Faith/신의 1. Prologue: The Runaway

Walking the Path Chosen

Prologue: The Runaway

by deadkitty1

With the wind absent in the woods, he concentrates on concealing his breaths from making even a slight sound. He even dismisses the sound going down his throat as he swallows. Little by little, the boar passes by unaware of the hunter lurking just behind the shadows. Patiently, he grasps his bow, waiting for the prey to come into view. Every nerve in his body wants to spring into action and it is with little self-control that he readies his arrow, prizing the attack to follow. Within seconds, the click of the string warns the prey and before he has time to recover, he lets the arrow fly, grazing the animal as it runs away. He curses loudly, giving away his chance at catching anything as most of the critters scurry in fright. Patience is one of the virtues he has yet to overcome, especially with such a prize staring him in the face.

He brushes it off as he goes to retrieve the arrow, wondering if it's worth the effort to set a trap. The graze on the animal isn't dire, but it could have been enough to injure it. He's been wandering in the woods for days and the meager rice he packed isn't enough to sustain such a deep hunger.

The boy grabs a dagger as he follows the trail of blood, hoping for another chance at a kill. If need be, he knows he can go find a village to stock up on supplies. Time isn't a mistress he follows. He only serves himself until the cold hands of death overtake him.

It's been four months since his father's passing. Day by day seems like a monotonous routine to him as the faces of the people he meets and talks to blur together. He remembers their comforting words joined with gifts, but it isn't needed. His father's passing is one he foresaw three years before when his own mother died. Once the sickness took her, it was only a matter of time before his father followed. His father tried his best to keep living, putting it upon himself to search for one goal after another to keep going. The man would go out of his way assisting the people, the king, even his own son. Maybe the boy took it for granted as he remembers expending the spare energy his father had left at the end of each day. When his father left, the boy stayed in his room for days overcome with grief and guilt. It wasn't until one day, in his dreams, did he gain a purpose that brings him to this particular part of the woods wandering for days on end. The fishing spot. Their fishing spot. He needed to find it.

The trail stops and he comes upon a boar dead with an arrow through the neck. Quickly, he gazes through the trees and the branches with full attention. It's an odd feeling as the boy suddenly finds himself the hunted among these mysterious intruders. He can't believe how careless he was. He could sense he was being followed but he didn't foresee them attacking in daylight. These men have some guts.

"Who's there?" the boy calls out.

When his call fails to gain an answer, he tries another approach. While slowly reaching for his pocket, his eyes scan the area for the slightest movement. He spots a glint of metal shining just behind a bush a couple of feet in front of him. He stops to note the hiding place clearly in his head as he goes for his next plan of attack.

"I do not want any trouble. I'm going to reach in my shirt and leave you my money," he said, aware any movement can trigger an attack.

He takes out a pouch filled with coins and shakes it to show the audience of the bag's authenticity. Carefully, he places the money right next to the dead animal as he slowly backs away. He'd rather lose his money than lose his life.

Just as he thought he is in the clear, a figure drops down from the branches to pounce on him. On impulse, he slashes the air to find nothing there. An arm juts out from the side knocking the dagger right out of his hand. With little time to raise his fists, he groans as the thief hits him hard on the side, buckling his stomach. Then as the pain embraces his body, another loud thump bonks him directly on the head and he's down before he ever had a chance. His last memory are the brilliant eyes of his attacker staring down at him.

The victor gets to work tying the boy and blindfolding him. Once finished, two other similar figures emerge as they gather the pig and the boy's things with them. They chat lively with no guilt to their action. As they start heading out, carrying the unconscious boy with them, a distinct red crescent moon can be seen on a patch of the people's uniforms.

The boy has no understanding of the type of people who could have been following. If anything, thieves would he the least of his worries. He would never consider a band such as the notorious Red Crescent Moon Army to look for him. After all, he's nothing but a runaway, a runaway named Choi Young.


	2. Chapter 1: The Kidnapping

Walking the Path Chosen

Chapter 1: The Kidnapping

by deadkitty1

The ride is bumpy with the occasional neighing of the horses and the rough terrain, yet amidst the disturbing racket, the kidnapped boy only awakens to the smell of roasting meat. He notices the blindfold right away, along with his limbs being tied by a strong knot. The predicament is not one he expected. At most, he expected to be beaten up to a pulp and left for dead by these underhanded hooligans.

For the moment, Choi Young stops his musings to inspect the area. Nobody is talking. He couldn't tell if they are sleeping or watching him make his move. Their presence has warranted enough evidence of what they're capable of. It would be a foolish endeavor to make a run for it, and yet now that he's forced into the situation, curiosity has gotten the best of him. Instead of keeping quiet, he tries to mumble words, aware he makes no sense because of the gag strapped around his mouth. Catching their attention, he hears the grass shake as a figure approaches. The boy tenses as he feels the restraint from his mouth loosen, but before the captor fully takes it off, he issues a gruff warning.

"No screaming. You might attract some dangerous animals hunting out in these woods right now. Also you'd lose your only chance at getting something good to eat if I'm forced to put this back on you. Understand?"

Nodding and sighing in relief, he licks his lips to try to get some moisture back in his mouth before talking. Feeling the person still working on the knot by his hands, he bravely said a question.

"Who are you?"

"You'll find out soon enough. We have a four day ride ahead of us. Food?" he answers. His tone didn't sound ruthless nor threatening but enough to mean business. "I'm going to take off the blindfold. I think you probably know what'll happen if you run but know we won't harm you."

As soon as he regains the use of his eyes, any plan to escape flushes out of his head. The red crescent embedded on each of the warriors who bear a stare through him, awaiting his reaction, shock him into a complete stupor. His words rot in his mouth. When one of them hands the roasted boar for him to eat, he looks at the gift like a being from heaven.

The Red Crescent Moon Warriors are renowned for their deeds to the common folk and the king. Everyone praises their name. Their powers are legendary enough for a small group to take out a hundred men. The boy couldn't understand why a highly trained group of assassins would want with a runaway scholar like him and if they do want him, only the gods in heaven would know what's in store for his future. They may be great in name but they are still outlaws. Any connection with them would cost him his life. Now he wishes more than anything that they had left the blindfold on him. Seeing them as they are instead of hearing them from the gossip of the people may have sealed his fate. There's no running from this. No way.

"Eat!"

The boy snaps out of his thoughts as he obediently stuffs the food in his mouth. Thankfully, the two men lose interest in him and continue with their conversation. The runaway scholar can barely keep the food down his stomach as he imagines the sort of things they would do to him. The violence. The torture. The dishonor!

Eventually as his plate empties and the food settles in his stomach, his panicked thoughts straighten out as he begins to think rationally once more. They would mean no harm to him. One of them even confirms it. Actually the same one also mentioned about traveling on a four day journey. But why and to where?

As his calm thoughts resurfaces, a dark figure emerges from the woods. He's slimmer and shorter than the remaining two. As he meets eyes though, he notices how mistaken his assumption is. That person is a woman. The very woman who fought him so easily in the woods beforehand.

"We're leaving," she briefly orders.

They rise to prepare as she directly goes to escort the hostage on a horse. The boy thought better of issuing his questions to her once he sees her urgency. There would be time for conversation. It will be a long journey, so he might as well make the most of it.

OoO

As they travel, the Choi Young's unease lifts away. He knows the direction they're heading is back to his home, so that much he can surmise he will know soon who sent the Red Moon Army after him. Another aspect he appreciates is having the freedom to ride his own horse and to talk with his captors.

"Waaah! So, the people say we chop off their heads and collect the eyes of our enemies to wear as a necklace? Ya! Now that's scary! And we cut finger by finger so they won't be able to fight against us again?! Who has time for that kind of effort? People do have such an imagination!" the one called Chang remarks loudly in amazement. "Can you believe this Ho Min?"

"Maybe I should start collecting some eyeballs? This necklace of mine is looking shabby," Ho Min replies as a joke while remaining alert in the back.

Everyone bursts into laughter except the leader who signals them to keep it down. Before the atmosphere sinks into seriousness, the hostage decides to asks his questions once more.

"So, who is asking for my ransom?" he whispers as Chang dwells on it. Chang has been helpful gathering information he unfortunately let slip during their many casual conversations. The boy couldn't fathom who would issue a ransom for him. With all his close family dead and gone, he can only think of acquaintances or dear friends of his father, yet those people wouldn't risk any kind of money for his return. No, unless he's forgotten a relative, he can't think of anybody who would want him back.

Chang tries to hide from him by changing his course only to have the scholar follow with his adept riding skills. After giving into the chase, Chang musses his hair in frustration. He gives him perturbed glance in which the boy stares down trying to pry the answer from him.

"I-We don't know," he sighs in guilt.

"What?"

"We don't know!" Chang said louder while frowning at his lack of explanation. "Look. We just take an assignment, no questions asked. We don't know who wants you and why. Just that we'll get a payout in the end."

The boy looks back at his captor in annoyance. He's not only with a group of cold-blooded killers but a bunch of mercenaries too?

"I see. So I can be wanted by Yuan and you'd hand me over as long as there's money to be had?" the smart scholar replies rashly.

He knows he said the wrong thing when Chang's gaze darkens but it's the leader who steps up. She rears her horse and locks eyes, squinting madly at his audacity.

"We are the Red Crescent Army. We serve the people of Goryeo and the King. The orders we take come directly from his Majesty and our Leader. It's where our strength lies, in our loyalty to our nation, our army, and our King. We trust each other, _People_ place their trust in us. They place their hopes in us. Saying those words means that you don't. _You_ don't trust us. So why not?"

He's taken aback by her powerful gaze and feels ashamed for even questioning them. It's true they kidnapped him but throughout the travel, they have treated him as one of their own. He shares the load of work in the camp, they answer his pushy questions as best as they can, and there was no need to put the restraints back on him at all. His cooperation meant theirs as well. His suspicions should lie on the person who issued his ransom, not them.

She didn't wait for him to talk back to her as she continues leading and he exhales the goosebumps away. Her eyes mirror the fiery image of her spirit. Her will to fight for her people, no for her soldiers, said it all in her eyes. The boy becomes envious of her spirit and he can feel the beginnings of a spark stir inside him. A purpose that he's been searching for is slowly piecing together but for now he can only taste a hint of it.

OoO

It's the last day he'll be with the three unique members of the Red Crescent Moon Army. The boy learned so much from them in terms of skill of which they willingly showed. Even Mae Hee, the leader, eagerly advises him on tracking animals and humans, if there ever came a need. His weakness in his bow and arrow was slowly adjusted to his strengths. He couldn't believe the information he gathered and the potential for more if there were only more days left, so when it came time for them to part, he can feel the pump of his heart push through his chest in sad longing. After not having a family for so long and being introduced to a bunch of lively people with passion and open arms, he unconsciously attached himself to them too quick and too strong in such a short time and separating rips a painful ache in his body.

Through the ride, Chang is exuberantly noisy with Ho Min in tow and even Mae Hee, the usual diligent leader, allows their antics to continue with no scolding from her. Even Choi Young takes advantage of the moment. He laughs the loudest when he can, talks big when he can, smiles when he can because he has no doubt in his mind that he can ever share the same joy with anyone else ever again.

While the four journey on, forward in the outskirts of the path lay a trap for any weary traveler unfortunate to come through. Today it has chosen the four. Mae Hee senses the strong aura lurking through the branches and in one swipe, she blocks a mere arrow from defacing her horse. A group of bandits tackle the four who spring into action. The three form a position around their new friend while keeping the thieves at bay. Suddenly, Mae Hee advances away, leading some of the bandits with her. Using the distraction, the remaining two advance, slashing one man after another with ease until a whole band invades from the shadows and barrage their attacks. With fatigue, even numbers win out by skill.

The boy, watching the fight take place, could not sit still. He takes an arrow and struggles to aim it on a menacing man fighting Ho Min. As he finds the right moment to shoot, his heart would not allow it. His hand shakes far too much and the arrow slips only to graze the attacker. He doesn't have time to dwell on his failure as the horse rears him off. He hits the ground hard. He hears the horse escape without him as he tries to blink away the darkness trying to overtake him. He tries to stand up to defend himself only to come face to face with a sword about to lash his neck. The young boy looks up in alarm at the savage man. Soon the chaos stops as one by one, each man comes to a standstill. Chang and Ho Min are brought to their knees as the bandits crow in a noisy celebration.

Their leader comes out in the end, jeering the victory on while the brave boy's eyes turn stern as he follows the man's walk over the fallen bodies littering the ground. The few bleeding incessantly were left to fend for themselves or die in pain. Their tears and cries etch itself to the poor scholar's ears forever painting a memory of their suffering. The boorish hairy man lies his hand on the hostage, engulfing him to the smell of metal imprinted in the man's fingertips. Greed has fully grasped the man and the stench is unbearable.

"What do we have here, huh? Just who's son are you that you require such guards for this kind of protection? Eh. He doesn't look any different than the usual scum of kids on the street but- Ah! There it is!" he exclaims. His harsh guttural voice digs in as the ugly man's liquored breath slurs on. "This. You know it's one of them rich brats when they look at you like this. Like they know better. Like they got the world right in the palm of their hands. Well, guess what, kiddo. You're in my world now and you're gonna be doing what I say!"

With one swing of his fist, he clocks the brave scholar against the face, leaving a print of his ring by the side of his cheek. The boy tastes the blood inside his mouth, licking up the drops from his burst lip. He won't give them the satisfaction. He will not beg for his life. He will not give them anything.

The fat ugly man seems to read his thoughts as he sets his eyes on Chang. Chang and Ho Min were searched for any weapons and dimes to spare. It must be a stroke of luck that these theives have yet to uncover the Red Moon insignia hidden beneath their clothes. With that found, a whole new plan would be in store for them.

"Cha cha cha. You've taken out a good portion of my men. I should skewer you alive but let's put it this way, you tell me who to ransom that boy to and I'll make sure that not only do your friend and you get to walk, I'll make sure you get some of the profits. What do you say?" the leader tempts Chang. His smile takes more than half his face, showing the pink of his gums.

Chang smiles back only to spit a huge fat loogie right on his temple. Out of the few that stands still in shock, the rest laugh right on the spot with little respect for their leader. Stark red, he curses at Chang and the rest of his band of thieves then pick out the strongest to begin his work on Chang. A tough guy full of muscle steps up and grabs Chang's arm, pulling it back slowly and painfully. Choi Young watches in horror as Chang screeches out in agonizing pain.

"Stop. Stop!" the captive boy cries out. He tries to stand, to help, but gets put down by the two ingrates holding him.

The leader doesn't stop his order but focuses his attention on the boy.

"Talk fast, prince or your guard won't be having his arm for very long."

Chang groans a 'no' and 'don't talk'. Even Ho Min pleads but the runaway is not a bystander. No one should ever get hurt because of him, not when he has the chance to save them.

"I'm-I'm the son of a scholar. There will be no use ransoming me. My father is dead. My mother is dead. I have no living relatives but I can still offer you money. I know where it is. So let them go. Let them go!" he shouts, feeling his voice waver.

The tough man stops bending Chang's arm but he also has yet to let it go. The boy looks on at the leader's reaction and in a split second, the crack of bone vibrates into everyone's ears as Chang's arm hangs uselessly by his side. Ho Min growls in outrage only to have his mouth kick by another thief. The laughter of the band adds to the fire building inside the boy, tearing his body apart.

