Choi Young had been practicing martial arts and meditation for hours now, completely having lost track of time. His body led him on a journey through the many lessons with his teacher, helping him relive rare moments of pure ecstasy when his mind and body were as one joined in raw synergy with the universal source, connected to the sun above, the earth beneath, the trees, streams and mountains all around.
"Who are you?" A low singular voice roared, taking him out of the meditative trance.
He would recognize that timbre anywhere. "Master," he strangled a cry of joy, willing his words to halt before escaping his lips. After his father, the teacher was the only adult who understood and loved him unconditionally. Forgetting why his future self was suddenly facing the man from his past, Choi Young could only hear the loud heartbeat thumping in his ears and his labored breathing echoing through the crisp air; not a muscle flinching, frozen as he were, this warrior with the burning heart just for once desired to let his tears run free and the tornado of feelings within him break through unyielding defenses. All he wished for was a hug, an opportunity to say how much he had been missing his mentor and share stories about his amazing adventures on his trip to the future and spectacular woman-doctor he snagged to be by his side. But instead, not a child anymore, the tears dried up before touching his cheek and his Ki flared erratically at the surge of strong emotions that needed a way out; he summoned all of his knowledge and willpower to channel the electricity into the ground beneath him. His body shook from a jolt, but he steadied himself.
Panic washed over him as he realized the master might have noticed. No matter how much he had grown, a child in him still feared his teacher's disappointment. It was not the fear of being found out, because no person in his right mind would have imagined that he was meeting somebody from the future, it was a fear of not doing his best.
"I'm asking, who are you?" A heavy hand landed on Choi Young's shoulder and he slowly lifted his head, turning toward his teacher. Their eyes met for a second and Choi Young quickly averted, bowing. Intentionally changing the pitch, he said, "I am just a traveler, who stopped to take a break. I'll be leaving first."
"Wait!"
Choi Young stiffened. He had no idea what would occur if the master would know him by his voice, his face or simply by his eyes.
"Your skill is impressive. I don't know many who know of this practice. What is the name of your teacher?"
"That is not something I am at liberty to say. I apologize." Choi Young bowed again.
"OK. I understand. You've been taught well. Care to have a round with me?"
"You? With me?" His teacher offering to spar like equals? Momentarily saddened that he changed so much that his own master could not recognize him, Choi Young simultaneously felt relief. Now he just had to avoid revealing his identify by staying alert. "I would have to respectfully decline."
The master looked offended; narrowing his eyes, he studied a tall stranger with a skill rivaling his own. There was something so familiar about this man, in the posture, in the way he handled himself, something so illusive, he could not put a finger on it.
"Will you have a meal with me? It is not every day I meet such an intriguing person at a place that nobody knows about. I don't believe in coincidences. We were meant to run into each then, so I hope you don't refuse my forward invitation."
"I will accept it humbly," Choi Young doled another bow, making the master squint again.
. . .
The door flew open with a loud crash, barely holding on the squeaking hinges. Eun Soo's eyes widened and she jumped to her feet. In the doorway, there was her husband, carrying a young woman in his arms. Her head hung lifelessly, and her limbs dropped, swaying aimlessly as he lifted her body toward the shocked doctor.
"Imja, please help... her." His voice broke as he almost choked on a simple utterance 'her' and she understood immediately without words.
Composed in the moment crisis, Eun Soo inquired as if she were a receiving physician at the emergency room, "What happened?"
"She was feeling sick and drowsy, then she fell asleep and won't wake up. Like I was sleeping after the surgery, and you got worried because it was too long, remember?" He explained hurriedly with atypical tremor in his intonation.
"Hurry." She helped him by quickly arranging the pillow and the covers on the bed. Choi Young gently placed the girl's body and stepped aside to let the doctor examine her. Eun Soo checked the vitals – she was alive, but in a coma-like state. "I'm asking what happened," she repeated softly, still kneeling over her patient.
"I don't know. This is not how she is supposed to die. It is too early. Too early," he whispered, touching his forehead to the wall, his face twisted in angst.
Eun Soo lifted off the floor and brushed fingers over his cheek, making him fall into her soft hand, his lips urgently kissing it, his arms grasping her in a tight hug. "What if my coming here changed everything? What if she dies now, so young..."
"She is not dead." All she could say. "I don't know what's wrong with her yet, but she appears to be in a deep sleep."
"Then why does she look like death touched her?"
"I don't know," she shook her head, slowly detangling herself from his grasp. "I need to figure it out. Give me time."
He grabbed at her arm and pleaded with his eyes, "Please, this child..."
Eun Soo softly closed her eyes, signaling her silent comprehension and he released his fingers. "Should I even ask how you came to find her?" She murmured under her breath.
"Her father. My master."
Author's notes: My dear readers, I so much appreciate your honest opinions, in particular that the last chapter made you sad. Like most of you, I have no doubt that ES and CY belong together and they are the couple in this story. I'm not bringing MH to add some love rival or make ES jealous. It is simply something that CY will have to deal with and relive as he is in the past, therefore dealing with people in his past. And of course, there is a reason for everything I write and it is a necessary journey for all the characters involved. Having said that - I'm glad you have strong feelings, since I kind of felt bad for ES and that insecurity was real, despite her firm knowledge about their relationship. I doubt there is any woman out there who could ignore a man's first love as if it did not matter, right? Sorry, for rambling too much.
I decided to post this chapter as is, which is a bit short in favor of giving you continuation now, while I'm working on the next part. So, please reward me with reviews!