By Rachel
A/N: Okay, I've been disappointed with the lack of fanfics involving Seung Mina so I figured I would write one. This is based off of Soul Caliber 2's Weapon Masters Mode. Except the first chapter which is based off of Seung Mina's and Yunsung's profiles. About Hwang, I've played the first one, but it was so long ago, and I don't own it, so if he's out of character or if I got some facts wrong please forgive them. And let me know so maybe I can correct them.
Disclaimer: All characters and events are property of Namco game company.
Chapter OneThe dojo buzzed with excitement all around. Students buzzed and chattered jubilantly at the spectacle, although it wasn't much of a spectacle. All it happened to be was Hwang Sung Kyung who had come back to the dojo for a short stay. He was such a hero among the students, though, that it had been made into a bigger deal than it was. Everyone had joined in the man's return except for two people.
Yunsung was perched on the wall surrounding the dojo. He was watching Hwang laugh and talk with the people with a glare. This man had once been Yunsung's hero, but not anymore. When once upon a time he had looked up to him all that remained now was the desire to surpass him, to be better than him. Looking at Hwang now Yunsung couldn't imagine how he had looked up to him so. He seemed false to him now, as if he was only putting up with the fawning students to be polite and wasn't really enjoying himself. The teenager hated the thought that back in the day he might have been one of those fawning students. No longer however, as he would prove himself beyond the "hero's" capabilities and earn himself some respect around here.
The best way to go about that would be to publicly challenge him to a duel of sorts. If he could beat him in front of everyone that they would have to acknowledge his skill. It would be public humiliation for Hwang and exaltation for Yunsung. The others would see past his potential to the skill he truly possessed. They wouldn't ridicule and codger him anymore. It was a genius plan. Or so he thought.
"All right students that enough!" came the ever authoritative voice of Seung Han Myong, the Master. "It's time to leave him alone. Lunch is being served in the dining room, if you want to eat you must get it now." He clapped his hands and the students reluctantly retreated into the dojo building.
"I didn't realize I was so popular around here" Hwang commented when they were alone, or close to it, as neither noticed the student on the wall, nor in the window.
"It seems that way, doesn't it. Children must always have a hero to look up to." The Master gave his old student a rare smile, though stiff in his strict nature. "Have you seen my daughter yet?"
Hwang shook his head and Han Myong nodded disapprovingly. He was fond of Hwang, the younger man had always been a favorite student of his. A very quick learner and eager to do what he could for others as well. He had joined the military for his people, and even went in search of the elusive Sword of Salvation. And having shown an interest in his daughter Han Myong was quick to arrange a marriage between the two. It was unfortunate that his daughter didn't seem as enthusiastic about the set-up as he was.
"It's too bad. Perhaps you two could have talked some things over. Come to an understanding."
"An understanding with her." Hwang laughed good-naturedly, "Unlikely sir, you know more than anyone how stubborn your daughter is. I'll be lucky to see her at all during my stay the way she avoids me."
"Well then, let's hope you are lucky hmm?" With a secretive smile the Master made his way inside leaving the younger man to his thoughts.
Seung Mina had been watching the day's events from her window in the upper level of the dojo, where the rooms were kept. She neither idolized nor fawned over Hwang Sung Kyung as everyone else did. In fact she seemed to do just the opposite, purposely going out of her way to avoid him or be snide when she was required to be in his presence. She had a feeling that she wouldn't be able to steer clear of him his entire visit this time around, but she would certainly try to.
She was determined that he won't be so "lucky" as her father had put it. The nerve of them talking about her behind her back! Her father probably did it often, more than likely complaining about her aggravating behavior. Of course it only served to irritate her further, spurring her into more rebellious moods than before. Twice when it had gotten bad she'd run away. Only to be dragged back in, literally the first time kicking and flailing about, by the very man her father wanted her to marry.
She sighed leaning her elbow on the windowsill and resting her chin in her hand. She let her dark eyes wander the grounds and locked onto the figure on the wall. Well if it wasn't little Yunsung, that arrogant kid. She liked Yunsung well enough, but he had a temper like no other. Badmouthed and insubordinate he was rapidly becoming. He hadn't always been so bad.
A few minutes after her father had left Hwang alone the kid had let himself fall from the ledge landing nimbly in a crouch. At the sound Hwang had turned, tensing grabbing for his weapon. When he saw who it was he relaxed and placed a placating smile on his face. He could feel the hostility from this kid, Mina could feel from her area of observation, but he wouldn't dare provoke the kid. Besides if he remembered correctly this was Hong Yunsung. He'd been a clever study in swordsmen ship.
