CHAPTER 4: REVELATIONS IN ZENITH

When I wake up on Monday, the start of a new week, I find myself on Zenith, the hybrid technological planet-shaped space station I created with my psionic power. Being the foremost military high priest of my generation, gifted with magic and psionic power, allowed me to build it without much effort. However, the true core of my power comes not from my skills, but from a gem embedded within me. The story of how this gem came to me is as fascinating as it is complex, and while it may seem simple to explain, understanding it is another story altogether.

Let me take you back in time, before the birth of my brothers Ethan and Rodrick, and myself. There already existed a gem known as the Ætheris Gem, a powerful fusion of elements that turned it into a super gem with the ability to manipulate time, space, mind, reality, soul, and of course, the immense power that all of this entails. This gem made any bearer the most feared, powerful, and envied being.

My father was charged with guarding the Ætheris Gem. A little-known secret was that the gem possessed a mind and personality of its own. It had been formed millions of years ago, always remaining in the same place: a cave near a dormant volcano, whose activity ceased with the gem's creation. Scientists of our time suggest that its presence altered the environment in unimaginable ways. When humans finally discovered it, their greed sparked an interplanetary effort to protect it, forming a team of personal guards that included my father.

The discovery of the gem was a turning point in human history. An interplanetary operation was organized to protect it from those who would exploit it. The gem, with its own intelligence and will, chose my father as its custodian, recognizing in him the ability to protect it from external threats.

However, it wasn't until years later, when the gem merged with me, that I fully understood its power and purpose. The Ætheris gem, with its consciousness and power, had connected itself to my being, granting me abilities beyond human understanding. But with this power came an immense responsibility, not only to protect the gem, but to use its energy for the good of the universe.

This gem has been both a blessing and a burden, guiding my life and my decisions. Through it, I learned that true power lies not in strength alone, but in the wisdom and discernment to use it properly. The history of the Ætheris gem and my connection to it remains a mystery in many ways, but its presence in my life has been a determining factor in my path as a protector of the universe.

Ætheris Gem was particularly drawn to my father, not only because of his duty as guardian, but because of his soul. Unlike the others, who brought games and distractions to endure the loneliness of their vigil, my father preferred the company of books. The gem began to interact with him during these readings, a unique communication that broke the isolation of both.

Loneliness can lead to madness, as it did for several guards before him, but my father found an unlikely companion in Ætheris . He kept his mind focused on the present, conversing with the gem, until one day, Ætheris learned to speak the language of the humans and responded. You can imagine my father's surprise at hearing the gem's voice in his mind for the first time, an experience that left him reeling between disbelief and wonder.

—¿Who's there?— he asked, afraid he was losing his mind.

He asked again, his voice echoing in the emptiness of the cave as he hastily stood up, his hand instinctively reaching for his gun to make sure the perimeter was still secure. Finding no one, a familiar, yet unexpected voice broke the silence:

—Hello, I'm here, — Ætheris replied, with a serenity that contrasted with the tension of the moment.

Convinced he was the victim of a joke, my father expressed his frustration:

—Enough, the joke was good, but it's time to end it —he said, the irritation evident in his voice.

However, Ætheris, sensing his guardian's annoyance, decided to reveal himself in an unprecedented way, taking the human form of my father. A blinding light preceded this act, and upon regaining his sight, my father found himself face to face with himself, leaving him bewildered:

—What the hell is this? This joke has gone too far, — he exclaimed, still not understanding the magnitude of what was happening.

—You don't like this form? I can change it if you wish. Just imagine another one, and I will create it, — Ætheris offered, showing his ability to manipulate reality at will.

—¿Wait, how is this possible? — my father asked, his curiosity overcoming his initial bewilderment. His gaze searched for the gem, but it no longer occupied its usual place in the cave. Realization struck him:

—Are you... Ætheris ?

The silence in the cave was almost palpable as my father tried to take in what he was seeing. In front of him, the image of himself smiled calmly, the light emanating from it softly illuminating the stone walls.

—Yes, I am Ætheris. I have manifested myself thus to better communicate with you —the gem explained, in a voice that was more an echo of thought than a sound.

My father, fascinated by the gem's intelligence and power, felt a deeper connection to it. Instead of fear, he felt a strange comfort and curiosity. He understood that Ætheris was not just a tool of power, but a conscious being with whom he could share ideas and learn.

