Shattered Destiny : Fate

After Arrow left for her academy, it wasn't long before Ajax's father, Alex, had to leave on a quest. It would take a while, meaning he likely wouldn't be around by the time Ajax left for his own academy. Wanting to leave his son with something meaningful, Alex decided to reforge Ajax's sword the day before his departure—a parting gift.

The forge was blistering hot, the scent of burning metal thick in the air. Ajax stood nearby, watching as his father swung his hammer, each strike shaping the glowing steel with precise, deliberate force.

"You're staring again," Alex chuckled, not looking up.

Ajax, perched on a stool, flushed. "I just… want to be as strong as you someday."

His father stopped mid-swing. Slowly, he set the hammer down, turning to face his son.

"Strength, huh?" Alex crouched to eye level, rubbing his calloused hands together. "Do you know what real strength is, Ajax?"

Ajax frowned. "Being the strongest fighter?"

Alex smiled sadly. "No. Real strength is knowing when to hold your sword and when to put it down."

Ajax didn't understand. Not yet.

Alex reached behind him and pulled a dagger from the table. It was beautifully crafted, the hilt wrapped in deep blue leather.

"This was my father's," Alex said. "And now, it's yours."

Ajax's eyes widened as his father placed the dagger in his hands.

"One day," Alex murmured, "you'll be strong enough to change the world. But promise me something—"

Ajax looked up. His father's expression was serious.

"Never let power make you forget who you are."

Ajax gripped the dagger tightly. "I promise."

Later that night, Ajax couldn't sleep. He lay calmly on his bed, lost in thought about his father's departure. It reminded him of how Teo's dad had left—how they never truly formed a real bond.

As he stared at the ceiling, his mind drifting, something suddenly caught his attention…

a soft knock.

His mother, Athena, entered, carrying a cup of warm milk. Her golden brown hair shimmered in the moonlight.

"Still awake?" she whispered.

Ajax sat up, rubbing his eyes. "I don't want Dad to leave."

Athena sat beside him, pulling him into her arms. "Neither do I."

For a long moment, they just sat there. Ajax closed his eyes, listening to her heartbeat.

"Ajax," she murmured, "do you know what makes you special?"

He frowned. "What?"

She tapped his chest. "This. Your heart. You feel things deeply—just like your father."

Ajax didn't answer.

Athena lifted his chin. "It's okay to be scared. But listen to me—no matter what happens, you're never alone."

Ajax blinked up at her. "Promise?"

Athena smiled, pressing her forehead to his. "I swear on the stars."

The following morning, Alex was ready to leave. He said his goodbyes, hugging Ajax tightly, tears in both their eyes—and in Athena's as well. Then, holding Ajax's face in his hands, he said, "Ajax, never forget what I told you."

Ajax stood still, watching as his father's carriage slowly rolled away, his father waving at him. For a moment, he just stood there, unable to move. Then, after a while, he finally raised his hand and waved back.