CHAPTER 18

Safiro's family managed to erect a container dome in just three days, a temporary sanctuary to house Safiro 's wandering soul while they desperately searched for a solution to reunite him with his earthly body. Terry, driven by an unwavering love, immersed himself in the study of ancient tomes and scrolls, his thirst for knowledge driving him across stars and into the darkest corners of arcane libraries scattered across planets. Despite his diligent search, the spell he needed eluded him, like a distant echo in a forgotten cavern.

Sapphire 's body and soul were safe, albeit separated. The relief was palpable, a gentle breeze in the stormy climate of their hearts. Sapphire , now a temporary resident of a glowing dome alongside the Pulsarix gems , began to find peace in his peculiar prison. The gems not only served as a beacon of life for his essence, but also as a symbol of his family's tireless quest to reunite him with his earthly form.

Daily attention to Sapphire 's state became a ritual, where every variation in her energy was monitored with hope and anxiety.

—¿How are you feeling today, Sapphire ?— Kyran asked , his voice filled with a care that carried through the confines of the dome.

Sapphire replied , her voice echoing ethereally, charged with a growing luminosity. The transparency of her image vibrated with an intensity that grew stronger day by day, her green eyes flashing with a brilliance that reflected the renewal of her energy. Sapphire 's essence , which had been withered by the shadows of her capture at the hands of Belial , began to shine with the strength of a soul reclaiming its right to shine.

—The monitor shows that your energy is increasing every day, that's good,— Kyran commented , unable to help but smile at this manifestation of life that defied his confinement. Kyran 's smile was a ray of light in the darkness, a reminder of the hope that was woven between them. In this exchange of words and emotions, the family found themselves united in a common purpose, clinging to every small sign of improvement as an omen of a future reunited. The search continued, but in these moments of connection, the weight of their task felt a little less overwhelming.

In the heart of the magical sanctum, Sapphire , her essence glowing with ever-stronger light, shared a concern that weighed on her as heavily as the stars in the night sky. —What worries me most is that you have my body and that it does not put you in danger... Belial will not be able to get close to it,— she said, her voice laden with an invisible weight.

Kyran , with the wisdom and serenity that characterized him, calmly replied: —You don't have to worry about that, brother. Our priority is to get you back to your body. We'll deal with the rest step by step.

The conversation took an unexpected turn when Safiro , with a vulnerability she rarely showed, lowered her head. —I need to apologize… I haven't been the best of siblings. For years, all I gave you were sarcasms and ironies.

Kyran looked at his brother, his expression a canvas of complex emotions. —If there was an award for worst brother, maybe you would get it. Living with you wasn't easy, that's true. But by understanding the reason for your actions, I was able to understand how you really felt about me. I recognize that it was also my fault for not trying to understand you better. I see now that you kept so much inside you, trying to protect our family, taking refuge in your solitude to avoid conflict. Our father was your only pillar, and his absence left you completely desolate.

Kyran 's confession slipped through the space between them like a healing balm. —When our father disappeared, I felt lost and angry, not understanding why he had abandoned us (see book 1 Frontiers of the Infinite: Terry's Odyssey). I now fully understand how you felt when you saw me with him. If I had been in your place, I would have reacted the same way. So don't worry, brother.

Reaching out to the glass separating them, Kyran offered a symbolic gesture of connection. Sapphire , responding to the gesture, placed her transparent hand against the glass, a distance hug laden with unspoken emotions and unwavering affection. —As a family, we must take care of each other. And believe it or not, I missed you during these months and looked for your energy everywhere.

This exchange, full of confessions and shared understandings, wove a stronger thread into the fabric of their relationship. In the recognition of their faults and in the willingness to understand each other, they found a path to reconciliation, proving that despite storms and challenges, family love and care can transcend even the most insurmountable barriers.

Worry colored Safiro 's words , revealing the depths of her unease in the dim light of the magical shrine. —Uncle Ashtar told me that they were searching for me for months. Belial hid my energy signature with his magic and destroyed my chip. It was a trick that made things much more complicated , he mused in a tone that denoted the gravity of his situation.

—We know. It was hard to find you. Fortunately, Belial took a while to remove Uncle Ashtar's chip; otherwise, we would still be in the dark,— Kyran replied , allowing himself a brief smile, a small beacon of hope in his fight against adversity.

—It's a relief to be able to talk about this now. When I return to my body and embrace my darkness again, I don't know how I'll react,— Sapphire confessed , her voice filled with anticipatory anxiety. —I wanted to tell you before any attempt to return.

Kyran , with the confidence that his conviction inspired, assured, —You will be able to control your demon. Our father promised to help you master it better

Sapphire hesitated, her next words hovering on the threshold of being spoken.

