Chapter 593: [ Brother-Sister ]
“…You won’t ask how?”
Suddenly Layla asked a question.
To this, Allen just answered, “I won’t…for now. I will do that later. I just want to feel you, all of you right now. And even if this is really a dream or an illusion, I won’t regret anything after I wake up because my time spent with all of you gone longer…”
“Hm…” Layla smiled happily.
Allen opened his eyes and surveyed the surroundings. By his side, Alkrasha was quietly asleep, with both her arms outside of the blanket. Under the blanket, half of her proud chest was revealed, rising and falling with her breaths. A leg of hers was stuck outside of the blanket as her face seemed to be filled with joy from the previous night. The corners of her lips were raised up slightly, revealing her satisfaction and joy she was feeling…
A sleeping beauty! Allen looked at her in a daze as a doting smile could be seen on his lips. Turning around, he found the rest of the group still also fast asleep, lying together in the large King-sized bed. Beside Alkrasha were Xue Ling, Liu Muxiao, Celty, and Laura respectively. Well, all of them are sleeping beauties though…
“How is everyone?”
“Hm?” Layla, who was enjoying the scenery on her lap was suddenly startled by Allen’s sudden question.
“How is Mia? Eliade? Ciel? How about Mom? How are they…?” Allen asked longing and missing dyed his expression. “I also heard from Alkrasha about Rasha… I want to see her…” he smiled happily while thinking about the cute and adorable Rasha he saw on Alkrasha’s terminal.
He finally had one more daughter—though, he also wanted a son. However, at this, Rasha was actually the first daughter he had in this timeline, making her somewhat special.
And so, he really wanted to see her, to hug her, to cuddle her…
“She’s a beautiful child…” Layla answered while stroking Allen’s hair.
“Really…?!”
“Yeah, mom’s so happy with her. When she was born, Mom almost spent all her time taking care of her. Even Alkrasha couldn’t help but feel jealous because Mom always has her. The Mansion in Canada was turning into a large amusement park for her and Ciel. Every day, many people were asking for mom to do her job. And so, do you know what she did…?” Layla grinned while speaking. Remembering about the past makes with Allen on her lap, makes her so happy she felt she was flying in the nine heavens. This moment was hers and Allen alone…
“…? What did?” Allen asked, interested.
Layla chuckled in amusement and then replied; “…She grabbed Stella and Garth who was training in some ruins in Australia and dragged them back, throwing at them all the responsibility! And now, Garth was the head of the family, supervising the entire organization. Garth’s face was extremely funny…”
“Ha ha ha, I think I can picture that!” Allen chuckled in amusement as he imagines his little brother’s face the moment his mom passed him the baton. He knows full well what Garth always wanted, and that is to play every time. In this aspect, he was like him. However, being drowned in his responsibilities and duties without options, he would surely feel the world ending…!
“Poor Garth, he was always calling me and complaining.” Layla laughed while covering her mouth. “…Although, I really can’t say anything though. Helping Mia was already too much for me so I can’t really lend him a hand…”
“Ha ha ha, ah right, what about Mia? She’s not being a workaholic was she?”
Layla smiled bitterly, “She was. You should really apologize to her, you know.”
“Eh?”
“She felt so heartbroken when you disappeared. However, right now duties and responsibilities are tying her down. Thus, she drowns herself in her work just to forget about her worries about you. Always saying you are fine and that you will return safe and sound—every passing day, she says it as if she was reciting a mantra. It’s as if she was not just consoling us but also herself…you really owe her too much,”
“…that damn girl…” Allen bit his lips and sigh.
He had expected this much, but it seems like it was still a bit underestimation.
“…well, I guess the world really needs her now more than ever.”
“…? Why so?”
