"Dedication sees dreams come true."- #24

-REMINISCENCE-

Felt: (Excited) Wanna go explore the capital with me?! 

Jiro: But, you aren't allowed to go anywhere...Felt?

-Showing me puppy eyes, how could I say no to that face-

Felt: Please Jiro?! I promise...I won''t run off.

Jiro: Anything for my little sis. Lemme grab some money on the way out.

Felt: Okay, I'll be waiting outside the main door for you in front of the palace.

Jiro: Yup, be right back. <leaving the courtyard hastily to waste less time>

Felt: Hmm, I wonder...how are we gonna be able to leave? <displaying a cunning look>

-MOMENTS LATER-

I reappear at the entrance of the palace and awaited for my little sister to show up. Noticing the noblemen and the knights are inside discussing important matters concerning the welfare of the capital, I knew there wasn't going to be much security. As my thoughts began to bother me considering my sister's idea of "leaving" the palace. Where did she plan on visiting I wonder?

???: Mr. Ren. It's been so a while....

-Attracting my attention to a familiar, girly voice...there she was...the pinnacle to all my problems in this world- 

Jiro: (Whispering) FELT! What are you wearing?

Felt: What does it look like dingus? A maid outfit...

Jiro: Why?! 

Felt: Because, I need to cover my disguise...and here! Hold this bag until we leave the castle grounds...

-Tossing a bag to me, filled with all her clothes and dagger-

Jiro: This is crazy, sis. We're gonna get into so much trouble. What if Reinhard finds out? He'll be looking everywhere for us.

Felt: Jeez, big bro. Stop worrying...he isn't going to flip out...

Jiro: (Arching my brow) Really?

Felt: Fine! You're right. He would be terrified and probably panic...but I gotta do something, Jiro. Life for these past few days were absolutely boring. Being served full course meals everyday on a silver platter isn't my style. I don't care if I am royalty...there's more to life than just staying around inside the palace all day and talk about politics. 

Jiro: You do make a valid point, sis. <Places his finger against lip> Hmmm, alright...we'll go but you gotta promise me one thing...

Felt: Hmm, whatever...tell me?

Jiro: You are not allowed to leave my sight and if so...I am taking you back to the palace immediately...Do I make myself clear, little lady?

Felt: (Excited) Yeah, Yeah. Can we just go already...I wanna see the "lights"!

Jiro: The lights? What are you talking about?

Felt: The parade they're doing tonight...

Jiro: Tonight...oh no....<biting his nails nervously> 

Felt: What's wrong with you? Afraid your "boyfriend" will find out?

Jiro: Will you cut it out?! Seriously, I see the way you look at Reinhard... <smug> 

Felt: But---

Jiro: (Interrupts) Ah! <wags his finger> don't deny the fact, Felt! We both know you have a crush on him...

Felt: And if I don't...

Jiro: Bummer...I guess another woman will take your place...maybe a guy if he's all interested.

Felt: Ugh! <sounding furious after my truthful response> You! <stomps her feet> 

Jiro: (Smug) Love you too! <ruffles her hair and grabs her hand> lets go before he come back?

Felt: Hai! 

Jiro: So, if my predictions are correct, I assume the guards will allow to pass and not recognize you in that outfit.

Felt: Uh huh <nods> they're either drunk during this hour <around 6-7> or careless.

Jiro: Okay, that's good then...how do you plan on passing through?

Felt: Charm...

LATER

The daylight began to fade quickly during this autumn month...checking to see the guard post still there, we went forward as planned...slowly moving along to the front gate smoothly, the guard halted us both and asked questions?

Guard: HALT! 

-Felt & I stopped walking and listened to what the man had to say-

Guard: Where do you think you're going during this hour?

-Felt approaches and spoke to the guy politely saying-

Felt: We are just running a few errands sir!

Guard: And what kind of errands are you looking for exactly?

