A/N: Hey guys, Izeiya here bringing you the 13th chapter of Forget-Me-Not. This is the second chapter included in the NaNoWriMo thing, and I have to say I am very impressed with myself with this chapter because in my notebook, I would normally write about 13-14 pages. This time, I wrote 17 pages. It still passes the 6k mark, which is super awesome. I would be heavily disappointed if it was still 4k-5k words. :( Again, I hope the characters aren't too OOC as well as my character being much of a Mary Sue. I always worry for these things, trust me. And I'm super excited because in the next chapter, Mia doesn't know what is going to hit her hahahahahaaaa! I hope you guys enjoy this chapter, and I'll see you in the next chapter.

Disclaimer: I do not own Tales of Xillia, but just my characters.

Stay awesome~

Note: I may also edit typos when I get the chance tomorrow. I just thought I'd put this up for everyone to read.

XIII

Even If the Many Words I Say That Gather Like Snow

Panic rose within the city of Sharilton the moment we all landed in the area before the Sharil estate. My mind right now is set on the safety of Jude and Milla. As minutes of pursuing the Sky Lord in the air pass by, we could see the spacious area of the plaza where the duo crashed come into view. I lost track of where I had last seen the Pterobronc. All I remember was it just disappeared and I guess it's because I was too worried for my friends. Even though I mostly feel guilty for failing to help them earlier, that didn't stop me from the problem at hand. We have angered the King of the Skies.

I twisted my head to the side to stare at Alvin, Elize, and Teepo with a stern look, "You guys should help Jude and Milla. I'll ride the wyvern to safety."

They individually responded to my words with a startled look and a soft gasp. The mercenary narrowed his eyes at me, glaring as if I shouldn't have suggested something like that. Both Teepo and Elize put on worried faces, probably scared at the thought of my own being. I understand their concern. I VERY MUCH understand their concern.

"Are you cra—"

"YES, I'M CRAZY!" I interrupted the driver with my voice filled with determination and anger, "But that thing is going to come back to attack us and we don't have a lot of time until it does! Elize can heal and you can help more than I can!"

Alvin and I locked eyes for a moment. It looked like he was trying to confirm that he is hearing correctly. Truthfully, if we weren't moving and standing still while having this discussion, they would see how visibly shaking I am from fear and worry. It wouldn't be too convincing and I would have lost this immediately. A moment later, the man sighed heavily in irritation and possible annoyance that is way too obvious that it was from the look on his face. He then grabbed the mage around her waist before throwing the reins at me. I fumbled while catching it as the poor girl and the doll released a small shriek with frantic looks on their faces. Now holding on to the reins, I vaguely could see in the corner of my eyes that Leia and Rowen had landed. We were already nearing in the ground!?

"Fine! But, don't blame me when you crash!" Alvin screamed, readying himself to catapult after the others.

I grinned mischievously and pushed the man off, "No promises! Now get off my wyvern!"

I could hear their screaming as I adjusted myself on the bird. I then heard something coming from behind us, making me look to see what it was. Just what I expected, the Pterobronc is coming back to attack. Not knowing how to ride this thing, the only possible move I can think of doing is literally pull on the rein towards the direction I want to go. I can relate this to riding on a horse, but I've done that once my whole lifetime. Although, I had fell off from it and thinking of the pain sent chills down my spine. I think the difference is I'm in the air and NOT really controlling this thing very well.

"Urgh…The next thing I do something stupid and COMPLETELY out of my league, I'm slapping myself!" I screamed, emphasizing while holding on to the wyvern as it roughly moves around unsteadily.

Eventually, the wyvern closed in on the ground and rudely threw me off towards the fight happening near us. How coincidental...But still…

"HOW RUUUUUDEEE!"

After minutes of trying to figure out how to fly the stupid thing, it just rejected me like no problem. I was just being its friend and helping it land safely so it wouldn't get harmed in any way. I guess it doesn't care for us…Or rather, me. I flapped my arms around with my yells piercing the air. I still can't believe it just did that! Not to mention, it almost felt like it intentionally did that to toss me into battle. This sucks! I looked ahead of me and my eyes immediately exchange eye contact with the Pterobronc, who just so happened to turn to me from being distracted. Its beaming eyes penetrated my soul deeply as a gasp escaped my mouth and my whole body froze due to the fear it was piercing me with. I then witnessed Milla raising her sword towards the Pterobronc and a sudden lightning bolt struck the monster, bringing me back from my paralyzing state. Unfortunately, that wasn't enough to stop the monster from slapping me with its wing as it twirled around to shake off the attack.

