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Chapter 56: Jim's Silent Burdens

Back in his dimly lit room, Jim's gaze was locked on the ceiling. His chest rose and fell slowly, the last traces of his tears drying.

The memories of Naomi’s words echoed in his mind.

"You don’t think you deserve a happy life, do you?"

He gritted his teeth, trying to shake it off. But the pain lingered. She had seen right through him — through the wall he had built around himself.

Jim (thinking): She doesn't deserve to be burdened by me. Not her.

But despite every logical thought telling him to stay distant, the warmth he felt around her couldn’t be ignored. The way she laughed, the kindness in her voice, the way she had so easily stepped into his chaotic life and brought a sense of order.

Jim (whispering): "She’s… different."

Yet, even if he wanted to believe it could work, there was a grim truth he couldn't deny.

A Solunar hybrid.

No Solar woman. No Lunar woman. Neither would truly understand the weight he carried. He had convinced himself for years that he was incapable of forming a bond like that.

But Naomi wasn’t Solar. And she wasn’t Lunar.

She was simply Naomi.

The realization left him breathless. But the fear still held him captive.

Jim: "It doesn’t matter."

His fists clenched once more.

Jim (thinking): I have no right to feel this way.

But deep down, even as he tried to suppress it, the spark of longing remained. And as much as he wanted to silence it, it was growing stronger with each passing moment.

Naomi wandered through the streets of Soluna, the vibrant scenery surrounding her.

Every step she took, she felt more connected to the planet. The people were so welcoming, their harmony almost surreal.

Solar and Lunar citizens worked side by side, sharing stories and laughter. Children, one Solar and one Lunar, played together, their joyful laughter echoing through the streets.

She couldn't help but smile. It was a world so different from the war-torn universe she was used to. The resilience of Soluna’s people was inspiring, and Naomi was already feeling fond of the place. It felt... peaceful.

But even as she admired the beauty around her, a gnawing curiosity lingered. Jim had remained a puzzle. She had caught glimpses of something deeper behind his stoic nature, something he refused to acknowledge. And that pained her.

Naomi (thinking): Why won’t he allow himself to be happy?

She couldn't stop herself — she needed to know more. And there was only one place where she could find the answers.

In The Solunar Castle
The grand castle loomed before Naomi once more. Stepping through the enormous entrance, she was greeted with the same sense of awe. But this time, her resolve was firm.

The guards recognized her and respectfully let her pass. It wasn’t long before she reached the throne room, where Tim and Rei were seated. Rei gently held their baby boy, who giggled as she softly rocked him.

Tim and Rei’s expressions brightened upon seeing Naomi.

Tim: "Naomi! Did you enjoy your walk around Soluna?"

Naomi: "It’s beautiful. Your people are so kind. I can see why Jim fought so hard to protect it."

At the mention of Jim, Tim and Rei exchanged knowing glances. Naomi's heart pounded. She couldn’t hesitate.

Naomi: "Actually, I wanted to ask you both something. It’s about Jim."

Rei nodded, sensing the concern in Naomi’s voice.

Rei: "Go on."

Naomi: "I… I want to know more about him. The way he acts, the way he suppresses his emotions… It’s like he doesn’t believe he’s allowed to be happy. Why?"

Tim let out a heavy sigh, his gaze shifting downward. Rei held their son a little tighter, her eyes soft with empathy.

Tim: "Jim is like a younger brother to us. During the war with Dark Void, he grew so much. He made friends, allies — people who admired his strength and spirit."

Rei: "He never fought alone. We all stood together. But after Dark Void was defeated, something changed in him."

Naomi listened intently, hanging onto every word.

Tim: "He convinced himself that his only purpose was to be Soluna's protector. He called it his 'duty' — as if he was nothing more than a weapon for this planet."

Rei: "It’s frustrating. He closed himself off, even from us. We tried to reach him, but his stubbornness only grew."

Tim’s voice hardened, his frustration evident.

