Ch. 28 Mi-na's Engagement

Link sat in Patroklos and Pyrrha's room, making paper airplanes with them.

"See look." Link showed the children a paper airplane and threw it in air. The children watched as it flew around in a circle and came back to him.

"Wow, Mr. Elf! That is cool." Pyrrha giggled.

"Yeah, can you show us how to make one?" Patroklos begged.

"Certainly." Link offered.

Once Link finished playing with the children, he headed downstairs where Sophitia was cooking.

"You're so good with children, Link." Sophitia complimented. "Have you ever considered marriage?"

"What is 'marriage'?" Link asked.

"Oh, I suppose you don't know that word yet. Well, marrying is when a man and woman become one and become a family. And if you ever wonder what 'engaged' is, that is when a man gives a girl a ring and ask her to marry him." Sophitia held up her ring to show Link. "Or some other present that declares you will become married in the future."

"Oh." Link replied. He understood what the words meant now. "I happy not married." Link lied to her. He was a little shy about subjects that involved women.

"If you say so. I'm just surprised someone of your age isn't looking to settle down. You know, Cassandra has had her eye on you for quite a while."

"Sister!" Cassandra shouted. She was also in the kitchen with her sister and was turning red, although it was hard to tell whether it was from anger or embarrassment. Link seemed to be also turning a little pink from the comment.

"I have to go. Need to find more activities for Patrokolos and Pyrrha." Link quickly excused himself and left.

"Way to go sister!" Cassandra shouted.

"I was only trying to help." Sophitia shrugged. "You're getting too old to be single."

A Korean man rode into Athens and scanned the streets for someone in particular. He was dressed in a flashy green vest and baggy blue pants. His hair was spiky and black with a blue bandanna tied around his forehead. He carried a blue blade shaped like Chinese sword in the sash around his waist.

"Excuse me, sir. Have you seen Korean woman?" The man asked a passerby.

"Nope, but I heard there are a lot of odd people living in the Alexandra house." The man informed.

"Really, can you please tell me where it is?"

"Yes, go to the large white house with a lot of smoke coming out of it. The man of the house is a blacksmith."

"Thank you, sir." The man thanked the man as he headed on.

Unknown to this Korean man, Link had been listening to his conversation. Thanks to Rothion, Link had a helmet he wore in public. It was quite a clever plan thought up by Taki. Wearing a cloak everywhere was kind of suspicious; however, because Link always dressed in his warrior clothes, wearing a helmet in public didn't look suspicious at all.

'Why would he be looking for a Korean woman? Wait a minute; he looks a lot like Yun-Seong and Mi-na.'

Link quickly turned around and to head back to Sophitia's house. Luckily, Link knew his way around the city and was able to beat the newcomer there. Link highly doubted this man was dangerous. He seemed friendly enough, however, Taki was already injured badly and if something happened, Link wanted to be there to defend the others.

Yun-Seong was outside, practicing his sword play.

"I think that's enough. At the rate I'm improving, I'll be the best warrior alive." Yun-Seong bragged to himself.

He tossed his blade into the air, but as he tried to catch it, he began to stumble, not wanting to grab the sharp edge. The hilt ended up bonking him on the head and landed into another warrior's hand.

"I see you haven't changed at all, Yun-Seong." A man chuckled.

Yun-Seong looked up to see a Korean man on a horse staring down at him.

"Hwang?" Yun-Seong questioned.

"In the flesh." The Korean man announced.

"It's been forever since I've seen you! How have you been and what brings you so far from the guards?"

"Well, I unfortunately had to retire from the navy." The Korean sighed.

"Why? I mean, they were lucky to get one of the finest warriors in Korea like you." Yun-Seong complimented.

"Long story. Anyway, if you're here, Mi-na is bound to be close by, chasing after you. Have you seen her?"

"Yeah, she's in the house. I'll bring you to her." Yun-Seong offered, leading Hwang into the house. "Hey Mi-na! Guess who I found."

