..........Destiny .............
Aaron's heart raced as he grappled with the significance of the flashing. The uncertainty left him anxious.
- What is that supposed to mean?
He questioned.
- I don't know, but we can't just ignore it. There must be something!
Tarou insisted.
Alan, sensing the urgency, intervened:
- Put the stone on the heart.
He followed Tarou, concerned that his elder son might take reckless actions to save his brother.
Alan anticipated that his son might be a human like his mother. However, he attempted to ignore this likelihood over the past two years, holding onto hope for a change.
Before heading to the temple, Alan prepared a speech for the monsters in the event Aaron failed to receive his mission. However, upon entering the cave, he witnessed a miracle.
- FATHER!
Screamed Aaron while looking confused.
- Calm down, Aaron. Everything will be okay.
It marked the first time his father smiled at him, bringing a sense of relief to Aaron.
- Alright... let's do it.
He responded, ready to face whatever awaited him.
The monk approached Aaron, placing the stone directly on his heart. Finally, the holy heart started glowing.
The emitted light grew stronger and more intense, reaching a point where no one present could keep their eyes open.
- Am I dreaming? Is it for real?
Aaron questioned, struggling to believe what was unfolding.
After falling into despair and losing all hope, he had finally succeeded. He would show everyone that he was not a human; he was a monster for real, akin to his father and brother.
The glow from the heart illuminated the entire cave, extending beyond to reach all parts of the village. The once dim hopes were now replaced by a radiant triumph.
The entire monster community noticed the spectacle:
- LOOK, LIGHT IS COMING OUT FROM THE CAVE!
- AARON DID IT! HE SUCCEEDED.
Never before had anyone witnessed the holy heart glow so intensely.
Aaron, his eyes barely open, felt overwhelmed with happiness and joy.
After a few moments, the glow gradually diminished. The holy heart projected a big picture on the wall, indicating the place he should go. It then transformed into a small light and passed through his head.
Aaron, in a state of bewilderment, realized he had somehow memorized the route he needed to take to reach his destination. The once-dim future was now illuminated with a newfound purpose and direction.
After the extraordinary event, the stone returned to its normal state. Tarou and Alan took a moment to comprehend the occurrence.
Suddenly, Tarou leaped towards Aaron, enveloping him in a joyous hug:
- I KNEW IT... I TOLD YOU THAT YOU WILL SUCCEED. I'M VERY PROUD OF YOU, LITTLE BROTHER. YOU ARE OFFICIALLY ONE OF US, NO ONE CAN DOUBT THAT.
- Yeah, you were right! Now, stop hugging me, I can't breathe.
Replied Aaron while pushing his brother away.
Alan approached them, wearing a proud smile.
- Congratulations, Aaron. You proved to everyone that you are a monster.
- Thank you, Father... but why did the stone glow when it was on my heart instead of my head?"
- I don't know, at that moment I just guessed.
Alan admitted, leaving some mysteries still unsolved.
The monk returned the stone to its place and then approached Aaron, placing his hand on his chest.
- You have great power within your heart, my son, but it is still sealed in there. You're going to face a lot of hardships and great danger because you will be powerless.
- What should I do?
Aaron inquired.
- You must figure out the way to make your power flow to your body.
- But how can I do that?
- You are the only one who knows the answer. Don't worry, you will be able to figure it out on your own. Just trust the heart.
Despite the mysterious nature of those words, Aaron didn't let them overshadow his celebration of success.
"As long as I got the task, everything will be okay," he affirmed, holding on to the hope that the future held for him.
Aaron, Alan, and Tarou descended the stairs. The monsters awaited their return, their curiosity evident as they wondered what had transpired in the cave and why it had taken them so long.