This is probably the second longest, if not the longest, chapter I've written. This marks the end of the Sister arc, if one could call it that. Next chapter will be back on the home city. I haven't given it a name yet have I? Someone remind me please. Hope you guys enjoy, I had some fun writing the dialogue.
P.S. just because the title says Favorite doesn't mean that this is my favorite chapter. I'm not sure if I even have one.
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I don't know how long we stayed like that for, minutes, maybe an hour. I'm definitely exaggerating on that last part but we were hugging for a while, we stopped when Aisha stopped crying. Despite me being the one to rescue her, I had to use her as a lean on because I was feeling light headed.
Outside we were greeted by the knight whose name I didn't know, the other one, Gavin, had major injuries and was resting. Apparently the fighting got loud enough that some other guards, who were not apart of this, came to check it out. They rounded up the fleeing traitors.
The Twelve on the other hand, were dead, only three who were involved survived, the Fifth escaped and the Seventh was captured along with the Twelfth.
Hector and Dylan were picked up by the reinforcing guards and taken somewhere to rest. I had no idea that Dylan came to help us, according to Axel, he saved me from the First. Axel says that he didn't see it happen but he's sure that Dylan came to rescue me. He almost died too. Axel and Hector just made it barely in time to save him.
I need to get stronger, so that this doesn't happen again.
We all spent the night at the barracks where they treated us. The only thing that I could say to them for sure was that we were betrayed by somebody, they couldn't ask Aisha because she was sleeping so they decided to wait until morning. It was a good choice, I fell asleep right as my head hit the pillow, nothing disturbed me during my sleep, that warm room didn't appear again.
In the morning I woke up later than usual, not a surprise considering what happened, and the guards were all gearing up. I got up to follow outside.
A large group of them stand huddled together right now.
"What's going on?" I ask one of them.
He turns around, "Oh, you're one of the people from yesterday. Glad to see that you're doing well." he crosses his arms and looks back at the knight standing in the middle, I don't know who he is. "We're preparing to arrest the head of the Yurfray household, Fredrick and Juliana Yurfray."
"Is there any proof?" I ask.
He nods, "Yeah. Their grandson, a young knight who came back with you guys yesterday confirmed it. He said he was able to listen into one of their conversations. Also those two members of the Twelve you captured gave away their client's name in exchange for their lives. Though, they did say the the client's name was Millicent which doesn't match with what the young knight Dylan said."
My hands tighten into fists. So was it our grandparents or Millicent? No, I'm sure Dylan did it to protect his mother, he probably lied. I can't blame him for doing such a thing, she's still his mom, but why would he throw the blame to our grandparents? Did they treat him unfairly or something? There's no way, they're really nice, they were nice back when my house burned down too.
"So you're arresting our grandparents?" I ask.
"Your grandparents? You're a Yurfray?" I nod. "Whoa, didn't recognize you as one. Most of them, like that knight, Dylan, have reddish hair or beet red like that girl who came with you guys yesterday." he says.
"Yeah, my dad had black hair." I say.
"I see. Do you have any idea why they'd want to sell off that girlie with the red hair?" he asks me.
"My sister? No idea." I tell him.
"Oh, so she's your sister." he sighs. "I've gotta stop assuming things."
He probably thought Aisha was Dylan's sister.
The knight in the middle of the group raises her hand and stops the talking. "Everyone." she says. "We'll be heading out now." and with that she starts towards the Yurfray house. The guards don't start moving until after she and two knights behind her leave the circle.
"Alright kid. I can't talk no more." he turns away.
A hand touches my shoulder, I twist my head to see Dylan there.
"Hey." he says sadly. "We should go with, you and your sister deserve to find out the truth there." Aisha exits from the barracks with a strong look.
"W-wait." I stop Dylan. "W-was it your mother who did it?" I ask.
He furrows his eyebrows, "No, it was our grandparents." he pauses to get a look at my face. "I can see that you don't believe me. Yeah, sure my mother wasn't exactly nice to you guys but what would she gain from getting rid you and your sister?"
"What would our grandparents get out of that?" I respond.
