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He should have known, he should have predicted that his human efforts were only a grain of sand in the ocean of times, but by the moment everything had happened, it was too late. Too late to intervene or to prevent the creaky wheel of history plowing through...
Today of all days... It was so peaceful and mundane, lulling him into a state of normalcy and out of the constantly heightened alert, attention diverted to being happily oblivious to anything outside the doors of his little home. During those moments he forgot why he was back in Goryeo, what his mission was and why he was still not able to return to the future.
He gathered necessary supplies in preparation for the departure in a few days. He only stepped out briefly, just for a few minutes to the market, to get Eun Soo that sweet desert she loved so much... The boy, his younger self with a cheerful smile and a bag full of goodies was in his direct path, walking toward him. Choi Young barely had a chance to duck away and hold his breath. It was a close encounter. What was he doing here, when he was supposed to be at the camp?
And then he felt that unmistakable crawling sensation of those cold murderous eyes. He followed the gaze to its target in the crowd, the back of the boy, unaware of the mortal threat – his past self was followed by the assassin. The boy who had the gift of KI was discovered and not yet a match for the man who was trained to kill. Without thinking, the warrior jumped out from the shadows, showing himself. "I told you to leave, did not I?" he yelled at the dark figure in front of him. "Who are you after, this time?"
"Move. I have no interest in you." Scoffed the man, trying to look around Choi Young's broad shoulders at the slim tall youngster disappearing in the crowd.
"You should. Because I have that key you are looking for."
"I have no time for your jokes." The assassin pushed the warrior, passing him, but a cool hilt of the sword pressed against his side. "I suggest you take my offer seriously, I won't repeat it again," Choi Young menacingly grinded his words by his ear. "If you can catch me, I will show you the key to immortality, because I'm the only person who possesses it. See you soon," and he pressed the 'death' point on the man's neck, rendering him unconscious on the spot.
The assassin had not disappeared like Choi Young assumed, he just disappeared from his line of sight. He did not pay attention to the warning, he did not listen to advice, he continued his search for the key to immortality and young Choi Young exposed himself enough to peak the killer's interest.
He returned unexpectedly, bringing death in his frosty eyes to his doorstep. The rest was - running. Taking the black-clothed menace as far away from his family as possible. They only exchanged a quick look, but Choi Young knew the man meant business this time.
. . .
The general stayed clear from the path of his younger counterpart, but spoke to Jae Su periodically, giving him subtle clues and advice, without revealing anything specific or giving him directions. He became a master of disguise, veiled warnings and magical fairy premonitions, which the boy respected unequivocally. Both young recruits, Jae Su and Choi Young, were now members of the Red Crescent Moon and based on what the general recalled, the date of the scouting mission that changed everything was approaching.
A lot happened since he had started silently watching behind the scenes the lives of those he cared about. He could not stop the history from unfolding or prevent the attack, but he decided to give his friend a hand. Since Jae Su could not be in two places at the same time, Choi Young was willing to step up and usher Jae Su's mother to safety... The old scars on his back ached at the thought of what the young boy of his past would have to endure, but he would survive, just like I did. We are the same person... Maybe, he could run interference...
. . .
His mind was running, but focused and sharp, target clear, his thoughts were condensed and paced like a marathon runner, not a sprinter, as if separate from his body, which was currently leaping over obstacles on the road, his long legs dashing, his arms flying in forward motion. This strange disconnect did not bother him much, he trusted his strong legs sometimes more than his mind, which could get distracted by his heart. He trusted his reflexes and the endurance he had forged over the many years of training and hard life of a warrior, endurance to survive and to overcome anything. He was ready for danger even in his sleep. At least he used to be before Eun Soo, before falling deeply in love, before merging with her into one entity, before they became completely inseparable - and that was his undoing.
The danger, the kind of danger that followed only men who lived with their sword attached to them like a vital body part, that kind of danger was always following him like a shadow, maybe a step behind, but persistent in its pursuit. Today it finally caught up to him. He was as careful as humanly possible. Careful about everything, limiting his contacts to a minimum, keeping low profile... He had to protect his family at all costs. His life was of little consequence, if only to be their protector.
It was either his family or Jae Su's mother. He had to decide in an instant. It must have been like that for Jae Su when he had to pick between his comrade and his own flash and blood. There was no hesitation. He could not chose otherwise, at least this Choi Young, who was responsible for the two lives he brought with him, could not.
While Choi Young was running - and he could run for extensive distances - his mind continued the precise hum of churning gears till a plan came about. It was too outrageous to even consider. But that would ensure his family's safety. He will send the assassin through the gate, even if he had to drag him in with his own hands, he would step into the darkness and make sure this threat is eliminated once and for all. If he could not come back immediately, he was sure Jae Su would be calling on the doctor soon; then the master would find a way to protect his daughter's savior. That thought was comforting.
. . .
When he reached the location of the Hwata's gate, in front of him lay only a stonewall with sparse grass and bushes prickling its sides. He halted his quick pace and let his body readjust to the sudden stop. His panting steadily slowing, the innervations in his limbs shooting back with aggravation of overuse, muscles unwilling to unwind, clinging to the tight ache of running, the only organ catching up to the new task is his mind.
Hesitating, Choi Young looked inward, searching what he had learned about his abilities. It was time to put them to the test. He concentrated, putting his mind and his energy to one task only – to open up the time-travel vortex. He pushed so hard his veins were popping on his neck, but nothing was happening. He stopped to take a breath, feeling completely useless. If he could not send the assassin through the gate and lock it behind him...
The warrior could sense the approaching steps of the man on his tail, a few more seconds, and he might have to resort to using his sword in ways he had not in a long time. That thought was painful and regretful; stench of blood, life draining out in a constant red dribble, that death stare when the last breath escapes, the end is raw and palpable on the edge of his sword... Choi Young did not want to be that person any more.
The young assassin neared, his breathing ragged and face hardened in annoyance. "Did you drag me all the way here to demonstrate your skills?"
"Why did you follow me then?"
"The road just kept leading me to you," the man snickered. "Call me curious, but I think your time is up. Where do you keep the key?"
Choi Young took a step back flush against the theoretical entrance to the Hwata's gate.
"I suppose this place is as good as any," he said with a sad half-smirk, half-smile of regret. The assassin's face twitched nervously, reading something ominous in Choi Young's eyes.
Gust of strong wind blew from the back, ruffling his hair and a colorful glow broke through the rocky surface. The door into the future opened once more and like in some kind of dream, out stepped Mr. Kim, with a coat on his left arm and holding a strange contraption in his right hand. He lifted and aimed it at the assassin who gaped in shock before suddenly falling to the ground with a soft thud.
Choi Young had to blink just to make sure his eyes were not faulting him.
Mr. Kim smiled and lowered his arm, placing the small object into his pocket. "It's a stun gun. He will be out for a few days, I made sure to calibrate the charge." His wise eyes warmed toward Choi Young, "I was expecting you." He extended his hand for a shake, while Choi Young mumbled, "Hello," bowing.