CHAPTER 18

They had managed to develop a material strong enough to transport the Ætheris Gem, opening up the possibility of distributing psionic and quantum energy throughout the universe. This breakthrough promised a process of purification and reordering in every corner of the cosmos.

—Let's assign the coordinates, — Ashtar proposed, marking the beginning of the process.

Gathered in the cave where the machine destined to carry the Ætheris Gem on its final mission lay, anticipation filled the air.

Darius, with a question in mind, interjected, —Once the Ætheris Gem has served its purpose and is in orbit, will it return automatically, or ¿will we need to guide it back?

—There is no cause for concern, Uncle, — Saphire assured confidently. —The ship is programmed with precise instructions to act once the Ætheris Gem completes its task. In any case,

We will maintain constant monitoring from here, ready to intervene if necessary — The security in his voice was reassuring, promising careful surveillance over the deployment of the mission and guaranteeing the required assistance from the ground.

—That's reassuring, — commented Francisco Javier, relieved by the certainty that they would not lose that valuable fragment.

—Don't worry, we won't lose it, — Caelum stated with conviction. —Let's begin the process. I ask you to be quiet and take a step back, — he instructed, guiding those present with a gesture. The scientists regrouped, preparing to integrate the machine into the ship and proceed with the adjustment of the coordinates. Under the ship, there was another device in charge of monitoring it, with Kyran and Elara attentive to the monitors while the rest of the team took care of the internal adjustments, ensuring that the ship was ready to take off without problems. Following the necessary protocols, everyone descended from the ship, which then began its ascent. Soon, the ship began to vibrate; a door in the cave opened and the ship took off, disappearing into the sky and entering hyperspace, with Kyran and Elara supervising each phase of the process.

—This indicates that it will take at least five days to reach the intended destination—Lyra calculated.

—At least it's clear what you need to do. We'll need one of us to stay here and keep watch, — Caelum suggested, looking at his team.

—I'll take the first shift, — Ashtar offered, willing to assume the responsibility of overseeing the mission.

The decision was unanimous: Lyra would take over after Ashtar, followed by the others, in a continuous chain of surveillance until the safe return of the ship with the intact fragment. The priority was to preserve the soul of the gem, a crucial element of their mission.

Terry, in the quiet of his office, sent out silent prayers, hoping that the ship would sail smoothly through space and avoid any form of confrontation or attempted theft. Aware of the countless risks lurking in the vast universe, from thieves to pirates, for spacemen eager to seize an object of immense power, concern was a constant. Although the ship was protected by an extraordinarily resistant alloy, he knew that this did not guarantee its total safety. Terry's hope was that the strategy and precautions taken would be enough to protect the precious cargo on its space journey.

Four days had passed since the ship had left the confines of Zephyra, gliding through the cosmos with the grace of a swan on a stellar lake. In the command cabin, a scanning module flickered with a gentle light, a beacon of tranquility in the vastness of space.

Caelum and Sapphire, fellow travelers on this intergalactic odyssey, shared the watch, carefully observing the readings and ensuring that their journey followed the planned course.

—Looks like the flows are fine, — Safiro commented, his fingers dancing over the controls like a pianist in concert, while his eyes scanned the screens in front of him.

Caelum, for his part, kept his eyes on another monitor. —Cameras confirm that nothing unusual has approached our ship. Our journey continues without incident, — he said, his voice tinged with cautious optimism. A satisfied smile spread across his face as he contemplated the success of his meticulous plan.

Meanwhile, in a completely different corner of the cosmos, Terry was facing his own battle, a war of paperwork and decisions that seemed to have no end.

Fatigue had begun to take its toll on him, his head spinning in a whirlwind of figures and clauses, a sure sign of deep exhaustion. He massaged his eyes, trying to find relief in the darkness behind his eyelids. Looking up at the clock, he discovered that it was two in the morning. Time had flown by between signatures and directives, in an already empty office, where the echo of his pen on paper was the only sound.

Reluctantly, he had sent Vicenzo, his loyal assistant, to rest hours earlier, after threatening him with dismissal if he dared to disobey. Terry knew he needed to rest, even if briefly, to face another day of hard work. As he left his office, flanked by the guards his brother Rodrick had insisted on assigning him, he thought back to Marcus and Darius, whom he had sent out for coffee in a vain attempt to find solitude.

