My parents.
Supposedly, they both disappeared not too long after conceiving me. A Dimensional Tear in Reality occurred back then that swept both of them up. That's what I was told by my Cousin.
She took me in when they were back in Vietnam to visit my dad. Due to the nature of her work, we've constantly been relocating every couple of years. I can count with my fingers how many countries I've visited since landing under her care.
Canada for 1 year, Germany for half a year, USA for 1 year, Japan for 3 years, and now, A.Terra. One good takeaway at least would be that I'm proficient in several languages.
We've shared meals for 9 years. Throughout those years we'd discuss various topics together. One recurring topic on all the different dining tables would always be,
"What kind of profession/professional field would you like to pursue in the future?".
"How about a translator? Or maybe a firefighter? Although that probably wouldn't suit your nature? How about an editor then!?" Were all different ideas she'd suggest every week or so. She'd always be too enthusiastic.
I never really gave a proper answer. Mostly due to the fact that I'm not even a teenager yet. Although being a Stabilizer is something I personally decided to never pursue.
Sis has been working her bones off for the past 5 years. She'd always be home late with eyebags darker than the deepest ocean floor. I remember once, I took a long nap and ended up waking up late during the night.
Despite barely being awake, I'm sure of what I saw and heard that night.
When I walked out towards the kitchen for water, I don't think she heard me then, because her sobbing drowned out all the surrounding noise. She also spoke to herself, or rather, mentioned her regrets in between wiping the endless stream of tears.
"I'm sorry brother and sister.. Sniff, sniff.. I swear I'll protect him..!" Those words resonated deeply back then. And it gave me a reason to stay clear of jobs hosting any possibility of danger.
Plus, the least I could do for her is get a stable job and help her properly settle down for once.
All this moving probably has worn her out. Even though she likes to smile and tell me she enjoys the new sights, I can tell her soul yearns for stability and peace.
Therefore I'll repay my debt to her. It's the least I can do after all.
"Hm?"
When I snapped out of my daydreaming I realised I had ended up in a park surrounded by cherry blossom trees and ponds. Looking at the nearby signs it was a memorial park.
"Did I take a wrong turn?" My head automatically tilted to my side in disappointment. Might as well look around a little bit since I'm here anyways.
Eventually I ended up in front of a memorial honouring the fallen. Standing in front of a statue now it clearly read.
"Where the brave have fallen, the living must keep honouring the ones who sacrificed a piece of their soul for our future."
Sacrificing a piece of their soul for us.. Right. We're supposed to start learning about the past Eras and Stabilizers in school soon. I'll ask my sis for help since she works in the field.
I need to get home soon. Quickly turning around I made it halfway across a small bridge before an unfamiliar voice echoed behind me.
"Are you Shinano Yukihime, related to the lost Cornerstone?" His voice uttered names and abbreviations I'd never heard before.
"What?" Who's that?