CHAPTER 5 A BREATH IN THE DARK

The day had been long and the stars outside the ship seemed to twinkle with a glow of understanding, accompanying the solemn atmosphere within. Kyran, feeling the weight of the day ease slightly, proposed a well-deserved rest.

—This has been a very fruitful conversation, but I think we should take a break before continuing, — Kyran suggested, gesturing to a table in the center of the room. —Please, Cosmic Architects, let us take a moment to rest. Let me see what I can offer you.

—Don't worry, — Lyra replied with a reassuring smile. Extending her arm, she made an elegant gesture with her hand, and as if by magic, the table was dressed in a feast: plates filled with exotic foods, heavenly-looking desserts, drinks that bubbled with colors from the astral spectrum, and a vase that added a harmonious touch to the whole.

—Ok, that's good, very good— Kyran couldn't help but smile at the display —Enjoy yourselves in the meantime. I'll go see my brother— he said, heading towards the door with a mix of determination and concern in his eyes.

Entering the other room, he found Claudius, a remnant of sadness enveloping his figure as he sobbed for the loss of his loved ones. Compassion and brotherly love guided Kyran, who approached and hugged him tightly, a gesture that Claudius reciprocated with equal intensity.

—Brother, — Kyran whispered, his voice a balm amidst the pain. —You need not worry. I have spoken to the Cosmic Architects, and they have assured me that they can turn back time to the way it was before we left. We will see everyone again. It will be as if we had never left. You will be able to see our parents again.

In that embrace, shared in the quiet of a secluded room, was a moment of unexpected peace. A respite from the darkness of the journey they had undertaken, a ray of hope in the storm of uncertainty that had enveloped them. This chapter of their lives, marked by grief and loss, also offered promises of reunions and repairs, a reminder that even in the darkest of journeys, the light of hope is never completely extinguished.

¿Are you sure? – Claudius asked.

— Brother, this is amazing! They are going to reverse time and allow us to return to our loved ones. And the best part is that they are coming with us! — Kyran exclaimed, his voice a whirlwind of surprise and wonder, an overwhelming mix of emotions. — We have found our creators! Can you imagine what they will be able to teach us?

Claudius stepped away from his brother for a moment, wiping the tears from his face with his hands before speaking. —I understand your joy, brother, but right now, all I want is to see our parents, our siblings. And it terrifies me to think that when I go out, I will only find emptiness and no one there.

—It's okay, little brother, I understand you, — Kyran replied in a voice that exuded understanding. He too had felt a cold chill upon hearing that everything he knew had disappeared and he knew, deep down, that his brother needed a break to release the stress accumulated after hearing and seeing so many revelations. —Let's go get something to eat, — Kyran suggested in an encouraging tone. —That will make you feel better.

—But I don't remember us loading any food onto the ship, — Claudius said, his voice tinged with uncertainty.

— Don't worry — Kyran assured with a reassuring smile — Everything is ready. The Cosmic Architects are waiting for us.

With that, Claudius nodded, and Kyran helped his brother wipe his face with a damp cloth before heading together to the main hall, where the Cosmic Architects were already enjoying a feast and engaging in lively conversation.

—The boys will recover, — Caelum said with conviction, as he cut off a piece of meat and brought it to his mouth with his fork. —They just need time to absorb and learn.

—Yes, — Elio agreed, his voice filled with empathy. —We must give them what they need, allow them to return to their time with their families. It would not be fair for them to go through the same hardships as us.

—There is no problem with that, brother, — Lyra interceded with a comforting smile. —They will not suffer as we did. We will grant them knowledge and powers. They will be the ones to start a new evolution in this universe.

— We will certainly be closely monitoring the entire process — Caelum assured in a tone full of responsibility — To prevent anyone from trying to destabilize this universe. Among the five universes we have observed, this is the only one that has managed to remain stable.

—The other universes were not so lucky— Lyra mused, deep in thought. —Still, we must remain vigilant. Let us remember that even among us there were those who envied us for our successes.

—Exactly, — Elio agreed, his voice firm. —I know who they are. That's why I keep a list with their names, surnames, and faces on file, just in case they try to enter this universe with bad intentions towards our creations.

—I won't let anything bad happen to them, — Caelum declared with determination. —I have a security measure prepared in case they dare to try it.

—What absolutely amazes me is that Ætheris decided to create beings. This suggests that he longed for a family. ¿Do you think he was inspired by seeing humans and their families? — Lyra asked her siblings.

