CHAPTER 8

On the morning of the ceremony, with the temple as the setting for an event that promised to be memorable, Terry, despite the reverence he was held in as a deity, remained faithful to his military roots and his personal comfort. His choice of dress reflected a compromise between respect for the solemnity of the ceremony and his reluctance to accept himself as an object of divine worship.

She opted for an outfit that blended formality with a touch of military distinction. She wore a pair of high—quality fabric trousers in a dark grey hue that offered both elegance and functionality. The white blouse, impeccably cut and finely woven, clung lightly to her torso, highlighting her bearing without being overly ceremonial. Over it, she chose a light jacket, perhaps a nod to her military uniform, in a navy blue hue that contrasted harmoniously with the whiteness of the blouse. The jacket, subtly designed but with button detailing evoking her rank and accomplishments, balanced formality with an air of quiet authority.

Although the outfit was undoubtedly more casual than the traditional vestments expected for a figure of his status in the temple, Terry incorporated small details into his outfit that reflected the

solemnity of the day. A discreet brooch, bearing the emblem of the temple, adorned the lapel of his jacket, serving as a bridge between his role as a military leader and the spiritual figure that people believed him to be.

This ensemble, chosen with meticulous attention to detail, not only respected the importance of the event, but also allowed Terry to remain true to himself: a dedicated, if reticent, leader in the face of divine veneration, prepared to lead with humility and strength.

The car was already waiting in front of the castle along with the other escort cars, two in front and one in the back, the car that Terry would use was silver with a panther—shaped emblem as a symbol of the car brand, when Terry got out he got in as they had said, he would be in the middle, on the sides would be Marcus and Darius protecting him, in the car in front would be Rodrick with his men, the same as in the cars behind would be Rodrick's men, in the temple his brother Ethan would be waiting with his men.

As the cars began to move toward the main avenue, Terry was confronted for the first time with the reality of his adoration. —And all these people?— he asked, his voice a mixture of surprise and fear.

— That's what we've been trying to tell you,— Marcus replied, a shadow of gravity in his voice. —Only now are you beginning to understand the extent of his devotion to you.— All along the avenue, crowds waved white handkerchiefs, symbols of peace and gratitude toward Terry, gestures of reverence for the tranquility he had brought to their lives.

The procession moved forward, with guards trying to keep the crowd behind the fences. However, one group managed to break through the encirclement, charging towards Terry's car. The driver, a soldier experienced in dangerous situations, was forced to stop abruptly to avoid injuring anyone. The vanguard vehicles followed suit, while Rodrick commanded his men to clear the way. Marcus acted quickly, securing the locks on the vehicle, while some fervent followers tried to reach Terry, banging on the windows in their desperation to touch their deity.

—Get us out of here quickly,— Darius ordered the driver, who responded with a deft maneuver, resuming the march and leaving the tumult behind. Rodrick quickly coordinated with the other vehicle to reorganize the escort, ensuring that they continued to protect Terry.

—How are you feeling, Terry?— Marcus asked, his concern evident in every word.

This intense and revelatory experience offered Terry a raw insight into the devotion he inspired, a moment that would undoubtedly profoundly shape his understanding of the bond that bound him to his people. Amidst the protection of his brothers and friends, Terry was safe, but internally he struggled with the emotions unleashed by the direct encounter with the fervent admiration of his followers.

—I'm fine,— Terry managed to say, taking another breath as his heart seemed to skip a beat. The intensity of the situation had shaken him deeply; despite having been a religious leader and pop star —Sirius Starlight— in his youth, he had never faced a crowd with such fervor. Suddenly, a chill ran through his body and his hands began to tremble slightly, feeling suffocated, as if he were lacking air.

Darius, sensing his nephew's distress, took his hands in a gesture of support. —Easy, Terry. We're almost there.

—I need to get out of here. I can't breathe,— Terry gasped, the words almost lost in his struggle to inhale.

Marcus, with his characteristic quickness, found an immediate solution. He instructed the driver to take a side street and seek refuge in an abandoned building, away from the chaos. Once out of the car, Terry leaned against a wall, lowered his head, and unbuttoned his shirt in an attempt to relieve the oppression he felt. He

had never experienced fear before; anxiety and terror were foreign emotions, stories of others that he never thought he would experience firsthand. His sharp and strategic mind began to look for ways out of the situation, but this time, the challenge was internal.

Marcus and Darius, understanding that Terry was facing an entirely new challenge, gave him space, trusting in his ability to find calm. The experience had been a shock not only to Terry, but to them as well, who were only just beginning to understand the depth of the devotion Terry inspired.

