerd have told to the younger twins. Not wanting the same incidents that had befallen Nerd to happen to both Dim and Noa. It wasn't that surprising that the younger twins refused to believe their warnings.

After all, the doctors and scientists have been nothing but nice and kind at them. To think that they have ulterior motives behind their nice behaviors sound like a paranoia. Thus the reason why Dim and Noa refused to believe it. When those scientists took their young siblings, Tim was terrified. She knows that she and Nerd couldn't do anything to help the younger twins, still it doesn't stop her from wishing that she could do something.

For a full week, she had been nothing but inconsolable while both Dim and Noa were inside the laboratory. She was worried for them. She was afraid that when both her younger siblings return back, they will be changed just like what those doctors and scientists have done to Nerd. Nerd had been nothing but loyal and supportive of her during those days. Her twin brother had stayed with her and reassured her again and again that their young siblings will be fine.

Which is why it wasn't that surprising that when both Dim and Noa finally returned back from the laboratory, Tim and Nerd wasted no time to welcome them back. She had immediately checked on them to make sure that her younger siblings are well. Tim had felt unbelievably guilty at the fact that their young siblings were being taken to the laboratory even though Nerd had told her that it wasn't her fault at all. Although she knows deep within herself that what had happened wasn't her fault, she still can't help but feel responsible for it. She was their older sister and as their older sister, she should have been able to protect them better.

Nonetheless, since their experience in the laboratory, Dim and Noa learnt to trust what both her and Nerd said more. Apparently, after experiencing the cruelty behind the nice and kind behaviors of those doctors and scientists first-hand, Dim and Noa know better than to trust those adults easily again. Though, Tim was really thankful that their experience on being experimented by those doctors and scientists in the laboratory don't change her younger siblings' personalities far too much. Aside from being more wary and careful around the adults, Dim and Noa are still cheerful and playful. The younger twins also aren't shy to voice out their opinions, their likes and dislikes.

It wasn't long at all before their room was filled with many things. From clothes to toys, to drawing tools and books. Noa and Dim's room is full of things that even Nerd and Tim found it difficult to maneuver around their room whenever one of them try to wake up their young siblings. Unlike Tim and Nerd who are quick to feel content with what they have, their younger siblings are the type who don't feel satisfied quickly. When they first suggested to ask for new costumes to be made to replace their usual white clothes, Tim wasn't surprised at all at their younger siblings' choices of clothes.

Although, when the younger twins asked her and Nerd about what kind of costumes they want; Tim was confused. She never once thought of wearing another type of clothes. Both her and Nerd have grown used to with everything that the scientists give to them. The fact that they rarely ask for anything aside from the basic necessities mean that they never once thought about it. Therefore, she really doesn't have any ideas regarding what kind of costumes she wants to ask for both herself and her twin brother.

Noa who thankfully seemed to sense Tim's uneasiness at the question immediately suggested both her and Nerd's costumes for her. She doesn't really know what it is that makes him suggest a prince and princess' attire for both herself and Nerd. Perhaps it was because both she and Nerd were far more reserve and mature than Dim and Noa's playful disposition? Nonetheless, she and Nerd decided to just trust their younger siblings' judgment regarding their costumes since they know far more about it than both her and Nerd. Besides, it makes them happy to design both Tim and Nerd's costumes so Tim doesn't think it's wrong to just let the younger twin to handle it.

***

On autumn a year after both Dim and Noa come to their life, the doctors and scientists give them another new siblings. Nerd who had just gotten used to with Noa and Dim's presence in both his and Tim's life accepted the news regarding his new young siblings quickly. At this point, both he and Tim have concluded that those scientists aren't satisfied with just the four of them and are still trying to create more children like them. From the moment the newest pair of twins opened their eyes, Nerd had quickly learnt that their new siblings are more quiet than Dim and Noa. They asked to be called Brat and Pit.

Just like with Noa and Dim, Nerd and Tim have quickly told their newest siblings everything that they need to know regarding the doctors and scientists. How they should be careful around the adults and that they also should always remember to be careful on controlling and restraining their emotions so that their powers don't get out of control. Eventually, they learnt to adjust their life with the newest addition in their little family. It wasn't long before all of them know that both Brat and Pit are smarter than any of them. Although, their newest siblings are far more quiet and reserved than both Dim and Noa and a bit awkward compared to him and Tim, Brat and Pit have the highest IQ among them.

After all, the first thing that both Brat and Pit focused on when they first awake was to learn how to control their power. Unlike Noa and Dim who were far more curious regarding their surroundings, the newest twins were more focused on finding out what their powers are and learning how to control it. In a way, Nerd could understand their reason on wanting to know about their powers and the way to control it. After hearing about the experiments that Nerd, Dim and also Noa have experienced, it's not so surprising that Brat and Pit want to quickly know about their own powers and learn to control it to avoid being experimented by the scientists as well. And to be quite honest, Nerd was also curious about the kind of powers that the newest pair of twins have.

