Sisters

"What is this nonsense?!" The voice of an outraged woman sounded from someone behind Tim, "I was just about to feast on misfortune! Who would dare deny me my due?"

"Luck, you cow, I think you've had enough to eat," came a voice that Tim recognized. He straightened and turned to see the old woman from the flea market standing right behind him. About four feet away from her, standing on the grass, was a bored looking woman. The woman would have been attractive had she not been so thin. Gaunt, even. She wore a green minidress made of some sort of shiny material that Tim found his eye drawn to over and over.

"Justice," the woman, Luck Tim supposed, spat, "What is the meaning of this? Happenstance brought this heartache to this mortal's doorstep, and I am hungry. Depart before you know my wrath."

"It won't hurt you to skip a meal, sister," the old woman said through a mischievous grin, "There are plenty of mortals to feed off of, and this one has given you quite enough. Besides, we have an arrangement."

"Excuse me," Tim said meekly, "Would anyone mind explaining to me..."

"Hush up, junior," the old woman waved her hand dismissively, "the grown-ups are talking."

"What manner of arrangement?" Luck said, her eyes filled with fury.

"A fair arrangement," the old woman said casually, "This mortal has suffered too much under you and Fate. I am allowing him to trade up when he can. Don't worry, it's all fair, all just. He will give to get."

"But I hunger..."

"So go find a casino and gorge!" the old woman shouted and stepped forward, causing the gaunt woman to stumble backwards, "this one is no longer yours. He belongs to me!"

The air felt electric to Tim, something more than tension between two women, but actual, literal electricity. The hairs on his arms began to stand up. Then, just as he was starting to hear the popping of sparks in the air, it dissipated. The bored expression returned to the face of Luck.

"I shall depart," Luck said, "but I will return. Father will hear of this, and you will answer to him." Then she turned and looked Tim in the eye, causing his stomach to turn summersaults, "Beware, mortal. My sister may seem just, but you are little more than a plaything for her. Take care that you do not wake one day and discover that you were but a mouse tossed by a cat before dinner."

A metallic smell filled the air and Luck vanished.

"Finally," the old woman said, rolling her eyes, "sisters, am I right? Now, let's get on with this."