"That's..." he looks back at Aisha. "It's best if you hear the truth from them." he says walking after the group of guards and knights. I follow after him.
"Why did you save me?" I ask.
"Because you helped me." he says.
I feel a sudden tug on my arm.
"H-hey B-Rainen." Aisha says. "Can I ask you a question?"
I smile, "You already did."
She puffs out her cheek a little annoyed but stops instantly, "U-um." I can practically hear her swallowing her saliva. "W-why did you choose to go with uncle?" she asks.
"What are you talking about?" I respond.
"Why didn't you come with me to live with our grandparents?"
I narrow my eyes at her, she seems to falter under my gaze.
"W-was it... because of me?" she asks.
"Didn't Frederick tell you?" I ask.
"He told me that... you chose to live with dad's brother." she says.
"..."
The skin on my back starts crawling, I didn't want to live with them. There's no way, no way.
"He told me that they could only take one of us." I say. "I told them to take you."
Now she looks at me surprised, "Grandfather said..." she stares hard at the ground.
"It looks like they have some explaining to do." I say. Aisha nods and locks her fingers together.
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"Frederick and Juliana Yurfray, you two are under arrest for attempted sale of a person and attempted murder!" the female knight shouts holding a scroll. "According to the laws of the empire, as nobles, you will be stripped of your prestige until the day of your trial. Your household will also be under surveillance until that day arrives. As your victims were of noble blood, you will be accompanied by a knight, and all of your conversations and interactions will be overseen by them until the trial. Lastly, your hands will be bound with magic nullifying cuffs until then.
She makes a motion and the two knights at her side move forward placing the cuffs onto Frederick and Juliana. Juliana accepts this with a mournful look, Frederick keeps his eyes focused hard on the ground. My aunt Millicent stands by the door that leads to the indoor fountain, another knight converses with her.
"If there is anything the victims wish to say, they may speak now. If not, please wait until the trial." the female knight says.
I step forward with Aisha behind me.
"May we speak alone?" I ask.
She looks around and nods, "So be it. I will ignore the overseeing part for this one talk, seeing as how you're the victims and also the grandchildren." she slightly inclines her head and leaves with the other guards and knights, leaving only Aisha, Dylan, and I with our grandparents.
"What is it you want to ask?" Juliana says politely, a sad smile touching her lips. She glances over to Frederick and puts both hands on his.
I nudge Aisha, she deserves answers more than I do.
She takes a step towards them with her head held high, "Why did you lie to Rainen?" she asks.
I furrow my eyebrows and Frederick and Juliana both look up also confused.
"Why did you tell him that he couldn't live with us. Why did you try to kill him?" she throws it out in rapid fire, her voice shaking a little.
Frederick's eyes soften, "We- I, didn't want him coming with us."
"Why?" Aisha asks.
"Because he looks like his, your, father. And maybe you can guess why we wanted to take you in." he says. Both him and Aisha hold their gazes steady, a silent battle going on between them.
"That's... not a good reason." she manages.
"It was good enough for me. It's nice to see that at least one girl cares more about her family than herself." he looks away. "Unlike someone."
"You mean our mother." I say for him.
"..."
Juliana nods, "Yes, your mother, our Ayleth, was supposed to get married into another family. It's not that she didn't like him, it's just that she fell in love with your father. In the end she ran away and it ended up hurting our house... it turns out that we didn't learn anything from it." she stifles a sniffle and her hands tighten on Frederick's.
"Why did you have to try to kill him." Aisha asks.
"It's because-"
"Because he hurt me." Dylan adds throwing a look over at me. "It's not a big deal. Uh, you shouldn't feel bad about it."
"Okay." I say. That works for me, he wasn't saying the nicest things about Aisha.
"Uh, yeah." Dylan turns back to them. "What you two did was unacceptable."
"We know." Frederick says. "But everything we did was for the household."
My somewhat mellow mood changes a little when he says that. I glare at him. I can tell that it's making him uncomfortable, I'm piercing through him right now.
"For the house?" I say keeping my voice steady. "You think that it's okay to kidnap Aisha? You, think that it's okay to put me in danger? MY FRIENDS IN DANGER!?"
