Holyark

XIII

As the sun began to set, casting long shadows across Blaze's room, he finally mustered the courage to confront his father. His heart pounding, he made his way downstairs, rehearsing explanations in his head. He found his dad in the living room, reading a newspaper with an unusually serene expression.

"Dad," Blaze began, his voice trembling slightly, "I need to talk to you about something important."

Mr. Aegis lowered his newspaper, his eyes meeting Blaze's with an unexpected warmth. "I think I know what this is about, son," he said softly.

Blaze blinked in surprise. "You... you do?"

His father nodded, setting the paper aside. "The Ultima Tree, the transformation, the wings. It's all part of your destiny, Blaze. Or should I say, Holyark?"

For a moment, Blaze stood frozen, his mouth agape. "But... how? I mean, you knew? All this time?"

Mr. Aegis smiled, a mixture of pride and nostalgia in his eyes. "Our family has a long history with the Ultima Tree, son. I always hoped you'd be the one to awaken its power, but it wasn't my place to interfere. You had to find your path on your own."

Relief washed over Blaze, followed quickly by a flood of questions. "So you're not mad? About the bathroom incident? Or the... you know, the wings?"

His father chuckled. "Mad? Blaze, I'm incredibly proud of you. You've been chosen for a great journey, one that will shape not just your future, but the future of our world."

Mr. Aegis stood up, placing a hand on Blaze's shoulder. "I know it must be overwhelming, and there's so much for you to learn. But know this: you have a remarkable destiny ahead of you, and I'll be here to support you every step of the way."

Blaze felt a lump form in his throat, emotion welling up inside him. "Thanks, Dad," he managed to say. "I... I don't know if I'm ready for all this."

"Nobody ever is," his father replied with a knowing smile. "But that's part of the journey. You'll grow into your role as Holyark, just as those before you did."

As the weight of his father's words sank in, Blaze felt a mix of excitement and trepidation. He had so many questions about his family's history, about the challenges that lay ahead. But for now, knowing he had his father's support filled him with a newfound confidence.

"So," Blaze said, a hint of a smile playing on his lips, "where do we start?"

Mr. Aegis's eyes twinkled with anticipation. "Well, son, I think it's time I showed you something that's been in our family for generations. Something that might help you on your journey as Holyark."