"Why did it take you so long?" I have a Westin address and school is closed today. ”

"I think I can take a peek at Carl's computer."

"And then?"

"Worthless. The kid locked it up tightly. We need an expert. ”

"Given his father's profession, I suspect we'll never get involved. Has he ever been back?"

"Never shown. I looked at that front door all day and all night. ”

"Okay, let's start driving. Before we set off again, the captain will personally update the situation. ”

"The child will come home one day."

"I'd rather go after a solid suspect than a vague suspect that we can't find."

Take a day off. I've forgotten what they look like. Rest days on the other side are not common. There's always so much to do. I didn't get a chance to cool off for a day. Now, I'm craving some real rest and relaxation – but my anxiety hasn't made me give up on this heights. We had a three-day weekend, which was what I should have been looking forward to, but I was really worried about my Friday afternoon after Jane had a clear breakdown the night before.

She came home from Sarah's house and locked herself in her room for the night, saying nothing to me or my mother. When I woke up on Friday morning, she was gone, to a place God didn't know. I called her cell phone from my home phone but got the message "not in range". I thought she had turned it off.

I know she can take care of herself. I'm not very worried about her physical condition. But what about the spirit? Feelings? She was clearly emotionally unstable. I kept thinking about what might happen to her or the people around her.

I couldn't do anything, even though it was painful for me. I have to trust her now, because no matter what happened last night, whatever happened at Sarah's house, I don't see it going to be brought up today when we go on a date. I've got to be ready for that.

I was supposed to go on a date today. A first date with a girl who has been secretly in love for many years. Worry is the perfect way to describe how I feel.

So, of course, when Sara knocked on our front door, I pulled it open a little too eagerly.

"Well, hi," she said, her little fist froze in mid-air.

"Hey." I laughed, hoping that this would break some of the ice. To my relief, she smiled back, even though her smile was a little cautious. I'm not sure what that means, but I'm just putting it down to her own nervousness. Of course I'm nervous, why wouldn't she?" Want to get out?"

"Of course."

Sara followed me to the garage, and after a while, I collapsed in the driveway, the truck making a distinct grunt as it rumbled away. At least that's what I thought; In fact, it may sound as scary as it used to be.

"Are you hungry?" I asked as I drove up the main road.

She rolled down the window and let her hands sway in the wind. "What's on the menu?"

"I'm thinking about pizza." The corner of my eye flickered. "What, don't you like pizza?"

"No, I love pizza. It's just that...... Actually, we ate it last night. ”

"Oh. All right. "I have to think again about what happened last night, but now is not the time to ask." Well, do you want to eat something?"

“… No, not exactly. ”

"Okay then." I try to keep it enjoyable. She really didn't give me much to talk about. At the same time, my mind skimmed over topics that I would normally bring up in such situations, and I wanted to impress a girl or please her. That's what I used to talk about.

It didn't help at all. I gave up and got nothing.

"Where are we going?" Sara asked, breaking the awkward silence.

"Well, after eating, I haven't decided yet. Want to go to the movies?"

"Actually, wouldn't it be cool if we went out for a while?" I really feel depressed. Maybe go for a walk in the park?"

I felt a chill roll down my spine, as if I already knew what she was going to say next. But I don't see any way. It's inevitable unless I want to cancel the whole thing now.

"Of course. Sounds good. ”

"Cool. Have you ever been to Serraville Park?"

The chill turned to solid ice, but I continued to talk as usual. "A few times, I think."

"We?"

＊＊＊

Why on earth would I agree to do this?

After a 15-minute drive, we came to the edge of the forest and followed the fateful route I had taken on Tuesday night. At least after that, the conversation became much lighter; Some good-natured jokes, talking about movies, we started to get close. I was amazed to find out that she, like me, was an avid cook. I think it's a real success and we have some great things in common.

Of course, fate didn't intend for us to enjoy the rest of the afternoon.

I don't really believe in fate and fate. I hate the idea of not being in control of my life. Even if a lot of things come down to luck, at least I can make choices and take control of my free will. But that Friday, of all the days of my life, was the closest I came to believing that the Universe really had something for me.

As we sat on a park bench basking in the sun, our conversation paused. We are still on the edge of the forest, where the trees and foliage are not so dense. I decided to get at least one answer from Sara to calm the fear that was still bubbling deep in my brain.

