"Johann, Johann, hurry! We're going to miss it"

"Be careful, Tricia. You might trip. Wait for me, we'll go together. There's going to be a lot of people, you'll get lost."

I caught up to the energetic figure waiting for me with a smile. Her optimism was something I'd thought would rub onto me, but never did. Nevertheless, she didn't give up on that character of hers. And for that, I was happy for her to be by me in these tough times. She kept the house from being entirely gloomy, for one.

She's my precious little sister, well, adoptive. But that never really mattered as time passed. The fact that we weren't directly related was erased soon enough when we were tested by those said tough times, and I'm glad to have come out on top of those cases. Needless to say, I've kept her close and safe after that, even if she says I'm too overprotective of her.

She gently took my hand and pulled on it, urging me to move towards the venue in the distance.

"Stop spacing out, Johann, you always do that. Now come on, it's about to start!"

"I know, I know. Calm down. We'll get there in time, You won't miss out on anything."

"Are you sure?" she asked, looking back at me in order to reaffirm my enthusiasm for the festivities happening in the distance.

I did my best smile, but that only made her more skeptical as it was seen by her to be strained rather than natural. She'd give off a pout most of the time, lecturing me about why I should smile naturally and some other things, but usually she would laugh at the attempt. This time, it was different.

She pulled my hand with the little strength she had, forcing me to my knee, my face levelling with hers. She looked at me like a strict mother would with her child and started massaging my cheeks with a round motion, mushing my cheeks like a clay mold.

"What are you doing, Tricia?" I asked, my voice mumbling up as she continued whatever it was she was intending on doing.

"Helping you with that strain," she said. "You can't go like that to the festival. You'll scare away my friends and my potential big sisters with that."

There she goes again with that joke. Plus, it's not a strain, it's how I naturally am.

"I told you before, I'm not looking for anyone. I'm fine with having to take care of you. You're a handful as it is," I said jokingly, even though half of it was true. I'd never truly admit it since she becomes too timid to express herself, but it doesn't seem to affect her that much anymore after being drawn out of her shell.

"What? You're dressed up nicely, too! If I wasn't your sister, I'd go for you, Johann, just so you know," she said in a cutesy manner, puckering her lips like a child and winking. I felt my stomach lurch at it, but I held it back.

I'd say I was decently dressed, however. It was just clothes lent to me by someone I know, and it seemed to fit me just fine. A long-sleeved, button-up white shirt with a collar, brown pants and a suspender. It wasn't anything fancy, but it was something that I hadn't worn before as far as I know.

"Stop messing around," I said, grabbing and molding her cheeks with my hands, doing the same thing she was doing to mine. "Aren't you the one who said that we should hurry up?" I stood and started walking once more, finishing off by pinching her cheeks as a lesson. She let out a dramatic, shrill yell and massaged the part that I pinched, looking to get some sympathy from me.

"You're trying to avoid it again!" she pointed out at the topic.

"Not like it'll get us anywhere anyway. Don't worry about me. As long as I have you, I'm fine with having to devote all my time to see you grow up. It's what mom and dad would've wanted, so I guess I'll count myself in that team, too."

She snickered, looking slightly to her side.

"Ohoho, there's that creepy side of you again, Johann. You always say the most cheesy lines. Save it for that special someone. I can take care of myself."

"Hey, I'm trying to be brotherly here. Cut me some slack, will you? Besides, you get to tell me that once you can clean up your own room and cook your own food. That'll mean I'll be with you until you get old, but I'm fine with that," I retorted with a snide chuckle.

Unable to reply, Tricia gave me a sour look as if to raise her flag of surrender.

"You win this time, Johann," she said dejectedly.

"You're welcome," I said, ruffling her hair, laughing lightly at these simple kinds of moments that we share.

