Narico frowned as he noticed Abyss's fake smile. Being a changeling, Narico could sense emotions which made him a bit of an empath. And right now? He was sensing a lot of inner sorrow that Abyss was hiding from him. "Abyss? Please. Tell me what's wrong."
"Hm?" Abyss snapped out of her trance. "Oh...nothing Narico! I'm fine. Really."
Narico shook his head. "I can sense your emotions Abyss. Don't bother trying to cover them up." He then put a hand on Abyss's shoulder. "Please. Tell me what's troubling you. I'd feel like an awful boyfriend if you couldn't talk to me about your worries. And I'm more than willing to listen."
"No sense trying to keep it hidden." Abyss said with a heavy sigh. "It's about my son. You recall seeing him, yes?"
Narico nodded. "Yeah. He was pretty intense. Especially with Burst during that fight. It's a wonder that they haven't tried to kill each other yet! What's his deal?"
"I fear that I'm responsible for his behavior." Abyss said sadly as she looked at the floor. "Recently I've had a talk with Burst's mother. You see, Blitz was not born through natural means. Rather, I infused my magic with a sample of Aether's essence. That's how Blitz was born. He'd always ask about Aether, and I obliged him. If he could not be raised by his father, he at least deserved to know about him. I told him of Aether's feats and how he was hailed as a great hero. And on that day..." Abyss choked on the memory a bit. "I think that's when my child died. Ever since then he dedicated himself to training and living up to Aether's legacy. And I'm the one who enabled him. Simply because I wished for him to be happy. And now? With how reckless he's been? Thinking he's got the right to pass judgement on those that have done wrong even when they're trying to make up for their deeds? All so he can be a 'hero'?" Abyss then looked Narico in the eyes. Tears starting to form. "Tell me Narico. And be honest with me. Have I failed as a parent?"
Narico took a deep breath. "I won't lie. I really had nobody to fully raise me. I was just a kid when I ran away from the hive. All I've gotta go on is the time I spent with Fang before I grew up." He then took hold of Abyss's hand. "But...I can say this. You tried to do the best you could. Every parent wants their children to be happy. Blitz is your world. And I can understand you wanting him to be happy. But people get caught up in their own worlds. And I guess no one can really fault you for that. Even with how much responsibility you bear for Blitz turning out."
"Thank you." Abyss said as she restd her head against Narico's chest. "I needed that."
Narico smiled. "That's what I'm here for. Lifting you up when you're down."