Kang Chi: Beyond Life and Time

Chapter 24: Beyond Time: Recollection of Memories

It has been a week since Kang Cheol went up to Jirisan and retrieved the metal box of mementos from his former dwelling. And it has also been a week since So Jung's warning about the ill 'fate' that he and Yeo Wool still seemed to have but refused to accept.

Now, here he is again—hiking up on the illegal trail—retracing his steps to get in touch with his past. He could not stop thinking about what So Jung said a week ago. Though he refused to believe that 'fate' would not allow him and Yeo Wool to be together in this lifetime, the fact that she is a human could affect their current lives and reverse the outcome.

As he walked towards his destination, he came to a halt when he saw a woman sitting on the boulder near his former dwelling.

Yeo Wool-ah?

He heard her whispered thanks to the three blue orb lights floating in front of her.

"For what?" He asked, and saw utter surprise on her face, as she fell from where she was resting. He himself was also surprised but he tried to hide it. He hoped she would not notice.

They spoke simultaneously, but politely gave Yeo Wool the opportunity to speak first. As she was talking, he saw a she-wolf staring not far from behind her. Their eyes met. The she-wolf turned away peacefully as Yeo Wool looked back to its direction. He released a sigh of relief, grateful that a 'dog' fight did not ensue. It could have been another traumatic experience for Yeo Wool that could have taken another half a lifetime to overcome.

After fumbling for words in explaining why he is there though he knew it was an illegal trail, he managed to change the subject by offering her a gimbap.

It is true when he stated that he felt the need to pack snacks for two. He thought the extra food would be good if he decides to stay longer than usual. But never, in his wildest imagination, did he think that Yeo Wool would—or could—be there. If this is a work of 'fate', he will give it a point for a job well done.

When he asked her how long had she been hiking up in Jirisan, he anticipated a word or two for an answer. But astonishingly, she recounted about the incident that he first heard of as Han Wool's bedtime story. Suddenly, as she pointed towards the direction she was referring to, she trailed off, leaving her recount open-ended.

"...Was the place where your Wangja came from nowhere and saved you." He finished her story himself.

Geurae...That's the place where I came to save you.

"...It's a memory of real-life events." He told her.

She nodded lightly, then fell silent. He knew she wanted to say—perhaps ask—something, but she refrained from doing so. He himself had plenty to say and ask of her, but like her, pulled himself back.

If you dreamt of our first meeting in this lifetime, have you ever dreamed of us in the past? Have you ever dreamed of...me?

Confirming that her dream of the lost girl is a suppressed memory, he thought that if she ever dreamed about Kang Chi, it would mean that she remembers her past life, or at least some of it.

Should I ask her?

As much as he wanted to, he decided to pass from doing so. He does not want to scare her by reminding her of a past life that almost anyone reborn does not have a recollection of. He would just have to rely on the inherent capacity of humans to be sentimental and compassionate...and to love.

He smiled bitterly at the thought, as he recalled the tragic ending of his parents' love. Their story had since become a warning for both humans and divine creatures who choose to fight against the principles and end up losing. He and Yeo Wool had their own share of losses, but they could work together and end up winning. His love for her then and now could do wonders, and if she will love him in this lifetime, they can overcome the odds in a way they never even imagined.

If only she remembers her past life....

But her life is too short for what ifs. He shook the thought off by standing up and picking up his backpack.

"Do you want to catch some fish from the stream?"

"Seul ma...You know how?"

"Dangyeonhaji!" He said enthusiastically, as he extended his hand to her. She accepted his invitation and reached for his hand as he pulled her up and they ran towards the stream. He felt like he was when he and Yeo Wool used to play in the stream beside his cave in the mystical mountain. He had never felt so exhilarated for so long. This special feeling he only felt—and now feeling again—for and with Yeo Wool.

A couple of trout that he had been eyeing for five minutes managed to escape from his grip. Though he does not want to, it seemed like he would have to admit that his mouth had run ahead of him. His confidence level began to wane.

"I thought you know how to do this?" Yeo Wool asked with a sarcastic smile.

"I do!" He answered in defense of his pride.

"Geulsse...."

"Jamkkan...."

He went out of the water and searched the surrounding for a tree branch. After finding one, he took out his utility knife and sharpened its end. He then went back into the stream and positioned himself. Moments later, he thrust the sharpened branch into the water and revealed a trout pierced through it when he pulled it out. Yeo Wool clapped in excitement.

He made a fire to cook the fish, telling nonsense stories as they ate it. Oblivious of the time, they spent the entire day together, deep in the mountains, far from the world, here in his private place. He wished everything could be as simple and satisfying as this moment.

"We should be going." He told her, when he saw the sky changing colors from indigo to red orange. "We don't want the dark to catch up on us."

He gathered his belongings, put the fire out by pouring water from the stream on it, before leading Yeo Wool back to the designated trail. They were both silent as they retraced their steps, as if they ran out of stories to tell.

"Are you going back to Seoul tonight? Or are you stopping by in Namwon?" He asked. Whatever her answer is will determine his next move.

"I'll be staying in Namwon tonight. Han Wool is there already."

"Geurosumnikka...I'll take you there, then." He told her as he opened the car door for her. She pursed her lips and thought for a moment but still decided to get in, as if she knew that playing hard to get and arguing about it would be futile.

They were both silent during the entire ride to Namwon. They definitely ran out of stories to tell. Perhaps they gave away more than they should on their first entire day together. Or maybe they just enjoyed each other's company so much, since everything was unplanned.

He stopped the car in front of the ungated entrance. Hesitating for a moment, he got off to open the door for her, but she beat him on it. She was already out of the car when he reached her side.

"Do you want to come in...for tea...or coffee?" She asked shyly.

Yes!

"Geureom yo!" He answered. It was a question that he had been hoping to hear.

As they entered the premises, a blue orb light caught his attention from the flower garden where the Violets bloom.

I've been seeing them often lately. Does it mean something?

"Do you think there is a purpose behind their presence?" So Jung, who emerged from the darkness like a predator, asked from behind him.

"Kkamjjagiya! Hyung!" Was all he could say in shock.

"I've been seeing them lately, as if guarding the Violet flowers." So Jung continued, as he nodded towards the direction of the flower garden.

"Jinjjayo? Geuraesseo...."

"It would be up to you to decide how you want to perceive their continuous presence. Your perception of them could either be detrimental or beneficial for you."

Detrimental or beneficial? Can it be both?