The boy hit the ground hard.
His body rolled across the wooden floor before slamming against the wall. For a moment, he didn't move. Dust settled around him like a shroud.
Then he groaned.
"That wasn't fair."
The taller boy stood several meters away, his breathing steady. He was already in a fighting stance—feet planted, fists raised, eyes sharp.
"Get up, little brother."
The younger boy looked up at him, frustration flickering across his face.
"No fair! You're so much stronger than me!"
The older boy shook his head, a faint smile playing at his lips.
"That's because I worked harder than you."
The younger boy frowned.
"So you're saying I'm weak?"
"No. I'm saying quit whining and fight."
Something shifted in the younger boy's expression. His fists tightened. His jaw set.
The older boy's smile widened.
"Now get up."
The younger boy pushed himself off the floor, dusting off his clothes.
"I'll beat you this time."
Theo raised his fists.
"Then stop talking and fight."
The young boy charged.
The alarm clock rang.
Tom's eyes slowly opened.
He stared at the ceiling for several seconds, the remnants of his dream fading like morning mist. Then he reached over and shut off the alarm.
Silence.
He rubbed his eyes and sat up.
No words. Just the quiet rhythm of his own breathing.
He walked to the bathroom.
Brushed his teeth.
Washed his face.
Took a shower.
When he returned to his room, he dressed methodically—black T-shirt, grey jacket, dark trousers. He grabbed his keys from the nightstand.
His eyes landed on his wallet sitting on his desk.
He picked it up.
A faint smile appeared on his face.
Tom left his room.
FEW MINUTES LATER
Tom on he's scooter moved through the streets.
Morning traffic flowed around him as he navigated toward the local market. The city was waking up—shopkeepers opening their stalls, early risers buying breakfast, the hum of daily life.
He eventually stopped at a small supermarket.
Inside, he walked through the aisles until he found what he was looking for.
Candy.
He grabbed a pack, paid, and left.
The streets became busier as Tom entered the market.
He moved through the crowds with practiced ease—left, right, straight ahead. The sounds of haggling and laughter filled the air, the smell of spices and grilled meat wafting from nearby stalls.
He finally reached the edge of the market.
Tom looked up.
A building stood ahead of him.
Someone was sitting on its rooftop.
Tom smiled.
He crouched.
Then jumped.
His body shot upward, landing effortlessly on the rooftop.
Theo turned his head.
"Hey there, little brother."
Tom froze.
For a moment, the noise of the market below disappeared. His eyes widened. A tear slipped from his right eye.
"It's only been a week..." He wiped his face. "But I missed you."
Theo stared at him for a moment. Then he smiled.
"Still emotional, huh?"
Tom laughed.
"Shut up."
He held up the bag.
"I brought you something."
Theo looked inside.
"Candy?"
"You still love it, right?"
Theo took one.
"You remembered."
"Of course I remembered."
A small smile crossed Theo's face.
"Thanks, little brother."
Tom smiled back.
A small creature suddenly leapt from behind Theo.
"Mantis!"
Tom's eyes lit up.
The creature jumped directly at him. Tom caught it, laughing as it nuzzled against his palm.
"I missed you too, buddy!"
Mantis climbed onto his shoulder, its antennae twitching happily.
Theo watched the two of them.
"You haven't changed."
Tom grinned.
"Neither have you."
Theo raised an eyebrow.
"That's debatable."
Tom looked around the rooftop.
"So..."
Theo knew exactly what was coming.
"You came here to train."
Tom nodded.
"And to see you."
Theo sighed.
"You're still impatient."
"You're still slow."
Theo's eyes narrowed.
"You want to test that?"
Tom's grin widened.
"Definitely."
Tom rushed forward.
His fist shot toward Theo's chest. Theo blocked—THUD!—and Tom twisted his body, following with another strike. Theo moved aside, fluid and precise.
Tom's foot swept toward his legs.
Theo jumped.
Tom followed.
He raised his fist.
FLASHBACK
Young Tom threw the exact same punch.
Theo blocked it with one hand.
Tom's eyes widened.
"How did you—?"
"You're doing the same thing again."
Theo pushed his fist aside. Tom stumbled, and Theo tapped him lightly on the forehead.
"You're predictable."
Tom rubbed his forehead.
"I'll remember that."
Theo smiled.
"Good."
PRESENT
Tom's fist stopped inches from Theo's face.
Theo caught his wrist.
Tom smiled.
"You remember that?"
Theo's expression softened.
"How could I forget?"
Tom twisted free and jumped backward.
"Again!"
Theo laughed.
"You're still the same little brat."
"And you're still my big brother."
Theo's smile faded for just a moment—a flicker of something unreadable crossing his face.
Then he raised his fists.
"Come on."
Tom charged again.
They fought across the rooftop.
Neither used Void energy. Just movement, training, experience—the language they'd spoken since childhood. Every time Tom attacked, pieces of the past returned.
A punch he'd learned as a child.
A kick Theo had taught him years ago.
A dodge he'd spent years perfecting.
Two brothers growing up together.
One always ahead.
The other always chasing.
Tom landed several meters away.
He was breathing heavily, sweat dripping from his brow. Theo barely looked tired—his stance still steady, his eyes still sharp.
Tom frowned.
"You're still stronger."
Theo shrugged.
" told yah ."
Tom smiled.
"Then I'll just have to work harder."
Theo looked at him.
For a moment, he saw the little boy from years ago. The boy who hated losing. The boy who always got back up. The boy who kept saying he would become stronger.
Theo's expression softened.
"That's my little brother."
Tom grinned.
"Now you're talking."
He raised his fists again.
"Round two?"
Theo sighed.
"You never get tired."
"Not when I'm training with you."
Theo stepped forward.
"Then come on."
Tom charged.
And for a while...
There were no Rifts.
Just two brothers.
Training together again.
End of Chapter