The Sisters

"What do they gain with that?"

"Power, My Lord."

The ends justify the means thinking huh. They're humans indeed.

"Well then, pack your stuff, we will go as soon as fern— Oh! We are travelling with humans! You fine with that?"

"Yes, My Lord. I'm fine travelling with those you see fit."

"Well then, pack your stuff. I will come back here when we are ready to go."

"As you wish, My Lord."

Then she burrows into the ground, not even leaving a hole.

Where was that camp again? Right, follow the willow trees… I wonder how Ivy is doing right now.

**Ivy perspective********

"Sister." I called to Iris while running in the plains.

"Yes?"

I thought for a while… Is this an insensitive question? But still, I asked, "Were you angry at… that otherworlder?"

"Were you?" She returned.

"Well, in a way, he helped us." I answered.

"No! He did not help us… If you think of it, yeah, he kinda did." She replied.

"I kinda hope he's at peace now."

"But sister, don't dress betrayal as a favor." Iris winced.

We entered the next forest on our bucket list. A forest of metal. Where the barks of trees are made of very hard steel and the leaves are thin, soft flakes of iron or gold… But they're useless to us.

"You go find fruits and pack them sister." I commanded Iris. To which, she simply nodded and went on her way.

I slowly stood there, admiring the bright luster of the trees, the leaves and everything. I wonder if he would be happy to see this.... He probably would. I continue to the forest, not noticing any life which is very… strange. There would usually be orcs here, searching for materia—

"Go!" a human voice resounded. "Find those sylphs!" Followed by loud shouts of men.

What!? Humans? What are they doing here… I have to hide.

I quickly ran up to the tallest tree, commanding it to bring me to it's highest branch. And after a few seconds, the metal tree began to melt as I leaned on it, bringing me to it's peak where I can oversee most of the forest.

And there, I can see them. The same dragon crest on their shields. The same golden breastplates. The same swords, stained with bloods of hypocrisy. The same humans that attacked us as Lord Graslis did.

I slowly got closer, hopping from one tree to another, trying to search for my sister… She's alone.

The humans split up, but maintained that aura of danger. Maybe I can defeat one group. I readied my bow, raising it on my right hand as I silently hopped trees to follow one group. They are composed of 3 Knights, two scouts and a mage, marching in a diamond formation with the mage in the middle. I should try to take out the mage first, but they could also have anti-projectile artifacts… I plucked an arm-sized branch, positioned myself on top of them and dropped it. The air whistled as the iron branch fell. But as it got closer to the group, it bounced midair, revealing a huge dome that covered the group.

I knew it, I could have exposed myself. Maybe Iris could have shattered that dome. But where is she? I just hope that she's aware of the humans.

"They've found one sylph." The mage suddenly spok… What?! Is that… No.

The group ran towards one direction, and I followed. I shouldn't make a slither of noise, those scouts could probably be strong enough to spot me. Should I keep following them? They might spot me…. But it's my sister! I should - ack!

The branch I hopped on suddenly snapped, but it didn't fall. -aaahhh!! Losing my balance, I fell down.

How did I lose my balance?!

I'm on free-fall. A sense of dread suddenly came over me. I pro-probaly have a few seconds till I fa—

The tree I hopped on suddenly moved, snagging me and dragging me inside it. It's conscious? So the forest heart could be still...alive? I should be alive to see that.

Crap! I-I got a stop them...should I?

Afterwards, the tree pulled me out of itself, placing me on one of it's high branches. Albeit not that high, this should be enough for now. I sat down, leaning on the tree. I knew it, the tree broke a rib. And I lost track of the humans...crap.

After a few minutes, the pain in my chest began to subside. But my heart started to beat harder, knowing my sister is still out there. I looked down and… humans?!

Why are they here?!

Do they know I'm here?

No…no…no,no,no.

