Ice Stone Child

05 The Real FEELINGS

“I only meant to help.” Paliwanag niya kay Wooshi. He pulled her away from the infirmary.

“I know. Pero sinusugal mo ang buhay mo. Akala mo ba hindi namin napansin na malaki ang enerhiyang nawala sayo. You’ve been intervening here too much. Kailangan mo ring magtira sa sarili mo. Your energy was not replenishing itself like them, you are aware of that.” He was furious of her charity.

“I just think I can help without opening his gate of energy.” She was worried. “May dahilan ang Ama niya bakit niya iyon ginawa. “I wanted to get him out of his misery.”

“Well, obviously, he doesn’t want it.” Pagtukoy nito sa tumulak sa kanya. When she try to help him.

“It wasn’t him, Wooshi. Something else stopped me from helping him.” She is sure of it. “I still want to try again.”

She was also struck by that same force when she followed Shin Na at Lake Gyeongcheondaeyo. It wasn’t from the maid either. Sinundan niya ito nang mabasa niya sa luha nito ang balak nito. They crossed paths at the doorway of the Chwiseonru. Aksidente na tumama sa kamay niya dito na ginamit nitong pangpahid sa luha nito.

She save it and hide in bathroom for woman of brothel. Pinanood niya ang usapan nito at Yeon Seo. Mabilis siya tumakbo palabas maramdaman niyang seryoso itong magpapakamatay. She even has a throwback in her tears of memory why she wants to die in the lake.

“Ito ang lugar kung saan tinatapon ang mga nawalan ng kontrol na soul shifter.” A man with a black robe with hoodie said. Habang tahimik na nakamasid si Shin Na dito.

Hindi ito sumagot. But her mind was flooded with her thoughts. Like how she wanted to die there too. Kung sakaling mawalan din ito ng kontrol sa sarili niya. Implying that she has anticipated herself using the spell. At sigurado itong ganoon din ang sasapitin niya pag nagtagal.

She also saw Shin Na as a child crying in a small cabin where a maid from her family kept her. Mula sa maliit na butas doon, nakita nito kung paano pinatay ng mga salamangkero ang Ama nito. She was obviously clueless about why the mages of Daeyo did that but she was angry at them.

Clearly, the man in the hooded robe was using her against the mages. Malinaw na may dahilan ang mga pinakadakilang salamangkero sa ginawa nito. She also believed that Master Park, Master Heo, Master Jang and Madam Jin were not going to execute an entire clan without a reason.

She smiled sadly. Ngayong, na nakilala niya ang katulong ni Yeon Seo ay naaawa siya sa dinanas nito. And right now, she wants to help her in the best way she can.

Hindi niya ito naabutan sa talampas kaya mabilis siyang tumalon dagat. Hoping to save her. She found her being encircled by a force. Saka ito dumilat at binunot ng espadang hawak nito.

She felt a familiar energy. Pero bago niya pa maanalisa iyon ay hinila siya nito paangat ng tubig. It brings them to safety, a few distance from Shin Na. Hinihingal at nilalamig niya itong nilapit. But she stopped when she saw someone else with her.

Naabutan niyang karga ni Yeon Seo si Shin Na kaya nagtago siya. She was not supposed to know anything. Wala siyang nagawa kundi mag-isang bumalik sa pinanggalingan niya.

Pagbalik niya sa Chwireonsu at hinanap niya ang mga gabay at bantay niya saka nagpalit ng damit. After an hour they all went back to the Jang’s residence and settled their baggages. Habang nagpapahinga siya ay narinig niya ang usapan ang isang katulong doon at si Headmistress Kim tungkol kay Yeon Seo. Pumasok daw ito bigla sa Sejukwan para gamutin ang katulong nito at pupuntahan ito ng mga matatanda. Sinundan niya ang mga ito nang pumunta ang mga ito sa Soongrim.

She have sneaked in to help him purposely. His maid might be really sick. Wala namang nagawa ang mga bantay niya nang tumagos siya sa sa harang ng Soongrim. She was shocked too but what more shocking was when she looked at barrier it voluntarily opened for her guards.

Bumalik ang isip niya sa kasalukuyan nang buhatin siya ni Wooshi mula sa tiyan at mabilis nilayo sa pagamutan. She try to escape but her other guards helped him to stopped her, she failed. Tumigil ang mga ito nang makita nila papalabas na si Master Jin doon kasama ang iba niyang bantay at si Shin Na nang nakatali ang mga kamay.