"Hey there. I didn't see you with the rest of them," he waved a hand to indicate the adoring masses that had surrounded him earlier, "Hiding out up there the whole time?" He'd flicked his eyes to the wall the kid had been on.
"You could say that. I just didn't feel like falling at your feet in worship like everyone else." His tone along with the glare gave the distinct impression that he did not like the man.
Hwang sighed, "That's a good thing then. I do not wish to be worshipped nor do I deserve to be. I do what I can for whom I can just like anyone else would. I'm really nothing special."
Yunsung bit back an angry remark. Taking a deep breath he crossed his arms over his chest and stared the older man down for a moment. "I challenge you to a match."
Hwang blinked, as did Mina from her spot above them. That ignorant kid was challenging Hwang Sung Kyung to a match! That was ridiculous, outlandish. Even though Mina wasn't fond of Hwang she had to admit, if only to herself, that she was an extremely excellent fighter. He wasn't the best from their dojo and a renowned soldier for nothing. And Yunsung was just a brash kid with a bad temper. It was quite the laughable situation and Mina had to stifle her own giggles
"Chall…What?"
"You know, challenge, a fight. A battle between to the two of us to see who's better."
"I know what you mean, kid. I wasn't expecting it that's all. I'm afraid I'll have to decline your challenge."
Yunsung sneered, "Why, afraid a kid like me will beat you? C'mon, you're the great Hwang Sung Kyung, why don't you prove it?"
At this the older man frowned disapprovingly. It was a look very reminiscent of Mina's father actually. "I'm not afraid of being beaten by you. In fact I don't doubt that I could take you down mere moments after we began if I were to accept your offer. But I'm declining it, and do not appreciate being insulted just because I won't bend to your whims. There are more important things, kid, than being stronger than everyone around you. Right now our country is going to war with another. What's important right now is defending what we have. Maybe after that's over we can have time to worry over petty things like strength challenges, but right now I could care less if you're stronger than me or not. All I care about is taking care of my people, and my loved ones, and that includes this dojo.
"I'm ashamed that there is a student here so crass as to insult someone's integrity when they don't accept a challenge. I hope Master Seung never hears of this for your sake kid. Think over your actions."
With that the hero of the Seung Dojo walked inside leaving the baffled student to sort out what he had just been told. When Yunsung finally processed the whole thing a look of anger ripped across his face. He threw his sword down letting out a pent-up yell. Stomping his feet and throwing his hands about he threw what could only be construed as a tantrum.
After letting out most of his frustrations he stormed back into the dojo with a huff, grabbing his sword on the way. Skipping lunch he made his way up to his room, not feeling hungry at the moment anyway. How could he have been turned down, and then lectured all at the same time. It was embarrassing to say the least. And ashamed? Hwang was 'ashamed' of him. How had Yunsung done anything to be ashamed of? It was a simple challenge to prove himself. He knew they were at war, who didn't? He wanted to protect his country as much as the next person. It didn't mean he had to be lectured just because he wanted some respect, because he wanted people to know that he was capable of protecting his country.
He felt like he was so far ahead of everyone else here, and yet no one acknowledged it. He would always get a simple "well done" when he would complete a task properly and better than the others would in his class. Or when he would show off his skills to the other students or occasionally outsiders Master Seung and the few other instructors would look down on him in disapproval. Yet the others never got those looks, and they got praise when they did something correctly. It was as if they just gleamed over his accomplishments and let others shine.
And it angered him. Why should they get the credit, when most of the time he was clearly better than they were? Where was the sense, the logic in that? And now Hwang had completely brushed him off, shaming him at that. Was there something wrong in wanting to be acknowledged, to stand out? He didn't think so. He was proud of his abilities and wanted others to be as well. There was nothing wrong with that, certainly nothing shameful about it.
Mina watched the younger boy go stomping back inside like a little kid. Yes, the tantrum he just threw and the stomping around would prove him mature. She rolled her eyes at the childish display. Somewhere in the nether-regions of her mind it reminded her of a certain stubborn young girl who liked to run away when she didn't get what she wanted. But she kept that thought buried. Yunsung would get over this soon enough. He might even go back to idolizing Hwang. Well, that one was unlikely. But his brooding wouldn't last long…hopefully.
