𝑆 𝑇 𝑈 𝐶 𝐾

𝑐 𝑜 𝑤 𝑎 𝑟 𝑑

SILAS SAT IN his apartment, the soft glow of the morning sun streaming through the windows, casting a warm light that gently kissed his skin.

He blinks awake, the remnants of sleep still clinging to him as he turns over to his side, instinctively reaching out to wrap his arm around Robby. But as his hand met the cool, empty space beside him, a huff escaped his lips. Reality settled in; Robby had chosen to stay with Johnny last night, wanting to soak up more time with little Laura.

Silas couldn't blame him—Laura had a way of enchanting everyone around her, her tiny giggles and bright eyes weaving a spell that left them all helplessly adoring her.

The past couple of weeks had been a whirlwind since Laura's arrival. Silas had thrown himself into training Robby for the Sekai Taikai, the upcoming tournament that loomed over them like a storm cloud.

Each day was a blend of sweat and determination, as Silas pushes Robby to his limits, both physically and mentally. He knew Robby had the potential to defeat Axel; he just needed to believe in himself.

Silas had watched Robby struggle with self-doubt, but he also saw glimmers of strength and resilience that made him proud. With every punch thrown and every drop of sweat spilled, Silas instilled in Robby the confidence he needed, reminding him that the fight wasn't just against Axel but also against the fears that held him back.

As Silas lay there, he felt a mix of hope and concern, eager for the day when Robby would finally embrace the fighter he was meant to be.

Silas found himself in the kitchen, preparing to whip up a batch of his famous pancakes for himself and Anthony, who was still blissfully asleep in the next room.

The morning light filtered through the window, illuminating the kitchen with a soft glow as he gathers the ingredients—flour, eggs, milk, and a hint of vanilla—each one a reminder of the comfort he found in cooking.

He could almost hear Anthony's sleepy voice teasing him about his pancake obsession, and a small smile crept onto Silas's face.

Just as he was about to mix the batter, a sudden knock on the door jolts him from his thoughts, freezing him in his tracks. His heart races as he considers who could possibly be visiting him at this hour.

No one would dare show up at his home so early, knowing full well that Silas had a reputation for being grumpy before his first pancakes. Robby had keys and would typically just let himself in, leaving Silas with a blank slate of possibilities for who might be on the other side of the door.

Cautiously, he made his way to the door, each step heavy with a mix of curiosity and apprehension. He cracks it open just enough to peek outside, and the sight that greeted him made his heart drop.

Anger surged through his veins like wildfire as he stares at the man standing before him. It was the last person he ever expected to see at his door—Kreese.

The very name sent a shiver down his spine, memories of past confrontations flooding back. Silas's fists clench at his sides, his mind racing with questions and indignation.

What could Kreese possibly want?

Silas felt a surge of anger as he prepared to shut the door again, his instincts telling him to end this encounter before it could escalate. But just as he began to close it, Kreese's foot shot out, wedging itself between the door and the frame, halting Silas in his tracks.

"Please. I-I just want to talk to you, okay? I won't take up much of your time. Just hear me out." Kreese pleads, desperation lacing his voice.

Silas's patience ran thin, and he spat out his response. "I don't want you taking up any of my time. That's why I left."