Divine Move

EIGHTEEN

Tanya looks disbelievingly at him. That blue eyed warrior is handsome and fierce but surely not a monster.

"They are a different race. They were known for their great skills in hunting and living in the wild. They were superior in many ways than Saram. That's why they were feared," Saya looks afar.

The image of the heart in the Neanthal's hand made Tanya's stomach lurch. They definitely have skills.

"During the Great Hunt, they were hunted like animals. They were easy to spot as they have blue eyes and blood. Any whisper of their existence, the union leader immediately sent troops. My father led the Daekan forces to finish them off," Saya said.

"But you and Eunsom have different blood too," Tanya states knowing theirs is color purple.

"Yes, we are half monsters," Saya says looking grimly at Tanya. "We are the offspring of a Saram and the Neanthal." He begins to wonder who are his parents.

Maybe I am indeed a monster. Is that why he doesn't feel remorse in the deeds he has done? Saya thinks reflectively. Because of their blood?

"I don't believe that nonsense. I know Eunsom since he was young ... he was never a monster.  And so are you. Don't let this place dictate who you are Saya," Tanya says pleadingly. Maybe there's still hope for him.

"Ah Tanya Niruha, so innocent. But l will never let this place control me. I will be the one to rule this land according to my will," Saya declares arrogantly.

"And you... can join me." He looks at her intently. Tanya suddenly felt nervous at his tone. She lifts her chin and look him straight in the eye.

"You're beginning to sound like Tagon," she says sympathetic. For a time, she consider him a friend. He is like a child, lost in his ways, curious to the world around him, wanting recognition from the people around him.

Saya looks at her face and walks slowly towards her. He miss the Tanya he knew, before all of this.

"I don't need your sympathy Tanya, what I need .... is you," he says softly.

Tanya tensed up seeing him come near. Then a shadow passed by and Yangcha is suddenly behind her. He bows his head. Tanya breathes in relief.

Saya sees the warrior and clenches his jaw. "Ah, the hero of the day," Saya sneers. Yangcha looks indifferently at the young lord.  Saya gestures his respect to Tanya then gives one disdainful look at Yangcha and walks away.

Tanya shakes her head in regret at Saya.

"Are you alright?" Yangcha looks at the tense priestess.

"Am I alright?" She exclaims. "Shouldn't I be asking you that?" She scans his face, his arms and body for injuries. He had a few hits earlier.

"Find anything?" Yangcha asked teasingly. He saw Tanya blush at the question and looks around amused. Despite a few aching muscles and a sore jaw, he seems to be in a good mood.

"Niruha.."

"Whatever happened to 'Tanya'?" Tanya asks teasingly at Yangcha who is sitting on one of her chairs looking uncomfortable with the cold pack on his face that Tanya insisted he use to lessen the swelling of his jaw.

"Tanya is for the person I like. Right now you are irritating me with this nonsense of talking to that Neanthal," Yangcha says exasperated.

Tanya laughs at that. She explained to Yangcha about her dream but he thinks it's not a good idea.

"It's not often I dream, so it must mean something," she defends at the warrior. He doesn't answer.

"Are you alright?" She suddenly comes near forgetting he was in a fight. A lot of it. She was worried he might have a head injury.

"Worried?" He looks at her face, still not believing what she just said earlier. This beautiful woman likes him.

"Every moment of those fights," she answers honestly shivering at the memory of it. She thought of the Neanthal. He might have a match with Yangcha!

"I can handle myself," Yangcha answers seeing her expression. He knows it would be a fierce battle. Those Neanthals are very strong people. It took half the army to kill just one. 

"How can you talk so lightly of this?" Tanya's voice rise. " Saya told me of how different they are from Saram in terms of skills and strength," Tanya added apprehensive now.

Yangcha stands up and approaches Tanya. He looks at her achingly aware of this new feeling. For once, somebody cares for him. Not the warrior, not Tagon's soldier but him. Yangcha.

He touches her face, humbled by this beautiful soul. "Give an order and I shall follow," he says softly. He would do anything for her.

Her eyes look at him.  "Then don't fight tomorrow," she whispers. He stiffens. 

"Anything, but that," he said tightly. He looks away. "I am a warrior Tanya, I have my principles.." he explained.

"You have orders!" Tanya burst out. "... orders from Tagon, that's different." She clench her hand in frustration.

"Until when are you going to be blind about Tagon's ways," she points out.

"I am not blind to it. I am just loyal to Tagon like any warrior under him," Yangcha says impassive. He is bound by more, but he keeps that to himself.

"So what about me? Where do I stand?"

Is it enough to shake your loyalty to him? Tanya thought sadly.

Silence.

A soft knock.

"Niruha?" Agaji calls out.

"Can we come in to assist you for tonight's celebration?"

"Don't wear anything like the last time ....Niruha," the warrior said silently.

He bows his head and leaves.

Tanya try to control the angry tears falling.