Soon we arrived to the festival. It was a small gathering from the local villages that started off as something small, but then grew as the locals seemed to like the idea. The origin was to celebrate a good year of harvest, and that's where people started bringing in food that they cooked using the crops they planted. How it got to this point where it was celebrated like a festival is beyond me. It simply stuck and became even more than a simple gathering as far as some of the old ones know.

We came upon the entrance bathed with a tender light. The entrance arc was made of wood and had "Welcome everyone" painted on it brightly. Beyond that was an even brighter parade of lights where the bustling sound of people heaved back and forth. People wearing different styles of clothing and characters could be seen mingling or perusing the attractions.

More and more people were coming as the festival itself was just beginning. Children of all ages and adults of all groups were present, enjoying the joy-filled atmosphere under the night sky that shone brightly overhead. That too was a welcome sight for me.

There was a loud beating of drums and the melody of strings being played in the background, attracting more and more from far away places beyond the villages, as if the intent was to entice them from the very beginning. In the very middle of the festival grounds were a band of people playing all kinds of amazing instruments, adding more energy to what already is an overwhelming sight to me.

"Over there, Johann! Let's go check that out!" she insisted, pulling me along. I allowed her to lead me since she was the sort to enjoy these things without hesitation, and stopping her would be near impossible. Not that I minded or anything. She wasn't like this back then, after all. And so, I was dragged around everywhere there seemed to be something interesting going on.

"Hey, be careful not to bump into anyone, alright?"

Stalls were lined up, offering a wide variety of delicacies that gave off an appetizing smell. Whether it be sweets or something with meat, it was irresistible, like a trance pulling you into it. The ones in charge of the stalls yelled energetically, pulling in a group of customers with a bright smile as he offered his products.

Tricia got into a line of a specific stall and waited patiently, something I thought she wouldn't do at a festival at all. We bought a sizable helping of what seemed to be meat basted in sweet and sour sauce, skewered onto a stick along with some seasoned vegetables that added to the aroma and taste. It's a complete appetizer that'll fill you, as I heard it whisper to me in the form of its presentation and mouth-watering image.

Piping hot, I cooled it down and took a bite of it, feeling a gentle emergence of flavor from the meat in combination with the vegetables, which weren't too hard nor too soft. It was good, something I added into my recipe book in my head.

"Make a thin batter for the meat using simple sauces as to not overwhelm the one eating it... Maybe add a bit of spices that mellow out the aroma and lightly fry it for a few minutes until the exterior is not too crunchy, but just right... then, the vegetables..."

"Hey, Johann, hellooo. You're getting lost in that world of yours again. I swear, you make a better housewife than any other housewife out there. I bet other people can't imagine someone like you, who looks moody and unsociable, to be thinking about cooking at a time like this."

I snapped back to reality as she waved her hands in front of me, forcing me hearing her banter.

"Say all you want, you'll be begging for me to replicate the dish soon enough, just like always. And don't try to retort anything, otherwise it'll be a diet for you and me."

"How cruel! You're a tyrant, you know that? A dad tyrant... wait, that doesn't sound right. You clean, cook, wash the dishes and laundry... A mom tyrant! yeah, that's just about it."

"If I don't do any of those, then no one will. Besides, a tyrant? A slave's more like it. Besides, you'll need that diet of greens soon enough. Saying that it's baby fat all the time won't save you."

"Hey, that's a sensitive area, alright? Someone really needs to teach you about the subtle things. The stuff you can and can't say to a girl," she said, putting her hands on her waist, a gesture that means there's a chance she'll be lecturing me again about something random.

"Well, aren't you one?" I asked.

She froze up, her eyes opening as if she had just thought of a revelation. "... W-well, I am, but I'm just not quite at that level yet, you know? I still need a few more birthdays, and then I'll be mature enough for something like that."

"What are you going on about this time? You're twelve. You're past the deadline of being mature, in fact, you're late."

"I'm a late bloomer!" she said with confidence.

"That's not how you use it, but whatever you say."