These are the types of people who enjoy that form of atrocity against a human being. They are the ones who throw dirt on the faces of the poor and the wealthy, holding no care to anyone but themselves. They are the ones undeserving of the riches they have taken. They _need_ to have their arm taken out.

In a breeze that whispers past his ears, energy bursts from inside the fuming boy still captive. Ho Min manages to remove his restraints, grab Chang, and jump by the boy's side. Within seconds of the whole perimeter, the earth trembles, the leaves dance, and the thieves stare in dumb shock as electricity pushes out into a complete shockwave. Nerves involuntary spasm. Some bandits foam at the mouth. Others have their hair burn off. Ho Min gazes upon in wonder as he strolls at the wreckage of the scene. He touches one of the savages and feels a pulse. Alive but unbelievably so. Even the boy that caused it all lies faint on the ground with apparent exhaustion.

Mae Hee oversteps the trail of bodies, convincing herself of the short miracle that transpired. She underestimated the bandits. She had also underestimated him. As she glances over her comrades, she takes a moment to look upon the boy's face, ruminating over their mission. Their plan has changed. They need him. Now the whole point is will he need them?

She gently holds Chang's arm and a small glow graces it but disappears in a blink of an eye. He winces at the touch as he gives her his attention.

"If you can still feel it, it can still be healed," she advises and he nods at the sentiment. She then turns to the other to issue a command. "Ho Min, drop him at a healer quickly, then go to our teacher. We need him. Tell him what happened._ Everything_."

The two struggle on individual horses and gallop away at her command. Mae Hee lugs the faint boy's body up on her horse as she races towards town to the meeting spot. She was suppose to hand him in to the middleman who would collect the money but now, things have changed. Maybe they'll make an exception. She's seen how easily he took to them and he's a fast learner. His potential is unforeseen which makes him more intriguing. Yes. He will make for a very important recruit.

_Author's Notes:_ Happy Thanksgiving! I hope you're enjoying a blissful food coma with your family. Mine unfortunately is working this holiday season. Stores just need to be closed during the holidays! Then after they can open it. It used to be Black Friday now they should just call it Black Thursday &amp; Friday. Eh. Whatever. Maybe next year would be better.


	3. Chapter 2: The Choice

Walking the Path Chosen

Chapter 2: The Choice

by deadkitty1

"Ya! Wake up! Come on. Snap out of it!"

Choi Young roughly gets shaken up from his dream as Mae Hee and a bunch of unfamiliar people try to remove him from the horse. He's weak and can barely keep his eyes open, but at least he's conscious. He remembers next to nothing of what happened. It didn't help that he kept going in and out of consciousness during the whole horse ride. He has no clue as to the mess he has made in the past few hours, none at all.

"He looks completely out of it. What did you do?! Drug him?" asks one of the men carrying him.

Mae Hee deliberately ignores the comment as she moves on to another reasonable man.

"Where are they? The Manbo Siblings?"

The man flashes her a perplexed look as he shows her the way. The boy watches her silhouette disappear by the corner, yearning for her not to leave him so soon. Being caught in such a weak disposition isn't how he pictured meeting the one who issued his ransom. Also this isn't how he wanted to say his farewell to his new comrades. It's happening too fast. He wants to make it right.

"Careful! What-what are you doing? Stay down!" the man yells. He pulls the struggling teenager up off the ground to prevent him from further injury.

"I need to-" the boy moans still trying to fend of the man's support.

"You _need _to rest!"

"But!"

"No! You young kids think you're indestructible. Remember! You are given one body on this land. Learn to take care of it by taking a rest!"

The wise man's scolding leads the boy to a bed where he proceeds to tuck the stubborn young one in. In any other situation, the teenager would have fought more and even talked his way out. Unfortunately, the fatigue in his body is so great, little coercing is needed from the strange man as the boy blacks out the minute his head hits a pillow.

Once her talk with the middlemen ends, Mae Hee carefully attends to Choi Young's side while her anxiousness leads her pacing by the entrance. Her demeanor affects the entire inhabitants of the household who's curiosity always gets the better of them. Secrets among these shopkeepers are impossible to keep. Even without a word from the girl in the Crescent Army, they know all about the boy sleeping in the room, about his sudden use of inner powers and his decimation of a group of renegade thieves. The information gathered said that although the bandits aren't dead, all of them suffer a case of headaches where even trying to remember what happened would trigger an excruciating ache. The news settles Mae Hee's nerves. Though, she really would not have minded going back to chop off their tongues to ensure their silence. She also wanted some vengeance for Chang, but it's better to keep the boy's identity a secret so as not to arise further suspicion from outsiders.

Chang also has been gaining speed on his recovery. She would have given anything to see to his injury personally, but each of them has to keep to their own mission and hers currently lies with the extraordinary boy still asleep. At least Chang's arm will be ready for training once again in a couple of months. He's already making use of his other arm, unable to rest or he'll be left behind. It's hard to put a man like him down. He's always looking for the good things life has to give while Mae Hee can't forget the terrible ones.

It takes all afternoon and most of the evening until the young boy makes a recovery. A caped figure enters his sleeping chamber. The figure stands afar slowly absorbing the teenager's peaceful appearance. It doesn't take long as the passive moment clears and the unknown person flips the bed over, blankets and all, down to the floor where the mussed up boy lies in shock. He deliberately looks up a the attacker with spite and annoyance cringing his words out.

"You bastard! What in –"

The figure retaliates by hitting him several times on the shoulder and head while scolding his informality.

"Bastard? Bastard?! Is that anyway to talk to me after disappearing for months without a word? Your parents would be ashamed! You ungrateful smart-mouth!"

The young boy recovers as he recognizes the voice of the person hitting him. Guilt slowly works its way to the heart with each passing blow he takes, withstanding it with no resistance.

This person would be the one to issue his ransom. Only this person has the temper and strength to beat him to a pulp for his misdeeds other than his father. How can he forget?

"Auntie?"

She takes off the hood making the anger in her eyes all the more imminent.

"Yes! It's me. Now what in Heaven's name were you thinking?! You have a responsibility as the son of your father and you decide to go off into the woods to go fishing? Did some ghost possess your head? Did you not think of the people left behind? You father spent so much time and hard work for you to become into an distinguished man then you squash it away so recklessly!" she spits out in spite.

The boy matches a defiant stare against his aunt aware of his rebellious actions.

"I have no use for the estate or the servants anymore. Father knew I never wanted to follow in his footsteps so why do I need to go back to school? I have nothing for me there! I do not want to become another brain for some lord. I don't want a court position!"

"Ha! So you got it all figured out, huh? What are you going to do then? Become a fisherman?" His aunt taunts with impatience as she reaches out to grab him by the ear. "You are coming with me. We are going back and you are fixing this mess. You need to-"

The hardheaded boy's protests wins out as he breaks away from her tight hold. He stays his ground unable to part from his newly found friends and a purpose forming inside of him.

"No! I am staying here," he said intent on following through with his promise. Now gaining the attention of his dear aunt, he understands what he must do. "I am staying with them. With the Red Crescent Moon Army."

"What?" his aunt blurts in surprise as her mouth stands agape.

"I'm going to ask permission and then I will serve the king."

"You want to be a warrior?" she said in disbelief pointing directly at him. "To fight, to kill, and to _die_ for the king?"

The teenager listens to her words which he knows didn't sound like him at all, yet the adamant loyalty and the courage from those two men and that one girl were enough to let him know that being a part of the Red Moon Army could be more than just giving up a life for the king. It's an ideal and a moral code. One his father disciplined into him from the moment he's born. It's those traits that make a person just and of worth to know. If those three were anything like the rest of the people in the Red Moon Army, he knows he has found the right bunch of people he belongs with.

"I can see you aren't going to change your mind. You're just as pig-headed as your father, you know," she scolds still fuming from his runaway stunt.

"And so are you! You're his sister!" he retorts and suddenly braces himself for another attack. Her arm stops midway on his head and then she thinks better of it as he utters more, "And you're also a warrior. So why question my intention of becoming one when you did?"

Seeing his silence and his stubbornness to leave the room, his aunt sighs in defeat. She steps away, trying to imagine the sort of warrior he would become and the struggles he would need to face. He will see the dangers of his choice soon enough, yet somehow she knows he would be able to handle it. It's the sacrifice of giving up his life if he follows this path that lays thickly in her mind. The warrior's life ensures a death at a young age, so she would like to avoid that issue with her nephew if possible. With support from a strong group like the Red Crescent Moon Army, his life can be protected by the brotherhood and sisterhood of the group. They will see to his safety and for that, she can be assured he will not be alone which is enough for her.

"Tsk! This smart-mouth..! Keh. Forget it. I give up. If you want to join, join! Like I can stop you. Just don't let me catch you throwing your life away! I'll see to things about the estate and everything else. You will hear from me soon."

She flashes him one last look as she exits the room. The nephew softly calls out a 'Thank you!' before she leaves which she chooses to ignore nor acknowledge. As soon as she's out, another figure emerges, one he didn't know. His presence engulfs the whole space and he bows in reverence as shivers climb up his spine. The towering man tells him to lift his head and the boy can see the rough scratches etched on his face that only adds to his terrifying gaze. Deep down in his gut, it tells him there's something about this man that he needs to stay close to. He can't tell why or what for the matter but when his gut tells him something like that, he follows through.

The man speaks in a quiet voice that demands to be heard. He mentions hearing about his rescue of the members of the Red Crescent Moon Army in which Choi Young discovers he possesses inner powers. The man also tells him about his small talk with his aunt before she came into his room. He even tells him about having a conversation with Mae Hee and the others. As the man lists each event out to him, the smart scholar figures it out. This man is the one. The one who started it all. He is the leader of the Red Crescent Moon Army. He can barely grasp the meaning of their encounter but the weight of the connection is very strong.

"So I hear you want to join my group? Is that right?" he said as he gets right to the point.

Young stumbles on his reply. "Ye-yes, sir. If-if it would be okay with you-you, sir."

"Do you understand what's at stake when you join us?" he asks, looking right through him. The boy ponders over his words. The significance of joining the Red Crescent Moon Army would seem like a great opportunity. He couldn't see anything wrong with it at all.

"I wouldn't know but hearing Ho Min, Chang, and Mae Hee talk about it, I feel it would be an honor to fight side by side with them," he answers proudly.

The admiral stares at the boy in amusement as he carries on.

"I can see you've taken a liking to them. Well, they've taken a liking to you too. That's important because this group is not only a bunch of warriors, but they're a family to me and I am extending my arm to welcome you into that family. You do not have to make the decision now. If you think you can't handle it, you are always free to leave."

"I am a man of my word. When I choose to go through with something, I follow it all the way through. That is what my father taught me."

The man could not be anymore surprised at the young man's words. His sense of loyalty and will are qualities well befitting of a great fighter. He senses something great will come out of the boy in the later future. With that in mind, he wants the chance to show him, teach him, to use that greatness for the good of the boy and his men. Beneath blood and death lies a powerful lesson in life and love which he knows only shows itself if one looks close enough.

Heaving himself up off the chair, he bids the lucky young man leave. "Well then, we leave at daybreak. Get some rest."

The young boy can hardly contain his joy as his shouts call the attention of the nearby neighbors. He now not only gains a crew of new friends in a few days, but he gets to keep them. He can't wait to learn how to fight and control his mysterious power. His choice to join creates a path which he walks in with his head held high ready to face the challenges ahead. After all, he's the type to take in what life gives him, by talking the bull by its horns.


	4. Chapter 3: The Kill

Walking the Path Chosen

Chapter 3: The Kill

by deadkitty1

The boy slowly grows as he tries his hardest to catch up with the new recruits. Being with everyone who supports one another is bringing him back to feeling like a family again. Choi Young had doubts of fitting in but he easily finds out that one's pasts makes no difference to these warriors. It's the effort each person contributes to their own future that gives merit in the eyes of others. Each member bears their own personal struggles and deals with them differently, but they band together with one purpose in mind that has given them the will to fight back and it's to bring back their fallen country from the ruins of the invaders.

His teacher becomes a prominent figure in his life and everyone else's. He is everyone's father, leader, and friend. He goes far and beyond to help out the Red Moon Army in which the people in turn model his shining behavior. The young boy notices that although he's learning from their leader and many others, he's also teaching them in return. He didn't count on so many people eager to want to learn how to read or to even learn how to fish. Skills he thought he possessed had no gain are now helping his friends better themselves and more.

He's also regains control and wisdom over his new power. Out of the handful of people in the Crescent Army, he's one of the few that possess an inner power that can materialize out of his body. The power links with one's emotions and the strategy for it is not to bottle it up but rather focus on the feeling and purpose, to concentrate the energy in one spot then release. He's seen the dangers of wild energy gone loose first hand after remembering the events in the kidnapping. It's better to gain a hold over it than to let it control him.

The meeting with his aunt might not be the last one he'll see. He has a feeling he'll encounter her later on somehow. It's comforting to know she would still look out for him even from the confines of the palace. Her strength and tenacity for information will always pinpoint his location. She probably gets updates on his training at the Crescent Moon camp even if it seems like it's a highly guarded place from the common folk. He remembers seeing her train herself with a sword when he was just a boy. Crossing her is like crossing his father except she might actually cut his head off.

As he gathers skills upon each lesson on combat, weaponry, and strategy, he also volunteers to help out at the Suribang who he finds out later were the middlemen in charge of his ransom. Up to a certain point in his training, there's only so much he can learn about fighting when the Goryeo people are much more interesting. There's much to see through the citizens and the old politicians running around with their tongues hanging out of their mouths. The gossip grape vine provides great stories on whereabouts of Yuan soldiers, Japanese encampments, and their own Goryeo warriors. He even searches out bumbling thieves and corrupt lords who take advantage of the citizens. His minor heroic deeds gain the attention of a select few who will always be in his debt. Soon the people not only know him by face but by his name and they came to love him as they sing the name of the Red Moon Crescent Army in praise.

As the days creep pass to a year, there's only so much training one can achieve until its tested out on the battlefield. Young's time has finally come and only the butterflies in his stomach can relate to the anxious feeling burning inside of him. He can barely control the power of spark tingling through his fingers waiting to be released as the teacher announces the strategy for the mission. As each minute passes and he tries listening to the list of steps named one by one in the command, the heat in his body increases. He waits with impatient feet ready to run at a moment's notice the minute his name gets called.

"Choi Young!" the admiral announces.

"Yes, teacher!" he answers loudly, eyes filled with determination.

"You will be on lookout with Chang," the admiral commands.

Young hesitates a second then answers," Yes, teacher."

As the orders come in, the spirit in him deflates. The lookout stays back in the safe zone. There's no action in that place at all! He wants to be in the front defending with the rest of the group. After so many practices with the recruits and the experienced fighters, he's proven he has the ability to fight and win. Does the teacher have no faith in his skills? Was he unfit to be fighting with them?

"Oh! What's with the face? You upset that you're not in the front lines?"

Young pushes Chang off his shoulders to stomp out in a huff. He trails right after him with a smile still plastered on his face trying to talk to the stubborn recruit once more.

"Ah! I was right? I was, wasn't I? Eh?" Chang teases.

The sullen rookie stops so abruptly that Chang crashes his face full force on his back. Even though it neither fazes him, Chang moans in pain at the ruined image of his perfect nose. Young roughly takes his friend by the cuffs of his shirt, almost pulling him up from the ground with his own brute force.