Brat and Pit are reticent. They don't talk much just like him and Tim but unlike Nerd and Tim, Brat and Pit were quick to understand what people are trying to say to them. And although they don't talk much, Tim had told Nerd that at times Brat worries about

things as well. Like whether or not they will be discarded if somehow the scientists and doctors aren't satisfied with the six of them. Tim had quickly reassured her of this.

After all, even though all of them are perfectly aware that the scientists and doctors are quite impatient on getting a new progress regarding their experiments and research of us; they also know that those adults won't discard them easily. The six of them are their successful result of experiments after all. And albeit there is no significant progress on their research on Nerd and his siblings, the scientists won't discard their perfect subjects quickly. Those scientists prefer to just create another like them than to just discard them so they could compare each of us with each others. Though to be honest, Nerd doesn't know when they will eventually feel satisfied and stop making another children like them.

Besides, even though those doctors and scientists' research on them has no significant progress; that doesn't mean they stopped trying. After learning that the experiments in the laboratory does nothing except making us more wary and careful around them, they decided to give them test after test to gauge our level of intelligence. The adults kept giving them test after test and interviews. At times, they also make some games for us to play or some sort of mystery games for us to solve. Those games and tests don't bother Nerd and his siblings so much.

It was far more preferable than those experiments they did on Nerd and his siblings in the laboratory. Besides, this way they can do it all together and not being separated from each others. Nonetheless, Tim's telepathy helps a lot whenever they have to be interviewed one by one since he and Tim could tell the others about the kind of questions that will be asked to their younger siblings. All in all, Nerd was quite content with the status quo between them and those scientists. At least this way, none of them have to endure the painful experience in the laboratory.

"Their control over their powers are quite good," Tim commented lightly after a particularly boring interview that they have to endure again that day.

Nerd tilted his head slightly to the side at her comment as he replied, "You mean Brat and Pit? Yes, they really are quick to adapt and control their powers. Not to mention, they also smarter than any of us."

"It's a bit overwhelming, isn't it? There's only the two of us at first but now... now we have so many siblings. Sometimes, I can't help but feel afraid." Tim continued softly after some pause.

Understanding perfectly the reason behind Tim's fear, Nerd quickly approached his twin and squeezed her hand gently in his. "It's alright. Everyone knows that you are doing your best to protect them. Besides, I'm here as well. I will help you if you have any difficulties."

Even though Nerd couldn't really see his twin's expression behind her mask, he knows that his words had manage to cheer her up as Tim squeezed his hand back. Yes. Even though they can't know what kind of things that will happen tomorrow, it will be alright as long as they have each other. After all, they all have survived everything that the scientists and the doctors gave them so far together. Nerd was sure that it will be okay as long as he has his twin sister and their other siblings.

***

It was at the beginning of spring, that Tim and her other siblings met with their newest siblings. The youngest pair of twins. This new pair of twins are completely different than Tim and her other young siblings. It could be said that their newest siblings seem to be the most successful subjects that the doctors and scientists have made among the eight of them. Unlike Tim and the others, their youngest siblings' appearance is the one who resembles normal people the most.

Clear and Plan. That was their names. Tim was a bit at lost on how to interact with them. It's not because they refuse to listen to her or her other siblings. No. In fact, their youngest siblings are quick to trust Tim and her other siblings' judgment.

Even so, they don't behave like the youngest of the eight of them at all. Suffice to say, they are quite mature for being the youngest pair of twins. Clear and Plan are quiet just like her and Nerd and Brat and Pit but unlike the four of them, Tim was aware that Clear and Plan were quite resourceful and absolutely observant of everything. Tim doesn't know if it was because they are the youngest twins amongst them which made them feel the need to be observant all the times so they could protect themselves quickly or not but at times Tim couldn't stop herself from reminding them that they have everyone to rely on. After all, even though Tim was quite happy with how independent her youngest siblings are, she doesn't want them to think that they only have each other when everyone is more than happy to help them whenever they need it.

Even so, that doesn't stop both Clear and Plan from keeping things to themselves sometimes. Tim knows that her other siblings are a bit wary of the youngest twins. Even though they behave amicably around each other, Tim could tell that there is a bit of wariness and caution between all of them whenever they are around both Clear and Plan. It made Tim sad to see her siblings behave that way with each other. She likes it better when there is no suspicion or distrust among them.

Tim understands perfectly that perhaps both Clear and Plan's powers make them find it a bit difficult to connect with others. Clear's with his abilities to see the past of each person he meets and Plan's with her abilities to see the future. Tim doesn't know what kind of future that Plan sees and she doesn't want to know about it. She finds it easier to live her life if she doesn't know about what the future will brings. That way, she doesn't have to worry needlessly about things that could or couldn't happen.

None of her siblings ask Plan either about the things that she sees. All of them choose to remain ignorant of it. And the fact that Plan rarely tells anyone about the things she sees even to her own twins also made all of them unconsciously agree that there are things that better remain unknown. Between Clear and Plan, Tim thinks that Clear is more approachable. Perhaps it was something that the two of them decided between them but Tim finds that Clear is far more open about things than Plan.

That doesn't stop Tim from caring for both of them equally though. Nerd had even teased her about it. Saying things like that Tim behave more like their mother than their older sister sometimes. Tim realizes that she could be pretty fussy about certain things at times though that's just because she wants all of her siblings to be safe and well. Still, she remembers to restrain herself from hovering too much around her other siblings just in case some of them find her behaviors annoying.

