CHAPTER 20 CROSSROADS OF WORLDS

In the bright dawn of the planet Zalara , Terry was already up, dressed in the traditional clothing of his people, when Elara , his daughter, entered the room carrying breakfast. The morning light filtered through the crystal windows, bathing the room in shades of gold and green, typical of the lush vegetation where the Saharim clan was located.

— Father — Elara began, her tone a mixture of concern and reproach — you shouldn't have gotten up yet. We don't know how your brain is after what happened.

With a calm smile that barely concealed the tiredness on his face, Terry replied ,—I feel fine, Elara . Besides, I need to talk to your uncle Aiden , your brother Kyran , Elian, and Marcus. There are matters I need to attend to urgently.

Elara , with the firmness that only loved ones can impose, insisted .—Eat first. Then you can talk to them.— Knowing that when Elara adopted that tone it was best not to resist, Terry nodded and sat down to enjoy the breakfast that his daughter had prepared with such care.

Once breakfast was over, Terry headed to a private room, a haven of tranquility away from the bustle of the great hall where the rest of the clan gathered to eat their first meal of the day. There, accompanied not only by his son but also by Elara , Aiden , and Marcus and Elian, Terry shared some weighty news.

With a solemnity that captured everyone's attention, he announced, — I inform you all that my memories, or at least part of them, have returned. I hope that, as the days go by, I will be able to recover more memories of my past.

The silence that followed was broken by Aiden , whose voice was a mix of hope and curiosity.—That's good. Can we find out who you were in your past?

The air was charged with anticipation as those present settled in to listen to Terry's story, a story that promised to reveal mysteries of the past and perhaps guide them towards an uncertain but possibility-filled future. At that moment, the fate of a family intertwined with the secrets of Zalara was beginning to unravel. From what I recall, he was a man who held a high position within a stellar organization, the Galactic Federation, apparently he was the Imperial High Commander of a military group called —The Imperials— and which I myself had created.

You were a high-ranking military man — Marcus said — I like that — he said smiling

The room was filled with a mixture of shock and tension as Terry revealed the secrets intertwined with his identity and destiny. His smile, sensing Marcus's fascination with his tale, offered a brief respite amidst the revelations that would forever alter his family and friends' perception of the reality they knew.

— Yes, he was a soldier, and not just any soldier — Terry began, his calm voice contrasting with the gravity of his words. — The problem is that I possess within me a special power, a very great one, and there are many who desire that power. A power that, alarmingly, can be taken away from me.

Aiden , alarm painted on his face, interrupted,—Wait, how can it be taken from you? We need more details.

Terry nodded, aware of the importance of every word he was about to speak.—I am the bearer of a piece of a powerful gem called the Ætheris Gem . The other two pieces are held by my brothers, but I am the link that binds these fragments together. If this gem is removed from my body, I will die, and so will my brothers, for the reunion of all three pieces would complete the gem, granting the possessor power unparalleled in the universe.

A collective —Ah— echoed through the room, a reflection of the surprise and sudden understanding shared by everyone present.

Elian, curiosity overcoming his caution, asked ,—But how many in the universe know about your piece of gem?

With a look that reflected the memories now coming back to him, Terry replied, —As I recall, obviously my family, the two people who are here, Zahori and Ashtar, plus two friends on distant planets, and now you. And of course, I don't

I can forget my enemies, Sadeth and Anubis, who are responsible for my presence here, due to an attack on my planet which is a space station called Zenith, which I created myself. They caused an explosion that opened a transporter portal, through which I fell, and you picked me up.

Terry's account not only revealed the magnitude of the plot that was brewing, but it also wove the bonds that united those present more tightly. In this moment of revelation, the line between allies and adversaries was clearly drawn, and the path forward began to take shape, marked by the urgency of protecting not just Terry, but the fate of the entire universe from the machinations of Sadeth and Anubis. The fight for the Ætheris Stone was about to begin, and everyone in the room knew that their lives were about to change forever.

The air in the room grew thicker with each revelation, as if Terry's words carried the weight of a destiny intertwined with cosmic conflicts and family dramas. Marcus, with a mix of wonder and concern, voiced a question that reflected the general feeling: —¿Are they to blame for your memory loss and everything you've been through?

— Yes, it was them — Terry confirmed with a mixture of resignation and determination, sealing the understanding of the seriousness of his situation.

