Vengeance

There is a time, in one's life, when one needs to decide whether to run and hide or stay and fight. Turning the other cheek doesn't mean cowardice and fighting every battle doesn't mean bravery. The gray area between black and white is too blurred and unrecognizable that it is often overlooked.

What is worth fighting for?

Luhan stood on the field and silently stared at the sun rising over the mountain range. The smell of fresh grass and wildflowers tickled his senses. And as the wind blew, colorful flower petals swirled and twirled to its beat before disappearing towards the unknown. It was a breathtaking view. Peaceful. Calm.

As the light slowly crawled to illuminate the field, Luhan reluctantly turned away from the beautiful sight. After today everything will be different. Everything will change. Luhan never meant to go down this path. But as it always happens in life, nothing ever goes as planned.

Ever since virtual reality and reality merged, the world was never the same. And for some, living in the made up world is more convenient, preferable.

"It's really you!" A voice sounded not far from Luhan.

Luhan turned to the man and replied, "Yes, it is me."

He didn't come to talk. Luhan summoned his spear and without another word thrust the blade towards the man. The man was taken aback by his sudden action but immediately recovered and parried with his sword. Within seconds, the two were locked in a fierce battle.

Sparks flew as the blades collided. The first dozen moves were executed to test one another. But as time wore on, the exchanges grew more vicious, aggressive. And when the two separated, blood was dripping from the tip of Luhan's spear.

The man grabbed his shoulder to staunch the flow of blood and glared at Luhan. His angry gaze was mixed with disbelief and fear.

Years ago, Luhan was involved in an accident. A group of thugs dragged him on an alley to beat him up. The incident left him paralyzed and consigned to a wheelchair for the rest of his life.

The man before him was the instigator of the attack. Why? Jealousy. And because the man was from an influential family the incident was covered up and left cold.

Luhan didn't give the man a chance to get his bearings. He moved and launched another series of attacks. Luhan's spear flashed as he swiftly thrust and slashed at his opponent.

It was a one-sided beating and didn't take long for the man to fall, bloodied, on the ground.

Injuries sustained within the virtual world have certain repercussions in reality. But death, in either world, is the end. The only difference is, in the virtual world, there is no law, no prohibition, no limit.

In truth, Luhan could accept being paralyzed. He didn't mind that he lost his scholarship in school. He could ignore the fact that his family was oppressed into submitting to circumstance. Luhan could pass it all off as bad luck.

But on that gruesome day, Luhan lost more than the use of his legs. He lost more than an opportunity for a better life and his dignity.

As he pulled his bloodied spear from the man's chest Luhan tilted his head up and sighed, "One down, Rin..."

The end... or is it?