"Eeeep!"

"Whoa!"

I felt myself landing on someone, who had reacted by letting out a scream of their own in the process. I perceived the voice to belong to Leia, and I was sure of it. As the both of us skidded on the ground to a complete stop, a painful sensation burned my exposed skin. I hissed in agony, struggling to stand by pushing my hand on the ground.

"Leia…Are you okay? Sorry about that…" I looked up to examine the girl to see that she was also rising from the ground. I was glad to know that I didn't accidentally knock her out unconscious and that it was actually Leia. I would be embarrassed if it wasn't, and instead, it was a random bystander.

"Ugh…It's fine. I'm okay. How about you?" The girl asked through a series of labored panting from exhaustion.

"Miss Leia! Miss Asaya! Watch out!" A cry of warning from Rowen was heard in the distance as the both of us took heed of it. Something soon shadowed us.

My eyes widened in horror and disbelief at the sight of a tornado heading straight towards us. I could hear the wind rushing and it picked up hastily when it moved. The targets in mind are obviously us. I didn't hesitate to move and decided to grab the staff wielder's wrist, pulling her away from the natural disaster's path. Even when my skin is still pulsing in pain, I didn't want that to slow me down. We are in a battle between the Pterobronc, the King of the Skies. There is so much going on that I can't keep track of. The tornado immediately disintegrated after stopping on the spot Leia and I both were once standing. Upon noticing this, I paused to gaze behind us with Leia.

I heavily exhaled in relief, "That was close…"

"Yeah…Thanks!"

I nodded at the panting girl, finding it somewhat difficult to smile. Then, I detected something different in the air for it was blowing harder and harder than before. I perked my head to look behind us again and completely became stunned at the sight of a Pterobronc flying down at us. I was about to cry something, but I was suddenly caught off guard when Leia pulled me behind her by my shoulder. With her staff in hand, the brunette took a step forward and leaped in the air to strike the monster's head. Her attack halted its advance, providing the others time to join in. My eyes widened at the remarkable hit Leia had impacted on the Pterobronc before remembering I should probably help as well. The King of the Skies is starting to become very exhausted. I can tell that much. However, it is very persistent and the others are becoming very tired themselves. Taking out my knife blades from my leg pouch, I waited for the right moment to jump in. I would be lying if I said I am not scared, and I really am afraid. It's been a while since I fought something since…since that dream with Chris.

The look in my eyes darkened at the thought of that nightmare. I can't think about that now. This isn't the time! After watching Rowen perform an arte called Air Pressure, the enemy fell to the ground as it squished on the floor. I was amazed by the arte itself, especially how purple it looked in person. That's the only thing I can possibly describe it, other than mystical and out worldly. I don't think I can fathom being in that arte. After the attack ended with a light thud from Jude and Leia attacking it from both sides, I threw my blades at its left wing. The spin attack it does seem to catch everyone off guard, leaving them confused and distraught. It's similar in the game except there isn't any visible starts spinning around above their heads. Everyone knows that is the animated way of expressing confusion on someone. My plan is to stop that with a certain kind of blades that I hope it will work.

A bright golden magic circled appeared on the ground below me, twirling around as I readied myself to throw the blades. "Paralyze needles!" I shouted with my hand directing to its target.

A spark of electricity can be seen running through each individual blade. Wow, this is actually working. The magic circle beneath me disappeared the moment my blades stung the left wing before a large lightning bolt strike on the wing from above. My tiny sub weapons floated back to my hand swiftly before I put them away in the pouch. Leia literally dropped by as she skidded to a halt beside me while I was in the process of taking out my main weapons. I stopped what I was doing to gawk at Alvin using his sword to throw Jude in the air so he could pummel the enemy with a powerful kick. If I remember correctly, that was a linked arte of theirs named Diving Falcon. They actually look cool in person, but I pretty much expect it to.

I then flinched after hearing Leia let out a scream from realizing something. I twirled my head to check what was she freaking out about, only to see the brunette turning to me with an anxious look.