“Master Jin, kamusta na si Yeon Seo?” Salubong niya dito. “Ano pong kailangan nyo kay Shin Na?” Dagdag tanong niya nang makita niya ang dalaga.

“He was not good. Kailangan kong tawagin ang iba pang manggagamot dito sa Daeyo. They might figure out the antidote.” Sagot nito sa una niyang sagot sabay baling sa kasama nito. “She wasn’t saying what is the poison. We will make her talk in Jeongginyak.” Saka muling naglakad. He was more like running.

She sighed. There is something going on and she can’t use her recall spell to conserve her energy. “I need to try, please, Wooshi.” She looked at her strict guard then to the others. And pray for Shin Na endurance from the torture.

“Okay. Subukan mo lang, wag mong ipipilit, Prinsesa Yui.” He sighed.

Tumango naman ang iba bilang pagsang-ayon.

“Hanseol, can you describe Yeon Seo’s face?” She turned to his guard who assisted his friend.

“Namumula parin po siya. But he can still speak before we leave him.” Sagot nito habang sinasabayan siya sa pagtakbo.

Naabutan niyang nahahanda ng kanya-kanyang lunas ang mga manggagamot sa loob ng pagamutan. She walked to Master Heo holding Yeon Seo’s hand. Tinabihan niya ito.

“Gusto ko po uling subukan, Master Heo. If I can help him.” Bungad niya dito saka sinimulang lapitan ang walang malay na binata.

She will cast her extraction spell. Kaso hindi iyon tumalab kahit ilang ulit niya. At her fifth try, the same energy pushed her away from Yeon Seo. Mingyu caught her before she lifted from the floor.

Everyone sighed. Saka katahimikan ang bumalot sa kanila habang naghintay ng balita mula sa Soongrim. She gave up too. Her energy was not coming out. She seats outside the room with her guards.

“Master Heo, pakiusap tulungan mo po si, Young Master Yeon Seo.” She heard Headmistress Kim begged the infirmary owner.

“I can’t just act, Princess Yui has been trying to extract the poison. Pero may pumipigil sa kanya.” He explained while keeping himself calm.

“Then opened his gate of energy, at least. Yun ang kailangan niya sabi ni Shin Na.” She was sobbing. But the old man continues concocting his cure.

Maya-maya dumating na din ang iba pang manggagamot na pinapunta ni Master Park at tumulong sa paghahanap ng lunas.

But it’s been an hour and there is still no news from Soongrim. Kung napasagot na nito si Shin Na. Naiintindihan niya si Master Park. Yeon Seo’s maid might not know the poison. Although, she was the only one with him before the incident.

She was about to go out of the clinic to check on Shin Na when she heard a commotion inside Yeon Seo’s room.

Mabilis siyang tumakbo papasok roon. She found him vomiting blood. Tinakpan ni Minghao ang mga mata niya. “Don’t look, Princess.” Sabay sara muli ng pinto.

“I need to see, Shin Na.” Nagmamadali niyang tumakbo uli palabas. Pero pinigilan siya ni Hoshi habang hinarangan naman ni Dino ang daanan.

“No, recall the spell until you visit the falls.” Seungkwan held her arms.

“Young Master, Min Yu.” Narinig niyang bati ni Junhui na kasalukuyang naglalakad papasok.

“Where is Yui?” Tanong nito sa bantay niya.

Sinalubong niya ito ng yakap pero kaagad niya itong nilayuan. She felt something different from him but she choose to ignore it and focused on the main issue. Sandali niyang tinitigan ito na malungkot na ngumiti.

“Anong balita kay Shin Na? Saan ka ba nanggaling, kanina ka namin hinahanap ni Jin Ru?” Sunod-sunod niyang tanong dito.

He sighed. “Negative. Hindi parin siya sumasagot. I’m sorry, I was sick, yesterday but I’m fine now.”

Inakay siya nito papasok sa kwartong kinalalagyan ng kaibigan nito.

“Can we talk about us after Yeon Seo wakes up?” Nahihiyang nakangiti nitong sabi. And held her hands.

“Yes, of course.” She smiled back.

Naabutan nilang nakatayo si Master Heo sa gilid ng higaan ng kaibigan nila. He collecting his energy to his hand and place it to Yeon Seo’s chest. Lumingon ito sa kanila nang nakangiti. “Ligtas na siya.”

Sabay silang tumakbo ni Min Yu sa tabi nito. She hugged him in his bed after they confirmed Master Heo’s news. Normal na ang paghinga ng kaibigan nila. She can’t help but smiled.