The guards, those unwavering pillars sent by Rodrick, followed in his footsteps with ironclad loyalty, defying any attempt by Terry to shake off their vigilance. Accepting his nocturnal fate, he resigned himself to the company of his protectors. Alone in his room, far from the eyes of the world, Terry hoped to find a refuge, a brief respite from his frenetic existence. However, Rodrick's ever-present shadow cast doubts on the privacy of his solace.

Terry made his way to his room in Zenith, each step echoing with a mix of determination and caution. The atmosphere in Whittaker Castle had grown cold, colder than the very space Caelum and Sapphire traversed. The dispute with his brother Rodrick had left a gap, a void that not even time seemed willing to fill. Despite the occasional encounters in the hallways, those moments were marked by a frozen silence, with Rodrick passing by, not granting him even a fleeting glance or a greeting that could begin to rebuild bridges between them.

In the past, the Whittaker brothers' fights had been few, but always short-lived, healed by mutual understanding and the passage of a few days. This time, however, the conflict felt different, deeper. Both stood firm in their convictions, unwavering, with the tension of the conflicting universe reflecting back into their own home, adding pressure to an already tense situation.

Reason was evenly divided between them, a duality of perspectives that, under other circumstances, would have strengthened their bond. But at this critical moment, at this universal turning point, the tension was not only taking its toll on them as individuals, it threatened to fracture the core of the Whittaker family.

As Terry walked deeper into the solitude of his room, the silence echoed his thoughts. The hope for reconciliation, though distant, had not entirely left his heart. Perhaps, like the distant stars that guide travelers in the darkness, there would be a light, a time ripe for forgiveness and mutual understanding. For now, all he could do was navigate this night of uncertainty, clinging to the hope of warmer days and conversations to come, where the Whittaker family could find their way back to each other, beyond the stars of their disagreements.

He knew well that his brother could be vindictive at times. He was so angry with him that he could have ordered the guards to come in and keep at least two of them inside, guarding the door, and the other two outside. It sent an icy chill down his spine as he would lose his complete privacy. He prayed that wouldn't happen as he made his way to his room in the space station.

The automatic doors to his room at Zenith slid silently shut, whispering shut behind them, encapsulating Terry in his personal sanctuary. The solitude he so craved was finally materializing; his brother Rodrick, for once, had decided not to intervene with vengeful measures. Terry breathed a sigh of relief, grateful for the respite from his brother's machinations, which often bordered on the unbearable.

With a weary but deliberate gesture, he removed his jacket, tossing it over a nearby chair, and placed his symbol on an adjoining table. A gentle touch on a hidden panel revealed a window to the cosmos, a vast canvas of stars and nebulas that stretched beyond imagining.

His gaze was lost in the immensity of space, wondering about the ship that was carrying his fragment and Ætheris, lost in some remote corner of that universe.

The connection he once shared with Ætheris was gone, severed along with the fragment removed from his being. Yet Ætheris had been generous, leaving him a vestige of her power so he could continue his existence. Terry longed for her presence, an absence that felt deeper than the emptiness of space he looked upon. Together, they had been through numerous odysseys, facing challenges that strengthened their bond, a bond broken only by the recent feud with Rodrick.

His desire to be reunited with Ætheris was palpable, almost like a physical force. He longed to share with her the events that had transpired since their separation, to recount the vicissitudes of his life alone. Terry knew that his love for Ætheris transcended the conventional bounds of romantic affection; it was a love forged in the crucible of creation itself, akin to the unconditional love of a child for its mother. Ætheris had been his creator, his guide, granting him life, knowledge, and power. Her protection was like that of a mother for her children, an unbreakable shield against the adversities of the world.

As the night unfolded before him, Terry allowed himself to dream of reunion, of the moment when he could be with Ætheris again, sharing their stories, their hopes, and perhaps, in that sharing, find a way to reestablish the bond that once united them.

In the stillness of her room, with the universe as her witness, she hoped that this day would come, a day when the family, in all its forms and connections, would be reunited once more under the protective mantle of Ætheris.

Terry proceeded to undress completely, placing his clothes meticulously in the closet, an almost ritual gesture that preceded rest. The silence of the room, save for the soft hum of the ship and the distant glow of the stars through the window, created an atmosphere conducive to reflection and longing.

Lying on the bed, the sheets cold at the initial contact soon took the warmth of his body, becoming a soft embrace that invited rest. He closed his eyes, allowing the darkness to envelop him, and in that intimate space between wakefulness and in the dream, he sent up a silent prayer. His heart, full of hope and desire, pleaded for the welfare of the Gem Ætheris, that entity whose absence felt like an unfathomable void in his soul.

