-The next day-
With the safe and triumphant return of Verick's forces came the proud announcement of their victory. This victory proved just how much stronger the Light Legion was.
Everyone celebrated the success, except for one. Verick sat in his sister's room.
The aroma of freshly harvested sugar canes filled his lungs as he brought back his daily gift for her. She rested beside him, wrapped under yellow bedsheets.
Her smile and sun-like eyes softened Verick's militaristic heart. He wasn't the kind to search for a mate, he didn't see a need for it.
Especially when the promise was engraved deep in his mind. It was the only thing that he cared about. That and his sister.
Verick gently rubbed her hand, making sure her body was operating the way it should be. After checking if her blood ran through her veins and her skin felt healthy, he retreated his hand.
He stood up from the bed, walking across the bright room to a nearby table. On that table sat a basket full of those sugar canes. He grabbed one of the cut canes, then placed it in a large wood plate.
Every move he made was with great care. His sister was easily scared, so making sure she didn't get bothered by loud noises was a priority for him.
After preparing the first cane, Verick slowly walked back to his sister. Both of his hands held the plate as he glided over the room.
"Here it is, Nisa," Verick said as he placed the plate over her lap. "Your favorite."
Nisa's eyes looked down at the green cut of sugar cane. She softly smiled, waiting for her brother to feed it to her.
After situating himself on the bed once again. Verick lifted the cane and the plate up to her chin, allowing her to take a bite.
Her eyes closed as she chewed on the sweet grass. The taste made her forget about her situation and bring her to a place of safety. A world where no one could reach her, except for her brother.
"I wish I could hear you speak once again, Nisa. I remember the last time I heard your voice - your last words. I yearn for the day you heal," Verick told her.
Upon hearing this, Sina spat out the chewed cane. It landed right on the plate. Then Verick instinctively brought the cane back up to her mouth, but then realized something was off.
Sina was frowning.
"I'm sorry. It's that I dream of the day you are capable of talking and moving your body on your own. But don't take it as a burden. I enjoy being your strength and voice," Verick quickly clarified.
That made Sina neutral again, allowing her brother to put the cane back in her mouth. She took another bite and continued to chew on it. Instantly making her feel better.
Moments like this were what kept Verick from going unhinged. Being with his sister, even long after their parent's passing, made him feel at home again.
But after one day, his whole world changed. He had to force himself to become stronger, not because of selfishness. All Verick wanted was to be the strength of his sister as well.
He still remembered it. Them running through Etek Dur's forest floors, then getting stuck in the mud. Then the frightened Abako that caused a small tree to fall, and the sound of it striking the back of her neck.
Putting an end to her voice and body. If it wasn't for him being there that day, she would have been dead. And she believed she was. But Verick refused to allow nature to take this soul.
He dragged her back home, then ran to town. Every time he saw someone capable of curing his sister, he demanded them to do it. But every attempt made failed.
Nisa spat the chewed up cane out. She patiently waited for her brother to give her another piece. Verick understood and brought the cane back up to her mouth.
Seeing his sister smile was a treasure that meant trillions awards, honors, victories, and jewels to him. It reminded him of the day he made the promise.
He remembered sobbing like a baby over his sister's defeated body. Until he heard a knock at the door. He wiped away the tears and tried his best to look normal for the guest.
When he opened the door, a large figure stood in the doorway. Verick welcomed them inside. Kas thanked Verick for letting him in his home, then asked one simple question.
"I heard you wanted to be your sister's voice and strength. Do you really?"
Verick glanced at his sister, who tried her best to turn her eyes far enough to see them. Seeing her struggle ignited a raging flame inside his soft heart.
After their meeting, Verick returned to his sister with a smile on his face and tears rolling down his cheeks. His expression seemed strange, especially since he recently was sobbing.
"Sina, I am going to get personally trained by Kas as heir to his position. This is my opportunity to be your support. I promise I will fulfill that duty, and we will live our lives in peace together."
Just the echo of his voice inside his mind made him feel a strong sense of accomplishment. Because under that strong, ruthless warrior facade was an immense amount of fear.
Being heir to Kas' position naturally meant fighting for him during conflicts. And Infinus has been a growing concern for him.
He was afraid of what they might do to his sister. So when the plans of a bout were set in motion, he felt regret and a devouring sense of dread.
It felt like his final living days before walking to a field where his execution was to be held. His death would have meant shame to the Legion, and also serious mental issues for his sister.
Variants of all kinds could run the risk of mental health issues. And being in Sina's position put her at a great risk. But her brother was the only thing keeping her away from those dark days.
Sina spat out the cane, then waited patiently for another bite. Verick delivered. Allowing her to continue chewing.
"You're a sweet girl, Sina. Sweeter than these canes. You deserve a better life. If I had the opportunity to swap places with you I would," Verick commented.
From Sina's closed eyes, two tears rolled down her face. It was her only way of communicating without using facial expressions. Every time she felt thankful, she would let out two tears.
She had complete control over these tears. The amount that came out, the size, color. Everything related to tears, she had control over. And its all thanks to her Third Rule.
No one knows why she was granted one since it went against all the theories Thawed had in the past. But Verick saw this as a blessing.
Every day he starts it off by telling a little prayer to the Nine, thanking them for letting his sister live and recover. While also allowing her a new method of communicating down the line.
"Are you satisfied with the amount of cane you've had today?" Verick asked her.
She opened her eyes and smiled. Letting him know she was happy. And he was happy too. They were happy together. During those dark days, the two made a powerful bond.
One that surpassed their own hearts. It felt like an unnatural force that destined the two to never leave each other's sides.
Despite how much Verick wished his sister fully recovered, he was thankful for being with her. Thankful for being able to spend time with her and take care of her.
He remembered comforting her and her comforting him after their parents passed away from natural causes. The gaping hole in their hearts felt unreal, but they managed through it.
"Sina, would you like to hear how the battle yesterday went?" Verick excitedly asked.
She focused her eyes on him, signalling she was interested. With that, he began to tell the story. From start to finish, making sure to leave no details out.
He wanted her to imagine it for herself, as if she was there as well. This tradition has been going on since his first major conflict.
Telling these sorts of stories to his sister reminded her of the outside world. How lively it is and how vast everything was outside her bedroom walls.
Instead of imagining the story as Verick told it, Sina thought to herself. She was happy, despite her situation.
Her mind was trying to yell out as loud as it could. Hoping Verick could hear her mind scream how thankful she was and just how amazing he had been to her.
And somewhere in the distance, an entity granted her that wish.
Demon saw himself and Ether in Sina and Verick. Back when he was still killable and alive, Ether would tackle him and try to hold him in tight Yonie grasps.
Verick stopped telling his story. His mind heard her voice tell him how thankful she was, and how she hoped he would get the very best in life.
"I am hearing your voice in my head?" Verick wondered out loud.
That's when he saw her eyes dilate and mouth hang open in shock. Her voice continued to speak to him, confirming he could hear her.
[Enjoy it, little, little Zegi. I am extremely sorry, but I am not the bad guy here. You can blame the Nine. But while time is low, enjoy yourselves. It's the least I can do for you.]