"I got an idea! Follow me!" The girl cheerfully piped up before running straight for the Pterobronc.

I immediately stretched my hand out as if wanting to catch her with a look of confusion, "Wait, what are you..!?"

Deciding to forget about stopping her to ask her what she could mean, I let out a heavy sigh and tossed my other blade lightly to my free hand. I haven't even prepared myself mentally to jump in the fray. I soon followed after her, passing by my friends who were shouting battle cries and chanting artes. I did my best to stay close to her until the staff wielder took a long step back to position herself behind me.

"Now, jump!" The brunette yelled before leaping in the air.

Without even questioning what she is planning, I did what Leia told me to do. What is her idea exactly? Does she want me to attack it with something and join her? A weird yet warm sensation overwhelmed my body like something was overpowering me with an unknown power. It felt like a second when I had saw it, but I did. A white aura glowing from my body that disappeared a moment after showed up around the girl's body before me as it did the same. Are we linked? …This is actually a thing now. We are linked! With our weapons out, the both of us hit the huge body of the Pterobronc with countless slashes and whacks before hammering it down by its head.

"Twin hammer!" We shouted in unison upon impact.

While we jumped further back, I then saw Milla and Jude running pass us from below. I observed the blonde slash the monster while the medical student released a wave from a fist I recognized as Demon Fist in unison.

"Final Gale!"

Their attack pushed the Sky Lord over the railing the moment Leia landed on the ground. I didn't. At the last second of my foot touching the ground, I clumsily slipped backwards that was followed by me falling on my back. I yelped in pain, hearing the brunette call my name from worry. Before I knew it, I heard footsteps rushing towards us. Ah right, I get to meet Driselle for the first time. I had forgotten about her and what happened to her older brother. I slowly sat up to look at the direction the Sky Lord once was, only to notice that it must have flew away. That's a relief, really. I don't want it to come back to terrorize us again. That King of the Skies monster have nothing against Rathalos rom Monster Hunter. That thing shoots fireballs and poisons you with his claws. Okay, bad time for another video game reference, Mia. Get a grip!

"Please, no one panic! Women and children, seek shelter in your home!" As the party look back to the newcomer, I was left picking myself off the ground and rubbing the back of my head as an attempt to soothe the throbbing pain. "All able-bodied men, to me!"

Is it weird I find her voice cuter in person? Must be just me. Elize approached the young mistress to greet her. With everyone, I stored my weapons back in my small pouch. I didn't pay attention to her yet because my main concern fixated on Alvin, who will soon be behind everyone. As much as I wanted to introduce myself to Driselle, I was too worried for the mercenary. I didn't think he would have saved Jude, especially the time I spent arguing with him. At least, I assumed so. He is standing exactly how he is from the game before falling down on his knee. Facing the opposite direction of the group and I, the man stood there with his hands firmly on his hips as the others walked over to briefly talk to Driselle. Walking cautiously towards him, I slowly raised my hands to poke him with later.

"Are you okay? Alvin?" I asked softly with worry filling my voice. Like I expected, he fell down on his knee and almost immediately, I ran to his side frantically. Why was I still startled even when I know that is going to happen? I don't know. After bringing myself to my knees beside him, I placed a hand gently on his left shoulder and lowered my head down to see his painful face.

"You okay? You took a tough hit when you saved me." I heard Jude say as he ran over to join us. He bent down on a knee, obviously is worried for Alvin's wellbeing as much as I am. The man slightly tilted his head towards Jude.

"Seemed like no big whup at the time, but now, it's really hitting me." Alvin responded in a raspy voice, struggling to even speak.

"You need to rest, then. Try not to strain yourself too much." I tried my best to not use my older sister voice, but it's kind of inevitable. I can't help, but worry so much for others. It's human nature. Even if you say you don't care about anything, there will always be that one something to bring that caring side out.

