The sky was still black when Amari crept over to Daniel's bed. He shook his brother's shoulder.
"Daniel. Time to get up. We've got a lot to do today."
Daniel groaned, pulling the blanket over his head. "You weren't kidding… it's not even light outside yet."
"I know," Amari said firmly, "but get up and get dressed."
Daniel peeked out with one tired eye. "…Alright, alright. Give me a second."
"Make it quick."
"I said alright," Daniel mumbled.
Amari smirked and walked to the kitchen. "Want some breakfast?"
Daniel sat up at last. "Yes. Definitely yes."
Soon, the smell of bacon, eggs, sausage, and pancakes filled their small house. The boys sat across from each other at the table, steam rising from their plates.
Between bites, Daniel asked, "How long are we going to train like this?"
Amari paused, staring at his food. "Not for too long. We don't know how much time they have left."
Daniel lowered his gaze. "…Right."
⸻
Somewhere far away…
Chains rattled in the dark. Their father, mother, and grandfather sat inside a cold prison cell. A guard approached with a sneer.
"Tell me where he is," the guard demanded.
"Where who is?" their father replied calmly.
"The boy with the great powers."
Father's voice hardened. "I'll never tell you."
The guard struck him across the face, leaving a streak of blood. "I'll be back later. And when I return—you'll talk. Or else."
Silence filled the cell as the guard's footsteps faded into the distance.
⸻
Back in Samanda, the boys finished their meal.
"Okay," Daniel said, wiping his mouth. "What's first?"
"Push-ups," Amari answered. "Right here. Let's go."
They dropped to the floor, their arms burning as they counted together.
One hundred fifty.
"Squats next," Amari commanded.
Fifty.
"Jumping jacks."
Two hundred.
"Sit-ups."
One hundred.
By the time they finished, sweat drenched their faces. Their arms and legs trembled. Amari allowed a short break, both of them gulping water like they hadn't drunk in days.
"Come on," Amari said at last, determination glowing in his eyes. "Let's take it outside."
Daniel followed him into the backyard. It was larger than they realized, an open field with a single towering tree standing proud near the fence.
Daniel whistled. "We've never been back here… it's pretty big. I like that tree."
"I know," Amari admitted, "but no time to waste. We spar. Now."
They lunged at each other, fists colliding with a sharp crack. Both boys dodged and struck, their movements quick and sharp, testing one another's strength.
Amari's eyes flared as he thrust his hands forward, launching a beam of green light.
Daniel vanished. Using his super speed, he dodged behind Amari in a blur, then unleashed a punch with his full strength. The blow sent Amari crashing into the tree, splintering its bark.
But Amari wasn't finished. As Daniel charged again, Amari thrust his hands toward the ground, blasting himself upward. He flipped over Daniel mid-air and unleashed another beam into his brother's back, hurling him into the fence.
"Ahhh…" Daniel groaned, pushing himself up, rubbing the dirt from his face. "Nice move you pulled there."
Amari landed lightly on his feet. "Thanks. And nice trick with your speed and strength—you caught me off guard."
Daniel chuckled. "It wasn't anything special."
"That's enough for now," Amari said, his chest heaving. "We'll train again before bed."
"Fine by me," Daniel agreed.
⸻
By nightfall, their muscles still sore, Daniel nudged his brother. "Time for the last workout of the day."
Amari nodded. "Alright."
They ran through their evening routine—push-ups, squats, sit-ups, and stretches—before collapsing into the shower. Steam filled the house as the day's exhaustion washed away.
Finally, the two boys fell into their beds. The house was quiet. But in their hearts, they knew this was just the beginning.
Tomorrow, they would train harder. Stronger.
For their family.
For revenge.
And for the destiny waiting in their eyes.