Life Gallery 4 - Brotherly Love

Scene: Weight of Sacrifice

INT. FACTORY FLOOR – NIGHT

Andrea's fingers tremble as he fumbles with a bolt on the conveyor belt assembly line. The hum of the machines around him fades into the background as his heavy eyelids fight to stay open. He blinks, swaying slightly on his feet, his body pushing past the point of exhaustion.

A sharp clang echoes as he drops the bolt, followed by the hiss of hydraulic pistons and the sharp reprimand of his supervisor.

Supervisor "Andrea! Get it together! That's the third time tonight! If you keep this up, you'll get everyone behind schedule!"

Andrea winces, biting down on his frustration. He nods mechanically, picking up the bolt and screwing it into place. His hands ache, and the monotonous work only sharpens the bone-deep fatigue gnawing at him.

Andrea (whispering to himself) "Just a few more hours... then I can rest."

But he knows the truth. There's no real rest for him. Not when every hour he's not working means Hugo is that much closer to starving, and their rent threatens to go unpaid.

INT. 24-HOUR DINER – EARLY MORNING

It's nearly 4 a.m. by the time Andrea makes it to the diner, a rundown place with flickering lights and cracked leather booths. He orders the cheapest thing on the menu, another processed microwave meal. The waitress sets it down in front of him, and Andrea stares at it, barely recognizing the unappetizing heap of congealed sauce and cold noodles.

Waitress "You okay, hon? You look like you haven't slept in days."

Andrea gives her a weak smile but doesn't respond. He can't. The words would break him.

He eats in silence, forcing down the bland food. His mind drifts to the meals they used to have at the Gentoshi estate—grand dinners with fresh produce, fine meats, and conversation. His father would often host dinner parties, and everything felt warm and alive back then. Now, every meal is solitary, processed, and tasteless.

INT. APARTMENT – MORNING

Andrea stumbles into his apartment, dropping his keys on the counter and collapsing onto the couch. The apartment is small, cramped, and nothing like the grand rooms of his family's home. It smells faintly of stale air, and the clutter of bills and reminders to pay rent only adds to the overwhelming sense of defeat.

His eyes drift to the framed picture of his parents. They would never understand the life he's been reduced to, living like this—barely scraping by. His mother would have been appalled. His father would never have let things come to this.

But Andrea has no choice. Hugo is all he has left now.

INT. SECOND JOB – AFTERNOON

After barely two hours of sleep, Andrea is back at work, this time in a dingy convenience store. His back aches from standing, and his eyes sting with the remnants of fatigue. He stares blankly at the shelves as customers come and go, ringing up purchases mechanically.

A beep from the register startles him, and he realizes he's rung up the wrong total.

Customer (angrily) "Hey! Are you even paying attention?"

Andrea flinches, rubbing his temple as he voids the transaction and corrects the amount.

Andrea "Sorry, I'm just—" (he catches himself) "Let me fix that for you."

He knows the apology is pointless. It's not enough to make up for the dozens of little mistakes he's been making lately, the fatigue weighing him down to the point where everything blurs together.

But this is his life now. Mistakes, fatigue, processed meals, and a constant, gnawing sense of failure.

INT. ANDREA'S APARTMENT – NIGHT

The apartment is dark, save for the faint glow of a lone lamp. Andrea stumbles in after yet another exhausting day, his limbs heavy and his back stiff from hours of labor. He can barely keep his eyes open, but there's no time to rest. He flicks through a pile of unpaid bills on the counter, each one a reminder of how far behind he's fallen.

His stomach growls, but the thought of eating another microwaved meal turns his stomach. Instead, he pours himself a cup of stale coffee, the bitter taste doing little to wake him.

Andrea (to himself, muttering) "It's never enough... no matter how hard I work."

He looks around the apartment—the peeling wallpaper, the creaking floors, the thin walls that let in every sound from the neighbors. It's a far cry from the sprawling Gentoshi estate, where everything was elegant, polished, and new. Back then, he never had to worry about bills or rent. But now, every moment feels like a battle just to survive.

INT. OFFICE BUILDING – NIGHT SHIFT

Andrea sits in a cubicle under harsh fluorescent lights, the click of keyboards the only sound around him. His hands hover over the keyboard, eyes blurring over rows of data. It's his third job of the day, a data entry gig that barely pays minimum wage. Every keystroke feels like it's draining the last of his energy.

Suddenly, his head droops forward, and he jerks awake, realizing he's dozed off. His heart pounds in his chest as he checks the clock. Only 2 a.m. He still has hours to go before the shift ends, and the fear of losing another job gnaws at him.

Andrea (thinking) "If I mess up again... I can't afford it."

He forces his tired hands to keep moving, but his thoughts drift. He remembers the days when he had tutors and could focus on his studies, when his future was laid out for him. Now, all he can think about is making it to the end of the shift without passing out.

INT. BACK ALLEY – EARLY MORNING

Andrea leans against the cold brick wall behind the convenience store where he works his second job. It's his short break, but he barely feels the relief. His hands shake as he lights a cigarette, inhaling deeply. The burn in his throat is the only thing that feels real anymore.

As he exhales, he stares up at the sky, the early morning light just beginning to creep over the horizon. He wonders, for the hundredth time, if any of this is worth it. If the constant exhaustion, the grinding labor, the endless cycle of work and sleep, will ever lead to something better.