He longed fervently for Ætheris to complete her work, for the universe's ways to allow their safe return home. He dreamed of a reunion, not as a mere pause in their eternal cosmic dance, but as a new beginning, a being together again, and this time, forever.

As he drifted off to sleep, the worries and weight of everyday life began to dissolve into the nebula of his thoughts. The possibility of a future where absence would turn into presence, where the distance between them would shorten until it would vanish, filled his mind with an unexpected peace. On the edge of sleep, Terry clung to the hope of better days, of a tomorrow where Ætheris' light would once again illuminate his path, guiding him through the darkness toward a dawn of reunions and promises fulfilled.

In the veil of night, as the stars watched from the sky, Terry fell into a deep sleep, a sleep that soon turned into an odyssey of despair and longing.

He found himself in an ethereal realm, a place where reality was intertwined with the threads of the impossible. The space around him was an amalgam of vibrant colors and dancing shadows, and there, suspended at the center of this cosmic whirlpool, was the Ætheris Gem.

It shone with a light of its own, a beacon of hope in the vastness of the dream. Yet its glow was beginning to fade, as if a dark force were sapping its vital essence.

Suddenly, a voice rang out, a voice Terry would recognize anywhere in the universe, the voice of Ætheris. It was filled with fear and pleading, a distant echo that crossed dimensions to reach him. —Terry… Help me, — it whispered, each word laden with urgency and fear.

Driven by an unbreakable impulse, Terry tried to get closer to the gem, his feet lifting off the ground in an attempt to fly towards it. But the harder he tried, the further away it seemed to be. An invisible force held him back, a freezing wind pushing him back, widening the gap between him and Ætheris.

The gem began to fade, sinking into a growing darkness, as if it were being swallowed by an endless void. Terry desperately reached out his hand, trying to break the invisible chains that anchored him to immobility. — ¡Ætheris! — he shouted, his voice lost in the whirlwind.

Desperation rose within him, a storm consuming every trace of hope. He felt his heart beat in a rhythm of panic, his breath turning to mist in the cold of space. Every time the gem seemed to be within reach, a new force dragged him back, leaving him helpless, a spectator in his own nightmare.

And then, at the most critical moment, when Ætheris' light was fading completely, Terry woke up. His room, a refuge from reality, welcomed him back with its familiar walls and the window open to infinite space. But the relief was short-lived, replaced by an echo of terror that still resonated in his chest.

—¡Ætheris! — he cried, his cry piercing the silence of the night. His voice, full of fear and worry, faded into the darkness of his room, a palpable reminder of the dream that had disturbed his rest. Sweaty and with a pounding heart, still unrestrained, Terry sat on his bed, trying to catch his breath, while the shadows of the night seemed to watch him, silent witnesses to his torment. The feeling of helplessness enveloped him, a cold shadow that threatened to consume him even in his wakefulness.

Terry was abruptly brought out of his thoughts when the doors to his room were flung open, and the guards appointed by his brother burst into the room, turning on the lights and adopting an attack stance.

—We heard you scream, Your Excellency, — one of the guards said, concern evident in his voice.

—Yes, — Terry replied, shielding his eyes from the glare of the electric light with his arm, —it was a nightmare. I'm sorry I alarmed you.

—Don't worry, Your Excellency, — the guard said, gesturing with his hand for the others to leave. —We'll leave you alone so you can get some more rest. — With a bow, he turned and left the room, closing the automatic door behind him.

After the nightmare, Terry found himself unable to sleep again. The uneasiness inside him was too strong, a sense of urgency that drove him to act. Convinced that Ætheris might be in danger and need his help, he was ready to set out on a quest across the universe to find her, no matter how much time he might lose in the attempt, as had happened in the past.

He dressed quickly, aware that at five in the morning the hallways would be practically deserted, populated only by those from the night shift who were still at work. With the guards following him closely, he left his bedroom and headed for his office, looking for a space of privacy to communicate with Safiro, his son, and obtain news about the ship.

Entering his office, still empty except for himself and his guards, he proceeded to close the door behind him. He turned to the office's artificial intelligence, Aurion, with precise instructions:

—Seal up the soundproofing and black out the windows, — Terry ordered.

— Right away, Your Excellency— Aurion replied, carrying out the orders immediately. The windows were darkened and the office was completely soundproofed, creating an isolated and safe environment for private communication.

—Call Safiro on the LumiCom, — Terry said.

—Calling third Imperial Sapphire Whittaker, — Aurion announced. Moments later, Sapphire's image appeared on the projection, her face expectant.

—¿What's wrong, Father? — Safiro asked, immediately noticing the seriousness in her father's voice.

