{Fanfic: Less Than a Hundred Years} Company Chapter 4: In Lieu of Your Safety (Imja!)
Less Than A Hundred Years
*_*_*_*_*_*_*_*_*_*_*_*_*_*_*_*_*_*
In Lieu of Your Safety
I'm in deep need of an Imja Fix... off to see a Faith Marathon with Dove chocolate and several klennex boxes. Enjoy!
Prompt: Water
The shrine was quiet as they stood before its gate. Usually at this time there would be at least a monk or two walking around, having said their morning prayers, but not a soul was visible. Worried Choi Young dismounted, stopping Eun Soo from doing the same, and looked around. He couldn’t feel anything strange in the air, nor hear anything out of the ordinary. Eun Soo looked around the path, finding no one, and frowned.
“Isn’t this a holy place?”
“Yes, but it’s so empty it’s worrisome.”
“That’s why I ask.” She dismounted, much to his annoyance, and neared him. “Dae Man went in, should we?” And tying the horses to a close by tree they entered the holy grounds. The sun was coming up in the distance, and the calling of birds was loud as they went up the set of stairs; finally the sound of a monk praying as heard and they turned to each other.
“Probably these monks are… liberal?”
She shook her head, smiling, and they continued the path; spotting a building. Some people were gathered there, and as they neared they could hear the conversation they were having. One of the men was talking loudly, voice full of annoyance and even anger, as he complained to the monks before him about the threatment he was receiving. Something about having donated so much money and not getting exactly what he wanted. The arrogance in him was such, that the monks were all moving away as best as they could, while the woman to his side stared at them in a proud manner, arms crossed before her chest. They seemed to match in pride and arrogance; the perfect pair.
A monk passed by them, and both Eun Soo and Choi Young gave a little bow, hands coming up in greeting, and the monk smiled and bowed, moving away. A little bell rang, and it made one of the people in the mist of the crowd of monks turn towards them. Curious Eun Soo leaned to whisper something at Choi Young, and the general smiled, agreeing. The angry man, probably a politician for all the fancy words he was shooting, continued on and the person who had become more interested in the newly arrived couple turned and with soft steps moved to stand a few feet from them.
“I had heard about the general and the High Doctor, but I had not known that the General now had the High Doctor.” The couple turned to the soft voice, Eun Soo gasping at the sigh before her. A woman, no older than twenty stood before them; her clothes were made of silk, covered in the colors of winter and portraying lovely white and blue mums, a crown of bells and flowers adorned her dark hair, and around her eyes a cloth of silk with two Chinese characters Eun Soo could not make out. Choi Young quickly bowed, and Eun Soo followed suit, looking up to stare at the smiling woman. “You are welcome to this shrine.”
“We thank you for inviting us.” Said Choi Young, not looking up.
“Please, follow me.”
“Wait a moment!” Called the angry man, walking towards her; his stomps were funny and loud, making Eun Soo turn away to try and stifle her laughter. “I am not done talking to you!”
“The matters with this man and woman are more important. I have waited for them for five years.” And without another word, the blindfolded woman walked away. Choi Young signaled at Eun Soo to follow on, and then followed, only to have a hand pull at his shoulder than turn him away.
“What can be so important that you must go first!?”
“I do not know, but I was called in yesterday. If you had such important matters to attend you should have come the day before yesterday.” And without another word, Choi Young turned and followed the two women into the building. The monks halted the man from interrupting again, and closed the doors that lead to the room they had entered.
.
.
“Forgive that small man, he is too young to understand why I refuse to give him what he wants.” Eun Soo smiled, and verbally acknowledged the woman’s apology. “I would call for some tea.”
“No, it’s not necessary.”
“I will call for it anyway.” And she turned, shaking her hand a little, making the bells in her wristband move and call for a quiet servant girl. This shrine was odd; having women live here, noted Choi Young. “The tea I told you to have ready yesterday; have it prepare now.”
“Yes madam.” And with that the girl hurried out.
“Forgive my bluntness, madam.”
“Go ahead and ask what you will.”
“How did you know about the High Doctor’s return?” The girl smiled, and Eun Soo swatted her fiancée’s shoulder.
“I have known of the High Doctor, since even before she came to this time. I had known she is Hwata and all that she had to endure to return here.”
“How?”
“I am a seer, General, must I go further?” Choi Young lowered his eyes, while the woman seemed to watch him through her blindfold. Eun Soo pursed her lips for a second.