But there's no room for doubt. Hugo is depending on him.

Andrea (thinking) "I don't have a choice."

Scene: The Breaking Point

INT. FACTORY – MIDDAY

Andrea's arms strain as he hauls another heavy crate onto the conveyor belt. His muscles scream in protest, but he pushes through it, gritting his teeth. The factory is sweltering, and his shirt sticks to his back with sweat.

Suddenly, his grip slips. The crate crashes to the ground with a loud thud, scattering parts across the floor. For a moment, there's a stunned silence, broken only by the rattling hum of the machines.

Supervisor (yelling) "Andrea! You've got to be kidding me! That's the second time this week!"

Andrea stands frozen, his heart pounding in his chest. His supervisor storms over, face red with frustration.

Supervisor "You've been dragging all day. If you can't handle it, maybe you don't belong here."

Andrea wants to argue, wants to explain that he's just tired, that he's been working for 16 hours straight across three jobs. But the words don't come. He's too exhausted, too drained.

Andrea "I'm sorry... I'll clean it up."

He bends down to pick up the scattered parts, his hands shaking. As he does, he feels the eyes of his co-workers on him—pitying, or maybe judging. He can't tell anymore.

Andrea (thinking) "I can't keep this up."

But quitting isn't an option. If he loses this job, there won't be any rent. No food. Hugo will suffer.

INT. SUPERMARKET – EVENING

Andrea pushes a cart through the aisles, his steps slow and his mind numb. He tosses another pack of instant noodles into the cart, already tired of the taste but too broke to buy anything better. He passes by the fresh produce section, glancing at the vibrant fruits and vegetables, but he keeps walking.

Andrea (thinking) "I used to eat like that. We used to have dinners with fresh bread, real meat, good wine. Now I can't even afford an apple."

The thought stings, but it's just another thing he pushes down, adding it to the growing list of things he's had to sacrifice.

INT. APARTMENT – NIGHT

Andrea collapses onto the couch, staring up at the cracked ceiling. His body aches in ways he didn't know were possible, and his mind feels like it's barely holding together. There's a half-eaten pack of noodles on the coffee table, and the room feels oppressively small.

He glances at the clock. It's 11:30 PM, and he has to be up at 4 AM for another shift. There's no time to rest, but his eyes are too heavy to stay open any longer.

Before he drifts off, his thoughts wander to Hugo—his little brother with so much power but so little control. Andrea clenches his fist.

Andrea (thinking) "I can't let him live like this. There has to be a way out. There has to be."

He falls asleep on the couch, fully clothed, the weight of his life pressing down on him.

Scene: Flashback – A Shared Isolation

INT. GENTOSHI FAMILY ESTATE – YEARS AGO

Andrea walks through the grand halls of the estate, his steps quiet on the polished floors. His thoughts echo louder than his footsteps.

Andrea (voiceover): "I was born first among my siblings. Five years older than Lysander and Angela—the twins."

The scene shifts to the birth of Lysander and Angela, their arrival celebrated with overwhelming joy. The family bustles around the newborns, their laughter filling the halls. Andrea, just a child himself, watches from the doorway.

Andrea (voiceover): "When the twins were born, my parents spent all their time on them. They bought Lysander every toy he wanted. A brand-new laptop at just five years old. Makeup kits for Angela, even though she was barely old enough to understand what they were."

The young Andrea stands in the background as his parents fawn over the twins, presenting Lysander with his new laptop. Angela beams as she's handed her first makeup set. Andrea's face, though composed, shows the faint trace of something unspoken—a quiet loneliness.

Andrea (voiceover): "I didn't envy them... Lysander let me use his PC, and Angela always cooked little meals for me. They were good kids. But there was this hollowness inside me."

His parents walk past Andrea without a glance, their focus entirely on the twins. Andrea stands there, watching as the family moves on without him.

EXT. GENTOSHI FAMILY ESTATE – GARDEN – YEARS LATER

Andrea sits alone in the garden, watching Lysander and Angela play. They laugh, completely immersed in their own world. Andrea's hands rest on his lap, empty.

Andrea (voiceover): "Whenever I asked my parents about it, their answer was always the same: 'You're the oldest, Andrea. You should not envy your siblings.'"

Andrea's parents walk by, offering him a distant smile, but their focus quickly shifts back to the twins.

Andrea (voiceover): "It wasn't envy. I just wondered... why did everything feel so hollow?"

INT. GENTOSHI FAMILY ESTATE – LIVING ROOM

A scene unfolds with the birth of Hugo and his twin, Alexei. The contrast is stark. Alexei, beloved from the moment he arrives, is showered with affection. Hugo, on the other hand, is left in the shadows, his single eye unsettling to his family.

Andrea (voiceover): "Then came you."

A young Hugo, no older than five, proudly presents a beautifully painted picture to their mother on her birthday. His face lights up with hope as he hands her the gift.

Hugo (softly): "Happy birthday, Mother. I made this for you."

Their mother takes the picture, barely glancing at it before tossing it aside, into the trashcan.

Mother (coldly, dismissive): "Thank you, Hugo."

Hugo's face falls, his hope crushed. He stands there, watching his mother walk away without another word.

Andrea (voiceover, pained): "Hugo... you were hated by our family from the start. And for what reason?"

