Rise - Pursuing a Dream - Inglês version

Before the fire burns

Bonus Scene GF

Fourth lay on Satang's bed in the Warriors Of Night training center, directly across from Gemini's bed. Satang had gone to sleep in Pond's room with Dunk that night. The two young men were still shaken in different ways by the events of the day and couldn't find sleep. After tossing and turning for a while, they ended up locking eyes. Breaking the silence, Fourth asked,

Can't sleep? -

Gemini sighed and admitted, -No, I can't. I can only think about everything that happened. Fourth agreed, sharing the same sentiment. So, Fourth invited Gemini to join him, -Come lie here with me. I need a friend tonight. - Gemini nodded in agreement and lay down next to Fourth on the bed.

Fourth listened attentively to Gemini's words, a serious expression on his face, denoting the gravity of the moment. Gemini shared deep thoughts about the gaming community and the harsh reality they faced. Continuing, he expressed his connection with Phuwin, passion for the game, and the journey that brought him there. Then, in an honest and profound manner, he revealed his concerns:

It was very scary, you know? I know that within the gaming community may not be such a welcoming place for diversity in general. A world full of technology but so backward in other senses... I usually didn't think much about it, but I never thought people would go as far as they did today. I entered this world because, well, I had Phuwin. He introduced me to the game, taught me. We grew up together. My parents always traveled a lot for work, and I spent a lot of time with him and my uncles. But he became a professional athlete, and we spent less and less time together due to his training. Then he went to China. I miss him, teasing him, competing with him. When I played, I felt like we were connected, and I thought that if I got good at this, I could be like him, reach him. I made it, joined the team. I love being here, love playing... But today, for the first time, I wondered if I'm in the right place. Everything Pond is going through, the comments, these attacks... I don't know if I can handle it if it happens to me.

Fourth listened attentively, his serious gaze remaining fixed on Gemini as he poured out his feelings. When Gemini finished, Fourth noticed the intensity of his concerns and hesitations about the future. It was then that Gemini, looking into Fourth's eyes, asked a question that also carried with it a gesture of empathy:

And you, Fourth? This must be difficult for you too, for P' Pond, he's your family. - Gemini looked at Fourth with sadness in his eyes.

Gemini looked at Fourth, his eyes expressing deep sadness and understanding: - I've never felt afraid of losing my brother before, like I did today. Everything in our life has been complicated, but P' Pond has always been my constant, my safe harbor, my family and home, - confessed the younger. His voice carried a tone of vulnerability, revealing the depth of the bond he shared with his older brother.

He's such a good person, you know? He never gets angry with the people he loves. Even if he gets upset, he always listens. Treats people with kindness. Pond always tries to make the people around him happier. You saw it at the hospital, trying to joke about the situation. I'm relieved that he's safe now, and I hate everyone who's doing this to him. It took me a while to muster the courage to share with people, but since I talked to Pond, something changed in my mind. He told me it's okay to be scared, to be afraid to share about our own sexuality, - Fourth continued, gently touching Gemini's face.

He also said that I own my identity, own my own story. I know he did this, accepted who he is, to show me that there's nothing wrong with him, with me, or any of us. He's right. Today, I finally understood that I have to be brave for my brother, for myself, for all people like us. Because, otherwise, these damn bigots win. It's okay to feel scared, to be frightened, Gemini. I am too. Just don't let them steal your right to be who you are and your dreams, - Fourth, finishing these words, feels determined and courageous, but at the same time vulnerable and emotional. He wants to share with Gemini the inspiration he received from Pond.