*This episode is dedicated to one of my friend's whom lost their oldest brother...Patrick. I am absolutely saddened to hear how much he fought to stay alive for those he loves, and it breaks my heart to know my friend is in a terrible moment in life. So, I'll keep my thoughts and prayers with her family, and spend as much time needed to get her back on track*

-ENTIRE SUMMARY-

After having my final conversation with lovely Emilia, I departure from the discussion and headed along the trail back to the city. Strange enough, the road was quite even during dawn but I don't think we'll have any more problems showing up today. Sadly, enough my little sister couldn't handle all of this drama going on. Paranoid. She tried persuading me that we should make a run for it in the alleys. Disagreeing, Felt insisted that she was gonna leave me behind. Knowing how she is willing to anything to get what she wants, I decided to pick her up over my back whilst carrying her to the city again. Reinhard is a good guy and I believe he really wants to help us, and if not...well I'll figure something out. I did remember saying how last night would be the most troublesome...because of an excellent fighter like Elsa appearing in the slums is not ordinary whatsoever. She's up to something and if I'm able to stop her, I need...to get...stronger. 

-TIMESKIP-

Once we reached the marketplace, things could get very difficult since---um---well it's always crowded. Felt was asleep on my back which was good, because it made Reinhard's job much easier. The sky seems too blue and bright...I could sense a terrible storm coming.

Jiro: Hey, Reinhard?

Reinhard: Huh?

Jiro: Are we almost there?

Reinhard: Yep, just a bit further.

-I look behind us to see how far we went, several miles...Good thing, Subaru didn't come with us! He'll definitely bicker about a running exercise-

Jiro: That's nice...I could see clouds approaching. Damn, there's gonna be a huge storm, huh?

Reinhard: Agreed...<Silent>

Jiro: So, what do you plan on doing with us once we get to...you know <looks up at the palace>

Reinhard: Figured it out, huh? I'm surprised. You're more adept when it comes to thinking on the ball.

Jiro: Well, I actually like being cautious around strangers...

Reinhard: I can't blame you! Not at all. 

Jiro: So, are you gonna answer once we get there?

Reinhard: Of course, all the questions you seek to find out the truth lie on top. But, just between us alone...lets keep it a secret alright. You never know what might happen. 

Jiro: I understand, my lips are sealed.

Reinhard: Thanks...I know how difficult this is to trust someone you hardly know but the duty I'm tasked with...as a knight is filled with only good intentions.

Jiro: Hmm, I take you on your word then, Reinhard.

Reinhard: I suppose we shall see, Ren Jiro. Let's proceed before we're late. 

A COUPLE MINUTES LATER (MONOLOGUE)

Felt is awake and back on her feet from our long trip to the palace. Amazed by the features and golden texture...the halls were filled with riches. Hearing noblemen curse our very status for being from the slums, I became disgusted with those with power and unwilling to do anything. Reinhard explained to us why we are here but hid the truth from us...he brought us in for questioning...well mainly my sister. I wasn't the culprit that stole the insignia from Emilia. And apparently that's a serious crime. I wonder...How much is that crest worth? I'll find out sooner or later. I just pray Subaru is doing alright. For some odd reason, I could hear his voice inside my head. Why?

-Exiting the interrogation room, I left the bench to find Felt walking out upset-

Felt: (Angry) Those fucking bastards. Each one of them will pay!

Jiro: Woah, Woah, little lady watch the language. What's the problem?!

Felt: The problem is how freaking disrespectful those uptight nobles are. They think they're better than everyone else. The people are starving and seeking refuge from being apart of the slums and they can't do anything about it.

Jiro: So, what else did they ask you about exactly?!

Felt: Umm, our parents for starts...I have no idea who they are but you probably do since you're old enough to remember somethings, right?

Jiro: (Confused) Sadly, I don't but I'll keep looking for the truth until we're both satisfied to know what happened to them.

Felt: Well, at least I have you big brother <hugging around my waist> Wanna go get something to eat? I'm starving after that long walk to the city!

Jiro: Sure thing, kiddo. Follow---

???: Wait, just a second! You're not allowed to leave the proximity of the palace ground, Ms. Felt.

Felt: Dammit, you again. I'm already tired of seeing that cute, smug face telling me what to do.

