Tom was deep in thought, contemplating the implications of facing the trial. Concerns for the safety of his sisters, Marie and Samantha, weighed heavily on his mind. If he had to leave Earth, who would protect them in his absence? Despite these fears, he knew he couldn't let them hold him back.
He clenched his fists, frustration and anxiety gnawing at him. He understood the mess he was involved in. The revelation that he might possess or be immune to such a rare ability had shaken him to the core. The very power that saved his friends in the café had now become a double-edged sword, drawing unwanted attention from unknown forces.
"Vista," Tom said, turning to his guardian, "there's something I need to discuss with you. It's about Marie and Sam. If I pass the trial of power and have to leave Earth, I need you to promise me that you'll protect them."
Leon supported Tom by saying, "That's right, what if those after Tom shift their focus to Marie and Sam when he leaves Earth?"
Vista responded calmly, "Tom, as your legal guardian and someone who cares for you and your sisters, I would have protected them even if you didn't ask me to. You can trust me to keep them safe."
Curiosity got the better of Leon, who interjected, "Dad, do you have a plan in place to ensure their safety while Tom is away?"
Vista, with a hint of mystery in his voice, replied, "I do have a plan, but it hinges on Tom passing the trial. Once he succeeds, I'll reveal all the details to both of you."
Intrigued, Tom pressed further, "Can you at least give us a hint about what your plan entails?"
Vista maintained his resolve, saying, "Not just yet, Tom. There are many variables to consider, and the time isn't right for sharing all the specifics. Trust that I've thoroughly thought this through, and protecting you and your sisters is my top priority."
Grateful for Vista's dedication, Tom expressed his appreciation, "Thank you, Vista. I know I can trust you to keep Marie and Sam safe. I'll do everything in my power to pass the trial and play my part in the plan."
Vista nodded, acknowledging Tom's determination, "That's all I ask of you, Tom. Now, concentrate on the upcoming trial, and remember, you're not alone in this."
Just as Vista finished speaking, the door to Tom's hospital room swung open, and two young girls entered. The first one had black hair like Tom's, with beautiful blue eyes. She appeared to be around 14 years old, and her confident demeanor conveyed intelligence and seriousness. Despite her young age, she carried herself with grace and poise. Marie was a very beautiful young girl, with an air of intelligence and maturity beyond her years. She had a striking presence and seemed polite and well-mannered.
Following behind her was another girl with blond hair and blue eyes, around 12 years old. Like her sister, she was also beautiful, but her bright and joyful attitude was evident. Despite her apparent naivety due to her age, she exuded intelligence. Samantha was a delightful and optimistic young girl with a charming smile. Her cheerful personality was infectious, and she radiated a sense of youthful energy and intelligence.
These young girls were Tom's sisters, Marie and Samantha. It seemed they had come to visit him at the hospital despite the fact that it was during their school hours, indicating their strong attachment to their brother.
As they entered the hospital room, Samantha exclaimed happily, "Tom!" and rushed over to her brother, who was sitting on the hospital bed. She embraced him tightly, tears of joy in her eyes.
Behind her, Marie scolded her, saying, "Sam, can't you see he's on a hospital bed and injured? You shouldn't—" Before Marie could finish her sentence, Tom raised his hand, gesturing for her to stop, and reassured her, "It's okay, I'm feeling much better."
Turning his attention back to Samantha in his arms, Tom smiled and said, addressing both of them, "I'm sorry for worrying you. It won't happen again." With tears still streaming down his face and soaking Tom's clothes, Samantha replied, "You better not! Do you know how worried we were?" She playfully gave him a small nudge on his chest. The nudge didn't hurt him, but to tease his younger sister, Tom feigned a pained expression and said, "Ouch, Sam, you're hurting me."
Immediately, Samantha pulled back with a worried expression, afraid that she had hurt her brother. But upon seeing his smiling face, she realized he was teasing her.
Without skipping a beat, she retorted, "You're just pretending!" Her playful smile returned, and the room was filled with the warmth of their sibling bond.
Marie approached Vista and greeted him affectionately, "Good evening, Uncle Vista." Vista smiled, the seriousness in his voice dissipating, and he warmly placed his hand on Marie's head, replying, "Good evening, little Marie. Are you doing well?"
While they engaged in their conversation, Samantha turned around and noticed Vista's presence. Her eyes lit up with excitement, and she swiftly jumped off Tom's bed, running towards Vista and leaping into his arms, "Uncle Vista!" she exclaimed happily. Vista caught her, lifting her up into the air, and replied with a smile, "Seems like you're doing very well, little Sam. Are you eating properly?"
Sam nodded enthusiastically, beaming, "I'm doing great, Uncle Vista!"
Tom observed the heartwarming scene before him, grateful for Vista's care and the strong bond the girls shared with their guardian. He admired how Vista treated them like family and felt a sense of relief knowing they were in safe hands.
Tom suddenly remembered that he had to face the 'Trial of Power' and assumed a serious expression as he said, "Marie, Sam, there's something I need to tell you." Surprised by their brother's seriousness, Marie and Sam focused and moved closer to his hospital bed, realizing that this must be something extremely important. Tom took a deep breath, looked at his sisters earnestly, and said, "I'm going to pass the Trial of Power."
He expected tears, sadness, and pleading looks from his sisters, but the only response he got was:
"Okay."
"Do your best, big brother."
Tom was taken aback by their calm and composed reactions, to the point that he couldn't help but ask aloud, "Is that all?"
Both of his sisters looked at him seriously and replied, "We knew that one day you would face the 'Trial of Power,' so we were already prepared," Marie said. Sam chimed in, reinforcing her sister's statement, "We're not kids anymore, big brother. You can leave us alone, and besides, Uncle Vista will take care of us in your absence."
It was at that moment that Tom realized he had been worrying for nothing and that his sisters had truly grown up. They had matured and were ready to face challenges head-on. Tom felt immense pride in his sisters.
As Tom and his siblings engaged in a heartwarming conversation, a commotion could be heard beyond the door that was slightly ajar. The door swung open completely, and then he heard three voices speaking in unison:
"Are you really going to pass the Trial of Power?"
The voices belonged to Sarah, Abigail, and Kam, who had come to visit Tom and overheard his intention to face the Trial of Power.
Kam quickly stepped forward, approaching Tom, and asked, "Is it true, boss? Are you really going to pass the Trial of Power?" Kam seemed excited, unlike the two girls, Sarah and Abigail, who appeared concerned. Tom noticed their worry and reassured them, "Yes, I'm going to pass the Trial of Power, but don't worry. I'll prepare myself thoroughly before taking the trial."
He emphasized the last part to ease Sarah and Abi's concerns, and it seemed to have the desired effect, as their worry appeared to dissipate.
Vista, understanding the need for the young ones to have a private moment, decided to give them space. He turned to Tom and said, "I'll leave you to your friends, but tomorrow morning, we'll begin your preparation for the Trial of Power. In three weeks, you'll be on your way, I don't think we can have more time before the surveillance video of the cafe leaks. Until then, take care." With that, Vista left the room, knowing that it might be the last time they could have such a conversation for a long while.