INT. GENTOSHI FAMILY ESTATE – DINING ROOM – EVENING

Andrea sits with his mother at the dinner table, both smiling as they wait for the rest of the family to join them.

Mother (smiling): "Andrea, let's go out to eat tonight. Your father decided on a very famous restaurant. It'll be a nice change."

Andrea (smiling): "That sounds great, but... what about Hugo, Mom?"

Her smile falters immediately, the warmth in her eyes disappearing. The air grows cold, and she avoids Andrea's gaze.

Mother (flatly): "Hugo's fine. He doesn't need to join us."

Andrea's eyes linger on his mother, understanding more than he wishes to.

Later that night, Andrea sits at his desk, his mind churning with questions. His parents' indifference to Hugo weighs heavily on him. He catches his father walking past his room.

Andrea (tentatively): "Dad... why do you and Mom hate Hugo so much?"

His father stops, raising an eyebrow as if the question itself is strange.

Father (dismissive): "Isn't it obvious? Didn't you learn at school not to play with fire?"

Andrea's heart sinks. The coldness in his father's words cuts deeper than expected.

Andrea (thinking, voiceover): "That's what they think of Hugo... a danger. A demon with one eye."

Andrea looks out his window, where Hugo is playing alone in the garden, his one eye glowing faintly in the dark. His brother looks so small, so lost in the vast estate.

Andrea (thinking, voiceover): "He's been abandoned... from the very start of his life. Pitiful boy. You're just like me."

Scene: Flashback – A Brother's Comfort

INT. GENTOSHI FAMILY ESTATE – HALLWAY – NIGHT (YEARS AGO)

Hugo, about eight years old, sits alone at the foot of the grand staircase. His small frame is hunched over, his one eye wet with unshed tears. The house is quiet—his parents are having dinner with guests, and the echoes of laughter and clinking glasses drift through the air, distant but clear. Hugo had wanted to join them earlier, but the cold reception from his mother and father had sent him retreating into the shadows.

His hand clutches a small paper airplane he had made earlier that day, hoping to show it to his father—another effort to be noticed. But it remained crumpled in his grip, tossed aside without a glance.

Andrea, coming back from his room, notices Hugo sitting alone. He slows his pace as he approaches, sensing his brother's sadness.

Andrea (gently): "Hugo? What are you doing out here?"

Hugo wipes at his eye, trying to hide his tears, but the hurt in his voice is unmistakable.

Hugo (softly): "Nothing. I'm just... sitting."

Andrea frowns, glancing at the paper airplane in Hugo's hand. He sits down beside him on the staircase, his presence quiet but warm.

Andrea (softly):

"You made that for Father, didn't you?"

Hugo hesitates, but then nods, his voice barely a whisper.

Hugo: "I just wanted him to see it. I thought he might like it... but he didn't even look at it."

Andrea's heart ached at his brother's words. He had seen this happen countless times—Hugo trying to earn their parents' love and approval, only to be pushed aside, his efforts ignored. The isolation was wearing on him, Andrea could tell.

Without a word, Andrea took the paper airplane from Hugo's hand and carefully unfolded it. He smoothed out the creases before folding it back into shape. With a small smile, he stood up, tossing the plane gently into the air. It soared through the hallway, gliding gracefully before landing softly on the carpet.

Andrea (playfully): "See? It flies perfectly."

Hugo's eye widened slightly as he watched the plane soar, a small glimmer of wonder breaking through his sadness. He looked up at Andrea, his voice tentative.

Hugo: "You think it's good?"

Andrea smiled, ruffling his brother's hair.

Andrea: "I think it's great. If dad won't see that, it's his loss."

Hugo blinked, his one eye still glassy with tears, but there was a flicker of relief in his expression.

Hugo (quietly): "Thanks, big brother.."

Andrea crouched down to Hugo's level, his expression turning serious but kind.

EXT. GENTOSHI FAMILY ESTATE – NIGHT (NIGHT OF THE FIRE)

Flames dance across the estate, consuming everything in their path. Hugo stands in the center, tears streaming down his face as the flames swirl around him. His single eye reflects the fire, filled with terror and guilt.

Hugo (sobbing): "I didn't mean to! I tried to stop it! I didn't mean to..."

Andrea rushes through the smoke and destruction, pulling Hugo into his arms, shielding him from the growing inferno.

Andrea (desperately): "It's not your fault, Hugo. I'm here. I won't leave you."

Scene: Flashback – The Moment of Exile

The Gentoshi estate felt like a graveyard. The halls, once filled with warmth and light, now stood cold and empty. Days had passed since the fire, but the loss hung over them all like a thick fog. Hugo stood before Lysander, his single eye downcast, his hands trembling slightly. He hadn't spoken much since that night—since their parents were lost in the flames he couldn't control.

Andrea stood by his brother's side, fists clenched, trying to keep his anger in check. Lysander sat in their father's old armchair, his expression cold and unreadable. It was the first time Andrea had seen him like this—so detached, so composed in the face of their family's devastation.

Lysander (calm, icy): "You think I didn't see it, Hugo? You think I don't know what you did?"

Andrea's breath caught. He didn't understand why Lysander was pressing this so hard. Hugo had been reckless, yes, but it was an accident. Lysander had always been practical, maybe even a little lazy, but this... this was different. There was a sharpness to his tone Andrea hadn't heard before.