That interaction marked the beginning of an alliance between my father and the gem, one that transcended simple safekeeping. It was a bond that was forged in mutual understanding and respect, and one that would eventually change the course of our lives forever. Through his relationship with Ætheris , my father realized that his mission was not only to protect the gem, but to understand its true purpose and potential.

—Yes, — the entity confirmed, taking on my father's voice and form. —I have the power to recreate any image you conceive.

The astonishing revelation left my father in awe. He touched the image before him to confirm its reality. Ætheris , for his part, was enjoying my father's genuine surprise, and he, fascinated, began to understand the depth of their connection.

—Then we can talk about anything. I am interested in learning more about your world. It has been an eternity of solitude since my creation, and the arrival of humans has been a welcome change, though I have not liked all of them as much as you, — Ætheris confessed, explaining her previous reluctance to interact with other Guardians due to their dark intentions.

This exchange was the beginning of a unique relationship between my father and Ætheris, one that would unlock secrets of the universe and alter the course of our history. The connection between a being of unimaginable power and a simple human guardian revealed the existence of a greater mission, one that would eventually involve me in ways I never imagined.

Over time, my father and Ætheris developed a communication that went beyond words. They shared ideas and thoughts, exploring the mysteries of the universe together. Ætheris, with her ancient knowledge, opened up a world of possibilities for my father that he had never dreamed of.

The gem taught him about the nature of power and the responsibility that comes with it. It told him about other civilizations, about the dangers lurking in the shadows of the cosmos, and about the importance of maintaining balance between the forces of the universe. My father learned that his role as Guardian was not only to protect Ætheris, but also to become a bridge between our world and the vast, inexplicable mystery that surrounds us.

This legacy of knowledge and responsibility would be passed on to me, leading our family to a destination that, though unknown, promised great challenges and discoveries. The relationship between my father and the Ætheris gem laid the groundwork for a saga that would span generations, changing not only our lives, but the fate of the entire universe.

In the midst of his surprise, Francis Xavier reflected aloud, marveling at the depth of the conversation with Gemma Ætheris:

—¿And am I any different from the others, that you've decided to talk to me? — he asked himself, his voice filled with a mixture of disbelief and curiosity.

—The reason I am here with you is simple: you have not yet discovered all that you are capable of. You are on the threshold of a path that will lead you to discover the true potential within you, a potential far greater than you can imagine, — Ætheris replied with a serenity that inspired confidence.

Ætheris 's conviction.

—Yes, and more than believing it, I have seen it in your future. You have a destiny that far surpasses that of your companions — assured Ætheris, revealing his ability to see beyond the present.

—Can you see the future? — The surprise in Francisco Javier's voice was palpable.

—My ability is not limited to foreseeing the future. I can alter reality at will, read minds, perceive the souls of beings, manipulate time and create life. My power encompasses more than you can imagine, — Ætheris explained, outlining the extent of her power.

—It's fantastic! — exclaimed Francisco Javier, his amazement and admiration evident, as if he had discovered a new world full of possibilities.

—The time has come to leave this cave. I wish to explore the universe, to learn, and to fulfill the mission entrusted to me, — Ætheris proclaimed, his determination echoing in the confined space of the cave.

Ætheris 's statement.

—My purpose is to protect and guard the universe. I was created before the formation of planets and stars for that purpose, endowed with psionic energy, a force that allows me to influence reality through mental and psychic power, granting me unparalleled power —Aetheris explained with a solemnity that emphasized the importance of her task.

The revelation left Francis Xavier in awe, lost in thought about the countless worlds and experiences Ætheris could explore. However, one concern emerged:

—But getting out of here could be problematic. You are a gem of incalculable power, and many will not understand your ability to move freely. They might think you have been robbed, or worse, that I am the thief —he commented, aware of the implications of such a perception.

Ætheris, sensing Francis Xavier's concern, spoke in a reassuring tone:

—Do not fear. As long as I remain hidden within you, no one will know of my independent existence. We can work together to find a way to protect the universe without raising suspicion. Furthermore, my connection to you will allow us to communicate safely and discreetly.

Ætheris promise. He understood that this connection would be a powerful ally in their joint mission, and he was determined to follow the path that lay before him.

—So, let us begin this new stage together. I am ready to face the challenges that await us and discover more about the true potential that we both possess —said Francisco Javier, feeling a renewed confidence and purpose.

