The World Above

Chapter 24: The Murder

"It seems as if you will miss him." Remarks Sulya. I nod in reply. "You shouldn't get attached so easily." Advices Adara. She's right, I shouldn't but that's the way I am.

Being deplored of love for so long, I easily become attached with those who show even a little bit of kindness or love to me. It's one of my flaws. Another is eating too many chocolates. I'm glad I didn't forget to bring that chocolate box.

"Shit! I forgot to bring my chocolates!" I cry our loud. "Don't worry, we'll reward you just the same." Consoles Majesty.

"You would be glad to know that this is our last stop of the day before we take you back home!" Chika tells me. Im so relieved. This time traveling business might seem fun but only if it's kept inside books. It's actually very tiring.

"So where to this time?" I ask. "To the start of the First War. We are going to see the what event became the last straw that broke the camel's back." Ignis gives me an overview.

I nod but before we could enter the door, Majesty gives me a warning, "This time won't be like the others, we will move through history in flashes, giving you just amount of time to think and react."

"Okay then. Let's go!" I acknowledge her words then open the door.

We enter the Emperor's study. But this is not like before. Inizio is sitting there, an old Inizio. Before him sits an exact replica of Vivendel, Arliss, maybe 16 years old.

They seem to be talking to each other. I sat down on the window sill to listen.

"Arliss, I do hope you can forgive me for not making time for you for the past few days." Apologizes Inizio. "It doesn't matter Father. I know things are bad with the humans." Arliss shakes his head.

"And how are things with your brother?" He asks. Arliss seems hesitant to answer but does so eventually," Father you already know that we both don't get along. I don't really know why he hates me."

In a moment of fatherly wisdom and empathy, the Emperor approaches his son, recognizing the weight of the emotions his son is carrying, "It's natural to feel hurt when there's a rift between siblings. But let me share something with you-a perspective that may bring clarity."

Inizio places a reassuring hand on his son's shoulder, offering a sense of comfort and support, "Aaron may not hate you, my son. Often, misunderstandings and differences can cloud our perception of others' intentions. Perhaps there are unspoken struggles or burdens he carries that influence his behavior."

The Emperor's eyes convey understanding and compassion as he speaks. "True strength lies in seeking understanding and forgiveness. It takes courage to bridge the divide, to extend empathy even in the face of hurt."

"I urge you to reach out to your brother," He advises gently. "Share your feelings with him, and listen to his side as well. Communication and compassion have the power to heal wounds and strengthen bonds."

"Remember, my son, you are not alone. Our family is built on love and resilience. Together, we will navigate these challenges and emerge stronger."

Arliss gets up and hugs him, "Thank you father!" The Emperor nods, "Now off to bed, it's quite late. And leave that bottle of honeyed milk here. It's be ages since I last had one!"

Arliss leaves and the Emperor takes the bottle from his desk and goes to look outside the window. He finishes the bottle in a swig and looks over to his shelf. I follow his line of sight. It's the box of chocolates.

"O Haven, I hope you were here to tell me how to bridge the gap between those two. I wish you were here with...khoff khoff....uhh" The Emperor stops mid sentence clutching his throat.