Andrea (thinking): "Lysander's never been this serious about anything. Not until now."

Hugo's voice came out in a whisper, soft and broken.

Hugo (softly): "I... I wasn't—"

Lysander waved him off, interrupting without hesitation.

Lysander (cutting him off): "You weren't what? Trying to kill them?"

The words hit like a knife. Andrea's stomach churned. Hugo had always been seen as a problem by the family, but Lysander had never shown such venom toward him. This was something else entirely.

Andrea (thinking, unsettled):

"What's Lysander playing at? He's never cared this much before."

Lysander leaned forward, his gaze cold

Lysander: "Don't play innocent. You're a danger, Hugo. You've always been. Everyone saw the fire—what you did. Our parents... they'd still be here if it weren't for your cursed flames."

The words hit like a punch to the gut. Andrea's breath catches. No—Lysander is twisting everything. Hugo never wanted this. He knows Hugo, better than anyone. His brother wasn't born for this violence.

Andrea finally spoke up, unable to watch Hugo take the blame alone.

Andrea (defending Hugo): "Lysander, you know that's not true! Hugo didn't mean for this to happen—he was trying to protect us!"

Andrea (thinking): "He couldn't have done this on purpose. Hugo would never…"

Lysander scoffs, the sound so sharp it makes Andrea's skin crawl. His brother's eyes are cold, distant, like he's already made up his mind.

Lysander (mocking): "Protect us? Is that what you call this?"

With a smooth motion, Lysander picked up a remote and pressed play. The footage of the fire filled the nearby screen—the moment Hugo's flames had spiraled out of control, engulfing everything. The explosion. The destruction.

Andrea (thinking, heart sinking): "That wasn't Hugo. That wasn't him. He was trying to help."

But the damage is done. Lysander stands, his contempt so thick Andrea can almost feel it in the air. Every step Lysander takes toward Hugo feels like a blow, and Andrea's heart races.

Lysander (coldly): "Our parents are dead because of you. You've been a problem for this family since the day you were born."

Andrea flinches at the word. Monstrosity. That's what they think of Hugo. His brother, his family, reduced to a word. Andrea's anger flares, but he holds it in. He has to.

Hugo (softly): "I didn't mean to—"

Lysander (snarling): "I don't care what you meant. You've lost your right to be a part of this family. Leave."

Andrea's blood runs cold. He steps forward, unable to stay silent any longer, the fury now too much to contain.

Andrea: "Lysander, you can't—"

But Lysander's eyes are steely, and he cuts Andrea off without a second thought.

Lysander (calmly, smug): "I can, and I will. Hugo's not welcome here anymore. GO."

Andrea stares at Lysander, feeling the ground shift beneath him. How did it come to this? Lysander, of all people, was the one who always held things together, the one who calmed the storms. Now, he's the storm.

Andrea (thinking): "I thought I knew him. I thought there was still a part of him that would listen."

But Lysander doesn't listen. He's never been colder, never been more final. Andrea clenches his fists again, but his voice comes out steadier than he expected.

Andrea: "You have no right to make that decision. I'm the eldest. I'm the head of this family, not you."

Lysander's expression barely shifted, but Andrea could see the flicker of amusement in his eyes. He stood a little taller, shrugging as if the title didn't matter.

Lysander (mockingly): "Head of the family? Is that what this is about? So Mr. Head of the family would let his 'precious little brother' stay after his murder?"

Andrea's heart sank. Murder. The word felt wrong, twisting everything that had happened into something worse than it was. He wanted to argue, to say it wasn't like that, but the words wouldn't come.

Andrea (his voice low): "I…"

The truth of it hits him. Hugo did kill them—whether he meant to or not. The footage is there, undeniable. But that doesn't mean he's a monster. That doesn't mean he deserves this exile.

Andrea (thinking): "He's still our brother. How can Lysander not see that?"

Lysander (snarling): "The court's already seen the footage. As far as they're concerned, this was no accident. I can't let a murderer stay here. Our family can't have a murderer."

Andrea's heart pounds. This isn't about the court. It's never been about the court. Lysander is doing this for a reason deeper than justice, but Andrea can't quite figure it out. He looks Lysander in the eye, refusing to back down.

Andrea: "Don't twist this, Lysander. You're not doing this for justice..."

Lysander's gaze hardens. His voice, when it comes, is as cold as ice.

Lysander (coldly): "When, dear brother, has justice ever done anything good for us?"

Andrea stares at him, his blood boiling. He can't believe what he's hearing. Lysander doesn't care about justice or family. He only cares about wiping away the problem. And Hugo—Hugo's the problem.

Andrea (thinking): "He's gone too far."

Andrea's voice shakes as he speaks, the rage barely contained.

Andrea: "Then I'm leaving too. I won't let you do this to him."

The words hang in the air, but there's no turning back now. He won't let Hugo face this alone.

Lysander narrows his eyes, a final warning flashing through them. He steps back toward the door, like he's already washing his hands of the both of them.

Lysander: "Fine. But don't come crawling back when you realize what he truly is."

As Lysander walks away, Andrea doesn't respond. He stands there, fists still clenched, but the anger feels different now. It's not rage—it's something deeper.

Andrea (thinking): "I won't let you do this, Lysander. Not to him. Not to us."