"Why?! Why am I chosen for the lookout? Why am I not in the front? Why?!" he shouts in frustration, spitting saliva on Chang's pretty face. His friend tries his best to soothe his weary young friend. Unfortunately, his nervous laughter did little to solve Young's questions. Losing his enthusiasm, he sulks away, wondering what he did wrong to deserve such a miserable downgraded position for his first mission as a proper warrior. He pictured glory and honor, a great bloody battle, maybe even a stab wound or two but not this.

"Now cheer up! It's still your first mission out with us and I'm here by your side! What's so bad about that?" he cheers while awaiting a response from his pouting friend. When he only slips him a dejected sigh as an answer, Chang changes his optimistic tone and advises him with a hard face. "Okay, look. We don't know what Teacher has in mind but if he assigned you as a lookout, it's for the good of the group. Remember, Young-ah, you're still a recruit. It's not bad to start at the bottom and work your way up. Not everyone can get everything in one go. You gotta earn it."

The sulking recruit perks at his words and nods in response.

"I got to earn it," he repeats, sounding the mantra in his head.

It's a test. He _is_ just a recruit. He needs to earn his spot to claim it. It's only the beginning and there are bounds of other missions to come along where he'll be able to help them. If he does great on the first one and blazes through the second and third missions, soon he'll be jumping up to the front lines in no time fighting the enemy. It's the chance he didn't see coming and the chance he will take.

The two run ahead to clear the area and inform their troops of what they scout. Night is perfect for their attacks. It not only gives them an advantage but hides their faces from their enemies which makes the red crescent insignia all the more frightening in the light of the moon. Chang's movements slide quick through the rocky hills while it takes the rookie a step and a half slower to get into the swing of things. A spot opens up and the two perch themselves inconspicuously against the foliage. Chang's eyes twinkle bright against the light of the night as he flashes a sly smile back at his friend. Young exchanges it knowing full well what he's doing. In a few minutes, Chang starts giving out information about the enemy, from their positions to the ones picking their noses. His inner power of sight in the dark has always given the Crescent Army the upper advantage towards sneak attacks.

"Teacher's right. There's a group of at least 30 to 40 people ahead down there. The posts are facing the woods. They'll never expect us coming in from the fields. It's perfect!" Chang reports with zeal, "Ah! Two are going on a bathroom break. Tell them to get ready."

Young sounds a quiet signal that soon finds its way to the right person. The two discernible men suddenly become replaced by a pair of Red Moon warriors as the two infiltrate the camp. Only time will tell when the action begins. Chang eagerly awaits the outcome, bouncing eyes from one enemy to another while the rookie slums to the side of a tree in the back with an irate attitude. He knows his power and skills weren't being used to the fullest potential. Just waiting for everything to fall through without contributing makes him feel useless and incompetent.

"Young-ah! If only you can see this. We have them surrounded! They're running away like rats! Woah! Ho Min got two men at the same time! They did not see that coming and Teacher is clearing them out with that sword like nothing! It's crazy I tell you! I mean they-"

Chang groans and tumbles on the ground almost falling off the cliff of the hill if he didn't grab the side on impulse. An enemy shadows above him ready to cut his hold with a dagger. It only takes a second. Within that second, it stills for the young recruit. Young, with his sword out, charges into the assailant, stabbing him through. The man drops down, spitting blood and saliva over the grass. Just as the fight seemed over, the stabbed man rises for a second strike and Young reacts instantly as he slashes him right on the neck ending his life. Even as the danger lies dead on his feet, his breathing keeps staggering with each painful inhale as his eyes refuse to tear itself away from the bleeding corpse.

A man. A young man with a missing tooth. He came in so quietly without notice. A skilled man. A dead man.

"Hey. Hey! Get a hold of yourself! Come on. We gotta check to make sure no one came with him," Chang orders.

The warrior snaps out of his trance and gets right to work. Silently, they scour the area well once more, careful not to miss a thing. Not one clue is found of how or why the enemy ended up in the hills in the first place, but Chang couldn't thank his stars enough that his friend has once again come to his rescue.

As the mission ends, Chang glorifies Young's noble deed over a round of drinks most joyously consumed by the group. The joy becomes contagious as the smiles force him to join in too.

"You should've seen the little guy! There was no hesitation. He was a natural! He saw the enemy and went for it. Stakes him right here on the side like a professional!" Chang brags as he reenacts the scene with plenty of moans for added effect. "And this man was huge! A tough muscly one! Young-ah needed to take it to him again or he would be the one keeled over in that forest right now!"

A round of laughter resounds as Chang's savior roughly pokes him on the side of the head.

"I would be _what_? Dead? What's that you're saying?" Young said with irritation.

"Aiya! I meant unless I was there, you _would_ have been dead. Honestly, if you didn't spot that man trying to attack you a second time, I would have your back! Honestly. Really! Come on, it's true!" Chang throughly explains but even the audience remains unconvinced.

Before Young can give another rebuttal, the rest of the gang steps up for him. They throw a couple of jeers while teasing Chang about his lack of timing. Even Mae Hee joins in on the celebration knowing that the recruit's victory is a sign of the many more yet to come.

The celebration cuts short with the command of the captains. The party has worn down everyone and the hype of victory makes for a great night's rest with the exception of one person. With the hours passing by and the growing hum of the snores perpetrating the tents, the savior of the night clings tightly to the hem of the blanket unable to keep himself still.

The second he shuts his eyes, the image of the dead man's corpse appears vividly as if the man is there in his room right now. The man's eyes once filled with anger and fear cannot be erased from the warrior's memory. His hand remembers the feel of the sword plunging through flesh as well as the sound it makes as it tears the skin with blood dripping continuously through like a slow replay. In his mind, he didn't kill the man once but again and again and again. The gruesome image a permanent fixture and one he's sure he cannot run away from.

Traumatized, he grabs his sword and drapes a blanket around his shoulders as he exits the tent. He find a spot on the field to stand, trying to sort out the feelings and thoughts of his first kill. Although being praised by his friends was rewarding, he failed to realize the consequences of taking a life, a human life. To kill by the sword is to live by its will.

He gazes solemnly at the weapon against the moonlight. The trace of blood is gone. It remains a stark illusion of the sword's purpose. Meanwhile his hand will forever be marked with blood. He can try to wash it off but it will remain as a reminder of the life he took and the future lives he's yet to end. The daunting task weighs hard on him. He can't fathom how everyone manages to deal with this feeling of dread, guilt, and grief for an enemy. An enemy he hates but can't help think about. The man's worth. What was his place in the world? It feels wrong to take it away so abruptly just with a swing from his sword. Isn't it wrong? Who is he to have command over someone's life? Killing a stranger has now made him an owner of the man's soul who has marked him as something other than human. Almost like an animal.

"Young-ah. Are you okay?"

The boy looks up and immediately bows his head at the appearance of his teacher. A little flustered at being caught off-guard, he replies, "I'm alright, teacher. I just wanted to get some air. "

The bearded man can spot the lie and gets right to the point.

"I would think it would be a little strange getting air in the middle of the night at such a late hour unless one has a lot on their mind."

"But teacher, you're out on this hour too!" Young bluntly states then promptly recognizes his disrespect as he takes it back, "Uh! Please disregard what I spoke! I spoke out of turn!"

The wise man only sighs as he turns around to face his student. "No. You are right. I do have a lot on my mind."

The curious student perks up in surprise at his master's honest response and without wasting a beat, he asks, "About what, if I may ask?"

"About you."

Choi Young watches in amazement, honored to be in his thoughts even if they are worried ones. He waits in anticipation for his master's explanation but the man steers it away to another subject. Taking out his sword, he gently places it on the capable hands of the warrior.

"Do you know how I got this sword?"

Trying his hardest to simmer his overwhelming excitement at holding the legendary sword, he concentrates on giving a proper answer. " The precious sword. A sword in which blood never stains and shines in the moonlight at a certain angle. Like this!"

Young tilts the sword until the light illuminates the steal in a strange glow. He looks proudly back at his teacher for achieving his feat who smirks at his kid-like gesture. Coughing out in embarrassment, the warrior steals a glance at the man as he shyly asks, "This sword is given by a ghost. Is that correct?"

The tired man doesn't answer right away nor does the student prod him further. His teacher stares out into the sea of grass reminiscing the past as it unfolds in front of him. He clears his throat and narrates grimly.

"I fought in battles way before this sword ever came into my life, but even before then, this sword was already becoming a trophy in the eyes of men. I wasn't any different. I did what most do. Searched for it until I came upon the owner. I fought him... that man who owned the sword. I won. Soon the sword fulfilled what I thought it would do. Win my battles, slay my enemies, protect my men. My victories were indeed sweeter until night falls and I see him, that man who owned the sword, a ghost who never leaves me alone. It reminds me of what I did. We all have our ghosts, young one. We may not address them, but they're there. I didn't want you to face them so soon but remember we're fighting for a purpose and so are they. It's that purpose that gives us our own will to keep going. So I'm here to ask, what is your purpose."

Young meets the strong gaze of his teacher as he gathers his words in a promise.

"To protect my family. To protect my friends."

The man gives him a pat on a the shoulder, acknowledging his words.

The boy still looks upon his master filled with worry as he encloses his thoughts too.

"But in fulfilling my purpose by slaying one man after another, how do I stay as I am?"

The strong man breaks eye contact and sighs to the wind.

"You will never be the same man the minute you take a life. You just try to live through it by holding the people close to you that you have protected. Remember your father's words and the words of the people close to you. They will help you return to who you are when you feel like you are losing yourself."

The young warrior follows his master's line of sight as he absorbs his words. Somehow it isn't as cold as before and the blanket around him slips off his shoulders. He seems to have found peace in his teacher's advice and although the young one still has worries, he would rather find a way through them on his own. Just knowing he isn't alone is enough to help him along this journey. As his teacher turns to leave, Young couldn't help calling out to him.

"Teacher! What about your purpose?!"

The wise leader smiles as he gives his answer, "To give you kids a future worth looking forward to."


	5. Chapter 4: Mae Hee

Walking the Path Chosen

Chapter 4: Mae Hee

by deadkitty1

More and more missions are undertaken and the name of the Red Crescent Moon Army becomes renowned by not only the common people, but by the higher class and the people at the palace. Choi Young gradually climbs the ladder to succession as he gains the attention of his teammates who praise his skills and admire his talent. Age had nothing on him. Mae Hee knew he would eventually reach her ladder of skills but she had no idea he'd come up the ranks so fast. Through most of the sparring and teamwork, they somehow ended being paired up and with each meeting, their minds grow closer. Young is fascinated with her ambition which is abnormal in an era where women could gain little from it, yet she breaks people's expectations and assumptions based on her gender with fiery ease. The men in the camp would never think to cross her as her intimidating demeanor scares off any boy wanting her attention. It's different with Young though. He takes in her grave attitude with respect and unwavering curiosity that he can't manage to shake.

Her extraneous hardworking ideals rub out on him as she is constantly working and improving her mind and body. As she keeps adding a step to her routine to tire out the weak, Young pushes his limit, hoping to keep up with her unreachable standards. She observes him with silent praise as he passes one test after another. She can't avoid him as he keeps coming up to her for advice and more information for training. He even discovers her secret spot by a big evergreen tree where she keeps to herself one day and receives a verbal beat down from it.

Everyone soon comes to know Young as Mae Hee's puppy, the warrior who won't leave her side. When he finds out she's not where he assumes she should be, he suddenly panics unnecessarily. Her independence strikes him as dangerous because with her short-fuse temper, she can attract a lot of danger. He also worries about her overworking and taking on more than her share, so he always subtly suggests pairing up or using a team to do the job even when she insists on doing it herself. None of the other Red Moon Warriors would brashly charge by themselves without a plan _only her_. It makes him more considerate of the girl than he would to any of the others and her constant state of flux just adds to his own state of nerves as he tries his best to protect the girl without her knowing. She would see his act of protecting her as her weakness and that would spurn a whole mess of trouble if she ever misunderstands. Try as much as he would, he just can't seem to leave her alone.

On one cold windy night, the pair team up to sink a Japanese ship floating on a hidden dock. There would be another team ambushing the enemy troops settling on land. The mission looks easy enough and the chilly weather isn't going to get in the way of it. The two creep through the darkness, communicating by movement. Young goes ahead to scope out the area and spots five men having a drink by the ship. He signals to her as she disappears for the strike.

The foreign man stands unaware with a drink in hand whistling a tune. He stops as he senses something wrong. Before he can put a finger to it, a slick rope wraps around his thin neck and in one pull it snaps the bone in half. The muffled moan brings attention to two of the men close by. They take a step forward and one gets hit by the throat, spraying blood while the other man has his stomach cut wide open spilling his intestines on the ground. Young feels the gripping rage from another behind him as he simply avoids the near lethal strike with a dodge. Finding himself face to face with the enemy, he engages in a fight. The man stabs and strikes three or more times with the quick Red Moon warrior following each one with a block. Feeling the enemy lag, Young uses it to his advantage as he deflects a half-hazard strike to stab him in the back. As he pulls out his sword, the man groans in pain, falling over in a dead slump. The warrior catches his breath and sheaths his sword as he begins to look for Mae Hee.

As he trails the side of the ship in silence, he couldn't help feeling worried as his line of sight fails to spot her movements, then before he shouts her name and gives away their position, she appears to give him the signal to leave. He observes her make her way out of the ship with the stealthy grace of a cat trailing the shadow. He didn't know he was holding his breath the entire time until she makes it safely inside the forest. The dazed warrior clears his jolted nerves as he gets ready to climb off the ship. Just then a yell startles him from behind. A cut strikes his shoulder. Red splatters his view. He takes his sword immediately stopping the man's next strike. He locks eyes with the attacker, watching in shock at the blood gushing from the wound through his back. It's the man he stabbed earlier. He's still alive!

Young knocks the sword right out of the pitiful enemy's hand as he stabs him one more time for good measure. The man lets out a guttural groan with clumps of blood streaming from his mouth as he curses the clumsy warrior in language he didn't understand. Young could not look away at the mess of blood. It covered the man and the ship and even where he stood. It was everywhere! He grieves at the tormented death then tries to remove his sword from the body. The dead man's hands lock lightly around it, refusing to let go. Young only tugs a couple of times before he abandons it and jumps ship but not before the huge blast rips through everything, even him. Burning pain and shock ripples through his body to the point where it just shuts down.

In a distance, Mae Hee watches in horror as his body drops into the cold water. With her nimble feet, she takes off as much of her clothes before jumping into the freezing water to save him. She needs to make it in time. A strong person like him can't die! Not yet. She knows his worth is important for the Red Moon Army and the future of their country. He cannot die.

Mae Hee struggles to bring him on shore as she checks for a pulse. The heartbeat staggers to be heard. A sound triggers her attention as the light of the burning ship erupts to expose the full damage done to the warrior. Part of his arm and shoulder suffer horrible burns and so does his face with the clothing almost melding with his skin. Working fast, she rips off his shirt and pulls his pants off with ease. She in turn rubs her body and him dry with the remnants of dry clothing she left on the shore while trying to avoid the clash of the cold wind sending her into a fit full of shivers. She desperately would give anything for a fire or shelter against the weakening cold but she needs to focus in order to save him.

