Ice Stone Child

04 The Hidden SMILES

“I’m good.” Natawa nitong sagot habang tinatanggal ang mga kamay niya. “Lalo lang akong mamumula sa ginagawa mo. I’m sure, I’m fine.”

“I’m not convinced. Okay naman yang mukha mo kanina. Is it because of me? Come on, you can tell me. I won’t tell anyone.” He teased her while keeping her face cornered by his hands.

“Okay fine. But it’s not just because of you.” She gave in but she put a stress on ‘just’. “You see, I was a stranger to all of you. Hindi lahat ng bansa tinatrato ako ng pantay sa mga pinuno nila. I just felt really touched by everyone, especially you and Min Yu. You were both very accommodating.”

“Me? Accommodating? Seryoso ka ba?” Natawa na din siya. She was denying something or he was delusional.

“Well, you tried to help me, mostly. Same as him. I could say maybe it was because of my charm. But you were both patient. Madalas kitang in-ismiran pero hindi mo ako sinusungitan. You just smiled. And most of all, you both treated me like I should be protected. In my country, I protect, I am the protector, I should be the one protecting them.” She cleared up.

“Well, this is Daeyo. You can be anything here except a soul shifter. Min Yu won’t be as kind as you see if you were one of those black magic caster.” He sadly said then he suddenly thought of his maid.

He sighed. Nagwala ang saya sa mukha nito ginawa niya. She tiptoe to reach his face.

“Hindi na ba ko namumula?” Pag-iiba nito sa usapan. “Come on check me up.” Humawak ito sa dalawa niyang balikat.

Kusa niya namang inalalayan ito at hinawak sa baywang nito ang isa niyang kamay para hindi ito matumba habang nasa mukha naman nito ang isa.

“I see..” He swallowed hard. He was so close to her. “You’re pretty, prettily gorgeous.”

Wala sa loob nitong binaba ang sarili sa pagkakatingkayad. Malakas na tawa ang sagot nito. While she was leaning her face on his shoulder. Ilang sandali pa itong tumawa bago tumingin uli sa kanya.

“Now, you are the one blushing.” She said with a wide smile. Dinama nito ang mga pisngi niya. “They were like you’re having a fever. Are you okay, Yeon—?”

Natigilan ito sa ginagawa nito nang lingunin nito ang dumating. It was Min Yu. He cleared his throat to dropped the tension. Pakiramdam nila ay nahuli sila sa maling gawain ng kaibigan niya. Maingat niyang hinarap ang dalaga sa kaibigan. He can’t even look at his eyes. Pirmi siyang nakatingin sa prinsesa.

“There is Min Yu. Hinahanap mo siya, di ba?” Sagot niya saka naglakad palayo sa dalawa. He can feel her stare but he didn't look back. He was worried he would run to her and take her away from his friend.

Nahinga lang siya ng maluwag nang masiguro niyang malayo na siya sa mga ito. Nasa harapan siya nang hardin ng kwarto ng dalaga. He laughed like crazy. Para siyang baliw na inaalala ang eksena nila ni Yui. Napapangiti siya nang wala sa wisyo.

He was sure now that he likes her. Pero hindi niya alam bakit. She was a stranger but not completely. And yet, he was certain that his feelings for her were not just for friends.

Sa dami nakarelasyon niya noon, ngayon lang nakadama ng kakaibang koneksyon sa isang babae. She was also the first one, he can not have. Dahil bukod sa di siya kailangan nito, hindi rin siya sigurado sa nararamdaman nito.

She was strongly implies that she was touched by their gesture. Ngunit hindi malinaw kung nasa parehong lebel sila ng atraksyon. Another point, Min Yu was the one she offered marriage.

Nahilamos niya ang mga kamay niya sa mukha niya. He have not right to be bothered. Kahit siya nagdalawang-isip sa gusto ng prinsesa. Even if he have his gate of energy opened before she came to Daeyo. Hindi rin niya mapapa-oo ito.

He have a lot to do, to learn and to practice. Hindi rin siya nito makokonsidera bilang kabiyak dahil sa kalagayan niya. He was just a son of a great mage who’s gate of energy was locked.

“Young Master Yeon Seo?” Bukaw ng isa sa katulong sa bahay nila. “Meron po akong mensahe para sayo.”