Tim: "When the Orb Warriors were spotted, we wanted to meet them. But Jim insisted on going alone, saying we should stay here with the baby."

Naomi's brows furrowed.

Naomi: "But why would he do that? He could’ve sent others in place of himself. Even though I guess he was... partially right. He saw you as his family. So, he probably wanted to do this job personally."

Rei: "That’s just Jim. He always puts everyone else before himself. He thought we’d be safer if he handled it alone."

Naomi’s heart ached. She could see it clearly now — Jim’s selflessness was bound to his own misery. He refused to allow himself any joy, believing it would compromise his resolve.

Suddenly, the door creaked open.

?? "Eavesdropping is rude, but I couldn't help it."

Naomi turned, surprised to see a dark, towering figure.

Naomi(scared): "Who...are... you?"

?? "Oh! I am Gravik, former commander of Dark Void, now siding with the heroes."

Naomi (trembling slightly): "Gravik...huh...heroes side...fine...I guess."

Gravik (looking serious): "You’re asking all the right questions. But the only one who can truly answer them is Jim himself."

Naomi clenched her fists. She wanted to speak to him, to break down the walls he had built. But could she?

Naomi blinked, confused.

Naomi (politely looking at Tim and Rei's child): "By the way, does the little prince has a name?"

Tim gave a small chuckle, though it was layered with a bit of embarrassment.

Tim: "Our son. We named him Edward. After the man Jim respected sacrificed himself in the war."

Naomi's heart skipped a beat.

Naomi: "Edward? As in… my father’s name?"

Rei nodded, smiling.

Rei: "Yes. Edward became a hero to us all after his sacrifice. Naming our son after him felt right."

Naomi was speechless. The realization washed over her like a wave. Tim and Rei's child carried the name of her father — a name that stood for bravery and sacrifice.

Tim (grinning): "Wait… You mean… You’re Edward’s daughter?"

Both Tim and Rei’s eyes widened in surprise. Naomi hesitated for a moment before giving a small nod.

Naomi: "Yes. My father was Edward."

Tim and Rei exchanged a look of astonishment. Gravik simply crossed his arms, mildly amused.

Rei: "That’s… incredible."

Tim: "No wonder Jim seemed so tense around you. That makes a lot of sense now."

Naomi’s heart pounded.

_ _ _

Just as the shock of the revelation settled, the large ornate doors of the castle opened once more.

A radiant warmth filled the throne room, followed by a calming, silver-like breeze. Naomi instinctively turned toward the entrance, her eyes widening as two powerful figures approached.

Heatsun, the most formidable Solar warrior, entered with his commanding presence. His golden aura radiated authority, yet there was a sense of warmth behind his stern expression.

Beside him, Moonsalt, the strongest among the Lunar warriors, exuded a serene, elegant energy. Her dark blue hair flowed behind her like strands of moonlight. Despite their impressive stature, their expressions were soft as they approached the rulers.

Heatsun: "Tim. Rei."

Moonsalt: "We came to check on you. As rulers, it’s only natural that we offer our respect."

Tim and Rei, though seated upon grand thrones, exchanged an amused look. Tim leaned forward, his tone light-hearted.

Tim: "Heatsun, Moonsalt, there’s no need for all this formality. You were our mentors, remember? We’re only here because of your guidance."

Rei nodded, gently rocking her baby.

Rei: "And besides, we’re technically earthlings."

Naomi blinked in surprise, her curiosity piqued.

Naomi: "Wait… Earthlings? You mean, you’re not originally from Soluna?"

Tim grinned, almost proud of her confusion.

Tim: "That’s right. Rei and I were both born on Earth. But after everything we went through during the Dark Void period, we became a part of Soluna. The people entrusted us with their future. And here we are."

Naomi’s eyes flickered to the baby in Rei's arms.

Naomi: "Then… does that mean your son is also an Earthling?"

Rei smiled softly.

Rei: "Yes. He was born on Soluna, but with our heritage, he carries Earthling blood and probably also inherited our powers. His existence symbolizes the harmony between the two worlds."