“If you know who I am, and where I’m from…”
“From the future word.”
“Then why have you called us in?”
“The General sent the monks a letter, requesting a marriage ceremony to take place in this temple; but I must object to your marriage at least for now.”
“What? Why?” Asked Choi Young surprised, looking up at the woman in anger. “Who give you the right…?”
“I do it for the High Doctor’s good.” That got him to settle down quickly. The redhead leaned forward.
“How so?”
The tea was delivered and set before them, the small cups turned and placed, the small wooden tray set before the blindfolded woman with a large pot and the little snacks. There was also a small ceramic bottle, similar to the one the Eun Soo had used to mix water and the poison that saved her life, but in black and silver lining. Water was poured inside the items, and then the servant left in silence.
“The General is one to use Inner Energy.” She informed softly, her tone steady as ever. Eun Soo nodded. “Many of the men who use this energy have trained for years and years, controlling their Ki and understanding why, how and most importantly when it must be used.” Choi Young lowered his head, pursing his lips, while Eun Soo listened carefully. “Even masters can have problems understanding what I am about to say; but when these men find the person meant for them they must be careful about their Ki, and about that particular person.”
Scratching her temple Eun Soo still didn’t get it. “I’m sorry, but why?” The blindfolded woman turned, and lifting her hand, very carefully lifted the pot and served them tea, not spilling one drop; what made Eun Soo wonder if she really was blind.
“The Ki of two bodies could clash, and harm always comes to the weaker part.” Choi Young seemed to understand, and looked up at her in surprise. “It could happen at any level; from small harm, to terrible injuries; that is why I called you in.”
“Have you seen something happen to…” He slowed his words, head turning slightly to Eun Soo, been noticed by the doctor, and in breathless fear continued. “To either of us?”
“Yes.” He took in a sharp breath, and her head slightly inclined towards the doctor. “Am I too late?”
“I do not think so.” He answered quickly, apparently understanding what she meant, while Eun Soo was totally oblivious, lost even.
“Have you…?” Started the blindfolded woman, a little too emotional.
“Yes.” He answered, in a tight breath, trembling and reaching to take Eun Soo’s hand. He kissed her hand, amazing Eun Soo; never had he shown any signs of love in front of strangers (except the kiss of course). “She means… that the power I hold could have hurt Imja.” A frown escaped Eun Soo; she felt fine, that much she knew. She felt perfect actually.
“When?”
“During our intimacy.”
.
.
Distressed, and unable to hear any more, Choi Young left the room. His sword remained, and it made Eun Soo worry because of the news they were receiving. It made no sense; Eun Soo felt fine, actually she felt great. After their intimacy they had such feeling of completion… So determined to figure this one out before her General returned, Eun Soo turned to the woman, serious.
“How could he have hurt me?”
“I know about a girl, who was very much in love like you.” Started the seer, quietly. “She was in love with a person with a similar power to Choi Young, and they eloped together. In their marriage bed they bonded to untold levels, but when their release touched them she felt nothing but pain. The doctor had to operate on her, and discovered that the inner power of that man had fried the woman’s uterus.”
“But that’s impossible.”
Eun Soo was a doctor, she knew what she was talking about. A fried uterus while the person was breathing and living? It was out of the realms of reality. But once again so was the use of inner energy and the power of Ki; and Eun Soo had seen Ki Cheol, that fire lady, Choi Young himself, wilding such powers.
“It was the power of the man’s Ki. In despair the man left her, and took his own life. The shame of having scarred the one he loved so much… He could never overcome it.” Eun Soo felt sorry for this girl, whoever she was, and lowered her eyes.
“Does this mean that Choi Young and I can never…?” And she rounded her fingers, from the empty space towards her, unwilling to say the words.
“There is a process that must take place; it might be a little trying for you both, especially after you marry today. But to keep you healthy and whole it is necessary.”
“So we still can…!” Started Eun Soo, a little too excited, making the woman smile. Choi Young returned at this point, breaths still tight and tense, and sat beside Eun Soo. “There’s a way around this, she’s telling me now.” He nodded and they both turned to stare at the woman.
“Take this.” She said to Choi Young, offering the black-silver lined jar. “It is filled with water from the spring of this shrine. You will infuse it with your Ki, and for three nights after you marry you shall give it to the High Doctor to drink. Your Ki will merge with hers, and this way she will be safe.” Leaning forward Choi Young picked the filled jar, and opened the small lid. Indeed inside there was nothing else but water. He knew how to infuse water with his Ki, but if he abused the deed and added too much… “While doing this infusion just think of her, remember who she is, how weak and how strong she is. That will help you know how much you must infuse it.” Then the blindfolded woman turned to Eun Soo. “Drink every drop of this water, and wait until the next new moon before…” And with a smile she did the same little circles Eun Soo had done before, making the woman understand.
