16 Chapter 15: Mia

What greeted me was the sight of my sister frowning as she lay on her bed, her face staring deeply into the ceiling.

I simply stood there for a few moments, as I attempted to formulate a sentence in my mind appropriate for the situation.

"What do you want, lyn?" All of a sudden, her voice echoed softly, almost irritated at my sudden appearance.

Without making her wait I responded as well.

"I'm just..a bit worried about you."

"Worried? I should be the one worried about you! do you even have any idea what you're getting yourself into?! I mean my GOD, you're the smartest out of all of us Lyn!!"

"…"

I didn't answer as I knew she was right to feel that way, as I've known before just like her, in order to become a duel is one not only has to have the potential to actually become one, but the will to overcome the excruciating process.

Although I prepared myself for this, I can't say the same for my family, unlike Mia, I can say for certain that the other two buried their worries in hopes of me seeing reason and deciding not to go through with it at the first sign or hardship much like other men.

'Sadly I have no such plans.'

Sitting next to her on her bed I place my hand on Mia's shoulder before giving her a determined gaze.

"Mia, I'm sorry.."

Her face lit up with hope that I understood, however shattering such thoughts was my voice as I spoke sternly.

"But I want to do this.."

Her words were caught in her throat as she look at me with a look as if she had just been punched in the gut. She remained silent for a few seconds before I saw her cold and stoic demeanor crumble under soft drops of tears flowing down her cheeks.

"W-Why..Why are you so fixated on this.."

Her voice cracked under stress as I could see a tinge of pain and sadness in her eyes.

Why indeed.

Why am I so finished on this? Maybe because of the last treatment of men in this world, maybe because I want to prove men aren't weak.

No.

It's none of them, despite being reborn I feel little attachment to this planet. Perhaps it's my past life's influence of wanting to be something revered, an idol of sorts loved by the masses, to be admired and praised by everyone, something I received little of back on earth.

Recognition for my efforts.

Or rather.. those were my thoughts initially. Growing up with such a loving mother, a goofy yet caring oldest sister, and a stoic but lawful and sensitive second older sister.

I felt an indescribable feeling.

It was warm, fuzzy, and it made my stomach feel as if I'd eaten too much sugar.

It was a feeling like no other.

It was love.

For once in my extended misery, I felt the warm embrace of another's love and care, however..

As my feelings of attachment grew, so did my worries. After all what could be earned, can also be taken away. And in my paranoia I scrambled for answers to my predicament before it dawned on me.

It was so simple.

Become stronger.

Become strong enough so that this feeling, this happiness would never, EVER be stripped away from me. It was my own, and if it meant enduring a little pain, I would do so gladly.

And so I looked back at my older sister still shedding tears like a lost puppy, looking down at me for and answer.

However I had none, and without any warning I warped my arms around her as i hugged her, my body brushing against hers as we simply sat there in silence, not one of us uttering so much as a peep.

A few seconds later the voice of my sister could be heard as she returned to her usual calm and stoic face.

"Lyn.. just promise me."

Her two hands cupped my cheeks as she held my head facing hers. I could see the worry and care in her eyes, and it left me with nothing but a feeling of warmth.

"Yeah..?"

She took a deep breath before she answered back, our eyes glued towards one another as she pulled me into her bosom, my face buried into her two twin peaks as I felt her hand rub my hair.

"Don't..D-Don't die on me.."

Her hands trembled as she spoke. She wasn't wrong to be scared, death was after-all a possibility when awakening aura, the sudden pain could be too much or the influx of mana merging with one's body could go wrong and they explode.

Needles to say I burry myself deeper as I mumble to her as best as I could.

"Mphh mphh mph"

'I won't'

Feeling my intentions she sighed, I felt her trembling hands calm slightly, I looked back up from her embrace.

"Don't worry too much, like you said, I'm pretty smart.. I'll figure it out"

Though not that effective it did serve as to help ease her mind as I could see her smirk, a lovely sigh of acceptance.

"Yeah.."

We said nothing more to each other. I stood up and walked to her door next to the bed, I looked at her still sitting on the couch.

"Don't worry too much Mia."

She looked at me with reluctance as she replied.

"Not happening. But…I'll trust you.."

And that was good enough for me, shooting her a smirk I closed her door as i made my way back for breakfast.

'I hope my foods not cold..'