-Unexpected questioning to Felt's plan...and continued the conversation-

Jiro: Oh, she's actually with me sir. My maid is helping me look for certain ingredients and told me she couldn't find it anywhere inside the kitchen. The "cat" must've ate all the cake...and other courses of food.

Guard: Dammit, I thought I made it clear to those "idiots" to keep those dirty animals away from the food.... <looking back up to respond> My apologies, please proceed throughout your day.

Jiro: <Nodding> Same goes for you.

Felt: (Smug) Thank you...

-Walking past the guard, we quickly moved away from his viewpoint so no one else could see us-

Jiro: Whew, that was kinda close.

Felt: I know right! I can't believe he asked some dumb questions like "What kind of errands"? 

Jiro: Hehe, the guy's just doing his job pipsqueak!

Felt: I understand fully but he shouldn't be taking everything so serious...ya know.

Jiro: Yeah, I get what you're trying to say. Anyways, are you ready to proceed about our day?

Felt: Of course... <tugs onto my arm and pulls me away to the market> 

Jiro: (Panics) F-F-Felt?! Slow down! We'll be there in time?!

TIMESKIP

As the day became night, the crowd began to appear in the middle of the streets...holding up candlelight lanterns to float into the jet black sky, Felt enjoyed herself...seeing as she couldn't afford the things she wanted...I bought her food.

Felt: Isn't this amazing, brother?! 

Jiro: Yeah, I don't remember the last time I ever had so much fun...

Felt: (Confused) Really?! 

Jiro: Well, actually this is the first time spending it with a family member...the only one I have left <smiling at her while he stared> 

Felt: Oh, Jiro <hugs him tightly> you're still a dork but I love you too...forever.

Jiro: I know <strokes her hair> I did promise to keep you safe...

Felt: But, I'm grown up now...I can take care of myself.

Jiro: Obviously, I seen you in fights before...there's only few I know with such fearless tenacity...and seeing it in my baby sis...makes me worry less. You're a strong woman, Felt and don't let anyone ever doubt your capabilities <shedding a tear> 

Felt: Don't cry Jiro....here...<giving me a piece of cotton candy> wanna try?!

Jiro: Blueberry is my favorite but pink is just as good! <smiling> Thanks.

Felt: No problem...

Jiro: SO! what do you wanna do next?

Felt: I have no clue...but I am really happy to be sitting here right next to you.

Jiro: Aww...that's cute...

Felt: Don't ever <punches my shoulder> call me "cute".... <huffing in anger> 

Jiro: Fine! <chuckles> You win! 

-Sitting on top someone's roof...we looked up at the glowing lights illuminating in the night...this is truly a beautiful world I've been sent too...-

Jiro: Beautiful?! Isn't it? <watches as if he was stargazing>

Felt: Yeah...I wouldn't trade a moment like this...this is pure gold...

-Shedding more tears from my eyes, this is the happiest I've ever been. I'm glad she's by my side-

Felt: What's been---

-Hearing loud explosions coming into the air, the parade is now ending with a bang of thunderous booms crashing down...listening to the people's uproar in celebration...everyone is having a good time right now-

Felt: LOOK THE FIREWORKS, JIRO! 

Jiro: WOAH, WATCH THAT ONE!

-Flying up into the night sky...the firework drawn out a bluish flare and sparked...making it out to be oceanic like...someone must've placed magic on them for visual effects-

Jiro: HAH! <feeling the drips of water touch his skin> I've never seen fireworks this advanced before...the water is getting all over my eyes <wiping it away with his shirt>

Felt: Aww...man...now my scarf is soaked... <wrangling the red neck-wrap to release the moisture> 

-While I continued to watch the fireworks erupt, something began to rang....checking my pocket...I held out my phone. Of course no one is calling because, who would care? But, once I pulled it out...the alarm was set. Today marks the day of the man who inspired me to work hard and give it my best...as I began to notice how truly special this moment is, my hand clasped to my mouth and I began to cry-

Felt: All done...so Jiro? Do you wanna---what's wrong? 

Jiro: Nothing...you wouldn't understand...