We kept on going, enjoying the different sights that the festival had to offer. I found myself enjoying it as well, to an extent at least. As long as Tricia was having her fun, nothing else mattered. As time passed, the atmosphere became more and more lively, and soon the height of it all was closing in. Not wanting to miss out on anything, Tricia walked at twice the speed, meaning, so did I.

I've thought about it for quite a while, but there not many times when she genuinely enjoys herself without reserve. I was glad that she was like this. In truth, before all this, we weren't as close. She was closest to my father, the one who adopted her. I won't get too much into that, but she was quiet, timid and almost kept to herself most of the time. As if the house needed two people like that.

... That smile of hers, I want to do everything I can to protect it. Not just because I promised, but because she's the only real family I have left. It's a bit vexing, honestly, seeing all these happy families walking about. It's not for me, anyway. It's for Tricia. I don't think she's satisfied with being with just me seeing as I don't offer much to take care of her. She's been through a lot, and I'd like to make that load off her back a bit lighter. I just don't know how.

"Hey, Johann, look at those. Why can't you be like those couples holding hands and being happy at a time like this."

She pointed at a group of flirting couples surrounding us. There were many, as far as I can tell, but for some reason, it's irritating me. I don't know why since I don't harbor and clear resentment of couples, but I just feel genuinely irritated at the sight.

"Yikes, a-are you alright, Johann? You're making a pretty terrifying face."

Realizing that, I shook my head and faced Tricia. "Oh, it's nothing. What do you need?"

"I think the question should be what do you need? You looked like you were about to go on a warpath."

As we bantered amongst ourselves for who knows how long, Tricia turned around upon hearing her name being called.

"Tricia, Johann! I knew the voices seemed familiar."

"Oh, Johann, look! It's Julia!" Tricia yelled out, escaping my grasp and running up to a familiar face.

A girl wearing a simple brown dress with a long skirt opened her arms. Her long dark, braided hair rested in front her right shoulder. Her face was gentle and the envy of some, while on the other hand she was sought out by many. That was how it was back then, but seeing it now, I don't think it changed anything.

I've known her for a while since we were neighbors. No, maybe a long while, back when we were still kids. I remember playing with her and a few others, and back then she was still the same. It's been a while since we've last talked. She looks a bit different from back then, but that air of hers is still there.

I walked towards them and raised a hand in greetings. I didn't exactly know how to greet her at this point, but anything was better than nothing.

"You're back! I didn't know you were coming to the festival. Where have you been lately, how've you been doing?" Tricia asked.

"Still working. It's gotten quite hectic lately, but I'm working hard helping people get better. People who need someone have us to depend on."

Last I remembered, she was a herbalist, a gifted one at that. She was still young when she was taught that, and soon she became versed in things pertaining diseases and ailments. Of course, she took that to the towns and went there with her parents often for experience and work. That's when I didn't see her often anymore.

The two of them shared laughs and caught on as if they were never separated. The two were like sisters at one point. They hung out and became close to each other quickly. She just had that personality to draw in others, like me. It was nice seeing her healthy and well, but a part of me wants to talk to her as well, just like back then. But for some reason, I couldn't find the courage to do it.

I don't know what's wrong with me. Something like talking should be easy to do, isn't it?

"How have you been lately, Johann?" she asked, catching me off guard. "It's been a while, hasn't it? You've grown a lot these past few years. What have you been up to?"

I was at a loss for words. I tried to think of something to say, but I argued it in my mind that it wasn't anything that'll interest her. Should I talk about the chores I did, the people I met doing my job? I just can't find anything interesting.

I glanced at Tricia, who made erratic gestures, telling me with her lips to "Say something!"

"I, uh, I've been learning how to defend myself from some local retired knights. You know old man Fischer and Brodun? Those ones."

Tricia covered her face with her hand, shaking her head as if I had done something wrong.

"Oh, how interesting. Tell me more while we go take a look around. I haven't seen everything here yet, but I've heard that there's going to be something special soon. I can't wait for it," she said, her smile beaming. It's a lot different from before, yet the same.

