A Monster or Brother

Tai woke up in his kingdom, his vision still hazy. As he sat up, he saw Sai sitting beside him.

"Did we win?" Tai asked, his voice weak.

Sai nodded. "Yeah, we won… because of you."

Amal crossed her arms. "And me too."

Shi chuckled. "Everyone played their part."

Tai took a deep breath, then looked at Sai. "The king… he's not dead, right?"

Sai hesitated before answering. "No, he's alive."

Amal frowned. "Why? I thought your army was supposed to kill him."

Tai shook his head. "I ordered them to capture him, not kill him."

Amal narrowed her eyes. "And why would you do that?"

Tai sighed. "Because I'm a king now. If my snakes killed him, it would spark a world war. I can't risk that."

Amal still looked frustrated. "Then how are we supposed to get rid of him?"

Tai's expression hardened. "Not 'we.' You guys will. I captured him to make peace. When he agrees to that… you can do whatever you want."

A heavy silence filled the room.

Then, Sai stood up. "I'm leaving."

Amal glanced at him. "Where are you going?"

"To talk to my brother."

The room went quiet as Sai walked away.

He made his way to the cell where Xei was being held. Stepping inside, he leaned against the bars and said softly, "Hey, brother."

Xei didn't look at him. His voice was cold. "I have no brother."

Sai clenched his fists. "I don't know what they did to you… but I am your brother. Your blood."

Xei finally turned, his eyes dark and empty. "No. A monster has no brother. No family. No blood."