The guards took over on helping the mercenary and taking him to the manor. The group and I (except Rowen and Driselle) followed as well for I took the time to observe the town of Sharilton. The town is really beautiful and elegant at the same time in person. My back have stopped hurting, much to my relief. I think of this town as a town I can somewhat relate to. My hometown is very much a mix of Leronde and Sharilton. I haven't been to Jude and Leia's hometown yet, but it has that small town vibe as well. I grew surprisingly excited at the thought of seeing and being in the mansion also for some reason. Seeing the building appear in view, I lightly opened my mouth in awe as my eyes scanned it. I peered to the gate opening for us by the guards before my eyes caught something peculiar. I distinctively could see a strange figure walking from the path on the right side of us. Whoever it was, they are very small and short. They then stopped walking by the time they reached the open space between the gates. I fell into confusion after realizing that no one other than me seems to unable to see this random creeper. The figure is slowly coming into view clearly as we approached them. Seriously, this person is just standing and staring at us menacingly! Who is that!? My footsteps gradually slowed down, having a gut feeling that whoever it was, I am not going to like it. And well..I was correct.

The strange creeper is a child with gray eyes and dark hair that looks very identical to Chris. Instead, this child is wearing a red and white hooded jacket, plain jeans, and sneakers. His style is different than Chris, considering it is messier than the timid twin. The moment I captured the sight of a grinning boy, my whole body completely froze from shock and a tad bit of happiness suddenly well inside of me.

"Cody..?" I mouthed out loud awestruck, stopping completely on my tracks.

The nearest person who just so happened to hear me was Elize and Teepo. She looked up to gaze at me with a confused look, stopping a few steps ahead of me.

"Are you okay, Asaya?" She mused, tilting her head to the side as a quizzical look remains on her face.

"You look very pale!" Teepo shouted loud enough for the others to stop and turn around.

Their voices had brought me back to reality, and seeing everyone else staring at me in wonder what was going on, my face completely turned red from embarrassment. All this unneeded attention made me stumble a bit as mixed emotions begin to overwhelm me. I don't know how exactly I can deal with this or even get away from this, but that didn't stop me from wondering who that child was. I tried to peek pass their shoulders to see if Cody is still there, only to find that he's completely gone. Disappointment replaced all my feelings I had all at once as I slumped my body down. Dammit, if it wasn't for Teepo, I would have gotten away of seeing Cody and passing him without any problems. The only thing that will affect me is my mental and emotional state, but now, I just don't know if I had seen my other little brother just now. Remembering that the others are awkwardly staring at me and waiting for me to reply, I put my head up to flash a nervous smile while rubbing the back of my neck slowly. This may take a while for me to really recover.

"Ahaha…I-It's nothing. Sorry, don't mind me!" I responded with an uneasy laugh and continued walking towards the manor, passing the others. The others seemed to already brush off how weird I have acted and proceeded to follow after me. My smile faded immediately, allowing my thoughts to emerge once again. I slowed down my pace to let the others lead the way.

We waited and rested in the corner where a table and three chairs idled around the flat furniture. The guards apparently had let go of Alvin after having him sit on the couch across the room from us. The man hasn't said a single word as he allowed himself to relax for the moment. I, for one, was relieved that he is at least resting. I joined the others in the table area, letting Milla, Jude, and Leia take the chairs while Elize was playing with Teepo to pass the time. I ended up sitting and leaning against the wall with my legs on my chest. I was between Milla and Jude, who I could feel stares coming from glancing my way while I was lost in thought. Normally, I would be drawing, but the scene with Cody earlier left me completely distraught. I hope nothing bad is going to happen…again.

Time passed, and Rowen soon joined us. Eventually, Driselle joined us as well when she walked through the entrance door of her home.

"The horse trainer says the wyverns need more time to recuperate." The Lady informed us as Elize stood up, "You all should rest here in the city while you can."

She then turned around and left. I lowered my head down, resting my chin on my knees as I hugged my legs. I really just want food, but I don't want to be rude and ask where I can find some. I think I rather find my little brother. As the others talked to each other, I unintentionally blocked the conversation with my own set of thoughts. Maybe when everyone splits up, I'll go to the city and see if I can find Cody. Maybe he will appear again to me, so I need to prepare myself mentally this time. Before I knew it, everyone begins moving and going their own path. Even Alvin got up from the couch to leave the mansion. I also stood up as well, hearing Rowen pull a chair to sit on it. I think they had said something to me, but I probably absentmindedly nodded my head to something I didn't know what I was agreeing to. Whoops.

"Miss Asaya, may I have a word with you for a moment?" Rowen's voice stopped me from walking away as I turned to glance at the old man curiously.