Mi-na walked out and her mouth almost dropped when she saw Hwang. Without warning, the Korean woman grabbed her weapon and leapt over the two Korean males as she ran out the door.

"Oh come on, not this again!" Hwang growled as he chased Mi-na through the busy streets.

"Mi-na, stop!" Hwang called after her.

While running, Mi-na bumped into Link and almost fell over, since running into him was like running into a brick wall.

"Oh hi, Link." Mi-na smiled awkwardly.

Link had seen Hwang chasing Mi-na and that was all he needed to see that man as enemy. Link jumped over Mi-na and threw a punch at the Korean man. Hwang, being a seasoned warrior, was able to dodge the attack and drew his weapon. Link did the same and blocked the one of Hwang's attacks.

Already, Link was able to analyze this man's strength. Judging by how quickly he drew his blade and dodged Link's attack told Link he was obviously a well-trained warrior. However, he seemed to be a normal human, which meant that he wouldn't stand a chance against Link or even Taki or Mitsurugi.

"Who are you?" The Korean man asked.

"Why you chase Mi-na?" Link demanded in the unfriendly tone he only used with his enemies.

"Link, what are you doing?" Yun-Seong yelled as he approached the Hylian and Korean man. "Geez! And Mi-na complains about me being stupid. Starting a fight in the street is really calling attention to us right now."

"My young friend has a point." The Korean man pointed out. "I mean Mi-na no harm. My name is Hwang. I am a friend of her father. Perhaps we can talk somewhere without Mi-na running away from me this time."

"Agreed." Link spoke.

Once again, Hwang was led to Sophitia's house, but this time everything remained fairly calm. Sophitia was even kind enough to serve refreshments to everyone.

"As you already know, my name is Hwang. I'm one of Mi-na's father's ex-students and a very good friend of his. I used to serve in the Navy on the war against Japan."

"Well, isn't that interesting." Mitsurugi snorted, walking out of the room where Taki was resting. "A military man."

"A Samurai." Hang spat, drawing his blade.

"Relax, I'm a mercenary." Mitsurugi assured. "Both my sleeping ninja rival and I have nothing to do with the current war and we aren't here to cause harm."

"Very well, I'll take your word on it." Hwang assured. "Anyway, Mi-na's father and I have been discussing things for a while now…"

"Yeah, yeah, and you two decided that I would marry you." Mi-na interrupted.

"What?" Yun-Seong gasped, almost falling off his chair.

"Yes, that's right. Master Seong convinced me it would be an intelligent move on both our parts. Your father is no longer a young man. You can't run the dojo because you're female, so if we want to keep it going, I need to marry Mi-na. I am well in my thirties now, and much too old to be single. If I want to leave offspring, I need to find a wife now."

"I don't give a damn about any of those reasons!" Mi-na shouted.

"Mi-na." Sophitia lectured. "I have children in this house. Please restrain from using sailor talk.

"Sorry Sophitia." Mi-na apologized, and then turned to Hwang, full of fury. "Look, I don't care about your reasons. I'm not about to go into a marriage I've had no say in. I've spent my entire life as Father's prize for his greatest student. Well, I am no man's prize. I have a right to choose my own life and who I will marry."

Link couldn't help but admire Mi-na. He was about to attempt to say the same thing.

"No, Mi-na, you don't have those rights." Hwang suddenly interrupted. "Whether you want to admit it our not, you are a woman and have a responsibility to your father and family. I was sent here by your father to bring both you and Yun-Seong back, along with the family treasure, White Storm."

"Hold it. I'm fine with you taking Mi-na and all, but I don't want to go back." Yun-Seong argued.

"I technically I can't make you come back, Yun-Seong." Hwang spoke. "Since you are an adult now in our society, you can make that choice. However, Master Seong was quite furious with you for secretly leaving the dojo in the middle of the night and taking White Storm with you."

"Hey, I took the blame for that." Mi-na butted in. "I was the one who gave him the sword."

"Yes, but anyway." Hwang continued. "I was able to convince Master Seong to let you come back and study under him again. Regardless of your decision, you have to return White Storm. It isn't your blade. It belongs to the Seong family."