“We should stop them torturing Shin Na. Okay na siya.” Turo niya sa nakahiga. She was about to go when an arm stopped her.

“Nasaan si Shin Na?” Mapungay ang mga mata nitong nakatingin sa kanya. He was obviously passed a lot of pain. Wala sa loob niyang napaluha.

Tumuwid ito nang upo saka pinunasan ang luha niya. “Yui, I’m good. Come on, don’t cry.” Sabay yakap sa kanya. “How’s your arm?” Usisa nito habang bahagya siyang nilayo.

She sighed and show him her left arm. Natungkod niya iyon nang unang tilapon niya. “They’re not broken. Nasubukan ko pa nga uli yung extraction spell pero di ko kaya.”

He pinched her cheeks. “Good to know, I wouldn’t know how to save you if you get sick.” He sighed and noticed Min Yu on her side. “Min Yu.” He smiled. “Now I need to see, Shin Na.” Tuluyan na itong kumalas ng yakap.

****

Kasama ni Seong Cheol, pinatakbo ni Yeon Seo ng matulin ang kabayong hiniram nito sa Chwireonsu. While she ride her horse from Soongrim with Joshwa. Habang tumatakbo naman silang sinundan ng iba niyang bantay.

Halos talunin nito ang kabayo nito nang marating nila ang Secret Room of Jeongjingak, Soongrim. She followed him and helped him walk. Naabutan nilang duguan si Shin Na habang walang malay na nakatali sa gitna ng sekretong silid. She have wounds all over her body. Mabuti nalang at buo pa ang damit nito.

Hinubad niya ang suot niyang ekstrang damit. Dinala iyon si Hoshi para sa kanya. When she ran out, he put it on her back. Inabot niya iyon kay Yeon Seo na sinuot naman nito sa katulong nito.

“Shin Na!?” Sigaw nito habang naglalakad palapit dito. “Wake up!”.

Hinanap naman niya ang dulo ng tali at pinutol iyon.

“She is alive. Salamat sa tulong, Yui.” He smiled at her then continued waking up his maid.

“No problem, tawagin ko lang sina Seong Cheol para matulungan ka—” Pinutol nito ang kung anumang sasabihin niya.

“No, need. Kaya ko na siya, pwede na kayong umalis nina Seong Cheol at Joshwa. It’s midnight. Kailangan nyong magpahinga. Headmistress Kim might be here in no time. Mauna na kayo sa bahay.” He was fixing her hair that covered her face.

Tumango lang siya saka lumabas sa silid. But she halted from a distance, enough to hear their conversation. Narinig niyang ang bahaw na boses ni Shin Na. “Yeon Seo?” Tawag nito sa binata.

“We could have both die. Isa ka talagang—"

“You survived, my pu—” Sandali si Shin Na para umubo. “My pupil.”

“Salamat sayo muntik na kong mamatay. You are really crazy, my crazy master.” Masigla nitong wika.

“Salamat din at kinaya mo.” Mahina ng boses na sabi nito sa binata.

Mahabang katahimikan ang lumipas. She sighed and started walking outside. Bago pa siya mapansin ni Yeon Seo.

She found her guards and guides waiting for her. Kasama na din ng mga ito sina Headmistress Kim, Min Yu at Jin Ru. She smiled and signed a thumbs up.

Nakadama siya nang panghihina at bumigay ang mga binti niya. Sinalo agad siya ni Min Yu.

He sighed. “Naikwento sakin nina Wooshi ang ginawa mo para kay Yeon Seo.” He said with worried face.

“I just wanna help.” Kusa niyang sinabit ang mga kamay niya sa leeg nito. She hugged him.

Natigilan ito pero tinuloy nito ang paglalakad nito. Sinakay siya nito sa karawaheng dala ni Headmistress Kim. Her guides followed her. Sumilip siya bintana nang marinig niya ang boses ni Master Park.

“Hindi ko alam na sobrang desperado ka nang suwayin ang Ama mo. That you even conspired with your maid.” Nagagalit nitong sita kay Yeon Seo.

“Ginawa ko lang ang palagay kong makakabuti sakin. Do you still think I can just sit while everyone here has their training? Isa akong Jang—”

Inawat ito ni Jin Ru. “Patawarin nyo na siya, Tiyo. Kahit ako nasa kalagayan niya, magagawa ko rin iyon—"

Pero hindi din ito pinatapos ni Master Park. “Hindi dahil gusto mo ang isang bagay, ipipilit mo na. We could have let the both of you die.” He sighed deeply to calm himslef. “You should all rest. Umalis na kayo at magpahinga.”