“Nakki’s sword was in Cheonbugwah.” Napakamot siya batok. He completely forgot what he needed for Shin Na to agree to be his master.

Naalala niya ang huling sinabi nito matapos nila makulong sa sekretong silid ng Soongrim.

“Kailangan ko ng espada ko. I need it to restore my power.” Sagot nito sa kanya nang i-lock sekretong silid. She must have realized that she needed him to get out of the place. “Pumapayag na ko, kaya pwede ba buksan mo yung pinto.”

“I will, after it closes. Kailangan muna niyang magsara.” He smiled happily.

“Ano? Nare-realized mo bang dapat binanggit mo yan kanina?” Naiinis nitong sabi. She sighed. “Sinasayang mo lang oras ko.” Nababagot nitong sabi saka naglakad palayo sa kanya.

“Sandali, bawal gumalaw habang nagsasara ang pinto. We could be really trapped here if you stepped more.” Awat niya dito.

“Sa tingin mo ba, maniniwala pa ako sayo?” Muli itong humakbang dahilan para ma-activate ang booby trap at mawala ang ilang tiles ng sahig.

Sa gulat niya ay napahawak siya sa buhok nito nang kumapit ito sa baywang niya. “Sabing sandali eh, akala mo ba nagbibiro ako. Why would I joked around like this? Hindi lang ikaw ang mapaparusahan kapag nakulong tayo sa booby trap.”

“You could have said that there is a booby trap. Kahit di ko papaniwalaan.” She replied and pulled his hair too.

“You already said it, you won’t believe me. I am on your side.”

“Really? On my side? Naririnig mo ang mga sinasabi mo. You could have let me go but instead you trapped me here with you to waste my time!” Sumbat nito. While pulling his hair tighter.

“Masakit na ah! Hindi ko naman sinasadyang masambunutan ka. It was reflex!”

“I hate you! You better not lie to me like how you did, again. Kundi tatapusin ko na talaga buhay mo.” She replied while balancing herself on a tile that was still intact. Then she jumped at the frozen table.

“I hate you too, Master.” Natatawa niya sabi dito habang ginagaya ang ginawa nito. He was amazed how she did it then follow her in frozen table.

Natawa siya uli nang maalala niya nag eksena nila sa sekretong silid ng Soongrim. “Where is Na--Shin Na?” Tanong niya sa kaharap. Kahapon niya pa ito hinahanap. Iwanan siya nito nang patawan siya ng parusa ni Master Park.

“Hindi ko din po siya napansin, Young Master. Meron pa po kayong ipag-uutos?” Usisa nito bago nagpaalam.

He sighed. Shin Na must be busy going around trying to look for her body.

“Focused. Leave Yui alone.” Bulong niya sa sarili nang mapalingon siya sa silid nito. Kasalukuyang siyang palabas ng bahay nang mapadaan siya sa silid nito. He set aside all his other thought and started walking outside to go to Cheonbugwah.

Dirediretso siyang naglakad papasok sa opisina ng Assistant Gwanku. To pick up Nakki’s sword. Despirado na kung despirado, kailangan niya si Shin Na kaya susubukan niya.

“Jang Yeon Seo, what brings you here? May ipaglilingkod ba ko sayo?” Assistant Gwanku greeted him.

“I’m here to claim Nakki’s sword.” He straightly stated.

“Bakit mo naman kailangan yun?” Muling tanong nito.

“Dahil ang ama ko ang kasalukuyang Gwanku. It is my right to keep it while he was still away.” Paliwanag niya.

Tumawa ito. “It was actually my right. Kaya ko iyon kinuha. I am the currently assistant Gwanku. Kaya ako ang nararapat na magtabi nito.”

Humalakhak din siya pero mas malakas. “Dahil wala ang Ama ko, karapatan ko ring bantayan ang mga bagay na responsibilidad niya. That is why I want to claim it. Anak niya ako.”

He raised his hand as sign of giving up. “Changed topic, I heard you were searching for your new master. Kung di mo natatanong, naisip ko ring tulungan ka sa kalagayan mo. But I don’t want to disrespect your father that once was my master. To be honest, hindi ko alam bakit nagawa ng Ama mo yan. I can’t even seem to find an answer. Do you have any clues or hints for me?”