She frowned moving away from her window and sitting on her bed-mat. She was starting to feel sorry for the kid, and that wasn't a good thing. She wouldn't tell anyone but she fully agreed with Hwang, it wasn't the time to be showing off right now, things with Japan were really starting to heat up. Recent news had it that a group of Samurai had invaded southern Korea. That would probably mean that Hwang would be sent to fight not that she cared too entirely much. He was heroic almost with his resolve to protect everything though.
The thing was she understood where Yunsung was coming from. She'd been the same way when she was his age, still was in some respects. She was stubborn and independent, always wanting to prove that she was just a good as anyone else. And it wasn't because she was Han Myong's daughter. It was because she was Seung Mina. She even thought she'd go after the Sword of Salvation once. It didn't help that she was a woman, and therefore her choices in the world were limited. At least Yunsung was male, and had all the freedom he could possibly want.
All the kid really needed was to think hard on his life, like Hwang had said. He needed to sort out what he really wanted, what his priorities were, what everyone else needed from him. And then he needed to find the balance. That's what Mina's father had told her when she'd been dragged back for a second time by her future husband. And she'd done just that with the added guidance of the White Storm…
That was it! The Seung family treasure, the great sword, White Storm! It was known to have powerful inner-self reflections. She remembered that one time her father had given it to her telling her to "reflect" it had scared her. The sword had shown her what she truly thought about herself and the people around her. It showed her things she would never deem to admit in her lifetime, yet she thought them all the same. Including the idea that she might not hate Hwang as much as she pretended she did. She hadn't been and still wasn't ready to admit that however.
After that long, deep night she told herself that she would not go near that sword again. It was cursed, not gifted. It told one of things that one wished to never know. It had helped her though. She behaved better around others, and while still stubborn held it back more often. She hadn't run away since either, which had been a frequent occurrence during her child hood. So perhaps the power of the White Storm could help the kid out as well. It seemed like just the thing he needed.
Standing she straightened the extensive, flowing blue skirt of her official dojo dress that she was only wearing for Hwang's visit. Really she hated the outfit, and it made her look as if she were bearing a child. But her father wished that she appear presentable for her fiancé. Grabbing a matching pink tie from her dresser she tied her hair back real quick and hurried out of the room. With practiced ease she slipped soundlessly down the halls toward the 'Treasure Room' where old heirlooms and antiques were kept.
The halls were empty, much as they should be during the day. Students were most likely attending their lesson, which hadn't been completely canceled. And she could hear her father and Hwang chatting when she passed Han Myong's study. It was almost too easy. She reached the Treasure Room without any difficulty or person stopping her. It was at the end of the hall her father's study was in. That way thieves would have to go past it, and his bedroom which was right across from the study, to get to the antique room. And thieves were generally noisy despite how quiet they thought they were.
Pushing open the door her eyes immediately lit on the sword. It was displayed grandly in a glass case against the back wall in the center. It's long curved blade almost seemed to glow an iridescent white. It was really quite a beautiful weapon, and that she would openly admit. The problem was it was too beautiful. Maybe that was the trick behind it's reflective powers. A person got lost in it's entrancing beauty. And in just staring at it, they picked apart their own mind subconsciously never even realizing it until it was too late.
She shook her head of those thoughts. She was starting to get lost in it herself. And her mission was to get it for the kid. Besides she'd experienced its curse once already, and knew she wasn't ready to go through such an exposition again. Slowly walking into the room she glanced around her. Other antique or legendary weapons and artifacts were on display. According to her father, before her mother died, she'd been a collector or rare, valuable items. Some were even rumored to hold magical properties although her father wasn't into mythology so much. He didn't even truly believe in the Sword of Salvation.
Lucky for Mina there was no lock on the case and the latch came undone easily. The front of the glass swung forward with ease. Reaching in she removed the White Storm from the hooks it rested on. It was a fairly big sword, with a hefty weight. She didn't have too much trouble with it however. Her latest upgrade on her weapon was practically double the weight of the Scarlet Thunder, but the Halberd made her feel more energized in battle. Or in practice for she hadn't had much to battle against other than the few sparring matches here and there.
Checking the hallway, she noted that it was clear. The door to Han Myong's study was closed and the hushed voices were still coming from it. She slowly vacated the room avoiding all the creaky spots on the wooden floor, which she had memorized long ago. When she was out of that hallway she darted to the Bed-Hall stopping in front of the third door on the left. That was Yunsung's room. The one next to his was her friend So Na, a skilled combatant with a rapier.