I slowly move towards him and lift him up by the cuff of his shirt. His eyes are dead, except for the little fear that hides deep within his pitch black irises. I open and close my hands, in one swift motion I send him to the ground. He lays there in shock, his hands moving over to where a new bruise emerges.
"Wha-"
I lift him up again, "If you have business with me, do it with me. Not, my friends."
"R-Rainen stop!" Juliana yells. "He had-"
"What? A good reason? It's shit!" I yell. A knock comes from the door.
"Is everything okay in there?" they ask.
"Dylan, keep the door closed for me." he moves his body in front of the door closing it off awkwardly. I throw Frederick to the couch and spin on Juliana. "And you, you're just as much a part of this as he is. I don't care what reasons he had, there were hundreds of ways he could've gone about it. He just chose the one where he's the disgrace, the hindrance to the house."
Juliana puts her hand over her mouth and sits back down, gently patting Frederick on the back.
"And was it worth it?" Aisha asks almost unfazed by my reaction.
He once again looks down. A drop of blood hits the floor turning into other drops. In no time, a small pool fit for ants is on the marble floor.
A knock comes from the door.
"Are you done talking yet?" the knight asks.
"Yes." Aisha says.
They open the door and lift both of our grandparents up by the arms. As they walk past us, Frederick mutters, "Take care."
"We will." I say without paying him another glance.
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I move around the marketplace looking for something to get for Aisha. I've missed her birthday many times, I'll probably miss her next birthday too so, I'm buying the present now. I've brought Axel along to help me find it, he's not much help. All he's doing is observing over my shoulder, like I'm sure the knight will do to my grandparents.
"Are you going to help?" I ask.
"Course, what do you think I'm here for?" Axel responds cheerfully. I guess it's like him, he wasn't injured too badly in yesterday's fight.
"All you're doing is looking over my shoulder."
"Rai, you're just stating the obvious."
"So you're not actually helping me look for a gift?"
"Well, I am looking for a gift, that's why I'm looking over your shoulder." he smiles. "Let's keep going." he gestures for me to step ahead.
"Shouldn't you be the one who's leading the way?"
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He frowns and shakes his head, "We're friend but you have to find the gift for your sister. I'm just here to say whether I think it's a good gift or not. I mean, it's been... what? Eight years? I think I have far more experience in gift hunting for girls, my friend."
"It'd be nice if you actually helped." I mutter as I walk away.
"What was that?"
"Nothing. I just commented on how helpful you are."
"Thanks!" he says happily.
"Heh. Yeah."
I return to browsing the wares of the people. If I hadn't got some money from Axel, I would've just went back into a river to get another rock for Aisha. It's not a very expensive gift but it's something to remind her of some happier times. Actually, maybe I should get her a necklace.
"Do you think a necklace is a good idea?" I ask Axel. I don't expect him to say much, he's been kinda cryptic this whole time. The grin and look that he gives me is sending chills down my back.
But to my surprise he says, "I don't think that it's a good idea."
"Why not?" I ask, letting my eyes wander to the people walking around. The sun's still high in the sky, if we leave before it starts setting we'll be able to get back in four to five days.
He rubs his chin, "I guess you don't pay much attention to your sister." he shakes his head. "She's already wearing one."
I raise an eyebrow, "What are you talking about?"
"Rai, look. She has a necklace already and it's very special to her. That's why I don't think getting her another one will make for a good present. I'm sure she'd be happy but you could think of a better one, well, I can."
"Uh huh. I'll take your word for it and look for something else." she already has a necklace huh? I wonder who from.
"Here's a trick that I always use." he puts his arm over my shoulder and points. "You see that over there? That's one of my favorite places to get food."
"I know." I say. "That's where you bled Hector's purse dry."
"That's where WE bled him dry. But, moving on, I usually look for something that I want first. It's like when you're taking a bath, you see, people get their best ideas when they're relaxed. So, I suggest that you shop for yourself first, you don't have to buy anything but it should help to look for something you'd like first."
"Doesn't sound like a bad idea."
