Cre: SSF

THE POCKY GAME

"Jessica, I'm hungry!"

Jessica looked up from the book that she was reading to see a pouting Tiffany staring back at her with puppy dog eyes.

"Then go find something to eat." Jessica replied as she diverted her attention back at the book, irritated that she was disturbed from her reading.

"But I want some Pocky!" Tiffany whined as she tried to reach for the pink box sitting beside Jessica.

"Yah!" Jessica laid down her book to take the Pocky box and wrap it protectively in her arms.

"Don't you dare take my Pocky!" she glared at Tiffany. "It's mine!"

Tiffany only pouted cutely which made Jessica waver a little bit.

"Please Jessi? I'm really hungry!" Tiffany said as she batted her eyes with a pout like a cute puppy.

Aish! I can't give in to this girl. I always lose!

"No!" Jessica said firmly while she slapped her hand on the bed they were sitting on to emphasize her point.

"Why not? I just want a couple of pieces." Tiffany pouted.

Jessica shook her head. "The last time I gave you 'a couple of pieces', you took the whole box for yourself and left none for me!"

"But I can't help it! Stawberry's my favorite!" Tiffany reasoned out.

"Whatever!"

"But I'm your bestfriend, Jessi!"

"So? What's that got to do with anything?" Jessica scoffed.

"You're supposed to share things with me!" Tiffany whined.

"Well, did you share that last Pocky box with me?"

"..."

"See? Just go bother Sooyoung with something else to eat, Tiff. I'm pretty sure that shikshin has some food with her." Jessica said as she waved her hand in a dismissing manner and returned her attention to the novel while still clutching on to the Pocky.

"But I want some strawberry Pocky." Tiffany frowned.

Jessica sighed and faced Tiffany again. "You're not giving this up aren't you?"

Tiffany shook her head.

"Well too bad for you because neither will I."

"..."

"Fany-ah?"

"..."

"Tiffany?"

"..."

"Giving me the silent treatment huh?" Jessica asked.

"Hmp!" Tiffany scoffed and crossed her arms then turned around with her back facing Jessica.

"I see then." Jessica chuckled. "Alright, you go ahead and pout while I continue reading."

Jessica picked up the book and returned to the last page she's been.

After a few minutes of silence, a delicate finger rested atop the book and pushed it down slowly.

"Jessi..." Tiffany wisphered the name huskily into the latter's ear.

Jessica shivered as Tiffany's small breaths made contact with the sensitive shell of her ear.

Jessica gulped and looked at Tiffany who is kneeling in front of her while nearing her face.

"W-what is it?" Jessica stuttered.

Tiffany kept on closing in, their faces are only a few inches away. Jessica doesn't know why but her eyes unconsciously gaze at Tiffany's lips.

"Jessi..." Tiffany wisphered once again. "Give me some Pocky."

Then Tiffany uses her ultimate weapon to finish the job.

She used her aegyo.

It seemed to work because after conteplating for some time, Jessica finally gave in.

"Aish! Okay fine! What do you suggest that we do then?" Jessica asked.

"Hmm..." Tiffany thought for a while then snapped her fingers.

"I know! Let's play the Pocky Game!" Tiffany clapped happily.

Jessica blushed slightly and looked away, remembering the last time she and Tiffany played that game.

Tiffany took the box from Jessica's hands and ripped it open. She took out a piece and waved it around like a magic wand in her hand.

"First one to look away loses. Winner gets the box all to herself." Tiffany said as she shifted into a more comfortable position on the bed so that she would be facing Jessica.

Jessica does the same then grins slyly. "The whole box huh? Then prepare to lose Hwang Miyoung!"

Tiffany rolled her eyes, "Prepare to eat your words Jung Sooyeon!"

"Whatever! Let's just start already!" Jessica said impatiently.

"But there's one more rule left."

"What's that?"

Tiffany smirked, "No kissing."

Jessica's face blushed due to embarrassment.

"That was one time, Tiff! And it was an accident! Yuri pushed me!"

"Yeah, yeah. Whatever, Jung! Just keep your lips to yourself."

"But it was an acci-" Getting rather impatient and annoyed, Tiffany shoved one end of the Pocky stick into Jessica's mouth.

"We start on three." Tiffany said as she bit unto the other end of the Pocky.

"One,"

"Two,"

"Three!"

Then they both started nibbling the two ends slowly.

Jessica is concentrating hard on the Pocky stick while Tiffany seemed to be rather focused on something else...

Those lips...They seem more delicious compared to Pocky...

A few more nibbles and they were making their way towards the middle of the Pocky stick.

Jessica suddenly looked at Tiffany who was already staring deeply at her. Their lips were almost brushing against one another and they felt each other's warm breaths.

I can't help it. I have to taste those lips again!

Tiffany closed her eyes and suddenly closed the small gap left between them.

Jessica eyes grew in shock at the sudden turn of events. She was about to push Tiffany away but found herself slowly closing her eyes and kissing Tiffany back.

Their lips moved in sync, the Pocky stick already gone in their mouths. Then they had to pull back to gasp for the air they were lacking, then they stared at each other.

"I thought you said no kissing?" Jessica asked with a smirk.

Tiffany blushed then tried to look away but is held back by Jessica's gaze. "I did. But I had to get back at you somehow for that last time."

"Well, you lose. The Pocky is mine!" Jessica cheered with a triumphant grin.

"Yah! That's not fair! I just had to make things equal with you! I want a rematch!" Tiffany complained.

Jessica smiled slyly, "You want another round?"

Tiffany blushed again, "N-no!"

Jessica shrugged, "Okay. I guess this whole Pocky box is mine then."

"No!" Tiffany protested. "Okay fine! Let's do a rematch. I want that Pocky!"

"You sure it's not my lips that you want?" Jessica smirked and placed another Pocky stick in her mouth.

"Just shut up and play!" Tiffany scowled and took the other end of the Pocky.

22 Pocky sticks later...

"Aww Tiff! That was the last piece!" Jessica pouted as she threw away the empty box.

"Why? Did you want to kiss me again?" Tiffany smirked.

"No! Besides, it was YOU who kept kissing me! I just wanted to eat that Pocky!" Jessica sighed sadly.

"But you did get to eat them, Jessi." Tiffany chuckled. "By the way, thanks for sharing the Pocky, but I think I have a new favorite that I love tasting very much. Something better than strawberry Pocky."

"What's that?" Jessica asked.

"You."

Suddenly, Tiffany leaned forward and captured Jessica's lips with hers. Jessica eyes widened in surprise but she closes them slowly as she responds back, but pulls away slightly.

"Tiff, we're not playing the Pocky game anymore."

"We don't have to. Besides, that Pocky stick was always getting in the way."

Tiffany kisses Jessica again, more passionately this time. She placed an index finger on the latter's shoulder and pushes her slowly down to the bed.

"You definitely taste better than strawberry Pocky." Tiffany smiles within the kiss.

Useless

Chapter 1

"Do not ever fall in love."

The tall man whispered to the young girl kneeling on the floor, and warned again with a graver tone.

"In order to be the best, you must not have a weakness."

The girl motionlessly listened, and her bloody knuckles shook in the frigid air. Her gasps could be seen as white vapors, as she steadied her breathing.

The daily morning exercises always beat her to the floor, and her master never displayed sympathy to fragile form. He was shaping her to be the best, and expected no less as he ripped away her faults. Whatever was soft, he hardened, and whatever was dull, he sharpened.

She had been found alive in front of his dwelling one dark night, and he had debated on what to do. He was a sensible man, and knew that a baby - a baby girl - was something unmanageable to a lone man such as himself. But one look at the eyes crippled his logic and tore away his common sense.

He raised her with the help of the village women, and trained her in hopes of having her replace him one day. He was a bodyguard for the royal court, and was feeling the effect of old age slowly with each passing year. He needed a successor in securing the position left to him by his ancestors. The man was past the age of marriage, and the time served in the royal court disabled him in having a normal social life - this child was the answer to his future.

"Love makes one weak."

The girl shivered as a waft of wind blew across the bare forest grounds, and she weakly nodded to his caution. She got up and his keen eyes saw her bruised knees buckle under the strain. He placed a giant hand over the crown of her head, and felt her shake uncontrollably to the growing cold. He spoke in a melancholy voice.

"SooYeon."

She swallowed painfully in order not to stammer.

"Yes?"

An icy wisp of wind slipped through the tears in her clothing, and she tensed forcibly to resist a shudder. He stood an inch from her, but the whisper sounded a mile away.

"How many years has it been since you were found in front of my doorsteps?"

SooYeon gritted her teeth and tried to remember the last time he spoke of the date, and cleared her throat to answer.

"Thirteen."

---

[Six months later]

"She's Master Kim's disciple."

TaeYang whispered to SeungHyun with the back of his hand. SeungHyun nodded to the ounce of gossip, and watched a girl slice a thicket of bamboo rods cleanly into pieces. The two swords glinted and reflected light onto everyone watching the impressive demonstration, the head master clapped proudly. TaeYang whispered discreetly as the girl took a bow.

"Her name's SooYeon."

SeungHyun never asked for her name, but knew TaeYang said it for a reason. They both had no interest in girls, but were intrigued at the thought of having a female ally. TaeYang crossed his legs tightly together, and clutched at his left. He mumbled hopefully as SooYeon took a seat neatly at a corner.

"She might make it to the top with us."

The head master circled the sitting students and loudly exclaimed the news everyone knew.

"You are training here to be in the HwaRang! Only the best will be picked to be a part of it! The HwaRang will serve the royal court personally and be the pride of the army!"

---

"Hey!"

SooYeon felt a stab at her waist and turned from her training post to look behind her. Four boys stood holding wooden swords menacingly, and sneered at her blank look.

"Why don't you stop already? You're going to fail in the end, after all you're the only girl."

SooYeon ignored the taunt and resumed her stance before the man - made dummy in front of her. The tallest of the boys clenched his jaw and growled at SooYeon.

"I won't let a girl ignore - "

SooYeon looked back again to see SeungHyun lifting the boy by the collar of his uniform. TaeYang was barring the three others with his own silver staff. SeungHyun said his words in a calm tone, as the collar tore in his grip.

"Let's not pick needless fights."

The boy knew better than to argue with SeungHyun, and promptly took to running with the others once he was freed. SeungHyun turned to SooYeon with an apology.

"Not all of us are like that. That boy, SeungRi, just happens to be the worst of us."

TaeYang stuck out his hand when SooYeon made no response.

"I'm TaeYang, by the way. This is SeungHyun. We're also aiming to be part of the HwaRang like you."

SooYeon looked uncertainly at the hand, and hesitated for a second before accepting the shake. TaeYang gregariously chuckled and nudged SeungHyun as he continued shaking SooYeon's hand.

"Give her your hand too, SeungHyun!"

SeungHyun frowned at TaeYang's impulsive outburst, but warmly grinned as he offered his hand. SooYeon wore a puzzled frown but dropped her practice sword to the ground as she shook it. TaeYang couldn't help his cry.

"We're going to have so much fun together!"

---

[One year later]

"C'mon, SooYeon!"

"It's against the rules, and besides we could get caught."

"Trust me - last time there was no one, right, SeungHyun?"

SeungHyun squirmed in his position and tackled with his swords to not answer the question. SooYeon raised both her eyebrows and began stalking away to clearer grounds, leaving TaeYang and SeungHyun at the creek's bank. TaeYang whined and splashed his bow into the cold water's fast - moving current.

"C'mon, guys! Oh, fine, I'll just go by myself then, traitors!"

SooYeon watched in slight interest as TaeYang rolled up his pants and waded across the shallow water. SeungHyun sighed deeply and looked up to SooYeon beseechingly, she growled under her breath and went back to where he stood. They both crossed the chilling rapids, and followed TaeYang into the woods. TaeYang led the way with a triumphant grin and split obstructing branches with a swing of his arms, SooYeon simply flicked her wrist and let her swords do all the work. SeungHyun worriedly cast glances behind them, apparently uneasy with the whole situation.

"We're almost there! It's the best training ground, I promise!"

The trees were lessening and the road was becoming more barren, as they reached the end of the other side. TaeYang hopped forward and stood with his arms akimbo to the scene in front of him. The area was clear of all obstacles, no trees, no plants, no rocks, and best of all, no people.

"See! Great, right?"

SooYeon frowned and walked to TaeYang, not yet willing to agree with him. SeungHyun turned his head around slowly to check everything in sight. TaeYang twirled around and shouted at the top of his lungs.

"Let's start!"

---

"You could have killed me!"

"That's the point."

"Cold, SooYeon, just cold."

SooYeon shrugged and inserted her swords to the sheaths hanging on her back, unfazed with TaeYang's peeved glare. SeungHyun chuckled hoarsely as he evened his breathing while kneeling low on the ground. He spun his sword once in the air then sheathed it as SooYeon walked to a tree stump. He said to TaeYang with a wry smile.

"Looks like we still have a while until we get to SooYeon's level."

TaeYang brushed off the dirt on his clothes and picked up a broken arrow. He held it and threw his head back to cry out in frustration.

"I just made these too!"

SeungHyun bent over as well to collect the rest of the arrows and trudged to SooYeon, she inched a little to the left to allow him a seat on the stump. TaeYang looked pitifully at his split arrows and made his way to sit on the right of SooYeon.

"How's Master Kim, SooYeon?"

SooYeon stiffened to TaeYang's question, and replied curtly.

"Fine."

SeungHyun held his eyes to the ground. He heard from various sources of Master Kim's ailing health. TaeYang took no notice of the subtle change in SooYeon and jumped up from his seat.

"I wish we could just be part of the royal court already! I'm so sick of shooting arrows all day - I'm already the best! Why do I have to keep on shooting - "

"Shh!"

SooYeon threw TaeYang down to the dirt and laid on top of him, SeungHyun crawled next to the two bodies and listened attentively. SooYeon held her finger to her lips and swerved her head carefully, footsteps were approaching and a loud chatter accompanied.

"C'mon, MiYoung!"

"DaeSung, we shouldn't do this! Please, let's go back!"

"This is the perfect place to play, I promise! And there's no one! We can just be ourselves - you won't tattletale on us, right JiYong?"

"With all do respect, WangJaNim*, we should listen to GongJuNim**, and turn back."

"Nonsense! We're almost here - "

"DaeSung? DaeSung, what is it?"

"N - nothing, I just thought I saw something."

But there was no one on the field. DaeSung smiled and pulled MiYoung forward to the empty grounds.

"See! Great, right?"

---

"How long do we have to stay up here? C'mon, let's go back to the palace!"

TaeYang hissed under SooYeon's head - lock, she released him and he rubbed his neck furiously. SooYeon slowly positioned TaeYang's quiver on her back, careful in not making a noise, and tucked the bow under a free arm. She kept her eyes on the distant figures below them and whispered to SeungHyun.

"You can go back with TaeYang, I'll stay here for a while."

SeungHyun gave a brief nod and clamped a hand over TaeYang's mouth before he could ask or protest. He managed a whisper to SooYeon before nimbly jumping down the tree's branch.

"I'll save a spot for you at the meal table."

SooYeon watched as he deftly grabbed on to the tree limbs, and swung away with TaeYang over his shoulder. She reverted her gaze to the people on the ground.

DaeSung strode over to MiYoung and announced miserably.

"MiYoung, your crown's better than mine."

MiYoung gawked at DaeSung's statement and pulled back from his creeping hand.

"What are you talking about? You're the WangJa - yours should be better!"

"But yours is lighter and better for playing outside - let's trade!"

"What? No! Stop reaching for it! JiYong, stop him!"

"Please stop, WangJaNim."

JiYong's soft warning fell on deaf ears as MiYoung and DaeSung began running around the tree stump. MiYoung desperately clutched onto the petite crown on her head, while DaeSung flailed his arms in an attempt to snatch at it. They stopped all movement, however, when they heard a rustle in the bushes next to them.

"D - DaeSung, what was that?"

"I guess this is a sign to go back..."