Scene: A Sibling's Care

EXT. CONVENIENCE STORE – LATE AFTERNOON

Andrea sits on the curb in front of a convenience store, a half-eaten cup of instant noodles balanced on his knees. His uniform shirt, a little too tight from wear, marks him as a second-shift worker. The sun is starting to set, casting long shadows over the parking lot. He's tired—both from work and from everything that's happened—but the steaming noodles offer a small comfort.

Suddenly, a familiar voice breaks through the quiet.

"Andrea big brother!"

He glances up to see a pretty girl with long brown hair and emerald green eyes. It's his sister, Angela hurrying towards him. Her pristine outfit and graceful movements are a stark contrast to his disheveled appearance. She stops in front of him, hands on her hips, a look of concern mixed with frustration on her face.

Angela (frowning) "You're eating this? Here? You're not even taking care of yourself anymore."

Andrea gives a weak smile, but it doesn't reach his eyes.

Andrea (softly) "It's all I can afford right now. Don't worry, Angela."

But Angela's eyes narrow, not buying his casual tone. She looks around, takes his hand firmly, and pulls him to his feet.

Angela (firmly, almost scolding) "Come on. We're going to get some real food."

Andrea sighs, too tired to protest, as she drags him to a nearby café. The café was warm, the hum of conversations and clinking dishes filling the air. It felt too cozy, too calm—a stark contrast to the turmoil he'd carried here. Angela doesn't let go until they're seated at a table, and a proper meal is in front of him. She folds her arms, watching him expectantly.

Angela (gently) "You barely answer my calls. Do you even know how worried I've been?"

Andrea avoids her gaze, picking at the food she ordered for him.

Andrea (quietly) "I've been busy with work... trying to keep things together."

Angela's expression softens. She reaches across the table, placing her hand over his.

Angela (softly) "That doesn't mean you have to do it all alone."

The weight of her words sinks into him. They haven't really talked in over a month, not since everything fell apart. He had distanced himself, maybe thinking it would make things easier. But now, sitting here with her, it felt like a mistake.

Andrea (voice breaking slightly) "I didn't want to drag you into this. You've already got so much on your plate with... the estate, school, our parents..."

Angela's eyes darken slightly at the mention of their brother. She leans back, a sigh escaping her.

Angela (sighing) "The estate isn't the same. Lysander big brother laid off most of the staff. He said we didn't need them anymore. He's buying up real estate, trying to lease it for profit. It's... enough… well, more than enough. We'll be fine financially, but it's not like before."

Andrea looks up, surprised.

Andrea (disbelieving) "He's laying off the maids and butlers? What's he thinking?"

Angela shakes her head.

Angela (quietly) "He thinks it's enough. He said our shares in the family business would keep us comfortable for life. Not like what Father used to do with the GGG corporation... but we won't have to worry about money."

Andrea's chest tightens. It's all so cold, so transactional. He should've known that was Lysander's way of coping. But still, hearing it felt like losing their home all over again.

Andrea (muttering) "A luxury life without a home."

Angela's face softens at his words, her worry deepening as she studies him. He looks more tired than he should—more worn out than he ever did growing up. She's not used to seeing him like this.

Angela (voice trembling slightly) "Big brother, please... You don't have to do this by yourself. You don't have to work yourself to death. Let me help you. Let us help you."

Andrea closes his eyes, swallowing hard. He doesn't want to burden her, but the weight of everything has been so heavy lately.

Andrea (struggling to speak) "I'm just... trying to find a way. If I could help someone with their power, maybe... maybe things could change."

Angela tilts her head, confusion flickering in her eyes.

Angela "Help someone? What are you talking about?"

He hesitates, choosing his words carefully, afraid to reveal too much.

Andrea "I mean... I was wondering if there's a way to stabilize someone's superpower. Something uncontrollable... dangerous."

Angela's eyes widened slightly. She studies him closely, suspicion creeping into her tone.

Angela "Who are you talking about, Andrea? Whose power are you trying to stabilize?"

Andrea swallowed hard, the lie sticking in his throat. How could he ask for help when Angela hated the very person he was trying to save?

Andrea (casually) "Just curious. If someone needed help, where would they go?"

Angela narrows her eyes, but doesn't push further.

Angela (slowly) "The National Power Registry. They have specialists who can help control dangerous powers, but it's a process. Not something that happens overnight. Why? Is this about... him?"

The mention of Hugo goes unspoken, but Andrea can feel it hanging between them. His heart pounds in his chest. He can't tell her—not now.

Andrea (stiffly) "I was just asking."

Angela leans back, her expression hardening. For a moment, neither of them speaks.

Angela (after a long pause, softly) "You know you're always welcome at the estate. Lysander big brother wouldn't say it, but he misses you too. Alexei always talks about you. We all miss you."

Andrea clenches his jaw, knowing there's more.

Angela (her voice firm, but tinged with sadness) "But Hugo... he can never come back, Andrea. You know that."

Andrea closes his eyes, trying to swallow the lump in his throat. He knows. He's always known.

Andrea (quietly, almost to himself) "I know."

The silence stretches between them, heavy and suffocating. Angela stands, pulling on her coat.

Angela (gently) "Please take care of yourself, big brother. You deserve better than this."

Andrea watches her leave, the warmth of her touch lingering on his hand long after she's gone.