Aiden, trying to bring order to the complexity of the situation, pointed out a practical reality — Okay, I got everything straight. Now, obviously your name isn't Jaxon, because we had to give you that name so we could at least call you something when you couldn't even remember your own name. So, ¿what's your name anyway?

— My name is Terry Whittaker, of the Whittaker family — he revealed, while his children, Elara and Kyran, listened attentively, trying to assimilate the magnitude of the story unfolding before them. Curiosity about the identities of Zahori and Ashtar stirred in their minds, but respect and fear of the unknown kept them silent.

Elian, driven by an insatiable curiosity, could not help but ask about the mysterious visitors — And who are those two people we have upstairs? The woman, what is she to you? And that man with his strange inventions?

Terry, with a look that wavered between nostalgia and hope, replied, —Zahori is my wife, or at least she was in the past, and now she supposedly will continue to be, since she found me. Ashtar is my brother and he is a very well-known and award-winning scientist on those planets.

The tension in the air was almost physically palpable, a mix of emotions and loyalties tested by the revelation of long-hidden truths. Aiden 's question, laden with barely veiled resentment, broke a silence that seemed to hold the room's collective breath.

Marcus stepped in, his voice filled with a mix of frustration and understanding, defending Terry from an unspoken but implicit accusation. — ¿And what did you want? If he was dragged away from his entire family, it's not like he left by choice. He obviously had a family before he ever knew about this planet, even before us.

Aiden, whose loyalty to his family and the memories of a sister lost to a fight that should never have happened put him in a difficult position, couldn't help but express his concern for the well-being of Terry's children who were now among them. — Yes, I know. What about his children who are here? What do you want to do with them? My nephews are not objects that can be thrown away, — he replied firmly. Terry, understanding the depth of the concerns and mixed feelings his words had unleashed, calmly intervened, seeking to calm tempers and reassure everyone present of his intentions. —Wait a minute, — he said, his voice firm but calm, —do you really think I would leave my children helpless and alone?

That question, uttered into the charged air of the room, was intended not only to be an affirmation of his responsibilities as a father but also a bridge to mutual understanding. It was clear that Terry, despite the extraordinary and often tragic circumstances that had marked his life, had no intention of abandoning any of his loved ones, neither those he had known in his past life in other worlds, nor those he had found in this new home. The conversation, full of revelations and emotions, marked a turning point for all involved.

There was a glimpse not only of the need to face the coming challenges together, but also of the opportunity to forge a family united not only by blood ties, but by the mutual choice to support and protect each other in a universe that promised to be as dangerous as wonderful. At the time, the differences and tensions seemed small compared to the vastness of what was at stake and the importance of what they could build together.

The tension in the air dissipated slightly with Terry's words, a pledge of loyalty to both his past and his present, an oath to unite two worlds that until recently seemed irreconcilable. Aiden 's anxiety turned to contemplation as Terry's words echoed through the room, offering a vision of balance amidst the storm of emotions and divided loyalties.

—I know, — Terry responded to the concern in Aiden 's words, his voice filled with a quiet determination. —I still have to think things through. I can't leave now, and I'll talk to them to clear this up. I need to meet my family, but I can't leave you guys either. You're my family, too.

Elian, ever the pragmatist, offered some wise advice. —Think carefully. It's a delicate situation, and every step you take is forever.

With a decision that seemed to summon all his courage and resolve, Terry announced, —I'll go see them. I'll talk to them to clear up some doubts. I still don't remember some things.

Marcus, whose unwavering support had been evident at every turn, simply nodded, —That's good.

Terry's promise to his children, Elara and Kyran, was the seal of an unbreakable commitment, a promise of family unity that transcended the boundaries of time and space. —My children, — he said, squeezing Elara 's hand, —rest assured that you will be with me, no matter where I am.— The smile they shared was a testament to the trust and unconditional love that flowed between them.

With those thoughts and promises echoing in his mind, Terry left the room, burdened with the weight of reunions and pending reconciliations. As he entered the room where Ashtar and Zahori were waiting , time seemed to stand still. The look of recognition and the palpable excitement in the air marked the beginning of a moment that had taken years to arrive.

— Zahori said, — Terry — his voice tinged with a joy that only true love can inspire. The embrace they shared, filled with tears and kisses, was the reunion of two souls who, despite the distance and time, had never truly forgotten each other. The warmth of that embrace extended to Ashtar, who, upon reuniting with his brother, found a peace and relief that only the reunion with a lost loved one can bring.