Felt: (Worried) Just tell me? Please?! 

Jiro: Alright.... <choking on his words>

Felt: Go on, I'm listening <holding onto my hand>

Jiro: There's a man I'd wanna become...to idolize...and miss everyday...he recently passed away months ago and I still can't get over his death. His name is Kobe Bryant. The person whom made me a view life as if we should all cherish the time we are given. Never knowing when it might be our last night...His daughter was soon about to be one of the most motivational athletes in the world one day...and there's no doubt in my mind she wouldn't. She had a loving heart and cared for everyone. She worked hard and was similar to her father...you would probably like her. But, now she is gone and in a better place along with her friends...I don't know if it was meant to happen that day but I'm just glad they were able to leave us all with something truly inspiring...Determination. The will to never give up or become lazy to the aspects of the world. Train everyday and aspire to become something better...that is my motive in life. I hope everyone could learn something from the memo. Otherwise, we will regret the wrong choices made in our life...I chose to remain humble, honest, loving, caring, and most of all unwavering from any challenge presented towards me...

Felt: Wow....<speechless>

Jiro: So...Felt? If you could remember one thing from me...I wanna share to you that no matter what happens in our lives...even if I do die...I want you to continue living...for me...and captivate the moments we share each and everyday... Could you do that for me? <smiles>

Felt: But---But.... I don't want you to go...

Jiro: Everyone dies one day, Felt. Even if we don't wish it to happen to our loved ones...that is the necessary part in living...to finally rest. But, if you are afraid of death...don't give into fear...embrace the happiest moments were having right now...

Felt: I-I-I will...only if you will do the same? Promise?!

Jiro: Aren't you the one who should be promising me...but pinky-promise? 

Felt: <wrapping her pinky around his> Thank you...Jiro.

Jiro: Anything for my little sister. If I could give you this world, I will....ask me for whatever and I'll always spoil you, hehe <chuckles> 

Felt: (Eyes rolled) OF COURSE YOU WOULD DINGUS!

Jiro: Don't get ahead of yourself now...I'm still older than you...

Felt: I don't car---

Jiro: Don't you dare finish that sentence <laughing> you're reminding too much of "him" now...the mentality...is coming back...XD

Felt: Whatever.... <twiddling her fingers> Hey, Jiro?

Jiro: Wassup?

Felt: Could I ask you a serious question?

Jiro: Absolutely...

Felt: Do you plan on leaving tonight?

-As my heart stopped for a couple seconds...I didn't wanna respond but this strange feeling inside gave me the courage to answer her question-

Jiro: Sadly...I am.

Felt: Oh... <remains silent> 

Jiro: I'm sorry, Felt. <tearful>

Felt: It's quite alright, Jiro. No need to be depressed. I'm here for you <hugs him>

Jiro: But, I won't...sis. Who's gonna stay with you and look after you?

Felt: Number one is Me. Number two is umm----<blushes> Reinhard...

Jiro: (Shocked) DID YOU JUST SAY YOUR CRUSH?!

Felt: Yeah, what of it?! Jeez! Is it that surprising? Fine... <crosses her arms> I DO LIKE HIM, ALRIGHT!!! He's cute...

Jiro: HAHA I KNEW IT, <acts childish> SHE FINALLY CONFE----SSSED!!! SHE FINALLY CONFE---SSSED!!!

Felt: (Annoyed) STOP IT, JIRO....OR ELSE...

Jiro: Or else what princess?

Felt: I'm gonna push you off this roof...that's what!

Jiro: (Puts up his hands) Alright! Alright! I'm sorry, Felt...Truly.

Felt: Whatever... <smirks> I'm still mad at you <punching my shoulder>

Jiro: Not like I can change your attitude...you act like a untamed wild beast...when something isn't right...

Felt: Ugh, you did not just compare me to a beast, Jiro. My own brother...thinks I'm an animal. 

Jiro: Well, yeah...you sure growl like one---Ouch <rubs his shoulder again> 

Felt: But, seriously...Tell me the truth. Why do need to leave so badly?

