Siblings

In the café that Ethan had recently bought, he was sipping his coffee while sitting across from a beautiful woman with black hair, who was quietly reviewing some documents.

Ethan's calm demeanor seemed typical, even though he was still suffering the lingering effects of having absorbed so much pain.

"How are you?" asked Sarah, who had come here as soon as she heard that her brother had faced a category five dark entity.

"Not great. Who would have thought that after moving to this town, I'd be surrounded by so many bad things?" Ethan had no problem with his sister, though there wasn't much of a sibling bond between them.

Sarah, well-acquainted with her brother, said, "You're a ten-tailed guardian. I've never heard of a kitsune with more than nine tails. Many assume it's because of the guardian's heritage, but I think that's nonsense."

"Of course, it's nonsense. Those old fools who retired after suffering a not-so-lethal injury were just opposing me without any real basis."

As a regent, Ethan was above the entire S.G.C., but these so-called elders were retired hunters who were responsible for training new hunters to face the evil forces.

Ignoring this, Sarah said, "You need to find a wife. The family is demanding that you have children."

"And bring them into this crappy world? I think I'll pass on that idea. Besides, I think I'm sterile."

"Does it not work?"

"I didn't say that. I just don't think I'll have kids in this life." Ethan was convinced of this fact—he wouldn't be so cruel as to bring new lives into this world.

No one knows when humanity will lose the battle against dark entities; at times, they've been on the brink of annihilation, and few people realize it.

As regent, Ethan knew the darkest secrets of the S.G.C., and many believed that the Catholic Church was humanity's number one enemy, as they would lead the way for the Antichrist.

Even the Association of Light had repeatedly criticized how those fanatics carried the crucified Jesus as if it were a symbol of victory.

Of course, Ethan was not the one to criticize this, and his judgment was based on many unofficial interventions by the Catholic Church in his elimination operations.

"You're exhausted. Increase the dosage of your pills and don't leave the house for a few weeks." Sarah knew her brother was suffering, but since she wasn't in a position to insist, she didn't push the issue.

Ethan stood up and said, "You should go back home, where it's safer. It's dangerous here."

"Don't treat me like a child, Ethan; you're not my father."

"Is that your excuse for rejecting my kindness? Everywhere is dangerous, but you know how demons come after members of our family. At least in the Winchester mansion, you'll be safe."

"You're right; no one seems to mind if I'm a bit more selfish."

"You still blame yourself for what happened in our childhood. I told you, I don't want your guilt. I've never considered you a pillar of support before, and I won't now," Ethan said, looking at his sister, who smiled.

She had never helped him when he was a child and never defended him, simply staying out of his life and leaving him alone during those harsh training sessions. Sarah, on the other hand, was treated like a princess—after all, she was supposed to bring secure descendants to the Winchester family.

But curiously, she has never married or even had a boyfriend, rejecting her fate with a firm hand despite those who tried to persuade her otherwise.

Ethan, as the new heir of the Winchester family, did not punish her for this, nor did he force his sister to marry.

But he does wonder if he feels any resentment—perhaps it's just confusion. Why did he have to make the sacrifice so that others could live happy lives?

He answered that question a long time ago, but he also knows that it's not his obligation.

"I'm leaving, sis. This time, don't cause any trouble, so you can leave in peace," Ethan said after finishing his coffee.

Sarah watched Ethan leave and sighed softly, her hands trembling slightly as she murmured, "I'm really sorry, brother."