"But that saber is mine, not yours! Give it back," she demanded, snatching it from my grasp and resuming her play downstream.
Her words hit me hard. I realized she saw me as an intruder, someone who had taken away the attention and affection she once had all to herself. She had spent much more time with our mother than I ever did, and my sudden appearance disrupted the dynamic she was used to. The old me might have dismissed her as a spoiled child, but knowing only a small fragment of her life story changed my perspective.Like me, Iris had never known her parents or had a stable home. She had wandered from one orphanage to another, longing for a family to love and care for her. I understood her yearnings and fears all too well, for I had once been in her shoes. I knew what it was like to dream of a different life, to wish for something more, only to fear that it would never come true.But unlike Iris, I had grown up long ago. I didn't need constant attention or care; all I craved was a sense of belonging. And as long as I had a place to call home, I would be content."Why do you hate me?" I asked bluntly, tired of beating around the bush."I-I don't hate you. I just don't like you, that's all! You stole mommy away from me!" Iris yelled back, her emotions finally surfacing."Iris, I wouldn't dare to steal Mommy away from you. Even if I wanted to, she wouldn't leave such a brave girl like you. Who would protect her if you weren't around?" I spoke softly, trying to reassure her."Really? Do you mean it?" Her expression changed, hope gleaming in her eyes."I really do. I could never protect her as you can. Look, I don't even have a saber!""You sure seem weak. But not to worry, I will protect you too!" Iris grinned, raising the stick high above her head.For a moment, I considered boasting about the powers I once had, but I decided to let her enjoy her moment of triumph."But, can you grant me one wish?" I asked."What is it?""I've never had a family before, and it would mean a great deal to me if you accepted me as your big brother. What do you say?""Alright, on one condition!""And what's that?""I won't be your little sister; instead, you will be my little brother, and I will be the big sister!""But I'm older than you. How would that work?""Well, it doesn't really matter how it would work. Just shut up! Do you accept the deal or not?""Fine, I accept your deal, big sister," I agreed, unable to resist her infectious enthusiasm."Very well then! Follow me, big brother!" Iris grabbed my hand and began pulling me toward our home, already forgetting our agreement.Her neck-length brown hair was damp from playing, and her hazel eyes sparkled in the sunlight. Her hand was almost as big as mine, reminding me of how small I had become. Determination surged within me. "Starting tomorrow," I vowed, I will begin training so that one day I will regain the strength I once possessed, ensuring that no harm befalls those I hold dear."Little did I know, fate had other plans in store.