The Price Of Revenge (Shou)

After a while, I opened my eyes in Karina's grandfather's workshop. Although I couldn't see the battle, we had won the war. I had gotten my revenge, but that wasn't all.

My wounds were bandaged and the open parts were covered with new metal. Karina's grandfather approached me uneasily and wanted to talk.

"Shou, you're awake, I didn't expect you to wake up for a while, but since you're awake, there's something I need to talk to you about," he said.

I knew the conversation wouldn't end well, but I listened.

"I'm listening," I replied.

"We managed to close your wound, but there was a problem with your metal suit. I had placed oxygen tanks on the back so you could breathe, but they were damaged during the battle."

"Can't you make a new one?" I asked.

"The problem isn't making a new one. The problem is that even if I do, your lungs can't take much more. And this metal armor won't keep you alive forever." he said slowly.

"How long do I have left?" I asked.

"It's hard to say. If you lead a quiet life, the tubes will keep you alive for about a year. The less effort, the more air you get. But if you get into a battle or push yourself, it could be the end of you."

"Does anyone know?" I asked.

"I haven't told anyone yet..." he replied.

I interrupted him to ask one last favor.

"Keep this a secret, especially from Karina. You've helped me so much and I can never repay you and this is the last favour I'll ever ask of you." I said calmly.

Karina's grandfather asked, "So what's on your mind?"

"I'd rather die in battle fulfilling my promise than die in silence," I replied. "With the others, I'll go after the fifth epic. That's what my master would have wanted. I've lived my whole life for revenge, but now I have a chance to change that. The Ninja bloodline is honorable and I have to show that to the people."

"I understand," he said. "I'll be here if you need me."

As I headed towards the door of the workshop, I turned to the old man before leaving and said, "Thanks again for everything. You and Karina have been my only family all this time, but now my friends need me. And if you see Karina…"

I didn't know what to say, but the old man supported me with his words.

"Don't worry," he said. "I'll say something."

I nodded to the old man and left the workshop to join the others. It had been a day since the battle ended and I had been unconscious for a day.

The princess was organizing a feast to celebrate our victory. Everyone was happy and the slaves were freed. The fourth king was thrown into the dungeon for life. In the evening, I had never seen anyone in the fourth kingdom so happy. After the battle, everywhere shone brightly and everyone's face showed happiness.

The stars seemed to shine differently that night. The locals were tolerant of people from other kingdoms and their descendants. Even though it was crowded outside, everyone was kind to each other.

Another thing that caught my eye was the prince of the second kingdom and Lezlie, apparently, Lezlie had forgiven him. I knew that the prince of the second kingdom was not a bad person and that he wanted victory just as much as we did.

I saw all my mates except Hiroshi, and they seemed to be having fun.

After a little wandering around, I realised that people were focused on one place. Everyone is waiting for the princess to speak. The Princess went up to the course and waited for silence before speaking.

"We have fought a great battle and destroyed the kingdom that my father and Yoresin's son founded," she said. "But we have also forged a bond between the kingdoms again. We have lost our best comrades in battle and suffered for a long time, but with the help of warriors and my uncles, we can rebuild our kingdom."

Everyone applauded and cheered at her words. She finished her speech by saying, "And I promise to do my best as queen of this kingdom."

The kings crowned Princess Yeli as the new queen and heir of the fourth kingdom. It was a logical move to have someone who loved the kingdom and its people as queen. No one objected and everyone was pleased with the news.

Hiroshi watched in silence as he burned his cigar. I think I was the only one who didn't offer condolences, so I approached him.

"I heard about what happened," I said. "I'm sorry for your loss."

"Thanks, Shou," he replied. "How are you?"

"I'm better," I said.

"I guess it was meant to be," he said.

"What do you mean?" I asked.

"During the war, even though he said he didn't want revenge…"

I recognized the feeling his brother was experiencing and finished Hiroshi's sentence.

"He attacked for revenge," I said.

"Yes, he did," Hiroshi replied. "But I could see the smile on his face before he died as if he was at peace."

"Even though I've dedicated my life to revenge, I don't regret what I did," I said. "Revenge may be bad, but doing the right thing isn't wrong. Your brother died knowing that."

"Thank you for your words, Shou," Hiroshi said. "But there's something I want to know. What do you want to do now that you've had your revenge?"

"You've shown me many things," I replied. "You've helped me get my revenge and made the people of my kingdom happy. It would be a shame to leave you at the end of the road."

Hiroshi seemed happy with my answer.

"I'm glad to hear it," he said.

I was quite happy to fight with them, but I was determined not to tell them the damage I had taken. Otherwise, I knew they would stop me.

All this time I thought I had learnt something of what my master had taught me, but after fighting back to back with my friends I realised exactly what my master wanted from me, so I was willing to fight to the end.