Playground

In the room with the mirrors, Shen was on high alert. Everywhere he looked, President Tetelyus's voice tried to enter his head. Tetelyus tried to incite Shen's mind to disorder with a gloomy and derisive tone.

"Do you think you're any different from me, who had to see my people fall apart under the Empire's control? The president's words echoed so loudly that Shen was unable to identify the source: "The kingdom you serve would sacrifice you the moment you fail them." Indeed, you "destroy" your adversaries and "win" wars, but at what price? For your so-called justice, how many lives are lost?

"Shen Takeda, are you really sure that what you're doing is correct?" Tetelyus went on. "You defeat your adversaries and win battles." However, are the people in your life really good? Are they your true pals?

Shen felt his thoughts becoming cloudy as he observed the reflections all around him. His mind replayed what the president had spoken. He was uneasy about the uncertainty Tetelyus evoked, even if he had complete faith in his allies.

"Are you collaborating with decent individuals? Or are you just following them mindlessly? Tetelyus inquired, sounding closer now. "Are things really going well for you? The Warlord died... your friend perished... And do you think your brother is telling the truth?

These inquiries caused Shen to clench his teeth. Tetelyus had one goal in mind: to make him mentally weaker. Shen struggled mightily to avoid sliding into this trap, but Tetelyus's abrupt motion just then caused a searing agony to shoot across his shoulder. The president had used a thin dagger to graze Shen's shoulder. Tetelyus backed away quickly, disappearing behind the mirrors.

Shen's thoughts were racing a moment later: Couldn't I simply destroy these mirrors and take away his advantage? He cast a quick glance at a tall panel next to him and visualized a single, powerful blow from his sword. However, he became aware that the entire labyrinth might collapse inward as his gaze followed the lines of metal bracing. There was too much chance of falling debris or of losing sight of Tetelyus. He thought grimly, "I might bury us both in shards if I break the mirrors and still not see him coming."

Tetelyus deftly dodged Shen's counterattack attempt, making fast use of the mirrors to get away. The president had moved to another corner before Shen could strike. Shen's assaults were useless because of his agility and the disorder in the room.

Tetelyus maintained his mental onslaught as he continued his attacks. He mocked, "Are you certain you're headed in the right direction, Shen?" Who are you trusting? You may be their pawn, even though you believe you are fighting for the kingdom. Shen Takeda, who are your real friends?

Tetelyus growled from behind a second mirror, "You speak of alliances and brotherhood, but Emporia crushed my homeland with the same words." I once shared your belief in a cause. Look at me now—one side is hunting me, the other is betraying me.

Shen sensed that Tetelyus's deceptive remarks were making him more and more confused. His attention was diverted by the dagger's constant, little but agonizing wounds. Tetelyus moved between the mirrors like a shadow, making it almost impossible for Shen to tell if he was attacking the real guy or a reflection.

With every tiny cut, Shen felt pain radiating from his shoulder, and his chest clenched with frustration. Is my sense of fairness preventing me from seeing the wider picture?

Shen inhaled deeply, trying to get his thoughts straight. Focus was the only way to get out of this mess. Remembering all the training and experiences that had brought him to this point, he stabilized his stance. He thought about his brother Geno, the friends he had lost, the conflicts he had faced, and the reasons he had persisted in his cause. He concentrated on muting Tetelyus's voice and attacking directly. Shen was prepared when the president came for another strike.
Shen saw the maneuver coming and used his sword to block Tetelyus's dagger.

Shen kicked the president hard as he tried to back away in shock. Tetelyus stumbled and collided with the big glass panels before him. With a tremendous crack, the glass broke, and the president fell to the ground, stunned. He was lying on the ground, looking anxiously at Shen.

Tetelyus spoke mockingly, albeit weakly, blood dripping from his mouth. He asked, "What are you waiting for?" "Complete me. Shen, the war has to cease.

Shen raised his blade gently as he stood over the president. Tetelyus gazed at him, terror of death shining in his eyes. But Shen's thoughts were clear now. Shen had found his inner belief again in spite of the president's machinations.

At that moment, Shen's mind whirled. He tried to shatter my spirit, caused so much turmoil, and killed so many people. But does taking his life really make things better? I'm no better than the despots we've faced if I become like him. His mind flashed to Felix's face. I have a duty to improve for the folks I've lost. It must be me who sets the boundary.

Shen spoke, lowering his blade. "I won't kill you." "However, you will be held accountable for your actions."

Shen's words caused Tetelyus to narrow his eyes in rage. He struggled to his feet, grabbed the dagger off the floor, and charged frantically at Shen. But then, out of the corner of the room, came Shin's brother, Geno. Geno swung his blade with lightning accuracy, slamming Tetelyus in the chest.

The president froze, taken aback by the unexpected assault. His breath caught, his eyes grew wide, and he fell to the floor. The president's eyes were filled with deathly horror as Geno stood over Tetelyus's lifeless body. Geno turned to Shen slowly.

With a tired but powerful voice, Geno declared, "Brother, the war is over."

Shen's emotions whirled as he gazed at his brother's sudden intervention. Despite his determination, he was saddened by the fact that the battle had once again ended in slaughter; he had hoped to bring Tetelyus to justice alive. The tremendous struggle between the Republic and the Kingdom had ended with Tetelyus's passing. They had prevented the start of a bigger conflict. Tension between the two countries was momentarily reduced by the president's passing.