Lumayo ito sandali para kunin ang espadang kinukuha niya. He placed it in front of him. Saka ngumiti nang di umabot sa mata.

“Isa itong espada na may enerhiya ng isang salamangkero. An ordinary person like you can never unsheathe this.” Dagdag nito habang nakamasid sa kanya nang kunin niya iyon.

Pumorma siyang ilalabas iyon sa lagayan nito saka ngumiti. “Did I just saw fear in your face, Assistant Gwanku?” Tanong niya dito bago pinaglipat-lipat sa kamay niya ang espada.

Umiling ito at sumeryoso ang mukha.

“Totoo bang kapag magawa ko iyon ay maaari ka nang matagal sa posisyon mo?” Muli niyang sinulyapan ang espada bago tumingin sa kausap. “Wag ka pong mag-alala. I am still figuring out how to unsealed my energy. Sigurado naman akong isa ka po sa unang makakaalam. For now, just keep your calm, it’s not happening, yet.” Saka naglakad palabas sa Cheonbugwah.

“That was easy.” Bulong niya nang makalayo. He almost ran home to celebrate and waited for Shin Na. She will surely be happy.

Again, he waited for hours and yet no Shin Na appeared. Kaya naglakad-lakad uli siya labas dahil di na siya pwede sa Soongrim. He was banned there for days because of what he did to the secret room. He tampered with the lock to escape with her maid, yesterday.

Nagpalipas siya nang ilang oras bago bumalik sa bahay niya. He wanted to make Shin Na wait for him too. Sana lang ay nakauwi na ito.

Nang makarating na siya sa bahay niya ay wala paring anino ni Shin Na sa bahay niya. She must have lied to him when she agreed on his proposal. Napabuntong-hinga siya at pinaniwalaan niya ito.

He sighed again but this time it was deeper. Kailangan na naman niyang mag-isip ng bagong plano. He decided to take a bath while making new scheme in opening his gate of energy.

Akmang bubuksan na niya ang pinto ng paliguan niya nang may marinig siya lagaslas ng tubig. It must be Shin Na. She must have preparing for his bath. Natutuwa niyang tinuloy ang pagpasok doon pero napahinto siya nang makita itong nakalublob sa tubigan.

“Shin Na?” Dahan-dahan niya itong nilapitan. Naestatwa siya nang lumingon ito. It was Yui.

Sandali silang natulala bago silang sabay sumigaw. Dinaluhan sila ni Headmistress Kim at Min Yu na parehong natigilan nang makita sila. Umiwas agad si Min Yu tingin saka siya hinila nito palabas sa paliguan. Habang natataranta namang hinarang ni Headmistress Kim si Yui.

Katahimikan ang bumalot sa kanila ni Min Yu habang inaantay ang paglabas ni Yui. They were both blushing recalling what they saw, Yui was only wearing a thin cloth that she must’ve used while taking a bath. Every details of her body was visible. Hindi na sila bata para hindi maaliw sa nakita nila.

“Let’s just both forget—not forget, just try to ignore what happened. Para di mailang si Yui.” Min Yu commented while staring at the ceiling.

“Agreed.” He smiled. “Just one thing, is that your first time seeing an almost naked—".

“Yeon Seo!” Awat nito habang napatalikod sa kanya. “Akala ko ba susubukan nating di pansinin yung nasaksihan natin?”

“Well, I was just curious? Hindi pa kita nababalitaang may pinupormahan. Come on, you can tell me.” He tried to pursue his friend.

“It my first time. Abala ako sa pag-aaral—”

“Don’t give me that shit, that was just an excuse. Bakit naman si Jin Ru?” Hindi ito umimik kaya muling siyang nagsalita. “Do you really like Yui?”

Min Yu sighed then look at him. “I don’t know. I just feel so comfortable around her. Kahit minsan nawawala ang atensyon ko sa kanya. I think of her over and over again.”

“Then say yes to her. Kailangan ka niya. She really needed someone to help her manage her country.”

“I know. She was obviously desperate but I found it cute about her. Medyo nabibilisan lang ako sa posibleng mangyayari. We barely hang out and that will be our future for some years. I was worried, I wouldn't be the responsible husband she was looking for.”