Nobody would make it through this kind of searing pain overnight, even the image of the burnt skin and the constant suffering trauma would bring even the strongest person down. With no choice, she gathers her hands and places them on his shoulder. A dim glow builds as the burnt skin rebuilds anew. It spread throughout his body fixing the tissues and nerves. Soon the pain dissipates. Young's face slowly relaxes and before long, not even a trace of a scar remains marked on the skin. She moans a sigh as she clutches her hand on her chest to regain a steady heartbeat. Her time is once again given away. Using inner power drains a person's own life force but hers in particular takes a big chunk out of it. She never considered her life as valued. It's the life of others that will help bring the future she has been imagining while she makes the best of her time and place now.

Mae Hee picks a perfect spot with plenty of cover and foliage. She piles a bunch of dry leaves on top of Young to keep him warm before she herself succumbs to sleep. The cold wind can try as it may, but it fails to blow through the spot to freeze the couple. Even the stony hill keeps a good cover from the light as it keeps the couple safe from invading enemies.

The night crawls on a slow pace until one of them starts to awaken from the numbing feeling on his shoulder. When he inspects it, he jumps out of his skin at the sight. Mae Hee, trying to keep warm, has fallen asleep on his shoulder right by his side. Her profile is so close, he can see the wave of her eyelashes flicker from his breath. He tries to rattle his head on the events that happened to have her and him end up in such an awkward situation and also how to pry himself out from such a compromising scandal. His thoughts come to a stop as his body suddenly tenses at the faint rustling within a few feet away. Before he can spring into action, he feels the coldness of a knife unsheathe by his side. The once peaceful sleeping beauty is now wide awake but the position they're in can hardly be seen as threatening. It in fact looks like a lover's embrace after a passionate intercourse which can only come by their close hug and by their lack of clothing.

Young reads Mae Hee's eyes and feels conflicted in following it. She glares in extreme measures and he forcibly obeys by pulling her closer to his embrace while the voices get louder. For a split second, their cover can get blown. They can be killed. They will cease to exist. In that stillness, being next to her in the face of death, dieing to protect someone, a friend, it didn't seem so bad. It would be the kind of death he'd rather have as many of the warriors have passed away in the same instance.

The voices stop, noticing the couple among the pile of leaves. Respecting the couple's intimacy, they retreat elsewhere, disappearing with each crunch of a leaf. Young never noticed her scent before and the smell is distinctly familiar to him. Something akin to winter like mint. He becomes immerse in trying to identify the smell that he fails to notice Mae Hee's awkwardness growing as the seconds tick by. He's hasn't released his hold over her, in fact he leans closer, breathing deeper. It finally gets too uncomfortable for her and she pries his arms away with force, shoving him down with brute strength. By chance the stray blush on her cheek remains hidden in the night, though it's evident the tingling in her body could not be erased and it's more than just the cold wind blowing through her skin.

She gathers the dry yet still damp clothing from the branches and throws his to him in annoyance. He picks it up, getting the cue to dress and leave quickly. He trails closely, matching her speed and stride through the rocky terrain. Usually he'd keep quiet during their walks, respecting her leadership in handling the getaways, but now with the cold air circulating his brain, he finds his questions just too overwhelming to keep in.

"How-how am I alive?" he mutters intimately curious.

Mae Hee flashes a look back pointedly telling him to keep his silence. Her eyes search for any unusual noises before stepping through another area. As her pace gets faster, Young can see she's doing all she can to avoid answering him. Sadly, he's unable to stop.

"What happened? Did you save me? How did we get up on the hill?" he pesters. She didn't even bother shutting him up as she launches forward into a valley. The warrior in turn steps over a log and propels forward next to her. She shoves his blockade easily with her arm, concentrating on the direction of their camp ahead.

Not willing to ignore the issue, he continues, "And why were my clothes gone? And yours too? Why were we... Did we do something?"

She skids to a stop as her eyes pop out in alarm. She has the sudden urge to tie him up with her whip and leave him on a branch to freeze to death at his idiotic bluntness. Has he no idea the pain she went through to save him? And the embarrassment she subjected herself to for him to be alive at this very moment?! That mouth of his needs a lesson in manners.

"Choi Young, I would never put myself in a position like tonight unless there were dire circumstances. As you can see, we were in _dire circumstances_," she explains haughtily through the brunt of her teeth. "You were injured badly. I was exhausted from healing you. Yes, my inner power is healing. Plus you were wet. So was I. It-it was cold. It still is actually."

She quiets as flashes of his naked skin race through her memory. Her hands clumsily undressing him. While healing, her hands had to touch his shoulder, his face, his chest... Rearing back her pride, she yells, "So does that explain things now?! Do I need to go further?"

Sensing he might have gone a tinge too far and embarrassed both of them, he accepts the information while she continues tracking their way back to camp. He stares at the outlines of her back, feeling guilty for his incompetence at misjudging a kill then burdening her to save him and use her inner power. He wanted to prove she didn't need to work alone and yet he's done the opposite. The fault lies with him and his carelessness. His ego needs to be kept in check. It's only by a stroke of luck Mae Hee saved him, next time he will not be so lucky.

Once they set eyes on their camp, Young shuffles up to bow in gratitude and shame. Taken aback, she stares at him weirdly.

"I'm very thankful for what you did to save my life. I know you must have sacrificed a lot to save me. I'm sorry to be a burden. I will do better next time," he said.

Mae Hee touches his shoulder to get his attention and to meet those eyes. She shows him a small smile as she tells him in a gentle voice unlike her at demeanor at all, "Young-ah. I do not leave my teammates behind, not when I know I can save them even if it cost me my life. Do not place every mistake on you. While placing the dynamite, I could've checked to make sure the enemy was fully taken care of, so the fault lies with me too. Let's just learn from this and thank the gods we made it out alive."

They share a brief moment of understanding as they go to report to their commander. While they stroll in to be greeted by their pledged brothers and sisters, Young brushes his shoulder unconsciously remembering her hand's grip against it. Mae Hee in turn could not face him directly in the eye without thinking about his body holding hers in the forest tonight. Even as they go through separate tents, regale different stories of their mission (cutting out the part in the hill), and go to bed, they end up stuck in deep insomnia, staring in the darkness as each scene hits them all at once. Her scent sticks inside his senses as he tries to breath her out. His eyes seem to penetrate her mind as she flusters in panic. Also the warmth of each other's skin accidentally stamps the intimate touch in their hands as a permanent memory. Young clenches his hand as he hits his fist on the ground, punishing such sinful imaginings away. Unfortunately, it's only the beginning of their tale as first love usually starts with an embarrassing crush that leaves a lasting impression on both of them.


	6. Chapter 5: The Dissent

Walking the Path Chosen

Chapter 5: The Dissent

by deadkitty1

_Author's Notes: I do need to finish this fic and while it doesn't have reviews, these are for the people who are following the story as of now. Still surprised anyone would... Anyway to help catch you up, Choi Young has quit being a scholar and joined the Red Moon Crescent Army, discovered his super power, killed a person, and fell in love. So having caught up, read some more._

With the many changing seasons, the affection for the two youths blossom to a point where denying it only makes it even more real. Even everyone around them can see that there's more to their companionship than a student and teacher. The two not only become a great team to be reckoned with but they're inseparable. Their teacher watches them grow through the kills, the injuries, and the losses as they continue to maintain a semblance of innocence they carry from within when he first met them. They strive through the hardships hoping to one day see the nation for what it's worth, so they can live free as citizens of Goryeo, not slaves of Yuan. It's what the Red Crescent Moon Army has been fighting year after year for and the dream is within their grasp.

Gradually through, with no foresight or warning, they sustain hard losses one after another. The occasional win that would usually come doesn't make an appearance. It used to be that the enemies would run just at the sight of their uniforms, yet these foreign men come at them tenfold, barraging man after man with fury. Feeling like a trapped animal, the men and women fight zealously, picturing their efforts come to fruition. Each fight costs them a life. Each battle a man bears an wound that renders him useless in fights thereafter. Each day the overwhelming hope in their eyes slowly dwindle to desperation and suspicion.

It becomes clear their missions are not to be trusted. The dissent and arguments grow. Loyalty between brethren never used to be questioned until the trust of the King comes to the table. Too many lives have died through the past months, far too many. The fighters wondered if the deaths was even of worth to a sieged country with rumors of a licentious ruler taking bribes from Yuan.

"We need to go over and address the one in charge! We can't be blind followers!"

"There's just too many of them now and too few of us. We might have our inner strength, but it's not working anymore! What we need is to go to the King and ask for more people! More weapons. Better armor and horses!"

"Ha! And you think a king like ours can freely hand over extra rations or men?! We are by ourselves! Alone. There's barely any scraps to feed and pay the remaining men we have left! We should take a page from our own books and retreat while we're still alive. We can form the Red Moon Crescent Army once again. Fighting like this now is useless!"

"Then when should we fight?! If we don't stand up and follow through now, there will never be another chance! We leave now, those men and women's lives will have been for nothing. Remember our purpose. Remember what we are fighting for!"

"And what use will our purpose be when our people are dead? Do we become fallen martyrs?! I refuse to die like that. No way!"

"Think of those young people out there! They can still have a future if we stop this. It might not be the future we envisioned for them but at least they'll carry on that ideal to their own children so the next generation will succeed in where we have-"

"_Failed?_ Is that what you're saying? You're already talking about failure when we barely scratched the surface. Change will not happen in a day or even a year! What makes today any different five years from now? We are gonna face the same thing. The same loss of life. The same feel of defeat which is why it's better to finish it here and now before we lose that chance!"

"Can't you see?! This – all of this – is a lost cause!? You can't hold us, or those kids for that matter, based on a promise made years ago. Things have changed. I don't want to see another one of us waste our lives out there. This bloodshed has to end!"

The arguing continues back and forth in a never ending struggle between the captains. Choi Young hates the discussion of politics. He'd rather be outside which is where he is. For the moment though, he's wondering how he can lure the one person he needs out of the argument in the tent for an important meeting they should really have instead of talking around fruitlessly. Soon his patience wins out in the end as the person he's been waiting for storms out in such a rage she passes right by him. He catches up and sensing his presence, she turns around.

"You! Why weren't you there?! Why didn't you go in?" she yells as she stares down at him accusingly.

He matches a grim stare with hers and calmly replies, "I've told you before. I'm a warrior, not a politician."

"I needed you by my side to convince those fools about our teacher's ideal! We need to push on. We can't let the bad times hurt us like this! It's what _they_ would want, for us to run with our tail beneath our legs. Like cowards!" she goes on with passion, carrying her argument to him.

The warrior looks up at the girl as he begins to voice out his own views. "Why don't we just let the ones that want to fight, fight and the ones that want to leave, leave?"

She turns towards him, shocked at his words. "What?!"

"That would be the simplest solution," he said casually, seeing no fault to his words.

She takes a step forward as she straighten her neck to try to match his height. The leftover raging flame she had suddenly rises once again at the spark of her friend's opinion.

"But then where would that leave us? We're already few in number already. And there's not enough time to train and recruit people. Also think about the people that leave. There's no way they can live a normal life! They'll be hunted no matter how much they try to hide. That's a terrible idea!"

Young twitches his hand in slight anger for her brash comment. Gaining heat from her temper, he argues back, "You would have those men and women fight with us without the will to actually do it? Do you know how great of a hindrance that is during battle?"

"No! Because they will fight whether they want to or not! You know why?!" she hisses and he can't give her an answer, "It's because of the oath they made. Their word is their life. To go against it would be at the cost of their life! That's just plain and simple."

"And it's also wrong. Don't you remember how old you were when you took the oath?"

She furrows her brows in irritation as her voice grates against her throat. "What does that have to do with anything?" Mae Hee didn't want to answer him but seeing as he would not budge on the subject, she gives him an answer, "Eleven."

"And did you kill your first man yet?"

"No."

"How about watched a teammate bleed to death in battle?"

"No, but-"

"Or seen the faces of the families as you tell them their only child, brother, sister, father, mother-"

"Okay, enough!" she halts by raising her hand, "I get it. Most of us made the oath not knowing what it really meant, but it's not a good enough excuse to leave."

Young sighs out his frustrations as he continues walking towards the direction of their troops waiting for them. Her heart could not be swayed no matter how hard he tries. There are may factors to why many of the people in the Red Crescent Moon Army would want to leave. He can go down a whole list until she would produce one of her own to counter his argument. He did not want to take sides. For him, fighting with people who have no will to fight is not only a burden but it's an issue on his conscience. When a warrior chooses to lay down their sword, they can never pick it up again.

Before the couple make it back to the barracks, their teacher comes speeding through on a horse, wild and heavy with news. He needs a small team of experts to raid a camp crawling with Japanese soldiers who have just ransacked most parts of the northern land. Something in their teacher's eyes tell them this mission holds great importance of succeeding. A chance at redemption for the Red Crescent Moon Army's name! It's a great opportunity. Sadly, when it comes to select volunteers, barely anyone raises their hand. The disagreements between everyone still weigh hard on the commanders. The idea on going on a mission to work together with conflicting views didn't sit well with any of them.

The admiral doesn't scold their lack of enthusiasm. He's not blind to the arguments, but he also knows his captains have been trying hard to keep it from him so they can handle it themselves. Clearing his throat, he proposes to discuss all issues within the army but only after the success of this mission. With that statement, most of his skilled warriors line up for the fight. Mae Hee, already up front, leads the way with the teacher by her side while Young lags behind, watching the faces of his pledged siblings left behind. Most of them feel relieved at the not being forced to into the team while the ones still eager to go to war cheer for the hopeful words their teacher will announce when he comes back. He didn't like the separation. It doesn't bode will for the future of the Army who has become his family.

They travel within a handful of days across the seas to the enemy camp located on an island. The winds and seas favor their wishes as they get there a few days earlier then planned. The terrain covers more hills and rocky terrain that would be a strenuous climb for anyone but a cinch for these warriors. Once they scout the area roughly for a day or two, they make their move under the cover of night.

A few things stick out to Young who didn't like the feel of where the mission is going. One, the wind fails to blow towards them. Other than being an annoyance by blowing in their eyes, what they didn't count on is another enemy ship docking on the coast for if the wind took a break, it would have been delayed a day instead of making it there by night. Another aspect that keeps bugging him is the light of the full moon would not shield their movements but exposes their shadows. Lastly, everyone's impatience and short temper has them making careless mistakes like new a recruit. They are lazy on switching the lookouts. When going to scout or scavenge, one goes by themselves and fails to bring a second. Even the fire, which should be an easy job, spirals out of control, burning some of the supplies down. Everything about the mission seems wrong to him. When he tries to warn the others, no one wants to hear him out, not even Mae Hee or his teacher which is why once the mission commences, he can feel the deaths, the injuries, and the bodies litter the ground, but he can never be ready for them.

Just when the fighters completely wipe out the enemy camp, another round of soldiers fresh from the sea attack in circles around them. The number of people compared to theirs is too much. Even when retreat becomes obvious, Mae Hee recklessly tries to take down a couple of men with her. Her whip tastes the flesh of a man's neck, cracking the bone with rage. Before she can strike again, she slips on a patch of moss, exposing her neck wide open. With her back against the ground, her eyes widen at the appearance of a shadow above her. An enemy brandishes his sword cutting the living flesh. She flinches but he cuts the flesh of an arm, and it wasn't Mae Hee's arm. It's their teacher's arm. Within that pivotal moment, the remaining Red Moon Army storm back in outrage as they use their inner power to push the enemy back and annihilate a huge chunk of the soldiers. The earth trembles and the leaves shiver at their might. The enemy retreats dragging some of the wounded with them. Soon, the Red Moon Crescent Army limp back to the ship victorious.