I know I won't be able to admit nor say something like this outright, but she's... She looks good.

"You know, you really are a smooth talker, aren't you, Johann. Way to make your sister proud."

"I can feel that you're not too sincere about what you're trying to say."

"Ah, do I have a dense brother?! Don't worry Johannes," she said, patting me on the back sympathetically. "Your little sister will be here for you no matter what. I'll make you into a lady-killer in no time."

"Not interested."

"You should be!"

Again, Tricia and I fooled around as Julia admired the sights of the festival. It seemed that it wasn't too much for her, in fact, she went with the flow and added to that.

"Hey," nudged Tricia using her elbow. "You two go do some catching up. I see some of my friends from the village over there. I'll go with them and find you later before the final event."

"Wait a second--"

Before I could stop her, she had already left, using her surprising, dormant energy to run away from me.

"Look, Johann, isn't that dance beautiful? And their costumes, it looks pleasant, isn't it?--"

Julia called me as my back was turned. I found myself face to face with her, close enough as to see her green eyes clearly. I backed away on instinct and looked at the ground, feeling my heart beating loudly and fast. My hands spasmed as I grasped at air, thinking of what to do. I caught a whiff of her fragrance which tickled my nose.

"Ah, sorry about that," I said on impulse. The rest of the words wouldn't come out, and forcing it didn't help.

"No, no, it's fine, she said," looking down at the ground as well. She was twiddling with her fingers, taking awkward glances back up at me, waiting for something to happen.

Though a lot of people were present and were walking by us, I could hardly hear the noises that they were making. It was as if the space containing Julia and I were separating us from the rest of the people around us. Those may just be delusions for me, but it felt real.

"J-Johann."

"Julia."

We spoke at the same time to break the silence. It was quickly becoming awkward, as if it already wasn't. I need to do something to break the this dry spell, and fast. I want to say a lot of things, so I can't hold myself back anymore.

"You can go first," she said.

I didn't pass up the opportunity and went for it instead.

"We haven't talked for a long time, haven't we?"

"Yeah, we haven't. How has taking care of Tricia been? I'm sorry I haven't been able to lend you a hand as much."

"It's fine. You taught me more than I needed to know already, and because of you, we're living a nice, quiet life. Though she makes it a bit louder, it's her, so it doesn't matter."

She giggled, looking back at me. "You're still the overprotective brother that I left you as, aren't you? You've grown more mature, Johann, I can tell. I can see it in your eyes too. You've gotten taller and much more responsible. It's like I'm looking at a different person. Unlike me, I haven't changed at all, haven't I?" she laughed wryly at herself.

"That isn't so bad. I prefer you as you have been, though I don't see change as something of a bad thing. You're fine as you are, Julia."

The words just came flowing out without me having to think of them. It's as if the words were already premade and were ready to be read. But I never recalled thinking of them in the first place.

"Oh... Y-you've become quite straight forward too, haven't you?" she turned away, her cheeks flushing faintly. I thought my words were poorly chosen, but that didn't seem to be the case since she hasn't run off yet. "Different from the old Johann that I knew, but yet the same still. You're not like that timid child sitting under the tree anymore, aren't you?"

"I might still be. I don't think I'd want to forget that girl who likes to smile as she asks me all the time if I wanted to play. The one who pulled me away from that tree I always hid under. I think I'll always be that little kid as long as she's there."

She smiled, as things started to thaw out. I thought that the words I said were the worst possible things to have ever come out of my mouth, but I can never really tell what should be said or not.

It became easier to talk with her after all that. A massive load had been taken off my chest, and I was glad for it. We were able to spend time just like back then, and it all felt natural.

We started catching up with each other, not caring whether it was mediocre or anything extraordinary. We both enjoyed each other's company regardless, and with that, I got to know more about her than I thought I already had.