All three nodded to DaeSung's suggestion and slowly made their way back into the forest entrance. SooYeon watched from atop and smirked when an argument broke out.

"DaeSung, we're lost, aren't we?"

"No, we're not!"

"Yes, we are! I know that face of yours, and it means we're lost!"

"M - maybe..."

"This is why I can never properly address you, my respect for you falls each day."

"THAT'S MEAN!"

"WE'RE LOST - "

An arrow whizzed past them and struck a tree on the right. JiYong silently stalked up to the arrow and looked around warily.

"It seems we are not alone - "

Another arrow flew ahead of him and caught onto a hanging branch. SooYeon hopped over to an adjacent tree and pulled back the string to her bow. She muttered under her breath.

"Follow the arrows."

The three people on the ground watched steadily and stayed in their positions. MiYoung spoke in a hushed whisper.

"I think... I think the arrows are pointing us in the right direction."

DaeSung bobbed his head in agreement and watched as a succession of arrowheads marked a pathway out of the forest. He looked up into the air and tried to scout the origin of the shooter.

"The arrows are coming from different places, maybe there's more than one person up there."

"WangJaNim, I suggest we hurry out of here quickly - "

MiYoung yelled at the top of her lungs.

"MR. SHOOTER? COME DOWN, PLEASE!"

SooYeon narrowed her eyes and shook her head to the bellowing words.

"WE JUST WANT TO REWARD YOU FOR HELPING US - WE'RE OF THE ROYAL COURT!"

"GongJuNim! WangJaNim! Please, we must go!"

"MiYoung, we should go."

"Oh, fine..."

---

"Where were you? Your food's cold now."

SooYeon eased herself into the bench and lifted the spoon in her bowl. TaeYang eyed her worriedly while SeungHyun waited for an answer.

"I was just fixing something."

TaeYang piped up frantically.

"That reminds me! Could I have my bow and arrows now? You have them, right? Thanks - WHERE'S ALL MY ARROWS?"

"Quiet, I'll retrieve your arrows tonight."

---

"TaeYang, that pansy. Can't he just make some more arrows? What's so hard about whittling these sticks? That pansy."

SooYeon huffed and plucked an arrow off a tree's trunk. She was about to unscrew the last one, but froze rigidly, as she felt a presence behind her.

"So it was you."

SooYeon spun on her heels, and stared as MiYoung approached timidly.

"I - I was hoping to meet you. I knew you'd come back for the arrows."

SooYeon bent one knee and bowed until the strands of her hair touched the dirt floor. Her palms scratched onto small pebbles as she slid them in front of her lowered head.

"Gongju - "

SooYeon felt a hand on top of her shoulder, she unknowingly clenched her teeth and held her breath. A gentle voice instructed her.

"Lift your head."

SooYeon did not listen and instead kept her forehead low to the ground. The voice commanded again in a kinder tone.

"Lift your head, I'd like to see your face clearly."

SooYeon hesitantly tilted her chin and slowly brought up her face. She blushed at the smiling girl and gave a quick glance to the hand on her shoulder, she was not used to such physical contact, warm and non - threatening.

"Are you by chance training for the HwaRang?"

"Yes... GongJuNim"

SooYeon felt awkward with all the formality and MiYoung saw it in her eyes.

"You don't have to address me as such. What's your name?"

"SooYeon... GongJuNim"

"SooYeon, thank you for today."

"It is our duty to keep you safe... GongJuNim."

"Don't not call me that. It is an order."

MiYoung gave a wide smile, and requested softly.

"Could you take me back? I think I'll get lost again without all the arrows."

"Yes, of course."

"SooYeon?"

"Yes?"

"I'd like it if you could play with us. DaeSung and I get really lonely."

SooYeon grimaced at the way MiYoung slanted her eyebrows hopefully, and jerked her head to the right.

"It would be improper for a mere servant to play with you."

"But you're not just a servant, and that's also why I'm requesting you to keep all this a secret."

"I - "

"Please?"

SooYeon grinned and stated lightly.

"I cannot refuse an order."

MiYoung smiled broadly.

"I order you to play with us."

---

[Nine years later]

"This is where the WangJa and GongJu were seen last."

The queen laid down her hand over the piece of parchment and spoke gravely.

The map had an enlarged black cross painted on a network of fine lines with blurred instructions. A servant rolled up the sheet of paper and handed it to a masked individual. The mysterious stranger accepted the scroll and tucked it away safely inside a black pouch.

The queen's icy voice burned the room's numbed state.

"I understand that you might not want to do this, but you must remember that they killed the king. We are all about to head into war, and we cannot have them joining the enemy. Who knows what kinds of secrets they will spill to the Seo Kingdom."

The queen thinly smiled and stood up from her seat. Everyone bowed and touched their heads to the floor, as she took lengthy steps forward. She stopped before the individual with the devil - horned mask and spoke pleadingly.

"You are the best in the HwaRang with swords. I trust you will get the job done. You need to kill them."

The stranger rose up gracefully, and took off the snarling mask.

"It shall be done."

SooYeon replied coolly.

Chapter 2

"SooYeon?"

SooYeon tugged the black cloth over her mouth down with an index finger, and lowered it to her chin. She cupped her mask and looked through its empty eyeholes. Distant footsteps came her way and SooYeon crouched low before jumping up onto a roof's slanted corner. She balanced her footing and stopped her sword from swaying on her belt. She covered her face once again with the mask, as she grabbed the hilt of her sword.

"SooYeon?"

JiYong.

SooYeon remained mute and watched JiYong approach and stand below her. He was scanning the grounds and spoke in a hushed voice.

"Are you all right?"

"I'm up here."

SooYeon released her thumb from her sword's hilt, and tilted it back to its position. She grabbed the edge of the roof and silently jumped to the ground. JiYong commented lowly on her mask.

"It really does make you look frightful."

SooYeon shrugged and controlled her breathing behind the mask, she held out her hand to him. JiYong looked then sighed wearily, as he produced a dart from within his sleeve.

"It's to paralyze them."

The black needle glinted in the bright sunlight, and SooYeon tucked it away carefully into her belt.

"I probably won't need to use it."

"SooYeon?"

"Hm?"

"I don't want you to use it."

SooYeon looked to the dim horizon, and heard a few crows caw from towering trees. JiYong desperately whispered.

"The GongJu - we played together as children. Remember?"

Sometimes it helped to have a cover over your face. SooYeon faced JiYong with the mask's delighted snarl and bitterly smiled as she lied effortlessly.

"I don't remember."

"SooYeon?"

SooYeon was about to walk away, but stopped to look at JiYong. He fretted with the tassel by his sash, and used his last resort.

"SeungHyun and TaeYang wouldn't have wanted this."

SooYeon bit her tongue and pressed it to the roof of her mouth, she hated hearing their names. JiYong couldn't see the anger behind the mask, but saw the way in which her fingers tensed visibly.

"Don't talk about them as if they're dead."

"Y - you're right, they could still be alive."

SooYeon dug her teeth into her lower lip, and roughly turned away from JiYong. She crossed a rocky bridge hanging over a stream, and asked JiYong calmly, all hints of anger gone.

"You're planning to come with me, aren't you? Whether or not, I invite you?"

JiYong answered sternly.

"You can't stop me."

"You'll be a burden."

"With my skills in medicine, I'm actually more of a help than burden. I don't think I need to remind you that I'm at the top of my division."

SooYeon replied dully.

"You don't."

She slid the mask up and directed a cold glare to him.

"You don't think they killed the king?"

His reply was defiant and stubborn.

"No, I truly don't, and I also know SeungHyun and TaeYang would have agreed with me."

SooYeon pulled down her mask and played with its metal edges.

"In the end I'm just a servant, I live to follow orders."

JiYong controlled the waver in his voice.

"You have feelings too."

---

"Ready?"

SooYeon fastened the straps to the saddle on her horse, and hopped on her right foot to mount it. JiYong struggled with controlling his horse, but readily lined behind SooYeon as he nodded solemnly.

"It'll be a long journey, but we'll reach the place in a few days with a steady speed."

She petted the mane on her horse, and its ears flicked to the right as she kicked lightly at its side. JiYong did the same and accommodated his body to the jumbling steps. He brought up one hand to adjust his slipping hat, and wrapped his other hand on the reins.

"You know what I remember?"

SooYeon did not ask, and JiYong answered his own question with sobriety.

"I remember that time you got a scrape on your shoulder."

---

"You should break your falls better, SooYeon."

SooYeon gritted her teeth as she held onto MiYoung. Her shoulder had hit the ground first, and she knew there would be blood. JiYong went down the muddy slope and helped MiYoung into an upright position, while SooYeon used her legs to push her body up from the ground. The seam to her sleeve had ripped and her blood spread quickly, turning her black uniform even darker. MiYoung sucked in her lips with guilt.

"I'm sorry."

SooYeon cocked her head, and was intrigued at the apology.

"You don't need to say things like that. I'm supposed to protect you."

"You still got hurt. I should have been careful, and not go near the slope."

SooYeon shrugged and stated flatly.

"As long as you're fine."

They all climbed up the hill, and SooYeon went over to a rock. She sat down on it and further inspected her injury. MiYoung sat down next to her with furrowed eyebrows, her lips twitched with forming apologies, but in the end only came up with a whine.

"I hate these nails."

SooYeon looked to MiYoung's hands. Ten long nails, each on a finger, hung dauntingly. MiYoung daintily held her arms up and scowled as the long black claws shined. SooYeon spoke in a mild tone.

"It's to ensure that you don't have to do anything though, isn't it? It's the reason why you have servants everywhere."

"I know... but I can't do 

anything

. I can't play, eat, or even go out of a room by myself."

MiYoung whined and carefully laid out her hands to her sides. The nails were three inches long and made of metal, MiYoung had been forced to wear them just recently. She closed her eyes and spoke sullenly.

"I wish I could use swords like you, or even shoot an arrow like TaeYang. All I do every day is memorize dead people's names and our kingdom's history."

SooYeon smirked to the irked reply, and unsheathed a sword on her back, she swung it in front of MiYoung and stated gently.

"You could never kill anyone."

MiYoung's eyes opened and she swung her head to SooYeon.

"Have you killed anyone before?"

"No."

MiYoung gave a small frown and used her nails to lower the sword in SooYeon's hand.

"You're not a killer either."

She woefully looked to the bleeding patch on SooYeon's shoulder, and gingerly flicked off the excess dirt around the wound with a nail. SooYeon felt her shoulders raise to the invading touch, and withdrew from the caring gesture.

"Will it leave a scar?"

"It might if I don't apply some medicine onto it."

SooYeon tugged her uniform's collar and covered her exposed shoulder from MiYoung's touch. She was grateful for DaeSung's intrusion.

"MiYoung, we have to go back, and learn about old geezers now!"

---

"The GongJu has gotten really fond of you."

SooYeon raised her eyebrows to SeungHyun's remark but kept her focus on her sword, she was brandishing it with a white rag. SeungHyun commented dryly.

"I'm just worried that you might get into trouble."

SooYeon lifted a corner of her lips, and nodded in appreciation. She put the sword to her side and straightened her posture. A shout from afar made them both turn their heads.

"Don't waste your breathe, SeungHyun! SooYeon sticks to the rules, but she also does what she wants in the end!"

TaeYang came thundering down, and flung himself onto a chair. He stretched his arms into the air, and yawned shamelessly.

"Besides it's better for us if SooYeon gets on the GongJu's good side."

SeungHyun pondered out - loud.

"Why is that?"

"SeungHyun, we agree that SooYeon is the best, right?"

"Right."

"And we also agree that the best should go to the WangJa, right?"

"Right."

"Which would leave us - the second best - to the GongJu, right?"

"Right."

"But if we're given to the Gongju..."

TaeYang looked around and whispered discreetly.

"Then we have to become eunuchs..."

SeungHyun's mouth dropped and he hung it in morbid realization. TaeYang picked himself up from the chair, and pointed with his index finger to SeungHyun.

"That's why we have to let SooYeon get closer with the GongJu! So that the GongJu will beg the WangJa for her!"

SeungHyun nodded gravely and clapped a hand over SooYeon's back. He spoke seriously.

"Do you think the GongJu's going to pick you?"

SooYeon got up from her seat and made her way to the practice grounds.

"I don't care who she picks."

---

"SooYeon?"

SooYeon glanced over her shoulder to see MiYoung tagging along helplessly. She furtively glanced around and scurried to SooYeon, there was a white package in her hand. SooYeon pulled her sword away, and kept it behind her as MiYoung neared.

"I got you this. JiYong says it's the best in treating scars."

MiYoung held the package out with both hands and beamed at her. The nails were spread so as to not tear the parcel.

"Hurry, and put it on."

SooYeon's words were heavy.

"You shouldn't do such things for me. You might get caught."

MiYoung was hurt by the cold advice, and the package drooped in her hands. She gave a sidelong glance to SooYeon and weakly chuckled.

"Sorry..."

SooYeon stepped forward while holding her sword to the right. She whispered to MiYoung.

"I did not mean to be so ungrateful. I apologize."

MiYoung shook her head violently, and inched closer to the sword - carrying girl.

"No, I should take your advice - it'd be bad if I were caught."

SooYeon's eyes softened, but she suppressed a smile from appearing on her face. She took the gift into her free hand, and said her words clearly.

"Thank you, I'll use it well."

An appeased smile broke across MiYoung's face. 

---

"You were thinking of the past, weren't you?"

There was confidence in JiYong's voice.

"You haven't forgotten, I know you haven't. The GongJu really took to you when we were young."

SooYeon twisted the reins in her hands and urged her horse faster. JiYong forced his horse to trot in the same speed.

"You - "

"It's a long journey, I would conserve on energy if I were you."

Her words held no malice, but JiYong realized SooYeon had meant for the conversation to stop. Light rained down as distorted shapes while they passed through tall trees and shifting clouds. SooYeon was enjoying the scenery, the fresh air always made things easier.

"JiYong."

JiYong perked his head at the soft reply, and hastily sputtered his words.

"Y - yeah?"

SooYeon maneuvered her horse around a bush and looked down as she spoke.

"I never wanted to kill her."

JiYong immediately brightened up and a smile lit his face. Her next words quickly dampened the mood.

"But I'm still going to go through with this mission."

He pressed his lips together, and bit down on his tongue. She whispered as she held her head higher.

"I need to get answers too."

---

"It's been a while since I've felt rain."

"Sorry, we had to go through it if we wanted to reach our destination in time."

SooYeon tied her horse to a high branch, and began picking up the abundant wooden limbs scattered on the floor. JiYong cowered under a tall tree, and fastened his horse to a branch lower than SooYeon's, he crossed his arms tightly and shuddered.

"I wonder if we'll be able to predict the weather one day."

"That'd be a luxury."

"It'd be amazing."

"It would. Could you search for a bird's nest?"

"Why?"

"They're good in starting fires. See if any are on top of a tree, try to get a dry one."

JiYong nodded, and tilted his head back. There was one lone and empty nest resting by a branch high on the left. JiYong rubbed his palms and mustered up a grin.

"I guess I should get it."

"If you can."

SooYeon trudged forward and dropped a stack of lumber onto the ground. She wiped her hands and stepped on the tree's roots.

"I think I would be better suited for this job, but I need to gather the wood before it rains any harder."

JiYong smirked and started up the tree's bark, he wheezed out a response as he began clawing his way up.

"How hard... could this be?"

SooYeon ignored the question and turned away in search of more dry wood. She heard JiYong grunt and pant his way up the tree. All seemed to go well until she heard a sharp crack. JiYong was hanging desperately onto a broken tree - limb, his weight pulled at its snapped hinge, and he began falling helplessly. SooYeon threw the collected pieces aside, and rushed to him. She managed to catch his body, but immediately fell on her back to his impact. She bit back a cry when a twig poked and scratched her arm.

---

"Wait here while I try to find the proper herbs for your arm."

"It's still raining. Don't be stupid, it was hard enough in making this shelter. We only need to travel a couple of days more to reach the destination."

