When Death Became My Brother

The broadcast had ended, yet everyone remained frozen in the moment. The speech was powerful, it touched the deepest parts of their hearts, ignited their dying hope, and gave them a glimpse of a new world.

"He's right, my sons… we humans have always survived, even the most dangerous situations. This won't be any different," their mother said softly, the first to speak.

Seran and Nerez snapped out of their thoughts and held her hands tightly.

"You've all heard it from Supreme General Marvin. Please, if you're an awakener, come forward. We have an awakener like Kyla here to confirm your awakening," a soldier announced, stirring the crowd.

Yes, there was hope now. Yes, there was a reason to live. Even with death lurking at every corner, no one truly wanted to die even those who had lost everything.

"What's the benefit of coming forward as an awakener?" someone asked, the crowd quieting to hear the response.

"You'll join the Awakened Society. And if you have loved ones, they'll be promoted to first-class citizens," a soldier replied.

People began to whisper and think it over.

"But isn't that unfair?" one person voiced, and murmurs of agreement followed.

"Yes... first-class citizens in these end times? Doesn't that mean they'll become the most prioritized individuals in humanity while the rest of us have to lay down our lives to protect them?" another person asked.

"Yes, absolutely," the soldier replied, not realizing the effect his words would have.

"Unbelievable… so because I'm not an awakener, my family is worthless?"

"Yeah! Where's the humanity you just preached about?!"

In seconds, the morale built by Marvin's speech collapsed, and discord spread like wildfire.

People argued and shouted. Tension rose.

Nerez instinctively stood in front of his mother to protect her.

"Seran, we should leave...." Nerez turned, but Seran was nowhere to be seen.

"Everyone, quiet!" a familiar voice called out.

Nerez looked up, there was Seran, standing tall and speaking.

"Wait… what? A kid?" someone muttered as the crowd paused at the young voice, clearly still maturing.

"What's he doing?"

"Kid, get down! Stay with your family," someone shouted.

More voices agreed, concerned for him.

But Seran smiled. Even in their misunderstanding, they were showing care.

"Thank you, everyone… but I have something important to say," Seran began.

"We've all lost someone. I lost my dad too… I know we're grieving. I know we're angry. But please don't take it out on the soldiers. They're humans too. Look at them. Is it because they're not crying like us? They have families too, people they care about… but they're still standing here, staying strong.... for us."

Seran paused, and eyes turned to the soldiers.

Even if they appeared composed, their eyes betrayed the pain within. They were hurting too but they stood strong.

"Please understand... they're just following orders. If they don't, how can awakeners bring themselves to risk their lives for everyone if their families aren't protected? In the future, awakeners will lay down their lives to protect us… the least we can do is protect their families."

The crowd fell silent, stunned. A teenager… so mature?

A rare trait ...a leader in the making.

"You did well, kid," a soldier walked up and patted Seran on the shoulder with a smile.

"Thank you. I'm just glad I could help," Seran replied as he returned to his family.

"That boy… he'll go far," the soldier thought, his eyes glowing faintly as he saw the intense, swirling red energy surrounding Seran.

"Everyone, return to your tents. Awakeners will be selected soon, we move out in one hour," the soldier announced.

The crowd dispersed.

********

Back at their tent...

"I'm proud of you, Seran," their mother said with a soft smile.

"Thanks, Mom. I just did what I could," Seran laughed, then turned to his brother.

Nerez sat silently, avoiding eye contact.

"Bro, I did good, right?" Seran asked with a hopeful smile.

Seconds passed. No answer.

"Nerez?" Seran called again.

"Yes… yes, you did well," Nerez finally replied coldly.

Seran looked at his mother, and she nodded gently.

"Are you angry, bro? Look, I helped. Everyone's calm now. Isn't that good?" Seran asked, placing a hand on Nerez's shoulder.

But Nerez shrugged it off.

"Good? Why do you care more about other people than us? What if a battle broke out? What if a stampede happened? Who would protect Mom? Instead of staying with her, you went out there to calm the crowd. Are you stupid?" Nerez asked, frustration in his voice.

"Bro… what I did stopped those things from happening. I was protecting you and Mom," Seran replied.

"Oh? Were you protecting us when you left us to go save a little girl? A stranger? What if Mom and I had died?"

"But you didn't. I saved a little girl's life because I had already gotten you and Mom to safety first," Seran said firmly.

"What about you, huh? I overheard what you did. You could have died. Don't you care about yourself? Do you know how broken Mom and I would be if you died saving a stranger?"

"But I didn't, Nerez. I'm alive and that girl is too," Seran replied.

"Dad died because you told him what Lucas did to us," Nerez snapped.

"That's what this is about?" Seran asked, eyes widening. "Nerez, I'm sorry. He was my dad too. But don't put that blame on me. I didn't kill him."

Seran reached out to hold Nerez's arm, but Nerez slapped his hand away.

"You need to learn to love yourself first and your family before other people. WE ARE YOUR FAMILY!!!," Nerez said.

"I never said you weren't, bro. We'll always be together. I promise," Seran said and pulled him into a hug.

This time, Nerez didn't resist.

He hugged Seran back.

"This doesn't change the fact that you're the reason Dad died," Nerez thought, eyes shut. "This selfless attitude will get you killed someday… but you're all Mom and I have left. I'll protect you. I'll protect Mom too."

Their mother watched the two make up. It was a beautiful sight she would never forget.

Just then, a soldier stepped into the tent.

"Sorry to interrupt, but you two come with me," he said, turning to leave.

"What?! Why? What's wrong with my sons?" their mother stood up, concerned.

"Ma'am, it's good news. These two are awakeners. I can't explain more now but we need them. Please, let them come."

"Mom…" Seran looked at her.

"If you don't want us to go, we'll stay," Nerez added.

"No," their mother said softly. "You both go. I'll be fine. I'll become a first-class citizen, remember? Go out there."

"But Mom..."

"No buts… Go and save lives. I don't want more children to lose their father like you did…"

She stood up and hugged them both tightly.

"I love you both," she whispered, tears in her eyes.

"We love you too, Mom," the boys said in unison, their voices choked with emotion as they followed the soldier out.

Their mother watched their backs disappear into the distance.

"Be safe… please."

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