— Maybe, — Caelum nodded thoughtfully. —We promised him we would return, and our delay was longer than expected. It is only natural that he would seek company, and we assigned him a task that required support.

—The important thing is that he managed to do it, and that is truly fascinating, — Elio added enthusiastically.

At that moment, Claudius and Kyran made their entrance. —We're back, — Kyran announced with a smile. —My brother is calmer now, isn't he?

—Yes, I regret having to retreat like that, — Claudius said, his voice heavy with remorse as he lowered his head.

—There's no reason to feel ashamed, — Elio reassured him with an understanding smile. —We understand perfectly. Now, come, — he invited them, gesturing for them to join the table. —Let's all eat together. In a few hours we must leave to restore everything as it was before, and we have many people to talk to and much to do.

When they finished eating, they rested a bit before beginning to prepare the ship for their return to the known universe. Lyra waved her hand and a console appeared out of nowhere, from which emerged a sort of blue gem that began to spin as it showed on a screen how events went backwards and the years flew by. Kyran and his brother Claudius watched the events at full speed and understood what had happened when the images stopped and returned to the present.

—Everything is ready— Lyra said. —We can go back to the moment when you left your universe—

—Alright. Let's go, brother, — Kyran replied. —Let's get this ship on course for the universe we know. — Claudius nodded and the two of them headed to the cockpit to power up the ship. They put the coordinates Kyran had left in the ship's memory and set off. It was Elio who opened the interdimensional portal with a wave of his hand, allowing the ship to pass through to the universe they had left untouched.

Upon returning to the known universe, brothers Claudius and Kyran breathed a sigh of relief. They were adjusting the coordinates to return to the planet Zenith when the doors opened and their creators entered to observe the universe from the ship's window.

—We'll be there later, — Kyran said.

—Okay, — Elio replied, fixing his gaze on the ship's console, while Claudius deftly manipulated a few buttons on the console. With a nod, he confirmed that everything was in order, just as Kyran pulled a lever and pressed another button. The Valkyrie ship whizzed through the void of space, slicing through infinity like a bee in its swift flight. The hyperdrive was working perfectly, and they soon arrived at Zenith.

As they emerged from the hyperspace jump, the Cosmic Architects found themselves confronted by a shocking sight. Zenith loomed before them, a planet built by Kyran's father to be a majestic and imposing military space station. It was the heart of the universe's defense, where the Imperials' group congregated to protect the galaxy from chaos, strife, and dissent. Flashing lights patrolled its perimeter, while warships patrolled the surrounding space with military precision. A sense of order and discipline permeated the atmosphere, reminding visitors of Zenith's vital importance in the cosmic balance.

Elio moved closer to the window, it was an imposing technological planet, he put a hand on the wall of the ship to see the planet better, he couldn't believe that the creations they had created had made that bastion of strength, discipline and order, it was something beautiful that he hadn't seen in other universes they had gone to. Lyra touched her brother Caelum's arm to point out how Elio looked at everything with fascination, Caelum smiled he hadn't seen his brother Elio for a long time amazed by something, suddenly a small hologram turned on showing a woman looking at them, waiting for the conversation

—Good morning, I am calling from the ship Valkyrie requesting permission to enter Zenith, — Kyran said in a clear, firm voice that reverberated through the communicator.

From the other end, an official voice responded with methodical precision. —Good day, Valkyrie. Please identify yourself and state the reason for your visit to our station.

—I am Kyran Whittaker, a specialist in Space Biochemical Engineering with a focus on sustainable agriculture, son of High Imperial Terry Whittaker, Universally Unique Identifier (UUI): K—EBE—837—SAG——he explained, with a tone that mixed professionalism and a hint of pride. He turned to Claudius, who was already ready to continue.

—I am Claudius Whittaker, First Imperial, son of High Imperial Terry Whittaker, Universally Unique Identifier (UUI): C—PI—429—SDM, — Claudius added, his voice as commanding as his title. —We have on board persons of great importance, part of the group known as the Cosmic Architects. Our mission is diplomatic and urgent; we have come to discuss critical matters of intergalactic security.

There was a brief silence, the space between the stars seeming to hold its breath as they waited for the answer.

—Understood, Kyran and Claudius, — the authoritative voice echoed after a brief pause. —Allow me to verify your identity and the nature of your mission. Please submit your credentials and wait a moment.