Reinhard: I'm sorry but we can't allow you to leave just yet. After, investigating what happened in the slums with Elsa Granhiert. Your life is in serious danger due to her possibly coming back. As for you, Jiro. You could do whatever you desire.

Felt: WHAT?! THAT'S SO UNFAIR. TAKE ME WITH YOU, JIRO! 

Jiro: (Rubs her head lovingly) Rules are rules, little sis. I can't change them all the time.

Felt: So, what am I supposed to do now I am held against my will...

Reinhard: Umm, anything really besides leave. We could serve you a cozy bed, warm food, and a luxurious roof over your head for beginners.

Jiro: Hey, that sounds nice doesn't it, Felt! <Convincing her> 

Felt: I suppose so, lead the way Reinhard.

Reinhard: Yes, my lady.

Felt: Ooh, I'm gonna love it here! <Pausing> Hey, Jiro> You coming with me.

Jiro: I gotta find something in town...<Checking his pockets> I just need some fresh air you know. Can't be inside forever, hehe.

Felt: Alright. I'll see you tonight. 

Reinhard: Here, I noticed you didn't have any money so take this. <Handing him gold coins> 

Jiro: I can't take this! Seriously, I'll be fine!

Reinhard: I insist...after what I put both of you through, this is the least I could do to make it up.

Jiro: I'll take it then <Greedily snatching it> Sorry...

Reinhard: Not a problem. Now, if you may...Ms. Felt is pretty hungry.

Felt: (Blush) P-P-Pretty!!!

Reinhard: Yes...Pretty

Felt: Oh, wow...what a gentlemen.

-Watching as the two walked away...I headed past the gate, and into the city once again-

LATER 

The city was quiet tonight and I looked around for any taverns...seeing as Reinhard's money came in handy... I haven't spent on anything as of lately. Feeling the rain pouring down on me, I closed my eyes to embrace the soothing chill and wet raindrops come down my face...Hearing a faint voice, I listen...

???: Excuse me, sir.

Jiro: (Opening his eyes) What's up?! 

???: (Shy) Umm, I was wondering...could you spare me some change, sir?

-The blonde girl begging me to grant her a few coins...she seemed homeless and without any form of nice clothing...noticing she was probably a year younger than me...I couldn't bother to say "No" and not because of her looks but in desperate need of help-

Jiro: Yeah, here you go...This should cover for some food...in the next couple of days---

???: Thank you, but it's actually meant for someone else...

Jiro: (Confused) Hmm, oh I thought you were starving.

???: I am but there's someone I love who needs a lending hand. I truly appreciate your kind offer, and must go...Don't wanna bother your time, umm?

Jiro: Name's Ren Jiro, Miss?

???: Lizzy is the nickname my friend's give me.

Jiro: Interesting! 

Lizzy: Yeah, but my true name is Elizabeth.

Jiro: If you don't mind, who are you trying to help out?

-Spotting her facing saddened by my question, I figured someone she cares about was going through a lot-

Lizzy: My---older brother. Patrick.

-Then came a near-deafening sound of the thunderstorm...causing both of us to shriek...-

Lizzy: Why don't you come along, Jiro?

Jiro: Are you sure? I'm just a stranger.

Lizzy: Well, I can't let you stay outside here. 

Jiro: Alright, but lemme buy some groceries for you guys first.

-I bought all the ingredients I had to make soup for them-

Lizzy: Ready to go?

Jiro: (Smiles) Yup. 

-As we slowly paced to Lizzy's house, I could sense how this house was different from the one's in the slums...the structure wasn't as bad, but the odor smelled worse from this district...very sad to see someone living nearby this place because the lifestyle looks poor...health-wise.-

Lizzy: Brother! I'm home! 

???: (Coughs) Welcome back, Lizzy.

Lizzy: Oh, I forgot. I brought home a new friend.

???: A boyfriend <Chuckles>

Lizzy: Ugh, very funny but no. He's actually someone I met today in the market.

-Approaching the sick guy, he was lain on the bed and in pain. Watching him smile after he found out his sister made a friend brought a tear to his eye-

???: Oh, my apologies I would stand. but <Coughing> my body can't too much of it anymore.

