Egil had made his feelings clear to Vanea. He saw his race as having betrayed them. He was deep in his revenge and until the voices stopped, he would not stop. He viewed even his own sister as nothing more than a traitor…
And yet, she still cared for him, even as she prepared Junks to fly into the Mechonis. She still wanted nothing more than to pull him out of his own revenge-addled thoughts and let him see he was still loved. See that the Machina would welcome him back with open arms into a life of peace.
As she prepared Junks, she wanted nothing more than to scream out to him. Tell him it wasn't too late. He could put down his sword and come back with her. They could move forward for this and both repent for their sins against the life of Bionis…
She could even introduce him to the new member of their family, the child their father had made in his absence. She was sure Menyx and Egil would take a shine to each other, if they met. Would build things together and have fun the way Egil used to have fun with her…
She wiped at her eyes, trying to fight back the tears. She had to be strong, and think of it being possible. It wouldn't be until one of them drew their last breath that she gave up her hope. Until the very end, she would hold him close to her heart and believe who he once was was still in there.
That sweet boy who needed her to stand up for him at times was still there, even if it didn't seem like it. There were still shades of everything she loved about him that sometimes leaked through. That showed her it wasn't crazy to still hold onto that hope.
She stepped outside of Junks for a while, watching her people move about. They were all being so strong, despite what was happening… She needed to be strong too. For the families still moving about, the elders still sharing their wisdom, and for Menyx who never really got to know what family was like.
No matter what it took, she would bring Egil back. Even if she brought him back kicking and screaming! She would bring him back and they would be a family, like they hadn't been for years.
"Vanea!" Speak of the devil, Menyx approached, a smile on their face. "You're back! Are you gonna stay this time?"
"I'm afraid not, little one." She shook her head. "I still have things I must do, but if all goes well, I'll be back soon enough. Perhaps with a surprise for you, even!"
Menyx pouted. "You always say that… Do you mean it this time?"
She nodded, doing her best to believe in her own words. "Of course I do, little one! Soon, this will be over, and we can really be a family. You, father, and I…" And Egil, if things worked out the way she wanted.
"Well… if you say so." Menyx nodded. "I… I'll wait here, so you better come back soon, okay?"
"Alright, I'll do my best."