"So, tell me if I'm breaking any rules, but aren't you supposed to hang out with Jen today?" I asked, trying to be casual.

Sara watched as a leaf from a nearby tree swirled and fell. Her deep, thoughtful eyes were fixed on it until the end before answering. "Yes. Jane called me this morning and said she had something important to do. Nothing to worry about, that's all. ”

Of course, this only worries me more. Jane broke her routine and missed out on time with her best friend, which is definitely something to worry about. It was clear that sleep did not relieve the pain of the previous night.

She didn't get better.

"You didn't fight or anything, did you?" I asked, acting like I was joking – though I actually hoped that was the real answer last night. The quarrel between Jane and Sarah is not unheard of. This is something we can solve.

"Nope." Sara stood up and stretched out her arms. She yawned – which struck me as particularly cute – and pointed to a path between the two trees, one of which led deeper into the forest. "It's going to look like it's going to be fun."

I completely disagree, but just shrug. "Lead the way."

＊＊＊

"So you're saying you haven't watched a single episode?"

"I don't really like watching TV."

"Oh. Then I'll bring all the DVDs. You'll love it. She shook her head in feigned disgust. Not a single episode. Fearsome. ”

"Sounds good. Let's go play all day. I'm going to make something special. ”

"Hmm." Sara licked her lips exaggeratedly. I laughed. She grinned as well, and then quickly tripped over the roots.

In an instant, I hugged her, reached under her chest with one arm, and gently grabbed her. She never fell.

I felt my heart beat faster. The dense forest seemed to surround us, as if it were just the two of us within a radius of a few miles. All I could hear was the chirping of birds and the rustle of the wind through the leaves, and all I could see was Sarah's face, her hands writhing in my hands, her eyes wide open. I could feel her body moving, she was suddenly taking deep breaths, still reacting to the fall.

I didn't want this moment to end, I was holding her like that, but I felt like I had crossed the line. I helped her to her feet, let go of my hand, and took a step back to catch her breath.

She smiled when she relaxed again. "That's your moment, Matt."

"Huh?"

"I shouldn't have let go." She turned away. I cursed under my breath. "Don't worry. I'm sure you'll get another one. She steadied herself, and continued on, walking deeper into the forest.

If it weren't for what I saw among the trees, maybe I would have had that moment. I only turned around to look at it for a second. I'm not familiar with the woods, and I want to get my bearings and figure out where we are. When I looked back at Sarah, I saw her.

Dressed in a green jacket and black pants, she sped through the woods in front of her. She wears a hood that covers most of her hair, but some of her dark brown hair still spills on her clothes. She had a stringed longbow on her shoulder and a quiver on her back. Her face only turned to meet me for a moment, apparently my sister's.

Jane's eyes widened. I'm sure mine is the same. I don't know what to do. Sara was so close to me that I couldn't call her. What is Jen doing outside? Where did she get the bow? Questions exploded in my mind like fireworks. I've got to do something before Sarah finds out about her.

A nod. I did my best to give it meaning and emphasis. I wanted to tell Jane that I accepted. Give her some comfort. To my relief, after a brief hesitation, Jane nodded in response.

A second later, she disappeared into the woods again, completely and silently like an elf-trained huntress.

I stared at where she disappeared, hoping she would come home one day, but wasn't sure if she would actually come back. Hopefully we can talk about it again, just like before.

"You saw her too, didn't you?" Sara asked.

Any hope of returning to our date was dashed. I sighed. I don't think there's any need to deny it anymore. "Yes."

"Isn't it crazy that she's here to hunt?" Sara spoke so calmly, so kindly, I was completely stunned. “… Sorry to tell you all of a sudden, but, I know. ”

So how do I respond?" What Jane told you?" I didn't want to accuse you, but that's what it is. I'm very angry.

"You dare to meddle in her business," she snapped. "If she doesn't talk to someone, she's going to break down."

"It's still possible for her," I murmured.

"What?"

"She came home last night covered in injuries," I said. My eyes narrowed slightly. If we're going to have this conversation, I'll get the answer. As long as I can figure out Jane's situation, I can help her.