Napatayo siya kinauupuan niya nang lumuhod si Yeon Seo kasama si Shin Na sa likod nito. Akmang tatakbo siya palabas sa sasakyan nito pero hinarangan nina Keia at Poli ang pintuan ng karawahe.

“We need to stay.” Lumingon ito sa likod. “I want to tend her wounds, I know it was my fault. I poisoned myself. I didn’t gave her a choice. Sinunod niya lang ako gusto ko.” He begged.

Master Park deeply sighed and stared at him. “I want them out of sight. Pagtapos silang matulungan ng mga manggagamot natin sa Sejukwan. Don’t let them in Soongrim unless I said so.” Then he left.

“Tulungan ka na namin, Yeon Seo. You need to rest too.” Alok ni Jin Ru.

Humarap muna sa kanya si Min Yu saka kumaway. “Mauna na kayo. Yeon Seo, need us. See you all tomorrow.” Saka tumakbo sa mga kaibigan nito. “Give me Shin Na. Ako na bahala sa kanya.”

“No, babae din naman siya. Headmistress Kim, ikaw na bahala kay Shin Na.” Utos nito sa punong-lingkod nito. “Ako ang buhatin mo, Min Yu.”

“Bakit ako magbubuhat sa kanya, Young Master?” Kontra ni Headmistress Kim.

“Sundin mo nalang siya, Miss Kim. Naalog ata ulo niya—”

“Ikaw, Jin Ru, pakibalik nung kabayong hiniram.” Utos nito sa kaibigan bago pa nito ang sinasabi nito.

Napangiti siya sa takbo ng usapan saka bumalik ng puwesto niya. “Keia, let’s go to Jang’s residence.”

Nasa kalagitnaan na sila nang paglalakbay nila papuntang sa norteng bahagi ng bahay ng Jang ay narinig silang tili.

Pinahinto niya bigla ang karawahe. The scream were getting closer. Palagpas palang sila sa tulay papunta sa lupain ng Jang.

Wooshi concealed their carriage with everything in it. Isa iyon sa natatanging kapangyarihan nito. He can hide things or human. Habang si Hoshi ay hinanap ang lokasyon ng sumisigaw na babae. He tracks humans then he pointed their location without anything from what he was looking.

Seong Cheol, Seungkwan, Dino and Minghao ran with Hoshi to look for the girl. Bumalik ang mga ito kasama ang duguang dalaga. She was from Chwiseonru with clothes she was wearing.

She sighed. She was getting involved in a lot of things in Daeyo. “Let’s help her.”

Tumango ang mga bantay niya at pinasok sa karawahe ang sugatang babae.

Hanseol tend the wounded girl. He can only heal an open cuts. Hindi nito kayang pagalingin ang anumang panloob na sakit tulad ng sipon o ubo. After cleaning her stabs, Keia changed the girl clothes

She could have helped the girl if she had learned the healing spell. Pinabantayan niya ang gaeseng kay Wooshi. Obviously, the woman was running from someone who intended to kill her for something she knew.

***

Kinabukasan ay naabutan niya itong nakahiga parin higaan nito. She was crying while sleeping. Kinuha niya ang luha nito at tinago iyon saka ginising ang nakahiga saka inabutan ng tsaa para kumalma ito.

Pumikit ito uli at natulog uli na parang walang nangyari.

She didn’t see any of her guard and guides. She was confused but she still headed on the bathroom. Pinatak niya ang luha na nakuha niya at simulan ang recall spell niya. Saka lumusong sa tubig sa gitna ng paliguan. She closed her eyes as she completely sat on the floor of the bathtub and began her travel in prostitute's memory.

“Binibining Ae-yang, meron po akong balita dito.” Kaharap nito ang isang lalaking bata hawak ang larawan ng isang Spirit Plaque na gamit ng mga taga-Soongrim.

Ngiti lang tugon nito sa bata saka naglakad paalis ng Chwiseonru.

Pumunta ito sa isang palengke sa loob ng isang malaking bahay. Everyone was selling something. Lumapit ito sa isang matanda.

“Nasa taas sila, sa dulong kwarto.” Turo nito sa dalaga.

She walked upstairs and straightly went to room at corner. Ngumiti ito bago pumasok sa loob. She saw a bunch of men in room.

Tinignan ito ng nakaupo mula ulo hanggang paa. “We were looking for the one whose selling this.” Saka may pinakitang larawan ang lalaking makaupo.