Seconds stretched like hours in the vacuum of space. When the voice returned, it did so with a warmer tone.

—Your Highnesses, Kyran and Claudius, we have verified your credentials and your application has been approved. You will be allowed entry to Zenith. However, you will be accompanied by an escort and must strictly adhere to our security regulations during your stay.

Relief flooded the Valkyrie's bridge. Kyran and Claudius exchanged a look that mixed complicity and anticipation. They were one step closer to their crucial mission, and Zenith awaited them, laden with secrets to uncover.

—Understood, we appreciate your cooperation. Could you please tell us the name and rank of the person ¿who will accompany us as our escort? — Claudius asked, his voice calm but authoritative.

—Of course, — the Authority replied. —Your escort will be Commander Milo Thorn, one of our most experienced officers in security and protocol. You will find him in the landing hangar, ready to greet you upon arrival.

— Perfect, we're on our way. Thank you for your assistance—Kyran replied with a marked tone of gratitude.

—Have a safe journey and a productive stay on Zenith, Your Highness Kyran. Commander Milo Thorn will be awaiting your arrival. See you soon.

Kyran turned off the LumiCom on the command console and prepared to enter the hangar. There he was, Commander Milo Thorn, just as he had been informed. As he opened the door to disembark from the ship, Commander Milo Thorn saluted with a formal gesture. Claudius, for his part, handed him the insignia so he could verify the documentation with his analysis device.

—Everything's okay, — Milo said. —What can I do for you?

—I need you to take us to our father, Terry Whittaker, His Excellency, the Imperial High Priest, — Claudius said.

—Of course, Lord Imperial Prime Claudius. It will be an honor to take you to His Excellency, Imperial Supreme Whittaker, — Milo replied deferentially. —Please follow me, — motioning with his hand for them to follow.

Elio watched in amazement at the meticulous order and protocol that governed that place. The way everything was organized and how they communicated with each other revealed a unique system in this universe, something completely alien to the chaos he had witnessed in other corners of the cosmos. While he was lost in his thoughts, Lyra, gently taking his arm, said to him with a suppressed laugh:

—I know you're shocked, little brother, but try to shut your mouth.

—It's just impressive, — Elio couldn't help but respond, his voice tinged with wonder. —Have you seen all this? It's like a planetary fortress, incredible. —

Caelum intervened in a calm tone, —It is even more than we could have imagined. It is fascinating, and we understand that, brother. But focus. You are the soldier of the family. Remember what our father taught us.

—Yes, you're right, — Elio admitted, struggling to regain his composure.

Caelum, with a look that reflected both the seriousness of his mission and the promise of future adventures, added, —After we have accomplished our task, we will have plenty of time to explore this universe. You may marvel as much as you wish. But now, we have something far more important to do.—

Guided into a room adorned with furniture and a large table, the atmosphere was softened by the presence of a vase that harmonized the space with its flowers, reminding them that even in the midst of urgency, there was room for beauty.

—Please wait here, — Commander Milo instructed them seriously. —I will inform His Excellency, the Imperial Supreme, that you have returned from your mission through the black hole.

Kyran, driven by sudden concern, interrupted the commander with an urgent question. —Wait, ¿ how is Your Excellency? — His voice was filled with anxiety, remembering that his father had suffered an attack by his own power when he tried to get rid of the black hole, not realizing that it was actually a dimensional portal.

With a nod of respect, Thorn politely nodded and waved before replying. —His Excellency has recovered satisfactorily. He only needed an hour to recover from the energy shock, — he stated, before turning and heading towards the door in search of his leader.

—That's good news, — Kyran said, casting a glance at Claudius, searching his brother for a reflection of his own relief. That brief exchange had given them a moment of calm before what was to come.

—There is no cause for alarm, — Caelum assured them calmly. —We did not transmit the shock to him with the same intensity as he sent it to us; in fact, we reduced the intensity so as not to harm him. We have not returned to harm our creations; we are not assassins, we are scientists.

—We understand, — Claudius replied, his tone understanding. —We did not mean to offend you. We apologize if our concern seemed otherwise.

Caelum responded with a smile and a nod, indicating that he fully understood her position.

After waiting for about an hour, Kyran impatiently asked his brother: —¿Don't you think it's taking too long?

—You know how it is. He's probably in some meeting; and you know what the kings and emperors of our universe are like— Claudius explained just as the door opened, revealing Terry entering accompanied by his son Sapphire, Claudius and Kyran's brother.