“It seems like Winter Solstice is coming…”
Allen’s eyes widened a bit. Winter Solstice…
“So it’s the time of the year, huh…”
“Apparently so…”
“No wonder she’s so busy.” Allen frowned. Then, suddenly something struck him… “The Ice Dragon and the Fenrir…”
Those are the characters that can be categorized as hidden level bosses. They are far stronger than any monsters the mortal world had ever seen…
Then, what will Mia do to resolve that…? That seems to be impossible given the mortal world’s situation. Though, I might be underestimating the mortal world too much. The world is not the same as in the previous world. Many Superhumans, as well as experts, are currently there… so maybe there was a chance…? Allen thought deeply about it but couldn’t find assurance from it. If those two monsters were to wreak havoc in the Mortal world, surely even with the already avoided doom would surely occur once again!
Although this time, there was no Demons who would strike while the iron is hot, catching them off guard. But the casualties would still occur—
But what I can do…? I’m in the Celestial Realm. I still don’t have any clue as to how to return. I doubt I could use whatever Layla and the others did to meet me, in fact, I’m guessing it’s the Dungeon’s fault that we had met once again—though not like I’m complaining or anything. In fact, I’m rather happy and thankful for it. But, although I had thought about it before, it seems like this Dungeon doesn’t only exist in the Celestial Realm but also at the Mortal Realms. Well, I don’t know how did they do it but probably, it was the world’s law (mother) that make use of it to strengthen the mortal realms to avoid impending disasters. Was that it…?
However, even if that was the case, it was not something he can take advantage of, to return back to the Mortal World.
Their beginning is just different and he will return to his proper place once he left this dimension. As an analogy, he was like a player from another server different from Layla and the rest. Thus, they wouldn’t be able to return to the same starting line.
Now that they are here personally, I think I can send my clones again. But that is not enough. The clone’s power is limited and thus wouldn’t be able to go against the Ice Dragon or the Fenrir, which was both God Tier creatures, especially the Fenrir who was said to be a Killer of Gods. Although their power would be somewhat restricted, even a starved Camel is still bigger than a Horse. They are still far stronger than any run-of-the-mill Monster Kings!
I guess I don’t have a choice but to create something, something that would allow me to at least share 70 – 80% of my overall power, Allen thought.
“What are you thinking…?” Layla asked as she touched Allen’s forehead, in between of his eyebrows, “…you’re making a terrifying face once again. You really should learn how to rest sometimes—although your body had somehow surpassed that of humanity, resting from time to time wouldn’t make all your efforts go to waste. In fact, pushing yourself too much like this would prove detrimental, you know.”
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“… I’m fine…” Allen muttered with a faint smile. But Layla shook her head and leaned her head closer, placing a kiss on Allen’s forehead. “Sis?”
“…Allen, if you keep forcing yourself like this, I will strap you in my bag and dragged you home with me. I’m serious…!” She glared at him.
“That’s…” Impossible—Allen was about to respond but when he saw Layla’s expression; the words he wanted to say got stuck in his throat. Layla was making a pained expression as if she was about to cry—I’m already quite old and yet I’m still making her worry like this… what a blunder…
Allen gave her a warm smile and reached out to touch her delicate face. “I’m sorry… I think you’re right…”
“Really…?” Layla continued stroking Allen’s hair, her face full of love and affection, “Saving the world, saving everyone… I never cared about it, you know. Every people dies, time will always come to an end. I’m happy that you are selfless, a very good boy, a brother that I’m so proud of.”
“… …”
“However, if you started to feel it like a burden, and will be suffering because of it. Then, this world can go damn." Layla's gentle and affectionate face turned cold, surprising even Allen. She looked completely different from the usual her. A total opposite!
"...I know about it as well, that other self you had, Vergil was it—”
“Sis…”
“I don’t care if he destroys everything. If I think you’re going to feel unhappy by doing all these things and shouldering all the burdens alone, then, I’ll condemn this world and zip you up in my bag and take you away. No matter what happens, I will do it—I feel that all the girls will agree with me as well, so they wouldn’t even think of stopping me for things such as greater good.”