As Terry struggled to control his emotions, Marcus conversed with Rodrick via LumiCom, and Darius did the same with Ethan, sharing the details of the harrowing encounter. The situation revealed an unexpected facet of his life, testing his emotional and physical strength in ways he had never anticipated. In that abandoned building, far from the crowds, Terry was beginning to understand the true weight of the adoration he commanded—an unforgettable lesson in the limits of fame and leadership.

In the silence of the abandoned building, Terry found himself immersed in his own inner storm, muttering hopelessly – I can't do it. I can't do it. I can't do it – It was then that Ætheris materialized before him, a calming presence in the midst of the chaos.

—Get up, Terry,— Ætheris urged in a voice that combined firmness and care. When there was no response, his voice grew louder, echoing through the space and shaking the foundations of the place, causing the men around him to scramble for something to hold on to and the LumiComs to shut off in an instant.

—I can't,— Terry cried, the desperation clear in his voice.

—¿What's wrong? ¿Are you scared?— Ætheris probed, seeking to understand the root of the fear that consumed Terry.

—Yes,— Terry admitted, falling to his knees, overwhelmed by the situation. —I don't know what to do or how to act. This has completely overwhelmed me,— he confessed, covering his face in a gesture of defeat.

—It is a new challenge for us, that is true,— Ætheris said, kneeling beside her and reaching out to stroke her hair in a gesture of support. —But tell me, what are you afraid of specifically?—

Looking directly at Ætheris, Terry shared his deepest fear: —I fear that I will hurt those I love if we are in danger. If I lose control, what will happen? You know the power I possess.—

—And I know you are capable of handling it with excellence,— Ætheris stated confidently.

—¿How can you be so sure?— Terry asked, the anguish still evident in her voice.

—Because you've done it before. You may not remember, but if you ever lose control, I'll be here to stop you. I'm the only one who can do it, and I will,— Ætheris assured, offering not only her support but also her vigilance.

—¿ Promise me?— Terry's uncertainty searched for a foothold.

—Have I ever broken my word?— Ætheris replied with a reassuring smile.

—Never,— Terry acknowledged, his smile slowly emerging as relief began to dispel the shadows of his fear.

In that exchange, in the heart of darkness and fear, Ætheris offered Terry not only comfort, but also the promise of a beacon to guide him through of the most difficult trials. Ætheris' presence, combined with the promise of protection and guidance, ignited a spark of hope in Terry, reminding him that even in the darkest of times, he was not alone.

Ætheris continued, her voice filled with a mixture of defiance and support. —You are a soldier, Terry, trained in strategy and conflict resolution. You have faced and overcome situations a thousand times more complex than this one. It is time for you to rise up and assume leadership with the strength and wisdom that characterizes you. Lead these people, educate them, inspire them to find a greater purpose in their lives. That is what they crave from you. They have chosen you not only for your ability to lead, but also for the love and compassion you emanate as you teach them. They need that light that only you can offer, that genuine affection that transforms lives.

Ætheris' words, full of truth and conviction, resonated deeply with Terry. It was a reminder of his own strength and the impact he could have on those who looked to him with hope. It was not just about being a leader in calm times, but also a beacon of guidance and love in the most turbulent times.

Motivated by the reminder of his essence and purpose, Terry found in Ætheris' words the strength to stand up again. With renewed determination, he rose, ready to face the challenge of leading and educating his people, infusing them not only with knowledge, but also with hope and love. In that moment, more than ever, he understood the magnitude of his responsibility and the transformative power of his leadership.

— I understand, Mother,— Terry replied, his voice tinged with a new determination.

With a gesture from Ætheris, Terry's suit and face were restored by magic, leaving him flawless and ready to face his destiny. —You are now ready to continue your leadership. Head to your vehicle and leave this place to give the speech. The people long for a light in their lives and they see that light in you. If they try to approach, simply repel them with your energy, taking care not to harm them. Let your brothers and soldiers handle the rest. Use your magic and power only when strictly necessary.

—Yes, Mother,— Terry agreed, feeling the comforting presence of Ætheris merging back into his being. He walked steadily toward his futuristic vehicle, a sleek machine designed for space and land travel, reflecting the advancement of the era in which they lived.

– ¿How do you feel, nephew? – Darius asked him with a worried but hopeful look.

—Much better,— Terry assured, his smile shining with a hint of renewed confidence.

—Then let's get going. They're waiting for us,— Darius declared, and together, accompanied by the escort vehicle, they made their way back to the main avenue, heading towards the temple that had been remodeled for the occasion.