“It was me, Mister. Ako nga ang taong hinanap nyo.” She answered.

Nilapitan ito ng mga nakatayo sa bandang pinto. They pushed her and stripped her shoulder out. May hinahanap ito sa balikat nito. Nang mabigo ang mga ito at pinatulog ng mga ito ang dalaga.

It turned black for a while. Nagising ang dalaga nang nakatali mga braso at paa nito sa isang upuan. She try to screamed but her mouth was covered.

Napaludang ang puso ng gaeseng nang may lumabas sa dilim. It was sitting guy. “Gising ka na pala. Where did you get this?” Pinakita nito ang hawak nitong spirit plaque. Tumawa ito nang mahina. “I’m sorry, nakatakip pala ang bibig.” Binaba nito ang busal nito.

“Napulot ko yan sa Chwiseonru?” Pagsisinungaling nito. She didn’t trust them. Matapos siya dakpin ng mga ito, hindi niya sasabihin dito ang totoo.

“Liar, do you even know what you're getting into, whore?” Nagagalit nitong sigaw. “How about a deal, you tell me where to get this and we will let you go.”

“Paano ko namang masisigurong papalayain nyo ko? Ni hindi ko nga alam—” Pinigilan ito nang sampal ng kausap nito.

“We are not the one who stole this to a mage and lied about it. Ikaw ang kasalanan sa batas. And we’re helping you out, just be questioned by gaeseng like you. You don’t know us.”

“Exactly—” Hindi ito uli pinatapos sa pagsasalita. She was slapped harder.

“Just decide if you will help us find the real seller of this or not. Dapat nakapagdesisyon ka na kung gusto mong isama sa hukay mo ang totoo o babalik ka sa dati mong buhay para tulungan kami pagbalik ko.” Then he went out of the hut they’re in.

“Hindi ko alam na kapahamakan pala itong dala ni Shin Na. I shouldn’t have done this. Napakatanga ko talaga.” Nilabas niya ang nakatagong talim sa manggas niya at sinimulang pagputol sa lubid sa kamay niya.

Tulad ng sinabi ng lalaki ay bumalik ito sa silong makalipas ang isang oras. By that time, she was running away from small house for meters when she heard the guy screaming that she’d escaped. Ilang sandali lang ay naabutan siya ng mga ito at pinaulanan ang dalaga ng ng patalim at pana.

She was caught by some knives and arrows. She has wounds but she keeps on running. Napatili siya nang malakas nang may may humablot ng buhok niya. “Kill her.” He shouted as he throw her to other men.

Wala itong nagawa kundi sumigaw habang nasa ere ito. Nagbabakasaling may makarinig dito. And she was right. Isang lalaking nakasuot ng asul na damit ang sumalo sa dito at dinala ito palayo sa kaguluhan. Hinarang ng mga kasunod nito ang humahabol sa dito.

“It was Seong Cheol.” Napangiti siya. That was perfect timing.

She was on the action part when someone pulled her outside the bathtub and brought her back to the present. It was Seong Cheol for real. Binalot siya nito ng tuyong dami niya. She was in her bath dress.

“Keia? Nasaan ka ba? Bakit iniwan mo mag-isa si Prinsesa Yui!?” Naiinis nitong sigaw.

Narinig niya ang takbuhan sa labas ng paliguan pero huminto ang mga ito sa labas. Maya-maya ay sumungaw si Keia at pumasok.

He sighed and left the room.

“Naku, Prinsesa Yui naman. Napagalitan tuloy ako nila.” Malungkot nitong sabi habang pinatuyo siya.

Dumating din sila Poli at Bina dala ang bagong damit para sa kanya. She was smiling as she saw them standing. “Nasaan ba kayo kanina?”

Kinikilig itong nagtakip ang bibig nito. “Malalaman mo rin po?”

She just ignored smiling eyes of her guides. Inaalala niya parin ang babaeng tinulungan nila kagabi. She returned to her room and started drawing the guys she saw.

She didn’t recognize their faces but their clothes were familiar.

Tinabi niya ang lahat ng larawang naguhit niya. Then walked at kitchen and looked for foods. Naghanda siya ng makakain niya saka naupo sa batuhan sa di kalayuan.

She was about to finish her breakfast when she saw Shin Na at Yeon Seo. Naglalakad ang mga ito papunta sa dulo ng lupain ng Jang. Sinilip niya ang paligid kung meron nakapansin sa paglabas niya sa bahay. Then followed the two busy walking.