Jiro: Don't you already know---

Felt: Yeah. <turns her head> But, I wanna hear you say it before you go.

Jiro: Huh, okay then. Well, for starters the idea of adventure is thrilling!

Felt: (Gives me the Jiro arching brow) Jiro?!

Jiro: But, really this story is about protecting my friends...and family. The bond we share is so strong between Subaru and I...that we consider each other "brothers"...There is nothing stopping me from seeing him again.

Felt: And that's what I admire about you! Jiro! Because you are willing to sacrifice so much to help out a friend who's in trouble. 

Jiro: Thank you sis. 

Felt: No problem <plucks a piece of cotton candy>

Jiro: Lemme---<trying to steal one from her before getting smacked away> Ouch---

Felt: No one is stealing my "sugar" "sweet" "goodness"

Jiro: In the words of Natsuki Subaru "Who says that anymore" <laughs>

Felt: But, you can have another piece...just playing around...

Jiro: Ok <reaching over>

Felt: (Pretends to bite his hand off) Grr-awuf hahaha <giggles>

Jiro: (Sarcastic) HA-ha Felt. Very funny...

-Taking the piece, we look up at the final set of fireworks...the main event-

Jiro: Here it comes...

Felt: This is possibly the greatest day of my life...and it's all thanks to you...Jiro. I love you brother. <hugging me>

Jiro: I love you too! <rests his chin on her head> 

-Watching a small rocket launch into the night sky, it was truly marvelous-

Jiro: WOOOHOOO!!!!

Felt: YIPPPIEEEE!!!

-After listening to the last of it's sounds...the people began to pack up and I noticed my sister yawning in fatigue-

Jiro: Up you go, baby sis. Hop on my back!

Felt: (Embarrassed) I'm not a little girl anymore, Jiro!

Jiro: You will always be a little girl in my eyes...no matter how old you get. Your my baby sister. So you better hop on or I'm leaving you here. 

Felt: Ok....but you better not tell Reinhard!

Jiro: Never. I promise.

-Getting on top of my back, I lifted her up and carried Felt to the palace during the night...seeming to be very quiet now and less crowded, everything went smooth tonight-

TIMESKIP

Allowing me to pass through, I was surprised to notice Reinhard was waiting at the door...still carrying Felt on my back, the baby is asleep and undisturbed...Good. While I walked up the stairway and into her room...I placed her down on the bed, and put the blankets over her. As she grunted in her sleeping position. I reached for the door knob before hearing Felt call out to me

Felt: (Groggy) Jiro?

Jiro: Yes, Felt?

Felt: Please don't go tonight...<crying> I can't see you leave.

Jiro: I-I know...but remember I always be in here...<holding his heart>

Felt: So cheesy...are you always this cringey?

Jiro: Jeez, I haven't heard that word in a while.

Felt: What? Too old?

Jiro: Of course not...I'm only two years older than you. What? Gonna call me a Boomer.

Felt: Hehe...you're silly Jiro.

Jiro: Yeah, yeah...<trying his best to leave but can't and sat on the bedside>

Felt: So, you aren't leaving me...

Jiro: Not tonight...Princess. 

Felt: Oh...<saddening tone> well, umm what are you doing here then?

Jiro: Hmm, how about I read you----<holding in his breath>

Felt: (Excited) A What, Jiro?! Tell me! Please!

Jiro: How do you feel about a bedtime story?

Felt: Ugh, ewww how old you do think I am? 10? That's so lame. 

Jiro: Not this story...this is a Kobe story!

-Pulling out a iPhone 11 pro, it can apparently work...-

Felt: What's---? 

Jiro: A Metia! High tech stuff...anyways, Wanna see how it works?

Felt: Sure! What story are you reading?

Jiro: Once upon a time...

8/23/20

https://youtu.be/spll56K7ZNg

#8 #24 #2 HAPPY BIRTHDAY KOBE!!!