The council didn't forget.
Six months after the battle, Lady Ashara called for a formal reckoning. Inyocha Han former Shadow Weaver, former mass murderer, former architect of the Eclipse Engine would stand trial for his crimes.
Lee wanted to argue. Wanted to fight. But Inyocha stopped him.
"I have to do this," Inyocha said. "I have to face what I did. I have to accept the consequences."
"But you've changed! You helped save the world! You "
"I know." Inyocha put a hand on Lee's shoulder. "But that doesn't erase what I did. The people I killed. The families I destroyed. They deserve justice. Even if that justice hurts."
The trial lasted three days.
Witness after witness testified survivors of the Eclipse Engine, families of the victims, soldiers who had fought against Inyocha's demon armies. Their stories were terrible. Heartbreaking. True.
Inyocha listened to every one. He didn't defend himself. He didn't make excuses. He simply sat in silence, tears streaming down his face, and accepted.
On the third day, the council delivered its verdict.
"Inyocha Han," Lady Ashara said, her voice cold but not cruel, "you are guilty of crimes beyond counting. By the laws of the Great Nations, you deserve death. But the Great Nations are not the only voices in this room."
She looked at Lee. At Kira. At Taro. At Ren.
"The Light Bringer has asked for mercy. Not for you for the world. He says that killing you would be a waste. That you have more to offer in life than in death. That redemption is possible, even for monsters."
Inyocha's hands trembled.
"Therefore," Lady Ashara continued, "your sentence is this: life. Not in a cell in service. You will spend the rest of your days helping the people you hurt. Rebuilding what you destroyed. Healing what you broke. And if you ever ever return to the darkness, there will be no second chance."
Inyocha fell to his knees. "Thank you," he whispered. "Thank you. I won't let you down. I swear it."
Lady Ashara nodded. "See that you don't."
The trial ended.
Lee helped his brother to his feet.
"It's over," Lee said.
"No," Inyocha said. "It's just beginning."