CHAPTER 4 DIMENSIONAL CROSSES

Aboard the ship Valkyrie, the brothers were bewildered by the impressive fact before them. It was something beyond their ability to believe; they would become the pioneers of human history when they were contacted by an extraterrestrial civilization.

—¿What do we do now? — Claudius asked, uncertainty in his voice.

— ¿Come back? — Kyran proposed, still stunned by the revelation. — Actually, this is something amazing. I couldn't tell you — he admitted, still overwhelmed by everything the mysterious voice had revealed to them. His mind struggled to analyze the magnitude of what had happened.

The voice came through once again, saying, —Your universe is still expanding, and you must learn to use the tools you will find along the way. You two, being both Terry Whittaker's children, possess the skills necessary to accomplish this.

—¿How do you know our father? Claudius asked, surprised by the mention of his parent.

—We created it, — a different voice than the one they had heard before answered. This revelation took the brothers by surprise, as they thought there was only one entity communicating with them. Intrigued by this new information, Kyran asked, —We thought we were talking to just one person. ¿How many of you are there really?

—There are three of us, — another different voice revealed, adding even more mystery to the situation the brothers were facing.

—That's good to know, — Kyran said, trying to hide his surprise. —¿But how do you say you created our father? My brother and I always believed that it was the Ætheris Gem that created our father and his siblings. We don't want to seem like we're questioning you, — Kyran quickly clarified, aware of the delicacy of the situation and afraid of offending the mysterious voices. —It's just a question to better understand, — he explained carefully.

— We understand — the second voice replied calmly, dispelling any fear of hostility. — You need not fear, we will not harm you. We are aware of who you are; we have been watching you since before you were born. We know everything about your family, ever since the Ætheris Gem chose your grandfather as its protector.

We have followed how they have acted in their lives. We know that their family has committed themselves to protecting Ætheris, even risking their own lives. We are aware of the extent of their loyalty to the Ætheris Gem and their defense of the universe. We also know that they are responsible, brave, bold, and above all, always trying to stop the darkness wherever it is.

This revelation left the brothers even more astonished. The idea that an unknown entity had been watching over them since birth, and knew so intimately the details of their lineage and mission, would raise endless questions and possibilities. But at the same time, it provided them with an even greater sense of connection and purpose in the vast cosmos around them.

— Ok, we understand— Claudius said, still trying to assimilate the magnitude of what they were learning. —But why have they been watching us forever? What is so special about us that they have been watching us for so long? And they still haven't answered how they know our father, and more importantly, how they know about the Ætheris Gem—

—You, — the third voice began, introducing a whole new dimension to the conversation, —know only part of Ætheris' power.

Only 10% of that power has been revealed, and you have used that power minimally. We are the ones who created the Ætheris Gem, and therefore your father and your uncles, so to speak. We created the Ætheris Gem to guard this universe until our return, after having been in other universes studying them. We did not want this universe to suffer the same fate as others that we have seen destroyed by creations of other beings like us. We are scientists, as are some of your relatives, both blood and chosen. Here, between the three of us, we are also like you: two of us are scientists and one is a warrior.

This revelation illuminated the complex relationship between the brothers, their family, the Ætheris Gem, and the mysterious entities. Not only did it clarify the origin and purpose of the Ætheris Gem's creation, but it also uncovered the presence of beings with a vision and mission beyond anything Kyran and Claudius had previously imagined. These guardians of the cosmos, with well-defined goals and functions, bore a striking similarity to the brothers' own family, binding the two groups together in a common effort to safeguard and preserve the universe from unimaginable threats.

—We want—the third voice said—for this universe to experience a great awakening and evolve, and you are the only ones capable of helping this happen—

—And how could we do what you want? —Kyran asked.

—We will provide you, — the first voice announced, —with the necessary knowledge and methods. Not only will we assist you, but we must also reveal our existence to our creation. Therefore, we will accompany you to converse with your leaders, to inform them about us and about the Ætheris Gem, so that they will understand what actions to take from now on.