“Are we close to the next new moon?” Asked Eun Soo in a whisper, wondering if they would survive this particular ordeal. The man frowned a bit at her, not pleased with the information.
“No, the next new moon is a month away.” Answered Choi Young, making a short silence fall into the space between them. The man grimaced as the knowledge sank in the High Doctor’s mind, short circuiting her tongue suddenly.
“What gives!?” Screamed the doctor, turning to the blindfolded woman.
.
.
During the preparations for the wedding, Choi Young took the time to walk into the temples; finding a secluded corner for himself and the small jar. He followed the commands his old teacher had given him and sat in perfect silence in a quiet corner, the jar between his hands, and closing his eyes took a deep breath.
It’s been almost ten years since he last meditated.
At first the process was a little hard to fall back into, then he shook his entire body, fixed his crossed legs and started again. A deep breath, a calming exhalation… And he was gone into the land where all was green, and little butterflies flew about him. The large river that seemed to fly between lands rolled with the sound of laughter and the birds chirp was the sound of music. In his hands the small jar and slowly he leaned into the river and filled the little thing to the brim. Electricity crackled inside the ceramic and he started to turn it slowly, mixing the water and the electricity in his hand.
It became a thick brew, of purple and blue, of uneven levels and poisonous to the eyes. So he emptied the jar, and tried again. The process went on, and on, and on, until he managed a very stable blue and white mix; lifting it slightly to watch. His father suddenly appeared beside him, and padded his back.
“It was never too late.”
“Yes, I’m aware, father.” And they smiled at each other.
Returning to his body, Choi Young swallowed hard. He felt drained, for some reason, and looking down at the small ceramic jar sighed.
The things he had to do for Imja.
“General.” Called the soft voice of a monk, the very one who had offered him this shrine to change and meditate, making Choi Young turn from his hideout and squint his eyes. The sunlight now filtered through the window, blinding him as he turned. “We are ready.” Sighing and standing, Choi Young followed the man.
*_*_*_*_*_*_*_*_*_*_*_*_*_*_*_*_*_*
In Lieu of Your Safety
I'm in deep need of an Imja Fix... off to see a Faith Marathon with Dove chocolate and several klennex boxes. Enjoy!
Prompt: Water
The shrine was quiet as they stood before its gate. Usually at this time there would be at least a monk or two walking around, having said their morning prayers, but not a soul was visible. Worried Choi Young dismounted, stopping Eun Soo from doing the same, and looked around. He couldn’t feel anything strange in the air, nor hear anything out of the ordinary. Eun Soo looked around the path, finding no one, and frowned.
“Isn’t this a holy place?”
“Yes, but it’s so empty it’s worrisome.”
“That’s why I ask.” She dismounted, much to his annoyance, and neared him. “Dae Man went in, should we?” And tying the horses to a close by tree they entered the holy grounds. The sun was coming up in the distance, and the calling of birds was loud as they went up the set of stairs; finally the sound of a monk praying as heard and they turned to each other.
“Probably these monks are… liberal?”
She shook her head, smiling, and they continued the path; spotting a building. Some people were gathered there, and as they neared they could hear the conversation they were having. One of the men was talking loudly, voice full of annoyance and even anger, as he complained to the monks before him about the threatment he was receiving. Something about having donated so much money and not getting exactly what he wanted. The arrogance in him was such, that the monks were all moving away as best as they could, while the woman to his side stared at them in a proud manner, arms crossed before her chest. They seemed to match in pride and arrogance; the perfect pair.
A monk passed by them, and both Eun Soo and Choi Young gave a little bow, hands coming up in greeting, and the monk smiled and bowed, moving away. A little bell rang, and it made one of the people in the mist of the crowd of monks turn towards them. Curious Eun Soo leaned to whisper something at Choi Young, and the general smiled, agreeing. The angry man, probably a politician for all the fancy words he was shooting, continued on and the person who had become more interested in the newly arrived couple turned and with soft steps moved to stand a few feet from them.