SooYeon snagged at JiYong's shirt and pulled him back. He swatted her band and forced his way to the shelter's entrance.

"You're on a mission here, and it's my fault you got this cut. I should at least treat it for you. What good am I otherwise?"

SooYeon fingered her bandaged forearm and watched sadly as JiYong exited. The raindrops continued strumming their patterns onto the shelter's top, and SooYeon lulled deeply into sleep with their beats.

---

SooYeon woke up to a rustle, sensing that it was JiYong, she kept her eyes closed. She thought differently, however, when the being crept closer to her. A warm air was blowing on her cheek and SooYeon felt delicate hands touch her injured arm. The hands were doing a hasty job and the fingertips were trembling as they unwrapped the thin cloth. SooYeon opened her eyes to slits, and counted to three before roughly pushing the other person to the ground.

"Wait, please!"

SooYeon had already stopped, and was instead staring in shock. It had been quite a while, and changes had occurred, but the face was the same.

"You... how are you here? It was reported that you would be much further. Where is the WangJa?"

MiYoung lowered her arms from her face and weakly smiled. She no longer wore a dress but was adorned in a peasant's attire, her hair braided and in a single tail. SooYeon clenched her hands into fists, but listened to her plea.

"I - I need your help."

SooYeon shut her eyes and ducked her head.

"You've come to the wrong person for that. I'm here on an order."

"Please! You need to listen - "

"I'm to kill you."

MiYoung gravely shook her head and said the words sternly.

"The queen must have ordered you to do so."

SooYeon released her fists, and the loose clothe on her arm fell to the floor.

"I'm sorry for this."

"You're not going to kill me."

SooYeon flinched at the words and glared at MiYoung.

"What makes you say that?"

"You're not a killer."

SooYeon kept the hard stare.

"I've killed many while you were away."

"But you would never kill me."

MiYoung picked up the bandage and slowly started wrapping it on SooYeon's arm.

"I didn't mean to unwrap it, but I was worried about your injury and wanted to see it."

SooYeon turned her face away and whispered.

"I need to know the truth."

"You don't think we did it?"

SooYeon felt MiYoung gently tie the ends. She didn't shy away when MiYoung rested a hand firmly on her arm, and she said the words with assurance.

"You could never kill anyone."

Chapter 3

[Present]

"What do you remember of that night?"

SooYeon interrogated MiYoung and waited for an answer.

"N - nothing..."

"Why? How can you remember nothing?"

"I wasn't conscious when everything happened. I just remember entering a room to gather with my father and brother, and then nothing else..."

"You don't remember anything unusual? Anything concerning the Wang?"

"No... we were just talking and I suddenly started to get drowsy - I tried to meet you that night..."

MiYoung fluttered her hands and regained her breath to explain more.

"I had no idea of what happened with my father, I got the news through the village I was at - "

"A lot more happened on that night - "

Something fell with a soft thud behind them.

"What..."

JiYong stood in disbelief as the sight of the GongJu's smile greeted him at the shelter's front, what took him back further was her plain clothes. An exotic plant lay at his feet and he inched closer to them.

"I am seeing right, yes?"

He checked SooYeon's face for a sign of assurance, but the other girl busily freed the reins on her horse and hopped onto its back. She slipped on her mask from a pouch hanging on her horse's saddle, as MiYoung awkwardly ran to her and got in the way.

"Where are you going - "

"I need to reexamine the area. You could have left tracks for others."

She tapped her heel against the horse's rear and galloped away before MiYoung or JiYong could utter a complaint.

---

[Past]

"You were not at today's practice."

SooYeon was mum and swiftly wiping the floor grounds in guilt. The severity of her master's tone made her scurry to the foot of the entrance, hoping her legs would somehow slip out of the tense room.

"What is that inside your pouch?"

SooYeon cringed and cursed inwardly, one more step and she would have avoided the question. Perhaps it was inevitable to be asked though. She slowly turned her neck and lowered her gaze in discomfort. Her pouch rested in the side of the room under a small table. Her master continued to interrogate her.

"I saw you walk in with a limp last night, and the pouch is fuller than it was a day before."

He opened his eyes and directed his stare at her.

"Where were you last night, and why do you have a limp?"

SooYeon clenched her jaw and recited the lie in her head, before speaking it.

"I was practicing near the waterfall, and I happened to slip into the stream. I was there collecting some herbs."

SooYeon grabbed inside the pouch and revealed a brown plant root. Her master did not blink, but instead his eyes fell to the rip on her pants' right leg. The rip stretched from her ankle to her knee. He nodded once and said his warning before letting go.

"Remember my first warning: Never fall in love."

---

"Good thing you were able to cover your alibi. I never would have guessed that the herb JiYong had given you would serve as an excuse."

SeungHyun examined the rip on SooYeon's pants and offered the new set of clothes as she went behind a tree. He chided her gently as he caught a piece of clothing she threw carelessly into the air.

"You shouldn't tear your clothes though."

"I was running out of excuses."

SeungHyun shrugged and caught another article of clothing as TaeYang came running to them. He spoke to SooYeon first as she emerged from behind the tree, fully dressed in her new attire.

"Are you going to see MiYoung today?"

"TaeYang, you should address her properly!"

"What? Don't be so uptight, SeungHyun! SooYeon doesn't address her properly either!"

"That's because she and the GongJu share a special friendship - "

"If you ask me, I think it's more than just a 

special

 friendship."

"WHAT DO YOU WANT, TAEYANG?"

TaeYang snapped his head back to SooYeon's outburst and smiled mischievously.

"I just wanted to know if you could, you know, mention our names if you guys ever happen to talk about the HwaRang?"

"You two will get in if you try hard enough. I have to go now."

TaeYang flicked his hand to the side and offered a smirk full of comprehension.

"Can't wait to meet the GongJu that much, eh? Hey, are you blushing - "

"Shut - up."

SooYeon was already facing her back to TaeYang and walking away, she started a light jog at hearing TaeYang's comment.

"You might want to hide your bright red ears before meeting her!"

---

"Why are you covering your ears today?"

They were at their secret meeting place, the place both TaeYang and DaeSung had first discovered while venturing beyond the palace fields.

"It's getting colder these days."

SooYeon tugged on the cloth and tightened the milky shawl around her neck, it settled around her shoulders and covered her mouth. She averted her eyes and cursed at the memory of TaeYang's shout. MiYoung raised her eyebrows at SooYeon's uneasy silence and edged closer to her.

"Well it's good you're protecting yourself from the cold."

SooYeon softened her eyes and gently pushed MiYoung to the back, and led her down a set of snowy steps. The winter iced the leftover dew from the morning, and made everyone take cautious measures while walking. She made sure to focus on the ground while maintaining her hold on MiYoung's hand, until a thumb slid and caressed her calloused palm. SooYeon stopped in mid - step and thanked the heaven above for her shawl, because nothing could have prevented the blush emitting from her face.

"SooYeon..."

She heard MiYoung move past her, and go down the final step, hand still tightly wound in hers. 

"It's good that you're keeping yourself warm, but..."

MiYoung slid the back of her finger down SooYeon's cheek and nestled it on the scarf. The wind picked up a slight breeze and sliced through her cheek, but all SooYeon felt was how MiYoung's breath soaked onto her face.

"We had our first kiss a month ago. Our last one was a week ago..."

SooYeon squeezed her eyes shut at the whisper and listened to the wavering tone, MiYoung didn't have to say she was impatient to get the point across to her.

"And I've been waiting for another one..."

SooYeon opened her eyes to see below a shaky grin and a pleading stare. They've been standing for some time, and yet MiYoung's breath on SooYeon's cheek radiated warmth.

"Couldn't I... couldn't I get another one?"

MiYoung looked at her with half - lidded eyes and her lips came together to a small part, mouth soft and red from the cold. Her fingers slowly pushed down the wrapped cloth around SooYeon's neck, and exposed her nervous face completely. SooYeon heard her master's voice in the back of her head, she would have to go see him again and offer yet another lie, commit another sin because of her indulgences. She pulled MiYoung forward, and thought back to all the years of her rigorous training, none prepared her for this kind of a challenge. She lowered her mouth and set it to MiYoung's cheek, opened it as she slid it to MiYoung's lips, her eyes fluttered closed as she pushed her tongue in. SooYeon liked kissing, she liked more the thought of sharing it with someone like MiYoung, but she didn't like how it tormented her. They would start like this, then end up panting for air, MiYoung would want to continue, and as always she would have to refuse. Because SooYeon felt MiYoung deserved someone better, and MiYoung never understood why.

"MiYoung..."

SooYeon tried to pull back only to have the other girl force their lips together again, unwilling to accept an end to their intimate act. She felt fingertips dig into her uniform and weigh her ams down as MiYoung captured her upper lip, she gasped at the tongue that curled against hers tenderly.

"We should stop..."

MiYoung gave a soft whine when SooYeon firmly pulled her face away. Hesitation flickered for a moment in her gaze, but SooYeon took MiYoung's hands and pushed them down to her sides.

"We... we should be more careful."

SooYeon neatly tucked in a single strand of hair behind MiYoung's right ear, and looked away from the pleading eyes.

"Let's head back before they start questioning your disappearance. Your advisors almost caught us last time - "

"W - we don't have to hurry back! Last time they thought I was playing in the snow because of your uniform. You look like snow..."

MiYoung happily tugged on the white uniform specifically made for SooYeon in the winter. It was to have the HwaRang be better disguised and untraceable, but so far, SooYeon had been using it for other purposes rather than attacking enemies. It made her invisible to everyone except to those within the HwaRang who had trained their eyes to such stealth. It also surprisingly could not fool MiYoung, who sought and found SooYeon whenever they played in the vast white grounds.

She went down the staircase and walked toward the palace walkway when MiYoung called out to her.

"SooYeon!"

SooYeon stopped and glanced over her shoulder. MiYoung stood with a struggling smile, a person with her status would never beg like this - her ancestors would have been appalled and insulted - but this was what she wanted most in life: SooYeon's love. Begging would be a small price. She asked in a relatively pitiful voice.

"Meet me here tonight?"

---

"Why don't you go?"

"Because it isn't right."

"Says who?"

"Everyone around us."

TaeYang snorted and locked his elbow in place as he drew back an arrow on his bow. He let it go and they watched it strike a tree some hundred meters away. He picked up another one in the quiver on his back and prepared to shoot it. SooYeon rested her chin on her hand as he talked.

"We approve of it - DaeSung too. He's WangJa, you know. Shouldn't that account to something?"

"It's not that easy."

"How can it be any harder? You like her. She obviously likes you. Her brother, the future Wang, approves. How can it be any harder?"

"It's... more than just that."

TaeYang released the taut string and it plucked a low hum as he asked almost angrily.

"How?"

SooYeon sighed through her nose and her shoulders rolled back, unable to carry atop her weariness. Her fingers subconsciously glided over her lips, slightly chapped from MiYoung's winter kiss.

"She's of royal blood, and I'm just - "

"The future - top - HwaRang."

"That doesn't qualify me of royal status."

"It qualifies you to be side - by - side with them. I think that's something for a person who started off with nothing."

TaeYang slung his arrow back and removed his hand to have it shot and crack through the arrow shot prior, he turned his head to look sternly at SooYeon.

"You guys deserve each other."

---

"You are not allowed within these perimeters."

SooYeon swallowed and heedlessly nodded, she turned on her heels to walk away, but DaeSung's voice rang out to the guards.

"Let her in! She's allowed!"

He came stomping to her with a wide smile full of happiness as SeungHyun and JiYong trailed behind him, arms full of board games and weapons. DaeSung wildly pointed to a distant meadow in the view behind them and exclaimed hastily.

"I was just about to go hunting with SeungHyun and JiYong for ducks - what are you here for? Want to join?"

SooYeon stumbled back and apologetically smiled at the WangJa.

"Forgive me, but I am actually here for - "

"Oh!"

DaeSung winked and smugly rubbed his chin as he spoke.

"You're here for MiYoung. I should have known. She's at the end of this hall in the middle of a lesson, but wait outside as it'll be over in a matter of minutes."

DaeSung then ran off with a wave as the other two boys breathlessly followed him. SeungHyun looked back long enough to give SooYeon a helpless smile. She read the silent words he formed with his lips.

Go make her happy, SooYeon.

---

"That is correct."

A brush slid across paper, and SooYeon heard the wet paint wipe off the dry parchment. She crookedly grinned with satisfaction at the thought of MiYoung getting an answer correct, maybe harbor a bit of pride along with it. The door was screened with white rice - paper, and through the little wooden square framework, SooYeon saw two shadows sitting and working. One with a desk and instructing with a finger in the air, the other with her head held down and writing diligently. SooYeon strained her ears and heard the quiet breathing of MiYoung, it was even and deep, no signs of stress apparent.

"GongJu."

SooYeon watched as MiYoung held her head up uncertainly and rest her brush aside. She asked her instructor politely, SooYeon knew the smile she was wearing, insincere but courteous.

"Yes?"

"I heard you refused to meet with the Wang from the Joh kingdom."

SooYeon felt cold goosebumps run down from her head to the end of her spine. She had heard about talks of the Kwon kingdom, she now realized why the invitation was sent.

"I did."

MiYoung's voice did not waver but SooYeon heard the barely audible quickening of her breath.

"GongJu, if I may..."

"Go ahead."

"But I think it would be wise to at least meet with him, I heard he is a good ruler as well as young for his age."

Suddenly SooYeon felt intrusive, she shouldn't keep listening but running now would only prove to be stupid.

"I heard that as well, but I just do not have an interest for marriage right now."

"Your father, the Wang, was quite upset over it."

"I'm sorry, did he make his wrath known to you all that day?"

"N - no, but we also noticed that you have been different these days."

MiYoung's shadow became still, and the paper - thin screen allowed SooYeon to see the guilt in her rigid posture. The instructor prodded with a small inquiry.

"It almost seems you are happier these days?"

MiYoung was silent for a beat then said faintly, voice short - winded despite having sat on the floor for an hour.

"I am."

SooYeon blushed and shyly ducked her head, chin sticking to her chest as fingers fumbled together. She felt miserable at having to listen with such anxiety, but thrilled at getting indirect praises thrown to her. The instructor, forgetting her place, asked hurriedly.

"What is making you so happy these days?"

SooYeon shut her eyes and tried to block out the rest, but failed, and heard the timid whisper.

"Snow."

---

"I thought you were going to see MiYoung?"

SooYeon sank to her knees in the snow, and ignored TaeYang's slew of questions as she buried her face into the plush ice.

"Hey, what's wrong? Did something happen?"

TaeYang pulled SooYeon back from the snow, and dusted off the melting flakes on her bangs. He stared at her in alarm and burst out into a hearty laugh.

"God, you should see your face! You're as red as a baboon's a - "

His head plummeted to the ground and disappeared down into the white fluff, as SooYeon pressed her fist flatly to his temple. She shook her head and shouted with embarrassed rage.

"STOP! TALKING!"

His voice gurgled, and he poked her ribs teasingly with his right hand that was above the snow.

"Are you all red because you did something naughty with her - "

SooYeon promptly pushed the rest of his body into the ice, and was in the process of covering his sunken form, when SeungHyun bellowed to her from afar.

"SooYeon! Stop playing in the snow and come eat dinner! Get TaeYang too, wherever he is!"

SooYeon grumbled and popped TaeYang's head out from the built frost. He blinked then coughed into his hand, SooYeon stood up and patted her uniform dry. His voice was with earnest concern despite its pitched croak.

"Are you going to meet her tonight?"

SooYeon shied away from his stare and set her sleeve's length. She bit a corner of her lip, not liking how her chest hurt as she replied.

"Don't know."

"Yes, you do."

TaeYang rose up and bits of snow flew off as he bristled. He smoothed his hair to push away the bangs in his eyes as he advised her.

"You should go. What if she waits all night for you if you don't?"

SooYeon tersely answered and stalked to drier grounds.

"She wouldn't wait for me."

She reared back when TaeYang firmly grasped her shoulder. His words heavy and encompassing everything of what he and she knew about MiYoung.

