The cliffs trembled as the figure stood tall against the blood-red sky. Cloaked in flame, armor scarred by battle, and eyes that mirrored Kai's—there stood a warrior who looked just like him… only older, colder.
"Brother?" Kai whispered, disbelief tightening his chest.
The man smirked. "So you've inherited the blade. Took you long enough, little brother."
Herin gripped Kai's shoulder. "You have a brother? Why didn't you tell me?"
Kai shook his head slowly. "I didn't know."
---
Back in Time – A Forgotten Truth
In a hidden chamber far beyond the Crimson Veil gate, the High Priestess of Flame had once cradled two infants. Twin sons of the Grandfighter. But in a battle against the rising creatures, only one was saved and returned to the human world—Kai.
The other was left behind. Raised in the Crimson Veil by survivors and shadows. Trained in fire and hatred. His name: Raikuro Hitari.
---
Present
Raikuro descended from the cliffs in a flash of ember and landed before Kai, only a few feet apart. His aura burned, hot as a volcano.
"You were chosen to carry the blade," Raikuro said, "but it should have been me. I survived this cursed realm. I killed beasts you couldn't even imagine. And yet you inherited everything."
"I didn't choose this," Kai replied. "I lost my father too."
Raikuro's smile vanished. "You don't understand what loss is. You had a family. I had war."
Herin stepped between them. "You can fight later—if that's what you want. But right now, the Crimson Tyrant is rising. If we don't stop him, this world and ours will fall."
For a moment, silence.
Raikuro looked past them toward the distant mountain, where the Tyrant's roar echoed once more. Then he said, "There's a fortress. My army awaits. We march at dawn. Come—if you're ready."
---
The Fortress of Flame
Later that night, they reached the stronghold. Hundreds of warriors lined its ramparts. Exiles, rogue mages, survivors—all united under Raikuro's banner.
Inside the war room, ancient maps spread over the table. Raikuro placed a dagger on a glowing red spot.
"The Tyrant resides here," he said. "The old palace of your grandfather. Twisted now… corrupted."
Kai studied the path. "Too many creatures. A direct assault would be suicide."
Raikuro looked up. "Then we do it my way. Silent infiltration through the magma tunnels. But only the strong survive those routes."
Herin added, "Then we need more than strength—we need trust."
Raikuro looked at her, long and hard. "You speak like someone who hasn't bled enough."
"I've seen enough to know hate isn't strategy," Herin replied.
Raikuro chuckled. "She's brave. I like her."
Kai glanced at Herin. Her face was steady—but her hand had been trembling just a moment ago.
---
A Night of Questions
Later, Kai stood on the tower, overlooking the fiery land. Herin joined him.
"You alright?" she asked.
"No," Kai replied honestly. "I have a brother who hates me, a sword that demands sacrifice, and a world that might end in days."
Herin leaned beside him. "We face death every day. But now we do it with open eyes."
Kai turned to her. "What if I fail?"
Herin looked into his eyes. "Then I'll be the one to pull you up."
Their hands met. And for a moment, the war faded.
---
The Dark Awakening
But peace did not last.
In the depths of the Crimson Palace, the Tyrant's true form stirred. He was not just a beast… but a fallen being—once human.
Once… the brother of the Grandfighter.
An uncle to Kai and Raikuro.
"Let them come," he growled. "Let the blood of my blood walk into my trap. I will devour the legacy they carry."
From his skeletal throne, he raised a sword identical to Kai's—blackened by corruption.
---
Cliffhanger Ending
Back at the fortress, a scout burst in.
"My lord—he knows we're coming. They're… moving. Thousands. Every tunnel. Every beast."
Kai stood.
Raikuro grinned. "Good. Then let the fire of fate burn tonight."
As the war drums of Crimson Veil echoed through the land, the brothers—divided by fate—prepared for the greatest battle of their bloodline.