She knocked lightly, holding the White Storm behind her back. She knew it wouldn't hide it, but she didn't want the kid to think she was going to attack him. The blade stuck into the wooden floor with a light thunk, and the brooding teen opened his door. He was about to snap at her, stopped when he saw who it was, then snapped anyway.
"What do you want?"
She didn't take it personally. Yunsung was always snapping at somebody these days. Instead she grinned a wide, toothy grin. "I got a present for ya kid."
"Don't call me, 'kid'."
He stepped aside so she could enter into his room. It wasn't really any different from hers or anyone else's save for the decoration. And the mess, she noted. Her room was slightly bigger, but that was one of the perks of being the Master's daughter. They all held the same layout though. There was a bed along the wall near the door with a blanket and pillow. A window across from the door, and along the wall next to it a desk and chair. On the wall adjacent to the door was a dresser.
"Well, where's this present?"
"Jeez. Relax Yunsung. You're so greedy, " She laughed and moved the sword out from behind her so she was presenting it to him.
"What's this?"
She raised her eyebrows, "It's a sword Yunsung."
He lifted his brown gaze to glare at her, "I know that Mina. Why are you giving it to me? I have a sword already."
"Yes, but your sword doesn't have incredible mind powers now does it?" Mina's grin grew wider. She knew she sounded like an idiot, but it was all fun and games. She loved to tease the kid, and it was so easy.
"Mind powers? Mina are you crazy?" He gave her a skeptical look.
She rolled her eyes, "Okay, okay, so that was cheesy. But seriously, this sword has been known to delve deep into to minds of those who possess it. Or so the legend goes. Oh, and um, you can't really keep it. It's not mine to give, but you can use it to think things over. I think you'll find it very useful!"
"So you were going to give me something that's not yours to give? And it's a sword, and it's supposed to help me think?
She shifted a bit nervously, realizing how disbelieving that sounded, "Um… Basically. Listen just take it. If it doesn't seem to help, go put it back in the Treasure Room."
Yunsung took it reluctantly, not quite believing the older girl, but not really wanting to argue at the moment. When he touched it, he could feel some sort of power emanating off of it, but chose to ignore it. Just because it gave him a tingly feeling, didn't mean it had 'incredible mind powers'. Mina was probably just poking fun at him as she usually did, seeing if he would believe her. Well he wouldn't, that would show her. Maybe he was gullible when he was younger, but he'd learned over the years. Not everything Seung Mina said was the Gods Honest truth, as he once believed.
Mina left with a quick wave once he'd taken it from her. He rolled his eyes at the closed door. She was obnoxious at best, but okay every now and then. For some weird reason she seemed to be the only person who gave a damn about him in this place, although she spoiled it by poking fun at him. He wouldn't ever tell anyone let alone her, but when he was younger he had this huge crush on her. Mostly because he was a fifteen-year-old boy, and she was twenty…and wore skimpy clothes…and had large breasts…and nice legs. Actually she still had all those things, but he noticed them a little less, and they didn't affect him as much.
He glanced down at the sword? What was so great about this anyway? Mind powers, yeah right. That completely ridiculous. It was just some sword, albeit a really nice one. He liked the feel of it in his hand. And as much as he tried to ignore it, that power he felt from it was a comfort to him. He was actually much more relaxed with the sword than he had been before. So maybe it had some sort of calming effect. That didn't count as 'mind powers'.
His thoughts trailed back to earlier that afternoon. How the 'great' Hwang Sung Kyung had turned him down. He felt the burst of anger that shot through him, for who knew how many times that afternoon, stifled by a more calm feeling. Certainly there was nothing wrong with wanting to prove himself. But in his readiness he had been rude and unreasonable. He called Hwang a coward when he knew deep down that the man was anything but. He really was a hero.
He just couldn't let it go completely though. He'd been so angry at being shot down, so…hurt? He'd been hurt? In a way he had been. Why wouldn't Hwang give him the time of day, did he not believe he was worth it. His mind told him that was a lie, even as he thought it. It was easy to think that it was because Hwang thought he was the greatest, but it wasn't the truth, and Yunsung knew that. It was because Hwang was worried about much bigger things. About saving those he cared about.