Mae Hee desperately uses her healing powers while Young tries his best to hold her back. She refuses to leave the admiral's side, blaming herself again and again for being stupid and weak. Young comforts her mind, telling her what she told him a long time ago. The blame lies on everyone and a leader did what she would have done, saved a friend. Her tears dry as a smile slowly appears from the mention of his words. The admiral stirs and Young gives the two a moment as he makes his way outside the ship to check on the rest of the people.

As he walks around the deck, he couldn't avoid the blank eyes staring right back at him. One can say it's just another battle, but he knows from their eyes that most of these men would not want to come back after a fight like that, no matter the win. Out of the fifteen men they took, only nine managed to come back. It took too many of their family. The sights of their deaths will never be forgotten and their bodies will remain on the foreign land unburied and restless for many years. Some of the older warriors can feel the strain from the overuse of their inner power and it's backfire on their bodies. The sacrifice paid for this battle is too much physically and mentally for them. It's time to put down the sword.

On their return, he can already hear the cries of vengeance radiating from the camp as news of their injured brethren and the teacher's dismembered arm travel throughout each person. It's surprising how just a few days ago, the ones who supported to disengage the Red Moon Army are now wanting a chance at blood. Mae Hee joins the radicals, garnering the hype with the other captains. The jeers are too much but enough of a distraction for what Choi Young needs to do. He quietly escorts the remaining nine men inside the tent of their awakened commander to speak on their behalf since the reality is, not everyone is on the hunt for revenge.

"Teacher, these men would like to request to lay down their swords. Please grant them that wish," Young announces blatantly as he bends his knees along with the men.

The gruff leader observes them in silent anger until his gaze lands on the boy making the plea. "Leaving the Red Army would only bring more danger. Are they prepared for that kind of life?"

Before the boy can answer, the men obediently sound off in unison. "Yes, Teacher!"

"And you still want to leave?"

"Yes, Teacher!"

He sighs, looking over them once more, as if conflicted with keeping them safe or letting them leave the nest. All he's ever dreamed of since the beginning is the freedom of his home nation and to see these children be able to live in that freedom so close in coming. By unleashing these kids back into the hands of Yuan, he can't guarantee their safety, let alone check on them. The world out there is littered with injustice which they'll have to burden instead of fight or they'll risk exposing themselves. If only he can convince them to stay, to wait a little while longer so the country will be theirs to call their own.

"Teacher. Please don't worry. They will be put in temporarily with the Suribang until the Suribang find a suitable place for them to lay low. Even though they can't help fight with a sword, they still want to be able to help us in another way."

The wise man looks up at the boy in amazement at once again thinking ahead of him. He's growing up to be a strong and noble leader. No wonder the nine chose him to speak for them.

Unable to come up with any reason to keep them away, the admiral dismisses the men away, "Ah! Okay, okay! Go! I'm not for sad goodbyes. Leave!"

"Teacher!"

The nine students bow low and long in reverence then make their exit. Before Young joins them, he hears his teacher call out.

"You. Aren't you gonna join them?"

Young gets taken aback by the brash comment and immediately straightens his face with a salute. "I, Crescent Red Moon Army Choi Young, am sworn to protect you and my pledged siblings! I will stay by your side until our dream comes true!"

The commander laughs heartily only to stop once his chest starts hurting. "Uh! Choi Young. That. That is one big promise there. You sure you can handle it?"

"I will stake my life on it."

Young catches a brush thrown at him and dodges an incoming shoe aimed as his head. His teacher sneers with resentment as the tough old man points at him with his injured arm.

"Don't stake your life on a promise! How many lives do you have? Just keep the one you have now and live it! You're no good protecting me and the others dead!"

"Teach-Teacher! Calm down. You're going to hurt your arm!"

"Ah! I have no arm to hurt anymore, so come here so I can hurt you! Let's see if you keep talking about your life so needlessly like that."

The young warrior understands the sentiment of bargaining with life and eventually the victories everyone keeps asking for arrives. Each person, one after another, finds a purpose to fight again and as each win slowly adds up, a life still dies at the price of it. It doesn't matter which side it's on. Blood for blood will be the price after each battle.

Choi Young rides each victory with joy, knowing it'll only last as long as luck is on their side. It's a gamble each time they fight. Finally, their talents and hard earned work win them recognition and they can barely contain their excitement as they get a summon from the one and only, their king.


	7. Chapter 6: The Pledged Brothers&Sisters

Walking the Path Chosen

Chapter 6: The Pledged Brothers &amp; Sisters

by deadkitty1

An illusion or a lie is how the Red Moon Crescent Army ended up making an oath to protect the king. In that one day, their lives change. Their once proud and brave leader, teacher, and father falls with a single swipe of his own sword by the ruler of the country which he will never see freed from the clutches of Yuan. Everything gets rushed the minute he departed from this world. Choi Young became appointed guardian of the royal family and every Red Crescent Moon Army personnel is searched and thrown into jail by the paranoid king. Young is thankful that he at least got Mae Hee to leave. While riding through the country and putting everything in its place to protect his pledged siblings, he can feel at ease knowing she's not in jail torturing herself over their teacher's death.

The look she gave him hurt deeply as he begged her to live so they can survive in this bad dream. She's blaming herself. She kept telling him that she's the one who should've died. It's too late to fix the past though. He can only mend the present. He's a leader now. A position he might have wanted years from today, but at this moment, it's a responsibility which he's thrust into defenseless and panicked. His mind combats with the king and his advisors to help keep his family afloat. The people around him don't bother questioning his decisions. There is little time for them to argue as they instinctively place their trust of their lives in their new commander's hands.

Time lends a helping hand as eventually the Red Moon Army gets their freedom under Young's supervision. With unrelenting pride, they quietly take in their new role of protecting the royal family despite a few member's boiling resentment of the crown. They are supplied with the best materials befitting a king's guard. The new armor and horses they've long been asking for have been granted, along with their new place among the soldiers of the palace, who don't hide their blatant scorn and arrogance for the radicals. Young knows better than any of them the price they paid for them to live in such splendor. They will forever be under the King's thumb yielding to his every whim until they become useless animals.

Despite the sacrifice, Young is smart. He used the connections he gained through the palace in order to release his brethren. He suspected Yuan might have had a hand, maybe to use the Red Army as a pawn to murder the king for vengeance after the death of their admiral, but the Army knew better than that. Even if they are unwilling to do what the king commands, they will all respect the wishes of their teacher to protect the king and his family because it's how they've been trained, to keep their word. So Choi Young was surprised to learn it was directly issued from the king himself who set his siblings free. Although Young is forced to serve the royal family due to his oath, he sees no reason for his pledged siblings to be forced in such a grim fate also. The king's momentarily lapse in kindness is a ploy unable to win the loyalty of the Red Moon Crescent Army. He can't bear the burden of pulling his pledged brothers and sisters to serve a notorious ruler. No. He'll make it so they'll be able to live outside the wretched birdcage of a palace and never be pawns ever again.

Just as he begins planning, he gets word from one of his informants that Mae Hee hasn't come to the hideout he prepared. Young's face pales as he grabs a horse to ride out and look for her. Throughout the chaos of everything, she wouldn't just up and leave. She couldn't leave him. He's tried so hard to protect everyone and her so they can figure all of this out together. They've always had each other's back. She should have his. She should trust him. With a heavy lump in his throat, he fears her trust might have wilted away due to her impulsive thoughts.

It takes him two days to arrive at their meeting spot where they spend their memorable moments together. They shared their dreams and childhood memories on this very spot. He even kissed her by a tall evergreen tree here. There is no other place she would go. She has to be here.

While walking through the fallen leaves, he spots a piece of clothing among the dirty ground. As he grips the black cloth tightly, his footsteps pick up. Her Red Crescent Moon bandanna would not be abandoned so carelessly unless she didn't need it anymore. Panic lumbers his movements, clumsily tripping over some roots and rocks on the trail. The small hope he holds trickles through his hands like water. A few more steps until he arrives. She'll be sleeping down on the branches or eating lunch just as she usually would. She'll be practicing her special vine whip with newly fresh blisters on her fingers. It's what this spot represents to her. A place of comfort where he's only invited, so she wouldn't...

His eyes widen and his knees crash hard on the floor with wind sweeping over the cracked leaves, taking them away. The sight before him has forever cursed the wonderful memories either of them carried on this spot. She has left him. Indeed, she didn't listen.

As in a trance, he carefully lowers her body down, removing her whip around her neck with gentle trembling fingers. The smell from the evergreen tree suffocates his senses as he drags her a bit further away. What was once a scent of her is now a memory of death and disappointment. Even as he tries to push her swollen tongue and eyes back into her skull, he can't help but scold the girl through his mourning.

All she had to do is wait. He would have been here to help her, to talk to her, to hold her. He can't understand why she didn't just trust him when all he's ever done is trust her. She has soiled the memory they have of this place. Mae Hee, to die knowing that he'll be the only one to find her and see her like this is a selfish and painful wish. One he would not wish for anyone should the time come when he leaves this world.

Using his pent up and turbulent emotions in his body, he digs a grave for her right under the tree. He digs using all his strength and ignores the complaints of his arms and shoulders. It's later in the day when he finishes as he lays the body to rest.

There are no prayers said for he has none. Any emotion he has is spent. All Choi Young feels is emptiness. He rather join her to forget the troubles brewing in his heart and head, but his oath prevents him from doing so. He can't do what Mae Hee has done. He can't abandon his pledged siblings without a leader. Too much responsibility lies on his shoulders now.

Any thought the young man holds for the future disappears as she took any hope he wanted for a tomorrow with her death. He awaits his faithful meeting with death in yearning. Living based on a promise to another is the only string binding him to this world. He has to protect the king and his family. He has to protect the Red Crescent Moon Army. After that, he has no intention of doing anything else because what is living unless one has a purpose?

OoO

Upon returning to the palace, many of his dear siblings notice the sudden change in their leader. He would spend most of the days sleeping and the rest eating or fighting. He takes little care in his appearance, unless he has to appear in front of the king, and the socialization of the troops are abandoned. No more carefree conversations. No more drunken nights out. No more planning for the future. As hard as many of them tried, Young would not engage or talk out his troubles with them. He's still a capable leader which they've always admired him for but they miss the other Choi Young. The one who used to be their friend and brother. The carefree man who would laugh at their jokes and have fun with them. They miss him.

The mad king adds to the distress of the Red Moon Army by sending them to every dangerous section of the kingdom, hoping to kill them off within a span of a year. Young's training comes in handy and his various strategies outsmart the opposing forces. He takes each of the battles seriously, applying his best to avoid massive loss of lives. Retreats aren't cowardly to him. If the enemy fails to capture them, they can retaliate again another time. He reminds them each and every time of how precious their lives are and how valuable each member is. Their deaths to him are like painful arrows through his heart as he serves it up as a powerful boost of morale for the next battle. While he rather they not fight at all, he knows these people are the only ones he can trust with him on the battlefield. He can't fathom how he can bond with another group as he bonded with them.

As they get through each war, Choi Young finds a home for each of his friends so they can start a new life apart from the focus of fighting. While many remain grateful to him, the remaining stubborn few would not leave him alone and one of them is Ho Min.

"How about this village? It has a great fishing area," Young suggests. He glances back at his friend then returns back on his netting. "I can teach you how to make these and then you'll be able to catch a lot of fish to earn money. It'll be easy living. You'll see! Most of the fishermen here are still using the old techniques. This will be your secret weapon."

Ho Min snorts at his captain's idea and shakes his head. "I am not going anywhere. If you think for one second I'm going to leave you alone with those money hungry soldiers from the king, you would be sorry. You wouldn't last long with those greedy bastards. They'd stab you in the back without us by your side. I'm staying!"

The young man taps his sword firmly to show Young he means business. Trying a different strategy, the captain engages him on something serious.

"How about your sister?"

"She's proud to have her forth son, thank you very much! Said the little kid is the fattest outta the whole bunch. Won't need me as an extra mouth to feed," he snorts in amusement.

"And your parents?!" The commander pleads.

"Old and cranky. Still living the life though. If I come home and tell them I've left you, they'd kick my butt out the door," he argues back.

"Pledged brother! What about your own life?"

"What of it? I'm living it. I'm here, fighting side by side with my captain and my siblings, living the life of the sword. My loyalty lies with you until I breathe my very last breath. Not anything you say can change that my friend."

Young looks upon the dedicated warrior in exasperation. He's as hardheaded as Mae Hee, but then he was in the same team as her. Putting aside the netting, he grabs the sword by Ho Min's side, pointing it at the man.

"This. What can I say to convince you to give this up?" he state while searching for the answer in the man's eyes.

Ho Min pulls his lips up for a smile at the captain's persistent effort to get him to leave the service. After thinking about the statement for some time, he answers.

"Say you'll come with me."

The commander pulls back facing away in sudden contemplation. Ho Min stands up as he continues on with his reasoning.

"Say that you abandon the king. We can both live in some village – this village hidden away in the mountains and live as a couple of fishermen selling fish. We can do that. Together."

The captain hangs his head down low as he didn't even entertain the idea of living a life outside with a friend. He can't. He won't. He grips the sword of his teacher and remembers the promise he's taken. A future doesn't lie in store for him nor is he waiting around for it to begin. His place will always be in the moment. He can't look ahead or deem to hope a life with his friends exists. It doesn't work for people who have responsibility for others, a leader like him.

Ho Min gauges his reaction, seeing his friend falter at his suggestion. He eases back on the spot, leaning down on the ground with a sigh. "And that's why I'm not going to leave you alone, captain."

"You'll die." Young said as his eyes squeeze painfully.

"I know. But let me be with you anyway."

Young returns Ho Min's sword back to him as the leader walks back to the village deep in thought. He can't help feeling relieved to have his friend remain by his side, but he'll always feels guilty for letting him stay, even with all his attempts at bribing him to leave. By having his comrade by his side, he gains the boost to fight and the will to live on. He tries hard to hide his true feelings every time he says farewell to a brother or a sister. With their smiling faces, relieved at having been given a chance to live a normal life, he didn't want to shatter their dream by a selfish wish of his own for them to stay. Ho Min has seen through his facade. He's grateful to lift the mask at least around one person. If for one moment he can forget his duty and share a drink with a friend, it's enough of a life to live, for him.


	8. Chapter 7: The Woodalchi

Walking the Path Chosen

Chapter 7: The Woodalchi

by deadkitty1

Eventually, the time comes when the battles fade and a new king takes the throne. The only remnants of the Red Moon Crescent Army's legacy is Choi Young who sadly receives a summon to return. He assumes no expectation from the new king, other than resembling the tyrant from before. Being a commander with no soldiers, his position is immediately rectified. He's newly assigned to a band of soldiers that belongs to the king's bodyguard, the Woodalchi. Again he's put in charge of a bunch of men he could care less for. He wished the young king gave him a lower rank so he can spend the day lofting about in his dreams to meet his past. Sleeping and eating is the life he'd rather live. He would not wish for anything more, and then he gets awakened back to reality, reminding him of his palace of troubles.