This moment of reunion was not only the closing of a long chapter of searching and uncertainty, but also the beginning of a new one, full of possibilities and challenges. Terry now found himself at the crossroads of two lives, faced with the task of weaving together the threads of his past and his present into a plot that embraced both his blood family and the one he had formed in his new home. At this turning point, Terry Whittaker's story expanded into an uncertain but promising future, marked by the hope and love that had brought his family together once again.

The conversation between Terry, Zahori , and Ashtar revealed not only the complexity of the situation, but also the warmth and depth of their family relationship, marked by years of separation and now reunion. As Ashtar pointed out the challenges Terry would face in reintegrating into his home world, humor and seriousness intertwined, reflecting the bittersweet nature of his situation.

—At last— Ashtar began with a mixture of relief and amazement—you have returned to us, although of course, a little changed.

Terry, looking at the familiar faces of his wife and brother, admitted with a wistful smile, —Yes, I think so.

Zahori , in a tone that mixed admiration and a hint of disbelief, was quick to point out Terry's accomplishments in his absence. —What do you think? You're the leader of a clan now, on a planet forgotten by the gods. You've made great strides on this earth, and that's not even counting two naturally conceived children.

Terry, seeking to broach the most delicate subject, wiped away his tears before speaking. —That's what I want to talk to you about. There were many years of oblivion. My mind didn't remember anything of what happened. Here they welcomed me, they gave me shelter ...

They gave me a life, I had a family and I got married,— she said, her gaze meeting Zahori 's , filled with a mixture of shame and gratitude.

Zahori , whose understanding and unconditional love shone through her words, responded with a calmness that offered comfort. —It wasn't your fault. You didn't remember anything, and obviously I couldn't ask for you to be alone if you didn't even know about your family or me.

Zahori 's hands and kissed them in a gesture of deep gratitude. —Thank you for understanding, my love.— To Zahori , the details of his absence paled in comparison to the joy of having him back.

Ashtar, ever mindful of the broader ramifications of his return, interrupted his thoughts with a pragmatic consideration. —The problem will be our father,— he said, concern evident in his voice, —more than our father, our entire family. How will we make him understand that you are now a clan leader, have natural children, and not to mention that they will want you back in your position with the Imperials? And worst of all will be the envy of our younger brother, since you now have a more sculpted and muscled body than he does,— he concluded, his laughter offering a moment of levity amidst the complexity of his situation.

The task of reconciling his past life with his present loomed as a monumental challenge for Terry, one that would require all of his wits, his empathy, and his leadership. But surrounded by the love and support of his family, both the one he had found in his new home and the one he had left behind, Terry was in a unique position to weave these worlds together. Through laughter, love, and mutual understanding, they began to chart a path forward—one filled with hope, challenge, and, above all, unity.

—Before the sun reaches its zenith and the tasks of the day demand my full attention,— Terry concluded, pausing before standing with determination. His mention of spiritual studies hinted at an additional depth to his character and the changes he had experienced during his time on this earth. Not only had he taken on leadership and family roles, but he had also explored dimensions of personal and spiritual growth that had perhaps not been a part of his life before. Ashtar and Zahori exchanged glances, a mix of curiosity and concern in their eyes. Terry's transformation, both physical and spiritual, presented an intriguing challenge, but it also raised questions about how these new facets of his being would fit into the fabric of his former life.

—Terry , make sure you make time for us to talk about these spiritual studies. It seems like there is much more to your life now than we can imagine— Zahori said , her voice soft but firm, stressing the importance of understanding and supporting Terry's entire journey.

—I will, no doubt. There is much to share and discuss. And I look forward to you meeting my family here. I think you will find that, despite our superficial differences, we share the same core values,— Terry assured, his tone full of hope and conviction.

With a final smile and a hasty hug for each, Terry said goodbye, leaving Ashtar and Zahori alone with their thoughts and the promise of future conversations. As he walked toward the responsibilities that awaited him, Terry reflected on the balance between his two worlds, aware that the path forward would require wisdom, compassion, and above all, the unifying force of family love.

So Terry went about his day, facing his responsibilities with the determination of a leader and the curiosity of a soul on a spiritual quest. The task of integrating his past with his present, his family of origins with his adoptive family, and his imperial responsibilities with his spiritual discoveries, was shaping up to be the challenge of a lifetime. But in his heart, Terry knew that with the support of those he loved and his own resilience, he would find a path to a harmony that would transcend the worlds.