He tapped his friend's shoulder. “You were perfect. Mabilis ka namang matututo. Just look at the brighter side, you get to live in two countries. Hers and yours.”

His friend finally smiled. “Thanks, Bro. You never failed to support me in my craziness.”

He just nodded. Kahit medyo nainsulto siya. But he knew, it was all in his head. This particular friend of his, supported him on any of his ideas.

Napatayo siya ng tuwid nang lumabas na si Yui sa paliguan. She was wearing simple pink and white dress. Pantulog siguro iyon ng dalaga.

“Very princess like.” Wala sa sarili niyang nasabi na umabot sa pandinig ng dalaga kaya lumingon ito sa kanya. With her confusedly cute expression.

“What I mean, it suits you very well.” Saka mabilis na lumabas sa bahay niya. His heartbeat was rising and it took him a long time to calm it.

Madilim na ang paligid nang magdesisyon siyang pumasok uli. To make sure, that his bathtub was empty and the water was new. Kumatok muna siya sa pinto ng paliguan bago tumuloy roon. Kahit nasalubong ang mga naghanda ng panligo niya ay sinigurado niya parin.

“I looked so pathetic.” Komento niya sa sarili nang maisip na paliguan niya iyon at di siya dapat ang mahiya sa nangyari. Another point of his, no one stopped him. She should have her maid watched over bathroom the door.

Lumusong siya agad sa tubig nang makapaghubad na siya. He needs to calm himself. Ilang ulit niyang hinilamusan ang mukha niya. He was feeling a different warm that was not from his heated water whenever he was remembering her obviously soft shoulder. Her wet hair that was on her face made him want to touch. Na parang inaakit siya nitong sabayan ito sa pagligo. Natatawa niyang nilubog lalo ang katawan niya sa tubig.

Hindi siya umahon hanggat di niya nakakalma ang sarili.

Yui must be really something. Hindi iyon dahil mga regalo dito ng mga Ninong at Ninang nito. She was an unique woman to begin with.

That was his first time having so many butterflies in his stomach caused by someone he barely knew and it was his friend, Min Yu, initial exposure to woman’s anatomy. Magkaibigan talaga sila. The only difference between them was that he is experienced in a lot of aspects of human relations while he was a great mage with fast learner traits and a very gentlemanly look.

Hatinggabi na halos nang lumabas siya sa paliguan. Hindi niya kakayaning magbabad lalo’t wala siyang mautusan kumuha ng tubig o magdadag ng mainit na tubig doon. So he just gets up there and relaxes on the doorway of the bathroom for some time then decides to go to his room to sleep.

She found Yui sleeping on table near her room. Huli na niya na-realized na papunta pala siya sa silid nito. Huminto siya tapat ng pinto nito at naglakad palayo nang mapansin niya ang natutulog na prinsesa sa labas ng kwarto nito. She was holding some history book of Daeyo while sitting at little library beside her room.

He can’t help but lay his head with her on the table, facing her. Mas maamo ang mukha nito kapag tulog. She was like an angel.

He was about to touched her face when she suddenly opened her eyes. May naalala siguro nito ang gagawin. She was obviously shocked. Kaya mabilis itong lumayo sa kanya. But because she was still feeling dizzy, her head seems to be heavy to balance. Nawala ito sa balanse at bumigay ang mga balikat nito. He quickly put his hand against the nearest cabinet.

“Careful, your head is sensitive. Baka sabihin nila hindi ka namin binantayan. Why are you here exactly?” He couldn't help but ask. He held her shoulders firmly and waited for her strength.

“I wasn’t really going to stay here but Min Yu said that they, Soongrim, can’t give all of my guards a pass there. And Miss Kim offered your guesthouse, on the north side of your residence, for us. At kailangan ko silang salubungin bukas sa port kaya nagpaiwan na ko dito. I have Poli and Bina and two other mages with me here.” Paliwanag nito. Without being aware of their distance.

Nang masiguro niyang ayos na ito ay kusa siyang tumayo matapos ilayo ito sa kabinet. He sighed. “You should go to your room.” Suhestiyon niya dito. Hindi na niya tinanong bakit wala si Min Yu kahit napaisip siya kanina.

