The Wrong Fear

Kaizen didn't move… he can't allow his brother to join the underground empire. 

How's he a genius? Nyra was hadn't done anything last night when she was caught.

What's going on? Different thoughts raced through his head….

The knock came again, Three firm knocks…

Not aggressive, Not impatient, Just deliberate and Professional.

The kind that somehow felt worse and creepy. 

His pulse immediately spiked, the phone slipped slightly in his hand.

The strange number, the sudden text, the timing.

Everything felt wrong..Very wrong.

Across the living room, Nyra had gone completely silent.

He knew she was watching.

Even though she had disappeared moments ago.

The curious cat was probably hiding somewhere close enough to hear every word.

Kaizen swallowed Hard.

For few terrifying seconds, his mind immediately went to the underground arena.

Had they found out?

Has anyone recognized Nyra?

Has the Chairman finally started asking questions?

His stomach tightened.

No…No….Not this fast.

Still contemplating on why they came urgently seeking for his brother after last night….The text message still glowed on his screen.

With so much urgency..

ARCLAIR AUREN IS A GENIUS, WE NEED HIM WITH US. 

Another knock echoed.

Kaizen finally approached the door slowly. 

Every muscle in his body remained tense, his hand tightened around the handle.

Then he opened it.

And blinked.

Two middle-aged men stood outside, both dressed professionally, One carried a briefcase, 

While the other held several documents.

Neither looked dangerous, Neither looked like underground security…none of them looked capable of surviving five minutes in the arena.

Relief crashed into Kaizen so hard his knees nearly weakened.

Thank God!!!

The older man smiled politely.

"Mr. Thompson Arclair?"

Kaizen almost laughed.

Of course, They were looking for his father.

Everyone always was, he's a social elite. 

He quickly recovered.

"I'm afraid he's unavailable."

The men exchanged glances.

"We came regarding Auren Arclair."

Immediately Kaizen stepped outside.

Closing the door behind him, Not because he was hiding anything.

Definitely not because Nyra was probably eavesdropping.

Not at all.

The men seemed surprised to find someone so young standing before them.

The younger official adjusted his glasses.

"Are you... family?"

Kaizen nodded.

"I'm his older brother."

The men looked uncertain.

"We were instructed to meet with his parent."

Kaizen forced a smile.

"Our father is handling urgent business matters. Since I'm legally an adult, I'll be representing my brother."

“I'm Arclair Kaizen”

The officials exchanged another glance, Clearly debating whether this situation was appropriate.

Then one of them recognized the surname.

Arclair.

That changed everything because People always became more cooperative after hearing it.

One of the few benefits of having a famous father, even if he was a terrible one.

"Very well."

The older official opened his briefcase containing several forms. 

"Auren has been selected for an international academic enrichment program."

Kaizen blinked.

"What?"

The man smiled.

"Your brother recently scored among the highest students in the province."

Pride immediately flooded Kaizen's chest.

Of course he did….That little genius.

Now he understands the genius that's needed in the urgent message. Auren had given Kaizen's details to the school, not wanting to involve Thier father. 

The official continued.

"The program includes travel opportunities, mentorship, and university placement advantages."

Kaizen's eyes widened slightly, wow Auren would love that.

The younger official pulled out another document.

"We require parental consent and signatures before processing his admission."

There it was, Paperwork…..Always paperwork.

Kaizen quickly accepted the documents.

"I'll make sure they're completed."

The men visibly relaxed.

After another brief explanation, they prepared to leave.

Before they could step away, Kaizen quietly slipped several bills into one man's hand.

The official looked startled.

"Oh, this isn't necessary…."

"It is."

The man hesitated, then accepted gratefully.

Moments later they were gone, their footsteps faded down the hallway.

Silence returned.

Kaizen leaned against the wall exhaling heavily…. Reliving the tension that almost ate him alive. 

For several seconds he simply stood there.

Breathing.

Trying to calm down.

The fear still lingered.

Even though it had been nothing.

Just a school matter, Just paperwork, Just Auren.

Nothing dangerous…nothing illegal… nothing connected to the Chairman.

Relief washed through him…Finally.

The moment he opened the door, Nyra's head appeared from behind like a suspicious little squirrel.

Kaizen rolled his eyes.

"You were listening."

"I was protecting myself."

"You were spying."

"I was gathering information."

"Same thing."

Nyra grinned.

Then immediately noticed the forms in his hand.

"What happened?"

Kaizen explained briefly.

By the time he finished, her face softened.

"Auren got selected?"

"Looks like it."

"That's amazing….looks like I've gotten myself a genius pal"

A small smile finally appeared on his face, a real one… The proud kind.

The kind only family could create, he was genuinely proud of his Kid bro. 

Nyra noticed it immediately which made her chest feel warm.

Because no matter how hard Kaizen tried to act indifferent...everything he did revolved around the people he loved.

His mother, 

His brother,

Even when it was destroying him…

**** 

Kaizen's Pov 

“I'll be going to my room to get some rest”

“Thanks for sharing Some….of your secrets with me” Nyra sarcastically dragged the some because she wanted to know more but didn't want her curiosity to land her in trouble again.

“You're welcome”. 

His smile disappeared I mmediately when his phone buzzed. 

Nyra noticed.

This wasn't relief anymore, messages from my phone seems to give me a heart attack 

This was fear, real fear.

I slowly lowered his gaze.

The notification glowed on the screen.

An unknown number.

Again???

But this time...the message contained only one sentence.

My blood turned cold.

Nyra watched his expression change.

"Kaizen?"

No response.

"What's wrong?"

Still nothing.

Very slowly…..I turned the phone toward her.

The message stared back at them.

WE NEED A REPLACEMENT FIGHTER TONIGHT.

YOUR NAME WAS VOLUNTEERED.

I froze, because I hadn't v

olunteered….the chairman wants to see me directly.

He was the only one person powerful enough to volunteer me without permission.

The Chairman.

Then another message appeared and this one was worse.

DON'T BE LATE…

“I'mma put this damn phone off”

“I'm Fucking Tired”!!!!