"O.K., Yun-Seong giving back the sword I can deal with." Mi-na agreed. "But I'm not marrying you. Or at least not until I decide when I'm ready and give my consent."

"Mi-na, I told you already, you don't have a choice." Hwang informed. "If I have to drag you back to Korea with me, I will."

"No one is taking Mi-na without her permission." Link suddenly interrupted. "She has her rights."

"Women have no rights." Hwang informed. "A woman's job is in the house, cooking and taking care of children. She doesn't decide whether or not she wants to do that. That is what she is required to do. Mi-na, I realize this is hard for you to accept and I'm really sorry about that. However, there is no way around it. We don't have to leave any time. Take a few days to enjoy yourself and make preparations. I'll be staying at the hotel."

Once Hwang left the room, Mi-na said several swear words, causing Sophitia to glare at her angrily.

"Don't worry, Mi-na. We won't let Hwang bring you back to Korea." Talim assured. "Link, is there anything that we can do?"

"Don't know." Link admitted.

"What do you mean, you don't know?" Talim asked.

"Unfortunately, Hwang isn't just some bad guy Link can beat up." Raphael explained. "The problem we face isn't one of evil, but one of political. And believe me, political problems are the most complicated problems to solve."

"So what can we do?" Talim questioned.

"Well, there is one solution that may work." Raphael suggested. "Now, if what I read about Korean culture is correct, women are seen as property or occasionally a reward to be given away, as Mi-na is being seen as right now. If Mi-na is a reward, it is possible that someone could challenge Hwang for her, claiming to be more deserving than he is."

"Yeah, but who is eligible to marry Mi-na?" Talim asked.

"That is a problem." Raphael admitted. "How good of a warrior is he?"

"Very good." Yun-Seong admitted. "He was the top warrior in our dojo. Of course, I never got a chance to challenge him, because if I did…"

"So, we conclude Hwang is a very good warrior." Raphael interrupted Yun-Seong before he said something stupid. "That information makes this issue even more problematic because there are so few men."

"What does 'problematic' mean?" Link whispered in Talim's ear.

"It means hard, difficult." Talim whispered, always feeling happy when Link asked her for help.

"The only male warriors we have are Mitsurugi, Link, Yun-Seong, and myself." Raphael continued. "Yun-Seong is most likely not good enouph to beat Hwang, and I doubt I would be good enough either. I also really wouldn't be a good match for her though, being from such a different class and culture."

"You can count me out." Mitsurugi spoke up. "I have no interest in marrying. Besides, since that Mi-na's country and my country are enemies, it wouldn't go over very well. You guys are on your own for this problem. I have better things to worry about."

Mitsurugi walked into the room where Taki was sleeping, leaving the group to think of a plan.

"Well, that just leaves you and me, Link." Raphael stated.

"Link?" Cassandra, Yun-Seong, Mi-na, and Talim all yelled at once.

"Hold it, this is the exact same thing my father is trying to do to me." Mi-na ranted. "I'm not marrying Link or anyone. No offense to you, Link."

"It's fine." Link assured.

"Well, these are your only choices, Mi-na." Raphael informed. "Keep in mind, if you choose Link, you'll at least be able to stay with us."

"True." Mi-na agreed. "But how do you feel about this, Link? If I forced you to do this, then I'd be a hypocrite."

"Don't worry. I'm used to being engaged."

"Wait, what do you mean by that?" Talim asked surprised.

"I already engaged to many, many women." Link informed.

"What?" Everyone suddenly shouted at once as they nearly fell over from shock.

"Link, is that really true?" Talim began, trying to prevent herself from crying. "Are you really that kind of a person?"

"I explain." Link began. "When I little, I was asked if I wanted to marry several times. I thought marry meant celebrating Christmas together, so I accepted."

"What?" Yun-Seong laughed. "How stupid are people from your world? What an idiot."

Both Cassandra and Mi-na smacked Yun-Seong for his comment.