Naabutan niyang nag-uusap sina Yeon at Shin Na tungkol sa nangyari kagabi sa Sejukwan. She hide in nearest tree from east side of them. Umupo siya doon para hindi siya makita ng mga ito.

“Why did you said you poisoned me? Kung sinabi mong wala kang alam, malamang pinabayaan ka nila.” He asked her.

“Kailangan ko silang mapaniwala na ang tangin lunas ay nasa pagbukas ng enerhiya mo.” Seryosong sagot nito.

“So you really risked your life for me.” He smirked.

“Akala ko nga mawawalan ako ng paa o kamay. The people here were surprisingly nice, knowing how they torture people. ” Natatawa nitong sabi habang tinitignan ang mga pasa nito sa braso. “Balita ko pala, binantayan mo ako magdamag. I thought you need rest too.” Nagtataka nitong sabi.

“People here are nice except my father. At saka tinatanong pa ba yan? Syempre ako lang pwedeng makalapit sayo, sa kalagayan mo yan. Imagined me serving you, Headmistress Kim will be mad. Mula sa paglilinis at pagdamit sayo. I didn’t ask for help for your information.”

“You did?” Umiwas ng tingin ang katulong nito. She cleared her throat. “Thank you.”

He sighed and smiled as he crossed the distance in their faces.

Awtomatiko niyang inalis ang mga mata niya sa dalawang nag-uusap. She sighed twice and started running back to where she was staying. Hindi siya dapat nakikinig sa usapan ng iba.

Nakakailang kilometro na siyang tumatakbo nang mapansin niyang wala parin siyang natatanaw na bahay. She stopped and looked around. Hindi niya kilala ang paligid niya.

She sat on the grass then grasped for air. She was lost. Natatawa niyang pinaghahampas ang lupa. Then started tracing her way back to the river.

She’s been walking for hours and the sun was completely at its pick. Pakiramdam niya ay natutunaw siya sa init. She smiled when she finally found a little house.

Kumatok siya sa pintuan ng bahay pero wala tao roon. Kaya muling siyang naglakad hanggang sa mapagod siya. She’s now wondering how far did she ran. Mauubusan na siya ng enerhiya, literal, kapag mali na naman siya ng nadaanan.

She screamed frustratedly, that was her first running fast. Lagi niyang nirereserba ang lakas sa mas importante bagay. And she have her guides all the time. Now, she have no one even her strength to think. Dahil bukod sa gutom na siya ay ilang oras na rin siyang nagagala sa gubat na iyon. She was not even sure if she was still in Jang’s territory.

Napahinto siya sa paglalakad nang may maramdaman siyang sumusunod sa kanya. She turned while positioning herself. It was lion. Akmang susugod ito nang bigla siyang makadama nang isang yanig. Pareho silang natumba ng hayop dahil sa lakas nito. Nang babalik na siya posisyon niya ay bumigay ang kinatatayuan niya.

Nahulog siya sa isang butas. She try to stand but the earth shook again. She covered her hands on her head. Malungkot siyang sumalampak sa lupa. Nasugatan na. siya sa braso pero ang puso niya ang masakit nang maisip niyang bakit nga ba siya nasa ganoong sitwasyon.

She hissed. “Of all the time, come on, earth!”

Gusto niyang umiyak pero magmumukha siyang tanga. And she don’t even want to remember how she got on there in first place. Kinapa niya ang paligid para mapakiramdaman kung saan siya pwedeng kumapit.

She was almost eight feet below, she guessed. Nag-ipon siya nang kunting lakas sa palad niya. She need to carry herself.

Makalipas ang ilang minuto, nakaakyat siya sa butas. She laid on the top soil to rest for a while. Nang buksan niya ang mga mata niya ay sinalubong siya ng mga mukha nina Dino, Mingyu, Seungkwan, Hoshi, Seong Cheol at Min Yu.

Mabilis siyang tumayo. Agad siya nagpaliwanag nang makita niyang di pala kasama ng mga ito sina Shin Na at Yeon Seo. Luckily, the two joined Wooshi, Minghao, Joswa, Junhui and Hanseol. They split up when Hoshi lose her trace while she was under the hole. Everyone was relief that she was safe. Nawala ang ngiti niya nang dumating ang sinundan at tinakbuhan niya.

She was nervous so she avoided his gazed. Mabuti nalang at inabala siya ni Min Yu at walang nag-usisa sa paliwanag ni Hoshi na naligaw siya. She wasn’t lying anyway and they knew it. She couldn't help but smile at him. Pinunasan nito ang mga dumi sa mukha niya. He is so perfect and yet she was still bothered with his friend.

