The Eternal Taegeuk Saga

Part 1: The Blood Talon's Brother

Intro: One third of a three-part time-coinciding story. Upon the conclusion of King of the Iron Fist 6, Hwoarang disappeared without a trace. Fearing he fell once again to Devil Jin and with ailing health, Baek Doo San has no choice but to send his second protégé and nephew, Baek Han-Saem to investigate.

Ch 1: Brother

"We regret to inform you…"

Baek Han-Saem's hands shook as he read the police report. He was missing. It had been a month since the King of Iron Fist Tournament 6 had ended. And not a single word from his closest friend- no, brother of sorts, Hwoarang. To make matters worse, Master Baek Doo-San had fallen immediately ill since the report.

Kidnapped? No. Hwoarang? Not a chance in Hell.

Murdered? No. Again, not a chance in Hell… unless…

It was possible.

Kazama… with that Devil trait… perhaps…

Deep in thought Han-Saem mindlessly crumpled the report in his hands. In front of him he stared in the mirror covering the wall of his master Baek Doo-San's dojang. Before him stood a well built, traditionally handsome, sculptured man. Slightly shorter than Hwoarang, yet a bit more muscled. The Army cut his hair in a traditional high-and-tight and he kept it that way. Well disciplined to begin with, the Army only reinforced his natural personality. Behind his reflection he watched in quiet reminiscence two teenagers sparring. One with long, highlighted hair sporting a headband throwing wild kicks and combinations while the other held sturdy ground, showing a much more tactical approach with well-placed counterattacks.

We were young then. So much has changed… but then again, it hasn't.

Han-Saem and Hwoarang. Polar opposites. Yet the closest of friends made brothers by the fire forged in Baek Doo-San's dojang. Hwoarang, the rebel bad-boy. Han-Saem the honorable disciple. While Hwoarang grew up on the street and begged Baek Doo-San to be trained, Han-Saem was born the nephew of Baek and bred into the art of his Uncle's style. Nearing adulthood, Hwoarang led his gang hustling people while Han-Saem maintained his straight A's in high school. And finally most recently, Hwoarang was drafted into the Army while Han-Saem volunteered, even becoming an officer due to his natural military aptitude as well as his uncle's notoriety. Even Baek Doo-San had opposite things to lecture them on.

"Hwoarang! You are far too aggressive and reckless! You lack defense as well as discipline!"

"Han-Saem! You rely far too much on the enemy's weakness! Attack! Bring the fight to the opponent!"

They both replied the same, however, "Yes, Sabumnim!"

*COUGH COUGH*

In an instant, Han-Saem was wakened from his moment of reminiscence. Beyond the training area in the master's corridor his uncle continued to cough. His health was failing and Han-Saem knew and accepted his beloved uncle and master may very well die soon. He concealed his aching heart however with a careful mask. Cold-hearted as it may seem, he knew it was something his uncle prided in his closest nephew.

"Han-Saem…" his uncle called with straining effort. A chill ran down Han-Saem's spine. His uncle never sounded as urgent and desperate as he did now.