— That will be complicated, Claudius mused, putting his hand to his chin to ponder the situation, imagining how the Galactic Federation and the Concilium Imperium Stellaris would react, the latter being the council that brings together kings and emperors from all or most of the planets. Laws and decrees are discussed there that will later be applied to the rest of the worlds.

—We know— said the third voice—what your concern is, about the advice of both the military and the rulers, we know how stubborn and unfriendly they are.

—Yes, — Kyran replied, his voice tinged with sadness. He knew that both humans and some aliens would not see this as a good thing and would become destroyers of life.

The universe is like that; not everyone, but the vast majority are driven by their darkest passions. If they can't have what they want, they destroy it. He was lost in his deepest thoughts and didn't notice a bright light approaching him. Claudius, seeing the light, instinctively pushed him aside, placing himself in front of his brother to protect him. Instinctively, he brought his hand to the hilt of his sword, ready to draw it quickly if necessary. The light grew larger and larger, ever larger, until it formed the image of a person. He was a tall man, as tall as his grandfather Francisco Javier, but this man was wearing a radiant white scientist's lab coat. His golden blond hair and white complexion, along with his fine features, a straight, turned-up nose, and green eyes, made him stand out. He had his hands in his pockets, just as his uncle Ashtar used to do when he was meditating on whatever crossed his mind.

—Do not be afraid, — the man said in a voice that seemed to resonate with the very echoes of the cosmos. In that instant of revelation, two more lights approached, dancing in the air before solidifying into human forms: a woman, whose stature rivaled Claudius's, and a second man, of comparable height to Terry his father, at an imposing 5 feet 10 inches tall.

The woman, with dark brown hair that contrasted with the deep blue of her eyes and porcelain skin, exuded a serene presence. The man, on the other hand, with his equally pale skin, eyes the color of the sky at dawn and light brown hair, exuded a calm strength. Both wore robes, symbols of their erudition, while

The second man was distinguished by his attire, which fused military rigor with high science: a uniform of deep dark green, accented with piping of a subtle metallic gray, carrying on him not only the sword, small axe and blades, but also an advanced crossbow mounted on his left arm, reflecting a fusion between warrior tradition and cutting-edge technology.

Kyran, with a brotherly gesture, placed his hand on Claudius' shoulder, transmitting calm with his touch. —Relax, brother. They won't hurt us. They are scientists, just like Sapphire, our uncle Ashtar and our sister Elara. — At these words, Claudius only managed to relax slightly, aware that his duty was to protect his family and the entire universe. He removed his hand from the hilt of his sword, although his alertness never faded.

—So, ¿how do you plan to deliver to us the tools we need to assist the universe? — Kyran asked, boldly stepping forward in front of the three creators. And with a curiosity that reflected the brightness of the stars in his gaze, he added: —And most importantly, what should we call you? You already know who we are, but we still don't know who you are.

In a universe where the fate of many hangs in the balance, these words were not mere formalities, but the beginning of a saga that would decide the future of countless worlds.

—It's true, — Lyra began in a soft but firm voice, capturing everyone's attention. —As a group, we are known as the Cosmic Architects. To my right is Caelum Stellaris, — she pointed to the deep-eyed man beside her, —and I am Lyra Stellaris. And he, — her hand moved to introduce the other, —is Elio Stellaris.

Claudius, always quick to show courtesy, responded with a slight nod. —Pleased to meet you. — The three visitors shared a gentle smile, one that seemed to transcend the boundaries of space itself.

—¿And now? ¿How do we proceed to be guided? — Kyran intervened, his voice filled with a mixture of anxiety and anticipation.

—The answer is simpler than you might imagine, — Caelum said with contagious calm. —But it is not yet time to leave. In fact, we will join you on this journey.

Claudius frowned, confused. —¿Why can't we just go back now?

—Because the universe you wish to return to is no longer as you remember it, — Lyra explained, her tone serious but not alarming. —Even though only 30 minutes have passed here, in your original universe 50 years have passed.

— ¿What? — The concern was evident in Kyran's voice. — And what has become of our family in all this time?

—They have moved to another universe, — Caelum revealed solemnly. —A catastrophic event triggered a rift in their universe, setting off an all-consuming explosion, wiping out life as they knew it.