The Vice Captain shakes him awake from his long three day slumber. Rumors of Choi Young have spread throughout the barracks of the Woodalchi, who has grown to fear their new mysterious captain, all except one. The Vice Captain is a witness to the killing of the Red Crescent Moon Admiral, so he understood the circumstances surrounding the young leader and how he's brought to their lowly abode. They aren't the best fighters and hardly cut out to be appointed by the nobles. Being called the king's bodyguards is a laughable label on these rookie soldiers, most too young too have seen a battle and others too old to even bother. Still duty has to come first. No matter how big the grudge or resentment their new leader has on the king, he holds the name Woodalchi in his hands and he needs to take responsibility for that.

"Ya. Ya! Get up!" yells the vice captain as he kicks the bench hard.

Choi Young stirs with a moan but soon lends an ear to the troublesome man. The urgency in his voice vibrates the nonchalant attitude out of the young captain as the vice captain addresses him with grave urgency.

"Captain! A few of our men have recently been attacked by the other guards. I know you probably don't care for the Woodalchi but understand you are our captain now. We need to uphold our honor and name. Please, talk to them."

The young captain rubs his eyes, still full of sleep, as he stretches his stiff shoulders. After a very long yawn, he turns to the former Woodalchi captain with sleepy look still planted on Young's face.

"Where?"

The vice captain points towards the general direction of the other camp and escorts him promptly to the place. The sleepyhead follows him as he walks fast out of the door, grabbing the attention of the Woodalchi men training outside. One of them stops midway of his wooden sword as Young intimidates the man to hand it over and thrusts his own sword in the arms of the fallen Woodalchi recruit. Everyone stares in alarm at the scene as they proceed to follow, eager to see what would happen. Nobody stops them. Not even the vice captain. It takes as little as a few minutes for them to reach the other barracks as the Woodalchi soldiers line up behind their new captain.

The atmosphere is very different from the barracks he was in. Not only does it stink of men and alcohol, but it's obvious these soldiers are favored more by the king and nobles with the shiny equipment and training gear these soldiers have up for show. Money blesses corrupt men. It reminds him very much of those greedy thieves he encountered so long ago.

The other soldiers jeer and taunt at the Woodalchi with obvious disdain, halting them from coming inside. Fully aware of the sizzling atmosphere, Young gets right to work.

"I am the captain of the Woodalchi, Choi Young. Who is it that attacked my men?" he hollers out loudly.

On his announcement, he earns an indignant laugh from the warriors mocking his use of authority. The perpetrators of the crime do not come out. Instead a majority of arrogant men surround the young captain, not at all afraid of the consequences he can inflict on them.

"Ya! The young captain has a lot of spunk, huh? Since you're new, we'll give you a warning. You Woodalchi are here – ," one of them taunts, stomping his foot at a yellow flower then points up to the sky, " – we are there. If your men get beaten up, it's because they deserved it. Next time, why don't you train better so you might actually have the guts to rise up instead of always facing the ground."

The captain can hear the angry remarks under the breaths of the Woodalchi ready to unleash their rage. Still in slumber land, the captain sighs at the idiot's comment.

"We are guards personally chosen by the king himself. We are on the same side. Why even fight?" Young asks simply, getting bored of the argument.

The man looks at him incredulously. The captain should understand the social structure and it exists even among the guards. The guard scoffs at the captain's naivety. All those fights must have jogged out what he learned about bowing to superiority.

"You're a weird one, aren't you? Why don't you just crawl back to your place, Woodalchi. You rats need to understand your place," the irritating man taunts.

The man reaches out to push him but Young snatches the man's arm so he can pound him on the face with the handle of the wooden sword. The taunting man has no words as he falls flat on the ground with a thump, alerting the others into the fight. Another man yells in guttural madness, waving his steel sword as Young pushes his own sword on the man's joints, rendering him useless. More and more storm at him, pulling cheap shots and more shows of strength as he easily avoids each blow to lash it back to them before they even have a chance to counter.

The Woodalchi watch in amazement as the troops get decimated by the quick movements of their legendary leader. His moves are natural and require less effort. It takes as little as ten minutes before all the cocky men whimper in pain beneath his feet. He strolls right up to one of his men gripping his sword as he takes it back and hands the wooden sword to the man's hands. Then he promptly goes back to the same spot, hoping to catch the remnants of the dream from before as he dozes off once again through the day. As he snores away, he fails to notice the flowers by the Woodalchi entrance has bloomed the minute he passed by.

As news of the new Woodalchi Captain's strength passes through the palace, other soldiers take note to think before they act. Even the Woodalchi soldiers grow to admire their captain as he's unmistakably claimed their loyalty through his several acts as a leader for them. For Choi Young it's about business and nothing more, the Woodalchi soldiers see it as being understanding and brave for him to stand up to lowly warriors like them. No one has ever stood up for them like he has. It has made the soldiers take notice and do their best to obey their captain's command.

Captain Choi Young resumes his training and teachings for the Woodalchi to become proper warriors. He's had enough playing deviant and chooses to help mold these men as strong fighting individuals, so he won't need to run to their aid every time. They're astonished by his breadth of knowledge and tactical experience as he outlines tips for them to use. The days pass on with the rest of them training each day to learn and fight. In months time, the palace security get overrun by Woodalchi ready to do their job as the other warriors, despite wearing low class armor and old fashioned weapons. The captain has worked with far worser equipment and knows that sometimes the old outwits the new.

Starting from the bottom rung of the ladder doesn't insult him. He figures with the way his life is, he'll constantly be thrown down there with none other than fate to blame for toying with his soul. He doesn't mind working with people such as the Woodalchi. They ground him and remind him of his father's words: To trust gold like a piece of stone. Living simply has always been his way. It's far better than how he's seen in the lives of the rich who don't even know how to dress themselves without a helping slave. He can imagine a dozen nobles running naked if their slaves happen to disappear, and then he's glad to know money hasn't made him stupid like them.

The Woodalchi are a rambunctious crew with more similarities to the Red Moon Crescent Army that he'd like to admit. It's true they lack in training which can be corrected with his leadership, but they share a humbleness in being human. Being bullied, mistreated, and scolded by other people of the same rank as them has opened their eyes to seeing themselves. They were once people of money who also looked down on others. Now being on the opposite side of the fence, the Woodalchi are more kinder to others no matter their rank or gender. To judge others, they look beyond a person's wealth and straight into the person's heart which is more than anything Young will ever teach. As the Woodalchi are in awe of his skills, he is in awe of their grace in the people.

Try his hardest, the young captain unconsciously become attached to the crew of men. Each single one has worked their way into his heart and they learn to understand the strong silent man that is their commander. His past and his secrets don't act as a barrier for the Woodalchi but rather they accept it as a part of their captain whom they don't need to know. While it's fun to hear them make up stories of how he slaughtered a group of men with his bare hands, the captain reminisces to his life with his pledged siblings, to a time where he was happy, but he remembers his life is here and now with these men. He thought he'd never be able to find one, let alone a bunch of people, he'd be able to fight side by side until meeting them. He may not be as happy as before but once in a while, a smiles manages to make it upon his face, even when he least expects it.

His aunt, Lady Choi, welcomes him as she becomes a great help informing him about the happenings, not only around the palace, but with the politicians and other suspicious activities outside the country. She has been keeping tabs on her nephew all this time. His long list of achievements matter little to her when she scorns his naps and sloppy attitude with other nobles. While she'll always see him as a child, it would be nice if he can prove her wrong by acting like a grown-up once in a while. It's embarrassing to even be connected by blood to this slob of captain. Nevertheless, Young uses her information to know the people inside and outside so he can better protect the king. He will not stress himself out on the problems of Goryeo, even if he does have inside information on corrupt individuals. He will only go as far as what is asked of him. That's where his limits lie so when he's summoned to meet the king face to face, he pouts the growing annoyance away. It's just what he needs, to look after a figurehead of a child. Great.


	9. Chapter 8: The Request from the King

Walking the Path Chosen

Chapter 8: The Request from the King

by deadkitty1

_Author's Notes: Editing is a pain. I always feel like I missed something. If I did, please drop it down in the reviews. I'd be happy to fix it._

Upon entering the king's chambers, Choi Young notices the royal doctor tending to the child king with care. The captain bows respectfully and kindly excuses himself to come at a later time, so as not to interrupt the king's privacy. Before he gets a foot out the door, the king orders him to stay until the doctor finishes the treatment. He seats back with his eyes to the floor, sneaking looks up as the doctor applies needles to certain points on the king's legs. Slowly, the pain on the king's face diminishes but only slightly. The doctor takes his leave, telling the child he'll be back with some more herbs. He passes the Woodalchi commander and nods in recognition.

The doctor has been a new addition to the palace as of late, but the commander has known him for quite some time, healing his men and him out on the battlefield. He was an apprentice then. It seems the old master doctor has passed and the new one takes the lead. The doctor is a mysterious individual. Although the man is a native of Yuan, Young knows with time the doctor will be a useful ally. For the minute, the healer's gaze warns against the use of his temper against the boy king. He glares in return, knowing better than to take out his anger of the Red Moon Crescent Army against a boy, even if the boy happens to the spawn of the former mad king who murdered his teacher.

"Woodalchi, as you can see, I am not well. I haven't been since the time I was born but I summoned you in hopes that I can see this sickness gone forever," the king begins. He's straining to hold himself up but in order to keep the king's pride, the warrior doesn't help. He begs to come closer though, seeing as the boy doesn't have the energy to talk louder and the boy agrees.

"What do you ask of me? Cast me an order," the captain implores.

"I-ugh-"

The king groans in pain, clutching his ears. Upon instinct, the Woodalchi instantly rises up to help only to be stopped by a guard from touching his majesty. He glares at the annoying guard but knows the man is just doing his duty. The boys cries in pain loudly as the Woodalchi forms a new plan of action.

"I will fetch the Royal Doctor. Please hang in there your majesty!"

The king hisses despite the pain, "No. You-you will stay. P-please. It will pass."

Young struggles through the wait, not accustomed to doing nothing to help. He is a servant of the Royal family, but there is nothing he can do. He watches as the king breathes through the pain and sweat pours from his knitted brows. Nobody dares to touch him. Nobody can. Even the servant left behind by the doctor watches in dread at being commanded to stay.

It seems the rumors in the kingdom are right. The ill king is closer to death as much of the exaggerated gossip make him out to be. With the way he's not asking for help, he's had to deal with it every day. The pain should become familiar or even an annoyance. Instead, it turns into a painful reminder of the king's constant weakness and eventual death. Once the boy has been crowned, advisors and family members instantly took charge of the kingdom without one say from the boy who let it all happen. The pain of his illness got the better of him.

The boy stays in his room and wonders why fate granted him this curse. A king by name for he's not been trained to live up to it, and many don't expect him too, so why should he? It won't be long until he's replaced, but he cares for surviving and fighting for his life more than taking the throne. His life has been a constant battle since the beginning and he's not one to give up. It's unfair how the most powerful man in the country, with all the money and people he has in his possession – not one knows how to take the pain away from him in order to live a normal life. It's all he's ever wants and wishes from the very start, to be a regular child, never a ruler.

Finally the pain subsides and the child asks the captain to step closer to talk. The child speaks in a tiny voice as Young listens attentively.

"In the forests just north near Yuan lies a small village rumored of a plant that can ease pain. Woodalchi, you are the fastest rider. Fetch me the plant before the end of three months and I will reward you highly."

The king hands him a map and Young agrees. He bows in reverence but the king issues one lasting statement before he leaves.

"Woodalchi, you are not to speak to anyone about this. Understood?"

"Yes, your highness."

The captain knows about the rumored plant and didn't believe in its healing properties at all. He'd attest to the legend as just a myth, but he needs to follow orders. The king did not ask for his opinion, just to fetch a plant.

He plans his leave early the next day, informing the rest of the Woodalchi he will not be back until three month's time. The captain only needs to mention it's a Royal Order and they quit their pestering questions as he rides off north towards a trail. Through the journey, he contemplates about the people close to him whom he's lost and his role now as the stooge of a child king.

Away from the palace and the nobles, he's in unfamiliar surroundings with people who speak a different language. Yuan citizens. In a strange way, they are alike. Like the Goryeo people, they have families, eat rice, and yet, once he starts asking for the legendary village with his native language, he immediately notices the change in their demeanor. Most reply gruffly to the translator, avoiding eye contact with the captain. They would refuse to take back the things he'd touch in curiosity. He thought it might have been a nice lapse of Yuan hospitality until he sees the disgust readily in their gaze. He didn't need the translator to help him understand what they meant by giving him their things to him. To the Yuan, anything a Goryeo person has touched is tainted goods. They're a diseased creature best suited as a pet they can control. As long as they do what needs to be done, the Yuan citizens could care less whether his people are starving or mistreated. It reminds him again of the importance for Goryeo to become an independent nation. Maybe the whole rebellion groups would not have formed if Yuan had just treated them with respect and let them keep their heritage. The two nations could have become friends, but it's too late for that now. The conflict has reached pass a compromise.

Through the rainy days, the illusive village with the mysterious plant refuses to be uncovered. Many of the Yuan people have heard of the tale of the powerful healing plant, but the location constantly keeps changing as he travels in circles through the country. He traverses across the rice fields one day as he gets word of a tribe down south. Seeing as his trail runs cold, he decides to follow the rumor while the deadline of his travels begin to loom upon his head. No matter how persistent he is, without any results, he may as well be walking back to his death at the palace.

Death is a constant thought in his head. It's a taunting promise ready to seal its kiss, but only when he doesn't desire it so. A lifetime's rest would be a gift after the hard years of fighting for his pledged siblings and the Royal family he's bonded to by oath. Although he feels responsible for the Woodalchi, they have done well with the vice captain before he was assigned captain than they would ever do with him. He hasn't gone through everything in his teachings, but they have the essentials down. Once he's gone, he'll finally be reunited with all his pledged siblings along with his wise old teacher. He'll be able to see Chang and Ho Min who'll likely be the same old crazy brothers fighting away. Those two together always spell trouble. Mae Hee. He'll be able to see her again too.

On a return from a fishing break, he spots his translator playing with the other Yuan natives. Young goes to inspect the unusual gathering in the woods to see a kid with a sharp end of a stick that used to be attached to a chair. Many of the men around the circle jeer for the fight, particularly a brutish man in the middle of the circle. Jars of alcohol litter at their feet as the Woodalchi commander surmises the scene.

The wild kid slashes erratically while the drunken fool laughs in the boy's face, easily avoiding the thrusts. The kid gets annoyed as he charges out of nowhere and the man trips on a jar, falling on his back. Everyone laughs except Choi Young. If the man didn't fall when he did, the kid would have plunged the stick through the man's torso. Taking advantage of the man down, the wild child stabs the fool's arm who luckily moves it in time as the gnashing wood grates through the lower part of his arm. The man curses, holding his arm in pain. Tossing aside his own stick, he takes out his knife.