"Umm..Okay." I softly answered, watching him gesture a hand towards the nearest chair to me as a way to tell me to sit.

I nodded before grabbing the chair to sit on it. I grew very confused because of the fact that Jude was supposed to be talking to him at the moment. At least that's what I think he did. I've only played Jude's side, so I haven't the slightest clue what happened in Milla's side.

"I've noticed lately you've been very distracted about something. Are you regaining any of your memories?"

"Ah..." I only said briefly, thanking Rowen silently for reminding me of something important.

Right, I was supposed to have amnesia. I guess with something happening like Chris appearing and everything really is making me seem like that. In a sense, it does seem like I'm seeing and experiencing things about my family I never experienced before. Chris wouldn't try to kill me though…I hope not.

"I think I am…" Was the only half-assed response I can come up with at the moment.

I need to take advantage of my own confusion! However, I can't allow Rowen to be concerned about any of my matters. Again, I should not know who Nachtigal is to Rowen. I unfortunately do, and that's why I have to stop the butler from consoling me about something that is a lie I made up to hide the ultimate weird truth.

"But, don't worry. You should worry about…what you need to think about." I interrupted the old man, staring at him with a determined look. Despite the awkward pause being I wasn't so sure how I should execute it, I know it was a bad attempt to change the subject quick. "I don't know what Milla meant, but if she tells you that, then it must be important, you know?"

Way to use your prior knowledge to get an upperhand, even when it seemed like you weren't paying attention to them earlier, Mia. Rowen grew speechless at the words spoken to him by me. It seems like he was continuing to recollect his thoughts as I smiled sweetly at this success to change the direction of this conversation.

I then stood up from my chair, trying not to be too abrupt doing so, "Your situation is more important than mine. I will support you the whole way. I appreciate your concern, but please, this amnesia is nothing right now."

I really hope I don't sound like I'm in a hurry, but I really am. My little brother could be out there as we speak, waiting for me. I have to know why exactly is he here. I am also hoping he isn't here to torment me because I made a mistake by doing something to change something minor during my adventure. The way I see it, it is like punishment from the Great Maxwell themselves for doing something I wasn't supposed to do in his own world.

Rowen glared at me with an astonished look, unsure how to answer my words of honesty and support. A moment after, the old man closed his eyes to ease himself and reopened them to give me gleaming eyes of light happiness mixed with a hint of sadness.

"Very well. I thank you."

I nodded again with my smile turning to a bright grin as I made my way towards the building exit. Seeing how he hasn't said anything else, I proceeded to leave. I'm going to miss knowing what is going to happen, but at the same time, I'm scared and excited. I have no idea what is going to happen now, and I'm afraid that something terrible will happen. I don't know where to find the Eternal Wellspring Gem, yet for some reason, I'm beginning to care less. I want to go home, but I don't want to at the same time.

A sigh heavily escaped my lips after shutting the door behind me. I believe I could feel the same anxiety everyone must be feeling right now. I started walking towards the stairs where I see Leia sitting on the top step. She seemed to be staring far into the distance while hugging her legs. I don't think I've seen her look so deep in thought before. Folding my arms behind me, I slowly approached the girl and stopped beside her. At least this alone gained her attention as the brunette lifted her head to my direction. I put on a small smile and meekly waved my hand shortly after.

"Oh, hey! You scared me!" Leia said with a nervous smile on her face.

I giggled, "Sorry."

After apologizing, I sat down beside the younger girl with my knees together and my arms resting on it. Silence took place between us, much to my surprise, as the both of us looked forward to observe the blue sky turning twilight. The sky looked very beautiful today. It's a great way to relax like this.

"Hey, have you ever dealt with a spyrix before?" The brunette started speaking to break the utter silence between us.

I blinked once before tilting my head towards her in confusion, "Personally, no. When Exodus used them, yes."

Leia lowered her head, frowning somewhat sadly, "I see. I have before enough to know it's dangerous."

"…Are you scared?" I didn't know why that question was the first thing I thought of replying with.

She shook her head and smiled softly at me, "A little, but when I'm with Jude, you, and everyone else, I can't be scared."

"Oh~ I see what you did there." I teased the girl with a sly smile and nudged her arm gently, "Putting Jude first, then me."