Kyran approached his father with a relieved smile at seeing him in perfect health, dressed in his imposing black Imperial suit, adorned with gold trim and the emblem of his hierarchy, along with his High Imperial insignia. Terry smiled back and tenderly caressed his cheek.

—What happened? —Terry asked the young people with concern.

— What do you mean, Father? — Claudius looked confused. — We left you a voice message on the LumiCom indicating where we were going.

—¿You mean this message? — Sapphire intervened, showing the LumiCom screen. The message was unintelligible, drowned in noise and static. —It's impossible to understand it, and when we arrived at the Aeonis Prime space station, we found no one. It was desolate, as if abandoned for centuries, everything turned off and lifeless and covered in dust.

We were worried when we saw that five hours had passed without any news from you and no trace of you anywhere, — Safiro explained in an anguished tone. Kyran and Claudius sensed an unusual mix of anger and concern in their brother, something rare in him. The brothers exchanged glances, aware that they could not reveal the full truth to their father and brother, especially with guests present, so as not to complicate the situation further.

Elio stood up, joining Lyra and Caelum, who was already standing, speaking calmly. —Don't blame them, we are responsible for that incident. Lyra, I thought you had synchronized us at the same time the boys left.

Lyra, with a calm gesture, took out her analysis device and, after examining it, admitted with a kind smile: —It seems I made a miscalculation, my apologies.

Up until that point, Terry and Sapphire had been so preoccupied with their relatives that they had barely noticed the visitors. Kyran then led his father towards them, with Sapphire and Claudius following close behind.

—Father, — Kyran began, his soft voice trying to cushion the impact of his words, —they are the Cosmic Architects. This is Caelum, — he pointed out. —She is Lyra, and he is Elio Stellaris. They are, in a way, our creators, and especially of the Ætheris Gem.

Terry looked at them, amazed, unable to believe his eyes. He was standing before the creators of his own creator, a meeting he had never imagined possible.

—It's a pleasure, — he managed to say, though his surprise prevented him from deciding how to act, whether to shake her hands or simply stand there. Sapphire shared his amazement, but his curiosity was focused on Lyra's device, imagining the wonders it might contain.

Caelum, noticing their puzzlement, interjected, —We understand that you did not expect this encounter, just as we did not anticipate returning at this time. It has been an unusual event, — he said, looking at his brothers, trying to ease the tension of the moment with his understanding.

—We have returned after a long journey, — Lyra explained. —We should have returned more than two million years ago. We believe that Ætheris felt lonely for a long time, and that is why she created you, looking for a family to trust. — Terry listened, absorbed in his thoughts, not knowing what to say in the face of such a revelation. Claudius, noticing the moment of tension, made a discreet sign to Kyran, asking him to intervene to smooth the situation.

Kyran, taking the hint, took the initiative. —Father, let us all sit down and talk. We have much to discuss, and they have come to help us and stay with us.

Sitting down, Terry finally found the words: —I'm sorry, it's just… seeing you guys here, it's kind of impressive.

— We understand — Elio said empathetically. — Something similar happened to me when I saw this planet you created, Zenith, if I'm not mistaken. The structure of its military organization is amazing; I have not seen anything like it in any other universe.

—Thank you, — Terry replied, clearly flattered and comforted by his creator's praise.

—They are scientists, Father, — Claudius intervened, —and Elio is a soldier, like us.

That explanation made Safiro look curiously at Elio's suit. —That weapon on your arm is impressive, — he commented, fascinated.

—Yes, it's a pretty advanced piece of technology— Elio admitted, —and I'd be happy to teach you how to create one.

—I would love to, — Sapphire said, her smile lighting up her face.

With a tone of genuine curiosity, Terry asked, —¿What brought you back to these places after so long?

—We have returned after much wandering to our home—Caelum began, his voice filled with a solemn sense of purpose as he settled into the corner of a circular white-upholstered sofa, contrasting with the different colored furniture that adorned the room.

—In our travels, we have witnessed how other universes have collapsed under the weight of their own creations, how the quest for power has led to total destruction. We are well informed that a similar fate is planned for this place within fifty years. We have returned to prevent that tragedy.

The gravity of his words filled the room, urging all present to reflect on the magnitude of the mission the Cosmic Architects had undertaken. The Whittaker family, now faced with the revelation of a bleak future, found in their visitors not only the creators of their lineage, but also guardians willing to defy the course of fate for the greater good.