Claudius, ever the protector, was quick to seek more answers. —¿Wait, how did that happen? ¿Can they even tell?

—Yes— Lyra confirmed, her tone one of seriousness mixed with amazement. —Apparently, what triggered this cataclysm was a space war, a desperate struggle for the ancient power of the Ætheris Gem. Your family was on the front lines, repelling the confrontation. Your father and brothers, out of necessity, unleashed their full power, using it to its fullest for the first time.

Caelum, his expression both curious and concerned, asks, —¿Is that in your records?

—Yes, — Lyra replied firmly.

—Interesting, — Caelum mused, more to himself than to the others. —This is something we did not anticipate from Ætheris. He apparently acted to protect his adoptive family as well. An emotion, a behavior we had not assigned to him. It indicates that he has developed emotions of his own, which is, indeed, fascinating.

Claudius, overwhelmed by the speed with which his reality was crumbling, felt a mix of disbelief and rage. Only moments ago, he had been with his family, and now, he was faced with the possibility of never seeing his home universe or those he loved again. Anger churned within him, and he struggled to control it, remembering his father's lessons on self-control so as not to inadvertently unleash its destructive power. It was then that Elio, who until then had remained in contemplative silence, raised a hand, asking for calm and silence. His companions, recognizing the seriousness of the gesture, stopped to listen.

Elio turned to his young companions, seriousness marking his countenance. —You seem to find everything that has happened fascinating, — he began, his voice carrying an unusual weight. —But you forget that these two young men have lost not only their immediate family members but also their friends and much more. I understand that we are scientists and that our mission was entrusted to us by our superiors, and I know that, due to our dedication to science, we sometimes find it difficult to process or even stop to consider emotions because we do not see them as crucial.

But I, like Claudius, am a warrior. I know what he is feeling because I went through the same thing when I lost my family. So, friends, I ask that we show respect for these boys' feelings— Elio said, before turning to face his companions.

—You are right, — Caelum admitted, his tone reflecting understanding. —Lyra, we must be more aware and respectful of what these young people are doing experiencing. We behaved irresponsibly and were too neutral when it came to our emotions, there was a lack of empathy on our part.

—I'm sorry, — Lyra intervened. —Sometimes we forget that we're dealing with people who feel. It's not that we don't have emotions, but because of our studies, we sometimes find it difficult to understand or interpret the feelings of others.

—No problem, — Kyran said, casting a sympathetic glance at his brother.

Claudius, trying to hide his anger and sadness at the absence of his father and family, felt Kyran's comforting hand on his shoulder. But right now, he needed to be alone. He gently pulled away holding his brother's hand and walked away from the group. A door opened, allowing him to pass into another room within the ship, where he sat meditating in solitude, tears running down his cheeks at the incomprehensible loss.

Kyran, staying with the creators, searched for some hope. —¿But there is a solution to all this, isn't there? — he asked, longingly.

— If you mean if we can reverse time— Lyra explained, —yes, we can. We have no problem rewinding everything back to the moment before you left that dimensional space-time. That's why we told you that you couldn't leave yet.

—I understand, — Kyran said, his voice denoting concern for his brother. —But my brother… he sees things differently.

—You don't have to apologize, — Elio replied in a tone of understanding. —I understand your brother, and my companions will too.

—¿Are you brothers too? — Kyran asked, surprised.

—That's right, — Caelum confirmed.

—And how did they lose their parents? I mean, because you mentioned…— Kyran pointed at Elio, trying to understand his story.

—Our universe was also consumed by war, — Caelum shared, nostalgia tinged with sadness in his voice. —Our parents, scientists dedicated to crucial experiments, were coerced by human greed to create power gems in order to enslave others. To protect us, they agreed, and as they worked, created a dimensional portal through which we were able to escape. At the last moment, they secured our way out, but they were unable to follow us. They sacrificed themselves to stop the evil, causing our universe to collapse, sending us to another universe to continue our studies.

—Oh, I understand, — Kyran said, his voice full of empathy. —I'm so sorry.

—Our parents anticipated what would happen and prepared us for it, — Lyra added calmly. —Don't feel bad. We know they are at peace and want the best for us.