“I had heard about the general and the High Doctor, but I had not known that the General now had the High Doctor.” The couple turned to the soft voice, Eun Soo gasping at the sigh before her. A woman, no older than twenty stood before them; her clothes were made of silk, covered in the colors of winter and portraying lovely white and blue mums, a crown of bells and flowers adorned her dark hair, and around her eyes a cloth of silk with two Chinese characters Eun Soo could not make out. Choi Young quickly bowed, and Eun Soo followed suit, looking up to stare at the smiling woman. “You are welcome to this shrine.”
“We thank you for inviting us.” Said Choi Young, not looking up.
“Please, follow me.”
“Wait a moment!” Called the angry man, walking towards her; his stomps were funny and loud, making Eun Soo turn away to try and stifle her laughter. “I am not done talking to you!”
“The matters with this man and woman are more important. I have waited for them for five years.” And without another word, the blindfolded woman walked away. Choi Young signaled at Eun Soo to follow on, and then followed, only to have a hand pull at his shoulder than turn him away.
“What can be so important that you must go first!?”
“I do not know, but I was called in yesterday. If you had such important matters to attend you should have come the day before yesterday.” And without another word, Choi Young turned and followed the two women into the building. The monks halted the man from interrupting again, and closed the doors that lead to the room they had entered.
.
.
“Forgive that small man, he is too young to understand why I refuse to give him what he wants.” Eun Soo smiled, and verbally acknowledged the woman’s apology. “I would call for some tea.”
“No, it’s not necessary.”
“I will call for it anyway.” And she turned, shaking her hand a little, making the bells in her wristband move and call for a quiet servant girl. This shrine was odd; having women live here, noted Choi Young. “The tea I told you to have ready yesterday; have it prepare now.”
“Yes madam.” And with that the girl hurried out.
“Forgive my bluntness, madam.”
“Go ahead and ask what you will.”
“How did you know about the High Doctor’s return?” The girl smiled, and Eun Soo swatted her fiancée’s shoulder.
“I have known of the High Doctor, since even before she came to this time. I had known she is Hwata and all that she had to endure to return here.”
“How?”
“I am a seer, General, must I go further?” Choi Young lowered his eyes, while the woman seemed to watch him through her blindfold. Eun Soo pursed her lips for a second.
“If you know who I am, and where I’m from…”
“From the future word.”
“Then why have you called us in?”
“The General sent the monks a letter, requesting a marriage ceremony to take place in this temple; but I must object to your marriage at least for now.”
“What? Why?” Asked Choi Young surprised, looking up at the woman in anger. “Who give you the right…?”
“I do it for the High Doctor’s good.” That got him to settle down quickly. The redhead leaned forward.
“How so?”
The tea was delivered and set before them, the small cups turned and placed, the small wooden tray set before the blindfolded woman with a large pot and the little snacks. There was also a small ceramic bottle, similar to the one the Eun Soo had used to mix water and the poison that saved her life, but in black and silver lining. Water was poured inside the items, and then the servant left in silence.
“The General is one to use Inner Energy.” She informed softly, her tone steady as ever. Eun Soo nodded. “Many of the men who use this energy have trained for years and years, controlling their Ki and understanding why, how and most importantly when it must be used.” Choi Young lowered his head, pursing his lips, while Eun Soo listened carefully. “Even masters can have problems understanding what I am about to say; but when these men find the person meant for them they must be careful about their Ki, and about that particular person.”
Scratching her temple Eun Soo still didn’t get it. “I’m sorry, but why?” The blindfolded woman turned, and lifting her hand, very carefully lifted the pot and served them tea, not spilling one drop; what made Eun Soo wonder if she really was blind.
“The Ki of two bodies could clash, and harm always comes to the weaker part.” Choi Young seemed to understand, and looked up at her in surprise. “It could happen at any level; from small harm, to terrible injuries; that is why I called you in.”
“Have you seen something happen to…” He slowed his words, head turning slightly to Eun Soo, been noticed by the doctor, and in breathless fear continued. “To either of us?”
“Yes.” He took in a sharp breath, and her head slightly inclined towards the doctor. “Am I too late?”
“I do not think so.” He answered quickly, apparently understanding what she meant, while Eun Soo was totally oblivious, lost even.
“Have you…?” Started the blindfolded woman, a little too emotional.
“Yes.” He answered, in a tight breath, trembling and reaching to take Eun Soo’s hand. He kissed her hand, amazing Eun Soo; never had he shown any signs of love in front of strangers (except the kiss of course). “She means… that the power I hold could have hurt Imja.” A frown escaped Eun Soo; she felt fine, that much she knew. She felt perfect actually.