Maybe if there hadn't been a war he would have accepted the challenge. In fact he probably would have, earnestly. Yunsung had seen him with others before, he never minded going along with someone to appease them, and often seemed to have fun when he did. It's just that this time around he had been focused one something else. Something that was more important.
Not to mention that Yunsung's goal was selfish. He wanted to prove to himself, Hwang, and everyone else that he was great. That he wasn't just to be hidden in the shadows and ignored for his skills. It was purely for self-gain. He now felt a little guilty for that one, he knew not everything was about him. He'd just been so driven earlier to finally accomplish this dream of his. To best Hwang Sung Kyung and collect his deserved fame. It really was selfish. He didn't like that. He hadn't been trying to be selfish, he hadn't even thought of it as selfish before. It was just what he was driven to do.
Then again, his mind whispered, there are other ways to prove yourself that are less selfish. While still being selfish because everything and everyone was selfish whether they wanted to admit it or not, even someone like Hwang. He'd never thought of any other ways before. He believed that only by besting the man in battle could he be considered greater than him and prove himself to everyone. Maybe, though, there was another way. What else could he do to prove himself better than Hwang and be acknowledged.
Do something Hwang Sung Kyung tried and failed at.
The answer was so obvious. He sat up straight suddenly, breaking out of his reverie, staring at the sword. That was it! One thing Hwang failed at was to bring back the Sword of Salvation. If he could do that, then they would praise him. And he could do it too. He felt like he could do just about anything. It was the sword, with the White Storm he could take the Sword of Salvation, save Korea, and become a hero. It was all so simple he couldn't believe he hadn't thought of it before. Was that because of the sword too? No… Mina couldn't be right about it having 'incredible mind powers,' that was just him letting his imagination get carried away with itself.
He would have to leave immediately. Or else they would catch him. What time was it? Looking out his window he balked for a moment. When Mina had left it had been just before sunset. Now it almost seemed to be early morning. He wasn't an expert at telling time by the position of the sun, but he knew the difference of light at different times of the day. How long had he been lost inside of the sword… no his thoughts? How long had he been lost in his thoughts? He glanced a bit apprehensively at the sword, but he knew that if he didn't have it with him he'd never get the Sword of Salvation.
He grabbed a sack from his dresser and began dumping clothes into it. After a second he stopped to think. He wouldn't need a whole lot of clothes, maybe just a couple of outfits. After he packed two outfits he grabbed a piece of paper scribbling something on it real quick. Then he hurried down to the kitchens. He was right, it was early morning, no one was awake yet accept for the servants that did the outside chores. He stowed some non-perishable food items in his sack as well. This was so easy, no wonder Mina escaped so often.
Heading out the back he was caught by one of the sweepers. The man eyed his sword and shoulder pack, "Escaping eh?"
"What's it to you?"
"Somehow I get the feeling I shouldn't let you. Any reason you're running?" The guy leaned on his broom. From the looks of his skin color and slight accent Yunsung guessed he was Indian. He was wearing an orange bandanna and an old white Gi uniform. Probably and Indian slave that Master Seung owned, Yunsung didn't keep track of the household help, nor did he care.
"It doesn't matter. Just let me go past. I'll get by anyway."
The Indian man sighed, "Well you may not be the Master's daughter, but I'd feel as if I was neglecting my job if I let you go."
"Whatever pops! I'm outta here."
And he was, dashing past the man and sprung onto the top of the wall with his free hand. The man tried to trip him with his broom but the kid jumped over it. With a taunting wave he jumped down to the other side.
"Way too easy." He remarked with a laugh.
Mina was awoken quite rudely that morning by So Na shaking her vehemently. With a groan she rolled over pulling the blanket over her head. She was not ready to get up. After dinner last night, which Yunsung had not attended, she was exhausted. Having to deal with her father and Hwang, at least Hwang had been trying to be somewhat nice to her, although that only irritated her more. And she had to sit in that ugly dress that made her look pregnant and put up with all the fawning students, and act like the good little girl that she so was not! It had been very tiring.
"Mina! Get up! You have to hear this!"
"Ngh... Go way. Sleep…"
Instead of detouring So Na this spurred her on even more. Her shakes increased, "Seung Mina I swear if you don't get up right now I'll…"
The tired girl heaved a huge sigh, sitting up. "What! I just want to sleep So Na."
"You won't after you hear this." She paused for dramatic effect and Mina gave her a murderous glare. "It's going around the dojo that Hong Yunsung ran away earlier this morning."