"H-Hey! Cut it out!"

I laughed loudly and wholeheartedly while the staff wielder began flustering around by waving her hands around in various directions. This has to be the first time I've ever laughed this hard since coming to this world. It's very reassuring and heartwarming to me because it feels like that all I've been experiencing is sadness and anger. After a few minutes of laughing, I know I had my fill of laughter and I'm glad that the brunette had joined in for a moment. Leia's crush for Jude is too obvious in the game, but unfortunately, his eyes seems to be set on someone else. I've been in the group long enough to notice this, thus teasing her about it should be a piece of cheesecake.

"What about you? Aren't you scared?"

The roles changed as my smile immediately changed to a startled look, then to a frown, averting eye contact from Leia.

"Scared for what's to come?" I asked, wanting to make sure if both her and I are on the same page. Catching a glimpse of the brunette nodding her head, my whole body relaxed after realizing that it isn't anything too nerve-wrecking.

A heavy sigh escaped my lips, lifting my head to look at the twilight laden sky, "Honestly, yes. It sounds like this is going to be a huge battle, but I'm also worried if I'm ever going to find that gem."

"Oh, that's right. You have to get that gem to go home…" Leia spoke as if I had reminded her of something sad. I don't blame her - It felt like ages since I decided to make finding the gem my first priority. Now, it's the other way around. Finding the reason why I was sent here became my top priority.

I nodded my head upon hearing her words, "But, right now, I have to support Milla and everyone. You all are close to me."

"Asaya…" I heard her murmur, sounding very surprised because of my words.

A confident face replaced the frowning look that I once had before grinning proudly towards the brunette. Afterwards, I pushed myself off the ground and stretched my arms out. Leia stood up as well before clasping her hands together behind her.

"If anyone asks, I'm going to walk around this town. I want to explore a bit." I walked down the stairs, turning to my side to wave at her at the start of my departure. A small smile gleamed at the brunette to reassure her that I'm fine.

"Be careful!"

"Don't worry!"

I shouted back, changing my waving hand to a thumbs up in the air. Soon, I lowered it and looked straight at my path. I then heard a door shut in the distance behind me as I had assumed that it must be Leia going back inside the house. Another sigh escaped my lips as I eased my shoulders to relax myself. It really does hurt having the party in the dark when I'm facing a rather psychological fighting of my own. Like everyone else, I'm dealing with something personal. The only difference is I'm keeping mine a secret no matter what. I cannot say certain things, but now I can't help with anything after tomorrow because I have no idea what to expect. I don't know what is going to happen. That is why I am scared for everyone's sake.

I soon reached the path between the manor and the plaza we were at before with the railings running down at each side. Sensing something strange in the air, I looked up slowly and the person I initially went to the city for just so happened to be there. He was standing there with the same grin he had on earlier. It almost reminds me of Cheshire Cat from Alice in Wonderland. I stopped walking when I was a mere couple feet away from him, becoming cautious in case he decides to do something terrible like Chris. So far, he doesn't have any dangerous weapons with him or isn't emitting a killer aura.

"Cody…Is that really you?" I started the conversation, observing the area around us.

Unlike the encounter with his twin brother, everything is still moving. I could still feel the light breeze and the sound of civilians nearby

The small boy shook his head rapidly enough for his hair to be messier, "No, I'm just a figment of your subconscious."

I raised a brow in confusion, "…Okay, now I'm really confused. You're very civil, and Chris is not so civil. What is going on?"

"Cody" finally frowned as he started walking towards me. I immediately changed to a defensive stance, feeling paranoid that he is going to do something scary. He is completely unfazed at my reaction as he stared at me blankly. He stopped walking when he was right in front of me. I don't know why this is a bit creepier than "Chris." His gray eyes are emotionless, staring deeply to my soul.

"You're dying as we speak, Mia. You need to hurry and find the Eternal Wellspring Gem."

My eyes grew large after hearing that I'm dying. The emotional scar from back in Labari Hollow and Xian Du resurface in my mind. I didn't want that sickening feeling to come back, I had thought as a hand covered my mouth for the need to vomit again was strong. It doesn't help that those words are something I didn't want to hear from my own little brother. I began to hyperventilate, but I tried my best to fight this feeling. Gulping, I lowered my hand that had once covered my mouth and took a deep breath to calm myself down.