Jiro: (Considerate) No worries, bro. I'm just humbled you guys invited to come stay inside your home. My name is Jiro if you're wondering <Held out his hand> 

???: Patrick.... <Shaking it> So, what brings you along here? Got eyes for my sister, huh?

Jiro: (Blushing) N-N-No. She actually needed money and I was happy to provide her some help.

Patrick: That's very kind of you, man! Thank you!

Jiro: Not a problem, while Lizzy is busy over here...Imma start cooking for you guys. Alright?

Patrick: Yep, surprise me. Bet it will taste wonderful. 

Jiro: Being an older brother myself, I grew up parentless so Felt was the only one I looked after. There's nothing I wouldn't do for my little sister.

Patrick: (Helpless) Same...

Jiro: Um, well I'll be right back guys...gonna start cooking.

Patrick: Yup.

-CREATING SOUP, AND BOILING ON THE STOVE-

While cooking, I began to reflect on the times where Felt was too little to understand...kinda strange I have so many memories of us even though I wasn't from this world. But, seeing as this was my newest home...I gotta build character. And figure out...Who I am?

Jiro: Hey, Lizzy?!

Lizzy: Wassup, Jiro?!

Jiro: I finished cooking the soup, you could bring your brother inside...

Lizzy: Ok, time to get up Patty.

Patrick: (Weak) Coming, sister.

-Hearing the man's heavy breathing, I don't know what his condition is...but I won't ask-

Patrick: Wow, that dish looks amazingly well put together, Jiro

Lizzy: Yeah, he's right. Well done, Jiro.

Jiro: Shucks, you guys are gonna make me pass out! 

Lizzy: Shall we begin.

Jiro: (Nodding) Yup, who wants to pray?

Patrick: I will...

-As we all held hands, everyone closed their eyes and began to pray with gratitude. After that was finished, we resumed to eating the dish-

Lizzy: Mmm, this is absolutely delicious. How did you learn to cook?

Jiro: Oh, I kinda had to pick up the trait alone.

Patrick: Impressive <Coughing>

Jiro: Are you alright? 

Patrick: Yeah, I've been sick for a few months lately and haven't gotten better.

Jiro: (Curious) Have you ever tried to get medications?

Lizzy: Yes, we did but the doctor couldn't treat it for a serious amount of time because the medications is highly expensive and addictive. Patrick is trying to go through this himself.

Jiro: I'm---sorry.

Patrick: Please don't pity this poor fool. I made up my mind to not take the medications necessary.

Jiro: Is there anything I could do.

Patrick: (Jokingly) Hmm, not really but you could tell me what this soup is? 

Jiro: Oh, it's called a Bisque.

Patrick: Never heard of that before. How did you come up with it?

Jiro: Umm, Imagination.

Patrick: Well, your imagination payed off <Coughs> 

Lizzy: Thank you for the food, Jiro. I'm really grateful we met.

Jiro: Of course.

Patrick: If you don't mind, I need some rest---

Jiro: I understand.

-Limping over to the same couch, I couldn't help but think...What if that was me?-

Lizzy: He hasn't been feeling well...Jiro. I gave so much away and feel as whatever I do isn't enough. <Crying>

Jiro: (Hugs) What you're doing right now is truly admirable, Lizzy. Most people seem to give up so easily but not you. We've never known each other in a while but you're a good person inside.

Lizzy: You really think so.

Jiro: I know you are. You have the heart to prove it! 

Lizzy: Thank you...Ren Jiro...

Jiro: No problem...

LATER

It was soon to become darken outside and pitch-black. Seeing as it was my time to leave...I spoke with Lizzy a final time before leaving. Her brother was asleep and deserved it. Walking out the door, I felt her grabbing my hand...as began to be curious. She hands me a letter. 

Lizzy: Don't read this till you get home <Trying her best to smile> Okay?

Jiro: Are you sure? 

Lizzy: Positive. 

Jiro: Alright?

Lizzy: But, Jiro...there is something I wanna tell you?!

Jiro: What is it? 

Lizzy: Whatever happens, always know someone is out there waiting for you. Love them with all your heart and care for them until their dying breath. Will you remember that for me? Because, after telling me stories about how you have a little sister at home, I just want you to feel the comfort of a loved one. So, promise me that the letter I gave won't be read till you reach home?

Jiro: I promise, Lizzy. I wish you a peaceful night. Take care of him.