—I need you to tell me, ¿how is the ship where Ætheris is? — Terry asked, his voice filled with concern.

—Nothing has happened, Father. The ship is on course without problems and there has been no attempt at theft or disturbance— Safiro reported, her tone calm, trying to convey calm. —¿Why do you ask?

— I had a nightmare... someone was hurting him— Terry revealed. Hearing this, worry took over Safiro. She clearly remembered that the last time her father had a similar nightmare, he himself had disappeared for years. It was unusual for Terry to have such dreams, which meant that they shouldn't take the premonition lightly.

—Okay, — Saphire said with determination. —I'll have another ship follow her. I don't want anything to happen, especially if you had a nightmare. Last time was disastrous.

—Give me the coordinates of where the ship is located, — Terry requested, showing his intention to take direct action.

—¿Do you want to go there? — Safiro asked, alarmed by his father's suggestion. The thought of Terry putting himself in danger again, especially after the implications of his dream, filled him with dread.

—I'll go, even if you don't give them to me. I can find them anyway. So choose: either you give them to me voluntarily or I'll find them myself, — Terry ordered, his voice tinged with frustration.

— Okay, Father. I'll give you the coordinates— Safiro conceded, aware that she had no choice. She knew her father's determination well, having shared that same obstinacy on many occasions. — I'll send them to you there. Just don't make a crazy deal out of this, please, Father.

—I won't do anything that involves putting my life in danger, son, — Terry assured, trying to calm Safiro's worries, although they both knew that such words were what Safiro needed to hear, more than an actual guarantee.

—Don't be condescending, — Sapphire replied, her voice laced with irritation. —I know you will take a ship and go there at your own risk.

—¿How do you know that? — Terry asked, genuinely curious about his son's accusation.

The conversation between father and son reflected not only their deep connection and concern for each other, but also the implicit understanding that when faced with the threat of real or perceived danger, Terry would not hesitate to take drastic measures, even at the cost of his own safety. Terry's decision to go on

His search for Ætheris, guided by a premonition born of a nightmare, underlined the intensity of his commitment and the depth of his relationship with Ætheris, transcending logic and fear of danger.

—Because I would do the same thing, if something happened to you. And because I did it more than once when you disappeared and we couldn't find you— Sapphire said, her voice oscillating between sadness and rage—I know how you feel about the fragment and I understand you perfectly. Ætheris is more than a gem to you; she is your creator, she happens to be your biological mother, and a son would do anything for his mother.

At these words, Terry couldn't help but smile. He was aware of his son's intelligence, but he hadn't realized how observant he really was. It was logical for a scientist to be like that; despite Although many thought that Sapphire repressed her emotions, the truth was that she expressed them, although in a very reserved way and only at crucial moments, especially in front of him, her father.

—If anything happens, I'll let you know, — Terry promised, trying to reassure his son.

—No, you won't. I'll go with you to make sure nothing happens to you— replied Safiro, determined to accompany her father.

— Then I'll wait for you — Terry accepted, acknowledging his son's determination.

—You better do it, father, otherwise you'll know that there will be no place you can hide that I won't find you, no matter if I have to go to the very limits of the known universe, — Safiro threatened, marking the seriousness of her commitment.

—Okay, son, come on. I'll wait for you, — Terry sighed, closing the communication on his LumiCom.

—¿Are you alright, Your Excellency? — Aurion asked, noticing the changes in Terry's condition.

—Yes, Aurion, I'm fine, — Terry assured, despite the fluctuations in his vital levels detected by the artificial intelligence.

—Don't worry, I'll calm down, — he added, seeking to reassure both Aurion and himself.

—If you have any further requests, I am here to assist you, Your Excellency, — Aurion offered, ever attentive.

—Thanks. Take down the soundproofing and clear the windows, — Terry requested, looking to return to the normality of his office environment.

— Immediately, — Aurion replied, carrying out the orders quickly, removing the soundproofing and returning clarity to the windows.

—Thank you, Aurion, — Terry said, grateful for the AI's efficiency.

—You're welcome, Your Excellency, — Aurion concluded, waiting for any new requests. Terry and Sapphire's determination, united by their unbreakable family bond, prepared them to face together any challenge the universe presented to them.

Terry reflected on his prized starship, a jewel of engineering kept under lock and key and only deployed for missions that demanded the utmost in technology and defense. Acquired a few years ago, this ship was not just another run-of-the-mill ship; it had been meticulously selected and kept in perfect condition within a hangar, constantly watched over by two loyal guards. The **Odyssey Guardian XR-509**, as it was known, was a testament to Terry's vision and demands: a mid-sized starship, perfectly equipped to accommodate a crew of up to eight without sacrificing comfort or efficiency.