Scene: A Brother's Burden

INT. HUGO'S APARTMENT – NIGHT

The dimly lit room feels suffocating as Andrea steps in, immediately assaulted by the lingering smell of burnt wood. He pauses, staring at Hugo's hunched figure on the couch. It's not the first time he's seen his brother like this, but each time it feels like a punch to the gut. Andrea's own exhaustion weighs him down; his feet drag as he drops the groceries on the counter with a soft thud.

Andrea (thinking) How did it come to this?

Hugo doesn't react to his presence, his fingers twitching slightly, as if some invisible force is still pulling at him. The flickers of black flame in Hugo's hands remind Andrea of just how dangerous his brother has become—how precarious this whole situation is. He can feel the fear building up inside him, but he can't let it show.

Andrea (quietly) "Hugo?"

No answer. Just the heavy silence.

Andrea (thinking) "I need to be strong. I'm all he has left... but I'm so tired."

He notices the untouched meal from the night before and sighs, rubbing his eyes. The quiet frustration builds, but he bites it back. He can't afford to lose patience with Hugo. Not now.

Andrea "You didn't eat again."

There's no response from Hugo, but the guilt is almost palpable in the air. Andrea can feel the weight of what happened—what Hugo did—and it's crushing both of them.

As Andrea clears the table, he steals glances at Hugo, remembering the way Angela had looked at him earlier, so full of concern. Still, the mention of Hugo had caused Angela's expression to tighten. Even she couldn't bring herself to forgive him.

Andrea (thinking) "How do I forgive him for what he did?"

He's been wrestling with that question for weeks, ever since their parents' funeral. Even now, the memories claw at him, keeping him up at night. But seeing Hugo like this—broken, lost—it's hard to hold onto the anger.

Andrea takes a seat across from his brother, eyes heavy with fatigue but searching for something, anything, to say that might reach him. He's been avoiding this conversation, afraid of what it might uncover.

Andrea "What's wrong?"

Hugo's voice is barely a whisper, but it sends a chill down Andrea's spine.

Hugo

"I did something... something terrible."

Andrea's heart tightens. He knew this moment was coming, but he wasn't prepared for the rawness in Hugo's voice. The guilt. The despair. He's heard it before, but never like this.

Andrea (softly)

"What… do you mean?"

Hugo's confession hits Andrea like a freight train. He listens in stunned silence as Hugo admits to trying to resurrect their parents. Andrea's fingers clench involuntarily on the table as he processes what Hugo had attempted.

Andrea (thinking) He actually tried…

Andrea's mind races as Hugo speaks, the details horrifying. He wants to scream, to shake Hugo and tell him how reckless, how dangerous this all is. But he doesn't. He can't. All he can do is sit there, watching the man his brother has become—a stranger, almost—and wonder how they had reached this point.

Andrea "Hugo... this is dangerous. You know you can't bring people back, not like that."

His own voice sounds hollow, almost distant, as though the weight of everything has crushed the life out of him, too. Hugo looks up at him, and Andrea sees the raw pain in his brother's eyes, the guilt that's eating him alive.

Hugo "I know. I know, big brother... But... after what happened, after what I did, I thought—"

(voice breaking)

"I thought if I could bring them back, maybe Lysander wouldn't hate me so much. Maybe Angela would stop looking at me like I'm a monster. Maybe Alexei wouldn't... wouldn't be so cold."

The rawness of Hugo's words cut through Andrea's exhaustion like a knife. He aches for his brother, for the pain he's been carrying alone. But at the same time, there's an anger inside him—an anger born of helplessness. He's tried so hard to be there for Hugo, but it feels like every step forward drags them both deeper into the abyss.

Andrea (thinking) I can't keep doing this alone... I can't keep fixing this.

Andrea "You can't undo what happened to them. No matter how much you want to."

His voice is steady, but there's a fragility beneath it. He's trying so hard to keep it together, but he's fraying at the edges. Andrea leans forward, his gaze softening as he reaches out to his brother.

Andrea "They're grieving too, just in their own way. They don't hate you, Hugo. They're lost. Just like you."

Hugo's eyes flash with pain, and Andrea can see how much his brother is struggling to hold onto any semblance of hope. It breaks him.

Hugo "They hate me, Andrea. Lysander kicked me out. Angela can barely look at me. Alexei... he didn't even say goodbye. They're all gone, and now it's just... you."

Andrea feels the weight of those words, a burden he's been carrying for so long now. He had always known that Hugo felt abandoned, but hearing it aloud makes it feel even more suffocating.

Andrea (thinking) I'm all he has left. But I'm breaking too.

He closes his eyes for a moment, taking a deep breath before speaking again.

Andrea "It's not that simple, Hugo. They're not gone, not completely. They just don't know how to deal with all of this yet... and I know it feels like the whole world's against you, but you still have me."

Andrea's voice cracks slightly as he speaks, the weight of everything crashing down on him. He's so tired—so utterly exhausted—and he knows Hugo can see it.

Andrea "You stop trying to fix the past and start focusing on what's still here."

Hugo stays silent, absorbing his brother's words. The guilt and shame are still there, but Andrea can see a flicker of something else in Hugo's eyes—something fragile, but real.

Hugo "I don't know if I can."

Andrea places a hand on his brother's shoulder, squeezing gently, the last bit of strength he has left.

Andrea "Then I'll help you. Like I always have."

As the silence settles between them, Andrea feels the weight lift ever so slightly. It's not much, but for now, it's enough.