Naabutan nilang naghihintay sina Master Park, Master Heo at Jin Ru sa tinutuluyan niya kasama sina Keia.

Mabilis siya inayusan nina Keia habang kumakain. She was confused but she was so tired to asked. Hinayaan nalang niya ang mga ito sa ginagawa nito ng mabusog na siya. Sa tagal ng mga ito nakaidlip na siya sa upuan.

Ginising siya ng mga ito nang matapos ang pag-aayos sa kanya ng nga ito. She looked like a bride in Daeyo. Nakasuot siya ng Hankok na may kakaibang style. “What is going? Bakit parang may pupuntahan akong kasal?”

“Hindi ka po basta pupunta, ikaw po ang mukhang ikakasal sa suot mo yan.” Kinikilig na sabi ni Nami.

Nalilito parin siya. She turned to Keia. “No comment, Princess—”

“Pormal pong magpo-propose si Min Yu ngayong gabi.” Di na nakapagpigil na singit si Maela.

She was shocked. “Why is that?”

Now, she realized why he was so serious the last time they saw each other. Pero imbes na maging masaya siya ay nalungkot siya. She didn’t want to be married with Min Yu but to Yeon Seo. Yeon Seo was the one she wished she asked to help her. Yeon Seo was the one she wanted to be with before her last breath. But either of them can help or are madly in love with each other.

She try to composed herself. So she avoided Yeon Seo. Baka sakaling di siya makapagpigil at gumanti siya sa landi nito. She wasn’t sure how much she like him. But she was sure she was jealous of Shin Na being with him.

She sighed and practiced her fake smile. Kailangan niyang maging masaya. She found a husband and will fulfill her responsibility to her family and country.

Makalipas ng ilang minutong hiningi niya para sa sarili niya ay tumayo siya. And she went to the garden. Naabutan niyang nakatipon sa kanan ang mga bantay at gabay niya. Habang nasa kaliwa ang mga kaibigan nilang sina Yeon Seo at Jin Ru kasama sina Shin Na, Master Park atMaster Heo.

She can’t help but smile. This is how Min Yu shows his answer to her. But it was too special for a girl who liked someone else so she tried harder to focus.

She looked straightly in his eyes as she stand in front of him. Natigilan siya nang may makita siyang kakaibang pulang liwanag sa mga mata nito. That wasn’t there before but she wasn’t sure when the last time she saw Min Yu with his real eyes color, which is brown.

Napaatras siya. It was a love poison. Min Yu was being compel to choice her over his country. And it will consume him after time. She knew that because she save a couple of arranged marriage before. Mabilis niyang hinawakan ito sa mukha para simulan ang ritual para ilabas sa sistema nito ang lason.

Her extraction spell works in a lot of ways. Depending on the way the poison was taken. In Min Yu’s case, it was air. Pinaamoy marahil dito ang lason ng pag-ibig pero makikita iyon sa mga mata nito. She inhaled and concentrated her energy in her mouth. She blew his face and waited for all the red energy in him to fly away. Then she burned them in the air.

Nagulat ang lahat sa ginawa niya. Min Yu fainted as she finished. Nilapitan agad ito ni Jin Ru. “This was a set up. Min Yu…” Bigla siya nakadama ng panghihina. She was on the limit of her energy. “Min Yu have taken a love poison.” Saka bumigay na ang mga binti niya.

Yeon Seo caught her before she hit the ground. “Yui? Ayos ka lang?” He stared at her so worried.

She smiled sleepily. “Don’t worry, Min Yu was safe. I just need a rest.”

“Obviously, he was safe. You save him. Sayo ako nag-aalala. You were fine just a moment ago. Now, you weren’t.” He turned to her guards. “Can someone tell me what is going on?”

“She was on her limit, literally. Her energy can only sustained her breathing, now. Kailangan niya ng umuwi sa Gaenda para sa lunas.” Paliwanag ni Seong Cheol. He took her from Yeon Seo’s arms then whispered something in him.

“Patawad po sa nangyari. Please someone assist, Ginoong Min Yu. Kailangan niya ng pahinga ng ilang araw.” Pumanhin ni Hooshi. “Kailangan naming iuwi ang Prinsesa.”

Mabilis na kinuha ng mga gabay niya ang mga gamit at damit niya saka nilagay sa karawahe nila

“Sandali? Anong sasabihin namin kay Min Yu pag gising niya?” Nagtatakang tanong ni Master Heo.