"She's already waiting for you. She's been waiting for a while."

Chapter 4

[Past]

"I think TaeYang's right. What if she wants to meet you because of the arrangement with the other kingdom's Wang?"

SeungHyun's voice barely reached above a whisper, but that was because they were all supposed to be eating mutely. Although no one would dare to touch SooYeon while in the dining tables, she was always forced between them as they ate, more for their reassurance than hers. TaeYang reached over and connected his forehead to SooYeon's temple, he buzzed in her ear while she cringed in irritation.

"I say you guys run away to elope - 

ow

!"

A row of heads turned to the cry, and the trio immediately clammed up. SooYeon hissed to both of them as she dropped her chopsticks into a bowl.

"My master's been getting suspicious, and I shouldn't keep on disobeying rules for selfish reasons."

She grabbed for her cup of water and stifled a yelp when it was ripped away briskly. TaeYang controlled his voice as he admonished her behavior.

"You're being selfish 

right now

. She might be out there waiting for you, and here you are with your cozy little meal!"

The meal wasn't exactly the epitome of comfort, but TaeYang's scolding stirred up a fleeting wisp of guilt, a big gust of guilt to be frank. She imagined MiYoung's petite frame racking against the night's chill and shut her eyes in agony. This shouldn't faze her, this shouldn't budge her, this should prove her strength in resistance - this was pure torture.

"SooYeon."

It was SeungHyun's barely audible voice that brought her back to reality.

"We want you to be selfish."

He frantically swiveled and swept his eyes over the area, then continued in a controlled tone.

"Go to her. We'll cover for you."

---

"Did you wait long?"

SooYeon winced and bit down on her tongue when she saw MiYoung's red and shaking fingers. She quickly grasped them and asked another question in a somewhat tormented tone.

"Why didn't you just go back to your room?"

MiYoung kept her watch on the hands clasping her own and smiled, unable to conceal her delight at the endearing gesture, she leaned onto SooYeon's chest and whispered.

"I knew you'd be here soon."

SooYeon went pink around the ears instantly, and ferociously rubbed MiYoung's hands together, inwardly cursing at her shrinking composure. MiYoung caught the other girl's bashful discomfort, and placed her grin onto SooYeon's neck.

"I heard from DaeSung that you came by to visit me. Why didn't you greet me?"

"I - I, um, the thing is - "

"Did you overhear the conversation with my instructor?"

SooYeon felt lips glide up to her neck, and coolly kiss at the coil of her ear. She went stiff, not from the frigid weather, but from the suffocating emotion starting to pool inside of her. SooYeon's prolonged silence answered the question, and MiYoung rubbed her nose into the crook of SooYeon's neck, begging SooYeon in a small voice.

"I'll keep refusing - really, it doesn't bother me... so don't... don't accept anyone else. Please?"

MiYoung pulled down SooYeon's collar and planted a heated kiss to the dip beneath her throat. She slipped her hand underneath and carved SooYeon's slender stomach, moving up to lightly scratch over her sides, then resting it finally on the small of her back. SooYeon squirmed and gasped out white vapors as MiYoung explored. She hissed and narrowed her eyes when MiYoung bit the underside of her jaw, awkwardly spreading out her arms to allow MiYoung further scrutiny. A simple push would have disrupted MiYoung in her act, but SooYeon clenched her jaw at the thought. She would let the GongJu have her way in the dark. The only pain she felt, was the restraint in temptation, she curled her hands into tight balls as she willed herself to remain motionless.

It was pushing her to the brink of insanity.

"Wait... we... shouldn't..."

She said her words shakily, her mind barely grasping onto sound judgement. Fingernails weakly clawed up to the nape of her neck, and teeth bit her lower lip greedily. SooYeon winced and shut one eye, as MiYoung let go and kissed the hurt lip tenderly. She heard the other girl's pants, urgent and increasing, along with the whispers. 

"Why?"

MiYoung grazed her forehead onto SooYeon's brow.

"Why? Don't you understand? If I can't touch you here... then when can I?" 

She implored as she closed her eyes, her breathe trickling across SooYeon's nose.

"I want you all the time... but when am I allowed to have you? Don't you... question the same thing? Don't you want the same thing?"

SooYeon raggedly exhaled and stared deeply into the watery pair of eyes. She licked her swollen bottom lip and seized MiYoung into an embrace, her teeth scraping against MiYoung's pale skin as she harshly whispered into her ear.

"Stop crying."

The weather was at its coldest for the night, but both girls felt sweat fall back behind their necks, as they held onto each other. MiYoung choked and gratingly breathed out through her nose before she faltered with a question.

"I - isn't there anything you want from me?"

SooYeon pulled her in for a deep kiss. She slid her fingers over MiYoung's temple and brushed her nails though the silky strands of hair. MiYoung repressed a whimper when SooYeon weakly clenched her hand possessively over her hair and whispered hotly into her ear. 

"Everything."

---

"SeungHyun! SeungHyun, check this out!"

TaeYang wrinkled his nose and broke into hysterical fits as he slapped his thighs. He pointed a trembling finger to SooYeon's back and pulled at the other boy's sleeve.

"Look! Look!"

TaeYang childishly lifted the hem of SooYeon's shirt and pointed at the short thin red welts scattered across her back. SeungHyun flushed deeply and shared SooYeon's mortification as TaeYang crowed.

"MiYoung showed her who's ruler of this body last night!"

SooYeon growled, peeved at the squawking boy, and jerked away from his grip. She muttered rapidly, in hopes of redeeming herself.

"It's from a tree's bark!"

TaeYang raised an eyebrow and asked in a mocking tone.

"Oh, and just why would you be up against a tree, SooYeon?"

"B - because - "

"You got pushed onto it!"

"I didn't! I just - okay, maybe I did - but I didn't want to roll her over..."

SeungHyun smiled gently and finished for her.

"Because then she would have gotten scratched instead."

TaeYang giggled gleefully, aware of the rosy tint on SooYeon's cheeks. He affectionately jabbed her right cheek with his finger and asked.

"So our chivalrous SooYeon got mauled up a tree to keep our GongJu happy and scratch - free?"

He sighed happily and grinned at SooYeon's irked stare.

"I would have paid to see the great SooYeon struggle helplessly - "

"I DID NOT STRUGGLE HELPLESSLY - "

"Do they hurt?"

The squabbling duo snapped their heads to SeungHyun's concerned whisper. SooYeon ducked her head and lowly replied.

"No."

They left a dull stinging sensation, a sort of prickling fire, on her back, but SooYeon felt no pain. She wanted the burn to remain forever, it felt warm to know MiYoung did not want to let her go.

---

SooYeon crept back into her room, her footsteps gingerly placed and strained. She carefully lifted up the end of her blanket and eased into her bed. 

"You are late."

She clamped down on her tongue at her master's disapproving voice.

"I do not approve of what you are doing. End it at once."

She hurriedly stood to her feet and hung her head.

"I am sorry, master."

He glared at her submissive form and crossed his arms.

"I do not know who you are meeting, but you should hope I never find out."

SooYeon gulped the fear in her throat, and nodded vigorously. Her master coughed and clutched his chest, the skin around his knuckles turning white and stretched. She scrambled to his side and helped him lie down. He swallowed then opened his eyes to her.

"Tonight is the last night you sleep here. Tomorrow your training will become more rigorous, and therefore you will sleep in a housing made for the future HwaRang. I won't be able to watch over your moves from now on, but don't disobey me."

---

"What's this?"

SooYeon eyed the pitch - black liquid inside the basin. SeungHyun peered over and jutted out his lower lip as he guessed. 

"This morning I heard there would be a special drink at lunch to congratulate all the warriors training for the HwaRang - us, that is. I suppose this is the drink?"

TaeYang attempted to stick his finger in it until SooYeon slapped his hand away. She looked over her shoulder to see the other soldiers sitting at their tables, all of them red - faced and drinking the liquid merrily. She scoffed and pushed the two boys down along the line, distancing them from the drink as she explained.

"It looks like it has a bit of alcohol mixed in it - we don't need that kind of distraction."

TaeYang whined and said a little too loudly.

"You just want to be alert when you make love to - "

SooYeon effectively elbowed TaeYang's stomach and SeungHyun quickly shoved a boiled egg into the boy's gawping mouth. They dragged his limp body over to a table and set their meal trays down. SeungHyun chided TaeYang in a hushed tone.

"You should be more careful! You can't just say something so carelessly!"

TaeYang groaned as he touched his tender stomach, and closed his mouth to chew the egg slowly. He looked at SooYeon, a disgruntled frown plastered onto her face, and asked curiously in an unusually quiet voice.

"Well? I'm not too wrong, right? You are meeting again tonight, aren't you?"

SooYeon pushed around the food on her tray and mumbled.

"She wants to."

TaeYang quipped immediately.

"So you are."

"My master caught me."

Her two friends both reared back and gasped. SeungHyun tentatively asked the glum girl.

"What did he say? Did he see her with you?"

SooYeon smirked bitterly and muttered.

"What else? That I should stop being so blind and weak. He didn't see her luckily, but if I continue, I'm sure he will."

"But tonight you'll be in the new housing, he won't be able to catch you."

"I know, but I do feel guilty at having to to go against him so many times."

"SooYeon..."

TaeYang shook his head and thumped his hand over her back. She flinched as the scratches on her backside stung, and directed her glare to TaeYang.

"Don't look at me like that."

SeungHyun laid a heavy hand on SooYeon's tense shoulder and smiled with his words.

"SooYeon, what about MiYoung?"

"What about - "

"Isn't she also going against the rules?"

SooYeon was mum, and SeungHyun picked up his chopsticks, his final opinion voiced as TaeYang clapped SooYeon's back again.

"I don't think you two are blind or weak. Just a little scared, but I think that comes with the unknown. But SooYeon..."

SeungHyun's eyes gleamed in wrapped excitement as he spoke.

"We know it'll be all right in the end."

---

[Present]

SooYeon dismounted her horse silently and pushed off her mask. She stalked to where the tiny shelter stood. The moon streaked a beam of silver across the dark forest paths, and SooYeon made out the dying flames of a fire. She surveyed the glowing timber, it had been going on for a while, a mound of ashes indicating its lifespan. SooYeon bitterly smiled at the leftover dried fruits and water on the flat of a rock, food obviously saved for her return. She whipped her head to a rustle from the shelter, and saw MiYoung's head emerge, strands of hair catching the glint of the moonlight.

"You're back... we saved your portion of the meal - "

"Sleep. We have a lot to do, and we'll need all the energy."

"A - all right."

SooYeon brushed past MiYoung's stunned figure, and slumped down onto a tree's bark. She shut her eyes and crossed her arms over her chest, hoping it'll dismiss MiYoung. It didn't, and SooYeon gritted her teeth in the dark, hating the way MiYoung wordlessly watched her. SooYeon slowed her breathing, she released the tension in her shoulders, leisurely lolled her head to the left - did it all in hopes of feigning sleep. An hour, and still SooYeon heard MiYoung's steady intake of air, it was testing her mental stability. The hoarse whisper nearly opened her eyes.

"SooYeon?"

MiYoung's words all sounded like pleas for forgiveness.

"I should have been there - I tried! But somehow I was summoned into a meeting with my father and brother, and all I remember is drinking and nothing else afterwards..."

MiYoung moved towards SooYeon's motionless figure.

"I just woke up to see DaeSung beside me... we were in a foreign village and there was a note and a set of clothes beside us."

SooYeon stiffened involuntarily at the nearing contact, and MiYoung pulled away to mask her hurt at the other girl's reaction. SooYeon spoke curtly and to the point, she knew she would have to talk in order for this conversation to end.

"What did the note say? Where's the WangJa?"

"It just said for us to dress in the clothes and to live our lives in quietly in the village. I didn't even - I didn't even know about the death of our father! We were just trying our best to live our lives in peace at that village, and all of a sudden we got news that a henchman from the queen arrived in the village... and after that we fled... and lost each other..."

MiYoung reached out to tentatively touch SooYeon's hand, the other retracted and methodically instructed.

"Go back to the shelter. We're going to search for your brother tomorrow."

MiYoung sounded tearful and beaten, she blinked her eyes several times, and asked.

"Are you angry at me because of that night?" 

No... it's not because of that. 

I'm not angry, and it's not because of that.

SooYeon wearily sighed and ordered MiYoung.

"Go to sleep."

"Be near me."

"Sleep."

"SooYeon - "

"GO TO SLEEP!"

MiYoung's lips quivered and she asked with wounded eyes. 

"What do you dislike of me?"

MiYoung's shoulders sagged as she went back into the shelter. A couple hours passed, and SooYeon bit her lip as she looked up into the sky. She soundlessly stood up and stalked to the shelter as well. MiYoung was fast asleep, cheeks dry from cried tears. SooYeon bent down without a noise, and softly kissed MiYoung's cheek, tasting her sadness. She screwed her eyes in anguish, and moved her lips to wordlessly answer.

"Nothing."

Chapter 5

[Present]

"You're up."

JiYong adjusted his outer robe and crossed his arms as he slipped out of the shelter. SooYeon gave a side - long glance and answered as she wrapped a fresh strip of gauze onto her arm.

"I'm sure you heard what happened to the WangJa? We need to be more alert now that he could be in danger."

JiYong assented with a nod and turned to attend to his horse. He brushed its mane with the flat of his hand and spoke dryly.

"Are you taking care of your horse? I didn't hear you return last night."

"I made sure to give it food and water in the middle of the night. We should depart now."

JiYong looked back at the shelter and coughed once softly before talking, clearly uneasy with revealing his thoughts.

"The GongJu waited all night for you. The last thing I remember awake, was her sitting and looking outside. Perhaps we could let her sleep a little longer?"

SooYeon fixed on her mask and her muffled voice commanded JiYong.

"We'll let her rest, but use the time well to gather on necessary items. What did she tell you while I was away?"

JiYong shuffled his feet and stooped down to inspect the plants, he peered up into the sky and muttered in a small voice.

"She happened to escape the village she was at because of an henchman from the Queen, and while fleeing, she lost the WangJa. It might be that the village is quite a bit away from here, since she's been wandering from area to area, making sure in not getting caught."

"How was she able to support herself? Does she remember the name of the village?"

"You know the GongJu, she could easily be passed as an instructor of noble class. It wouldn't be too hard for her to obtain such a job, especially for a short while of time. I also marked the village on our map."

JiYong dug at his satchel tied to his pants and smoothed out the aging paper. SooYeon held it and surveyed it as she asked.

"She managed to survive for this long by doing that?"

"Yes, but it seems like she was wise as well - moving from place to place frequently. The Queen pointed us to the right direction, but we would have never have found them there. I guess news traveled rather slowly, or her guards were wary of letting her know that they failed so easily."

He spoke wearily.

"She always took the more hidden routes such as this forest while fleeing, which is how she spotted the shelter. She told me that she spotted you and knew you'd be able to help her."

JiYong continued in a distant tone.

"It looks like it'll snow."

SooYeon sniffed out in acknowledgement, and said it while she turned away.

"We'll head out to the nearest village for further necessities."

---

They started on their long journey once MiYoung woke up, keeping a steady pace until they approached a desolate part of land. Small markets and shops lined in an askew road, and the team got down from the two horses to buy their materials. SooYeon counted out the coins and pointed at various spots among the stocked walls, as she spoke to JiYong, who was occupied with helping MiYoung off their horse.

"This is perhaps all we'll need for the rest of the way and weather."

SooYeon strapped on the bundles of blankets and garments onto the back of her horse, and stepped away to ask JiYong and MiYoung.

"Do you two need anything else?"

The two shook their head and SooYeon led her horse away by its rein. JiYong urged MiYoung back onto the four - legged creature, as he guided it to SooYeon's footsteps. He asked her while trudging forward.

"Are we going to rest here for tonight, SooYeon?"

She answered in a stoic voice.

"Yes, we'll find an inn along the way."

