Keith is scrambling, his office in disarray as he throws papers around and kicks over tables, muttering under his breath. Panic courses through him as he desperately searches for something. His breath quickens, and he mutters, "fuck… fuck… fuck…"
Suddenly, his thoughts are interrupted by a flash of memory. The scene shifts, and we find ourselves 13 years in the past.
Keith, at 12 years old, lies on the ground, battered and bruised. His older brother Shiro, 16, towers over him, smirking in victory. "No matter what you do, Keith, I'll always be stronger," Shiro taunts.
Keith, struggling to stand, wipes the blood from his mouth. "It doesn't matter!" he shouts, rushing at Shiro with a wild punch. Shiro, taller and faster, easily catches Keith's fist and delivers a stronger blow, knocking him back down.
Keith, teeth gritted, eyes filled with rage, yells, "Screw this!" His eyes glow a vivid gold as he taps into his conjure ability.
Shiro grins, his own eyes glowing with a striking purple-blue gradient. "As you wish," he says, preparing to escalate the fight.
Before the tension reaches a breaking point, a booming voice interrupts them, "Enough!!"
Their father, Russel, steps between them, his presence alone commanding attention. "What do you two think you're doing?"
He scolds Shiro first. "You should know better, Shiro. As the older brother and the inheritor of the Null Gaze, you're supposed to set an example, not tear your brother down."
Shiro shrugs, defiant. "He started it. He's only mad because he'll never have Null Gaze, and he knows it. He's a failure."
"Shut up!" Keith snaps, fists clenched, his voice trembling with emotion. "You're only so high and mighty because of Null Gaze! Without it, you're nothing but a selfish bastard!"
Russel's patience thins as he raises his voice, "Enough! Both of you, to your headquarters now!"
The scene shifts to a quiet conversation between Russel and their mother, Shera. "Why do they always fight?" Russel asks, his frustration palpable. "Why can't they just live in peace?"
Shera, always the optimist, chuckles softly. "They're boys. A little conflict is to be expected."
"But if they can't learn to work together, how will they run Arcadia?" Russel says, worried. "Shiro's next in line, but Keith has potential. Their conflict will tear everything apart."
Shera smiles, gently placing her hand on his. "They'll find harmony one day. You'll see."
Russel shakes his head, unconvinced. "I honestly don't know…"
The flashback fades, pulling us back into the present. Keith rushes out of his office, his mind racing. He's on an urgent call with Reana, her voice cutting in and out as she tries to explain something.
"Keith, listen—it's about your bro—"
Suddenly, the line cuts off. Keith freezes in place, eyes wide with shock. Standing in front of him, just as real as the memories, was Shiro.
"Hey, bro!" Shiro says, a smirk tugging at his lips. "Long time no see, huh?"