Mysterious Box

Valent, Planet Zokov, December 13, 2151

4:38 PM, Z City

In the suburbs, near a wide clear lake, just outside the coverage of the city. You can see small fish swimming by. Leaves falling everywhere, following where the breeze may take them, birds chirping, taking flight towards where the sun sets. Kids running by the lakeside, chasing each other. Such a scene is almost an everyday occurrence to this open space by the lake.

A kid in front of a tree, jumping, waving towards a black cat up in the tree. Motioning the black cat to go down. Sun-kissed brown hair, soft twinkling eyes, eyebrows slanting towards the edge of the eye, puffed-out cheeks, pursed lips, glaring intently at the black cat. So intently, trying not to miss any movement from the cat.

While the boy was having a "life and death" situation, the black cat up the tree just lay on a thick branch not minding the intrusive gaze of the little boy. Swinging the thing dangling in its jaws like a pendulum.

Not far away is a man of tall stature, with gold-rimmed glasses, sharp eyebrows complementing his deep black eyes. A few stubbles on his chin, a sign of his experiences in his life. Watching his son he couldn't help but give a soft smile.

"Zoe, come here!", the man called out.

Hearing his call, the little boy by the tree subconsciously turned his head around, and seeing that it's his father calling for him, he raised his arms toward the cat in the tree, as if portraying to his father that he hadn't got the cat yet.

Seeing the boy's action, the man could only shake his head with a chuckle. He walked over towards the boy. Coming to this park is just a whim on his side for it is his son's birthday. They were on the road for X City, where the main branch of the Walker Family is situated.

Going there to celebrate, they passed by this open space, seeing his son looking at the kids playing there longingly, he could only sigh at himself for being such a spoiling father towards his son.

"Do you want me to help you fetch that black cat up there?", the man asked. Seeing the boy so focused on the cat, he couldn't think of anything the cat might have done to his son to be so attentive.

The boy pointed at the cat, hanging in between the cat's mouth is a red string with a dangling small hexagonal black box. The exterior of the box is exquisite, with fine silver linings. With unrecognizable runic writings on its sides.

"That box? Where did the cat get that?", he couldn't help but ask his son.

"Me, daddy.", the boy replied, hands-on his back whilst averting his vision. Looking like a kid who just got caught stealing candies.

"And where did you get that box?", questioned the man sternly. "Didn't your mother teach you not to take things from strangers?" The man couldn't help but frown.

"I didn't take it from anyone", the kid answered, raising both his hands, smiling mischievously. "But I saw it inside the tree hollow then I took it". Puffing up his chest as if asking for praise.

Looking at his silly son, he could only lament silently, 'Why does he look so cute?'

"You're not supposed to take things that's not yours, Zoe. What if the owner of that thing comes here and finds it missing, he'll sue you." Said the man trying to scare his son. And looking at the pale face of his son and mouth agape he couldn't hold his laughter.

After calming down himself, in front of him is son red bear resemblance to a red tomato. "Dad was just trying to tell you that you shouldn't take things that aren't yours.", although what he said sounded that suspicious, with his face appearing to be serious, the kid took his words into the heart.

"We should go already, it's getting late, you won't want your grandparents being sad not being able to celebrate your birthday with them, right Zoe?", the man asked while lowering himself so that he could face him.

"Mm, but the box and the cat daddy...", little Zoe nodded, the latter part said almost as quiet as a mosquito passing by.

"Do you want them?", the man asked curiously. But deep inside he couldn't help but be shocked.

Zoe has always been a sensible child. Ever since his 2nd wife, Xania Kairos, Zoe's mother, died 5 years ago. After a tantrum and a night filled with sobs. The next morning he stopped being talkative. He only talks when asked to, and does not say more when necessary. At first, I was very glad that he could overcome his grief for his mother. But after a long time, his condition never improved. Slowly and slowly he started to drift away from us.

★ F L A S H B A C K ★

Two years ago, one day, when I was busy managing the affairs of the branch family, I received a call from the butler. Hearing the frantic voice of the butler told me that my second son is fighting with his eldest brother.

"Master, Young Master Zach is having a fight with 2nd Young Master Zoe, I don't know when they started, I apologize for my negligence." Butler Carrion on the phone couldn't help but break out a cold sweat.

'Damn, I hope my pay won't get deducted with this.'

I didn't believe it at first but after coming home did I only discover how destructive their fight was. Floors dirty, shards of glass everywhere, messed up dining room, not one of the fragile things in our home is left.

Going towards the master bedroom to change clothes, I asked the butler to call both of them to come down.

Coming down the stairs, I didn't know whether to laugh or get angry seeing their messed up appearance standing on all those wreckage they've caused.

As a son of a patriarch of a noble family, of course, temperament and etiquette are ingrained in my bones. Sitting on a "not-so-broken" sofa, I faced the two of them.

"Who started it?", I asked in a low voice.

This is the first time that their father talked this way, so the both of them are, of course, scared. Their father has always had this gentlemanly look, and his gentle look towards them. But this time facing their father acting like this, they couldn't help but get pale.

"Brother!/Zoe!", both of them said simultaneously.