---

They arrived at a small deserted home. The roof was stable but JiYong and SooYeon had gathered enough woodwork to reconstruct some of the bearings. The weather had turned cooler, and SooYeon saw the feathery flakes fall down beyond the window. They would have to haste their journey.

"We should go around this region."

JiYong circled an area on the map and suggested to SooYeon.

"Since we've been coming from here, and the GongJu has been searching from here, it would only make sense that the WangJa would end up at this point. We might have to cross a lake..."

SooYeon nodded and eyed MiYoung whose eyes drooped with fatigue. She began crossing the room to an isolated one and responded.

"We'll keep on heading that way then, and search until we find him. He might give us more clues as to what happened that night. You sleep in this room."

She pointed to the room on her left.

"And we'll occupy this one."

JiYong got up from the floor and scurried over to the other room as he laid out the bedding. MiYoung snapped out of her slumber to walk over to SooYeon.

"SooYeon... could we share the same bed? I'd feel better that way..."

SooYeon stepped back and glared at MiYoung.

"That isn't allowed."

The hurt shone clearly in MiYoung's eyes. She gingerly rested her hand on the other girl's shoulder. 

"Why are you so... distant?"

MiYoung said the final word delicately, but that just proved how long it had been on her mind. SooYeon tensed her jaw and wretched the hand from her shoulder briskly, she didn't care if MiYoung wouldn't understand.

"This is how it should be."

MiYoung tried again in touching her, but SooYeon backed away quickly. She looked directly at the other girl and said the words loudly, as if allowing everyone, including herself, to hear them.

"I'll help you in clearing your name - I'll even protect you, but don't ever take it the wrong way. It's been some time and I've changed from before."

SooYeon could feel her nails dig into her palm, their sharpness defining as the minutes slipped past. She said her ending words with determination, and did not look away as tears slipped out of MiYoung's eyes.

"I'm doing all this because of my pride as a HwaRang, not because I want to."

JiYong scampered to the door's entrance and grabbed at SooYeon's hand. He hissed in her ear.

"What is wrong with you?"

SooYeon jerked away his hand, and he hurried over to MiYoung's side. She muttered low, her voice too hollow to have been heard by JiYong or MiYoung.

"It's better if you don't know."

JiYong whipped his head to her, and asked furiously.

"Aren't you going to apologize - where are you going?"

"I'm going to gather branches for tonight's fire."

The first step pivoted her body, the second carried her away from the crying, the third turned JiYong's yells into whispers - she lost count after the fourth. She was running and swallowing the freezing air in her burning throat, any form of pain would do, anything that can make her hurt. She collapsed to her knees when she reached the base of a cracked tree stump.

"Sorry..."

She cursed and bit her lower lip viciously, tongue pressing to the roof of her mouth. Her eyes squeezed shut to the throbbing in her chest, but they opened again at the image of MiYoung in her mind. She wanted to be stronger than this. It would be worthless to say an apology, as it would just bring them closer. So she said her apology to the scratched - up tree bark, wary of her voice hitching and straining.

"I'm sorry."

She leaned her forehead against the tree, and pushed down the disgust in her stomach.

"I just can't... I'm sorry, but I just can't..."

---

[Past]

"Going?"

"No."

SooYeon answered snappily, and covered her head with her blanket, as she shut out TaeYang's face. He sighed and rolled over to the far - end of the bed, as SeungHyun whispered to her.

"You should go."

Two hours of the night passed, and SooYeon laid awake in the blackened room. She heard TaeYang's snore and SeungHyun's steady breathing. She also heard MiYoung's voice in the back of her mind. Carefully she rolled off her blanket, and sat up in her bed. She made sure to not dip too far on either side, as she crawled out between the two boys. Her clothes were thrown over her head as she stealthily dressed in the dark. She crept on her toes to the exit, and looked over her shoulder with an apologetic smile.

She hoped her friends would cover for her.

---

The snow decorated the grounds, and SooYeon's feet sank into the fluff. She carefully took her steps over a frozen stream, and grabbed onto obstructing plants or branches as she came to her destination. She waited for an hour in the subnormal temperature before asking in a weak voice.

"MiYoung?"

No response anywhere, and instead the creaks of twigs and the sighs of leaves landed on her ears. She shut her eyes and crossed her arms closer to her chest. She waited until the trees, white with snow, glowed with a faint blue. The sun was starting rise in its early stages. 

SooYeon continued her wait. Snow building and forming into small hills around her feet. She blew warmth into her hands, massaging her sore knuckles as the time passed by slowly. She had waited for hours. Her toes numb and frigid when she finally decided to leave, her heart heavy and puzzled. She knew MiYoung would never abandon her like this without good reason.

She hunkered back to where the HwaRang slept. Her cheeks no different from her ears, all sharing the same red hue. It was the brink of dawn, and SooYeon heard nothing, as she rounded the small housing. It chilled her slightly. There usually would be a raucous in the mornings, as the trainees got themselves ready for the day's work - out. Therefore, the silence was new and ominous. She controlled the panic in her heart, and swallowed her parched throat, as a strange smell filled her nose. She looked down to trace the source of the smell.

The snow on the ground wasn't white.

Dark, nearly black, footprints lied at the doorstep of her resting place. Footprints that smelled like rust, an odor that gripped her heart achingly. She trailed her eyes to the door, it was ajar and inside SooYeon heard nothing but the wind's howl. Her breath fell short and her vision began to blur.

"SeungHyun?"

She wanted him to rush past and slam the door open, scold her for being late, scold her for worrying him. She wanted all of that, but no one came.

"TaeYang?"

She earnestly hoped a loud yell, an annoyed one at being woken early, a laugh at her unsightly appearance. She expected all of that, but no one did any of it.

Her feeble hand pushed the door, the wind did the rest and swung it back to let her have a full view of the room. A bloody heap greeted her. She recognized the soldier's face, but tore her eyes away from the tragic scene as she looked further. Some were slain in their beds, covers scrambled and dyed with twisted lumps. Others had put up a fight, their efforts futile and confusing. Her bottom lip quivered as she approached her bed, she closed her eyes then opened them, praying all the while that she would wake up from the nightmare. 

Scratches and spots of blood were on her bed.

She frantically looked over and under it. Her eyes finding nothing but puddles of dark crimson and smeared shapes. A set of prints illustrating a scuffle, but none leading anywhere. Her heart started to grieve. 

"SeungHyun? TaeYang? Come out..."

She whispered with a shaky smile.

"Come out..."

She didn't want to think of the possibilities, that perhaps her absence had killed them. It was making a painful bubble rise in her throat. Her feet stumbled over each other as she swirled around and examined every inch of the room.

"Come out... please..."

She awkwardly half - ran and dragged her legs outside. Her head hurt and her sanity deteriorated as her feet dipped into the lukewarm snow. She wildly shouted at the top of her lungs. Her stomps flinging ice everywhere, as she searched in disquiet rage.

"SEUNGHYUN! TAEYANG!"

She gulped a breath, the dreariness from earlier gone, as she screamed into the morning. Her legs pushing past the aches of her muscles.

"SEUNGHYUN! TAEYANG! SEUNGHYUN! TAE - "

Her foot caught onto a rock hidden in the ground and she stumbled forward. Her cheeks burned from the combination of tears and snow, as she blindly struggled to get up, only to crumple down in fatigue and pain. She gripped her shirt's front, and opened her mouth to a dejected wail.

"PLEASE!"

She gasped as her voice grew hoarse, and bared her clench teeth with tightly shut eyes. She disobeyed her master's warning. She had disobeyed him, and also left her friends for her own desires. The thoughts left her bawling and shaking on the cold floor. 

"Please... please... don't do this to me..."

Her tears melted away the snow.

"Come back..." 

---

"The slaying of the HwaRang was done by the Seo Kingdom. We found this while sweeping the grounds."

The commander held up a rusted emblem high into the air, the atmosphere grave and silent, the gathered all suffering from the loss. He continued tersely and in a heavy voice.

"The Wang's body was found - burnt to the bones. We are assuming, no doubt, that the Seo Kingdom had to do with the fire as well. As for the WangJa and GongJu..."

The commander coughed and nervously looked down to his feet. His medals clinging as he straightened his shoulder.

"As for the WangJa and GongJu... their bodies were not found in the fire. And they are nowhere in the palace. They are now considered traitors as the Queen confirmed both to have been in the room with the Wang."

SooYeon numbly listened, head hung low, and her gaze set to her slackened hands. She sat at the back of the gathering, having no strength in being able to walk any closer, let alone stand. Her eyes wide, but seeing nothing, as a raw sensation ate her heart.

She had been happy at first at the possibility of her friends' survival, but it faded as reports came in gradually. No sights of bodies anywhere outside of the palace, except for a few that were found along a river's edge. The corpses no longer recognizable. Her hope thinned, her happiness died, and her guilt grew.

Her friends had indeed covered for her.

---

"Master?"

SooYeon crept into the room, shame and worry spreading down to her toes.

"Master, are you here?"

SooYeon stepped in further and implored.

"Master, I - I didn't mean to disobey you that night..."

It would be easy to conclude that SooYeon was able to escape the slaying because of her disobedience. SooYeon figured her master would realize the reason for her salvation and be upset over it. She wanted to appease his anger and talked more into the still air.

"Master, please speak. I am ready for any form of punishment - "

The room in which he occupied was empty. SooYeon saw no signs of the folded blankets or usual trays of food. Water pooled and spilled out of her eyes as she sank to the empty floor. She whispered dejectedly.

"You must be so ashamed of your pupil..."

She gritted her teeth and cried the rest of her tears.

Another person who left her because of her selfish ways.

---

[Present]

"You're back finally?"

SooYeon kept her silence to JiYong's agitated reply, and closed the door to the house.

"She's asleep."

JiYong spat out and removed his body from the ground, as SooYeon shoveled an armful of logs into a hearth. She mutely lit a fire and rigorously did her chore, gradually coming to a halt when JiYong exited the room. MiYoung was now asleep and unaccompanied on the floor. SooYeon sighed greatly and inspected her arm. The bandage peeled off as she unraveled it adroitly, the wound left a dry crusted residue. She pulled over her sleeve and tossed the last log into the crackling fire. The fire glowed and casted a warm light over MiYoung's serene face, SooYeon knelt down and watched the shadow of the flames paint over her smooth brow.

"Sleeping?"

She whispered to MiYoung.

"I can't be with you."

SeungHyun's laughter briefly interrupted her thoughts, and TaeYang's grin blocked her vision, but she warily inched her right hand to MiYoung's face. Her fingers could feel the fine tiny hairs on the back of her neck, and she brushed over them, causing MiYoung to stir. SooYeon paused and held her hand, her eyes roved over MiYoung's mouth, breathing evenly once again. She delicately traced her finger over the shirt's collar, it was thin and ill - matched for the on - coming winter. She lifted her head to see the rest of the outfit more clearly, noticing for the first time holes on certain places. SooYeon pushed herself up and threaded over to where their supplies laid, untouched and in bulks. SooYeon pried loose a hanging cloth and felt the thick fleece between her fingers. She treaded over to where MiYoung slept, and covered the entire length of her body with the blanket. She stood back and whispered some more.

"I just can't..." 

The memory of the tainted room haunted her. The way she smiled and fled into the dark as TaeYang and SeungHyun slept in ignorance, wishing her happiness with MiYoung - it disabled her.

"I'm guilty of... a lot of things... you have to understand that."

She swam effortlessly when it came to battles or trials, but with MiYoung, she felt like a fish out of water, confused and helpless.

"At least..."

SooYeon lowered her head and smiled ruefully.

"At least I can still watch you from afar?"

Chapter 6

[Present]

"I guess this is a bit risky, but we should go for the sake of the WangJa."

JiYong whispered, as if the ice below his feet would crack to a louder pitch. He watched as SooYeon strode forward and swiveled her mask to hang over her back, her swords lined against her shoulder - blades. She tested the frozen ground by stomping on it once, and replied in a diffident tone.

"It'll be fine if we hurry."

She trudged forward and told JiYong.

"You should travel closer to the lake's bank with the horses."

JiYong affirmed with a nod and twisted his hands around both horses' reins, as he slowly started his walk with their steady trots. He whispered gentle instructions to MiYoung, but SooYeon saw the other girl politely shake her head to whatever JiYong had said. She strained her ear to pick up the distant whispers.

"But GongJu it really would be much safer to walk with me along the bank."

"It's fine, thank you, but I think I'll follow behind SooYeon instead."

SooYeon raised her shoulders unconsciously, torn with the undying loyalty, and kept her grip strong over her slung swords. She shouldn't have listened, it only brought back unforgotten memories. 

---

[Past]

"It's fine, thank you, but I think I'll follow behind SooYeon instead."

"But GongJu, 

I

 got the top marks in archery! The danger will be at a distance with me, while it'll be near with SooYeon - look at the length of her swords! They can't compare to an arrow's path!"

TaeYang argued pitifully and flung his skinny arrows about in the air. MiYoung scoffed in a mocking way and kept her walk behind SooYeon as she explained.

"But I don't feel safe with you, TaeYang - "

"WHAT? HOW CAN YOU SAY THAT, YOU FIEND!"

"TAEYANG, YOU CAN'T CALL THE GONGJUNIM A FIEND!"

"BUT SHE INSULTED ME, SEUNGHYUN!"

"SHE'S THE GONGJU - LET HER INSULT YOU ALL SHE WANTS!"

"You guys never fight over me like you do over MiYoung."

DaeSung mumbled dejectedly and sauntered after the two girls in a sulk. Meanwhile, SooYeon maneuvered her way through the dense grass, and lead the team to their usual secret place. She heard her friends try to console the future Wang, and sighed tiredly as she reached the end. MiYoung's uncertain voice made her lose her balance.

"Don't... keep me waiting."

"P - pardon?"

SooYeon regained her footing and immediately corrected her stance. She heard a giggle, no hints of malice in it, and said again in a stronger tone.

"Pardon?"

"I said... don't keep me waiting."

MiYoung outstretched her hand and spread her fingers as she timidly smiled to SooYeon. SooYeon muttered bashfully before taking the hand.

"I'm sorry, I didn't mean to - "

"I started to have these weird feelings recently."

"Weird feelings?"

"I don't know, but I wanted to especially hold your hand today..."

"Ah... well that is understandable I guess - "

"And I heard from someone about kisses..."

SooYeon halted and swallowed as MiYoung spoke.

"Have you heard of them?"

"Y - yes."

"I wanted to try one... but only with you."

---

[Present]

"Do you have someone else?"

It was a small and weak question, it was a vulnerable one as well, but SooYeon cringed inwardly as she replied.

"I don't understand what you say."

The answer couldn't extinguish the trepidation MiYoung carried as she carefully shadowed SooYeon's steps. She tried again to gain a more precise answer. 

"Do you love someone else?"

SooYeon held her tongue, then spat out with a frustrated scowl.

"Stop talking about these things!"

"I can't - "

A shrill whinny pierced the air, and both girls turned their heads to see the horses kicking and huffing. A tiny fox arched its back below their raised hooves and scampered away in terror. The horses pedaled their feet high in the air, and brought them down with a loud crack.

The bundles of goods and cloths tumbled down from the backs of both creatures, JiYong winced and went down on one knee as he struggled to keep his focus on the excited animals. The horses reared back again, and this time clumsily, their hooves teetered then slipped against the slippery ground. SooYeon bent her knees as both fell, their limbs hammered the ice below and created a gaping hole. It devoured their bodies instantly. JiYong skirted around the massive gap and leaned over with jittery hands. The horses thrashed wildly against the freezing temperature, and kicked the ice above their bodies. SooYeon instinctively shouted to MiYoung.

"Get to the bank - "

A crack.

SooYeon sucked in her breath as she heard it again. The sound was like that of a rock splitting in two, heavy and reverberating below her feet. She whipped her head to JiYong and saw his terrified face, his body absolutely still but hands shaking.

Another loud pop.

SooYeon shifted her eyes to MiYoung, lips apart and stuck at a question. She opened her mouth, controlling the waver attempting to betray her feigned nonchalance, and walked toward MiYoung.