“That would be too much though…” Allen smiled wryly. “Your genius of a brother doesn’t do half-assed things, you know. The moment I started things out, I will see to it that I would be able to reach an ending that would satisfy me…”
“Even still...” Layla declared seriously. “Whether you like it or not, I would stop you even if it means you hating me.”
“… …?!”
“You do not know how I feel when I thought I lost you! You do not know how I feel as I desperately search for you. I know that you would be alright, no matter what happens, you will come back and return to us with that usual confident grin of yours. But, not seeing you gave me these heartaches that seem to be driving me crazy!”
“… …”
“Now that I caught you, I would never let go again! You’re going to suffer alone if I let go so I won’t!” Layla pinched Allen’s cheeks and pulled them away as if expressing her intense feelings.
“…Although this is really hard to admit and say but… you really have a severe case of Brother Complex, you know sister. If you spoil me so much, I would never grow up. I would never be able to show you just how cool your brother is…” Allen smiled wryly. However, with a ‘Hmph!’ Layla sneered and proudly responded;
“Being called a Bro-con by you is nothing but the greatest compliment for me. After all, you are my one and only treasure, the treasure that I had always kept and take care of in my entire life—and that would never change. I had already cast away my womanhood when I thought I had lost you—taking care of you and loving you is my raison d'etre…”
A bright smile appeared on her face as she responded with complete devotion.
The cheerful smile even dazzled Allen for a moment.
It was not because of her beauty.
That smile reminded him of his peaceful life with her, all before this had happened.
“…that accident, I never blamed you not even once, you know. In fact, why would I? You are my sole greatest treasure as well, the most important family I had. And I’m really happy you feel like that for me. But, seeing you chained in that past, aches my heart as well. I want you to—”
“No.” Layla cut him off as she faintly opened her mouth. She raised her head and stared at the blue sky outside as if recalling something so Allen couldn't see her expression. “…I know what you want to say. But I will never change my way of life. Jayla, the existence who you had called sister and has a personal existence is long been dead. The only one remain in this world is the me that is solely dependent on you.”
“… …”
“Of course, I won’t do anything that would jeopardize your happiness. I’m fine with staying in a distant and looking at your smiles and be happy—however, if you want me to forget and returned to being an individual, it would be like denying my entire existence. I would also be extremely hurt, you know…”
“That’s not what I meant…”
Allen sighs.
She suddenly looked down at him.
Allen noticed her eyes were slightly red.
And this gave him heartaches…
However, Allen was unwilling to change his opinion. He sighed wanting to explain himself.
“You don’t have to say anything,” Layla muttered with a bright smile and pecked him on the lips. After seeing Allen’s confused look, she gave him a faint smile. “...all my life, I had put everything into you. In fact, if all of these weird fantastical things occurring, you would still be with me, and me alone. It’s not like I’m complaining, seeing you smile and makes lots of friends and lovers, showing your cool form when you’re fighting, it gives me a happy feeling as well. But… there is this a part of me that feels it regrettable as well. Thinking that if this didn’t happen, I would still be able to solo you, that you will still remain by my side alone and we will be together forever, relying on one each other…after all, you've always been a gloomy kid, with me alone as your only ally,”
“That’s possible…” Allen realized. Yeah, what she said was right. Although, there would be no advancement in their relationship and letting it turn into a strange course…probably, but judging from his character before the apocalypse, he would just stay beside her, and would never leave her side.
In fact, before he had distanced himself from any kind of relationship because of her. All he wanted to do was grow up and be the one to support her—
I guess, I also have a severe Sister Complex…? Allen smiled wryly.
“…right~” Seeing Allen’s expression, Layla smiled happily. “…if I take distance from you, and stop thinking and worrying about you—I don’t know what would I do. I can’t bring the womanhood that I had long cast away back to me. And I don’t even want to do it. Right now, all I am, was your caretaker…your very own sister.”
