"Why are you so shocked? Go change up and eat because there's somewhere I want to take you today"
Despite being perplexed by the situation, Seiya obeyed and went to change.
"Get something to eat as well" His father requested and Seiya went to the kitchen to get food that was still warm causing him to glance back at his father.
"I reheated it for you" His father smiled at him and Seiya was left even more dumbfounded.
He couldn't even begin to describe how unsettling the whole situation felt for him.
"What's with that expression of yours? Isn't this how a father is supposed to act with his son?"
Every word that left his mouth by the minute plunged Seiya deeper into confusion and shock but he didn't have it in him to even inquire or protest so he obeyed.
As he ate, his father started.
"I realised the way I'd been treating you wasn't so good of me as a father so I decided to change that"
"....."
"Or don't you want me to change for the better?"
The question almost made Seiya choke on his food. Was his father finally going to acknowledge him?
He shook his head vigorously to his father's question and Mr Sanio smiled.
"Alright eat up let's leave"
Seiya finished his food, rushing it because he couldn't contain the nerve wrecking anticipation that surged through him. And like his father said, they both walked out to the car and got in.
It was Seiya's first time entering his father's car or even going anywhere with him so he was very nervous but despite that, he was bubbling with well concealed joy inside him.
He was experiencing firsthand, the father-son moments he used to only see on TVs which he envied a lot.
As they drove out, Seiya wanted to ask his father where they were headed but couldn't bring himself to ask as he was still afraid and nervous around him.
"You must be curious where we're headed huh?" His father chuckled softly and Seiya gave a single nod while looking down out of nervousness.
"Well, it's just my workplace. You're my son so I'll like to show you these things and teach you some things if I can"
Seiya gazed at his father with eyes full of surprise and mixed feelings before turning away.
After a while, Seiya spoke up.
"I'm sorry" he said guiltily, his gaze downcast.
His father knew Seiya was apologising because he felt incompetent that he couldn't Awaken and make his father proud.
He gave Seiya a warm smile and continued driving without a word.
They arrived at a vast area, and before them stood an enormous, factory-like building. A facility so big and immense that Seiya couldn't help but stare in awe.
The pride gleaming in his eyes to finally see his father's workplace which he deemed cool, was crystal clear.
"This is where I work. Let's head inside" his father urged with the smile he's kept plastered to his face all through the ride.
The moment Seiya stepped inside, he was captivated by the sight before him. The interior was brilliantly lit, expansive, and filled with an array of equipment and materials Seiya had never encountered before.
Workers bustled about, skillfully managing the machinery and tools.
As Seiya and his father ventured further into the building, they entered another large space, where workers and children dressed in uniform were gathered. The children stared at Seiya with curious eyes.
Noticing their gazes, Seiya turned to his father, silently seeking an explanation.
"These are sick children, brought here by their parents so I can find a cure for their illnesses. They're very kind kids," his father said with a warm smile.
Seiya saw nothing unusual in his father's words. After all, his father was a renowned scientist.
"Let's introduce you to everyone," his father added.
Seiya felt a surge of joy. It was the first time his father was formally acknowledging him as his son.
His father stepped up to a podium and gestured for Seiya to join him. There, he delivered a heartfelt speech, proudly proclaiming Seiya as his beloved son. The workers applauded and cheered, but the children remained silent.
"Now, Seiya, I have a special surprise for you. Come with me," his father said, smiling, as he led Seiya to a private room filled with strange, unfamiliar equipment.
The room resembled a surgery suite or a laboratory more than anything else.
Seiya couldn't fathom what surprise his father had planned or how this room factored into it.
"There's something I want to show you, so please, lie down on the metal table," his father instructed.
Curious and slightly anxious, Seiya did as he was told and climbed onto the table.
"You don't need to be nervous. This is for your own good, alright?" His father reassured him with a gentle smile.
"You've grown so much," his father began, as he started to unbutton Seiya's shirt.
Lying there, Seiya wondered whether he was sick and needed treatment, but his thoughts were more preoccupied with how much his father had changed though he did listen intently as his father continued speaking.
"Given how things have been between us, I wasn't sure how to approach you when I made this decision," his father said. "But in the end, I didn't have to try too hard, knowing who you are."
Seiya couldn't fully grasp what his father was saying or where this conversation was headed, but he continued to listen, his mind wandering, a growing unease tugging at his heart.
He remained calm, lost in thought, until he suddenly felt something on his skin—on his belly.
Instinctively, Seiya arched his back to look.
Shock washed over him. His face was drained of every colour. His eyes, wide with shock, lost their light and his pupils dilated as he gazed in disbelief at his belly, which had been slit open, blood pooling around him.
Nothing but a muffled gasp could escape his mouth at the nightmare unfolding in front of his eyes.
"Eh?!"