Tension filled the air within the ruins of the once bustling laboratory. A desperate urgency laced the voice of the inquirer.
"Have you found him? Is his brain intact? Let me see his corpse!"
The response was filled with a mix of uncertainty and assurance, heightening the tension in the room.
"We are still in the process of identification, but there's no doubt it couldn't be anyone else."
Anxiety clenched their hearts as they grappled with the unknown. The fate of the individual they sought hung in the balance, their thoughts racing with dread and anticipation.
"Good! Bring the best healers and re-"
As he stepped into the room, a chill coursed through his veins, for the truth manifested before him. In an instant, he knew with certainty that the lifeless figure sprawled before his eyes was not who he sought. Confusion mingled with disbelief, as he questioned how he could fail to recognize the familiar metallic structure, the very same that should have safeguarded his own brain during the procedure.
Yet, there it was—a corpse with a metallic exterior, but its brain concealed by an enigmatic substance. Dread tightened its grip on his heart as the realization took hold. There could be only one explanation. The one who lay before him, shielded in darkness where his brain should be, could only be his wife.
A cold, menacing aura radiated from him as his silence spoke volumes. Words became unnecessary in the face of this unsettling revelation. He turned and departed, leaving behind a room filled with unspoken questions and an eerie atmosphere.
*Exhale*
_______________
"Where am I? Where is Dad? Where is Mom?" he gasped, his voice filled with desperation and confusion. The pain in his brain intensified, causing his words to tremble.
His head throbbed relentlessly, as if a thousand needles pierced his mind with each beat of his heart. The sheer agony left him unable to contain his anguish, but a stifled scream was all that escaped his lips.
The unbearable torment robbed him of the ability to find solace in unconsciousness. Tears welled up in his eyes, streaming down his face as physical and emotional agony intertwined.
Unable to bear the weight of his suffering, he cried out again, "Haaaaaaaaaaaa!" The sound that escaped him was a raw, guttural cry, filled with the desperation of someone trapped in their own personal hell.
Tap tap tap
As the agony tightened its grip on him, his body surrendered to the overwhelming torment, and darkness enveloped his senses once again. The tension in the air thickened, the silence punctuated only by his labored breaths, leaving those present with a sense of unease and an uncertain wait for his awakening.
*Sigh*
"You poor soul. Why couldn't you have been born into a normal family?"
Indeed, the boy in question was Ethan. For an excruciating span of three long months, his fragile existence had been marred by an unyielding cycle of suffering. Ninety times he had succumbed to the merciless grip of unconsciousness, only to be granted fleeting respite through healing, only to be thrust back into the abyss of agony once more.
Days turned into nights, and the cycle repeated relentlessly, testing Ethan's endurance and resilience to their limits. Each time he emerged from the fleeting embrace of healing, hope flickered in the hearts of those who cared for him, only to be overshadowed by the looming uncertainty of when the torment would finally relent.
On the ninety-ninth day, the momentous date of September 8th, 2359, a subtle shift roused Ethan from the depths of his affliction. The weight that had burdened his existence began to lift, and the pain that had tormented him for what felt like an eternity gradually subsided. It was a fragile glimmer of relief, a delicate sign of a turning tide that breathed life into his weary spirit.
Drifting between moments of consciousness and fragmented dreams, Ethan's perception of reality remained hazy and surreal. However, on that fateful day, he awoke fully, his senses slowly coming into focus. The world around him still appears blurry, but the sharp, stabbing pain that had plagued him had receded, replaced by a dull ache that served as a reminder of the trials he had endured.
With a weak, yet heartfelt smile, he felt a profound sense of gratitude for the gift of life. The worst was finally over, and he could embrace the dawn of a new chapter. Ethan opened his eyes, attempting to navigate the hazy boundaries of his surroundings, when a familiar voice pierced through the confusion, calling his name with growing urgency.
Struggling to sit up, his head spinning with remnants of disorientation, he strained to comprehend the unfolding moment. And then, in a moment that defied imagination, something unimaginable came into view.
"Good morning, Ethan," a voice greeted him, carrying with it a mix of familiarity and enigma.
Ethan found himself standing before his departed grandfather. A rush of emotions surged within him as he gazed into the eyes of the man he thought he had lost forever. Disbelief mingled with hope, creating a delicate balance between astonishment and longing.
"Grandpa? I thought you died nine years ago," Ethan murmured, his voice filled with a mixture of surprise and joy.
Time seemed to pause as they shared a profound connection, a reunion that defied the boundaries of what he believed to be possible. The memories of his grandfather's life, the legendary tales of triumph against adversity, flooded Ethan's mind, reigniting a flicker of the inspiration he had carried in his heart.
*Gruuur*
Before they could start talking, they started the conversation, his belly did talk for him. He needed food.
______________
Seated at the table, a feast of vibrant fruits, succulent fish, and savory meat laid before them. Ethan's gaze shifted from the bountiful spread to his grandfather, uncertainty etched on his face. How long had he been asleep? The fragments of memory that lingered were hazy, dominated by the sharp prick of a needle and the disconcerting touch of a metallic arm restraining him.
Now, his grandpa stood before him, gently rousing him from his slumber and offering nourishment. It felt like a leap through time, reminiscent of the time jumps he had encountered in the manga he so avidly read. But this was the real world, and such fantastical occurrences did not belong here. Ethan couldn't shake the feeling that there was a missing piece to the puzzle, an elusive truth veiled within the depths of his foggy recollections.