Scene: The Unexpected Power

EXT. POWER RANKING FACILITY – MORNING

The National Power Registry looms before them, an imposing structure of glass and steel. Andrea walks next to Hugo, sensing the tension rolling off his brother. He glances sideways, noticing how Hugo avoids eye contact with the building's reflective surface. There's a quiet determination in Hugo's steps, but Andrea knows the fear simmering beneath it all.

Andrea (thinking): "This has to work. If it doesn't... I don't know what else we'll do."

The pressure is building, and Andrea knows this could be their shot. A way out of the endless grind. A way for Hugo to finally have a purpose again.

INT. RANKING FACILITY – EXAMINATION ROOM

Andrea stands in the corner, arms crossed, as technicians move around Hugo, strapping him to various machines. Hugo sits stiffly, his gaze distant as the lead technician gives instructions. The flicker of black flames around Hugo's hands is a constant reminder of what's at stake.

Technician: "Alright, let's begin with a power assessment."

Andrea's heart races as he watches Hugo close his eyes and summon the flames. In seconds, the machine's readings spike. The beeping grows frantic, and Andrea catches the widening eyes of the technician.

Technician (shocked): "S-class... This power level—it's off the charts."

Andrea (thinking, astonished): "S-class? Hugo?"

The shock hits Andrea like a punch. He wasn't expecting this—he came here thinking they'd find a way to stabilize Hugo, not that his brother was harboring one of the most powerful abilities in the world. Andrea's mind reels as the technician stammers, explaining the readings.

Technician: "With power like this, your brother... he could become a hunter."

Andrea's breath catches. A hunter. Suddenly, everything shifts. This isn't just about control anymore—this is about opportunity. His heart races with possibilities. They could escape this life.

Andrea (thinking): "This could change everything. We could have a real future. Hugo could finally use his power for something good."

He glances at Hugo, who's staring at the flames in his hands, confusion and fear etched on his face. But all Andrea can see is potential.

INT. RANKING FACILITY – WAITING AREA – LATER

They sit in silence, the weight of the technician's words hanging between them. Andrea watches his brother, knowing Hugo isn't ready to believe it yet.

Andrea (softly): "Hugo... this could be it. You're ranked S-class. You could become a hunter. We wouldn't have to live like this anymore."

Hugo tenses at the word "hunter," but Andrea presses on, his voice growing with hope.

Andrea: "Think about it—fighting monsters, getting paid. We could stop struggling so much. You could finally do something good with your power."

But Hugo's doubt is stronger than Andrea's optimism. Hugo still sees the flames as dangerous, uncontrollable. He shakes his head, voice quiet.

Hugo: "What if I can't control it?"

Andrea leans forward, determination in his eyes.

Andrea: "You already did. You saw it—those flames didn't go out of control this time. You can do this, Hugo. You've just got to believe in yourself."

Andrea (thinking): "I need him to believe this. We need this."

The silence lingers, but Andrea can see the flicker of something—maybe not hope, but a willingness to try. That's enough for now.

Scene: The Weight of Training

EXT. ABANDONED WAREHOUSE – NIGHT

The cold air inside the warehouse clings to their skin as Andrea watches Hugo struggle to control the black flames flickering in his hands. It's late—well past midnight—but this is the only time they have. They've been working through the nights for weeks, and Andrea can feel the fatigue settling deep into his bones.

Andrea (thinking): "If we don't get this right, the exam won't matter."

Hugo's eyes are locked on the makeshift targets—old crates stacked across the room. Andrea stands behind him, arms crossed, trying to keep his voice steady, even though his patience is wearing thin.

Andrea: "Small bursts, Hugo. Focus on control, not power."

Hugo nods but doesn't look back. His jaw is tight with concentration, and Andrea can see the tension building in his shoulders. The flames dance erratically at first, swirling out of his control. With a frustrated grunt, Hugo releases a larger blast than intended. The flames scorch the wall, missing the target completely.

Hugo: "Damn it!"

Andrea sighs but steps forward, placing a hand on his brother's shoulder, grounding him.

Andrea: "It's okay. Just breathe. You're pushing too hard."

He watches Hugo's shoulders rise and fall as he takes a shaky breath, trying to calm the storm inside. Andrea knows this is harder for Hugo than he lets on. These flames aren't just a power—they're a reminder of everything they've lost.

Andrea (thinking): "If we don't master this, I'm not sure what'll happen to him."

The stakes are higher than ever, and Andrea feels the weight of it every night as they push through these endless training sessions.

EXT. ABANDONED WAREHOUSE – LATER

Hours pass, and the air is filled with the smell of burnt wood and sweat. Andrea wipes his brow, exhaustion pulling at him, but he refuses to let it show. Hugo is still standing, still focused, even though Andrea can see the fatigue in his brother's eyes.

Andrea: "Let's take a break."

Hugo shakes his head, his voice tight with frustration.

Hugo: "No. We can't stop. I need to get this right."

Andrea bites back a sigh, knowing Hugo won't rest until he feels he's made progress. So, he watches as his brother summons the flames again. This time, they're smaller, more controlled. The black fire wraps tightly around Hugo's fingers, and he releases a steady burst, hitting the target dead center.

Andrea's lips twitch into a small smile.

Andrea: "That's it. You're getting there."