Damn So Na, she was right. No longer did Mina want to sleep. In fact she was now as awake as she had ever been her chestnut eyes wide. She sat up reaching for her red top. If Yunsung ran away this could be very bad. Especially since she had the feeling he still had the White Storm, and that could be even worse. Not only that, but if he ran away it would be her fault. So it was just as bad as if it were her running away. Stupid kid!
Clipping the top in the back, she stood up, disregarding her inappropriate form. She found the red two-piece skirt that went with the top and hastily pulled it on quickly tightening the belt around her waist. As she picked threw her shoes on she said, "Where did you hear this?"
So Na was sitting on her knees next to Mina's bed watching her. She didn't know why the news made her friend react in such a manner, but she didn't question it either. Mina had always been an impulsive girl. In fact So Na had the uncanny inclination that the brunette was going to follow that kid and drag him back. In a way it would be a strange twist of Irony, since Hwang had dragged Mina back in much the same fashion. It was furthered by the fact that Yunsung had a secret crush on Mina, even though he denied it whenever So Na teased him about it.
"I heard it from Dae Kim who heard from somebody else. I don't know who though. But your father, Hwang, and the instructors are all having a meeting in your father's study right now. Although there's a guard out there so we can't ease drop.
"That doesn't matter. I'll get past the guard. Even if they won't let me in, they'll have to, because I have some very important information for them." Mina grinned at her friend.
"Ooooh. I wanna hear."
"Sorry So Na. It's actually kind of confidential. I really wish I could tell you though. Maybe when I get back."
Grabbing her weapon she stalked toward the door. She wasn't quite ready to set out on a journey, but she had to talk to her father immediately. She hadn't even bothered tying her hair back yet. With an apologetic look she left So Na sitting in her room and rushed to her father's study. There was a crowd outside trying to get past the poor guard who was pushing them all back. Shoving her way through the crowd, promising to apologize to the students later she stopped in front of the guard.
"I wish to speak to my father." She said.
"I'm sorry, but he's busy right now, and I've been instructed to keep everyone out, including you Miss Mina." The poor guard looked frazzled and tired and she felt sorry for him she really did. But if he didn't let her through she would beat him to a pulp without a second thought and add him to her apology list.
"I have some information they might want about that Brat that ran off."
"Well… I'll see what I can do…"
She nodded satisfied. He disappeared for a minute into the room. The students thought that this was their chance. They moved forward cautiously. Mina heaved another huge sigh that morning. She never realized how annoying people could be sometimes. Normally she would be among these students, but today they were just in the way.
Holding her Halberd out in front of her she glared at them, "If any of you cross this line," she drew a mark in the floor with the axe-like blade of the zanbatou in the wooden floor, "I will proceed to show you why no one dares mess with me. And it will be painful, I promise." She narrowed her eyes at them daring one of them to put a toe past that line. Ironically enough, if Yunsung had been there he would have been the one to do it. No one else did though.
"Miss Mina you can go in." The guard had replied coming back out.
The girl smirked at the students before stepping past the man into the study with a flip of her hair over her shoulder. This immediately earned her a disapproving look from Han Myong. She ignored it however moving her zanbatou behind her in a respective manner. She bowed slightly to each of the men in the room as per custom, even if she hated it.
"You have information on where he might be?" Han Myong asked.
"Err… I didn't say that exactly."
"Well then what is it you want. Say it girl, and be out of here."
Mina scowled but held her tongue wisely. She didn't need to be getting in petty trouble at such a crucial moment as this. Especially with the trouble that was about to come. Her father would be more than 'displeased' that she gave the White Storm to anyone, let alone Yunsung.
Then the voice of reason chipped in much to her chagrin. "Mina, do you know why Yunsung ran away?" Hwang asked.
She scowled at her father a moment longer before looking at her fiancé, "Actually I don't, although I'm very curious."
"This was found in his room when we searched it." Hwang handed her a piece of paper. On it in messy handwriting, even for that kid, was scrawled, 'Going after Sword of Salvation. Don't stop me, you won't be able to.HAHA!
Yunsung.
Her mouth dropped open. Was that kid an idiot? The sword was destroyed a couple years ago in China. At least that was what she had heard. That was why Hwang had come back. Because the search was over, so he was going to return to the military. Yunsung had known that, right? Besides, what gave him the right to go after the sword! What would that prove? And…
"Oh this is bad." She said aloud.
"How bad is it child? You seem to know something the rest of us don't." Han Myong asked his daughter.