While many of the men still jeer in drunken laughter, the atmosphere has changed. This man means to kill. He strikes diagonally, cutting the boy's shirt instead of his chest. In a grizzling yell, the man looks above his shoulder to see the boy slash the jutting wood against his ribs. It leaves horrible splinters on the skin as the man shouts in outrage. Clutching his ribs and his injured arm, he moves uselessly on the ground in futile attempts to stab with his dagger. The boy kicks the weapon away with ease. It's over. The boy has won. The child looks down with a menacing smile, breathing out the alcohol from earlier. With great agility, he pounces on the man's chest as he gets ready to bash the jagged stick straight into the shocked man's face. In one sweeping instance, Young slams one of the jars straight across the boy's head as he topples over, limp on the ground. The man turns to the warrior in awe and gratitude then reaches for the dagger to finish the job. Young halts the fool, digging his feet on the weapon. Confused, the man turns up to look at Young as the Woodalchi commander points at the wild boy asleep.

"He's mine," Young announces.

The captain can't say for sure what made him save the boy from killing the man. From the looks of the situation, the man was plainly the owner and the boy a slave. The boy could have saved himself by killing the owner with his bare hands but that didn't sit well with the captain. Death would be too much of a gift for the noble. Having been maimed with splinters and taking his property in one night would be far more satisfying a punishment for the Yuan man. The captain just didn't think ahead of the responsibility that would come with owning such a boy who by all definition is untamable.


	10. Chapter 9: The Wild Child

Walking the Path Chosen

Chapter 9: The Wild Child

by deadkitty1

For two days, Captain Choi Young of the Woodalchi has been insulted, bitten, and awaken by the Yuan wild child called Dae Man. He is far too much of a nuisance than the warrior anticipated. He'd like nothing more than to ditch the kid in the woods, and yet the better part of his conscience prevents him from doing so. He discovers information from the man who had Dae Man before that the boy lived in a village a week's journey east of the woods. Once he hits the village, the boy will be gone and he can return to searching for the plant that probably doesn't exist. Somehow a week feels longer than the full three months he was given for his original mission.

Young comforts himself with the thought that although the boy could have taken every opportunity to run away, he hasn't. Maybe it's because of the time when the warrior almost injured Dae Man's leg with an arrow on the first attempt he slipped away or maybe it's because Dae Man fell into one of Young's cleverly made traps the second attempt. The poor child was left hanging around all night until the group had to take off for their journey. No. The one that sinks in the wild boy's mind that there is no running away from a man like him are the nights when the captain straps him to a tree and gags his mouth shut as he's exposed to hearing all the creatures in the dead of the night scrounge through the forest hungry for meant. The poor boy thought he'd be made a meal for a cougar when the clanking of the captain's sword drives the big cat away. The rambunctious boy tests the captain's patience every day which has helped sharpened his skills. While he may have lost many hours of sleep babysitting the child, there's no denying how relieved the captain felt about the change of pace in such a peaceful area. It's not good to get rusty.

On the fifth day after eating nothing but stale bread and dried fruit, the captain leaves the wild boy to the translator as he looks for something worthy to call a meal. Dae Man has adapted to the strange company of the foreigner and the translator. Although the foreigner didn't speak much, the words translated to him were never spiteful or angry as the men he's come to know from before. They were mostly simple utterance like: "Eat!" or "Stay!" Words that are said in a different language but mean the same to an animal like him, even if the owner is different. With that primal incentive always floating in his mind, the boy will take any chance he can to get to rid of the strange man, just as he almost did with the previous owner.

Dae Man watches the translator go off not too far for a bathroom break as the man keeps talking about his family. The wild boy pretends to listen as he slowly eases down and tells the man he's going to sleep. The man tells him it's fine as he shuffles his clothes to clean up. While down on the ground, the translator couldn't really see Dae Man who quickly dresses up a bunch of bags and logs to disguise as him, then he crawls to take the foreigner's bow and arrow with amazing stealth. As long as the boy can get rid of the Goryeo warrior, he can return to Yuan with the translator who would have no choice but to follow him. The translator is a push over compared to the owner. It'll be a cinch to get rid of the warrior as long as things go according to plan. While he's never used a bow and arrow before, it looks easy enough. He's see kids play with them. The pointy end goes into the enemy. Short and simple.

The wild boy carefully stalks the forest, tracing the footsteps of the foreigner. He still remembers a lot of what his family taught him when he was younger and tracking is one of his best assets. He spots the familiar tall figure by the lake, tugging at the line for a fish. He's smiling. The wild boy looks on as the Woodalchi cheers himself at catching a fish and casts the net back into the lake. He eases on the bank, staring out on the lake with peace. As time passes, the happy gaze the foreigner had from catching a fish dissipates as it's instantly replaced with a dark blank expression. There's something on this man's mind that's plaguing him. Enough so that he won't notice the arrow hitting him in the back. Dae Man stretches the bow in practice, trying to get a feel for it with the arrow. As he readies for the shot, Young sighs and then the boy freezes for a moment. The captain adjusts his seat and then closes his eyes. The wild boy exhales in relief at not being spotted.

It's a stroke of luck. Not only is the man defenseless but he has his eyes closed! It's the perfect shot! Seconds tick by and his hand starts to tremble by the pull of the string until eventually he has to put it down.

He wrinkles his nose, knowing it doesn't make sense. This man, this Goryeo man, would have noticed him coming in a blink of an eye. The many times he tried to sneak up on the commander, he gets hit, scolded, or tied up right away. The warrior has proven to be a formidable opponent. He would never let his guard down so easily unless he _wanted_ to be shot.

Dae Man takes another aim at the strange man whose eyes remain closed. His fingers twitch as the arrow releases right into the water. The commander doesn't look at the arrow nor the direction of where it came from. The boy glares at the whole scene in confusion. For a moment, he thought about readying the second arrow but drops the plan all together as the strange man looks over his shoulders directly into his eyes. The pathetic look in the man's eyes does not suit him at all. Conflicted and irritated, the boy goes back to the camp and stuffs himself under the covers to pretend to sleep. No matter how much the boy closes his eyes he can't forget the look on the man's face. His eyes spoke of pain, unforgettable pain in which death would be a welcome end. The child doesn't want to kill a man with eyes like that. Eyes full of misery and fatigue for life.

Their fish dinner for camp is a quiet one. Normally, Dae Man would be doing everything possible to annoy the commanding officer, but his mind strays to thoughts about who his master really is and how he's gotten to the point in his life where he could care less about living. Even living as a slave, Dae Man has never given up on fighting or surviving. He's been starved, alone, beaten up, and scorned but he always looked forward to the next day. He's seen others who let misery claim them and it's not what he wants for himself. Fighting is in him. It's what he's born to be. A warrior should know fighting is the way to life. At least he should.

"Want another?"

Dae Man looks up to see the Goryeo man offering him another helping of fish. He takes it without a word, already on his forth serving. The boy watches the man closely who grabs the bow and arrow meant to murder the man before. The captain places it in front of the boy whose eyes almost jump out of his skull.

"I can teach you to shoot, if you want," he said calmly. Dae Man looks at the translator who translate for the captain.

The wild child snorts as he shoves the weapon away with a shake of the head. Young picks up the weapon and places it neatly by the boy's things as he goes back to eating the fish. The boy can't figure out what the foreigner is up to. He can't really gain anything from teaching Dae Man how to use a weapon except make it harder on the commander to protect himself. Can this man really have a death wish?

Just before dinner finishes and they prepare for bed, the wind carries Young's last words to Dae Man's ears like a secret note. The boy turns his head directly towards the foreigner in shock as the man meets eyes with the young man. It was in Chinese and he said sorry.

The next morning, Choi Young easily deflects Dae Man's sharp stick to his neck as the weapon stabs the tree behind him. The captain sighs and toys with the stick, wondering what other weapon the boy has hidden underneath his clothing. It's hard when the boy can sharpen anything into a weapon. Watching the Woodalchi closely, Dae Man stands his guard as the man waves the stick skillfully towards him. He thrusts and charges in one quick motion then turns to see if the boy is watching. Young tosses him a stick while demonstrating the move one more time. The wild boy imitates the motion but the captain's face falters. He demonstrates one more time, emphasizing the angle of the swing and the agility on the charge. Dae Man's eyes dance as he attempts it again and again and again. Within a couple of attempts, his owner smiles at him and nods in admiration. Warmth reaches the boy's face as he looks down out of shyness. He doesn't remember being praised for anything and it's weird to feel it for this man.

The commander isn't done with him yet. He signals for the boy to come at him with the stick as he has one in his hands. Dae Man only attempted to stab him this morning to make sure the man's instincts are still intact, but he can't be sure if the man intends to avoid his stab or take it. Young gets ready to brace himself for the attack. The boy doesn't respond. He drops the stick and walks away. The captain watches in confusion as the child sits by the fire to await their breakfast next to the sleeping translator. Utterly taken aback, the captain picks up the stick and tries to offer it back to him, but the wild boy shakes his head, defiant until the end.

"You need to learn how to fight properly so you can protect yourself. Attacking brashly like that, even when someone is asleep, can only get you in trouble," Young scolds then curses at not being able to say it in the boy's language.

Dae Man stares back with a direct frown on his face and replies in Chinese. "No."

"No?"

The boy nods then points to the stick with a stabbing motion towards the Goryeo man.

"No!" the boy repeats once again.

For the past several days, Dae Man has tried every possible instance to kill Choi Young so why would he suddenly stop? It takes the captain a moment until he remembers the day at the lake and makes the connection.

Assuring the wild child, he communicates with the little Chinese he knows. "I no dead. I strong."

The boy looks upon him listlessly. He replies in Chinese but Young understood it all.

"But you want to be dead."

The captain can't retort the truth.

The boy walks far away to another spot, muttering to himself as the Woodalchi begins to wake the translator up for the journey. They soon come upon the village where Dae Man lived and Young finds out they have a legendary herb that fits the description he's looking for. He came just in time because in as little as a few days, the herb will bloom to be harvested in its full potency. The warrior can finally complete his mission after all and get rid of the troublesome child at the same time.

Being around the kid for a week has worn him out, but has also forced him to question his decision to follow death through the unskilled hands of a kid's arrow. It wasn't the smartest move he's had and it's even more disheartening that the kid feels bad for him. It's in the past though, and it will not be long until he's back on the saddle to his home country forced to serve a life he's been born to endure. Being in another country may have been his only chance to escape his fate, even if it only was a few months, but he can't escape it for real.

The herb requires another week or so to be harvested and thoroughly worked through to make into a medicine. Young wants to get the plant in as many types they have it, so there won't be any mistakes on the mission and he decides to camp out for a couple of more weeks in the village to make sure. Dae Man doesn't mind as he enjoys the freedom he never had while being a slave. He wanders around and gets to talking with the other kids and elders, experiencing being a child once more. At the end of the day though, the boy never fails to come home for dinner where the Goryeo man would have either fish cooking or a gift of food from some neighbors. He even takes the fighting lessons the foreigner offers during the day, improving his muscles and senses with each fight. He couldn't stand watching the man train and fight without gaining some secret techniques from him. The wild boy's fascination and admiration for the Goryeo man helps him find a fighting style all his own. Young encouraged his flips and erratic moves as long as it serves to deliver a punch in the end.

Sometimes during the day, he notices the Goryeo man help some of the villagers in town. He's helped chopped wood for an elder couple and the wild child even lends a hand to help him out. One day, he catches the foreigner helping a little girl carry buckets of water to her house which he eventually spills within the second step. Dae Man quickly picks up the pieces as he solves the problem with ease to prevent the girl's annoying cries from getting louder. He figures tailing the Goryeo man will save the village some trouble and strangely enough serves as his translator as he's picked up on the man's words unconsciously. Everywhere they go, the villagers know they come in a pair. Dae Man gets used to having the man by his side that he forgets he's still his slave until the end when the medicine gets made.

"You're – You're leaving?! To King? To mission?" Dae Man questions while watching the foreigner pack his things. The boy imitates him, taking one of his bags so he will not be left behind.

The captain sees him and stops his fidgeting hands. "No. You're not coming. I told you already, from the minute we arrived in this village, I'm not your owner anymore. You're free."

The boy bites his lip in annoyance of once again hearing that word. _Free_. He thought it was a joke, that when it came time to actually leave, the Goryeo man will drag him by his hair out of the village with him and for once, he didn't mind. He can scarcely believe the man's words as he meant them for real. While the boy enjoyed being back with his own people, meeting the warrior has changed him and exposed him to a world unlike his own. A world he would very much like to see, the Goryeo man's world.

"I free so I coming!" The boy grabs his stuff and shoves them inside his bag with extra zest.

"No!"

Young glares at the stubborn boy and sees how much he's grown over the past weeks they've been together. He can fend for himself now. He can have his own house, he knows how to fight, and he's even taught him how to fish. He has everything he needs in order to take care of himself and to live a peaceful life here in the village. He can't come back with him. Coming to Goryeo would mean a life of service and the boy isn't one to be locked in a cage. He's destined for a life where he can stretch his wings and be his crazy self. There won't be that kind of freedom back home where he going back.

"I command you to stay," he orders, ironically treating him like one of his soldiers. He loads his bags on a horse, ready to take off for his long journey.

"Captain!" Dae Man whines. He instinctively refers to him as captain as that's what the translator always refers him to. Young turns around and smiles as he walks back. At the very least, the boy's decision will be his so the captain has to make it clear on the path this boy will walk should he chose the path of a warrior.

"Look here. I am going home. To another country where I serve a different king. If you come with me, you can't come back here, to your home. You will have to learn my country's language, wear our clothing, and eat our food. Then, you will have to fight and kill to protect _our_ king. You will be one of us. Do you still want to come?"

Dae Man looks at him with confidence as he absorbs each of his words.

"Yes!"

"Why?"

The boy's eyebrows furrow in concentration to find the right words. "I-I learn. I good. I fight. I protect you."

Young's expression quirks up as he look down at the boy with interest. "You want to protect me?"

"You no die. When you sleep or close eyes, I protect you."


	11. Chapter 10: The Boy King

Walk the Path Chosen

Chapter 10: The Boy King

by deadkitty1

Many instances have taken place during the Woodalchi Captain's absence, so upon his arrival back home, he needed to do a clean sweep once again. The Woodalchi have gotten in numerous altercations again with the other palace guards and a resolution has not been solved. His aunt, Lady Choi, informs him of fights between the king's royal family and the advisors over politics progressively rise each day. Also, the invading pirates decimating their troops, stealing their supplies, and gaining closer to land is quickly swept under the rug as something unimportant. These are far too many issues for the captain to sort out but feels obliged to help or not only will the king be in danger, but so will the people.

After handing the special herb to the Royal Doctor, Choi Young gains a meeting with the head palace guard and the Woodalchi to cleanly mediate the dispute. There is much discontent and threats from both sides which in the end are petty and have no bearing. The two groups have nowhere else to bite except at each other. They need to take out some of thier pent up energy on something more productive that will better the kingdom than embarrass it. They've been cooped up in the palace for far too long, they've gone a bit crazy.

"There have been reports of pirates attacking the coast and although we have managed to fend off the invaders, it's only a matter of time before they cross land and when they do, they will have the advantage," Young relegates as a silence befalls the bickering two groups.

Their eyes point towards him as one of the palace guards steps up to reply.

"We know that. Even the commoners are talking about it, but those politicians can't make heads or tails of what to do with our country, let alone some pirates! What makes you think they'll take any action at all?!"

Murmurs of agreement scatter through the men's voices. More utter the corruption and few are despondent on taking action as they'd rather let Yuan get their hands dirty instead of themselves. Yuan does have the troops and money for it. The captain can barely believe the words coming out of the warriors of Goryeo. It sizzles a rage within him at the memory of the brethren who died to protect their country, even if it is under rule by another. As pure disgust litters his face, many of the Woodalchi sense his anger as they immediately stop their whining and straighten their attitude.