Soon, the ones who organized the festival started running around, announcing that the finale was about to begin. People waited in anticipation to know what it was about since there had been an excitement build around it. No one knew for sure, but it was rumored to be a sight to behold for many.

Tricia reunited with us, and we started making our last rounds, checking out the remaining stalls that we haven't tested out yet, the three of us.

"And you know, Johann just didn't seem up for it. I mean, she was really beautiful! But he didn't react at all. I started doubting whether he had a thing for guys at that point, but I wasn't going to lose my brother, so I'm still hoping."

"Hey, what ridiculous stuff are you telling Julia this time?" I asked, irritated and embarrassed at what she might think. Would she believe something like that and distance us?

I glanced at her see what she would say.

"Good work on holding on, Johann," she whispered, winking, making something inside me flutter for a short while. I felt my cheeks become hot, so I turned away hoping that she didn't notice.

"He's blushing?! My brother? No, you're not my brother!" Tricia announced. "What did you do with him?!"

"Hey, stop moving around so much back there, you're making this harder than it should be to carry someone."

"Wha- how cruel. You're indirectly telling your dear sister that she weighs a lot. Always lacking in delicacy."

"Remember that vegetable diet we were talking about earlier? Won't it be nice if we start early? I'm sure that'll help you a lot with this problem of yours. Maybe I'll cook up something good for breakfast tomorrow?" I turned to Tricia and gave her a look with smiles and irritation mixed in. Honestly, I didn't know what I looked like, but if I'm going to be embarrassed in front of Julia, then I'll bring her down with me.

Julia laughed from the side, looking at the both of us.

"You two get along so well as usual. I'm quite envious of that."

"You can have him if you want to," said my sister casually.

"Think about that again, Tricia," I said, trying to jog her memory.

"Oh, right, my savior and gourmet provider. Nevermind, I still need him. Sorry, Julia. He's just that good at doing what he does, boring and tiring work."

"You just can't give me a break, can't you?"

The two of them laughed the entire thing off, making me relieved to see that they knew it had all been a joke.

"We look like a family, don't we?" said Tricia. "Too bad it isn't real. Johann is just so uptight about these things, it's concerning."

"Just ignore him, Julia. She's just saying more nonsense."

"I wouldn't mind at all." She finished her sentence there. I waited for more words to come out, but nothing. What a let-down, but, I might just be thinking about things too much. That wink she gave me at the end of that sentence shouldn't mean anything more, right?

And as if on queue, the entire festival grounds became dark and dim. The lanterns, torches and the lights were doused, and no one knew what was happening, not until the sky erupted with a dazzling array of colors and hues. Sparkles of different myriads filled the sky as they disappeared. Then more followed, a single projectile in the air making a whistling sound as it blew up in the sky, emerging from it another display of colors. It took everyone's attention, including mine. The sounds of people's awes echoed throughout.

It was my first time seeing something like it. I thought I'd be scared of something like that, but instead, it made me feel happy to be standing where I am right now. Standing beside Julia, and with Tricia, who sat on my shoulders. It was yet another moment that I would surely treasure no matter how much time passes.

"Hey, Johann." A voice form above me spoke. She tapped on my head with her fingers and spoke, looking at the sky where the display still continued. She had a solemn look to her face, something I never see often, not unless there was something serious happening.

"Don't forget about yourself, alright? You always take care of me no matter what, and right now, as I am, I don't think I can do anything to repay you. All I can say for now is that, I'm glad to have had you as my brother."

I saw a smile appear on her face, warming my heart.

"I'm glad to have you as my sister, too, Tricia," I said to her.

From the corner of my eye, as the explosions were still taking place, I saw a strange flicker of light from a distance by the forests to the west of the festival grounds. The light disappeared right away, so I disregarded it and turned my attention back to the explosions taking place. I knew that it was something I'd regret ignoring, but all I knew at that point was that I wanted to enjoy this moment for as long as I could.

It was short-lived, happy memory in return for a life filled with agony and suffering...