Naomi was fascinated. The very concept of rulers from another world embracing a new planet as their own spoke volumes about the bonds they had built.

Before Naomi could ask further, Tim gestured toward Heatsun and Moonsalt.

Tim: "Naomi, allow me to introduce Heatsun and Moonsalt — the strongest warriors of Soluna, and Jim’s parents."

Naomi’s breath caught. She quickly straightened, her heart pounding.

Naomi (thinking): Jim’s parents…?

Rei(pointing at Naomi): "And she is Edward's daughter, Naomi."

Moonsalt: "So, you’re Edward’s daughter."

Naomi nodded, her voice steady despite the rush of emotions.

Naomi: "Yes. I am Naomi, daughter of Edward."

Heatsun’s expression softened.

Heatsun: "Edward was a remarkable warrior. His bravery during the war inspired many, including my son. Knowing you are his daughter is an honor."

Moonsalt smiled warmly.

Moonsalt: "Jim rarely speaks of his emotions, but I have no doubt he holds great respect for your father."

Naomi swallowed, feeling a surge of bittersweet pride. The weight of her father’s legacy was ever-present, yet hearing the admiration in their voices comforted her.

Tim and Rei exchanged a look, sensing the deeper questions lingering within Naomi.

Rei: "Heatsun, Moonsalt, Naomi has been curious about Jim. She wants to understand why he’s become so distant — why he refuses to allow himself any happiness."

The words hung heavy in the air. Heatsun’s jaw clenched slightly, while Moonsalt’s serene expression faltered.

Heatsun: "That boy…"

Moonsalt sighed, her voice barely above a whisper.

Moonsalt: "Jim carries the burdens of Soluna on his shoulders. Even after the war, he refuses to let go of his sense of duty. It pains us to see him like this."

Naomi lowered her gaze. She had sensed this all along.

Naomi: "But why? Why does he believe he can’t live for himself?"

Heatsun: "Because he believes he’s different."

Naomi’s head shot up.

Heatsun: "As a Solunar hybrid, Jim was born with both Solar and Lunar energies. He was previously shunned and seen as a cursed existence. Even though those times are behind us, the scars remain. He thinks he can never truly belong — not to Soluna, not to anyone."

The words hit Naomi like a wave. She now understood why Jim was so guarded. The chains of his past still held him, preventing him from seeing the joy he deserved.

Moonsalt: "He protects Soluna not because he must, but because he believes that’s the only way he can prove his worth."

Naomi’s fists clenched. She wanted to scream, to shake Jim and tell him how wrong he was. He had done so much, saved so many. How could he still think he wasn’t enough?

But more than anything, she wanted to stand by him — to prove to him that he wasn’t alone.

Tim noticed the resolve flickering in Naomi’s eyes.

Tim: "You care about him, don’t you?"

Naomi hesitated, but she couldn’t deny it.

Naomi: "I… I just want to understand him."

Rei smiled knowingly.

Rei: "Then maybe you’re exactly what he needs."

Naomi’s gaze remained lowered, her fingers fidgeting slightly.

Naomi: "I still think Jim deserves someone better. Someone who can truly understand him. He’s done so much — I could never measure up to that."

Heatsun’s eyes softened, while Moonsalt gently placed a hand on Naomi’s shoulder.

Moonsalt: "Naomi, it’s not about measuring up. Jim doesn’t need someone to stand beneath him — he needs someone to stand beside him."

Heatsun: "You carry your father’s spirit. Edward believed in hope and unity, just like Jim. But more importantly, he believed in people. If you care about Jim, that’s more than enough."

Naomi remained conflicted, though their words left a lingering warmth in her chest. Despite the doubts swirling in her mind, there was a part of her that wanted to believe she could reach Jim.

Heatsun: "Come. There’s something we’d like to show you."

Naomi hesitated before nodding. With that, Heatsun and Moonsalt led her out of the castle, heading toward Heatsun’s base — a place once built for war, now repurposed for peace.