"No!, It wasn't me! It was Zoe!. I was just trying to talk to him. Then he started getting mad." Zach rebutted quickly

Zach, Zachariah Walker, Zoe's older brother. The first son from my first wife with an arranged marriage. Whom's mother died right after giving birth. Zach was born five years prior to the birth of Zoe, but he has grown up being taught strictly by me and the butler Carrion about the things about the family so with regards to emotional quotient Zach is somewhat behind.

Zach growing up without a motherly figure in his life has always been an insecurity for him, adding the pressure from those around him, those noble "spoiled brats", prompt the 14-year-old Zach to not know how to deal with those people around him especially his younger brother, Zoe.

On the other hand, Zoe, seeing that his older brother never bothered with his existence, just ignores him too. Thinking that this older brother of his is too busy with things that his father has asked him, he consciously tries his best to not meet him in the hallways.

Though they communicate, they are always at odds with unknown things.

"He's lying!"

"He keeps telling me that I have no mother and I have no friends."

"Then, I told him that at least I had my mother care for me when I was a baby."

"When he's motherless the moment he was born!", said Zoe in anger.

Butler: ...

Zahar: ...

Hearing Zoe's words, Zach clenched his fist and attempted to rush at Zoe.

Seeing them starting to fight again I motioned the Butler to separate them.

"ENOUGH!" I shouted to both of them.

Hearing their father, they stopped in shock, even the agitated Zach couldn't help but flinch hearing the tone of his father.

"You, Zachariah Walker, the older brother should know better what to do."

"You've disappointed me a lot this time, you fight at school, and fight even at home. I'll have to send you to your Grandfather in the Main Family this coming week.", finishing my piece for my eldest son, I turned to Zoe.

"And you.", pointing at Zoe.

"Where did you learn those words?", narrowing my eyes. This younger son of mine has always been at home, even his studies are only done at home. Inviting tutors at home to teach him anything necessary for him to learn and other subjects that might help him in the future.

Because of a prophecy from the family of his Mother, Zoe is forbidden from going outside the mansion, and if ever outdoors must have some trusted companions guarding him.

The Kairos Family, a family prominent for their Time Affinity. Have always been the most mysterious of all families. They only reveal themselves at times of crises in the Valentine Empire. And them suddenly proposing marriage to the Walker Family is still a controversial and intriguing issue, puzzling the masses and even the Royal Family. So their prophecy

Knowing that will make him less sociable, I steeled my heart just for his safety.

So I just get him everything that he wants, even if he never asked for them. Things such as pets, new gadgets, snacks, souvenirs from my different business trips.

So hearing such harsh words from him made him feel heartache, and I couldn't help but blame myself for being an irresponsible father.

"Reading", answered Zoe.

"Read from where? Did I not tell those tutors of yours to check if there are any negative things on those learning materials that they have asked the butler to buy?", I asked Zoe.

"I've read it online.", said Zoe hesitantly. With his head down and hands clasped together in front of him, afraid of his fathers' reprimand.

Hearing his answer I could only sigh.

"Two of you, go to your rooms. Zoe, no Starnet connection for one month. And you, Zach, tomorrow morning, a chauffeur will wait for you at the entrance and will bring you to the nearest terminal that has A-Class ships going to X-City, you're going to stay with your grandparents for many months until your grandparents say so.", I said to them in a commanding tone. Zoe could only nod with his father's words.

"But-", Zach tried to explain, but much to his disappointment.

"No buts. Go this instant.", I said, not giving him a chance to continue what he's saying.

Zach only wanted to vent the violent emotions he has been feeling since those classmates of his never spared a time of them not bullying him.

Zach didn't expect this gaffe to end in this way, implicating him much more. And Zach with nothing to do can only glare at Zoe.

Seeing me focused on the two of them, they can only obediently go to their rooms.

Standing up from my seat. I beckoned to the Butler.

"Clean this mess up, I want these things replaced by tomorrow.", I ordered.

"Yes, Master Zahar."

With things arranged I left the Butler to deal with his own job. I walked up the stairs. Walking continuously, I unknowingly reached the top of the manor.

Standing on the terrace, I look at the moon in the night sky, sighing.

"I don't know when I can be with you again Xania, your sons getting harder to please.", eyes misty, but with a soft smile on his lips.

★ E N D O F F L A S H B A C K ★

Remembering those times, a smirk could only break out at the corner of my lips.

Nodding enthusiastically, 'Hihihi, daddy really loves me the most.' Zoe smiled sillily. 'But I lied about the box, would dad get angry if he knew? Hmmm… I just won't tell him, and he won't know'

"Okay, Dad will just call someone for help.", seeing my son with a silly smile. I could only yield to his request.

Calling for some helpers, I interacted with my son. With his son's request being fulfilled, he can speak with him happily.

Minutes later, the helper came along with Buttler Carrion.

"Butler, have them catch that cat up there.", pointing at the still lazy-looking cat.

"Yes, Master Zahar", The Butler bowed. Motioning the helpers to catch the cat.

Only a few minutes later, the cat was caught. The helpers, seeing that the black cat never resisted, had an easier time doing their job.

Giving the adult black cat to his son along with the hexagonal box, they left the lake.

After getting the cat, Zoe happily hugged and caressed it. While putting the tiny box in his pocket.

Zoe's action of pocketing the box, caused the cat's eye to glint for a mere second and gone the next. Which the glint in the cat's eye goes unnoticed to everyone.

Continuing on the road, they celebrated his Eleventh Birthday with his grandparents successfully.