"Oh......" Sarah's eyes lit up slightly. I don't know what's going on. We were all fine until dinner. And then Jane ...... Make somebody's blood boil? I don't know, really. At dinner, she became super guarded and ran through the back door as soon as we finished eating. She looked like she was going to attack someone. ”

I paused, trying to think about what to say next. "How much did she tell you?" I asked slowly.

"A lot, but I guess she's seven years behind you and can't tell me everything." She said so matter-of-factly. I was very upset. She continued, her voice muffled. "She told me that only three of you came back."

A mixed mix of emotions, betrayal, anger, fear, and a whole bunch of emotions I can't name. I had to drive them away for the time being. Sarah knows. I have to deal with this now. There is no way to undo it. It's time for more information. Whatever she knows, she knows, and then I'll know what to do.

"Did she say anything about what she went through?"

"Having lived with Silves for six years, completely isolated from the rest of the world, embroiled in a great war, and it took a long time to find you. Is that right?"

I nodded. "Yes. But Jane has been through worse things than we are. ”

"Like what? She asked. She's very straightforward, which is one of the traits I've always liked about her. Don't beat around the bush. Come straight to the point. I decided to tell her the rest. She knows enough, it's time to scold us; She'd better know everything so she knows what to be careful about. Maybe she can help Jen where I can't do anything.

"She's caught," I replied. My voice choked up when I wanted to continue. I swallowed a few mouthfuls and cleared my throat. Even now, long after the incident, it still hurts me to describe it, even though it didn't happen to me. "She was tortured. I guess I was forced to fight. I've never heard the whole story. ”

"Oh God......" Sarah's face sank. So she ...... What?" Post-traumatic stress disorder, I guess?"

"I think so. That's probably the best way to describe it. What she experienced was... Well, terrible. I think it made her no longer remember how to live in the real world. ”

Sara shook her head. "And that's not all. Unless I get confused, she's the only one of you who can do things. Like magic and stuff. Right?"

I nodded. I'm not quite sure what she wants to say.

"Yes. Considering. Not only was she pushed back into the real world, but she was also severely traumatized and lost all support. Her power. In addition, she had to deal with a lifespan that had been shortened by hundreds of years. ”

"What's she?" The last sentence was fresh to me.

"Oh." Sara looked uncomfortable. “… I don't know she hasn't told you yet. ”

"Can you explain? Please?" I had to know.

She stood there and glanced away. "Jane told me that she had a ritual every day, just like the Silph family. She said it rejuvenated her, and she could really feel it. Her face twisted into a sad smile. She may live to be three hundred years old or even longer. ”

I felt like she had hit me in the face with a bag of bricks. My sister, my happy sibling, I spent six years looking for her, and together with Carl she turned the tide of the war, but she still had to deal with things far beyond my imagination and understanding – in some distorted, indirect way, for which I was responsible. I brought us home, and in doing so, I cut her life short.

"You're blaming yourself, aren't you?" Don't do this. Sara grabbed my arm. I looked around and saw the enthusiasm in her eyes. "You saved her. You brought her home. You can't possibly know. ”

"But she doesn't have to go home," I said weakly, words that I didn't even dare to say in my own head.

"What?"

"She could have stayed. It was my decision to bring us all back. I could have let her stay. ”

"But—"

"I think she's happy there. She has friends. She has a family. A good friend named Nefflin. She has a position that really matters. Prestige. She is Thera-kun, and she ended a war and unified the entire kingdom. A warm current rolled down my face. I reached out and brushed it off. "I'm so proud of her. I'm proud to be her brother. And then I just ran away. I selfishly forced her back into the real world, where she didn't achieve anything, she was full of fear and hurt, and there was nothing I could do about it. All because I'm afraid to go home alone. ”

Sara shook her head. "Don't be stupid. If you come back alone, you're in even bigger trouble. How can you explain it to your mother? Or to the world?" Sahara stretched out an arm around me and took me into her arms. "Hindsight is stupid and useless stuff. I'm biased, but I think your decision was the right one. She took a step back and smiled. Come on. Let's go back. ”

"The first date was terrible," I joked, even though my voice was still rough.

"Like. I saw the most real elf thing on the planet, and I thought I was handsome. She smiled and shook my hand. Just make sure our second date won't bring tears to your eyes. ”

"Deal." I said that hearing the words "second date" made me suddenly feel a wave of incongruous joy.