Arriving at the temple, now an even more imposing complex thanks to architectural innovations, was a 45—minute effort due to the crowds that thronged to see Terry. As he stepped onto the red carpet rolled out in his honor, he felt the reverence and supplications of those present, eager for a touch of his —divine power.— Although nervous, his smile did not falter, greeting the crowd as he made his way down the central nave toward the altar.

There, a futuristic podium awaited him, equipped with the latest technology in amplification systems: specialized microphones capable of capturing and projecting his voice with crystal clarity, regardless of the murmur of the crowd. Outside, huge touchscreen monitors transmitted his image and speech in real time, with an audio quality that allowed each word to resonate not only in the temple, but in the hearts of everyone present. Terry, at that moment, was not just a figure of worship; he was the bridge between the past and a hopeful future, ready to lead his people into a new dawn.

Terry positioned himself on the podium and began his speech.

—My dear citizens, on this very special day, I am deeply honored and grateful for the warm welcome you have given me. Your faith and devotion not only move me, but also inspire me to strive even harder in the mission ahead.

Today, we stand at the threshold of a new era, an era that promises to be bright and fulfilling for all of us. I am here, not only as your military leader, but also as your spiritual guide, to ensure that together, as a united community, we will transcend into a better future.

I want you to know that there is no room for fear or uncertainty in our hearts. The path we have chosen to follow, though new and challenging, is illuminated by the principles of justice, compassion and harmony. It is essential that we adhere to the laws and guidelines we have established, not as mere restrictions, but as the pillars that will sustain our society and lead us to prosperity.

This path will not be easy, but I promise you that as your leader, I will be at the forefront of every challenge, guiding you not only with strategy and courage, but also with wisdom and care. Together, we will cultivate not only the land beneath our feet, but also the spirit within our hearts, ensuring that every step we take is toward collective well—being.

Our destiny is bright, and with each of you by my side, I know we will reach for the stars and beyond. I ask that you keep your faith, not only in me, but in ourselves as a community capable of forging a glorious future. Together, we will create a legacy that will resonate through the ages, a testament to what the human spirit can achieve when united under a common purpose.

Let me reiterate my sincere gratitude for believing in this journey we are embarking on together. As your leader, both on the battlefield and spiritually, I assure you that...

For twenty minutes, the speech unfolded like a mighty river of words and intentions. Terry welcomed the new spiritual process that would embrace the universe, expressing his gratitude to the leaders and political representatives of each planet for their presence at this very significant meeting. Through his words, he made it clear that he would be a firm and efficient leader in his spiritual role, knowing when to set rules and when to impart teachings at the most opportune moments.

After concluding his speech, Terry's team faced the arduous task of escorting him out of the temple by a safe route, as the main entrance was inaccessible due to the crowd that had gathered, eager to see or even touch the one they saw as their deity. The hope Terry had sown with his words motivated many to seek closer contact, turning both arrival and departure into an odyssey.

As the soldiers struggled to calm the crowd, Ethan took the initiative to lead Terry to a back exit of the temple. Rodrick, anticipating the possibility of a riot, had already deployed his men to block any attempt by the crowd to access that area. However, chaos broke out

when, unexpectedly, a group of people, driven by overwhelming fervor, managed to overcome the security barriers and found their way into the underground parking lot.

In that tense moment, Ethan stood protectively in front of Terry, attempting to shield his brother from direct contact with the crowd. Despite his efforts, one man managed to bypass the defense and pin Terry against the wall. The situation quickly escalated, leaving Ethan struggling to make his way through the commotion to reach Terry, while the others tried to contain the crowd and restore order.

– I finally found you – the man whispered into Terry's ear, his words laden with a dark omen. – I know you don't remember me now, but soon everything will be revealed to you – As he touched Terry's shoulder, a blast of cold, dark, and desolate energy spread through him, squeezing his heart with an unrelenting force. Visions of disasters, nightmares, death, violence, and the full spectrum of the darkest human emotions flooded Terry's mind, accompanied by screams and terrifying dialogues, voices that twisted the soul.

This time, Terry's suffocation was not the usual anxiety or fear, but something much deeper and more disturbing. A freezing cold gripped him, penetrating to his bones. Desperate, he put his hands to his head, trying in vain to expel the dark whirlwind that consumed him. —Remember me,— the man insisted before disappearing, leaving Terry kneeling, overwhelmed by a tidal wave of darkness.

Ethan, finally reaching his side, tried to lift his brother. —Come on, brother, get up,— he implored, although Terry seemed unable to perceive his presence. Lost in the abyss of his visions, Terry only repeated an unintelligible phrase over and over again, trapped in the echo of the voices and images that now besieged him, struggling to find the light in the midst of the storm that had enveloped him.

