Supernova Flames of Destiny

SHINJURO

Chapter 2 - Shinjuro

The two brothers sprinted toward their house, calling out their grandfather's name, their voices hoarse with fear. The acrid smell of smoke filled the air as they dodged debris scattered across the ground.

"Supernova, slow down!" Nebula called out, struggling to keep pace. "I can't keep up, and for all we know, bandits could be lurking around here."

But Supernova didn't listen. Desperation fueled his every step as he made a beeline for their home. As he rounded a corner, he collided with a bandit, the encounter unfolding in a way no one could have anticipated. Supernova's instincts took over; he sped through the remnants of a shattered house, leaping through a broken window. He landed just feet away from the bandit. Before the man could react, Supernova shouted, "FIRE FIST!"

His fist connected with the bandit's face, the energy from his core surging through his veins. In an instant, an explosion of fire erupted, hotter than the sun itself, vaporizing the bandit as if he had never existed.

Nebula caught up, panting heavily, but instead of shock, a wave of relief washed over him at the sight of his brother's power. Without a word, they bolted toward their garden, frantically pulling away the rubble blocking the door. After what felt like an eternity, they succeeded. Covering their mouths against the thick smoke, they opened the door.

The sight that greeted them would haunt them for the rest of their lives.

There, lying on the floor beside the table, was their grandfather. His still form gave no sign of life. Panic set in as they rushed to his side, shaking him, pulling him, anything to rouse him.

"GRANDPA, YOU CAN'T DIE ON US!" Supernova screamed, his voice breaking. "WAKE UP! THERE'S SO MUCH WE'RE GOING TO DO TOGETHER!"

"Nebula, check his pulse! I'll start chest compressions!" Supernova ordered, his hands already pressing down on their grandfather's chest.

Nebula's trembling fingers pressed against their grandfather's neck, searching desperately for a pulse. His face paled as he whispered, "Supernova... no... no, no, no... I don't feel anything. There's no pulse!"

Their cries filled the room as they fought against the inevitable truth. Nebula's sobs grew louder, his body swaying as he teetered on the edge of fainting. Supernova, realizing that his brother was now his responsibility, pulled him from the burning house. The flames crackled menacingly as the structure began to collapse, swallowing their grandfather and all the memories within those walls.

As they reached the base of the mountain, Nebula passed out, the emotional toll too much to bear. Supernova lifted him onto his back, carrying him up the steep incline. With each step, the sound of the house collapsing echoed in his mind, a reminder of everything they had lost.

[Eight hours later]

Supernova sat, staring at the sky, his eyes hollow with exhaustion and grief. They had no home, no family left, and no one to guide them. His gaze shifted to his little brother, who was sleeping fitfully, tear tracks still visible on his cheeks. The weight of responsibility settled heavily on Supernova's shoulders.

He gently shook Nebula awake. "Nebula, we have to move," he said softly. "We can't stay here. It's too dangerous. More bandits will come later, and it's not safe to stay in this area."

Nebula blinked up at his brother, the raw pain in his eyes echoing the emptiness in Supernova's heart. But there was no choice. They had to survive.

And survival meant leaving everything behind.