“Salamat sa lahat.” Tanging sagot nito bago tumayo at naglakad papunta sa kwarto nito.

***

Kinabukasan, tahimik niyang sinamahan si Yui nang hindi makarating si Min Yu sa tinakdang oras ng pag-abang ng prinsesa sa mga tauhan nito.

“You could’ve have stayed in your house. Kaya naman akong bantay nila Tae Yeon at Joong Keok. They were well trained as far as I know.” Pagtutukoy nito sa dalawang salamangkero. Just to break their silence

“I just want to make sure you will be in good hands. Alam ko namang walang akong pakinabang. But I insist, my friend would have suggested this.” He explained.

Natawa ito ng mahina. “Akala ko iyayabang mo ang pagiging Jang mo eh. I am really sorry about my thoughts. You helped me a lot lately. Salamat sa pagsama.”

He just smiled. Ayaw niya ng magsalita pa baka kung ano masabi niya. He wouldn’t blow himself just to encourage his greedy heart.

Sinalubong nila ang sampung bantay na nakabalot ang mukha. With Keia, Nami and Maela holding two cats, an orange and black. Binati agad ng mga ito ang dalaga.

“Magandang umaga mahal na Prinsesa Yui.” Sabay-sabay na sabi ng mga ito.

“Salamat naman at ligtas kayong nakarating lahat. I am glad you are all agreed to come here. Para saan yung mga pusa?” Tanong niya mga ito matapos sagutin ang mga bati nito.

Sumagot si Maela matapos lumingon sa mga kasamahan nito. “Regalo po iyan ng mga taga-Hatun para sa nalalapit mo pong kaarawan.”

“Really? Kahit sampung buwan pa iyon. I don’t even know what to do with those cats.” Nalilito nitong sagot.

“Wag ka pong mag-alala, mahal ng Prinsesa, nagpaturo kami sa mga Hatun. Sabi din po nina Marli at Leo, yung mga naghatid sa mga pusa, madali lang naman daw alagaan ang mga iyan.” Paliwanag naman ni Nami.

“Salamat Nami at Maela. You all know what to do. Ayoko mapayaan ang mga iyan.” Saka bumaling sa kanya. “Ito nga pala si Jang Yeon Seo, ang misteryosong batang lalaki na nakapasok noon sa Jin Yu falls nang hindi natin alam kung paano at bakit.”

“Wow, salamat sa introduction, Yui. I can’t believe your lack of creativity was one of your flaws. You could have said, ‘I am the most handsome stranger you ever met five years ago.’” Natatawa niyang sabi.

Katahimik ang bumalot sa paligid nila. Everyone was all too serious to laugh. Humakbang palapit sa kanya ang isa mga ito pero inawat iyon ni Yui. Natigilan ang mga ito hindi dahil sa sagot niya kundi dahil sa tinawag niya sa dalaga.

“I allowed him and our friend here, Park Jin Ru and Seo Min Yu. Silang tatlo lang pinayagan ko. I just want to be their real friends.” Paliwanag nito sa mga bantay nito saka humarap sa kanya. “I’m sorry.”

“No, I’m good. Pwede ko parin naman palitan ang tawag ko sa kanya. Antayin ko kayo doon, Princess Yui.” He pointed at the edge of the port.

“No, need. Apologized to him.” Turo nito sa unang bantay na bubunot sana ng espada nito. She pulled him from the back. And put him in front of her guards.

“We apologized, especially me, I didn’t mean to scare you.” Her guard vowed to him.

“See, they listen to me. Just call me, Yui.” Nakamasid ito sa kanya. “You don’t scare him. He will be powerful in no time.” She smiled happily.

“What was that all about?” He was confused.

“Just focus on your goal, you will be where you should be.” She smiled wider and tapped his back. Saka bumaling sa mga bantay nito. “How’s home and the trainees?” She stepped back and asked the leading guard.

“It was good. Queen Tae Ri was still worried. Mabuti nalang at di nakwento ni Keia ang buong nangyari. But we forced her to tell us on the way here.” He replied.

“Good, thanks.” Sagot nito saka muling humakbang patalikod. “Keia, I missed you. How is you Seokmin?” She put her arms at her maid.

“Okay naman po siya, Prinsesa. Namimiss ka narin po niya.” Sagot nito kay Yui.