But Hugo doesn't smile back. His eyes are still fixed on the target, the flames flickering with a strange intensity.

Hugo: "It's still not enough."

Andrea steps closer, his voice firm but gentle.

Andrea: "You're improving, Hugo. I can see it. You're controlling the flames. That's what matters."

But Hugo shakes his head, the doubt still gnawing at him.

Hugo: "What if I lose control during the exam? What if it all goes wrong?"

Andrea doesn't have an easy answer. He can't promise everything will be fine. But he knows they've come too far to let fear stop them now. He steps in front of Hugo, forcing his brother to meet his gaze.

Andrea: "You won't. I've seen you push through this before, and I know you can do it again. You just need to trust yourself."

Andrea (thinking): "He has to believe that, even if I can't make him."

EXT. ABANDONED WAREHOUSE – LATE NIGHT

Outside, the moon hangs low, casting long shadows across the riverbank. They step out of the warehouse for a moment, breathing in the cold night air. Hugo leans against a rusted beam, his fingers still tingling from the flames. Andrea stands beside him, watching the quiet flow of the water.

Andrea: "You're going to pass that exam, you know."

Hugo: "Yeah, right."

Hugo's sarcasm is sharp, but Andrea doesn't let it get to him. He knows what's behind the doubt—he's seen it every day since their parents died. But tonight, something feels different. Despite the fatigue, Andrea feels a small flicker of hope rising.

Andrea (thinking): "If we can make it through this... maybe we can start over."

INT. ANDREA'S APARTMENT – NIGHT (A FEW NIGHTS BEFORE THE EXAM)

Their tiny apartment feels even smaller with the weight of the upcoming exam hanging over them. Hugo is hunched over a stack of notes, going over the basics of magic theory and monster behavior. His brow furrows as he skims through the pages, clearly irritated.

Hugo: "I'm not good at this. You know that."

Andrea: "You don't need to be perfect. Just get the basics down. Focus on the combat—it's what you're good at."

Hugo scoffs but doesn't argue. Andrea watches him, feeling the familiar mix of pride and worry. Hugo is strong—stronger than he realizes—but Andrea knows the battle isn't just with the flames. It's with everything the flames represent.

EXT. ABANDONED WAREHOUSE – FINAL NIGHT OF TRAINING

The last night before the exam, they push harder than ever. Andrea watches as Hugo fires off blast after blast, his control getting tighter with each one. The targets crumble under the weight of the flames, but the destruction is contained.

Andrea (thinking): "This is it. He's ready."

But as they pack up the makeshift training gear, Andrea catches the flicker of doubt still lingering in Hugo's eyes. Hugo doesn't say anything, but Andrea knows what's running through his brother's mind.

Andrea: "You've done everything you can. Now it's time to trust yourself."

Scene: The Hunter Examination

INT. HUNTER EXAMINATION FACILITY – COMBAT EVALUATION ROOM

The combat arena is vast, its reinforced walls towering over Hugo as he faces the goblin-class creature darting around the space. Sweat drips down his brow, his hands flickering with black flames, but this time, the flames are contained—steady, controlled.

In the observation deck above, Andrea watches, his heart pounding. He grips the railing tightly, eyes locked on his brother. They've worked so hard for this moment, but now it's all in Hugo's hands.

Andrea (thinking): "Come on, Hugo. You've got this."

The goblin moves quickly, too quickly for an ordinary attack. Hugo hesitates for a second, but then something changes. His gaze sharpens, and he releases a perfectly controlled burst of flames, not too wild, not too weak. The flames coil around the goblin, engulfing it in an instant. The creature crumbles to ash as the fire dissipates, leaving the arena intact.

Intercom: "Combat Evaluation: Passed."

Hugo exhales, the tension in his body finally releasing. He's still breathing heavily, but as he stands there, staring at the remains of the goblin, a sense of calm washes over him. He did it. He controlled the flames, fought with precision, and won.

For a moment, everything is quiet, and then Hugo lifts his eyes toward the observation deck. There, he sees Andrea, standing with a wide smile on his face, pride radiating from him. Andrea raises his hand in a subtle but unmistakable gesture of victory.

Andrea (grinning): "I knew you could do it."

The words hang in the air between them, carrying all the weight of the long nights and grueling training sessions they endured. Hugo, usually reserved, allows himself a rare smile. For the first time in what feels like forever, he believes in himself, just like his brother has always believed in him.

Hugo (thinking): "We actually did it."

INT. HUNTER EXAMINATION FACILITY – LATER

After the combat evaluation, Hugo and Andrea walk out of the facility together, the afternoon sun casting long shadows across the pavement. Andrea can't stop smiling, still riding the high of Hugo's success. He throws an arm around his brother's shoulder, the tension from the past few months finally easing.

Andrea (teasing): "I told you not to worry. You passed, just like I knew you would."

Hugo shakes his head, but there's a lightness in his expression that wasn't there before.

Hugo: "Yeah, well... you were right this time."

Andrea (laughing): "I'm right most of the time, little brother."

They walk in comfortable silence for a moment, the weight of their struggles still there, but somehow lighter now that Hugo has passed the exam. Andrea looks over at his brother, seeing not just the power Hugo holds, but the control he's gained over it. It's not just about the flames anymore—it's about what comes next.

Andrea (thinking): "We've made it through this. Now we can start building something new."