Father [Past]

Even though they were on The Surface, the mansion looked like it had been teleported straight from The Heaven. Right behind the lobby, the open-air atrium provided ample natural light. The narrow halls surrounding it were covered in beautiful patterned mosaic. Pillars made of white marble carried the sloped roof of fired clay tiles.

The butler, a tall, middle-aged man with pointed ears, led them deeper into the domicile. As they passed through the hallway, they noticed that all rooms had no doors for privacy, providing insight into a sparsely furnished home. A solitary bed here, an ancient desk there. White sheer curtains gently swayed in the gentle breeze. Despite the summer heat, the open windows provided cool ventilation.

At the very back was a terrace overlooking a wildflower garden. The scent of the flowers was subtle yet very pleasant. Insects of all kinds happily buzzed away, overseen by the archangel Gabriel. He sat on the elevated floor and seemed lost in thought, his back facing the guests. His golden locks reflected the sun. Their glow was so intense that it looked like strands made from molten lava. Despite showing his true form, he had chosen to obscure his wings with his wristlet.

"Master, your sons have arrived." The butler remained standing at the terrace entrance and bowed.

"Ah, brilliant, Alwin. I thank you", Gabriel said, moving his head ever so slightly. "May I kindly request you to serve us coffee?"

"Of course, Master." Alwin turned around and left, his steps echoing on the terracotta floor.

"Eros. Alric." He finally got up to look at his children. Even his sons could not get used to his eyes being golden, shining brightly. They had grown up seeing him only share the same eye color as their mother, so when he one day revealed his true nature to them as adults, it took a while for both of them to realize just how out of the world their father indeed was. And how dearly he held their mother, a simple human being.

"What's with this sudden summoning?" Alric furrowed his brows. He had inherited his mother's short temper. And the gentle curves of her face. Gabriel found himself reminiscing the little time he had shared with her. Such a pity humans were so short-lived. She would have been proud to see how they have grown.

"Alric." Eros was the son who came closest to him, both in looks and personality. While he shared the same blue eyes as Alric, he rarely raised his voice. Even now, he called out to his little brother soothingly.

"You don't think it's unfair? Disappearing for more than a decade? Then summoning us as if we're his lackeys."

"I apologize, my son. I often forget that you do come after your mother. She would be just as aggravated as you." A smile hushed across his lips. It was so gentle that it took off the wind of Alric's sails. Instead, Alric decided to sulk. Gabriel took the chance to get up and brush off any dust from his pure white dress pants.

"Come, have a seat, my sons," he said, pointing at a garden table with metal frame chairs. Grapevines growing all around the seating area provided ample shade from the blinding sun.

As if he had been merely waiting for his queue, Alwin appeared, bringing a serving tray with freshly brewed coffee, assorted fruit, and some delicate cream pastries.

The three sat down, with Alric helping himself first. Realizing his manners, he quickly poured both his brother and father a cup of coffee as well before continuing to munch on an éclair.

"Even though I knew from the start how short her life span would be, her death still pained me. As such, I had decided to retreat from the public until I found the strength to return. Again, I deeply apologize for cutting you out."

"It is alright, father," Eros said, sipping his cup.

"No, of course, it's not," Alric interjected. "We didn't have the luxury to mourn for our mother. We, no, I had to figure life out when I could have used some guidance from a parent." He looked at Gabriel, his eyes furiously glowing. "It's not like we are your first children."

Gabriel lowered his gaze, staring intently at the plate of sweets before him.

"Alric, I think you've made your point quite clear. There's no need to throw a tantrum like a child," Eros scolded.

Alric slammed his fist on the table but bit his tongue. He looked at the wildflower garden before closing his eyes and breathing deeply.

"Alright. Then please, enlighten us why we're here then, father." His voice was back to being gentle, but the other two could hear the contempt in it. While Gabriel smiled, Eros could not hide his chuckle.

Drinking his cup of coffee, Gabriel looked like he was trying to put his thoughts into words. After a long moment of silence, he finally began, "I would like you to become my successor to Gabriel Corporation, Alric. Become a CEO and lead the conglomerate better than I ever did."

His two sons looked at him in disbelief.

"What?!" Alric got up. The chair screeched unpleasantly as it scraped across the ceramic floor. It would have toppled had Alric not been quick enough to catch it. "Why me and not Eros? He's the older one here." His eyes narrowed. "Wait a minute, did you have a vision? Is this what it's all about?"

Gabriel hesitantly nodded.

"Is this true, father?" Even the usually calm Eros seemed negatively surprised at his father's words. He got up, making his chair screech as well. "Was the outcome of your vision so grave that Alric no longer can pursue what he desires? You know how he had always aspired to become an executioner." Eros paused, thinking for a moment. Then, he added, "if there's another way, you know I am willing to change my career, and-"

Gabriel raised his hand, and Eros fell silent.

"It was indeed a vision. A rather long one. Alwin told me I had been asleep for an entire month. And I can confirm the outcome was rather unpleasant, even unsettling."

Alric sighed before he dropped back on the chair. Eros followed his example.

"Truth be told, I could not fully grasp my vision. I suppose an old friend has his hands in this, which worries me even more," Gabriel continued to explain.

"So, based on something you foresaw that may or may not come true, I am to terminate my education at the Judicial Academy and go into business instead," Alric summarized with a sour look.

The breeze picked up, sending Gabriel's locks flying. There was a faint tingling sound like his hair was made of crystals. The archangel looked at his youngest son and sighed.

"My visions are quite accurate. As much as you believe I have no interest in you, the opposite is quite true. If I merely sat back and said nothing, I would have had to carry you to your grave."

"Alric died in your vision? Why am I reminded of my childhood nightmare when I first touched Alric?" Eros' face looked worried.

"I indeed had the same dream as you, my son." Gabriel faced Eros. "However, my vision contained another version. One, where the outcome was less dire."

"Come one, guys, stop leaving the protagonist out of this," Alric complained, helplessly raising his arms and dropping them again. Both his father and brother had the gift of foresight. It could either be triggered by touching someone or come as a haunting dream. Often, they'd discuss matters privately whenever their visions aligned. In any case, Alric always felt left out. Even now, knowing that his life might be cut short did little to gloss over the fact that he wasn't gifted.

"If I told you the outcome, wouldn't you actively work to improve it?"

"Well, yes, naturally."

"Yet that is the issue, my son. As commendable as they may be, your efforts may achieve the opposite effect. Therefore, you must have faith in my words and decisions. Becoming my successor is the path to your survival." Gabriel then turned to face Eros again. "And your survival is heavily linked to his. Whatever it takes, protect him."

Eros nodded solemnly and continued to sip his coffee.

Alric felt the air grow heavy. As if the weather responded to the situation, dark clouds overcast the sky. In the distance, thunder began to roll. His mind drifted away as he watched the storm draw closer. Nobody interrupted his thoughts. In this family, it was common to simply sit in silence and enjoy a meal without being burdened by a forced conversation.

"I still am not particularly keen on giving up my dream profession," Alric eventually said, his focus returning to the participants at the table.

"Use your chance. Become someone new," Gabriel replied with a slight smile. "I will be there to guide you in the beginning. And as for you, Eros, I recommend laying low as much as possible."

"Fine. I'll do it your way." Alric grabbed the tray with the coffee and pastries, then got up. "Let's head inside. It's about to rain here."