Kyran , sensing the hesitation, inquired, —¿But what? ¿What are you really worried about?

—I am tormented by the idea that Belial has implanted something in me that prevents me from fully controlling myself, or worse, that he uses me to destroy our family,— Safiro admitted , revealing the core of her fear.

—Despite what you might think, with Ætheris on our side, the chance of that happening is minimal,— Kyran assured , trying to encourage them.

—Remember that Ætheris couldn't eradicate my demon. His strength was comparable to mine — countered Sapphire , not entirely convinced.

Kyran agreed , his voice fading to a thoughtful murmur. —But there is always a solution. We are scientists, after all. Perhaps I can do something. Ætheris mentioned that my power surpasses our father's. I will do whatever it takes to help you. I will not allow you to be lost in the shadows, nor will I allow Belial to exert influence over you.

—Thank you, brother,— Safiro said , a genuine smile lighting up her ethereal face, a moment of warmth amidst the uncertainty. That was when Terry walked in, ready to join the conversation and lend his support in this delicate moment of hope and challenge. This gesture of family unity was a powerful reminder: in the face of threatening shadows, together they would find the light.

In the privacy of the room, with the atmosphere charged with deep emotions and memories that intertwined the present and the past, Terry entered, his eyes reflecting a mixture of curiosity and paternal concern. —¿What are my children up to?— he asked, his voice resonating with the softness of a father seeking to reconnect with the souls of his descendants.

Kyran , with a knowing wink towards Safiro , tried to divert attention from the more sensitive topics they had touched on. —We were just reminiscing about old times,— he said, before announcing his departure due to scientific commitments, leaving father and son in a shared space of silent understanding.

Terry, without losing the thread of the conversation, tried to delve a little deeper. —So, ¿talking about old times, huh?

Safiro , with a sincerity that only the vulnerability of her situation could unearth, confessed: —I was trying to make peace with my brother, as well as ask for his forgiveness for all the times I mistreated him.

Terry, whose eyes softened upon hearing his son's confession, nodded in understanding and regret. —It's good to bring that to light, son. And I must admit that we, the older ones, are also partly to blame. Especially me, for not having attended to this matter in time. I feel responsible for the difficulties you now face.—

With a gesture of closeness that defied the physical barrier between them, Terry placed his hand on the glass of the dome, a symbol of connection and a desire to make amends for past mistakes. —I wish I could make amends for the harm I have caused you, my son.

Safiro , moved by his father's words, joined in the gesture, placing his hand next to Terry's. —Father, you don't have to ask me for forgiveness. You've given me much more than any son could ever hope for.

Safiro's words , admitted his oversight. —Still, I should have been more of a father than a High Imperial. I understand your mother's complaints now, about my absence from home.

This exchange, full of honesty and understanding, marked a moment of redemption and reconciliation. Through their words, Terry and Safiro were not only trying to heal the wounds of the past, but also to build a bridge to a future where family support and love would prevail over any adversity.

Safiro , with keen insight that reflected her deep understanding of the complexities her father faced, offered a perspective that revealed her maturity and empathy. —It was not your fault, Father. The work you had was overwhelming. Not only you, but we too were called to be on Zenith for days at a time when emergencies arose, or when conflicts escalated into wars on the planets. Our duty was to foster peace or intervene in conflicts. But you, especially, had to deal with difficult rulers and the Concilium Imperium.— Stellaris , who hindered you, preferring the accumulation of riches to preventing bloodshed. Even exhausted, you continued to strive for us, frustrated by the limitations of your power.

Surprise flashed across Terry's face at his son's words. —Son, I never imagined you could understand me so deeply or know what was going on inside me,— he confessed, visibly moved by Safiro 's level of perception .

Safiro, with a faint smile, continued: —Even though you tried to hide it, downplaying it so as not to worry anyone, I could see beyond the masks you put on, even so that Grandpa wouldn't find out.

Worry crossed Terry's face. —I hope no one else in the family noticed that,— he murmured, the thought of his vulnerability exposed to his family seeming to weigh on him.

—Kyran probably noticed it too, having a closer connection to you, being your biological son. The connection between you two might be stronger— Sapphire suggested , adding, —And of course, my uncle Rodrick might have seen it too.

This dialogue between father and son not only served as a bridge to mutual understanding, but also highlighted the complexity of family relationships and the weight of shared responsibilities. Through their conversation, a universal truth was revealed: the inner struggles and burdens we carry are not always invisible to those around us, especially those who know and love us deeply. In this recognition, Terry and Safiro found not only a moment of connection, but also the possibility of support and understanding within their complex family network.

