Little Miracles (MLB + GFDD Crossover)

Chapter 11: Strong

Adrien's POV
                                            The sun was setting. I was sitting at the same field that me and Ira had practiced in just a few weeks before. I knew I had to find a way to get Ira back, but I had no idea how!
Me:"...great...just when Ira needs me most, I can't do anything to help him..."
Just then, I heard a voice.
???:"...Ira's a lot stronger than you give him credit for if that's really how you feel."
I looked behind me to see that Rachel girl.
Me:"...what are you doing here?"
Rachel:"I was about to go to the beach to think and this field is a shortcut."
Me:"oh..."
Rachel:"what about you?"
Me:"basically the same thing."
Rachel was silent until she sat down next to me in the grass.
Me:"...what did you mean...when you said that Ira's a lot stronger than I give him credit for? I know how strong he is, I can't even beat him in a fight yet."
Rachel:"...as powerful as physical strength may be, it's nothing without a strong spirit. Ira has both."
Me:"oh, yeah? Then why do you constantly lower his self confidence?"
Rachel:"what?"
Me:"you really are clueless, aren't you?! I've seen the way you act towards him, you always make fun of him in some way!! Do you even realize how much that hurts him?! But whenever I try to talk to him about it, he defends you!!"
Rachel:"..."
Me:"...he cares so much...more than he should...yet, you make him miserable...you know why he wears that jacket all the time? It's because that's the only thing hiding his scars...figuratively and literally."
Rachel:"...are you saying he-
Me:"yeah...and he's been fighting it for forever now, but you making stupid comments during fights isn't helping him much! He's had to fight everything around him for so many years. In fact, he's had to fight himself, too! He-
Rachel:"shut up for a second!"
Me:"..."
Rachel:"...thank you...once again, you underestimate your brother and you misunderstand me. Now, listen and learn! Yes, Ira has problems, but the very fact that he's fighting to get rid of those problems is because his spirit is strong, just like I said! And you know how messed up your lives are? The first day I saw him with you was the first time I'd ever seen him smile like that!! Do you see?! Even through all that darkness and despair, he still had the strength to smile! That's how strong he is! That's how worthy! And it's about time you realize that!"
Me:"..."
Rachel:"...now, if you'll excuse me...I'm going home."
With that, Rachel stood up and walked away, leaving me speechless. It was getting to be dark now, so I called my mom and told her everything that happened to Ira and where I was so that she could come over and take me home. A little while later, my mom got there and she teleported me home with her. I laid down on my bed, staring at Ira's side of the room. It felt so empty now. With one thought, I closed my eyes.

'...strong...'