"JiYong, get the things that fell, and just go slowly to the lake's edge!"

The nearest bend was about a hundred yards to their left and JiYong nodded stiffly. The horses continued their swim along the ice, disrupting the lake's frozen exterior. SooYeon was almost to MiYoung, hand reaching out while the horses splashed to the other end anxiously. She swallowed when MiYoung zealously took her hand, and refused to meet her eyes.

"Let's go."

SooYeon pulled on her hand, and exhaled in exasperation when the other girl declined to budge.

"We need to go!"

"No."

SooYeon snapped her head to MiYoung, and questioned incredulously.

"Why are you not moving? We need to get off this ice - "

"You're not going to hold my hand after this moment... right?"

MiYoung asked with a wan smile, and SooYeon noticed a pain setting in around the back of her hand. She looked to see white fingertips digging onto her flushed skin, and reverted her stare to the somber girl.

"Let's go!"

SooYeon roughly pulled her hand away from the other girl, and the fingers slid down to clasp her around her wrist, firmly cuffing them as MiYoung steadfastly shook her head. SooYeon tightened her jaw and hissed in insistence.

"This isn't the time for this!"

"You say that so easily... it hurts that you can say it so easily."

SooYeon pressed her lips thinly and darkly whispered.

"You're making things difficult."

"You gave me that blanket last night, didn't you?"

SooYeon froze and watched as MiYoung tearfully yelled.

"Why are you doing this? Why are you being so confusing and so different - "

"Stop this nonsense - "

"GONGJUNIM! SOOYEON! THE HORSES HAVE GONE TO THE OTHER SIDE NOW! PLEASE GET OFF THE ICE SO THAT WE CAN RUN AFTER THEM - "

SooYeon screamed to MiYoung, lost in her anger at the girl who clung to her affection so dearly, even when it meant death.

"LET'S GO!"

SooYeon pulled her hand away roughly, and MiYoung reacted stubbornly with a cry.

"No!"

She resisted too strongly and fumbled backwards with a step. SooYeon watched with a silent gasp as the other girl's right heel pushed down a layer of thin ice. MiYoung's hold on SooYeon loosened as she sank below the broken pieces. Several droplets stung SooYeon's face, as she hurriedly drew out her swords.

"GRAB ONTO THEM!"

The sheaths on the swords began to slip, and SooYeon pried them off quickly. She gripped the bladed edges, and pointed the handles to MiYoung. The swords cut her deeply, and blood made its way to the gleaming edges, but SooYeon held even tighter, too concentrated on MiYoung's erratic splashing.

"STOP PANICKING AND - "

She saw MiYoung's hands slip beneath the ice - riddled water, the swords' reflection shining where she had thrashed earlier. She heard a distant and crazed yell, JiYong's, she heard him scream at her, but she couldn't bother in listening. She was already tearing her jacket, throwing her swords, pulling her mask, and jumping towards the watery grave. The frosty wind seeping through her flimsy shirt and pants, chilling her to the bone, as she dove into the broken ground.

It was as if she was swimming through fire.

The shock of the cold opened her mouth, a few bubbles escaped in distorted shapes, and she willed her mind to think rationally. Her body wanted to gasp and struggle up for air, but her mind desperately searched for MiYoung. She pushed out her arms and swam deeper into the murky water. Her blurred vision caught the wave of dark hair and ghostly face. She swam madly towards the suspended girl and ignored the screaming protest of her legs. SooYeon jerked MiYoung towards her, and began kicking upwards to the surface. The short travel was dizzying, and the glistening water camouflaged their cracked entrance. She saw JiYong's frantic shoe - prints trample anxiously over the frozen water. She held onto MiYoung with her right arm, and pulled back on her left arm, ready to make an escape. Her distress was growing, not because of the freezing temperature, but because of her depleting oxygen, she knew MiYoung would not last long. She pedaled her legs once more, exerting so much energy that bubbles slipped out at the corners of her mouth, and punched the thin wall with all her might. She cursed the water for delaying her speed, and weakening her impact, she tried again with her dying strength, and a hairline crack made an appearance. All it took was JiYong's stomp to break through the split barrier.

SooYeon burst through the water and wheezed, unable to get a sufficient amount of air into her lungs.

"Get... her..."

She forced her drooping arms up, and lifted MiYoung's slumping body onto the edge of the ice, her grip slipping because of her numb fingers. JiYong hooked his arms below MiYoung's, and dragged her soaked body forward. SooYeon aligned her body to the ice, and horizontally kicked towards the glazed land. She was wincing at the strain in her muscles, and biting her quivering lips as a fiery sting set course over her body. JiYong seized her left hand, and aided her to her feet.

"HANG ON!"

He yelled and ran with MiYoung draped securely over his shoulder. SooYeon picked up her leaden legs and scurried over to the lake's edge. Tripping and stumbling as her feet wobbled under the strain and slippery floor. 

JiYong had already assembled a small collection of wood, ready to light a much needed fire.

SooYeon felt the tremors start to set in on her body and was unable to repress them. Her body was rejecting the cold, and was also refusing to stay still. She weakly gasped out.

"My jacket... b - bring it... put her down..."

JiYong hurried over to a side full of trees, as SooYeon hovered over MiYoung's mouth. She clenched her jaw, and pried open MiYoung's lips with her shivering fingers, then lowered her head and placed her shaking mouth over the other girl's. She blew short puffs of air in, and pulled away to lay her hands atop one another over MiYoung's chest. SooYeon pumped her arms up and down while JiYong rustled busily behind her shoulder. He put the jacket over her, and rubbed her back vigorously, before turning around to work on the fire.

"Live..."

She gasped and repeated the whole process over again.

"Please... MiYoung... "

She bent over and did the strenuous act without missing a beat.

"Live... I - "

MiYoung coughed violently and weakly rolled her head to the right. She looked at SooYeon through the corner of an eye, and breathed raggedly. SooYeon pulled her shirt over her head, and proceeded to undress the other girl as well. She blew hot air into her hands, and stuttered the words.

"J - JiYong... f - fire..."

JiYong scampered to the sack attached on a horse's saddle, and tactfully kept his eyes down as he threw it over SooYeon's nearly naked body. She pulled MiYoung closely to her chest and tightly wrapped the blanket around them. JiYong was already back on clapping a couple of rocks together, bright sparks flying and landing over a pile of dry grass and sticks. His face slowly worked up a sweat as he continually blew into the smoking nest, and exclaimed with joy when a small flame shot out from the bundle of twigs.

"HANG ON JUST A LITTLE MORE!"

He ran to SooYeon and MiYoung, hauling their fatigued bodies towards the fire. 

SooYeon's teeth clattered and rang in her ears. 

"S - SooYeon..."

A pair of arms snaked over her back and pressed her close. The fire increased in height and popped little specks, as MiYoung nuzzled the crook of SooYeon's bare neck.

"You're s - so dishonest now... I don't know what to b - believe."

She hugged cautiously, so scared of disturbing SooYeon's compliance to her physical contact, and said the whisper.

"What are you hiding from me?"

---

SooYeon figured it could have been the fire with all its crackling, or perhaps the animals with their various sounds - but she knew exactly what woke her up. The kiss to her wounded hand stirred her from sleep, and SooYeon cracked open an eye to see the crown of MiYoung's head nestled under her chin. JiYong was sitting by the fire, as SooYeon wondered on how long she had been asleep. She had been awake long enough to regain all her body's warmth, but slowly subsided to sleep once her body took control, the day had drained her of all her spirit. Her mind went back to MiYoung's lips when they pressed over her injured palms. It felt comfortable to be under the heavy blanket, and in MiYoung's tender touches. She shut her eye as MiYoung warily pushed her body up, placing her face contently next to SooYeon's.

"Are you dreaming?"

SooYeon had only been having nightmares before reuniting with MiYoung.

"I always dreamt and woke up with you on the edge of my mind."

MiYoung paused and said the words delicately.

"I almost wish I could go back into the water again."

Fingertips trailed down her spine.

"It was lovely to finally wake up to your face above me."

SooYeon felt an outer heat creep across her cheek, and settle over her lips.

"SooYeon... you've already given your life to me, but..."

A thumb lightly pressed into the cut on her palm, it soothed the prickly jagged line by drawing faintly over it.

"I want nothing more in this world than your love."

Chapter 7

[Present]

"They're long gone, the horses, aren't they?"

SooYeon asked in a sullen tone while JiYong assembled the various goods by the side of their lit fire. He gave each item an occasional shake to see if they were intact, then dusted the knitted ones.

"I believe so. What are you going to do about this?"

JiYong held up two pieces, each sporting a jagged edge, and SooYeon sighed at the sight of her cracked mask.

"Throw it away."

She turned over both her hands, and stared at the ugly tear on her palms. She remembered the fleeting kisses from last night, and curled her fingers into fists. She started down a cleared path. JiYong called after her.

"Where are you going?"

"Fishing. Look after her."

She gave a side - long glance, and saw MiYoung's form under the thick blanket by the fire. JiYong nodded and advised her.

"Don't be too long."

He added with some hesitation.

"She starts to look for you when you take too long."

SooYeon turned her face away and hunkered over the plush snow. Her swords both intact and well despite tasting the ice the day before, she was thankful for this, and stopped walking.

"JiYong."

He looked at her, and raised both his eyebrows. SooYeon took off one sword's strap and tossed it to his feet.

"Use it if you need to."

JiYong looked to the weapon, and bent over to pick it up. He unsheathed it and the blade glinted, its metal mirrored his widened eyes, as he spoke.

"You grabbed onto this... for her."

SooYeon cocked her head, and began walking to the wood's parting, her other sword faithfully tagged to her back. He raised his voice to have her know.

"Not just anyone would grab onto harm like this."

She squeezed her eyes and hissed.

"Don't think much into it."

"You don't have to."

"What are you saying?"

"You love her - "

"Don't be so sure."

"SooYeon."

He went to her with the sword in both hands, and beseeched with a whisper.

"Listen, I don't understand why you're doing this to her. I know you still love her - you do - that's why I don't understand this. You said you would protect her, but your coldness is killing her. SeungHyun and TaeYang... they wouldn't have wanted this."

---

[Past]

"I'll come back with SooYeon instead!"

SooYeon heard MiYoung's cheery rejection to SeungHyun, and practiced slicing her sword through an invisible enemy. She intently listened to the rushing footsteps.

"We'll be waiting for you then, SooYeon! Have fun with MiYoung!"

TaeYang shouted as he crunched down on the crisp leaves, and faded into the tall trees. SeungHyun advised kindly, and waited for DaeSung.

"Don't take too long with your practice, and aid the GongJu back to the palace well!"

DaeSung reached SeungHyun and commanded in a bright voice.

"Take as much time as you both want!"

And then they were gone. A bird chirped to the setting sun, and hopped its tiny feet over the brittle branches. It saw MiYoung softly tread to SooYeon.

"SooYeon?"

The stern frown on SooYeon relaxed into a wry smile, and she replied to the other girl. Her sword whizzing sharply as she practiced with her back to MiYoung.

"Yes?"

"Do you need your jacket back?"

It was draped over MiYoung's shoulders, and she fingered the jacket's open flaps, as SooYeon answered assuredly.

"I am fine with wearing a shirt for now. You shouldn't have to worry about what is mine, as everything is yours under this land."

"Not everything is mine."

"Oh? What?"

"I'm a little embarrassed to tell."

"Well I'm sure there are ways in which you can make it yours."

"You think?"

"You're the GongJu. You probably just have to say it is yours, then it'll be no one's, but rightfully yours."

MiYoung neared and tentatively asked.

"Have you ever kissed?"

SooYeon dropped her sword, and it bounced with a dull clap on the grassy field. MiYoung laughed as the other girl hurriedly knelt down to hide her blush. She kept her head low, and fervently inspected the weapon.

"W - we, in the training for the HwaRang - I - no, I haven't."

She busied herself with wiping the dust collected onto the dirtied sword, and shined it until her face clearly shone in reflection. She also caught a familiar figure approaching in the background, and her stomach flipped at the light voice that blew in her ear.

"They say it's something wonderful when you do it with someone you like."

SooYeon fumbled with her fingers, and scratched her nails over the fallen metal, as MiYoung hugged her from behind. Her stammering grew worse when the GongJu caressed her burning cheek.

"I - um - well, I - 

ah!

"

The contact of warm lips against her sensitive ear, made SooYeon jerk in surprise. Hesitant hands claimed her waist, and she balanced herself on her toes. Her right ear was blocked of sound as the lips descended over its inner shell. She could not hear the flutter of wings from birds along with the occasional chirps, yet she heard her own blood rush and roar.

She had suspected MiYoung's yearning for physical intimacy, it became more evident and shameless each time they met. She was scared of it at first, the wandering hands and prying eyes, she tried to deny them. But her uncertain and backwards steps just seemed to propel MiYoung to run forward. The cat - and - mouse game resulted in this; a quiet moment in which SooYeon was cornered for answers, truthful answers, so that MiYoung left SooYeon defenseless.

"I got into a fight with DaeSung today. It wasn't really a fight, but..." 

SooYeon hitched her breath when a thumb traced her pronounced cheek.

"He knows about us. He knows what you know... he knows that I like you."

The murmur along her jaw traveled to the corner of her mouth, and SooYeon closed her eyes to the fingertips gliding above her brow.

"He wanted to know if you felt the same for me, and I told him the truth... that I don't know. That you get nervous when I try to touch you, but smile when I wake you. He said I was an idiot for not knowing such a thing, and then we argued for an hour. But looking back, I admit he's right."

MiYoung side - stepped to crouch in front of SooYeon, and bore her eyes to the shut ones.

"Do you like me?"

SooYeon peeled one eye open, and stared at the shoes before her, tailored specially and decorated with jewels, nothing dared to taint their embellished look. The shoes showed the division between them, yet SooYeon lifted her chin to answer. Her hand awkwardly clenching her sword's handle, as she could not control the tremors.

"Yes."

MiYoung gingerly uncurled SooYeon's fingers over the laid sword, and ordered her hoarsely.

"Don't pay attention to that."

SooYeon obeyed and moved it to the side. MiYoung leaned in and connected her forehead to SooYeon's, she whispered with flushed cheeks, unable to hide her embarrassment at such apparent jealousy.

"I want you to pay attention to me... only."

The kiss was hot and unsure, gradually changing as MiYoung clung to SooYeon's wrists, and pressed deeper into the intimate gesture. She slid her lips to wet SooYeon's upper one, and stifled a gasp from the other with another firm kiss. MiYoung opened her eyes and gazed at SooYeon with lust, breathing heavily as she waited for a response. SooYeon breathed through her nose, and raked her teeth over her bottom lip, as she silently deliberated on her next action. She licked her lower lip, and whispered before removing her arms from MiYoung.

"I will."

SooYeon pushed MiYoung gently, the jacket on her back slipping then crumpling into a puddle beneath them. MiYoung watched with an ache, as the other girl hovered over her, eyes closing slowly as she came down. SooYeon's mouth searched for MiYoung's, and took it, as she held herself up by propped elbows. Her tongue flickered out experimentally, and pushed between the swollen lips, conjuring a delicate sound from MiYoung. She brushed MiYoung's smooth tongue with her own, and lowered her raised body, as the other girl grabbed her neck. SooYeon winced when MiYoung broke away from the kiss to bite below her ear. The GongJu pulled back to ask worriedly.

"Did I hurt you?"

SooYeon rasped out a chuckle.

"No."

MiYoung grinned before pulling SooYeon forward by the neck, raising one hand to twine her fingers through the cascading hair. She gnawed lightly at SooYeon's jutting collarbone, and marked the exposed flesh. SooYeon could feel the grains of dirt embedding themselves into her palms, as she clamped her teeth over her lip while MiYoung sucked on her tender skin. 

"SooYeon..."

She barely heard the frail words as they drifted over her throat.

"You're too good, but I want you."

MiYoung raised her voice, declaring with an intense gaze, as she grazed her teeth over a quivering lip.