One of the palace guards comes up to the captain with a rude sneer. "Besides, you've been away for months. What gives you the right to boss us around and suggest we fight some pirates?"

Several more voices talk in contempt as the Woodalchi glare heatedly at the impetuous behavior of the guards. The captain takes a deep inhale as he raises his voice loud.

"And if I get a Royal Order from the King, will you cooperate in fighting with us against the enemy to save our people? Will you lay down your petty rivalry for the safety of our nation? Each of whom every one of you has sworn to protect once you took the sword. If we do not rise to fight, this country – apart from Yuan rule – will cease to exist along with every single one of us. Remember that sword isn't a decoration, it's a weapon and it looks like most of you have forgotten how to use it."

Many look down in shame and anger, not used to being scolded and called out. His words seem to have an impact on them. A reckless guard pushes some of his men aside as he goes to the captain with maddening cynicism.

"Well as you point out, Captain, we are a sieged country of Yuan so why not let Yuan save us from these pirates? They're the ones that decided to take us in so they should protect us also."

Choi Young's eyes blaze as the guard takes a step back in fright. Spitting fiery passion, the captain's voice echoes through the troops. "You, you would trust Yuan to save us? The Yuan that has forced you to talk like them, dress like them, eat like them but still treats you like a dog? The Yuan that has stolen your mothers, daughters, aunts, and women to be common mistresses and prostitutes? The Yuan who have shriveled up our freedom and culture that many of our future children will not even know what being Goryeo is anymore! That Yuan!? You will wait for those people to save you? To save us?"

As his voice thunders, many of the men agitate as they absorbs the truth in his words. The commander takes a step forward as he observes each of the men's eyes to make sure they receive his message. "They don't care about us. They will use us until we are no more. So do we wait for another foreign invader to take over our country or worst yet, wreck havoc over it? Well, will you?"

The guard shrinks back with the rest of his men who promptly shut their mouths, afraid of saying anything more upsetting. As no one steps up to challenge the captain's words, they all agree on the bigger picture on hand. The country and the people are more important than their own squabble. They compromise to quit the arguments and concentrate on bringing up the topic of protecting the coastal borders to the advisors and people of importance. They've been sad cynics doing nothing but not anymore. They will fight and they plan to win.

While the main topic of the pirates circulate around the palace, to force the advisors to make a decision about the attack, Choi Young makes his next move on the king. Seeing him should be a simple feat but through the coming days, he gets sidetracked with a different problem each minute. He seems to be juggling one issue over another as he goes from one area to another. When he finds a break from his work, the king is too sick to see him or busy with the advisors to be interrupted.

It's becoming clear to him as the days pass by, and with the constant hatred of the advisors about the piracy issue, that he's being separated from his highness on purpose. Slamming the book aside, Young reaches the precipice of patience from the mountain of paper work forced on him. These nobles intend on keeping him busy. The fools will never lift a finger unless Yuan tells them too. The don't care about the country. They only care about themselves.

Young can easily infiltrate the palace to visit the king as he is the only one that knows all the ins and outs of the palace structure, but if everyone knows, down to the palace servants, how much he wants to see the king, then the king must have been informed. His highness had to know the many times he's stopped by and each time it was the king himself that turned him away. It's sad to see his ears filled with whispers from greedy people, but it's also what's expected out of a young king who's easily taken in by others. It would be no different than him imploring the child to take action for his country. Still as a king, as a human being, he should know how to think for himself. Sickness isn't a liability and it shouldn't affect him from making important decisions. The captain can only hope the king has all the information he needs to make a proper decision about what to do with Goryeo.

Just as the irritating business with the guards bore the captain back into his usual sleep, a messenger arrives with a summons from the king. He is to report to the kingship immediately. Choi Young smiles in relief. It's about time.

"Captain of the Woodalchi, Choi Young! I have summoned you to express my gratitude in not only retrieving the medicine but by bringing in the original plant. The Royal Doctor is expecting a new batch within the next couple of weeks. The young man who delivered it came at such speed he nearly had his neck sliced by the guard protecting me. Where did you procure such a person?" the king asks being naturally curious.

Young laughs as the thought of Dae Man scuffling about in the palace is definitely a sight worth seeing. "It's a long story, your highness. One I'm sure would be too boring for you to hear."

"I would be happy to hear such a story on your journey to Yuan. I have been meaning to talk with you about it but... um the medicine took a while to get working," the king explains with some hesitation in his voice.

The captain looks up at the child in curiosity. Never has a king been interested in the affairs of anybody other than themselves. It's a wonder how the manners of the other nobles had managed to avoid such a young boy. For a moment, the warrior assumes he's being tricked or tested, but the wonder in the boy's eyes is unmistakable. He seems genuinely interested what he has to say.

"Well? Will you tell me what happened?" the king chirps up, snapping the captain out of his thoughts.

Choi Young could not give a definitive excuse to not tell the story, so for most part of the day, he regales on about his journey, adding as much exaggeration when the young king's face brightens in excitement. The medicine works wonders, though the pain persists, it makes it bearable and lesses the frequency. Everyday, the young king calls upon the Woodalchi Captain to continue his story as it becomes the only form of joy in the king's day. The warrior meant to tell the boy the story of his journey to Yuan, but as the child's curious questions persists to topics about him, Young reminisces stories about his battles and youth with vivid detail. He thought talking about his fallen comrades would trigger the deep aches of loneliness once again, but instead, there's a feeling of renewal, a release. The boy loves his story and his company. He became hesitant on talking to the captain after being fed evil details from both his family and his advisors about the Woodalchi Captain, but the young king needed to at least thank the man for his mission and soon sees the gruesome rumors are nothing but elaborate lies. The captain is a noble man who would like nothing more than to sleep a whole days worth of work than kill, plot, or steal. He's the only friend the king ever had and the only person to be honest with him.

As the two become close, the Commander finally entrusts information to the king about the pirate situation on the coast. The young king nods calmly at the news, not at all troubled by it. "I know. The advisors tell me Yuan has personally put troops on the coast to help the neighboring people there."

Young unconsciously clenches his fists as he said in a strained voice, "Yuan is guarding the coast? And you trust Yuan?"

The king shrugs nonchalantly as he takes a bite out a fruit. Swallowing to allow some moisture for his sudden dry throat, the captain faces the king politely.

"Your highness," the Woodalchi pleas, "I understand Yuan has safeguarded us for years, but they will never advance to rid the problem for good. Please allow me to go with a group of my own to stop those pirates for good."

"Young-ah! Why would I let you go out to fight when there are already people down there doing it? It would be a waste of men and energy for that sort of thing," the king argues with a sound mind, "No. You are best to stay here."

"Your majesty, if I promise to return within a year, would you give me this time and men to make it happen?" Young confidently states.

The young king thinks it over as he remembers the issue of the pirate attacks becoming ever prevalent as the oncoming years pass, even before he became king. The issues has reached top priority when the enemy forces plummeted Goryeo's shipping income by using the ships they stole against them for their own ventures. A year would be impossible to get rid of the scattering pirate attacks. It would be a wasted effort. Though, if the captain were to rid the attacks for good, it would prove his men, Goryeo men, are better than the Yuan. He's seen most of the soldiers around the palace have been getting antsy and too much of them have been taking space in his kingdom. It would be nice to actually put these warriors to good use.

"I will talk it over with my advisors and see what I can do." The young king responds.

Young looks him kindly in the eyes as he advices his friend, "But make sure your voice is heard too. As a king, you safeguard the people and the nation, not Yuan."

The captain bows in reverence. It's all he can do for now. He knows strategically how to handle the pirates, having had experience battling with them before in the Red Crescent Moon Army. Besides, the numbers the advisors have been feeding the king have been all wrong. Yes. These bandits have stolen ships and supplies but add a few more zeros and it's more so the correct number they have stolen from the king's ships.

The Woodalchi leaves as the boy lets his thoughts ruminate on what was last said as he becomes determined to face the issue. When the king announces a meeting about the pirates, many argue against the idea without giving the king any say in the matter. They discuss the disadvantages first and don't weight the rewards should the mission be successful. Even with Choi Young's extended record for completing mission after mission, these nobles expect him to fail. They have no faith in the commander and no respect for the king's opinion. They cut him off several times and the boy realizes for the first time how his family and politicians have been treating him. Even when crowned king, they still treat him like a child who knows nothing of what he's talking about. Wielding the use of his temper, he speaks out as everyone around him stills in shock.

"No more! I say a command of 100 men should be enough for the commander to rid the pirate invasion for good and to teach the soldiers at the harbor to maintain the safety of our nation from the next attack!"

Many of the nobles exchange looks with each other, in disbelief of the young king's outburst. It's the first time the king goes against their opinion and they don't know how to handle him when he's like this. A wise old man rises as he starts to speak with clarity to the clueless king. "My king. Permission to speak."

The young boy keeps his eyes on him to prevent them from rolling back into his head in irritation as he nods to hear the man's response.

"My king," the man's voice trembles from age, "I have heard of the Woodalchi Commander keeping you company over the past couple of weeks. Although he has become a favorite of yours, he's the one who's inciting the men in this palace to place their lives against some infidels not worth our time. Let the Yuan soldiers handle the situation. We are perfectly fine here."

"He is right, your highness," said one of his dear aunts as the family agrees together, "There is no need to waste perfectly good men on such a mission. Those pirates never get near land anyway."

The young boy frowns as he pushes the issue on, gaining some courage from the opposition. "I know Yuan has safeguarded our coast for a couple of years, but all they've managed to do is prevent the pirates from setting foot on our land. They have not sailed out to kill nor apprehend the thieves that make our country poorer every year. Our goods and money are now in the hands of these foreigners! And you are telling me to do nothing and let them run away with it? Are we cowards? We have our own army. Our men know the land and waters better than any Yuan soldier will ever know. The Woodalchi Commander promises to rid the pirate problem in a year. We will gain so much more than our losses should we win and show not only Yuan, but the other countries we are not easily taken advantaged of."

The old men still as their eyes turn downwards in apology for their insolence. The people in the palace has grown comfortable of the lifestyle Yuan has provided for them. No one has the ambition nor the motivation to do anything that might involve earning Goryeo's name since it might anger Yuan. Though when the mission involves humiliating Yuan and getting their money back, some righteous and greedy ministers join the ride.

A wealthy minister stands as he echoes the king's sentiments. "I agree with your majesty. The Woodalchi is known for his victories in battle, even under the previous king's rule, but 100 men is far too small an amount to get the job done, I volunteer my own 100 men to get our gold back from those pirates!"

Many of the other men speak on the topic as volunteers of men, supplies, and weapons begin to be put into a pot. It's the first time the young boy has felt like a king a long while. He can see his family disapprove, but they're willing to let him play the role of ruler to get rid of the annoying pirate issue and the Woodalchi whose visits poison his ear every day. They look forward to separating the two from each other so they can get on with manipulating the king.

The captain gets right to work, training the men given to him, along with the heap loads of supplies he didn't expect in having. He works the men hard for two months before setting out on his journey to the ocean. Before he leaves, he checks in on the little king who's grown far too attached and regrets on sending him on this mission when he won't be by his side anymore.

"Young-ah! I don't want you to leave!" the young king unexpectedly begs as he holds on tighter to him. "I command you to stay with me and tell me more stories."

The Woodalchi commander pries the boy's frail arms with ease as he smiles down wistfully. He too did not want to part from the boy. While he knows Lady Choi and the remaining Woodalchi will take care of the king, there's no doubt those ministers will be glad to get their grubby manipulative hands back into the boy's head. This time though, the boy understands the people around him doesn't always have his or the people's best interest at heart. The boy will have to learn to look past the lies to reveal the truth.

He pats the boy on the head and replies, "I will be back in a years time and no more than that with plenty more stories to tell you. You will barely notice it pass, so please do not worry."

The boy looks close to crying as he gazes back at him, "But-but what will I do without you?"

"You will be a king. You will go to those meetings with your family and those ministers when your health permits so and learn. Listen to them but also listen to the rumors because those are the people talking. Soon you will see what's best for your country. Remember, do not let this weakness get the best of you. Fight it, as I fight out there."

The boy nods in understanding but couldn't hide feeling hurt and angry at not being able to be more of use. As the tears roll down his face, he grumbles stubbornly, "Its not fair. I have to stay and do boring stuff while you have all the adventures. Why is that?"

The captain laughs as he shakes his head. "Oh, it's not as fun as you think. The fighting is the exciting part. Riding, planning, camping are pretty boring. If those pirates put up a good fight though, I might come back without an eye," Choi Young scoffs a laugh but changes the subject upon seeing the fear in the king's face, "That is if I don't slice off their own eyes first!"

"Young-ah! You have to come back in one piece! I won't forgive you if you loose even one eye. Do you understand?" the boy squeezes the man's arm tightly.

Choi Young nods in acknowledgement as he gives the king his farewell. With the help of the men in his company, the invading pirates receive a message they will not soon forget. The men enjoy the triumphs that shower them in accordance to their commander's strategies as a sense of honor and loyalty strikes the hearts of each soldier. Even as Young ignores the attention and prestige from the victories, the men around him truly see why he's trusted when out on the field. The months upon months spent in close quarters has forged a bond within the soldiers akin to brothers. Although Young maintains his aloofness to the growing bond, he lends a hand when asked and issues discipline when necessary.

Even in the middle of fighting, his thoughts turn to the young boy king who he hopes has grown wiser through the experience with the advisors while still retaining his childlike curiosity. The thought of the boy becoming another corrupt tyrant would devastate the hope lingering for him to keep going in this world. He doesn't want to loose his faith in another person, not again. He thought he would never be able to let anyone else touch his heart until this little king did. Even the men and the Woodalchi latch on strong in his heart. With the amount of fighting they've done, he can see the terrifying force the Woodalchi have become to be a great guard for the king. They'll be able to handle what may come without him. He's sure of it this time.

As the mission draws to a close, Young hurries back, eager to meet the young king again. They embrace their time together, telling each other about everything they've gone through. The year has changed the two of them for the better, but it also seems that the king's illness has taken a turn for the worst. The miracle herb isn't as effective anymore and the pain continues to build each day. The boy is back to being stuck in his room, unable to conduct his affairs and the corrupt family and ministers take full advantage of the situation. Choi Young does his best being the voice for the king, but there's a fine line he can't cross even if he is the king's favorite. As the illness debilitates the king through the progressing months, the strong warrior spends most of his days with the boy, trying his best to nurse his spirit as he can't do more for his health. Rumors of the king's illness spreads beyond the kingdom down to Yuan. It cannot be hidden anymore. Soon an announcement takes place. Kyung Chan will be exiled and a new king will be put on the throne. One the Yuan has personally groomed in their own country to rule Goryeo exactly as they want.

The Woodalchi Captain knew being the king's guardian would have its limits. He can do nothing to prevent them from taking the boy away. After serving king after king, this one royal tears his heart out. He watches them shove the former king inside a carriage and be carried away. A young boy born to a life of splendor, cursed to spend his last remaining years in solitude with the barest essentials. For nights, Young dreams on how to escape, to run back to the young king and take care of him, but his friend left him with one last command, one he isn't particularly excited in doing. Escorting the new king to his palace. Oh the joys of being the king's guard.


End file.