Tumawa ito nang mahina. “I am currently staying at his house.” Turo nito sa kanya bago siya nilapitan.

“I need some clothes for them. Kailangan nilang makapag-blend-in.” Inakbayan din siya nito. “Can you recommend the best modiste to me?”

“Take your arms off me. Ang bigat mo.” But it was a lie. Hindi ito mabigat. And deep inside he likes her moving closer. He slowly moved away from her. “I knew someone. Ituturo ko sainyo kung saan siya ang tindahan niya.” Then he lead the way.

He presented them his old friend Ryujin. Tinulong siya nito makakuha ng maganda at kwalidad na damit. She is the right person for his guests.

Sinukatan nito agad ang mga bantay ni Yui. Pinapili din ng Prinsesa ng ibang damit ang mga bantay nito para may magamit ito sa araw na iyon. His friend usually works usually took hours to finished. Pero dahil madami ang gagawin nito ay binigyan nito ng isang araw ang Prinsesa. Pumayag naman ang dalaga at nag-abot ng paunang bayad.

She smiled widely once all of her guards changed their outfit. Mula sa balot na suot nito ay nagpalit ang mga ito ng simpleng damit sa Daeyo. “You are all adorable. Lalo ka na Wooshi. You looked like royalty.”

“Hindi po. Maganda lang talaga ang tela ng mga ito. I always looked like a royalty.” Natatawang sagot nito sa dalaga.

The tailor shop was filled with laughter. Kahit siya ay di napigilang tumawa. The guards seemed to be the same age as the Yui, now that he saw their faces.

“We were hesitant to changed our clothes. Pero hindi na kami pinagpalit ni Leader eh. She said, we should asked you. But we can’t, obviously. So we decided to wear them.” Paliwanag ng nangunguna sa mga bantay nito kanina. He holding his neck like he was shy.

“No problem, Mingyu. It was nice to see you all with those new clothes.” She tapped his shoulder. “But Wooshi really nailed this robe.”

She was about to rub Wooshi's head but he stopped her. Nagulat ang dalaga sa ginawa niya. So she stared at him with a question in her eyes.

“I just thought you were being too touchy with you people. Baka naiilang na sila.” Again, he lied, jealousy was raising in his mind. Natigilan ito saka tumingin sa mga kasama nila. He felt guilty when her face got serious.

“I’m sorry, I didn’t notice.” She stepped back.

“I didn’t mean to offend you, Yui. I was—”

“Gotcha! We were all friends in my country. Si Keia lang naman ang seryoso, ayaw makipagkulitan samin madalas. But me, Mingyu, Wooshi, Seungkwan, Hanseol, Junhui, Seong Cheol, Dino, Hoshi and Joshwa, we all had the same wavelengths. Most of them were two years younger than me except Mingyu and Wooshi, they were a year older than me.” Nakangiti nitong pakilala sa mga ito. Then she rubbed his head.

“What was that for?” Nagulat niyang tanong. He was still shocked, knowing she was tripping him.

“You don’t want me to do it with him. Pwede naman siguro sayo? You were older than all of us.” She wasn’t smiling.

“Joke na naman ba ito?” Hinuli niya ang kamay nito.

“No, I wasn’t.” She was still emotionless.

Hinila niya ito palapit sa kanya. Sabay-sabay napasinghap ang mga bantay at alalay nito. “I was just kidding.” Kaagad niyang binitawan ang kamay nito. Umiwas siya nang tingin sa mga ito habang tinatago ang ngiti sa mga labi niya.

Nalilito siyang tignan nito saka umiwas ng tingin nang makita niyang nakatingin din ito. Even him was confused. Na parang kumilos nang mag-isa ang mga ito dahil hindi rin maintindihan bakit niya iyon ginawa.

Makalipas ang ilang sandali ay natapos ding mabili sina Yui. She used his carriage to carry her guards things to his house. Masaya naman itong sumama sa paglalakad nila sakay ng isang kabayo pabalik sa bahay niya. Dala iyon ng mga alalay nito. Paborito daw iyon ng dalaga kaya sinama na nila sa Daeyo.