The **Odyssey Guardian XR —509** stands out for its robust design and advanced capabilities, ideal for facing the challenges of vast space. Equipped with heavy weaponry, including dual-function energy turrets and long-range missile launchers, it is prepared to repel attacks from space pirates and protect its crew in the most dangerous reaches of the galaxy.

Its ion-drive and warp drive technology allows for fast, efficient travel between stars, while advanced life systems ensure self-sufficiency during long missions. Featuring a multi-phase deflector shield and combat AI, the **Odyssey Guardian XR-509** is not just a means of transport, but a mobile fortress, capable of facing any threat with determination and strength.

—¿Aurion? — Terry called.

—Yes, Your Excellency, — Aurion replied promptly.

—I want you to give the order to have the Odyssey Guardian XR-509 ready for takeoff, equipped with all necessary food and medicine supplies. I will be making a long trip on that ship— Terry instructed with determination.

— Right away, Your Excellency. I will give the order for it to be carried out immediately. Do you need it ready immediately or do you have a specific time for your departure on the ship? — Aurion asked, seeking to clarify the exact moment for the preparation.

—I need it ready in about an hour, — Terry specified, marking the urgent beginning of his journey.

—Understood, — Aurion said, and without delay began transmitting the order to ensure that the Odyssey Guardian XR-509 would be ready in approximately one to two hours.

Moved by an irrevocable decision, Terry rose from his seat and walked to the doors of his office. He opened them with determination and addressed the two guards standing guard outside. —Call the others in the hallway and tell them to come into the office, — he instructed. When the four soldiers were lined up in front of him, Terry did not hesitate to share his resolve.

—I'm going out into outer space, — he announced, immediately catching the attention of the men, who looked at him with obvious surprise. —I don't know what my brother told you, but I have to go out. There's a ship outside that I have to board. It will take me to a

—I am in a position where I need to be. I will understand if you choose not to accompany me. Regardless, Marcus and Darius will surely go with me once I find them, and my son Sapphire is already on his way. Now, the decision is yours, — Terry concluded, leaving it up to his guards to choose whether to join him on this imminent and dangerous adventure.

—Our orders, — the leader of the group began, his voice firm and determined, —are to follow you wherever you go. If you have to go to hell itself, we must go with you there. Our commander ordered us to, and we prefer to follow those orders rather than present ourselves before him and be punished for non-compliance—His words highlighted an unwavering commitment, a loyalty forged in duty and obedience.

—Okay, — Terry replied, nodding appreciatively at his men's loyalty. —Just one thing: I don't know how many days we'll be gone, or what we'll find when we get to our destination, or what we'll have to face. You must be prepared for anything.

—We understand, Your Excellency, — the leader assured, and with a glance he communicated with his men, who nodded,

demonstrating his understanding and willingness to follow him. —However, we must report this action to our superior, — he added, recalling the chain of command and the need to communicate their movements, maintaining discipline even in extraordinary situations.

This interaction underlined not only the loyalty and courage of the guards, but also the seriousness of the mission Terry was about to undertake. Despite the uncertainties and potential dangers, the determination to press on was palpable, shared by both the leader and his men, ready to face the unknown together.

—Please do, — Terry agreed, understanding the importance of military protocol and communication within the chain of command. The men left the office, and the team leader pulled out his LumiCom to contact his superior, informing him of the situation and the instructions received. The response, it seemed, was swift and without objection, as there was no sign of concern or disagreement, indicating that they had the green light to proceed as planned.

Shortly after, the office door opened again to reveal Sapphire, who entered with an air of urgency.

— ¿Is everything ready? — Safiro asked, her voice filled with expectation and a slight tone of anxiety, aware of the importance of the journey they were about to undertake and the preparations necessary to ensure its success.

—Let's head to the hangar, — Terry suggested, marking the start of their next adventure. —We'll see if everything is ready. — Father and son headed to the hangar, eager to see if the Odyssey Guardian XR-509 was ready for its mission. Upon arriving, they found the Space Supply and Readiness Engineers (SSE) still in the process of loading the ship with supplies and medicine.

—We are still in preparation, — one of the professionals reported diligently. —We have 45 minutes left to finish, Your Excellency, — he added, assuring them that they were working as quickly as they could.

—Okay, — Terry replied sympathetically. —Let me know when you're ready.

