Divine Move

TWENTY SEVEN

The Ago warriors steps back looking warily at the Neanthals. They have heard of their strength.

Chaeeun is suddenly seen pushing the men aside trying to get infront. She rush to the Neanthals.

"Where is she?" She asks the taller one. He nods his greeting.

"She is safe. We will get them after we have settled this," he looks around then fixed his stare at Eunsom who was looking at Chaeeun.

"How are you, son of Asa Hon?" The shorter one greets. Eunsom nods his head in acknowledgement. He still has to know the man's relationship to his mother. So Chaeeun knows these Neanthals too. He signals the men to lower their weapons.

"Now that we have resolved the main issue, we will fetch the others if we are welcome here," the tall one looks inquiringly at Eunsom. He nods.

"You go. That Ayame will laugh at me," Rottip says irritated. Yiseuroobeu smiles.

"She did say our plan was a mess," he added grinning. Ayame said it was better if Noonbyul and she come with Yangcha, chances are they would listen. But Rottip insisted it was safer they go instead. She huffed about inequality of men and women. He signals Chaeeun to join him.

Tanya looks wary as Eunsom come towards them. She tries to go back infront to explain but Yangcha stills her.

Both men stare hard at each other refusing to back down. Ipsaeng breaks the silence.

"I have heard only stories about you people! Amazing!" Ipsaeng unabashedly gapes at the Neanthal. Rottip gives an amused look at him and looks at Eunsom.

"So we meet again. You have done well ... depite being an Igutu," he says impressed. Asa Hon and Ragaz would be proud. Maybe it's time he tell him of his parents.

"Times might be changing," Eunsom answers. He hopes it will for people like him and them. They who are different from the Saram. They who want to live normally like everyone else.

Chaeeun and the tall one comes back with Ayame and Noonbyul. Ayame surprisingly hugs Tanya and shows her little brother who grabs Tanya's hair in delight. She smiles, happy they are all alive.

Chaeeun introduces the Neanthals to Eunsom and the people gathered. They looked afraid and awed at the same time. It was a sight to see.

Eunsom walks to Tanya and Yangcha. He still looks impassive.

"I don't trust you ... yet," he says to Yangcha. He looks to Tanya. "But if she trusts you, then I am willing to offer a truce, temporarily." He added and held out his hand.

Yangcha looks at the hand then him. He shakes Eunsom's hand. Tanya breathes in relief. She was afraid things would have gone wrong.

Eunsom eyes slide to their hands still clasped together. He stares at it grimly, not commenting. He is suddenly pulled by Ipsaeng wanting to talk with the Neanthals.

Left to themselves, suddenly Tanya is aware of only one thing. He is here!

She glance at Yangcha. He stares at her.

He bows his head.

"Niruha..."

Tanya's eyes widen at his words. Is he mad at me? She looks around to see if anyone is watching. She saw Eunsom glance at them curiously but resume talking with the Neanthals.

"Let's walk," she commands. He bows his head and follows behind. Tanya nervously starts to walk.

The silence is awkwardly heavy. Tanya is confused with Yangcha's actions. They walk towards a familiar path. They reach the lake.