Nasa kalagitnaan sila nang paglalakad nang maalala niya ang nabalitaan niya kaninang umaga. That Nakki’s body was given to Jin Ra Mil, assistant Gwanku, by the Crown Prince as a reward of catching the spy in Soongrim. Nahuli nito ang mga kumuha ng katawan ng assassin. So he stopped at the Daeyo’s public plaza and get through the crowd. Bumaba si Yui sa kabayo nito at sinundan siya kasama ang mga bantay nito.

She must be curious too. Hindi niya ito pinansin at hinanap agad sa paligid si Shin Na. He knew she will surely be there to watch her real body burn.

Nagpaalam din agad sina Yui sa kanya nang magsimulang mag-alisan ang mga tao sa plaza. She was confused. Pero hindi nito iyon sinatinig.

He nodded. He was too focused at his future master to look at the Princess. Baka kapag kumurap siya o lumingon dito ay muling maglalaho ang katulong niya. He slowly walked to her.

“Hindi ko naiisip na kakayaning kong panuorin ang pagsunog sa katawan ko. You must be happy knowing that I have no choice but to help you.” Malungkot nitong bungad sa kanya.

“I can’t say I am glad but like I said, we will benefit positively. May good news ako sayo. I have your sword.” He stood in front of her, hoping she would smile at his news.

Her expression changed. Nag-iba ang paluha nitong mata. She suddenly have hoped.

“Where are you exactly in past few days?” Tanong niya habang naglalakad palayo sa plaza. He rented the whole Chwireonsu.

Pagdating nila sa bahay-aliwan ay pinag-antay niya iyon sandali para kunin ang espada. He trusted it to Ju Dae. Nakangiti niyang hinarap dito ang dating gamit nito.

“Nabanggit mo sakin, last time, na kailangan mong ng espada na yan para mabawi ang dati mong lakas.” Simula niya saka nilapag sa lamesang nasa harap nila ang espada nito. “So I pick it up. Go on, show me how you used to swing it, before.”

Paglapit nito doon ay may lumabas na enerhiya galing sa espada. Masaya ngumiti si Shin Na habang nakatitig dito.

“What an excellent sword? Nakikilala ka niya.”

Unti-unting umangat sa ere nang espada palapit sa kamay nito. “You really amazed me imagining how you get this. Ngayon, kailangan ko nalang bawiin ang enerhiyang nilagay ko dito.”

Ngunit nang malapit na nitong maabot ng kamay nito ang espada ay muli itong naglabas ng pwersa. But it was not to welcome her. Tinulak nito palayo ang dalaga.

They were both shocked. Pero nauna itong nakahuma. Kinuha nito ang espada at sinubukang bunutin iyon. But she failed.

He can’t help but laughed. Muli siyang mabigo. He found a wrong master, again. “You’re too weak to have it. Isa ka lang ding mahinang taong tulad ko. Pareho tayong walang kwenta.” He was disappointed after all his effort. “Tama na, wag mo nang pagurin ang sarili mo. Go rest somewhere.”

Sinalubong nito ang mga mata niya nang may luha. Maging ito ay nanlulumo sa kinalabasan ng plano nila.

“The Nakki we knew was gone. Hindi ka na panganib sa Daeyo. You can really start living as Shin Na.” He added while she was still in silence.

“I would rather die than live like her.” She was disappointed too.

“Of course, you’ll think of that. Anyway, I have not planned on burying you so do what you want. Just don’t get me involved with any of it. Wala ka narin namang gamit sakin.” He hissed on her acting like a child.

Ilang sandali itong tumulala bago nagsimulang maglakad palabas sa Chwireonsu.

Naiwan siyang nagmumura sa isip niya. He was hopeless too, like her. Imbes na magdiwang siya ngayon ay nagluksa siya.

As soon the people swarmed at the brothel. Kasabay noon ang paglunod niya sa impluwensya ng alak. He was just 20 but he already well-known about alcohol and how to use them.

Natigilan siya sa paglagok ng bagong dating niya inumin nang marinig niyang usapan ni Ju Dae, naghahanap daw ito ng taong maghahatid dito sa Lake Gyeongcheondaeyo para hanapin si Shin Na. Pagiwang-giwan niyang pinuntahan ang lawa sakay ang nirentahan niyang kabayo.