“… …”
“Others are praising you if you’re being good, being cool and awesome, staying off you if you’re being bad and wicked… leaving you alone when you’re being a nuisance, and hated for something you did in the past, do in the present or will do in the future… well, I’m not someone like that. You’re special to me just the way you are, there’s no way I’ll ever let go of you…!”
“… …”
“Even if the whole world turns against you…I’ll be on your side. No matter what happens… I’ll always be right there with you!”
“…Although that’s awkward to admit it… hearing you say all that, makes me the happiest man in the world.” Allen smiled wryly. “I guess I also have a selfish side of me, the part of me that didn’t want to let go of you…”
“Really?”
“Hm…”
Layla smiled happily. For as long as I’ve met him again in this post-apocalyptic era, I’ve always noticed it.
He never seek for fame and wealth, he’s only had one goal.
To become strong so as to protect what is dear to him.
And this what makes him special. This what makes Layla loved him even more and was proud of him, no matter what happens!
You keep that goal in mind and never seek anything in return.
You’re like a guardian angel, protecting what you can unconditionally, no matter how many enemies there may be…
“That is why this is also a good thing for being in love with her brother…” Layla muttered a daring statement with a grin on her face.
Allen was not an idiot. Even if she hides it, he would surely realize it—in fact, he had probably, a long time ago. She indeed possesses feelings towards Allen, something that cannot appear between real siblings.
Even still, she didn’t care if it turned into reality or just a matter of emotions between them. Her feelings towards Allen, she treats them with a mature stance. Compared to any audacious girl that constantly desired him, she began to calmly and maturely express her love differently.
She believed Allen, and she knew he would never leave her.
That was also probably why she didn’t call herself Lerina anymore, the name she made after she took him away from their home, casting away her real name; Jayla Villaflores and instead changed her name into Layla—the Layla that always stays with him no matter what kind of adventure he will go. It was the persona that she had made when they met once again in Italica when they didn't recognize each other yet. And because of that, whether it was a blood relation, status, identity, none of them was present.
Just a special friend that he had made due to the playful power of fate!
She didn’t want to be left behind by him. And so, whether it was Jayla or Lerina, they cannot do it… only Allen’s one and only fan that idolized him and wanted to fight together with him; Layla, could do it.
She doesn’t need her love to be reciprocated, as long as she can be with him and stay beside him in his adventures, she will be satisfied.
“…??”
She hesitated for a moment before her face suddenly turned to a burning shade of red. “…With you here, I don’t think I would need to go on my way just to find other reliable men to take care of me. Not like I can find someone like you, even someone closer than you is impossible to find. You are the best caretaker I can ask for, and so, I don’t need to worry about my future~” Layla grinned. “Even if I turned old…”
“So you want me to become your babysitter…?” Allen smiled helplessly.
“He he, what? Won’t you even take good care of me? Hm? Can you even do that to your lovable sister who loves you so much…? Do you have the heart to abandon me…?” Layla smiled teasingly.
“You jest…” Allen smiled wryly. He hesitated for a moment before he finally opened his mouth, “Sis…”
“Hm?”
“I know that I won’t be able to stop you from worrying for me. And I felt bad for it…I know, I’m the worst for saying this… but, it seems like you will need to continue worrying about me for quite a while…” He grinned. But this time, no apologizing, just giving off plain confidence.
“… …”
“….well you know, this’s my nature. Even if I try to stay away from trouble and danger, they just find their way to me. If not for you and the rest, I would have long thrown any responsibilities coming to my way. I’m certain I would’ve gone a worse path.” Allen grabbed her hands as he gazed into her eyes affectionately.
“No matter what? Do you really like seeing us suffering very much…?” Layla rolled her eyes.
Just as she wanted to pull her hands away, she realized that he was holding on to them tightly. She couldn’t help but blush but her heart was full of sweetness and happiness she couldn’t contain.
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