＊＊＊

Despite such a pleasant note, the rest of the date was mostly awkward silence, interspersed with brief anecdotes about Serraville. Sara seems to be more interested in anything Jen has to do with it, which doesn't surprise me because we rarely hang out before. I can't blame her for her curiosity, nor for her concern, because I'm just as worried as she is.

It's one thing for Sara to insist that I didn't lose my way afterwards, and it's another thing for me to really follow her advice. I feel that in some cases, reflection is productive. Reviewing my mistakes is a useful learning tool. In this case, Sara may be right. My decision was made in a completely different situation, in a castle in another world. How could I possibly judge them by my current life?

But I still can't help it. I was spinning around in my head, blaming myself over and over again. I desperately wanted to find a solution, anything I could do to help Jane. As long as it can help my sister get out of the despair she is in.

For the second time since we returned, I wondered if she really belonged to Serraville.

I don't give up as quickly as I used to. Everyone said that Jane was very fond of Serraville, and that the Sylph family regarded her as their own relative. This may sound special, but in reality, it's completely unique. As far as I know, including what Carl told me in his own research, the Silphs were very isolated and xenophobic. All attempts at contact with the human settlers are, if not outright hostile, to at least openly dismissive. A few people trade with humans, but for the most part, they are silent about one person – no, it's an elf.

So how did Jane, a completely ordinary person from another world, please her so perfectly that they gave her a new name and adopted her as one of their own?

I would love to hear the story, but I know I can only get it from Jane herself – she's never been in the mood to share the story since I was reunited with her. The first is the negotiation, she didn't even recognize me. She was busy juggling various dignitaries, generals, and aristocrats while also trying to learn basic English, and she glanced at me without hesitation.

Every elven commander present had the utmost respect for her. An older-looking elf, with very kind silver eyes, watched her every move from afar, and he usually perched in the corner of the tent like a wise old owl (he didn't look to be over 30 years old). I, in turn, looked at him carefully. I later learned that his name was Tethevalle

Syl

a

de

, who was the elder of the forest where Jane first appeared.

I only spoke to him once, on the eve of his death. After going through it I'm sure it's terrible Etoli

After that, I asked him what he thought of my sister. He laughed, patted me on the back, answered me, and said a string of things I didn't understand, which I didn't understand despite two attempts. The next day, when I carefully repeated them to Jane, she looked embarrassed but very happy with herself.

Of course, just an hour later, we found his body on the edge of the cliff, nailed to the wall with a scroll in his mouth. Jane's happiness didn't last long.

As I drove Sarah home, the memory of that incident sent me back to reality. How would I ever think about sending Jane back to that place? Where war, pain and darkness linger in memory, and our friends are slaughtered by a delusional madman?

Our world is and should continue to be separated. I'll find a way to help Jane, no matter what it takes. Once we get back together, we'll be able to stabilize Carl and the three of us will be able to get back to our normal lives. The road is starting to clear again. I could see the bricks on the road again as it stretched all the way to the horizon. All I have to do is go again.

＊＊＊

When I pulled the car into the garage, the first step was revealed, like fate had given me a signal to start. Jane had just walked out the front door, probably just getting home on the bus. It was time to talk, and she knew it. As soon as I entered, she made a beeline for the living room. I paused, poured myself a glass of water, grabbed a bowl of chips, and sat down on the couch across from her.

"So," I had just spoken, but before I could speak, Jane interrupted me.

"Yes, I went hunting. I need to be alone and it's a nice place to go. No one saw me. Any questions?" Her voice was immediately hostile. I flinched. I don't want this to turn into confrontation, not at all.

"I just wanted to ask you how your day was."

“Keldaphut。 You're about to give a speech. ”

I raised my eyebrows. "Would you like to listen to a lecture?"

"Matt, I'm 23 years old. No, I don't care how old I look now. That's what I think. I don't need my brother to teach me a lesson. Jen leaned back in her chair. What I really needed was some support because I was pretty much shaky here. ”

I sat back, not knowing how to answer, and Jane took that as a reason to continue babbling.

"I'm scared, okay?" I'm sure you've heard about what I did at school yesterday because you always know everything. ”

"Back off. What's going on in the school?"

