The final round at Valorian Arena begins as Kai faces his longtime rival, Zeran. Despite Kai's early advantage, Zeran's power spirals out of control, overwhelming the battlefield. Just as Kai is about to be struck down, Imperial's hidden lightning ability awakens, saving his brother and shocking the entire arena.
Kai:
"Hey Mom, he's awake now."
It had been two days since the explosion at the tournament. Two days of silence, of pacing footsteps in the hallway, of Lyra barely sleeping while Kai kept watch. And in those two days, Imperial hadn't stirred once. Until now.
Kai walked into the room just as Imperial struggled to sit up in bed, his hair a tangled mess and his face pale.
Kai (gently pushing him back down):
"Imperial, you need to stay in bed. Your body hasn't recovered yet."
Imperial (dazed):
"My body...? What happened?"
Kai looked at him, unsure where to start.
Kai:
"After the battle… someone brought you home. They just left you at the gate. You were unconscious—barely breathing."
Imperial blinked, trying to piece it together. He remembered the chaos, the crowd roaring, the final clash between Kai and Zeran… then the smoke… then—
His eyebrows furrowed.
Imperial (softly):
"The old man..."
Lyra entered the room quietly, holding a tray of warm broth and bread. Her smile was strained but loving.
Lyra:
"You need to eat, sweetheart."
Imperial took the tray with trembling hands. He started eating slowly, though his appetite was missing. Each bite was automatic, his mind racing. What had really happened back then?
________________________________________
Flashback: Outside the Arena (Two Days Ago)
Imperial stumbled out of the crowd after the explosion, his head pounding, his heart racing. He had no idea how he'd gotten there, only that something massive had happened. Something he couldn't explain.
That's when he saw him.
A hunched old man, cloaked in dark blue, leaning against a cane near a shadowed alley.
Old Man:
"You lost control, didn't you? Or maybe… it's just the beginning."
Imperial stopped, confused and defensive.
Imperial:
"What are you talking about? I didn't do anything."
Old Man (amused):
"Didn't you? That lightning that came down in the middle of the arena—no one else could've done that. No student, no soldier, no mage… except you."
Imperial (shaking his head):
"No. That wasn't me. I don't remember doing anything."
Old Man (smirking):
"Memory doesn't change truth, boy. You saved your brother with a power hidden so deep, even you don't know it's yours. That kind of magic... only resurfaces when something greater stirs inside you."
Imperial stared at him, disbelief painted on his face.
Imperial:
"…If no one else knows, how do you?"
Old Man (seriously now):
"Because I've seen that kind of power before. A long time ago. And I know what happens when it's left unchecked. The higher-ups in the Empire—they'll find out soon enough. When they do, they'll turn you into a weapon.
But if you let me… I can train you. Help you understand this before it's too late."
He turned and started walking down the alley.
Old Man:
"If you're ready, meet me at the east end of town. Don't be late."
________________________________________
Back to Present
Imperial set the empty bowl down and stared out the window.
Imperial (murmuring):
"Could that really have been… me?"
He stood up suddenly, causing the tray to rattle.
Lyra (startled):
"Imperial! You need to rest!"
Imperial (quiet but determined):
"I'll be fine. There's something I need to take care of. I might be back late, so don't worry."
He walked toward the door.
Lyra:
"Wait! Imperial—"
But he was already gone.
She turned to Kai, panic creeping into her voice.
Lyra:
"What did he just say? He's never gone anywhere without you or me… What is going on?"
Kai (calmly):
"He's changing, Mom. Maybe for the better. Isn't that what you always hoped for?"
Lyra (softly):
"Yeah… I suppose you're right."
Kai (with a faint smile):
"Besides, whatever happens, I'll always be there for him."
They sat in silence, memories flickering in their minds.
________________________________________
Flashback: Imperial at Age 10 — Voltaris Royal Academy
The Voltaris Royal Academy was a grand, prestigious institution where only the children of the noble and elite trained in combat and magic. Imperial had just joined the Junior Division, while Kai and Zeran were already excelling in the Senior Class.
During a control lesson, young Imperial stood before his classmates. He cast the only successful spell of the day—a minor lightning arc—but instead of praise, the instructor scowled.
Instructor (mocking):
"You really are a lightning failure, aren't you?"
The class burst into laughter. Imperial stood frozen, blinking back tears.
Later that evening, Kai and Zeran waited by the gates.
Kai:
"You know what I'm about to do, right?"
Zeran (cracking his knuckles):
"Yep. And I'm not letting you have all the fun."
The instructor walked out, humming, until two shadows fell over him.
Kai:
"You think it's funny to humiliate my brother?"
They grabbed him, dragging him into a back alley. Fists flew. Magic sparked.
Kai (coldly):
"Apologize to Imperial tomorrow. Or next time, you won't leave on your feet."
That night, Kai told Lyra everything—except the beating.
Lyra (sadly):
"So that's why he doesn't want to go back tomorrow…"
After a long conversation, they agreed: Imperial would take a break from the academy. He'd train privately with Kai, away from the cruelty of the other students.
________________________________________
Back to Present
Lyra (softly):
"He's changing, Kai… but it's still hard to believe. He was once the boy who clung to your side… the one who always doubt himself. And now, he's walking off without looking back."
Before Kai could respond, the doorbell rang.
He opened it to find a Royal Soldier, clad in dark armor, standing stiffly.
Soldier:
"Lord Kai. You are summoned by the Council and the Emperor. Your presence is required immediately at the Royal Palace."
Lyra (worried):
"What's going on? And for what reason?"
Soldier:
"I was only instructed to escort Lord Kai. Nothing more."
Kai (nodding):
"Understood. I'll go."
Lyra (rising quickly):
"Be careful. I… I have this strange feeling again.
Lyra feel a sense of déjà vu. Like something's similar about to happen—something big."
Kai turned to her, concern briefly flickering across his face.
Kai:
"Don't worry, Mom. I'll handle it."
He stepped out the door, his cloak trailing behind him as the soldier led the way.
And from her window, we can watched both her sons walk away on different paths—one toward a hidden truth, and the other toward a summoned fate.
But maybe both roads were destined to cross again.