"Do you realize that Plan and Clear have been more quiet than usual lately?" Tim asked her twin softly once all of them have retired to their bedroom for the day.

"Hm? They do? They rarely talk with us though." Nerd replied offhandedly.

Tim hummed quietly to herself as she thinks back of her youngest siblings' behaviors lately. Although Clear had tried to hide it from the rest of them, it was obvious to Tim that there is something that is bothering Clear's mind. Something that Tim was certain has something to do with Plan. After all, Tim knows that even though all of them care for each other; in the end it was the connection between your twins which you cherish the most. Just like how she thinks that Nerd is the most important person in her life.

"I feel like something is bothering Clear's mind lately though he tries to hide it from us."

Her words seemed to catch Nerd's attention as he turned his attention from the book he was reading to stare at Tim. "Things like what?"

Tim shakes her head lightly, "I don't know. I just feel like whatever it is, it has something to do with Plan. And it bothers Clear a lot."

"Do you think they are fighting with each other?"

"No. Nothing to that extreme. It's like Plan is hiding something from Clear and all of us which in turns bother Clear," Tim answered her twin calmly.

"Perhaps it has something to do with Plan's vision? You know that she never talks about her vision to any of us." Nerd said quietly after some minutes.

"True. But even so, I think it's different this time around. I mean... perhaps this vision that she sees is different than any others? I don't know. I just feel a bit uneasy."

Nerd gets up from his bed and moves toward his twin's bed while Tim scooted to give him a space to sit beside her. "Hey, it's alright. Whatever it is, we will solve it together."

Tim nodded her head in agreement quietly, knowing that Nerd was trying to reassure her of her concerns. After all, Nerd always insisted that Tim worries too much about things. And knowing her twin, Tim was aware that her worry will affect Nerd too eventually. She quickly tried to calm her mind so it doesn't affect Nerd. Yes, perhaps Nerd was right and Tim was just worrying too much about nothing.

If only that was true. Days after that, the scientists and doctors gave them a new game. Snow White and the Seven Dwarves. Those adults gave them the basic explanation regarding the new game and its rules. But this new game is different than the previous games. This new game is a cruel game.

This game asked them to kill each other in order to finish it. And it upsets Tim and her siblings. After all, how could those scientists and doctors asked them to kill their own siblings just to complete a silly game?! Which is why they all agree to just ignore the game and live their life as usual as if they don't know about the game at all. For a month, they continued to live their life and did nothing to acknowledge the game.

Tim thought that eventually those adults will understand their objection on playing this game and decided to give them another game. She never thought that they would insisted on them playing it and even added the time limit for it. It was the time limit that did it. They don't want to kill each other, they refused to do so. After all, haven't they done everything those adults asked them to do? Why they made such a cruel game and forced them to play it?

It was the first time for Tim to feel unbelievable rage within herself. It wasn't fair at all. Just because they are their creator doesn't give them the rights to rule their life like this. Tim and her siblings may means nothing than just experiments subject but they are also living beings. Those adults couldn't just take Tim and her siblings' free will like that.

And so they plan and then they decided that if those scientists and doctors are that desperate to learn more about their power then Tim and her siblings will show them their powers. Thus she and the others started to attack those adults one by one. Killing all of them without mercy. Each of them using their own powers to eliminate each doctors and scientists who have cruelly experimented on them. The doctors and scientists were all trying to escape, they tried to beg them to stop but Tim and her siblings ignored it.

After all, those people don't stop experimenting on them in the laboratory even when they have begged and screamed for them to stop so why Tim and her siblings have to show them mercy when they gave them none. It wasn't until the last of those scientists and doctors have died did Tim realized something is wrong. When she told her other siblings to gather in the room where Plan and Clear are, she only thought that the so called apple that will be the reward for this cruel game holds the answer that all of them have been looking for. She didn't expect to see the glass case which used to keep them the first time they opened their eyes. And then all of sudden, Plan said those words.

Tim knows that in the end, every being will die eventually. Even she and her siblings. She just doesn't expect that it will be in the hand of her youngest sibling. In Plan's hand. Perhaps Plan has her own reason to kill them, perhaps she had seen something in their future which made her kill them.

Whatever it is, Tim was devastated that Plan had to resort to kill them to solve whatever problem it is that she had seen in her sight. Tim turned her gaze to Nerd for one last time. Her twin who had always been by her side from the start up until now. They have been together with each other in all their life. And even now, they will still be together in their death.

Tim thinks it's a good way to die. At least, she will always have Nerd with her. But Plan... Plan won't have anyone. She will be all alone. Because in the end, she will also kill Clear. And Tim, Tim can't help but feel sad for her youngest sibling. After all, no one deserve to live the rest of their life alone. It was a lonely life. She only hopes that whatever it is that Plan wishes to achieve will come true. After all, even if Plan had decided to kill them all, she is still their siblings. And Tim, Tim will always love her in her own way despite what Plan had done to them.

Story written by March Rosenqueen