Truth

|Gary|

As the moment of departure drew near, Arthur and Alistair made their way to bid farewell to their respective families. The separation was undeniably bittersweet, especially for Alistair and Tessia, as the elven princess clung onto her beloved prince, reluctant to let him embark on this journey to a foreign land.

However, before they could part ways, I halted them, pulling them aside and away from the watchful eyes of Windsom.

"With this being our last gathering for several years, it falls upon us to make a solemn vow," I declared, my voice resolute. "By the time we reunite, each and every one of us must have reached the white stage. We shall emerge as the saviors and heroes of this continent!"

A wave of determination washed over our assembled group as they nodded in agreement, their expressions filled with unwavering resolve.

Soon, the time came for us to disperse and meet our own families. I returned to my opulent mansion, where my mother and father eagerly awaited my arrival.

Now, it was finally time for me to reveal the truth to them, to unburden my heart and disclose the weighty secrets I had carried for so long.

I was ushered into the mansion by the maids and the butler, all of them having worried expressions on their face. I gave a light smile to ease them up and calm them down before walking to my parents' room.

"Mother, father," I greeted them, my voice carrying a mix of solemnity and determination.

Instantly, my mother rushed towards me, her eyes scanning me for any signs of injury. Only when she was reassured of my well-being did she settle back into her seat, her gaze fixated on me with a blend of concern and curiosity.

"There is something of utmost importance that the two of you need to know," I began, the weight of my words hanging in the air. Their inquisitive gazes compelled me to continue, and they took their places in front of me, ready to listen.

"Before we delve into this, I must confess something that has weighed heavily on my mind ever since I arrived in this world," I revealed, my voice steady despite the storm of emotions raging within me.

A hush fell over the room as my parents absorbed my words, their expressions a mix of confusion and apprehension.

"Coming to this world? What do you mean, Honey? You were born here... I-I don't understand," my mother uttered, her grip on my hands tightening as if she feared losing me.

My father, on the other hand, regarded me silently, his eyes conveying a sense of patience, awaiting the truth to unfold. Taking a deep breath, I reassured my mother with a gentle smile before continuing.

"Of course, I was born here, Mom. I am your flesh and blood, a part of both of you. Please, trust me when I say that I remember my birth more vividly than anyone else possibly could," I reassured, attempting to ease her worries.

"I was transported, reborn... I don't fully comprehend the intricacies of how it all transpired, but somehow, I was taken from my original world and brought into this one," I disclosed, my voice steady but tinged with a hint of wonder.

"Wait a minute, Son... you're going to have to back up—" my father interjected, his voice laced with a mix of confusion and disbelief.

With great detail, I proceeded to paint a vivid picture of the world I hailed from, the role I played there, and the connections I forged, leaving no stone unturned. It was crucial for them to understand the gravity of my revelations.

I spoke about Kevin, Jezebeth, and the enigmatic Akashic Records, intricately weaving together the strands that linked my past and present existence.

Throughout my account, my parents remained mostly silent, absorbing every word with rapt attention. My father occasionally interjected with questions, his face betraying a myriad of emotions. Surprisingly, my mother maintained an unexpected calmness, her eyes filled with unwavering love and support.

Time seemed to blur as I continued to narrate my extraordinary journey, and it was only when my stomach emitted a gentle rumble that I realized several hours had passed since I began.

"Ren Dover..." my father murmured, his fingers delicately threading through his hair as he reclined in his chair, lost in thought.

"So, ever since you were born, you were able to understand our words, remember everything?" my father inquired, releasing a heavy sigh, his expression a mix of astonishment and acceptance.

I met his gaze and nodded in affirmation, a profound sense of relief washing over me.

To my surprise, my mother's response was not one of denial or rejection. Instead, she enveloped me in a tender embrace, dispelling my fears with her unconditional love.

"You have endured so much, my dear son," she murmured, her voice filled with empathy as I nestled into her comforting hold.

In that moment, a profound sense of warmth enveloped me, coursing through my veins and reaching the depths of my heart.

A solitary tear traced its path down my cheek, prompting me to touch it gently, as if to grasp the significance of this emotional release.

Why was I crying?

"You have faced unimaginable challenges, Ren, Gary," my mother whispered, her voice laced with a mixture of compassion and unwavering support. "But do not believe for a moment that this revelation will tear us apart. We have been a family throughout the countless years you have lived in this world, haven't we?"

It was then that I understood—the tears, the overwhelming surge of emotions—they were the result of a profound release, a cathartic moment in the embrace of my dearest loved one.

In that embrace, I found solace, acceptance, and the unwavering bond of family. And as my tears flowed freely, I embraced the catharsis that comes with finally surrendering to vulnerability, knowing that love and understanding would forever anchor us together.

|Rachel|

"Father," my voice trembled, on the brink of tears. I struggled to steady my emotions as I spoke, "I failed, Father! I couldn't protect her... I couldn't protect anyone!"

My father's arms wrapped around me, drawing me into a protective embrace, offering solace in the midst of my anguish.

"Shh, Rachel," he whispered, his voice filled with reassurance, "It's not your fault."

Tears streamed down my face as I pulled away slightly, my voice choked with sorrow, "But it is, Father! You don't understand... I knew this would happen! I read the entire novel, every page, every warning. But I didn't do anything!"

A flicker of shock passed across his face, quickly replaced by deep concern as he gently urged, "Take a deep breath, my dear. Calm down, and start from the beginning. Tell me everything, in detail."

His steady voice and reassuring presence grounded me, allowing me to gather my thoughts amidst the whirlwind of emotions.

I poured my heart out to my father, sharing the intricate details of my past life and the extraordinary circumstances that had brought me into this world. The weight of my perceived failures pressed heavily upon me as tears streamed down my face.

"I should have been stronger," I lamented, my voice quivering with sorrow as I futilely tried to wipe away my tears. "But I was so powerless. I couldn't change a thing. And now, I fear you may resent me for not being your real daughter."

His touch against my cheek interrupted my self-deprecating thoughts, infusing me with a soothing warmth. A tender smile graced his lips as he gazed into my eyes.

"Rachel, my dear," he spoke softly, his voice filled with unwavering love, "you bear a striking resemblance to your mother, Rosia."

His words were like a balm to my wounded soul, and the floodgates of my emotions burst open anew. Overwhelmed, I threw myself into his embrace, unable to contain my anguish any longer.

In that moment, his comforting presence enveloped me, providing solace and reassurance. "No matter the circumstances, no matter what lives we may have led," he whispered, his voice steady and unwavering, "you will always be my daughter. Never doubt that, my dear."

His words pierced through the depths of my despair, igniting a glimmer of hope within my shattered heart. And so, tears mingled with relief and gratitude as I clung to him, finding solace in the unwavering love of a father who saw beyond the boundaries of worlds and embraced me unconditionally.