In a moment of surprise and reflection, Terry abruptly stopped the conversation, clearly bewildered. —Wait,— he said in astonishment, —I must have heard wrong. I always thought it was Ethan, my brother, who cared about how I felt, he always did it in such a subtle, yet understandable way. However, I never imagined Rodrick would care that much, or maybe I never noticed if he did.

Safiro , with a tone of understanding and a slight nod, replied, —It's understandable. Uncle Rodrick is, shall we say, one of a kind. He's not one to openly express his feelings; that role is left more to my aunt. He prefers to remain the image of the protector, the strong pillar of the family. But that doesn't mean he's not attentive. In fact, I'd say he's the most perceptive when something's bothering you. He simply offers you space, allowing you to be, even if he doesn't quite understand Uncle Ethan the way he understands you.

Terry's face showed even more surprise. 'This really does leave me perplexed. I would never have considered that Rodrick , always so unflappable and seemingly detached from emotions, could be like this. How do you know all this?'

With a smile that revealed an unexpected closeness, Safiro shared, —Because I am his confidant. He always came to me when something was bothering him or he wanted to know what was wrong with you when he noticed something unusual in your behavior.

The revelation left Terry even more astonished. —I never imagined he had a confidant, let alone you. Now I understand why he spent so much time in your lab, or why there was so much silence when I arrived.

Safiro , opening her heart, further explained the nature of her relationship with Rodrick . —Even the strongest need someone to rely on. Uncle Rodrick and I share a lot in common, though the difference lies in the fact that he has learned to control that 'inner demon' that we both possess. That is why I asked him to teach me combat tactics, thinking that I could learn to master it as well.

This exchange between Terry and Safiro not only revealed the hidden layers of family dynamics, but also offered a deeper perspective on Rodrick , showing that strengths and vulnerabilities can coexist in complex and surprising ways. The conversation, rich with emotions and shared understandings, illustrates the importance of communication and mutual support within the family structure.

In a tone marked by reflection and a hint of self-criticism, Terry shared his thoughts with Safiro , revealing a depth in his paternal insight. —Son, you must understand that we, thanks to the years and a father who instilled in us a rigorous discipline, learned to follow a very strict set of rules. Maybe that is where I fail too; I should have taken a firmer stance, established a more rigorous discipline.

Safiro , however, rejected the idea of blaming the lack of rigor in her upbringing for her own actions. —I don't think that was the problem. The rules were always clear. The problem was me,— she admitted, taking responsibility for her past actions.

Terry, with a renewed commitment to his son, pledged his unconditional support. —Now is the time to work on those aspects, and I will be here to help you. I will make up for my past mistakes by giving you all the time you need. I will not allow you to fall, because if you do, we will fall together, son.

The thought of dragging her father down in her downfall elicited an immediate reaction from Sapphire. —Don't say that, Father,— he replied, concern tinged in his voice, afraid of the burden his words carried.

This exchange between father and son reflects not only a willingness to face future challenges together, but also a mutual understanding of their past mistakes and successes. Terry, by acknowledging his failures in the discipline imposed, and Sapphire , by assuming responsibility for her actions, show a path to redemption and the strengthening of their relationship. Terry's promise to support Sapphire , no matter the difficulties, highlights the unbreakable family connection and commitment, underlining that, in union and mutual support, they will find the strength to overcome any challenge.

Terry, with the solemnity and love of a father who has seen too much and fears even more, expressed his unconditional support for Safiro . —You are my son, and the thought of losing you, just like losing any of your siblings, is something I could not bear. That is why I insist, if you fall, you will not be alone in this; we will fall together. Furthermore, Ashtar revealed to me your intention to sacrifice yourself for him and for our family, to protect us from Belial . That is not an act that anyone would be willing to perform. Despite the years in which you felt alone, you would still have given everything for us. That is why, now, this family will give you their full support.

Terry's words, full of recognition and gratitude, resonated deeply with Safiro . In response, she could only smile, a simple gesture but full of meaning. The tears that began to roll down her face were not from pain, but from happiness and love, emotions that had long eluded her. At that moment, Terry, extending the essence of his being, sent his energy towards Safiro , surrounding him with the love and fatherly warmth that he had always had for him, but perhaps had not known how to express.

This exchange between father and son not only marked a moment of reconciliation and mutual understanding, but also reaffirmed Terry's unwavering commitment to Sapphire .

Through their conversation, it became clear that beyond challenges and internal struggles, family love and unconditional support are powerful forces capable of healing wounds and facing any adversity. This moment of shared vulnerability and strength would serve as a beacon of hope for Safiro , reminding him that no matter what, he would never be alone.