Je

Faltering. She moved in her chair and glanced away. "Oh. Ah, shit. Well, I went too far with a man, just for a moment. It was so easy to finish him off, I couldn't help it. He bumped into me, and I ...... Reacted. ”

I shook my head. "Well, if I haven't heard of it right now, it's probably not a big deal. What happened last night?" Her lips were closed. I sighed. "Jane, you said it yourself. You need support now. Talk to me. ”

“… I don't know," she muttered. She continued, her voice hoarse. It was clear that she was just barely trying to keep herself from breaking down. "Everything went smoothly. I've felt good for years. Sarah's credit is not mine. But throughout the dinner, I don't know if it was my problem or because there were so many people around. But I think... Emptiness. At risk. Hmm......" Jen paused, trying to find the right word. Whenever she tried to think in English, her eyes always scanned her surroundings in the same way. "Threat".

I wanted to stand up, walk up to her, hug her, and reassure her that everything would be okay. But I knew that in her current state, I was only going to make things worse. She doesn't need someone to be by her side. I don't know what she needs. I just wish I could provide it.

"You think you can attack them," I concluded. Jane nodded, looking ashamed. "But nothing happened, right?"

"Nothing."

"That's good. You didn't do anything wrong. ”

"I don't want to go on like this, Matt." She cried. “Vei kilsve dov Vei

alv v

ulvus”

I couldn't understand what she was saying, but the emotion behind the sentence was more emotional than anything she said in English. It was filled with painful despair, and my heart was about to jump out of my chest.

What more can I say?

Tell her everything will be fine? I'm sure it will, but the sentence seemed so hollow at that moment.

Should I give her what she wants? Do you make offerings to her like I've always done?

Does she want something stern and majestic, or something kind and gentle?

Why am I a father figure? Leaders, generals, commanders?

The thoughts I hated came back to me. This is Jane's business, not mine's. I don't have time to worry about myself right now.

An idea popped into me.

"Jane, tell me about Tessivaren."

That's guesswork. It's something we haven't had time to talk about, but pokemon are obviously very important and almost everything is a good memory. She can anchor herself to it. Maybe it's not the business of this world, but as long as I can get her out of this whirlpool, I'm willing to do anything.

Jane blinked angrily for a moment, looking surprised. “Tethevalle

This? Like what?"

"Who is he?" I mean, he obviously cares about you. I've only seen him once, but he looks like an amazing guy. ”

Jane wiped her eyes with her sleeve. "He's my father."

I raised my eyebrows. "Nope."

"No, of course not." Jane rolled her red eyes, but she giggled a little at my joke. "But basically he adopted me, and no one wanted to do it at the time. He gave me a name and took me to our sun. If he hadn't found me the week I was dying of starvation, I wouldn't be here chatting so happily with you right now. ”

At that moment, I realized Jen's elven accent. When she talked about her other family, a family that I never knew, I could hear their culture through her voice, a unique voice that I had never heard anywhere else. It seems to me that Carl is a little crazy about this so-called "magic language", but his accent is really special.

"But you don't understand him."

Jane smiled. "Not a word. After a while, we learned some good hand gestures. He did not begin to learn English until after the war began. I asked him about it years later, and he said it was obvious that English was banned a long time ago. I was the first person in the whole sun to learn it, and we both started teaching others. ”

"Sorry to interrupt, su

What does Syl mean?"

Je

Giggled. "I'm sorry. It's hard to remember that you're an uneducated idiot. ”

I raised my eyebrows exaggeratedly. "How did you learn a language so quickly?"

"Magic, du

alav-hila。 She grinned. Suncier is a ...... Knave. Shorten. Two words. ”

"Abbreviations," I added. "Nerds". Jane threw a pillow at me. It slammed into the wall, right where my head had just hit. "Is this really the best you can come up with?"

"I could have done better, but you won't understand, so what's the point?" Jane sighed mockingly. "Anyway. su

Syl is スウ

An abbreviation for is and Sylvec, which means "our forest". Actually, it just refers to a group of Silphs. Or a home. A community, I think you'd call it that. ”

"Hmm."

