As Jin-Ho led his horse down the small road, the jungle seemed eerily quiet. Mist curled along the ground like the breath of something ancient, and twisted limbs loomed overhead. His heart was in turmoil, but the comforting weight of his sword at his side didn't help much.
He was aware of Yun Zhen's impending arrival. There would be no mercy or hesitation this time. He kept thinking about what Mei Lin had said: "One of you won't walk away."
Jin-Ho gripped the reins tightly. Jin-Ho would have met Zhen there and put an end to it had he taken this route.
An arrow burrowing into the tree next to Jin-Ho's head hissed through the air. The ambush was underway.
As assassins sprang out of the shadows, Jin-Ho leaped from his horse. Jin-Ho had his sword in his hand before the first man arrived, and their blades shone in the misty light.
It was a vicious brawl. Jin-Ho slammed his sword deep into an attacker's side after deflecting a blade that was headed for his throat. His training began to take effect, his focus unwavering, every movement exact.
His senses, however, were focused on one thing—Yun Zhen—even while he battled. Zhen was waiting for the right opportunity to attack somewhere amid the mayhem.
Jin-Ho saw him through the battle fog. Yun Zhen's dagger gleamed in the dim light as he stood at the edge of the clearing. The world appeared to quiet down around them as their eyes locked.
Zhen moved forward, his face a mask of icy determination, as Jin-Ho drew his blade. With a hushed voice, Jin-Ho declared, "This ends here."
Zhen gave a nod. "I understand."
Years of remorse, rage, and treachery drove each blow as their blades clashed in a ferocious dance. Nothing else could be said. Every swing was an unanswered inquiry, every action a dialogue: Why did you leave? How come you didn't stop me?
Zhen's arm was cut when Jin-Ho's blade got past his defenses. Zhen stumbled back, gasping for air. For an instant, Jin-Ho had the chance to win. He brought his sword up to strike the last blow
Then he came to a halt.
In addition to the defiance that flashed in Zhen's eyes, there was a glimpse of the youngster Jin-Ho had once referred to as brother.
Zhen, blood streaming from his wounds, murmured, "Do it." "Cease this."
Jin-Ho's hand quivered on his sword's hilt. Was he capable? Could he murder the one person who had been the most important in his life?
The sound of Kaida's voice came from the darkness. "Zhen, he's weak. Either finish him, or I'll.
Zhen's eyes glowed with sadness. He whispered, just loud enough for Jin-Ho to hear, "I already told you." "It's worth saving some things."
Zhen moved forward in one seamless motion, but instead of hitting Jin-Ho, he turned his sword on Kaida's archer, putting an end to the threat.
He lost everything in the process. With his strength depleted and the burden of the past bearing down on them both, Zhen fell to his knees.
Stunned by what had happened, Jin-Ho knelt next to him. Zhen's last deed was an act of redemption rather than treachery.
Zhen said in a barely audible murmur, "Live for something more." "Avoid becoming like me."
Then he vanished, disappearing into the fog.