A Father's Hope

In the grand hall of the palace, the atmosphere was tense yet composed. Sunlight streamed through towering stained-glass windows, casting vibrant patterns across the polished marble floors. At the far end, Emperor Solja waited, regal and unwavering, his gaze sharp but calm as Terran and Uriko approached.

Uriko hurried forward, her expression a mixture of relief and lingering distress. She threw her arms around her father in a heartfelt hug, holding him tightly for a moment before stepping back to look into his eyes.

“Father,” she began, her voice trembling slightly but steady, “it was dreadful to face off against a hero who wanted to control me—and the throne. Eldrin… he had his plans, and I could feel the darkness behind his words. I never imagined someone I trusted could look down on all humans as like they were tools.”

Solja’s expression softened, and he placed a reassuring hand on her shoulder. “My daughter,” he said gently, “the darkness often hides behind the guise of wisdom and service. But you showed strength—courage beyond your years. That is what makes you destined to lead.”

He turned then to regard Terran, offering a nod of acknowledgment. “And you, Terran. Your actions today speak of a growing resolve—a strength that will serve you well as a future ruler. You are learning that power isn’t just about might but about discernment and restraint.”

Uriko looked at her father with a mixture of admiration and resolve. “We must stay vigilant, Father. Eldrin was just the beginning. There might be more of the elves like Eldrin. Maybe dark forces that seek to manipulate and divide us from within.”

Solja’s gaze hardened, yet there was pride in his eyes. “Eldrin is someone that I considered a friend. If anyone tries to decide the fate of my empire, we shall face them together. The empire’s strength lies in unity and wisdom. And I have faith that you both will lead us into a new era—one of justice, strength, and clarity.”

The three stood together in the grand hall, a united front against the shadows threatening to encroach upon their realm. Then Heero arrived, the heavy doors swung open, and Heero strode in with a commanding presence. His sharp gaze immediately surveyed the room, settling on the figures of Solja, Uriko, and Terran.

Heero’s expression was grave but composed. Without hesitation, he approached, and his eyes locked onto Terran’s. “Are the rumors about Eldrin true?” he asked, voice calm but edged with concern.

Uriko nodded solemnly. “Yes, Father-in-law. Eldrin confessed to manipulating the demons and supporting their efforts to rebuild their army. He’s help build a black market of slaves and weapons of war to trade with demons. We’ve decided—”

Heero placed a firm, reassuring palm on Terran’s shoulder, cutting her off gently but with conviction. “I’m glad you took responsibility,” he said quietly, voice filled with a mixture of pride and relief. “I am proud of you, son.”

For a moment, my heart fluttered with a strange mixture of emotions. I looked at my father—at Heero’s strong, steady face—and heard the words, but something about them didn’t sit quite right.

Enuma, observing the scene, softly whispered to me in my mind, your father is truly a good man, Terran. His strength is rooted in justice and compassion.

But those words rubbed me the wrong way. A flicker of bitterness stirred within me—an echo of the feeling that his own father had been distant, perhaps uncaring. The man who is everyone hero feels like a stranger to him, and these moments of warmth and pride only left him more confused.

I lingered silently, caught between gratitude and resentment, uncertain of what to feel. Was this really the man who cared? Or was it just the image he projected?

The room’s atmosphere was heavy with unspoken questions, and I found himself wrestling with the strange, conflicting emotions that swirled within. For a moment, I hesitated—unsure whether to accept the praise or to question the man who had always been distant in his own way.

In that quiet, uncertain space, the truth was still unfolding, and my heart remained a battlefield of hope and doubt. Uriko, noticing the flicker of confusion and inner turmoil in my eyes, stepped closer. Her long-time crush, someone she knew intimately, could see through the bravado and recognize the doubts lurking beneath.

“Terran,” she called softly, her voice gentle but firm. She reached out, grasping his hand with both of hers, her eyes sincere and steady. “We need to trust our elders. They’ve known Eldrin longer than we have. They understand him better. They have the right to decide his fate.”

I looked down at her, the weight of her words sinking in. In that moment, I finally realized how little respect Ihad shown my own parents—how often I dismissed their wisdom or questioned their decisions—yet, I had always given my master, Enuma, full respect and trust.

I felt a strange twinge of guilt and clarity. How could I trust someone he barely knew, yet dismiss those who had guided me my whole life? The disparity in my respect for authority suddenly became painfully clear.

Enuma, observing from the shadows, softly whispered in Terran’s mind, I did explain this to you long ago, boy. You did not understand then, and perhaps you still do not fully grasp it now. Your father’s strength lies in his wisdom and experience—things you can’t see at a glance.

My gaze lingered on my hand in Uriko’s, then slowly looked up at her. The realization washed over me: respecting my elders wasn’t just about obedience—it was about trusting their knowledge and understanding, even when I didn’t fully see the reasons behind their decisions.

I took a deep breath, feeling the weight of the moment. “You’re right,” I said softly. “They’ve been through more than I have. I’ll trust their judgment. For Eldrin… I’ll leave it to them.”

Uriko smiled gently, her fingers still holding his. “That’s all we can do—trust that those who’ve lived longer and seen more will guide us the right way.”

In that quiet moment, Terran began to understand the deeper meaning of respect and trust. It wasn’t just about obedience; it was about believing in the wisdom of those who had earned it. 

Enuma chimed in, "Perhaps, you are taking a step closer to becoming the leader you were meant to be."

I smiled at Uriko, and she smiled back. This was the words I needed. I can finally understand why I achieve strength and respect. 

I listened well and trained hard with Master Enuma, because he became available to me and only me. Yet I was bitter to my father because of what others told me and compared me as the son of the hero. It was never his fault; it was mine for letting gossip shape my thoughts. 

Uriko was still holding my hand with both of hers. "My dear Terran, we stopped a possible war. You made it look so easy." 

I replied, "It only looked easy, excluding all the training, I also took the hero hunter by surprised. If not for that fact, it would have been much harder." 

Emperor Solja steps up, "My precious children, you are all grown up. Terran has much better head between his shoulders too." Heero gasped, "What! I’m like a jack of all trades." and Solja continued, "Uriko, do not waver. You and Terran will need to support each other in times like these. As a leader of the empire, both of you are better working together against all strife even against your advisors. Clearly as Eldrin is best example." 

Heero also added, "He is so much better with words then me, I second his words as well. Your mother would also agree with all the same." 

Solja nodded, "Akari would agree, as well as the queen. The trust you have shown each other is exactly what you need going forward. Trust in me as well." 

I turned to Uriko, "Well, all the traveling we did paid off. We developed good communication without even talking." 

Uriko smiled bright, "I hoped for this day for long time. It is not the way I dreamed of, but it feels way better." Then she scowled, "The other change, it not Sadie but that shadow of yours. I will trust you, but she is so persistent." 

I lightly laughed, as the fathers looked confused. I rubbed my index finger on my cheek in nervousness. As I noticed that Uriko finally saw that Vin was secretly watching us in the Grand Hall.