Enigma of Darkness ✨

Something is wrong with General Yu

Araki gently knocked on the door to his father's room, his heart thudding in his chest as he waited for a response. When his father, Eric, opened the door with a surprised expression, Araki's nerves only heightened. "Is mother asleep?" he asked, his voice barely above a whisper.

Eric nodded, a weariness evident in his movements as he closed the door behind him. "Yes, she finally drifted off. It's been quite the exhausting day," he replied, his gaze meeting Araki's with understanding.

Feeling a knot form in his stomach, Araki hesitated before meeting his father's eyes. "There's something I need to talk to you about," he began, his voice wavering slightly with uncertainty.

Eric nodded, silently urging his son to continue, his own curiosity piqued by the seriousness in Araki's demeanor. With a shared understanding, they made their way to the study, a place that had always fostered open and honest conversations between them.

As they settled into the comfort of the study, the air thick with anticipation, Araki took a deep breath, gathering his thoughts before finally speaking.

"It's about Uncle," Araki stated, getting straight to the point. His father glanced at him, then sighed and rose from the sofa to prepare a drink for himself. "Let me be prepared," he said, indicating the need for a moment to gather himself. Araki nodded silently, understanding the gravity of the situation.

As Eric settled back opposite him, there was a sense of clarity in his demeanor. He spoke first. "I knew this day would come. What have you found?" he inquired, his tone steady but tinged with concern.

Araki met his father's gaze, feeling a hint of uncertainty before speaking. "I'm still gathering evidence, but it's pointing towards Uncle and his associates. I know Umbra had grievances with him, but it wasn't directly targeted until now. His allies are already facing trials, but this recent development seems to implicate him directly. And with Mother..." Araki's words trailed off as Eric interrupted, clearly displeased with the direction his thoughts were taking.

"Do you need to worry about these things in a situation like this? You should focus on work and justice," Eric interjected firmly, his tone leaving no room for argument. This response only served to heighten Araki's nerves.

"Father, you'll be subjected to the wrath of Aunt and the Li family," Araki blurted out, his anxiety evident in his voice.

Eric smiled, a mixture of reassurance and resolve flickering in his eyes.

There was a heaviness in the air as father and son grappled with the complexities of their family's dynamics and the choices that had led them to this moment.

"Everyone bears responsibility for their actions," Eric's voice carried the burden of decades of family dynamics. "After my parents passed, I assumed care for your aunt. She's always been fiercely independent, and steadfast in her decisions. When she chose Azrail's brother as her partner, her resolve was unwavering. No one could sway her."

He paused, a heavy sigh escaping him before he continued, "Yet, despite our awareness of the truth, we cloak it in silence. As a family, we're bound by shame, unable to confront or correct each other. It's a sad testament to the distance that's grown between us."

Eric's gaze softened, betraying a hint of sadness as he added, "I've cautioned Azrail countless times about the repercussions of his choices, but he's remained obstinate. The depth of his involvement in this darkness eludes me, but I've long sensed his aversion to the light."