"The Sylph is not far from us." I heard one of them say. At this point. I did not dare look down. I'm too afraid. I might be strong but… not against that many—at least, not by myself. I should have gone with them…

I grip my heart and covered my mouth, trying to hush my heavy breathing. But then, the tree shook. Are they cutting the tree? If they are... I wish I could have seen my sister. Should I go up the crown?

After pondering a little, I decided to go. Go and hide atop the crowns of the tree, like a coward. I crouched, knowing that the crown is much more fragile than the branches… and branches snapped.

The shaking of the tree grew stronger. I should jump to the other tree once this falls. I waited… the shaking of the tree made my balance unstable, but it should fall any time—now!

I leaped with all my—AHHHHHHH!

A pillar of fire erupted, missing me with only a few inches. But the tips of my dresses burnt. Is that an otherworlder?

I landed on the tree, chasing my breath. If I had been any later… WHERE'S MY SISTER?! I can't… I can't leave her alone.

My heart kept palpitating. I want to jump tree to tree but the humans… my sister is there somewhere. I looked down at the gaps between the leaves and saw the humans cut down other trees.

I looked around and spotted a tall tree about 7 more trees away from me. Seeing that the humans might not be paying attention to me, I took my chance. I leapt towards the tree after tree as quickly and quietly as I can.

Looking behind me, there aren't any fire pillars… that's a good sign. With the tall tree in front of me, I jumped from one branch to another till eventually, I am at the peak.

I closed my eyes and closed off my senses. Afterwards, I could see fluctuations… very strong mana fluctuations. A fight? Between who— MY SISTER!

*In Graslis's Manor*

A door opened, bringing light to the dark and bleak room where Graslis sits in.

"Well hello there." Graslis smirked.

Maxis slowly walked inside, stopping as Graslis spoke. "Lord Graslis." He bowed.

"How did you know?" He asked Maxim after settling in a chair.

Graslis frowned, pouring blood-red wine on two glasses. "Know about?" He asked while pouring.

"Know about My… your brother."

"Well, I can tell at first glance."

"That what, Lord Graslis?"

"That he is not, my brother."

"What if you're wro—"

Graslis leapt from his seat, his face right in front of Maxim. "I am the eyes of death, Maxim. Not one soul is misjudged in front of me." He whispered.

Graslis stood up straight, straightened his collar and returned to his seat. Maxim remained quiet.

Shortly after, Ren appeared at the door.

"I only see you and Ren." Graslis spoke, breaking the silence as he handed one glass of wine to Maxim. .

Taking the wine, Maxim replied, "Ivy went to the metal forest with Iri—"

"WHAT?!" Graslis jumped, his face twisting. "THERE ARE HUMANS THERE MAXIM!"

Panic dawned on Maxim's face and his heart pounded. His hands shook tremendously, dropping the wine on his hands.

He immediately turned around, and saw Ren outside the door, looking at him, her eyes wide. But did not say anything. And Maxim also only looked at her.

"LE-LEAVE NOW STOP STANDING AROUND!" Graslis screamed.

His shout woke Maxim up as he immediately ran past Ren, towards the hallway and then disappeared to thin air.

Graslis crashed down on his couch, both his hands on his head. "KALGAR!" He shouted.

And after a few seconds, a thick mass of smoke formed behind him, slowly coming to form as Kalgar.

"Yes, My Lord?"

"Bri-" Graslis sighed. "Wh-what is Illar doing?"

"Feasting on deprived souls, My Lord."

"Summon him." He ordered. "Make him follow Maxim."

"As you wish, My Lord." Kalgar answered.Sneaking a glance at Ren standing at the door as his eyes drooped, before disappearing again.

A bout of silence covered the room. With only the cracks of the fireplace and Graslis's manic taps on the table being audible.

"Ren?" Graslim whispered.

But she did not respond.

"REN!" He screamed. Jolting her.

"Y-yes, Lord Gralis…" She replied weakly.

"Go res, we will leave soon, and you are barely functioning."

"As you wish… Lord Graslis." She replied, squeezing her eyes shut.