—I will do it, — promised the professional, committed to meeting the deadline.

—In the meantime, let's go to my lab—Sapphire suggested, anticipating the possibility of needing additional equipment—I'll bring some gadgets in case we need them.

—Perfect, — Terry agreed, following his son into the lab. It was a space filled with innovations and tools that could prove crucial to their journey.

While in the lab, Terry's portable LumiCom rang. It was Darius and Marcus, asking about their location.

—We'll meet at Safiro's lab— Terry replied, always ready to gather his team. —Go to hangar H—SITW—001, we'll meet there—

—Okay, — Darius confirmed. —We'll meet there, — he said before ending the call.

With preparations underway and his team assembling, Terry felt increasingly ready to face what awaited them in space. The mission was taking shape, and every moment brought them closer to the unknown destination that awaited them.

— I have everything now — Safiro announced, her voice full of confidence and preparation. — Don't worry, I left a note in the cave in case any of the Cosmic Architects or my uncle Ashtar show up. That way they'll know where to find us.

The mention of the Cosmic Architects and Ashtar introduced an additional layer of mystery and depth to their journey. These beings, revered and feared in equal measure, were essential to the fabric of the universe, and knowing that they could be informed of their movements was a testament to the importance of their mission. With everything in place and precautions taken, Terry and Sapphire were prepared to face whatever space had in store for them, knowing that they had done everything possible to ensure success and communication with key allies in their absence.

—Better, that way they won't have to worry, — Terry said, understanding the importance of leaving a trail of their intentions for those who might be looking for them. With everything ready, father and son headed towards the ship, almost reaching their destination, when they noticed Darius and Marcus in the distance. Suddenly, the calm expectation was interrupted by the opening of a transporter portal behind them.

The guards instinctively went on alert, ready to defend themselves against a potential attack. Darius and Marcus, recognizing the situation, began running towards them to provide support, although they were still some distance from the portal. From it, two special forces guards emerged followed by Rodrick, causing those present to adopt a salute posture in recognition of their king and commander in chief.

Terry was speechless at his brother's unexpected appearance. He had considered the possibility of a meeting with one of his parents, his brother Ethan, or even with the Cosmic Architects, but he had never imagined that Rodrick would appear at that critical moment.

It was Sapphire who took the initiative to greet him, advancing with a mixture of surprise and curiosity.

—¿What brings you here, Uncle?— Safiro asked, trying to hide the surprise that Rodrick had caused with his sudden arrival. Rodrick's presence at that decisive moment added a new dimension to the already complex plot of his departure, enveloping the air with a palpable tension of expectations and unanswered questions.

—You know well, boy, what brings me here— Rodrick replied, his gaze fixed on Terry with an intensity that cut through the air. At that very moment, Terry would have liked something to happen, anything; if one of his enemies had chosen that moment to appear, it would have been the perfect escape.

It wasn't that Terry didn't love his brothers; in fact, despite occasional friction with Rodrick, he recognized the validity of his actions and decisions. Rodrick shared many similarities with his mother, especially in the way he spoke.

Although his words could be harsh, they revealed truths that many would rather ignore or that were painful to accept. And although Terry sometimes found it difficult to respond to him, he could not deny that Rodrick was a great support when he was needed. However, since their fight, silence had grown between them, and Terry felt unprepared for this reunion, hesitating on how to act or what to say.

—Try not to fight, — Marcus warned, stepping between Terry and Rodrick. Though Rodrick was larger, Marcus wouldn't back down, aware of the pain Rodrick's blows could inflict, having experienced them in the past. Darius tried to intervene reasonably.

—Leave him alone— Darius tried—We have to go for a reconnaissance of the place; they are waiting for us

—Don't lie, man, — Rodrick replied with annoyance, without looking away.

—It's true, — Darius insisted. —¿How do you think I could lie to you?

—Aha, so if it's a reconnaissance, ¿why are they carrying so many supplies for days? ¿Do you think I'm stupid, Darius? — Rodrick wasn't convinced. Darius, towering over Rodrick by inches and equal in presence, took him by the arm, preparing to prevent any aggression towards Marcus.

—That's enough, — Rodrick said finally, pushing Darius and Marcus aside with a firm determination, clearing the way. The tension between them was palpable, a mix of worry, loyalty, and a complicated web of family relationships that strained with every word and gesture.

Terry thought he had no choice but to fight back. Although his brother towered over him, he remembered his days in Zalara, when he had tamed beasts larger than Rodrick. Before he could act, however, Rodrick grabbed him firmly by the arm and dragged him down a hallway to speak privately, pushing him against the wall with such force that Terry felt the impact on his back.