"I thought I already…Can you please explain to me what is going on to me?! All of these experiences with our…MY family! These..nightmares.." My mind started replaying all of the horrible things I have gone through.

"It's "Chris". What do you expect?" The boy spatted, "What you are dealing with is something you have to decide is real or not. This is your journey, too, but you're too busy worrying about other people."

Suddenly, the kid raised his right arm from his side and a long sword with a red and white ribbon hanging from the end of the hilt materialized in his hand. Cold sweat ran through my face as I shakily took a step back. I can't seem to register the words spoken to me. I have to decide what is real or not by everything I am going through? And why is he suddenly summoning a weapon like it is perfectly normal to do so in public? All I know now is that I can't fight "Cody" like this. My mind is swirling with questions and emotions that I can't even register it all. Not to mention that whoever this is, they are using the body and voice of my own beloved little brother. I can't fight him either way! I continued taking a couple steps back to further distance myself from the child. I can't even bring myself to take my weapon out to retaliate.

"Wake up already!" The gray eyes of my little brother glared angrily towards me as he swung his sword with a raging cry that filled the air. I released a frantic yelp from utter horror and shock, switching to a defensive stance by raising my arms in front of my face to shield myself. A sudden breeze passed me from behind, and in an instant, the sound of sword clashing can be heard. I opened my eyes upon hearing this unexpected noise and looked up slowly to see what is happening now. My gray eyes widened as it locked at the back of a certain blonde spirit in front of me.

"Milla?!" I cried in shock until the sound of something shattering was heard in front of us.

When I stepped to the side to clearly see what is going on, the pieces of what used to be my little brother disappeared into tiny particles of nothingness. The sword even dropped to the ground before shattering to pieces itself, vanishing to nothing as well. I exhaled heavily as I fight back the tears that was welling up in the corner of my eyes.

"Be careful what you do….Asaya." The last thing I heard from my little brother echoed in the atmosphere, making the tears I was fighting back finally fall down my cheeks.

Why is everything about this giving me such a huge heartache? It must be because of the fact that this is happening to someone very close, even when it wasn't them. These tears are tears from frustration, confusion, and heartache to the point I just want to drop on my knees and cry. And that's exactly what I did. Milla stored her weapons away and turned around to exchange eye contact with me. In her magenta eyes expressed a hint of worry through the stern look she was wearing. I was still trying to process what had happened while tears fall down.

"I could see them the whole time, but I had not a clue who they are until now. To think those spirits are your brothers.."

I was surprised. They were spirits..? And Milla knowing all along…That explains why she had the time to catch me the first time I encountered "Chris" in Xian Du. Even so, why didn't she say anything about this matter until now when she saved me? I had a feeling that maybe all this time, she had suspected me from the very beginning. The woman folded her arms bluntly, watching me sulk silently and look away from her as I felt somewhat ashamed.

"It seems like there is a lot of information you are hiding from us, though I can see why. Are you still willing to keep it all a secret?"

"You knew…all along?" I managed to say, blinking to finally rest my eyes for a second. I then heard footsteps coming from behind us as well as our names being called. I immediately discerned the voice as no one other than Jude.

Milla then offered a hand for me to use to stand up, which I slowly took after muttering a quiet 'Thank you.

"About your brothers and their appearances, yes. The things they say are rather peculiar and sounded very urgent."

"I don't even know myself…Please don't tell the others…" I glanced back to see that the medical student is closing in very quick with a saddened look on my face, "They have problems of their own. I can't afford for anyone to worry for me. Ever."

Silence.

Milla then closed her eyes and smiled softly, "You have my word."

"Are you guys okay? What happened?!"

I wiped my tears away with my arm, feeling very grateful for Milla's understanding. It just goes to show that maybe the blonde spirit really does believe in me from the very beginning through my confusion and fear. At least, that's what I had hoped for..

[A/N]

Word Count: 6,449 words.

Next Chapter: Are Just To Protect My Weak Heart

Thank you all for the support by favoriting/following/reviewing. Please please pleaaaaase! I would appreciate if you guys review, so I can know what to work on and why this has so much favorites and follows than I expected it to have. I am also super glad because if it weren't for you, I probably would have stopped writing this fanfic. Much love, Izeiya.