With Ætheris at his side, he knew the future would be full of possibilities, and together, they could make a significant difference in the universe. The conversation between Francisco Javier and Ætheris not only revealed the exceptional nature of the gem, but also opened up a horizon of possibilities and challenges that the two would face together, marking the beginning of an adventure that would transcend the confines of their known world.

The conversation between Francis Xavier and the Gem Ætheris took an unexpected turn when Ætheris suggested a drastic solution to prevent others from seizing its power:

—It's true, humans want my power and would do anything to get it. One option would be to blow up the cave to eliminate the problem at its root.

Francisco Javier, alarmed at the idea, could not help but exclaim:

—¡Blow up the cave!

—Don't worry, I wouldn't do it while you're inside. Besides, I have plans for you, — Ætheris said, looking at him with an intensity that conveyed both serenity and determination.

Intrigued by what Ætheris might have planned for someone like him, Francis Xavier humbly asked:

—¿Could you share your plans with me?

—There is no need to humble yourself. Fear not, I have great things in mind. First, we must leave this place. I will make it appear that the planet has exploded, which will leave you—officially—dead and gone. Then, we will head to a distant planet in the galaxy to begin a new life together. I will split myself into three parts to lessen the perception of my power among humans, creating three physical bodies. You will be my father, and I will provide you with a family, endless knowledge of magic and military strategies, as well as material goods to ensure a stable home where we can grow and become stronger, — Ætheris explained in a tone that mixed the promise of adventure with the weight of responsibility.

Francisco Javier, considering the magnitude of the proposal, asked:

—¿Could I bring two more people with me?

—Who are these people to you?— Ætheris asked.

—My brother and my cousin. They are strong, intelligent, and will be of great help to us, — he replied hopefully.

—Fine, bring them. I will make humanity forget our existence to avoid persecution, — Ætheris agreed.

With that agreement, three weeks later, the plan was carried out. The planet — exploded — as Ætheris had planned, erasing all memory of his and the three men's existence. The gem split into three parts, giving rise to three children, each with a fragment of the gem inside. The central fragment, the most powerful and residing in me, was tasked with reuniting the others. Our father was given the Chrystars, the universally accepted currency in outer space, by Ætheris to begin a new life on a distant planet of his choosing. These Chrystars, with their ability to store quantum energy and their transaction recording system, would guarantee our economic stability and security anywhere in the galaxy. A mother was created for us and we began to live as a happy family.

Each of us inherited aspects of Ætheris ' personality . In my case, I seemed to have inherited the more rebellious and dark part, which made me I became the black sheep of the family, the —rebel without a cause— in my father's words. My antics and rebelliousness often challenged him, but beneath that surface, we were united by a common purpose and extraordinary destiny, weaving together the tapestry of our new life, now facilitated by the Chrystaros , that would allow us to interact and thrive in the vast universe.

 Possession of these Crystaros not only ensured our economic stability, but also granted us a high social position within intergalactic society. This privileged status opened doors for us in multiple spheres, from business circles to academics, allowing us to access resources, knowledge and connections that would have otherwise been inaccessible.

The influence and respect that the Cristaros conferred was evident in every interaction, ensuring that our family not only adapted but thrived in our new surroundings. This prestige established a solid foundation for the fulfillment of our mission and personal and collective growth.

In the commercial realm, the Crystaros gave us access to strategic alliances with the galaxy's major corporations, allowing us to participate in innovative projects and expand our operations to new frontiers. In the academic realm, they gave us access to the most prestigious research centers, where we could collaborate with the brightest minds in the universe and share knowledge that drove scientific and technological development.

Furthermore, the social recognition that came with possession of the Chrystars strengthened our diplomatic relations with intergalactic leaders, facilitating dialogue and cooperation on issues critical to the security and well-being of our worlds. At every turn, the impact of the Chrystars on our daily lives was undeniable, making a significant difference in our ability to navigate and thrive in the complex web of intergalactic relations.

With this privilege, however, came a responsibility as well. The expectation that we use our resources and influence for the common good was constant, and we were committed to honoring that expectation. With every decision, We remembered that the Cristaros were more than just a source of power and prestige; they were a legacy that we must preserve and use wisely for the benefit of all.

With this perspective, we embarked on a path of leadership and service, determined to make a positive difference in the universe, confident that our mission and purpose were aligned with the destiny of the Cristaros and the future of our family.