He found her half-awake, standing at the bottom of the cliff. Hawak nito ang espada sa kanang kamay nito habang ang lagayan nito sa kaliwa. She proudly show that she can wield before she collapsed.

He was confused but he was too drunk to ask her. Dinala niya si Shin Na sa Sejukwan sa pagamutan ni Master Heo’s infirmary. He wanted to make sure it was nothing serious and have access to all remedies he might need.

Nang magising si Shin Na ay inabutan niya rin ito ng gamot para sa mata nito. “Put them in your eyes once a day. Nalagyan na kita kanina, baka sakaling lapitan ka ng ibang manggagamot dito.”

Pumikit ito uli at pinakiramdaman ang mata nito. When she get used to eye drop, she ran to her sword. Sinubukan nito uling bunutin iyon.

“Will you stop that. Malamang nabuksan mo iyan dahil sa mga enerhiya sa lawa. Remember it was a grave for soul shifters.” Awat niya dito. Then grab some other remedies for her strength.

Muli nitong tinitigan ang espada na hawak nito. “I saw some good tea here. Ipaghahanda kita. Antayin mo ko sa labas.”

Ilang sandali lang lumabas na din ito dala ang tsaa kasama ang isang baso.

“I never imagined that I will be able to go Sejukwan. Naririnig ko lang ang tungkol dito. It was really an incredible infirmary. Maraming halamang gamot ang nandito pati mga nakakalason.”

Tumango lang siya. “Kaya hinanap ko yang eye drop mo. That is the least I could do to you.” Saka malungkot na ininom ang hinanda nitong inumin para sa kanya.

She smiled widely and stared at him. “Nagkakamali ka. Meron ka pang magagawa para sakin. I want you to be my lake Gyeongcheondaeyo. Sabi mo isusugal mo ang buhay mo para sakin. I want you to do it for me, for this time too.”

Nakailang kurap na siya pero hindi parin ito natinag. He was confused. He was about to stand when he felt a sudden burns in his throat. Hindi rin siya makahinga ng maayos.

“I am betting everything to you. Kaya hinihiling kong magtagumpay tayo. If you survive this. Payag na kong maging guro mo.” She stood up and watched him gasping for air.

Dumating si Master Park at Master Heo naabutan siyang nahihirapan.

“Yeon Seo!” Sigaw ni Master Park.

“Anong nangyari sa kanya?” Nag-aalalang tanong ni Master Heo.

“Nakainom ho siya naglason.” Sagot ng katulong niya.

“Anong lason?” Usisa ni Master Park.

“Hihinto ho ang puso niya matapos ang anim na oras.” Paliwanag ni Shin Na nang walang bahid na pag-aalala sa mukha nito.

“Anong lason sabi!?” Uli ni Master Heo.

“Mahuhuli na ho ang lahat kung hahanapin nyo ang lunas. Mas mabilis nyo ho siyang maililigtas kung bubuksan nyo ng enerhiya niya para mailabas ang lason.” Pagmamatigas at pagbabale-wala nito tanong ng mga ito.

“Ano!?” Gulat na sigaw ng dalawang matanda.

“Nakikiusap ho ako, buksan nyo ang enerhiya niya kundi mamatay ho siya.” Saka lumuhod sa mga harap nito.

While he was gasping for air, he saw Yui raised from the bushes. Nag-aalala siyang nilapitan nito. She was about to place her hand to his chest when a force compelled her away.

Tumalsik ito sa di kalayuan pero nakapaghanda ito agad at nakaporma ang mga paa nito para hindi ito gumulong sa lupa. She was stood with astounded face and stared at him then to her hand. “I wanted to help but something's stopping me.” Nalilito nitong sabi ng Prinsesa.

Akmang maglalakad uli ito palapit sa kanya nang awatin ito ng bagong dating. It was Wooshi while shaking his head. “You shouldn’t, Prinsesa Yui.” Hinila nito ang dalaga palayo sa eksena at sinenyas ang ibang kasama nitong tulungan ang mga Master niyang buhatin siya.

“N-nandito d-din p-pala kayo.” Nauutal niyang sabi habang nakangiti.

“If I were you, I will save my energy and breathe enduring the pain. Kakailangan mo yan ng ilang oras.” Hanseol calmly said.

He just nodded and closed his eyes to concentrate.