Four figures entered the room alongside the butler: a graceful woman, a tall man, a boy around Amari's age, and an elderly gentleman with eyes that seemed to pierce straight into his soul.
Amari jumped to his feet, his chest tightening.
"Are… are you the Light family?"
The woman's eyes softened instantly, shimmering with emotion. "Yes. And you… you really are my Amari. It's been so long, my son."
Amari's throat went dry. He swallowed hard. "Then… I need answers. Now. About everything—my powers, my eyes, why I was sealed away in that village."
The family glanced at one another, then slowly sat down across from Amari and Vandel.
The woman smiled through tears. "First things first. Let us introduce ourselves. My name is Crystal Light—but to you, just call me Mom."
The man beside her placed a firm hand on his knee. "I'm Jack Light. You can call me Dad."
The boy with an easy grin leaned forward. "Yo, what's up? I'm Daniel. Your brother."
Finally, the elderly man with silver hair and commanding presence cleared his throat. "And I am Ruko Light. But to you, just call me Pops."
Crystal reached forward, her voice trembling. "This is your family, Amari. Your blood. And now that you've finally come home, we will hold a feast in your honor."
Amari's fists clenched at his sides. "That sounds… nice. But I didn't come here for a feast. I came here for answers about my life. About why I've been in the dark all these years."
The smiles faded from the room. Crystal folded her hands, her tone turning solemn.
"Twenty years ago, we disappeared. People were after us—after our eyes and powers. We had no choice but to vanish from the world. Seven years later, you and your brother were born. But the danger still hadn't passed."
Jack continued, his deep voice steady. "When you were born, Amari, we realized you carried an enormous power. More than anyone before you. It was too dangerous. So I placed you in a hidden village, sealed away behind a barrier. It was the only way to keep you safe. Daniel… he didn't have as much power, so he could stay with us. Not to say he is weak, but you… you were different."
Amari's chest tightened as the pieces finally fell into place.
Jack went on. "Every member of this family has unique abilities—our powers and our eyes. My gift is immense strength. Your mother has incredible speed. Your grandfather can move objects with his mind. Daniel here is fast and strong, a balance of both."
He leaned closer, his gaze sharp. "Our eyes, however… are different. Mine can send people into another world. Your mother's can reduce matter to dust. Your grandfather's can trap enemies in an endless void within his mind. Daniel's allows him to switch places with people or objects instantly."
Ruko added, his voice firm with authority. "Our powers and eyes are unique to the Light bloodline. They trace back hundreds of years, to a man and woman who first carried these cursed gifts. Each generation, their power has been passed down and… changed. You, Amari, may carry the strongest potential yet."
Amari exhaled sharply. His hands trembled as he whispered, "So that's why… that's why I was sealed away. To protect me."
"Yes," Crystal said softly. "We didn't abandon you. We saved you. And now… you finally understand."
Suddenly, Vandel leaned forward. "One more thing. Ruko Light—you're the one who told me about these eyes, aren't you?"
The old man chuckled knowingly. "That would be me. You've forgotten, haven't you? Years ago, you were my student. I trained you—taught you to harness your speed and strength."
Vandel's eyes widened as the memory clicked. He nodded slowly. "That's right. You're the reason I became what I am today. Thank you, old man. It all makes sense now."
Ruko smirked. "Good. Then my training wasn't wasted."
Crystal clapped her hands lightly, breaking the tension. "Now enough heavy talk. You must be starving. Let us prepare the feast I promised."
As the family bustled into the kitchen, Daniel tugged at Amari's arm. "Hey, come to my room while we wait. You play video games?"
Amari tilted his head. "I… played a little. Didn't really have much in the village."
Daniel grinned. "Then I'll teach you. You'll get the hang of it."
Soon, Jack's voice called them to dinner. Everyone gathered around a long table, bowed their heads for grace, and enjoyed a meal filled with laughter and warmth. For the first time in years, Amari felt like he truly belonged.
Afterward, Ruko stood. "We've prepared two guest rooms—one for Vandel, one for Amari."
Later that night, lying in the softest bed he had ever felt, Amari closed his eyes. His mind swirled with revelations, but one thought rang clear above the rest.
I've finally found them… my family.
And with that, he drifted into the deepest sleep of his life.