—¿What are you up to, Terry? — Rodrick asked, his voice tinged with a severity that demanded an answer.

—I have to go, — Terry said, trying to compose himself. His situation reminded him of a child looking for excuses to his father after a prank.

—¿Where? — Rodrick insisted, staring at him. Terry knew that look; it was the same one he had seen on his mother when she was really angry.

— ¿Do I always have to tell you where I'm going? — Terry replied, weighing his words carefully, aware that this might increase his brother's anger. Rodrick blocked any attempt at escape by placing his hands on the wall, enclosing Terry with his imposing presence. The height difference between them, Rodrick at 1.80 m and Terry at 1.70 m, had never seemed so significant.

—If you want to get out of here, you'll tell me where you're going, right now, — Rodrick demanded with a calm that foreshadowed the storm. That tone of voice did not bode well, and Terry preferred to speak so as not to make things worse.

—Let's go on a reconnaissance, — Terry tried.

—Uh-huh, — Rodrick was not to be convinced. —You're still lying, — he said, and with a quick movement, he punched the wall near Terry. Opening his eyes after instinctively closing them, Terry saw the hole in the wall his brother had left. —Tell me again, — Rodrick urged, making it clear that he would accept no more evasions.

— Okay, — Terry managed, his voice reduced to a hoarse whisper, each word struggling to get out as fear engulfed him. It wasn't the punch against the wall that terrified him, but the acute awareness of his vulnerability to Rodrick, especially now that he lacked the gem shard. That piece had once granted him the strength to face unimaginable challenges, leveling the playing field even against those with superior powers. Without it, he felt naked before Rodrick's fury, stripped of the armor that would have allowed him to withstand or counter with equal intensity.

The fear wasn't just of physical retaliation; it was the fear of facing a completely enraged Rodrick, who would now, without a doubt, unleash his full power without restraint. The possibility of facing such unleashed force, without the gem shard as a shield, plunged him into an abyss of dread. Terry knew that facing Rodrick in normal conditions was already a considerable challenge, but facing him in this state of fury, without the aid of his lost power, was a battle he could not hope to win.

— We will go where the fragment is — Despite the internal turmoil he felt, Terry managed to keep his voice firm, even though the words were difficult. It was a promise, an attempt to calm the situation, although inside, the struggle for each inhalation evidenced the deep terror he felt. This was not just a physical fear; it was the fear of the unknown, of the possibility of losing everything in a confrontation from which he could not escape. The lack of the fragment not only weakened him physically, but also made him feel incredibly vulnerable on an emotional and spiritual level, facing his brother in a limiting situation without his usual protection.

—You saw how easy it was to say it all, — Rodrick said, marking the end of their exchange, with an air of resolve that left little room for debate. At this point, the power dynamic between the brothers was palpably tense, revealing the complexities and challenges of their relationship.

—You want to get away from me, — Terry said, annoyed, trying to assert his independence.

—Fine, — Rodrick conceded, standing up. However, he immediately added, —But you're not going anywhere, — reaffirming his decision not to allow Terry to act on his own.

Terry, amazed by the firmness with which Rodrick spoke to him, could not believe what he was hearing. It was unthinkable that, being the Imperial Supreme, he would have to accept orders from anyone, much less from his own brother, who technically was not in a position to dictate his conduct.

—¿Excuse me? — Terry asked, his disbelief evident in his voice. —I think I misheard. Could you repeat what you said? —

—You're not going anywhere, — Rodrick repeated, this time in a louder, raised tone, making sure his message was clear and without a doubt.

—¿Since when do you order the Imperial Supreme? — Terry could not hide his frustration and surprise at his brother's audacity.

—Since the Supreme Imperial Lord has been acting like a little five-year-old boy. Now I have to watch over you so nothing bad happens to you—said Rodrick, justifying his protective and authoritarian attitude.

—¿Do you think I'm going on a pleasure trip? — Terry asked, trying to make Rodrick understand the seriousness of the situation.

—You still won't go— Rodrick was firm in his response, authoritatively denying permission.

—I'll go, even if you don't like it, — Terry replied with determination, showing his resolve to go ahead despite the opposition.

—I'd like to see him try, — Rodrick challenged, skeptical of his brother's firmness.

—I had a nightmare that the fragment is in danger, — Terry revealed, explaining the reason for his urgency.

—¿So? — Rodrick seemed not to understand the gravity of Terry's statement.

