Hope and Purpose

Brissia looked at the edge of the cliff, unblinking. She trembled from both seeing her almost jump out the window and not seeing Nicholas and Gierra. They vanished like foam being swallowed by the sea.

A light breeze gently brushed the copper hair of the person gripping her hand. The moonlight exposed a figure against the darkness of the room, who had fair skin and was wearing a long white frilly dress. With a concerned look, she drew her into the room, leading her to sit on the edge of the bed, and gave her a light pat on the shoulder.

"It's alright. I've seen something like that before."

Brissia raised her head slowly, giving Alessia a confused look.

Meanwhile, Alessia smiled faintly, sat beside Brissia, and looked out the window with a reminiscing look in her eyes.

"I saw him with me and my friends in school uniforms on the train passing by the River of Flowers when I was at Archtier. He made out with a girl who was my friend."

Alessia paused, shifting her gaze to the reflections of herself and Brissia on the floor.

"I was glad to see that they were merely illusionary shadows. However, my heart ached when I found out later that they were truly in a relationship."

Brissia frowned.

"Wait, that means…."

Alessia shook her head slowly.

"We can't tell if that's a hint of what's to come or something else. But one thing for sure..."

As Alessia's gaze returned to Brissia, Brissia could feel her about to say something more serious than anything before.

"…People who don't transcend the dimension of time don't see illusions."

Brissia rushed to the door, but Alessia quickly locked her hands and neck from behind. She struggled, but it felt like she was trying to break through the metal bars that held her down.

"Who told you our whereabouts?" asked Alessia without loosening her grip on Brissia a bit.

Still trying to break free, Brissia didn't speak up. Between doubt and suspicion, her instincts told her that they were connected to Madame Ouden, be it close or vice versa. Then Alessia tightened her arm around Brissia's neck, making her cough.

"There's no way you'd miss my skills when looking for information about me, right?" said Alessia. "So, you'd better tell us who leaked our address."

"Hmph! Seems like you didn't retire for a good reason that everyone is after you," Brissia said with a small snort and a slight smile.

Her eyes widened as she felt out of breath.

"I don't know who you mean by 'everyone', but you'll only make things more difficult for yourself if you keep refusing to answer," Alessia said coldly.

"Is that so?"

Alessia was taken aback when Brissia suddenly pushed her backward, causing them to fall onto the floor together.

"I was referring to your hunters," said Brissia as she got up when there were no hands holding her back.

With a grimace, Alessia tried to get up, making Brissia take a few steps back. "So, are you one of them?"

Brissia's gaze fell on her reflection in the tall mirror that was standing at her right angle.

"No. I came just to follow Harris because he was my only goal since my first day at Archtier. I have no intention of going after someone who's so oblivious to someone else's suffering."

Alessia stunned for a moment to see a bitter smile etched on the lips of a girl who was dozens of years younger than her. She took a silent step toward Brissia, who was still looking down with a dim expression. However, only two meters before she able to reach her, Brissia suddenly aimed a kick at her, causing her to reflexively back away.

As she stepped back and parried Brissia's movements, Alessia grinned slightly. "You have good stamina and a decent effort to outwit your opponent."

"Why? Did you run out of energy that quickly when fighting enemies in the past?" Brissia asked with a sardonic smile, continuing to push Alessia back.

"Of course not. However, every SURVIVE agent is taught not to run out of one thing in their life..."

Brissia gasped as Alessia swung herself out the wide open window.

"...Which is a strategy."

"No!"

A shrill voice made Brissia quickly turn around. She froze to see Ashley standing in the doorway, staring in shock at the window. Beside her, Harris was as flabbergasted as she was. However then, Brissia could see a hint of anger in his hazel eyes.

As Ashley rushed to the window and Harris walked briskly with her, Brissia squinted, preparing to be slapped in the cheek for making a mother of a child so innocent and someone in need of her help fall down there. However, as soon as Ashley passed her, Brissia's eyes opened wide because someone hugged her tightly.

Harris let go of his embrace, looking at Brissia wistfully. The spark that had previously flashed in Harris's eyes went out, replaced by a look as fragile as snow.

"I heard it, Brissie. The reason you're coming with me."

Harris smiled sincerely at her. "Thank You."

Tears flooded Brissia's eyelids. She didn't move an inch when Harris buried his face in her shoulder.

She wondered why her heart ached so much. She shouldn't have felt any sympathy for anyone there, nor shouldn't have she been moved by someone as cold as her senior and her parents.

However, what could she do when her heart has conquered her body?

Ashley held the window frame at the level of her diaphragm with her body leaning slightly forward. Looking down, she noticed her father was gently helped her mother down from his arms. None of them were injured. Realizing the existence of her only daughter, Alessia smiled gently and raised her thumb at Ashley. Ashley nodded slightly, smiling broadly.

That night's gust of wind not only carried away the sorrow, but also brought back the joy that had long been lost. Together with the sky turning blue, they then welcomed a new day.

"Do any other people know that Brissia is not from Archtier?"

Alessia's question at the dining table drew Veron and Brissia's cautious gaze to Harris in an instant. Harris, on the other hand, took a piece of bread and spread butter on it calmly.

"There's one. And he's the letter writer," he said, handing the bread to Brissia.

"How's his life going?"

"Well…" Harris picked up another piece of bread, glanced at her. "...I'll let you know if you grant my wish."

"Alessia, don't listen to him," Veron said firmly, glaring at Harris. "Is it really that important to know how he's doing that you have to put your heart and soul into helping this random child?"

"He persuaded me that I could see you again after I thought you were gone, Veron," replied Alessia, pointing at Harris. "This man, that you call a random child, has risked his life by coming all the way here. You even saved him from those guys in black robes."

Veron was silent with a slightly cynical look. The silence that enveloped the dining room made Ashley look at her parents with a confused look. However, as she was about to speak, her attention shifted to Brissia who was placing her buttered bun on her plate.

"Come on… can't we have some nice breakfast? There's also a little girl who expects a relaxed morning atmosphere," Brissia said with a mild smile.

Hearing Alessia's small snort, Brissia glanced at her with a miffed look.

"I've known you didn't come here with malicious intent ever since I repelled your attacks yesterday. So, let's hear your friend's plea."

Harris widened his eyes. He glanced at Veron, who gave him a slightly reluctant look, but said nothing.

"Can I truly ask for your help?" Harris asked carefully.

Alessia nodded. "You two can even stay here for a few more days since Ashley seems to like you guys," she continued, chuckling softly.

Harris looked at Ashley who gave him a wide grin. He also glanced at Brissia, who gave him a small nod with a convinced look. Finally, he straightened his head with a look full of confidence and determination.

"I'm hoping you can help me in finding my relative, Miss Savior."