"If you can't say something nice, don't say anything at all." Mi-na lectured Yun-Seong. "So, Link, if we get engaged, I won't be forced to marry you."

"Nope, you can marry someone else." Link assured.

"Well, this is perfect." Mi-na announced.

"Yes, now there is just one thing left to take care of." Raphael informed.

"What?" Talim asked curiously.

"Well, Link will have to fight Hwang in a way that is deemed acceptable for this challenge. That would mean no magic and it would be wise to fight in a style that is similar to a style that is taught in Korea."

"That's actually a smart idea." Mi-na agreed. "I guess I'll teach Link how to fight."

"You?" Yun-Seong asked with shock.

"Yeah, that's right." Mi-na informed. "You forget, Yun-Seong, that since I was a little girl, I was exposed to martial arts. I'm even better than my father with using a Halberd. Who else knows more about Korean fighting then me?"

"Very good point." Raphael agreed. "I guess you and Link should start now so he'll learn as much as possible."

"Right! Great idea." Mi-na spoke, jumping up and ready to go. "I'll need this." Mi-na told Yun-Seong, taking White Storm before he could say anything. "Come on Link, time for your first lesson."

Mi-na grabbed Link's arm and began to drag him to a place where they could practice.

"All right." Mi-na began to instruct. "The first thing we'll learn is the Seong Style Longsword Style's battle stance and how to bow. Before and after every match, always bow to your opponent. It shows proper respect. When bowing, make sure not to bow too high or too low. It should look something like this. Oh, and it would be best if you used this sword instead of your sword and shield."

Mi-na tossed Link White Storm and then demonstrated her bow and Link took mental notes. It wasn't anything he wasn't unfamiliar with. When he was taught to fight, Link was always expected to bow to Impa before they sparred.

"All right, now here's how your stance has to be." Mi-na instructed. She demonstrated the proper starting stance.

Link tried to imitate it, but his footing wasn't exact.

"Good, but let's adjust your footing and posture a little bit." Mi-na spoke, being as nitpicky as possible.

Mi-na continued to instruct Link the best she could on how to fight Hwang. Because Link had learned so many different styles of fighting such as Goron Sumo, Zora kick boxing, Sheikah-Jitsu, Royal Knight, and so on, it was easy for him to learn a new style of fighting. It also helped that Mi-na was a good teacher. She concentrated on the basics and focused on making Link learn martial art patterns.

Mi-na sighed. "That was a good day's work, Link. Let's go back and get to bed. I'll probably be forced to find Hwang the day after tomorrow, so we'll need to get up tomorrow to work as hard as possible with the little time we have."

"Right." Link agreed.

Link and Mi-na spent the next day practicing and Link seemed ready to fight Hwang, or, at least, Mi-na hoped he was ready.

Mi-na followed Hwang as they left town. Mi-ha had her bag of supplies plus White Storm with her. It was Hell trying to convince Yun-Seong to give up the blade, but he wasn't given a choice. It wasn't his after all.

"Stop." Link ordered, stepping in front of Hwang, performing just as he had practiced. "I challenge you."

"Challenge me?" Hwang questioned. "Challenge me for what?"

"Mi-na." Link informed.

"Mi-na?" Hwang asked surprised. "Sorry, but I'm not here to fight anyone if I don't have to."

"No choice. She given to greatest warrior who most deserving. I challenge you for her as prize." Link spoke, hating every word that he was saying. He was taught to treat women as equals by his master, Impa, and as an honorary member of the Gerudo tribe, he had learned true respect for women. Saying such chauvinistic things was unlike him, but he was forced to do so for Raphael's plan to work.

"Wel,l in that case, you'll need a blade." Mi-na spoke. "Here you go." Mi-na tossed Link White Storm. Link caught it with ease.

"You planned this." Hwang accused Mi-na, looking back at her.

"What if I did? We are only following custom of our culture, Hwang. I suppose if you wish to forfeit this match, then I can always go with Link without a fight."