Lizzy: I always do, goodnight Jiro. Come back anytime, ok?

Jiro: Sure will, you two are so generous. Bless your hearts.

Lizzy: Same goes for you, stay safe my friend.

Jiro: I will. <Waving goodbye>

LATER THAT NIGHT

Reaching the palace in time, it was very late but concentrated on returning to Felt. I made it. Yawning as I was near the main door of the palace, I went through to search for Felt, asking the castle servant's...I found her room. Slowly turning the knob to not cause any ruckus from her paranoia, my little sister was asleep. Smiling, I sat on her sleeping side and stroke her hair. Kissing her forehead, I glanced over to my hand...Lizzy's letter.

Jiro: I wonder what she wrote inside?

DEAR JIRO,

IF YOU ARE READING THIS, THAT MEANS YOU FINALLY MADE IT BACK HOME SAFELY. I AM WRITING TO INFROM YOU HOW GRATEFUL I AM TO SPEND TIME WITH YOU. AND FURTHERMORE, TO LET YOU KNOW HOW APPRECIATIVE PATRICK IS. HE'S VERY FOND OF YOUR DELICIOUS COOKING AND I CAN'T MUCH BLAME HIM. BUT, THE MAIN I WROTE THIS LETTER IS TO ACKNOWLEDGE THE---SERIOUS---MATTER---ABOUT MY BIG BROTHER'S CONDITION. THE DOCTOR CHECKED UP ON HIM THREE DAYS AGO AND TOLD ME HE'S DYING. RAPIDLY. THE DISEASE IS EATING HIM AWAY AND THERE IS NOTHING I COULD DO ABOUT IT NOW. PLEASE, DON'T BLAME YOURSELF FOR THIS SITUATION, THIS IS MY RESPONSIBILITY PERSONALLY. PATRICK IS A CARING MAN AND A GOOD BROTHER. HE HAS DONE SO MUCH FOR ME AND IN RETURN, FATE HAS DECIDED I DO THE SAME FOR HIM. FOR ALL THE TIMES I GOTTEN HIM INTO TROUBLE AND FOR ME...BEING THE TROUBLE-MAKER I AM, I LOVE EVERY MOMENT WE ARGUE AND SHOUT AT ONE ANOTHER BECAUSE WE CARE. THAT'S WHAT I'M LOOKING FOWARD TO SEEING IN OTHER SIBLINGS SUCH AS YOURSELF. YOUR SISTER IS A LUCKY GIRL TO HAVE A NICE BIG BROTHER LIKE YOU. IT REMINDS ME OF THE OLD DAYS WHEN WE WOULD RUN AROUND THE FLOWER FIELDS AND JUST ENJOY LIFE. SO, I WANT YOU TO STICK TO YOUR DREAMS, AND TAKE CARE OF HER, ALRIGHT. THIS ISN'T GOODBYE BECAUSE WE'LL MEET AGAIN SOMEDAY...EVENTUALLY. I AM NOT BROKEN INSIDE....AND PATRICK'S DEATH WON'T STOP ME FROM EVER LOVING....BECAUSE HE HAS TOLD ME ONCE BEFORE, IF EITHER ONE PASSES....THE OTHER WOULD MOVE ON AND EXPLORE THE WORLD. I PLAN TO LEAVE SHORTLY AND SEE THE GREAT ASPECTS LIFE HAS TO OFFER...AND I SHALL DO JUST THAT. REMEMBER, THE ONE YOU LOVE INSIDE YOUR HEART TRULY COUNTS. MAKE SURE YOU WRITE TO ME WHENEVER YOU GET THE CHANCE, OKAY. 

SINCERELY, LIZZY

999

Jiro begins to cry over the letter he was given, and feel the appreciation of being an older brother...

Felt: (Groggy) J-Jiro? Why are you crying?

-wiping the tears away from his eyes, Jiro smiles and strokes her hair-

Jiro: It's nothing, pipsqueak. Go back to sleep.

Felt: Okay... <laying down against her pillow while her eyes closed>

Jiro: (Whispering) Thank you, Lizzy. For everything.

-leaning over to kiss Felt's forehead softly-

Jiro: I always love you, Felt. Your big brother will be here for you...Forever.

8/12/20