"And I'll love you more than anyone else."

---

[Present]

"Forget such things."

SooYeon flung down the bait, and drew her shoulders in as she waited impatiently. The string dropped gradually into the punched hole, and waved gently against the chill in the air.

"There's no point in keeping the memories."

She growled at the images of last night, and bit her tongue in irk. She should have tried to resist the touches more, then she wouldn't have to face the guilt of today. She violently whipped her head to the left as SeungHyun's smile and TaeYang's grin floated through her mind.

"Why - "

SooYeon heard a branch snap in half. She had hidden several in the snow for possible intruders earlier, and it seemed one would near her soon.

"Who's there? Come out!"

SooYeon threatened loudly, and waited as she gripped her sword's handle.

"I - it's me."

MiYoung appeared to her with an unsteady gait, she stood behind a tree, and covered half her face as SooYeon released the hold on her sword. SooYeon exhaled through her nose, then breathed in heavily through her lips, she asked with a furrowed brow.

"Why are you here?"

"I just thought you might need help? Couldn't I stay in case of anything?"

The answer was too hopeful to be rejected, and too pitiful to be ignored. MiYoung saw SooYeon's displeased stare, and she fretted silently by wringing her hands together. She was not, however, apologetic enough to take back her request. SooYeon had not properly slept throughout the night. She wanted some peace for her mind to clarify all the muddled thoughts before they became a full - blown chaos. MiYoung would just interrupt her mental organizing. She opened her mouth to speak, and halted at the pair of downcast eyes. SooYeon's muscles were also not in the best of conditions, it wouldn't be wise to overexert one's self for such a journey. She would let MiYoung win this round, and bore a brooding frown, as she gestured to a spot on a fallen log. 

"I hope you understand that I'm not in the mood for a talk."

She was too tired to yell, and the smile on the other girl blanked her senses. She simply sat down on the lumber in front of the fishing hole. MiYoung skirted around the rim of the opening, and sat to the right of SooYeon, the edge of her dress brushing lightly over the tip of SooYeon's scuffed shoes. The string in the water swung back and forth, going in sync with their breaths. SooYeon felt her eyes start to throb, a sure signal that she was concentrating too hard, and on unstoppable things. 

"SooYeon..."

SooYeon rubbed her eyes languidly, as her temples started to pulse with the same rhythm. She drawled out her response, her words failing to reach a higher pitch, as she shook away the pain.

"Why do you say my name?"

"Because I want you to look at me."

"We agreed not to talk, didn't we?"

"We don't have to talk. I just want you to look at me."

SooYeon noticed how MiYoung scooted closer, moving surreptitiously to avoid garnering attention, she sighed inwardly at the sly attempt. 

"You'll say no more if I look at you?"

"Yes."

SooYeon lifted up her head, mouth set to a grimace, eyes hardened with burden, and lips chapped to the weather's state, but MiYoung smiled in endearment at her appearance. SooYeon couldn't appreciate it.

"Why do you smile like that?"

MiYoung answered with a playful tone.

"I can answer the question?"

SooYeon knitted her eyebrows and replied tersely.

"Yes."

"Because your face makes me happy."

"I don't understand you."

"Yes, you do."

The two girls are side - by - side, and MiYoung places her fingers cautiously over SooYeon's knee.

"SooYeon?"

The other girl made no reply, but MiYoung spoke with mirth.

"How hard is it to catch a fish?"

"Somewhat."

"How hard is it to make you smile?"

SooYeon said nothing to this, and MiYoung widely grinned to the possibilities swirling around in her head. She suggested hesitantly, adding weight to the hold on SooYeon's knee.

"What if I could make your frown into a smile? Before the day ends that is."

"You can't do that."

"What if I can? Would you grant one wish?"

"Why do you even want that?"

"I want anything from you."

The challenge intrigued her, enough to distract her mind of its previous worries. She declared in a voice close to condescending.

"Go ahead then, if you can - "

SooYeon then felt a hand slam onto her chest, shoving her backwards. The force lifted her feet up into the air, and she slid off the log. She grunted as her head hit the soft ice, and looked with disbelieving eyes to the girl smirking above. Her voice betrayed a flicker of hurt as she asked.

"Why did you push me?"

"Since your frown's upside - down, it's a smile now, right?"

The GongJu in turn held up a self - satisfied grin, and clasped her knees as she thrust her face to SooYeon. The tip of her nose hovering over a set of stupefied eyes.

"I get to have my wish granted, don't I? I know they regard promises and contracts highly in the teachings of the HwaRang."

SooYeon hunched her shoulders, and stressed the muscles in her thighs, as she lifted her torso up from the snow.

"That was not fair."

"All I said was that I'd turn your frown into a smile, yes?"

SooYeon wiped the frost off her back, recollecting herself with careful movement, and scowled out a response.

"What is it that you want?"

"How about we start from the beginning?"

"What beginning?"

"Let's start with holding hands again."

"That - "

"You allowed one request to be made, and that is all I want for today."

SooYeon tightened her jaw, and turned her face away. MiYong was despondent at the expected response. She was in the process of standing up when fingernails, careful and sharp, scraped over her hand roughly. There was a long pause and a dry whisper, one that made MiYoung clasp the lingering hand above hers in bliss.

"I'm just holding your hand because of my word. Don't think too much of this."

"You don't really need to."

MiYoung traced her fingertips over the coarse skin and its protruding knuckles. SooYeon winced with slitted eyes as the other girl thumbed the torn cut on her palm, and questioned uneasily.

"It doesn't repulse you to touch that?"

MiYoung silently counted the creases scattered over the calloused palm, and answered into SooYeon's ear.

"This little scar brightens my whole day. I don't want anyone else to touch it."

MiYoung was too content in watching their silhouette on the ice, merged and inseparable, than to have noticed the frown slip away on SooYeon's face. SooYeon was not smiling, but her eyes softened at MiYoung's fragile form, emphasized by the dress billowing in the wind. Her words nearly died with her uncertainty.

"You must still be tired from yesterday's event. Go sleep, and get rest."

MiYoung shook her head, intertwined her fingers with SooYeon's, and said with a yawn.

"There's no use in going back."

She blinked her eyes blearily, her worn smile indicating the peace she felt, and groggily murmured with SooYeon's hand pressed over her thigh.

"In the end I can't rest until you return."

Chapter 8

"Who is she, JiYong?"

SooYeon jerked her head to a stranger, snoring quite loudly and in an inconsistent pattern, by the side of their glowing fire.

"Who is she?"

SooYeon's hiss was dangerously low, and seconds passed before JiYong sputtered up a clarification.

"SHE'S - I SWEAR SHE JUST CAME OUT OF NOWHERE - I DON'T KNOW HER NAME!"

He was too lost in his own confusion to answer coherently. SooYeon bared her clenched teeth, and seethed with distaste.

"I go out to catch fish. I also watch over the GongJu - and you can't even keep out intruders?"

The fish were perforated along a stick in SooYeon's left hand, and they shook as she spat out her irritation. MiYoung had SooYeon's right hand, and squeezed it with a soothing whisper.

"She didn't bring harm. Maybe she can help us?"

SooYeon controlled her breathing, and cleared her throat, as she let go of the other girl's hand. She instructed her in the most passive tone she could muster in such a situation.

"Give the fish to JiYong, and have him gut them. I'll deal with the girl."

MiYoung nodded and accepted the caught food, delighted with the way SooYeon had exclusively treated her. She hoped the tenderness would carry on over to the stranger, but her hope quickly shrank when SooYeon reached for the stranger's collar. Her tone was monotonous despite having lifted the girl up into the air with her right hand.

"Who are you?"

The girl in SooYeon's hold roused in a disorientated manner, and slurred her words, which added fuel to SooYeon's surliness.

"What? Oh, hello."

The girl stretched back her arms and yawned shamelessly, her legs freely dangling over the ground. SooYeon swallowed the frustration threatening to erupt out of her throat, and whispered with a twitching grin.

"We do not need to greet ourselves, rather I would like it more if you could answer my question."

The girl dropped her arms, and smiled lazily.

"What question?"

"WHAT IS YOUR NAME?"

"Oh...HyunA."

"And why are you here, HyunA?"

"I saw your smoke!"

Hyuna squeaked over the rumpled grip on her collar. She smiled brightly to both JiYong and MiYoung, and waved as she asked the pair gleefully.

"Are you preparing a meal?"

SooYeon lowered HyunA, and roughly pushed her to the left, purposely obstructing her view from the others. She persisted with her interrogation.

"What do you do for a living?"

"Me? I'm just a wandering merchant. Could I eat with you people?"

"No."

"What? Why not?"

"You've received enough by sleeping here without permission. Now go, and disturb someone else."

"

Aw

, don't be like that! I'm a merchant, and I can be of use to you people - look!"

HyunA directed SooYeon's gaze to a oversized pack lying to the right of her feet, folds of silk and clutters of silverware hung by the straps. HyunA smiled with child - like pride.

"Eh? Eh? Good, right?"

"No, now go away."

"BUT I HAVEN'T EATEN FOR DAYS! I MIGHT DIE TOMORROW!"

"Then leave now, and spare us the burden."

"SHOW MERCY TO A STRANGER, PLEASE!"

"No - "

"SooYeon..."

MiYoung gently laid a hand over SooYeon's back, her fingers easing down a rigid spine.

"SooYeon, she doesn't seem to be of threat, and we did catch enough fish. Maybe we can just allow mercy this once?"

The rub on SooYeon's back was mollifying, her anger diminishing as HyunA's smile was growing, she groused as she walked away.

"Leave after the meal."

---

"What do you think about her?"

JiYong whispered to SooYeon while he wrinkled his nose in quiet surveillance. The doctor and warrior were crouching over the river's bend, encircling a hole in the ice. HyunA had created the hole with an odd tool, eager in aiding as she had consumed most of the fish. The merchant was raucously making jokes and telling small gossip, as MiYoung attentively listened over their finished meal.

SooYeon answered without thinking twice.

"I don't like her."

"Oh, I don't think she's that bad. I mean she's been able to hold her own ground until now. It's incredible, isn't it? So young for her age too."

"Oh, she's incredible, all right."

"Yeah, isn't she - "

"Look at her."

HyunA had been holding up a fishbone, and had been waving it overtly after every other sentence, but stopped suddenly. She squinted at the bone in hand, saw a speck of meat at its end, and tugged a corner of her mouth downwards. She then gobbled the tiny morsel of meat with a smile, and tossed the bone over her shoulder as she joyously resumed her gab.

JiYong chuckled and agreed to a level with SooYeon.

"Well, it is true that GongJuNim shouldn't hang out with someone of such class and... manners. But she did bring along a lot of useful instruments in her possessions. I don't think it would a bad idea to have her tag along?"

SooYeon sighed and probed the fishing rod impaled into the snow by her side. She flicked the stick with her tapered fingers, and told JiYong.

"We're here doing this because we need to catch fish in case of emergencies along our way. Another mouth to feed will become troublesome if we are not able to provide as easily."

The line in the water gave a sharp tug, and SooYeon deftly yanked the string out. A fish squirmed on the end, and its scales glistened against the sunlight. SooYeon admitted to JiYong with some reluctance.

"But it looks like she does bring benefits."

---

The tools on HyunA's pack made an eccentric song as they walked, a medley of low rings and sharp whistles, it would have normally driven SooYeon mad. But the music was tolerable today, because today MiYoung had held her hand, and the touch was already sorely missed. The unpredictable melody made her forget the gone bliss, it made her guilt less, and for that she was thankful.

"Hey, SooYeon! I'm 

tired

! Can we take a quick rest?"

And yet the owner of such music could not be as aiding.

"This is such a long walk! Why are we in such a hurry?"

HyunA whined and threw her head back, a pout resting on her lips, as she screwed her eyes shut in complaint. SooYeon had subconsciously inched her hand to her sword, her fingers grazing over its sleek metal. She heaved a sigh, and explained to HyunA as civilly as possible.

"We need to reach a village. If you cannot keep up, you may leave."

HyunA whimpered at the penetrating glare, and pouted as she asked pitifully.

"But why do we have to get there so quickly?"

Of course, HyunA was uninformed of her team's true status and rank in society. The trio planned to keep HyunA's ignorance alive. It would take hours in explaining the tricky situation, and SooYeon also perceived that it would be wiser in keeping some things a secret. She simply told little of the truth.

"We need to find someone."

HyunA dropped her pout, and immediately became fascinated.

"Find someone? Who? Why? Is it a man, or a woman? Does the person owe you people something - this is so exciting!"

HyunA squealed and skipped past JiYong and MiYoung to be closer to SooYeon. She clutched her pack tightly, and brilliantly smiled to the other girl. She must have taken notice of the frown on SooYeon's face because she warily drew back with an unsure laugh.

"Yeah, um... you don't have to answer any of that. I'll shut up now."

She hunched her shoulders, and proceeded back to where she had been, her large backpack covering her petite frame, it looked as if the sack had legs. SooYeon watched her go down with a relief, and caught MiYoung's gaze as she was about to look away. She wanted to stop looking, but was unable to break away from the stare. MiYoung's eyes were beautiful, the kind of eyes that could never fool any one, the kind that told you how they felt, and right now they depicted a fond affection. SooYeon wondered how anyone could love her so much, and unconsciously licked her upper lip in habit. MiYoung knew the habit well, it meant SooYeon was nervous. The GongJu pretended as if she saw nothing, and cast her eyes to the ground with an unreadable smile.

She liked that SooYeon no longer had on a mask. 

---

"Hey, hey, by the way!"

Everyone, even SooYeon in her weariness, listened to HyunA's cry. The little chat earlier did shut HyunA up on the complaints, but it did not suppress the girl of her talkative nature.

"So you all heard about the foreigners, eh?"

A murmur from JiYong, a vigorous nod from MiYoung, and a blank stare from SooYeon, which was everyone's own way of agreeing. Hyuna broke into a grin, and chortled.

"I happened to meet one recently while I was wandering! There were several of them, but I met two originally from here! One came from China, and the other from Japan - I still remember their names! HyoYeon and SooYoung... they went to the nations in hopes of meeting the Westerners and learning from them - look at what I managed to haggle!"

SooYeon disliked the idea of encouraging HyunA's yapping, but she was curious enough to overlook the nuisance. HyunA set her pack down gently, and pulled off a knot to rummage inside. She brought out a heavy blanket, rolled into a peculiar shape, and slowly unraveled the bundle. The blanket revealed three mysterious devices, one being more taller than the other two, and two small boxes. HyunA piped in a loud voice, clearly happy with what she had purchased.

"They're called guns!"

SooYeon kept her eyes on the three gadgets, as HyunA explained their functions.

"These are able to surpass arrows - these three! And these boxes by the side contain things called bullets! You insert the bullets into the guns, and fire them by pulling this crescent moon - shaped thing here... so the gun is like the bow, and the bullet is like the arrow! I heard a single bullet can drop a man to the ground a thousand feet away!"

She pointed to the two smaller guns.

"They're called revolvers. Colts? I forget the name exactly..."

She sheepishly laughed, and hurried on with her explanation.

"And this one! This one has a name: Henry! He's a rifle!"

SooYeon ignored the extended examination of the rifle, and felt her eyes drift back over to the revolvers. HyunA saw SooYeon's interested gaze, and ran up to her, the goods held over her arms.

"Hey, hey, you look like you could easily use these! Yeah, they look made for someone like you!"

She presented the guns to SooYeon, and SooYeon drew back cautiously. She shifted her eyes over to the identical pair, and muttered the following question.

"How much for those two?"

JiYong's mouth fell open and he gawked with amazed eyes, while MiYoung also mutely showed her surprise by holding onto her breath. HyunA giggled and nudged SooYeon's side amiably.

"So you're interested in these, eh? These may not be as powerful as the rifle, but they can still fire far! And tell you what... I'll let you have them for free. No charge, and all of the bullets - which is many - free!"

SooYeon reached for the weapons, but HyunA nimbly stepped back from the approaching hand. She tutted, and reasoned with SooYeon's smoldering look.