"Oh fine, I'll humor you." Hwang sighed, drawing his blade, Blue Storm. "Please remember sir, this is nothing personal against you."

"Of course." Link responded.

Both warriors bowed respectably to each other and began their battle. Because Hwang had trained under the same sensei as Yun-Seong, his moves were very similar to the teen's. This allowed Link to predict Hwang's attacks quite easily. However, unlike Yun-Seong, Hwang was still a student. Hwang was a master of the style, making this fight much harder than if it would have been against Yun-Seong.

Link slashed at the Korean warrior, but Hwang dodged the attack and began to rapidly slash at Link, causing the elf to continue doing back flips to dodge the attack. Link landed on his feet and slashed at Hwang, who jumped back from the attack.

'This isn't going to be easy.' Link thought to himself. 'But if I can defeat a Goron sumo after only one day of learning the Goron style of fighting, then I can defeat this guy with his own style.'

'Who in the world is this guy?' Hwang wondered. 'He's trying to fight in the same style as I am, but it's so sloppy. On the other hand, I haven't been able to nick him.'

"Time to finish this." Hwang announced. "Seong Style Longsword finishing strike!"

Hwang charged at Link and slashed upward at the young warrior. Link blocked the blow, but the mere force of the strike caused Link to be knocked into the air. Hwang jumped in the air after the warrior, slashed him four times, and then kicked him to the ground.

Link landed, causing dust and dirt to fly into the air.

"Link!" Mi-na cried.

"Relax." Hwang assured. "He still alive, but I doubt he'll be able to continue fighting."

"Wrong." Link corrected, walking out of the dust. He was badly bleeding and injured, but the wounds were nothing to him.

"H-how are you still standing?" Hwang gasped.

"Know your opponent." Link lectured. "You should know that."

"You're right, I should have." Hwang agreed. "No matter. I don't care how tough you are. There is no way you should be able to continue fighting very well with those injuries. This fight will soon be over."

"You're right." Link agreed smiling.

Link and Hwang ran towards each other to deliver their finishing blows. While running, Link switched his sword from his right to left hand. When Hwang slashed at Link this time, the young warrior dodged the attack and performed a quick spin attack towards the Korean's blade, slicing it in two.

Hwang was shocked, and Link quickly took advantage of the Korean man's reaction. Link grabbed Hwang's arm, tripped the Korean, and threw him to the ground, pointing his blade at the man's neck.

"I win." Link informed.

"Yes, you do." Hwang agreed. "I don't know how you managed, but you are truly an amazing warrior. I would have never guessed that you were left-handed by the way you were fighting with your right."

"Thank you." Link thanked the Korean, helping him to his feet. Both warriors once again bowed respectably to each other as Yun-Seong began to pack his horse.

"Well, Mi-na, you win." Hwang informed. "You get to stay here with your friends. This Link fellow better treat you right though. Otherwise, he'll have to deal with me. If you ever change your mind about this, let me know. Oh, and you can keep White Storm for a little while. It looks like you earned it and may need it in the future. I hope you return to Korea one day at your own free will. Have a good adventure."

Hwang galloped away, waving to Link and Mi-na as the two waved back.

"He seems like a nice person." Link informed Mi-na.

"He is." Mi-na admitted. "And if he would have just proposed to me nicely instead of Father forcing us into a marriage, I might have accepted. Come on and let's head back. I'm sure Yun-Seong will be happy to have his sword back. Oh, and Link?"

"Yes…"

Link was suddenly made speechless as Mi-na kissed him on the cheek, causing him to blush.

"Thanks for working so hard to help me out. And don't you dare tell anyone that I kissed you, especially not Talim."

"Why?" Link asked, as clueless as ever.

Mi-na laughed and began walking back to town. Still puzzled, Link followed and caught up with his friend.

Hi readers, sorry for the long wait. College was heckteck the second half of the semester, so I didn't have time to write much. I just got done proofing some of my work and will try to post it quickly. Oh and don't worry, the story will go back to the main plot next chapter. This chapter was just for fun and character development.