—Remember the last time I had a nightmare, what happened? — Terry recalled, referring to a significant event from the past.

Rodrick thought for a moment, considering Terry's words. It was true, the last time Terry had a nightmare, he disappeared for years. If it was now Terry's own fragment that was in danger, the implications could be equally grave. This reflection made Rodrick evaluate the situation in a new light, considering the possibility that Terry's concern had a real and urgent basis.

—Fine, — Rodrick conceded after a pause, —I'll allow it, but you won't be going alone.

—Of course I won't be going alone. Haven't you seen all the people who will be accompanying me? — Terry replied, emphasizing the presence of his team.

—I'm not talking about them. You're not going without me— Rodrick said seriously—I don't want anything bad to happen to you. You can be annoying and a pain in the ass sometimes, but you're my brother. I won't let anyone hurt you, and I don't want to spend years searching for you in space again, not knowing what was wrong with you or where you were. Do you think that trauma has been overcome in the family? We all still live with that fear.

Rodrick's confession transcended words, emerging from a place of shared pain and memories that still weighed like chains on the hearts of his family.

The depth of his concern for Terry went beyond mere fraternal duty; it was the reflection of a soul that had been scarred by the anguish of uncertainty, a wound still open in the fabric of his being.

By affirming his decision to accompany Terry, Rodrick was not only demonstrating unwavering solidarity; he was becoming a guardian determined to prevent the shadows of the past from once again enveloping his family in paralyzing darkness. It was a silent promise, a vow made from the depths of his being, that he would never allow the void of not knowing to take hold of them again.

Each word Rodrick said carried with it the echo of sleepless nights, of staring into the infinity of space, searching for answers that never came. The family had endured that storm of despair together, each moment of Terry's absence was like an extinguished star in the firmament of their lives. And now, faced with the possibility of reliving that torment, Rodrick stood like a beacon of protection, determined to defy the fate that had once plunged them into desolation.

This was not just a gesture of protection; it was a palpable manifestation of the unconditional love that persists even in the most arid emotional deserts.

Rodrick, in this act of bravery and vulnerability, was weaving a bridge over the troubled waters of the past, offering not only safety, but healing. His presence at Terry's side was a balm for the invisible scars the family had accumulated, a reminder that in the fabric of the universe, love and connection were more powerful forces than any chasm of unknowing or fear.

—It's okay, — Terry said, his surprise reflected in the look he directed at Rodrick. He was aware of the pain that still resided at the core of his family, a wound not completely healed by years or attempts at healing. He knew that this lingering concern was the reason behind the overprotectiveness that sometimes felt so suffocating. Terry had opted for silence, choosing not to fan the flames of family anguish with his words or actions.

What Terry had never fully understood was the depth of fear and pain Rodrick harbored within himself over that loss. Despite his outward strength, Rodrick rarely let his deeper emotions show, never verbalizing the impact those events had on him.

This confession, so open and vulnerable, revealed a wound that still bled in Rodrick's soul, a wound that he justified with the protection of his family, especially his mother. However, the truth was that Rodrick feared reliving that torment, facing again the possibility of losing someone so fundamental to his existence.

Discovering the depth of fear and pain that Rodrick, his younger brother, harbored inside, Terry found himself in a whole new light. He had always seen his role as that of protector, the brother who was supposed to guide and care for him, but he had not realized until that moment how much the past situation had affected Rodrick. The confession of Rodrick, a young man who remained strong on the outside, rarely letting his deeper emotions show, now showed the emotional baggage he had been hiding.

This revelation was a bridge to a deeper understanding between them. Terry realized that despite being the middle child, Rodrick had taken on a significant burden of worry and fear, worries that had

kept to himself in an effort to protect his family, especially after the experience of temporarily losing Terry. Rodrick's admission that he did not want to go through that agony again revealed not only his love and concern, but also his need for connection and support.

In this exchange, traditional family role lines were blurred, allowing Terry to see Rodrick not just as the younger brother in need of protection, but as an equal, a partner in this complex emotional journey. Rodrick's honesty in exposing his fears and pain offered the two of them the opportunity to confront those fears together, providing a path to healing and strengthening the bonds that bound them together.

This moment was therefore crucial not only in the dynamic between Terry and Rodrick, but also in the process of healing as a family, recognizing that each member, regardless of age or position, carried their own internal battles. Rodrick's willingness to accompany Terry on his next mission was not only a gesture of solidarity, but also a brave step towards shared vulnerability and mutual support in a universe that often seemed too vast and unfamiliar.