"With Je

ife

Silve

dale for language lessons" she waved her hand and pretended to bow. "Hey, look, it worked. You...... syldavacka。 You controlling bastard. That's it. Jane smiled. I'm happy now, good for you. ”

Despite the insults, I laughed. The best strategy I've ever devised is as straightforward as this one. I knew that if I could get her to open her mouth and talk about anything related to her adopted inheritance, she would regain some sort of peace. At least much better than the one I met for the first time with doubts, anger, and fear.

I hoped it would last, but as is customary, the ugly claws of fate once again reached for us.

There was a knock at the front door. We all twisted our heads in that direction. It's noon; None of the people we know are likely to visit, right?

There was another knock on the door. A second later, the doorbell rang again. Whoever it was, he clearly had no intention of leaving.

"Waiting here?" I whispered. Jane nodded.

I tiptoed to the door, anxious to catch a look at our uninvited guests before I showed up. To my surprise, I heard a knock on the door. After a while, the lock clicked open and the door opened.

"Jane?"

I felt both relieved and angry. "Hello, Carl."

I stepped forward, pulled him into the house, and closed the door. His face contorted into an expression I couldn't describe. There are so many emotions scattered in it that it is impossible to name them all.

"You son of a bitch." He growled.

"Huh?"

"Don't play dumb anymore. It's about Blake. ”

Does Carl know? How could he possibly find out? There is only one possible, logical conclusion.

Jane, what did you do?

I chose a diplomatic strategy. "Carl, I'm sorry."

"Excuse me? Excuse me?" Karl's voice raised. "Oh, that's great. Matt is sorry that he sent a friend to the grave

Like the curtain on the stage falling, the veil is lifted. Carl knows. I was exposed in front of him. The secret was revealed, and he stood in front of me, his heart burning with rage, and his eyes full of revenge, like two bonfires.

"Blake and I made a decision. We did what was supposed to be done. "My own voice was raised, as if I could correct a mistake by overshadowing Karl's voice. It was as if I could simply overcome the guilt and frustration in my heart.

"If I hear your bullshit excuses again, you'll eat the floor, asshole."

Carl's attitude changed. I can see it clearly. While he may still have mental abilities and a dozen fighting techniques that he has learned over a long period of time, his body hasn't been trained or focused enough to keep up. Anything he did was passed down widely.

His weight changed. One punch, very low. I easily dodged, but he swung wide. Karl managed to keep the balance. He never thought it would land. Another fist, already coming from the opposite side.

He hit with a punch. I rolled with it, letting the momentum absorb the blow and refuse to let him impact.

"Calm down." I shouted, but Karl's expression became sharper. His determination runs deep. He waved again, and I dodged it. I may have fought back, but we didn't have a chance.

The shaft with the blow of the arrow came out of the staircase railing, just between the two of us, eye level.

We froze.

As a whole, our heads turned to Jane. She stood across the hall, another arrow already stuck in the string. Be ready to retreat at any time and launch at a moment's notice.

"Are you two no longer being idiots?" She asked calmly.

I nodded and took a step back.

Carl gasped. He narrowed his eyes.

"Carl, I'm going to shoot this arrow through your head. Ovol. ”

Slowly, reluctantly, Karl stepped back. He leaned against the doorframe and I waited by the stairs.

"We can't fight," Jane said.

"No," I agreed.

"But—" said Karl.

"But nothing." Jane snapped. "Arrows. Skull. ”

Karl was silent.

"Good." Jane said, still unusually calm. "Matt?"

"Carl, we have to stick together now," I said. Judging by Carl's reaction, I chose the wrong word.

"Glued together?" His voice began to raise again. "You're so rich, you fucking hypocrite."

"Calm down," I began, even though I knew it was futile.

“Se develd !” Je

Make a booing sound.

We were all silent at once. Carl and I both knew what it meant—but most of all, Jane's voice suddenly became intense, making my brain tremble in fear as I recalled memories of an ambush deep in the forest.

"There's a knock on the door." She whispered, quieter than breathing.

I turned around. It took me a long time to turn around and face the dark brown door. When my eyes were focused on the golden doorknob, the whole world vanished. I hope Jen is really wrong, for the first time ever, she thinks there's a threat nearby.

Fate will not be like this. Fate and I are mortal enemies, from now until the end of time.

Knuckles knocked on the door three times – and in that moment, I knew that our life on Earth was about to be completely shattered.