Chapter 434: Family Reunion.

The long awaited day finally arrived. By 8:00 AM, the human envoys were already sweating through their similar looking black and grey suits at the entrance point of the veil, nervously waiting to receive the alien visitors. There were no weapons or half life beasts in sight, the first impression had to be one that showed that this was going to be a peaceful meeting.

Of course, secretly, armed guards were hiding in hidden corners. Snipers were stationed of roofs. Soul maidens were perched in trees. Etania was carrying a Stasis prism with half-life beasts that could respond to an emergency battle.

Hunter had been personally chosen by the grand elder to lead the group that was in charge of security for the envoys. He looked back at his team, who were currently spilling out of the parked beast trucks and exhaled.

"Alright, everyone just take deep breaths, calm down and wait." Hunter whispered, wiping a bead of nervous sweat off his nose.

Nero approached and patted his back, "Boss, take your own advice. You are sweating plasma." He added a chuckle to his words.

Hunter did not have it in to chuckle his friend. He had other worries on his mind and at the very top was his biological father. If the man made an appearance, would they talk? Would they hug? Would they act like strangers? It was very hard to be calm in such a situation.

They waited for what felt like an eternity. Then, at exactly 9:00 AM, the protective veil cracked open.

Murmurs and gasps broke out all along the human line. For years, soul maidens had sworn that the Somnivores could not open the protective veil. But as the crowd watched it get ripped apart from the other side, the myth was torn to pieces.

Some of the humans were already showing unease at the unexpected development.

A group of soul maidens casually strolled through the opening, handling the energy field like it was a screen door. "Greetings everyone, welcome to the new world." Jada announced.

Many eyes widened at the sight of the first people to step through the veil from the other side. Gasps rose as familiar faces were recognized.

"Those are Soul maidens!" A reporter screamed.

"Soul maidens are helping them!" Bullet scoffed in disgust

"Do not be surprised," Hunter said. "After how unfairly Trinity treated the soul maidens, it is not shocking that some switched camps."

Achilles clicked his tongue while shaking his head, "Those damn aliens must have promised them heaven and earth."

Tessi frowned deeply, leaning close to Hunter. "I know you are right but I can’t help but feel completely betrayed," she hissed under her breath. "I wonder how long the soul maidens have been working with them and what they have been doing. Surely, the Somnivores have been crossing to our side regularly all this time."

Next came a group of ten heavily armored knights with no weapons though, followed closely by the Somnivores themselves_ all nine of them.

Hunter didn’t even bother counting. His brain short-circuited because the Somnivore in the middle. was his father, John. And John, went on to stop in front of him!

"Greetings. I am the supreme leader Almeida....my human given name is John." Almeida smiled softly.

Almeida’s eyes locked onto Hunter. His mouth twisted into a slow, knowing, slightly mocking smile. Then, looking right past his own flesh and blood to address the crowd, Almeida boomed, "Who is in charge here?"

None of the envoys present dared to claim that position. If something went wrong from the very beginning, they didn’t want to be blamed.

Hunter took a shaky step forward, his voice cracking slightly. "I... uh, I am. I’m Hunter and I guess I am in charge for now. I’ll be transporting you to the meeting point."

The Supreme Leader nodded slowly, eyeing the beast trucks. "Interesting rides. Those aren’t made from current human technology. Or ours, either. Where did you get them?"

"The human tech has evolved over the years," Achilles said with raised shoulders, "Do not think that you know our limits."

Almeida scoffed, threw him a glance and he entered into the car.

Everyone piled into the vehicles. Naturally, Hunter made sure he was driving the truck carrying the his father. Another alien man_ shorter and a lot less pale than Almeida_ hopped in beside him.

The moment the doors slammed shut, John leaned forward. "So, Hunter. How did you manage to unblock your memories?"

Hunter gripped the steering wheel so hard his knuckles turned white. "How can you even tell?!"

"The look in your eyes," John said smoothly. "You have your mother’s exact expression of pure shock."

The other passenger blinked in total confusion. He looked at Almeida, then at Hunter, and back again. "How do you two know each other?"

"He’s my son," Almeida said casually, as if mentioning the weather.

The passenger’s jaw hit the floor. He pointed a finger at Hunter. "You’re my brother!"

Hunter slammed his foot hard on the brakes. The truck skidded to a dramatic halt, throwing dust everywhere. Hunter stared at his new "brother" through the rearview mirror with pure disbelief. Then, he slammed his foot back on the gas pedal and sped off.

"How many hybrids are out there?" Hunter demanded, his voice pitching an octave higher.

The brother shrugged. "Well, quite many. Our father alone has a lot of wives so we have a large number of siblings. Honestly, family reunions are a logistical nightmare but don’t worry, you will fit right in. The others will welcome you with open arms and smiles. Our family is more normal than most."

Hunter let out a loud, hollow scoff. "Unbelievable. I’m going to need therapy after this."

Less than a minute later, Hunter’s brother said, "Great news, mom is preparing a bedroom for you. She wants to know your favorite foods, allergies and habits."

Hunter’s hands tightened on the wheel. This was not normal at all! his mind screamed.

The drive was mercifully short. Soon, the truck rolled to a stop right in front of a giant round tent where the peace summit was set to happen. Before getting out, Hunter looked through the rearview mirror one last time. His father was staring quietly out the window.

"Are you actually here to talk peace, or is this a trap?" Hunter asked, his tone dropping the sarcasm for something more serious.

"For peace son," Almeida said softly, "and more."

Hunter swallowed hard. "What really happened between you and my mother?"

Almeida’s face hardened. "Sabrina was the most selfish creature I had ever met. I finally realized her true intention was to steal my core, so I cut her off and never spoke to her again." He paused, his voice dropping to a whisper. "Will she be there?"

Hunter looked away. "She’s dead."

Almeida froze. A soft, painful gasp escaped his lips, "Well, I am not shocked. With her schemes, sooner or later she was bound to die young. I cannot say I am sorry son. You are better off without a mother like that. I wanted to keep you, but she refused. You should have been raised by my side."

Hunter did not reply, because he couldn’t be sure that Almeida was not trying to mess with his mind. The car fell into a heavy, suffocating silence.

Hunter parked the car. He looked back at his father and said with a warning in his voice. "Just so we’re clear... the humans have no idea we’re related. And I’d strongly prefer it to stay that way."

The brother nodded quickly. "Agreed. I don’t want to explain family tree to the humans either."

Almeida didn’t say a word. He just kept his face completely blank, and reached out to open the car door.