She looked down nervously. A sheer sign that no one was going to like what she had to say. She did this only when she knew she was going to get in trouble and there was no way out of it. "Well you see. He got into this argument with Hwang last night…"
"We've been through that."
"Yes. Well. I was… feeling a little bit sorry for him. I mean he looked so put out! But I knew Hwang had been right in what he said, but Yunsung probably wouldn't realize it. And then I remembered that when I needed a good sorting out, I used that special sword, the White Storm…"
Han Myong didn't like where this was going. And he had a feeling he knew just where.
"So I, um, snucktheWhiteStormoutlastnightandgaveittohimtouse." She finished quickly, tightening her grip on the Halberd behind her.
Han Myong closed his eyes briefly and then turned away from his daughter, "Hwang Sung Kyung, you've heard what my daughter has to say. Will you not change your mind?"
"No, Sir I won't. As much as I would like to go after him and now the White Storm, being in the military is more important right now. The Japanese have already invaded."
"Let me go!"
"Mina, no. There is no reason for you to get involved in this. I prefer you here, where I can keep an eye on you." Her father stated.
"No reason! I gave him the sword that he ran away with! That's every reason for me to get involved."
"No! That's every reason and then some that you should stay out of it!"
Instead of backing down like a smart girl she retorted, "No. I have to go after him. Hwang's going to the front lines to stop the Japanese invasion from spreading. No one else has enough skill to go after him. Besides, I've dealt with the Soul Edge deal before. Although last I heard it was destroyed."
"Around the world people are finding shards from the sword and people like that Nightmare have started reappearing more often then the last few years." Hwang supplied as an answer.
"See! That brat doesn't know what he's getting himself into! Someone with experience has to go after him. And if it's not Hwang it's me."
She glared at her father with a fiery resolve. He knew that look. It meant she would get her way no matter what she had to do to get it. If he didn't let her go on this mission, she would go anyway. That much was obvious to anyone standing in this room. Once again Seung Mina would run away unless he let her go. She was a clever girl, and had trapped him on this one.
He didn't want to see her run away again. That meant he had no control over her, and he hated that. Even if she had trapped him this time around, if he let her go, then he would have that. And she couldn't complain about him being unfair. Also this way she wouldn't be trying so hard not to get caught. Besides, he had a feeling if Mina ran away again, Hwang would go after her. And he knew as well as the young warrior that Korea needed Hwang right now, not his daughter and not his unruly student.
"I'll think on it dear girl. Now please return to your room. I will tell you my answer by tomorrow morning."
She'd done so with a grumble. Han Myong had dismissed the others as well, and Hwang had followed her out. She wished he hadn't. Knowing him he would say something that would make it hard for her to hate him. He did that a lot. Why couldn't he just be a prick like she pretended he was?
"You know what you're getting into, right Mina?"
"Of course I do! I didn't need you to drag me back before, and I don't need your concern now. I'll be just fine, I know how to handle myself."
"And I'll be the first to admit that. You have been on this journey before though, and know how dangerous it can get. You heard me in there, Nightmare's been making public appearances again. You remember how dangerous he is don't you."
"Yes Hwang!" she snapped, "I get it okay! I'll be careful. Just stop fawning over me like a baby. Gods!"
She brushed past him to her room. So Na was gone by this point, but that was okay. She wanted to be alone anyway. And she wanted to beat the crap out of something. How could that kid pull such a stupid move? It was beyond stupid. If Hwang had failed to obtain the sword than what made Yunsung think he could do it? Stupid, stupid, stupid! She punched one of the stuffed dolls for emphasis.
She didn't sneak out that night like she would have before. She knew her father would say yes. He had no choice, or else he'd lost control over her actions. At least by allowing her to go he thought he retained some degree of control, even if he didn't. The things she put up with to keep others happy.
The next morning she awoke to her father standing above her mat staring down at her. He said, "All right you may go. But when you find him, you bring him back here you understand. I do not want you going after the Sword of Salvation, it has caused us enough problems as it is."
She grinned, "Yes father. I'll bring him straight back here."
"Good. Get ready. I'll have the servants pack you some food and necessities. And Mina?"
"Yes father?"
"Be careful."
"I hear people at the Regulus Training Grounds know a lot about that there sword you're talkin 'bout."
Yunsung thanked the man heartily. All right! His first lead on the legendary sword. He would get it all right, then they would all see.
End Chapter One.