"Eh, eh, 

but

... just a small, tiny, minuscule bargain?"

SooYeon's eyes darkened briefly. She raised an eyebrow and casually replied.

"Name your price."

"I knew you'd be a good customer! Oh, people like you know what they want, and they get what they want - okay, okay, I'll stop, so please don't reach for your sword! So, 

ahem

, the price is that I stay with you good folks? Even after your journey to the village ends?" 

SooYeon considered it, her eyelids drooped, and with hooded eyes she speculated the worth of the deal. She involuntarily flinched when a touch landed on her sensitive palm. It was MiYoung, and her fingers gingerly caressed the gash on her hand. She whispered into SooYeon's ear.

"I don't think it's a bad deal at all. You should take it."

SooYeon failed to retract her hand from the warm brushes. A grumble escaped her lips, but her arm stayed where it was.

"There's no need to touch my hand - "

"Oh, but I won a challenge, didn't I?"

MiYoung then slipped her fingers between SooYeon's, and whispered in a cheeky voice filled with ease.

"And I wished for it to be held for a day. I don't think I need to remind you how long a day is, do I?"

SooYeon blushed at the friendly taunt, and became aware of HyunA's suspicious stare. The merchant cocked her head, and mumbled as she shifted her eyes back and forth to the two girls.

"Are you two together - "

SooYeon tore her hand away from MiYoung and yelled.

"I'LL ACCEPT YOUR BARGAIN!"

"Ah - good! You can load six bullets - see how you pull this little fin only halfway out like this? And then you snap this out, and put in the bullets into these chambers. Snap the rolling thing back on, and pull this fin all the way back to fire. Here are the oils to clean the parts, and you also have to disassemble a few things to make sure all of the bullet shells empty out - I'll explain all that in more specific detail later! Go ahead, why don't you try it? But make sure to cover both your ears. I hear the sound is something else!"

SooYeon merely glanced at the loaded gun and its boxes, she swiveled her head to study her surroundings. HyunA rolled her bundle back up, and set it to her feet. She rubbed her hands together, and hummed thoughtfully, as she helped SooYeon look for a target.

"How about... no, no, there's no way you can hit that... even with that gun..."

SooYeon heard the judgement, and felt a prickle of indignation flare up at having been gauged of her skills. She asked coldly to the other girl.

"What can I not hit?"

HyunA looked back to SooYeon and frowned innocently.

"I mean, no offense to your skills, but there's no way you could hit that nut over there, eh?"

HyunA directed everyone's gaze to a single nut hanging over a remote tree. The winter breeze traveling over the land rocked the little shell's body from the branch it hung. HyunA surmised as she squinted her eyes.

"I mean there's no way - "

A deafening sound ripped through the area. 

HyunA fell flat on her face in the snow, and JiYong tumbled backwards in paralyzed shock. A sliver of smoke was flying to the clouds, its origins traced back down to the barrel of a gun, the owner of the gun being a smug - faced SooYeon. HyunA stuttered in an appalled state, while JiYong shakily drew up to his knees.

"W - what - "

"I got it."

HyunA and JiYong snapped their heads to the tree at the composed remark, and saw the branch completely intact, but missing of its small fruit. JiYong looked back at SooYeon, as he checked for MiYoung, and frantically admonished.

"That sound could have damaged the GongJu's... ears..."

SooYeon had her right arm extended, the gun lifted before her eyes, and had her left arm wrapped protectively over MiYoung's head. Her left hand clamped firmly over MiYoung's left ear, as the right ear was pressed up against her chest. SooYeon blinked then lowered the gun, she grinned crookedly, and loudly confessed.

"Sorry... I can't hear a thing right now."

She let go of MiYoung, and the GongJu slipped back to worriedly whisper.

"What about your ears - "

"Can you hear?"

"W - what?"

SooYeon kept her slanted smile, and questioned, twisting her mouth as she cupped her own damaged ear.

"I can't hear a thing you say right now, but I just want to know if you're able to hear - just nod if you can."

MiYoung nodded, a little awestruck at how nonchalantly SooYeon was handling her temporary loss. HyunA stepped forward to explain to MiYoung.

"She should actually get her hearing completely back after some time. You folks don't need to worry too much."

Hyuna gave a convincing smile, and SooYeon shouted to the group.

"Let's get going again!"

---

They were in a small room, much smaller than the one they had occupied last time, but this was perhaps for the better, as it did conserve heat. They had arrived at dusk to a village, and had cooked up a hot and nourishing dinner. It was enough to stuff their stomachs, and although SooYeon hated to admit it, HyunA livened their meal times considerably. The food was effective in tempting the team into sleep, and they each went off to undress and retire for the night.

SooYeon had her hearing back for a while now, but kept quiet about it.

She heard HyunA's snore, heightened to its peak by the day's long walk, and JiYong's rustling, as he tossed wood to a furnace. SooYeon's mind was swimming towards sleep when MiYoung's query floated over her ear.

"SooYeon, can you still not hear?"

SooYeon was loyal to the pretense of sleeping and of not hearing. Her eyelids did not flutter when her blanket rose, and MiYoung's icy toes touched her heels. She suppressed a shudder when a nose pressed pleasantly over the nape of her neck.

"If you don't say anything, then that means you're allowing me to sleep next to you." 

The memory of the red room flashed in her mind when MiYoung edged closer, her breath shallow behind SooYeon's ear. The bloodied snow made an appearance behind her closed eyes, as MiYoung's kiss tickled her shoulder. It was painstaking, yet SooYeon feigned her act of slumber. Fingers clasped around the pulse on her wrist then became lax. The breathing on her neck took on a moderate pace, and the toes grazing the soles of her feet gathered heat; MiYoung was asleep. A soft scoff expelled from her mouth as SooYeon whispered.

"Using such cheap tactics to win..."

The moon was bright for the night, and SooYeon stared at it in her talk.

"First a hit to win my smile, then a deal made when I'm supposedly deaf... you didn't do either fairly."

MiYoung mumbled and nuzzled her face closer. SooYeon froze when the hand on her wrist slipped under her shirt, she bit her lower lip to stifle a yelp. Her stomach became taut with every brush of the fingertips, they played over her abdomen, as MiYoung's breathing produced their movement. SooYeon sharply inhaled and hissed.

"And now this. If you're going to win unfairly... at least look at me..."

SooYeon rolled over with difficulty, scared that the constant fidgeting might wake MiYoung in her unconscious state. She hovered her lips over the bridge of the sleeping girl's nose, and grinned with a raspy voice.

"You're so weak..." 

She chastely kissed between MiYoung's eyebrows, then struggled internally for a dwindling moment before kissing her cheek. She rolled over to return to her former position after having stared at MiYoung's face for an hour. Guilt - ridden as she was, SooYeon leaned back, stopping when she felt the other girl's teeth mark her bare neck, and aligned her torso to match behind MiYoung's chest. She said a whisper and snorted softly, thinking at how ironic it was for MiYoung to be sleeping, momentarily deaf to what she had to say.

"You're so weak for someone who could easily have all of me."

Chapter 9

"Can I have some?"

HyunA lifted her chopsticks into the air, and hungrily eyed MiYoung's bowl. The GongJu had been given a pricier dish, and was in the act of sharing it, when SooYeon's swift hand brought the bowl back. The bowl teetered to a stop as SooYeon glowered.

"Eat from your own."

HyunA whined and spoke under her breath.

"Your favoritism is so obvious - "

"I can see your lips moving."

The merchant sighed, and finished the last of her rice. She furtively glanced at JiYong's plate, eyes shifting back and forth, and asked him.

"So this person you're looking for... he's not at the village you're heading towards?"

JiYong nervously watched HyunA's greedy eyes, and handed over his plate with a sigh.

"Yes."

HyunA squealed and wore a smile, she shoveled the combined tray of food, and chewed through her question.

"What are you going to the village for then? A waste of time, isn't it?"

JiYong cringed as he searched the air for an answer, and leaned back as he replied.

"We think it would be best to start from where he was seen last, and ask around from there. We're hoping someone could give us information on where he went?"

A burp burst out of HyunA, and she lazily hung over the back of her chair. She turned her face to the direction of MiYoung, looking past the GongJu's head to observe the fast - moving crowd behind them, and wiped the corner of her mouth with a thumb. She spoke in a drawl.

"I guess we should get going then, eh?"

SooYeon got up from her seat, her bowl already emptied, and picked up her swords. She slipped the straps of the weapons over her head, and counted the coins in her palm. She dropped the money onto the middle of their table, silently pressuring everyone to prepare and leave, then stalked away. Steering clear of the bustling people lining the open street, she heard her team jog to her with clumsy steps.

---

"I'll catch your entire family! All fifty - thousand of your brothers and sisters!"

HyunA delightedly proclaimed, as she jabbed the dried fish hanging on JiYong's satchel. SooYeon refrained in rolling her eyes, and hopped down from a large rock. She dusted off her hands, and instructed to JiYong and HyunA.

"It looks like you could fish a quarter of a mile from here."

The equipped duo nodded, and began walking down a trampled path. HyunA whirled her head, and teased in an impudent tone.

"While we catch a family, don't go and make a family of your own!"

SooYeon snarled back, defensive at the remark.

"What's that supposed to mean?"

HyunA grinned widely, her pointer finger carefully stroking her chin, and tilted her head back to slyly speak.

"Don't underestimate me just because I'm young! I know far more than you two think - "

JiYong pulled the merchant towards him, and scurried off, not liking the way SooYeon had glared. He sighed as HyunA giggled and ran ahead of him, gloating in triumph at having seen SooYeon's flabbergasted face. She looked over her shoulder to JiYong, and suggested with an impish grin.

"Maybe we should take longer in fishing today? Give them some time to make love - "

"I beg of you, let us walk in silence, please."

---

An hour, and SooYeon watched the fire before her in turmoil. She had built it in a frenzy, her mind refusing to cooperate with her body. MiYoung had quietly brought a log and sat on it, perpendicular to SooYeon, as the other girl created the flames in madness. SooYeon watched the embers now with the GongJu, still distraught over HyunA's blunt statements. 

"SooYeon..."

SooYeon jerked her head up and was about to answer, prepared in putting up a facade, when the frightened glint in MiYoung's eye made her reconsider. MiYoung was looking past her head, at something behind her. She asked the petrified girl in a composed voice.

"Is there someone behind me?"

MiYoung barely nodded, her tongue stuck over the edge of her teeth, and looked at SooYeon, terrified. SooYeon smiled, reassuring MiYoung, and ordered her as she stood.

"Go down the path JiYong and HyunA took. Run."

The other girl was frozen in place, as SooYeon unsheathed her swords,. She brandished them as she turned to face the intruder, and told MiYoung again.

"Go."

MiYoung unsteadily got up from her seat, leaving SooYeon with the masked man. She turned, a panic starting to take control of her mind, and vanished into the trees ahead.

"Who are you?"

SooYeon asked then snorted loudly at her own question - did she really expect an honest answer? He whipped out his own weapons, and ran to her, his sword swinging then ringing with her keen blocks. He slid back and barked a laugh, liking the way her eyes glazed over with an impassive smirk, then reached back and tossed an object high into the air. SooYeon reared back as it hit the ground, its explosion rippling out rings of acrid dust and smoke. She coughed violently, then covered her nose with the crook of an elbow, squinting tearfully as the dust rose. She cried out as a kick connected to her right arm, it sent her flying to the side, and she skidded across the cold ground. The man walked to her, taking off his mask as he leered. He cocked his head and hooked the disguise over his neck, as he held up his sword, and primed to end SooYeon's life.

"STOP!"

MiYoung interjected into the fight, rushing forth from where she had hidden.

"STOP - "

SooYeon had quickly stood up and caught MiYoung's arm. She thrust her back, and growled sternly, furious at the girl for exposing herself to such danger.

"GET AWAY FROM HERE!"

She whipped her head back to the assassin, and awkwardly held up her swords, blinking back the stinging in her eyes. He was pleased at the potential of killing both the girls, and sprinted to SooYeon, using her afflicted condition as advantage. SooYeon tried to deflect the on - coming assault, but wheezed and shut her eyes. She haphazardly shielded herself with a sword, and yelped when the man's weapon managed to taste her skin. His blade retracted and its tip shined with her blood.

It hurt immensely. She gasped wordlessly and dropped one sword, as she clutched her torso. Her wound open and throbbing, no longer numb from the shock of it all. She stumbled onto one knee, her footing becoming weak to the pain in her body, and a dark hue painted over her whitened knuckles. She shut an eye, the image in front of her blurring in spasms, and forced herself up. SooYeon understood that the enemy knew she was injured, but just how much, she hoped he would never find out. Her arm lashed out and she struck against his sword. The metal clapped harshly against its own kind, and she cringed as the hit reverberated throughout her body. Beads of sweat rolled down to her chin, and she hoarsely responded to his sneer.

"I've been pretty accepting of foul moves lately... but that one... I don't think I can accept that one peacefully."

She clutched at her injury and swung her weapon again. The man adroitly dodged her attack, and was rearing back to gain another hit. She dug her toes into the watery ground, and was expecting his flight when he suddenly changed his path. He was dashing towards MiYoung, and SooYeon, for a brief second, saw the color red in her mind.

Losing friends, then a parent of some sort, was enough to hollow a space in her heart. Losing MiYoung would make life unacceptable.

She raised her sword and pulled back her arm, throwing it as she locked onto her target. It drove straight through the man's back, eliciting a strangled cry from him, and she sauntered to his sinking form. Her whisper as icy as her eyes, and her mind completely detached from morality.

"Don't touch her."

She palmed the end of her sword's handle, and rammed the weapon deeper into him.

"No one touches her."

She hadn't noticed the hand clinging onto her wrist until a palm touched her cheek. Her sanity slowly coming back into place, as MiYoung stood by her and tearfully repeated.

"SooYeon, SooYeon, he's dead! Stop, please!"

SooYeon uncoiled her fingers from the sword's end, and focused her eyes to the man, his head lolling to the right. She dismissed the pang of pity as arms coaxed her to turn away.

"You're bleeding - lay down, please!"

She did as she was told, and swallowed the raw discomfort in her throat, her body registering the injury near her ribs. MiYoung proceeded to tear the hem of her dress when a shadow fell over the crown of her head. The enemy had been feigning his death, and with his last ounce of strength was ready in taking revenge. SooYeon cursed as he staggered to their side. 

"HEY, SHISH KABOB!"

Her body jumped off the snow when a shot rang out. The man had been standing still, but then slumped down into a puddle as the noise died out, his face colored crimson and indistinguishable.

"Are you guys, okay?"

HyunA went scrambling down to SooYeon, and a tightly - lipped JiYong followed suit. He hissed at her cut and opened a pouch by his sash. HyunA laid a gun down by her feet, and set a hand over MiYoung's shuddering shoulder. The merchant quietly whispered.

"I guess we'll have to delay our trip, eh?"

SooYeon had a lot in mind to ask. Where did HyunA learn to shoot like that? Would JiYong be able to patch her enough to resume their journey? Why is MiYoung still crying? Why did she have to cry? What would have happened if she had died? Would MiYoung also have died?

SooYeon bit on her tongue and scrunched her nose in pain as JiYong wiped away her blood with a stinging cloth. He whispered apologetically, and ducked his head as he pulled out a needle.

"The nearest village from here is about five miles off. I'm sorry if this will hurt, but we can't afford to have you lose more blood..."

SooYeon, despite all the ache, chuckled and replied in a frail tone.

"I'm fine. Do what you have to do."

JiYong bit his lower lip and breathed out through his nose, despondent at knowing how much pain SooYeon will experience. He looked up hopefully to HyunA and asked.

"Do you by chance have any sort of alcohol?"

HyunA laughed nervously and sheepishly answered.

"I, um, I drank it all before meeting you folks..."

SooYeon snorted at the shy admittance, and JiYong sighed heavily as he explained to SooYeon.

"I was hoping to ease some of your pain."