“Oo nga. What exactly happened here?” Singit ni Master Park.

“Our Princess is the only one who knows it. Ang alam lang namin ligtas na si Ginoong Min Yu. And we would like to thank your country for accepting us. And we would like to return the favor once Princess Yui was safe too. Now if you'll excuse us.” Mingyu explained.

Natigilan ang lahat. But no one can stop her guards. Maging siya ay unti-unti nang pinapanawan ng lakas na dumilat.

“We will be there.” Sigaw ni Yeon Seo habang kumakamay sa kanya bago tuluyang mangdilim ang buong paningin niya. He was the first one to notice the urgency.

***

She woke up in a familiar place but it wasn’t in the castle. Nasa Tae Ri falls siya. She will be in prison there for two weeks because she endangered herself.

Malungkot niyang niyakap ang sarili. She will be alone again for long time. Hindi siya nakakalabas sa harang ng talon hanggang hindi niya kayang protektahan ang sarili niya.

She hated how the falls barrier was monitoring her state. Daig pa nito ang magulang niya. Speaking of the Queen, her mother must be busy ruling the kingdom that will be hers as soon as she found her husband.

“Wanted to look for my own husband.” Matibay niyang sagot dito. She didn’t want to marry someone she never knew.

“How are you going to do that in your condition? Alam mo bang hindi parin malaman ng mga manggamot dito kung bakit ganiyan ang katawan mo. You can’t even engage yourself in a simple battle. You easily get weak.” Litanya ng Ina niya. Even the Queen itself wasn’t confident in her strength.

She sighed. Wala na naman siyang ibang magagawa kundi ubusin ang oras niya sa pagsukat ng lakas niya sa mga halaman doon. She was about to stand when Junhui arrived and gave her something.

“Bigay po yan ni Ginoong Yeon Seo. He said, that will help you monitor your energy.” Paliwanag nito sabay abot ng isang pulseras.

“How did he know that I needed this?” She asked.

“Ang sabi niya lang po ay tulong na niya iyan sayo. He might know it before. O baka dahil po sa mga Jin. Nabanggit niya sana di nakamali ang mga ito sa binigay sa kanya.” Sagot nito. “You can ask himself. Opisyal na po na nagpadala ng imbitasyon ang Reyna para sa mga kaibigan mo sa Daeyo.”

“Hah? Bakit niya iyon ginawa?” Nalilito niyang tanong. Her mother was kind on their people but never in foreigner. May mga naging kaibigan siya paglalakbay niya dati pero wala sa mga ito ang pinaunlakan nitong tumapak sa Gaenda.

She felt her mother was plotting something strange.

Kaagad niyang sinuot sa kamay niyang binigay ni Yeon Seo. She wanted to see if she can really use it. Nag-iba ang kulay ng dalawang beads. From light blue into white, indicating her regained energy. Mabilis siyang gumawa ng isang patalim na hangin at hinagis iyon sa punong malapit sa kanya.

She walked to the tree and looked at the scratch she made. Saka sinuri ang pulseras. One bead changed back to its original color but the other remained in white. Meaning she has used one of the bars of her energy.

She took off the bracelet and put it on her ankle. Para itago iyon. If she wears it on her wrist, her enemy might notice it and use it against her. But she stopped as she tried checking it. Halata rin ang ginawa niya. She pulled her whistle in her chest and blew it.

“Call Wooshi.” Utos niya sa dumating na bantay. She smiled and put the bracelet back in her wrist.

Ilang sandali lang dumating na ang binata. “Pinapatawag nyo raw ako, Prinsesa Yui.”

“Yes. Can you hide this for everyone except me?” Inangat niya ang mga kamay niya at pinakita dito ang pulseras. “It my personally energy monitor. Yeon Seo gave it to me.”

“Kaya ko po. But did it work. Paano po iyan napasakamay niya ang ganiyang bagay?” He held her arm where the bracelet is. Saka pinatong sa ibabaw pulseras ang isang kamay nito.

After a minute, he let go of her arm. “Okay na po, Princess. Try to test it with another guard, Joshwa was within this part of the barrier.”

Sinundan niya ito at ginawa niya ang sinabi nito.

“Can you see where my bracelet is, Joshwa?” Tanong niya sa bagong dating. Showing her both arms in front of him.

“I don’t see anything like that in any of your arms, Princess.” Sagot nito. “Meron ka pa po bang kailangan?” He asked before going back to his position.

She shook her head and waved goodbye to her guard. “Thank you so much, Yeon Seo.” She whispered and continued her practice.