— Get away, get out, leave me alone,— Terry muttered, clutching his head tightly, unable to free his voice in a scream. Suddenly, a dark and overwhelming energy, as powerful as Ætheris's, took hold of him. As Ethan tried to help him up, Terry lost all control over his body. His eyes turned black, offering a look that was not his own, and in an incomprehensible act, he grabbed Ethan by the neck and pressed him against the wall. Terry's transformation was terrifying, his face distorted into a vision straight out of a nightmare.

—Terry, it's Ethan, let me go,— Ethan managed to say, struggling to breathe under his brother's grip. It was then that a familiar voice echoed within him: Ætheris —Put your hand on his heart and throw a ball of energy,— the voice in his mind instructed. Following the directive, Ethan executed the action, freeing Terry from the dark presence that had consumed him, causing both of them to fall exhausted to the ground.

Meanwhile, the soldiers managed to disperse the crowd that had invaded the underground parking lots. Darius and Marcus arrived just in time to find Terry passed out and Ethan catching his breath. —¿What happened?— Darius asked, worried by the scene before his eyes.

—Let's get out of here first,— Marcus intervened decisively, lifting Terry into his arms, while Darius assisted Ethan. They quickly placed them in the vehicle and set off for Whittaker Castle. In the Along the way, Ethan, finally able to breathe without difficulty, checked Terry for signs of life. What he found alarmed him; he had never seen his brother in such a state, a chilling reminder that, despite his power to order the universe, facing his own inner darkness was a challenge of another magnitude.

Upon arriving at the castle, they were greeted by Ashtar and Sapphire, marking the beginning of a new phase in their fight, not only against external forces, but also against the internal battles that Terry now had to face.

–Sapphire, worried about the situation, was carrying his father on a levitating stretcher towards Ashtar's underground laboratory, inside the castle. –¿What happened?– he asked, eager to understand the situation.

Ethan, still trying to process the events, responded with difficulty – It's difficult to describe what I saw.

Ashtar, noticing the marks on Ethan's neck, was quick to say, —Let's check you out, too.— In the lab, while Safiro was monitoring Terry's vital signs as he lay on the CRRA, Ashtar was examining Ethan with a device specialized in treating bruises.

—So, Ethan, tell me exactly what happened,— Ashtar urged.

— It's hard to explain,— Ethan began, feeling relief as Ashtar treated the marks on his neck.

—It all started when we were struggling with people in the underground parking lot. A man pushed his way up to Terry, whispered something in his ear, and after that, Terry started acting strangely, holding his head and asking them to get away. Suddenly, he went silent and then… then he grabbed me by the neck, pressing me against the wall. His face transformed, his eyes went completely black, it was a terrifying sight,— Ethan narrated, shuddering at the memory.

Ashtar nodded, understanding the gravity of the matter. —We need to review the security footage from the parking lot to better understand what happened. Sapphire.—

–¿Yes, uncle?– Safiro answered, ready to help in whatever was needed.

With the decision made to investigate the security cameras to clarify the events, the team prepared to discover the truth behind the alarming change in Terry, hoping to find answers that would guide them on how to help him overcome the dark forces that had affected him.

Collaboration between them was key, knowing that they were facing a challenge that went beyond the physical, delving deep into the unknown and the spiritual.

—¿How are Terry's vital signs ?— Ashtar asked, a mix of concern and scientific curiosity in his tone.

–They are stable, there are no abnormalities. He is asleep now. Do you want me to wake him up or let him rest? – Safiro replied, carefully observing the monitors connected to Terry.

–Let's let it rest for now. The most important thing is to analyze the video from the parking lot to understand precisely what happened. Ethan, tell me, how did you manage to free yourself when I had you grabbed? – Ashtar inquired, turning his attention to Ethan.

—It was Ætheris. He instructed me internally to throw a ball of energy directly into his heart. That freed him from whatever was controlling him, and he instantly collapsed,— Ethan explained, still surprised by the effectiveness of the intervention.

Ashtar nodded, processing the information. —We'll need to speak directly to Ætheris about this. Ethan, can you summon her here?

— I'll try, — Ethan assured, although somewhat reluctant to summon Ætheris without first having a clearer picture of the situation.

–However, let's wait until we have the video. Once we see exactly what happened, we can determine the next steps and how to address this situation– Ashtar concluded, laying out a plan of action. The priority was to understand the event in its entirety before making any decisions, ensuring that all future measures were informed and appropriate to the challenge they faced