The confusion remained, but for now, they sat at the table, the aroma of the food filling the air, inviting him to partake. The colorful array of flavors beckoned, offering a tantalizing distraction from the mysteries that surrounded him. With each bite, he savored the nourishment, grateful for the simple pleasure of shared meals and the comfort of family. And deep within, he held onto the belief that clarity would come, that the missing pieces of his past would be woven together, revealing a truth that would illuminate his path forward.
"Why am I with Grandpa? Mom told me he was dead, and Dad never talked about him after the incident. Wait... why can I remember his voice? And why am I so hungry?" Ethan's voice brimmed with a mix of curiosity and bewilderment as he pondered the peculiar circumstances.
Seated at the table, he ate with impeccable manners, a testament to his mother's teachings. Every bite was a reminder of her desire for him to become a gentleman. Yet, his mind was consumed by questions, and he knew he couldn't beat around the bush any longer.
He was a child unafraid to seek answers directly, an approach instilled in him by his father. With an unwavering determination, he voiced his concerns without hesitation, unaware of the unspoken complexities surrounding his parents' absence and his reunion with his grandfather.
"Why am I here with you, Grandpa? Mom said you were dead, and Dad never spoke of you after the incident," Ethan inquired, his young voice cutting through the air.
His grandfather met his gaze, a flicker of emotions dancing in his eyes. The weight of the truth bore down upon him, and he searched for the right words to convey the reality to his inquisitive grandson.
"Ethan, my dear child," his grandfather began, pausing briefly before continuing, "there are things that your mother didn't know, and your father had reasons for keeping certain details hidden. But I am here to tell you that I am very much alive."
Ethan's eyes widened, a mix of surprise and wonder reflecting his inner turmoil. "So, why did they keep it a secret? And where are Mom and Dad?"
His grandfather sighed, understanding the weight of the moment. He reached out, placing a comforting hand on Ethan's shoulder. "There are forces at play, forces that threaten the safety of our family. Your parents made difficult choices to protect you, and their actions led to their separation. They entrusted me to keep you safe."
Ethan's brow furrowed with a mix of confusion and concern. "But I miss them. Can't we find them?"
"Direct and to the point, little kid. Drink something first; it should help ease the pain." His grandfather advised, acknowledging the lingering discomfort that Ethan had felt.
"Thank you. I'm alright, I don't feel any pain anymore," Ethan reassured, his voice reflecting a sense of relief.
Their eyes remained locked in an unwavering gaze, Ethan eagerly awaiting the answers he sought.
*Sigh*
His grandfather's sigh hung in the air, underscoring the weight of the situation. The task before him was daunting, unsure of how to begin revealing the truth to this innocent child.
Just then, a soft sound echoed in the room—tap tap tap.
"I'm back."
A sense of anticipation filled the air as a beautiful young woman entered the room. Her emerald eyes met Ethan's, and a wave of recognition washed over her, causing her to drop whatever she held. Tears welled up in her eyes, streaming down her face as she cried. There was a familiarity in her presence, though Ethan couldn't recall ever meeting her before. The emotions swirling within him intensified as she rushed forward, embracing him tightly.
The unexpected encounter deepened his confusion. Who was she, and why did she evoke such a strong sense of familiarity?
Amidst the emotional embrace, his grandpa cleared his throat, breaking the silence that enveloped them.
*Cough* *Cough*
"Sophie!" his grandfather called out, a look of concern crossing his face. Sophie understood the unspoken message, realizing she needed to regain her composure. The "boy" had yet to recognize her.
"Ethan, this is Sophie. She has been by your side for the past three months, caring for you and aiding in your healing. She just returned from buying medicine, which is why her reaction was so emotional upon seeing you well," his grandfather explained, introducing Sophie to Ethan.
Ethan's bewilderment deepened. Sophie? The name triggered a faint flicker of recognition. Three months? It couldn't be. Wasn't he only asleep for a few hours?
Seeking clarity, Ethan questioned, "What is the date?"
"Ethan, you were asleep for three months. During that time, we cared for you and did everything we could to ensure your recovery. I understand it's difficult to believe, but this is the truth," his grandfather explained, his voice carrying a sense of sincerity.
His grandfather sighed, his eyes closing momentarily as he shook his head. "As for your parents..." he trailed off, a heavy weight hanging in the air. "You shouldn't expect to see them anytime soon."
Ethan couldn't comprehend it. His parents would never leave him. His mind raced, trying to piece together the fragments of information. His father's recent peculiar behavior, the mention of a secret project... his imagination began to spin wild with possibilities, each one more elusive than the last.
Ethan's eyes sparkled with excitement as he eagerly voiced his theory. "Are my parents on a secret expedition, like in those old movies from a hundred years ago? That's why they had to leave suddenly, and why they teleported me to you!"
Sophie and Valor exchanged uncertain glances, grappling with the delicate task of revealing the truth to Ethan.
*Grrr*
Sensing the tension, Ethan's appetite took precedence. "Let's eat up. I'm still hungry," he declared, diving into his meal with a radiant smile. In that moment, he let the anticipation of his parents' return overshadow the fact that he had been in a coma for three months. He embraced the joy of the present, eagerly awaiting the stories his parents would share upon their return. He understood that sometimes, one had to patiently wait for the story to unfold, without skipping any chapters.