“When?”
“During our intimacy.”
.
.
Distressed, and unable to hear any more, Choi Young left the room. His sword remained, and it made Eun Soo worry because of the news they were receiving. It made no sense; Eun Soo felt fine, actually she felt great. After their intimacy they had such feeling of completion… So determined to figure this one out before her General returned, Eun Soo turned to the woman, serious.
“How could he have hurt me?”
“I know about a girl, who was very much in love like you.” Started the seer, quietly. “She was in love with a person with a similar power to Choi Young, and they eloped together. In their marriage bed they bonded to untold levels, but when their release touched them she felt nothing but pain. The doctor had to operate on her, and discovered that the inner power of that man had fried the woman’s uterus.”
“But that’s impossible.”
Eun Soo was a doctor, she knew what she was talking about. A fried uterus while the person was breathing and living? It was out of the realms of reality. But once again so was the use of inner energy and the power of Ki; and Eun Soo had seen Ki Cheol, that fire lady, Choi Young himself, wilding such powers.
“It was the power of the man’s Ki. In despair the man left her, and took his own life. The shame of having scarred the one he loved so much… He could never overcome it.” Eun Soo felt sorry for this girl, whoever she was, and lowered her eyes.
“Does this mean that Choi Young and I can never…?” And she rounded her fingers, from the empty space towards her, unwilling to say the words.
“There is a process that must take place; it might be a little trying for you both, especially after you marry today. But to keep you healthy and whole it is necessary.”
“So we still can…!” Started Eun Soo, a little too excited, making the woman smile. Choi Young returned at this point, breaths still tight and tense, and sat beside Eun Soo. “There’s a way around this, she’s telling me now.” He nodded and they both turned to stare at the woman.
“Take this.” She said to Choi Young, offering the black-silver lined jar. “It is filled with water from the spring of this shrine. You will infuse it with your Ki, and for three nights after you marry you shall give it to the High Doctor to drink. Your Ki will merge with hers, and this way she will be safe.” Leaning forward Choi Young picked the filled jar, and opened the small lid. Indeed inside there was nothing else but water. He knew how to infuse water with his Ki, but if he abused the deed and added too much… “While doing this infusion just think of her, remember who she is, how weak and how strong she is. That will help you know how much you must infuse it.” Then the blindfolded woman turned to Eun Soo. “Drink every drop of this water, and wait until the next new moon before…” And with a smile she did the same little circles Eun Soo had done before, making the woman understand.
“Are we close to the next new moon?” Asked Eun Soo in a whisper, wondering if they would survive this particular ordeal. The man frowned a bit at her, not pleased with the information.
“No, the next new moon is a month away.” Answered Choi Young, making a short silence fall into the space between them. The man grimaced as the knowledge sank in the High Doctor’s mind, short circuiting her tongue suddenly.
“What gives!?” Screamed the doctor, turning to the blindfolded woman.
.
.
During the preparations for the wedding, Choi Young took the time to walk into the temples; finding a secluded corner for himself and the small jar. He followed the commands his old teacher had given him and sat in perfect silence in a quiet corner, the jar between his hands, and closing his eyes took a deep breath.
It’s been almost ten years since he last meditated.
At first the process was a little hard to fall back into, then he shook his entire body, fixed his crossed legs and started again. A deep breath, a calming exhalation… And he was gone into the land where all was green, and little butterflies flew about him. The large river that seemed to fly between lands rolled with the sound of laughter and the birds chirp was the sound of music. In his hands the small jar and slowly he leaned into the river and filled the little thing to the brim. Electricity crackled inside the ceramic and he started to turn it slowly, mixing the water and the electricity in his hand.
It became a thick brew, of purple and blue, of uneven levels and poisonous to the eyes. So he emptied the jar, and tried again. The process went on, and on, and on, until he managed a very stable blue and white mix; lifting it slightly to watch. His father suddenly appeared beside him, and padded his back.
“It was never too late.”
“Yes, I’m aware, father.” And they smiled at each other.
Returning to his body, Choi Young swallowed hard. He felt drained, for some reason, and looking down at the small ceramic jar sighed.
The things he had to do for Imja.
“General.” Called the soft voice of a monk, the very one who had offered him this shrine to change and meditate, making Choi Young turn from his hideout and squint his eyes. The sunlight now filtered through the window, blinding him as he turned. “We are ready.” Sighing and standing, Choi Young followed the man.