"Of course it doesn't. I mean, I am the one who thought of it." Axel pats himself on the back. I shouldn't have said that, he's gotten too full of himself now. I'll have to mess with him a bit on the way back.
I go around looking for something that I might want. I dodge the children and adults, and make it to a large shop, not a stand, but a shop. I decide to go inside. Looking around I don't see anything particularly interesting, nothing really catches my interest. The heavy plates of armor and swords don't suit me, bows aren't my thing either.
I sigh, but it quickly turns into interest as I see light glint off a piece of steel close to the counter. My feet instinctively pulls me over, my hands reach for it but are stopped by the glass covering it. My eye twitches when I see the price, it's worth almost all of the money I have on me. I I buy this then I won't be able to get anything for Aisha.
I use my left hand to keep my right from touching it.
"What's up Rai?" Axel inquires leaning forward. He keeps himself fixated on me. "What are you looking at?"
"Just something I can't buy, thanks." it comes out kind of bitter but I can't help it. It's a really nice knife, I've broken some of mine and need to get a replacement. I'll have to go buy a few before I leave or when I get back.
"You're welcome." he smiles cheerfully again. "Well, that's all the time I've got for today. I'd love to stay and help you out but I have to get back to Hector. Bye." he waves and quickly runs out of the store before I can even say anything. What a guy, leaving his friend out to wring dry.
I let out another sigh, "Haaaah."
"Is something wrong sir?" a man working there asks.
"I'm just looking for a gift." I say.
"Oh?" he looks surprised. "For a warrior friend?"
"For my sister. She's not a fighter. I only came here because that friend of mine, who just left the store, suggested that I look for something I like to get an idea."
"Hahahah. It doesn't sound like the worst idea ever. How about I help you?" he offers.
"Oh, may I accept? Do you have the time?"
He makes a sweeping motion with his hand, "As you can see, I'm not very busy. If something happens my son can take care of it. So, what can you tell me about your sister?"
"Heh. Not much. I haven't seen her in eight years, I'm not sure what she'd like." I slump over.
"Eight years? That's a long time." he plays with his little beard. "What's the gift for? What occasion? Just a nice to see you again gift?"
"Yes and no. It's a gift that I'm getting her early for her birthday, I'm leaving soon so that's why I have to buy it now." I tell him.
"Hoh. I have something that might interest you. These are pretty rare and are usually in magic shops but I have one here. I hope that it doesn't make me seem like I'm just doing this to fill my pockets." he walks behind the counter and pulls out two scrolls. "Here, this will allow you to communicate with your sister over long distances."
"Wha-" I'm at a loss for words. "H-how much?" I ask.
"For you? I'll lower to price two one gold and two slivers."
I quickly reach into my pocket and pull out the money. It's most of the money but something like this would be perfect for her and for myself. Too bad I don't have one from my master. I test it out before buying it.
"Thank you, please come again." he says as I exit the store happy with my purchase.
On my way I stop by another shop and buy Aisha a bracelet also.
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"Here you go." I say handing the items over to Aisha. "It's a bit early, or late, but happy birthday."
"What's this?" she immediately puts on the bracelet with a smile as bright as the sun and stares at the scrolls.
"Since I'm going back, I thought that this would be a good gift when I saw it. It's supposed to let us send messages to each other."
Her mouth quivers and she holds the scroll tightly. "Ah, I have a gift for you too."
I tilt my head. "You do?"
She smiles and says, "Axel, can you bring it."
"Of course Lady Aisha." he says over formally with a dumb grin. I can only stand there frozen as Aisha takes the gift and unwraps it. On top of her hand lays the decorated knife.
"Sorry that I cheated. But here you go. Happy birthday to you too, sorry for being late this year." she holds it out.
My hands are shaking as I reach for them. I pick it up and swing it around, trying to get a feel for its weight, perfectly balanced. The decorations make it look appealing but the steel is the real masterpiece. From touching it, I can tell that it's been magically enhanced and the care the person put into it. After playing around with it a while longer, I put it inside my bracer.
Hector comes and says, "Hey guys, the caravan's ready. We can leave whenever you're ready."
"Feeling better?" I ask.
