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It was more than just a standoff. The two brothers had been at odds for centuries. They both had goals, albeit opposing ones.
Could this moment finally bring an end to this conflict? Which one would be declared the winner or the loser? And if their goals were achieved could it even be called a victory?
“I said, kill me.” The dark haired fox challenged. “That’s the only way for your woman to live.”
“You’re right. Dying now might be better than living a reckless life.” Yeon flipped the short sword in preparation of striking. Irritated and ready for this to be over.
Adrenaline rushed through Rang’s veins like ice. Grinning with excitement, he encouraged, “Do it.”
And in an instant the whole world changed.
The former mountain god had grown weary of these encounters. Why couldn’t his little brother comprehend what he had done back then instead of letting old wounds fester? He had hoped that by ignoring his outbursts and misdeeds that the half breed might finally recognize what he was trying to say.
But he should have known better. Should have realized words mean nothing without action and actions can convey more than words could ever express. Ignoring the problem may not have been the best decision. So it was with every intention he had planned to spin the blade and hit with the hilt. Unfortunately he misread the desperation in those dark eyes.
If you didn’t know better one might mistake the younger brother as older from the weariness in his eyes. Bone deep and constantly aching. How much can one person suffer? Is his pain not enough penance? Is his loneliness too simple for the crime of being born?
As if that wasn’t enough, the yoke he has borne since his youth on that fateful day still weighed heavily on his shoulders. Chains that bind him to evil. Suppression constantly pressing down, crushing any chance of breaking free. There was only one chance of release now. And he could only accept it from the only family he knew.
When they finally reached an agreement, he needed to ensure there would be no mistakes. He watched closely so the instant his brother twitched he was in motion. In less than a heartbeat the distance between them vanished.
Rang had sharpened the blade himself, thousands of times, in preparation for this moment. It sliced through flesh so easily that he barely felt it.
The brothers stood in shock, caught in the disbelief of what had occurred. For moments, the breeze swirled around them before the world came thundering down.
The younger gasped, agony flared across his chest, stealing his breath.
The older was trembling, a warmth spreading over his hand. A sensation he was all too familiar with. Unbidden tears filled his eyes, blurring reality. This was wrong, it shouldn’t be happening! Yet the labored breathing confirmed it.
“No.” The weight in his arms grew heavier. Too heavy. No longer the small child he had carried so long ago. Slowly, they sank to the ground. “No, nonononono.”
Leaning back, he refused to believe it unless he saw it with his own eyes. The crimson that flowed from the protruding blade revealed his worst nightmare. But what hurt more was the blissful gratitude on that young face. The relief palpable. How had he misjudged things so badly?
“Rang-ah,” he choked. No answer. “Why did you do that?” Still nothing.
With great effort, the half breed brought up his hand so he could see it. A phantom gold ring glowed before flittering away on a breeze. For one brief instant he felt free. Like he could dance on the wind too.
Such a beautiful release, he wanted to stay in this moment forever. Sky shining brightly above. The one person he admired, holding him. The only thing that could have made it better was the trees of their forest surrounding them. But he wasn’t picky, this was close enough.
His gaze shifted to the mountain god as his strength failed, dropping his hand. Still the expression of joy on his face was so contradictory to the blood seeping from his chest. It didn’t hurt anymore.
A hint of confusion flickered across his eyes. He didn’t understand why the powerful god was bawling and shaking his head. He wanted to reassure him that this was ok. But he no longer had the time or strength for lengthy sentences, a dark haze was quickly closing in on him.
Digging deep he managed to force his hand up once more. His fingers ghosting over the smooth skin of that handsome face. Giving a wan smile, he whispered, “thank you, hyung.”
Desperately grasping the hand to his cheek, the older man begged, “No, Rang-ah, don’t go. It can’t end like this. Not like this, please stay.”
“It’s better this way.”
“No! No, Rang-ah, I never wanted this. You can’t leave me.” And it was true. He had been frantically avoiding this outcome. Doing everything in his power to fend off the order. Even after all this time a part of him had continually sought to amend the failure to his duty when he spared his brother. The best way to prevent such an outcome was to stay as far away as possible.
And in one brief error of judgment he had fulfilled his obligation. Struck down the child he had reared. And lost his family.
“hyung, thank … yo….” The light faded from his eyes. Body went limp as the soul slipped away.
“No!” He shook the young fox, and got nothing. His heart split in two as he clutched the cooling body to him. Keening and wailing. The fire bright light that was his brother was gone.