"Yeah." Hector says. "It wasn't much of a problem after Axel cast the spell on me."
"I see." I turn to Aisha and Dylan to say my goodbyes.
"W-wait." Aisha says suddenly. "C-can't you stay for the rest of the day?" she asks desperately. "I-I at least want to spend some more time with you."
I stare at her sympathetically.
"Yo, Rai. It's cool if we stay for one more day. Hector and I don't mind. I still have to say my goodbyes to my family too. So, why don't you and your sister go have some fun talking or just wandering the streets for the rest of the day. We can leave tomorrow."
"Heh. Thanks guys."
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After that, Aisha and I spent the time walking around the city having fun. We ate food and talked about what we've been doing for the past few months. We both avoid talking about things that happened anything past one year. She and I also played a few games with the children on the streets. She was shy at first but started really warming up to them.
"This is my second favorite gift." she says suddenly.
"What is?" I ask. The sun's gone down and the moon's taken its place in the sky. It's still in the waxing crescent phase. The wind blows hard as we continue our way back to the Yurfray house.
"Just spending time with you. Kind of like when we were kids." she says.
What's your favorite then? Does it have to do with a boy?" I tease.
She smiles and reaches into her shirt, "This." she says holding out a small rock. "A very important person gave it to me."
"You, you haven't thrown it away? I thought you didn't like it."
She shakes her head, "Mm mm. This is my favorite. I'm glad that you found me again big brother."
"Sorry that it took so long."
She leans on me all the way back to the house.
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"See you soon." I say. "Could you take care of her?" I ask Dylan.
"Course. Thank you for everything you've done for me." he bows. I scratch my head and laugh awkwardly, I don't think that I really did that much for him.
"You better make sure to respond to my messages!" Aisha says.
"Ah! That's right!" Dylan reaches into his back pocket. "Here, this is Aisha's diary."
"Oh? Thanks."
"Wha-where did you get that!" Aisha reaches for it back. "Give it here! You can't read it!"
I use my free hand to hold her head back, "Thanks for the time killer."
"Uuuuuu." Aisha's still struggling for the diary.
"I'll be back soon." I say.
"Please do."
"Hmph!" Aisha crosses her arms but unravels them quickly and gives me a kiss on the cheek. "We'll be here."
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"Aisha." Millicent said as she walked over to her.
"Y-yes?" Aisha said still unnerved by her aunt. Although the real problems, her grandparents, were gone, she still couldn't stop flinching whenever Millicent called out to her.
"Did you say your goodbyes to your brother?" Millicent held a letter in her hands and was dressed in a dark green dress. Her red hair in curls. Two diligent maids followed behind her, making sure she had everything she needed. New guards walked around the hallways, sent by the female knight to watch the Yurfray.
"Yes, he just left." Aisha said playing with her longish hair.
"I see, in the end I couldn't thank him. But," she bowed. "sorry for treating you so badly." she said. "I might have meant some of those things that I said to you but I am truly sorry. I know that I cannot ask for your forgiveness but I did those things in order to protect my children."
Aisha blinked several times. She couldn't believe what was taking place in front of her. Her aunt Millicent, the Millicent, was apologizing, to her. Unprepared for this Aisha responded hurriedly.
"It's alright, raise your head. I forgive you." Aisha urged Millicent to stop bowing.
"Thank you. But I have said quite some horrible things." she hands over the letter. "This is the only other way I can apologize to you. It took me some time but I found it after looking through father's things."
Aisha's eyes were glazed as she looked at the paper in her hands. It read,
Dear Aisha,
Aisha, this is Near. Due to some circumstances between our families, we had to move away. I just want to tell you that I hold no grudges. I know that by the time you get this, I'll be long gone from the city and maybe even a few years will have passed. If by then you still remember me and wish to contact me, here will be our new address.
Your friend and ally, Near.
"..." She was at a loss for words, it had been years since she last saw her friend. "Thank you." Aisha said those words again, feeling like it was the hundredth time she's said it this week.
Millicent nodded and Aisha ran into her room.
She took out a pen, a piece of paper. Dear Near, she began.