Act 3: The Land of No Senshado
Soo-jin then return to the class with the borrowed shirt. Hye-ri and Yu-ra cheered excitedly on her.
"I knew it! That shirt suit you well!" said Yu-ra, clapping her hands.
"Yes, I'm sorry, Hye-ri-ya, but your shirt is too small for me," said Soo-jin.
"Hey, none taken. Don't be sorry on your own body size. Relax!" said Hye-ri.
"Oh right, should we take Soo-jin-a to the Elective Fair later?" asked Yu-ra.
"Oh, that's right! How can I be forgot?" said Hye-ri.
"Elective Fair? What is that?" asked Soo-jin.
"Well, to put it simply, the Electives of Baekhap and Yongdam did some kind of fair to promote their elective, so that everyone could see the glimpse on what elective they're going to select. It's fun there, a lot of foods and good stuffs, you'll like this," said Yu-ra.
"Wow, sounds fun..." said Soo-jin.
Soo-jin suddenly silent when a girl entering the class, followed by two other girls that looked like her retinues. It's the same girl she met on the restroom. She's sitting in the far corner from where them three seated.
"Hey, who is that girl?" asked Soo-jin.
"Which one?" asked Hye-ri.
"The one that just enter the class," said Soo-jin.
"What? Why?" asked Hye-ri.
"I met her in the restroom few minutes ago," said Soo-jin.
"Omo, did she talked to you?" asked Yu-ra.
"Kind of, why?" asked Soo-jin.
"Ah, damn it, she must be eyeing on you right now," said Hye-ri.
"Why? What's the matter?" asked Soo-jin.
"That girl, The Queen Bee, her name is Yoon Ji-soo," said Yu-ra, "she's a big bully in this school."
"What? What do you mean?" asked Soo-jin.
"She's a sole daughter of Yoon family, one of the 'elders' of this city. It's not a kind of family you want to mess with," said Yu-ra.
"And, you know how pompous she is, right? She's so classy and kinda look down on any girl she deemed unworthy," said Kang Hye-ri.
"Oh, but that's terrible!" said Soo-jin.
"Well, most likely, she would left you alone," said Yu-ra, "despite her pompous and bossy attitude, she rarely cross paths with other girls without reason."
"Yeah, she'll just ignore you," said Hye-ri, "no problem with us, right?"
"Sure, no problem, we only need to steer clear of her," said Yu-ra, "or is it a problem for you, Soo-jin-a?"
"Me? No, of course no problem. You are my friends now, and it's good enough for now," said Soo-jin.
"Oh, and by the way, what were you trying to ask back then?" asked Hye-ri.
"Which one?" asked Soo-jin.
"Before you go to the rest room," said Hye-ri.
"Oh, that, I almost forgot, I just wanted to know if..."
"USE YOUR EYES, ARE YOU BLIND!?"
The three turned their head and see Yoon Ji-soo yelled at a girl. She's actually a pretty girl with fair skin and hair tied in pigtail, but her expression is somewhat flat. Soo-jin also noticed that this girl wore pink headset on her head.
"I'm sorry," said the headset girl almost emotionless.
"Are you also blind, in addition to deaf?" asked Yoon Ji-soo.
"I said I'm sorry."
"Maybe if you're not to immersed in the idiot headset of yours, you will knew better not to bump me while walking."
"Maybe if you're not protrude yourself in the alley, everyone won't be bumping on you while walking."
"You..."
"Hi, everyone!"
A cheer voice can be heard and the teacher entered the room, straight to her seat. Every student still standing quickly went to their seat. The headset girl bow a little to Yoon Ji-soo, before walking to her seat, behind Soo-jin's seat. Yoon Ji-soo doesn't seems so pleased with that.
"Saved by the bell..." she muttered.
After the headset girl sat, Yu-ra, seated next to her, asked her quietly.
"Ga-eun-a? Gwaenchana?" asked Yu-ra.
"Ne," said the girl name Ga-eun.
"Don't worry about it, okay? Hwaiting," Yu-ra made heart sign with her finger to Ga-eun.
Ga-eun just smiled back, and replied with another finger heart sign. Then everyone attention shifted to the front and center, where their teacher, which also their class advisor, standing ready for the first day. She is a pretty girl, with long wavy highlighted hair. Despite her seemingly young appearance, Soo-jin suspect that she's about the same age as her father.
"Annyeonghaseyo, Yeorobun!" said the teacher cheerfully.
"Annyeonghaseyo, Sonsaengnim!"
"Alright, it's wonderful first day of school. I knew most of you here, I guess you also have known me, but in case you forgot, my name is Choi Na-ra, I teach Korean and history, nice to meet you all."
Na-ra then open her attendance list.
"I heard that today, there's a new girl in this class. Well, technically, you're all new in Upper-Secondary, but most of you have been here since Under-Secondary. So, could I ask the newly transfered student to stand up, please?"
Soo-jin stand up slowly.
"Hi, nice to see you. Your name is...Ahn Soo-jin, right?" said Ms. Na-ra.
"Ne, Sonsaengnim," said Soo-jin.
"Hey, just call me Na-ra Ssaem, that's more casual," said Ms. Na-ra, "so, tell me about yourself, Soo-jin-a."
"Yes, Ssaem. Annyeonghaseyo, Yeorobun, my name is Ahn Soo-jin. I recently moved in this city, nice to know you all."
Soo-jin bowed.
"Alright, tell us a little about yourself, Soo-jin-a," said Ms. Na-ra, "family, siblings, home, your previous school, hobbies, a little about that, please."
"I live at Haebaragi 2-dong, with my my father, Ahn Jae-joon, and my little sister, Ahn Hyun-jin, and..."
"Wait, just three of you? Where's your mother?"
"Well, my mother has passed away, two years ago... Yep."
"Oh, I'm so sorry, I don't mean to bring that up."
"It's okay, Ssaem."
"So, where's your previous school before you're here, Soo-jin-a?"
"I schooled in Kanagawa, Japan, Ssaem. I lived there since I was little."
"Really?"
Soo-jin nodded. Everyone seems buzzing with Soo-jin's answer.
"Well, I don't know how's in Japan, but I hope you enjoy things here in this small city."
"Kamsahamnida, Ssaem."
"You know, you speak Korean with well, for a person that lived in Japan for so long."
"Ne."
"So, before we continue, is there any hobby or activity do you like? You can share it to us."
"Oh yes, wait."
Soo-jin then took a book out of her bag. Ms. Na-ra quite horrified when she saw a picture of tanks on the book cover.
"In Japan, I like senshado, and was a senshadoin myself in the middle school," said Soo-jin, "this is the book that I like to read: The Arts and Principles of Senshado, by Sakura Horisaki. I'm really looking forward to join senshado team in this school..."
"Hold!"
Ms. Na-ra almost yelled when she told Soo-jin to stop talking. She then rushed to Soo-jin's place. Her facial expression is half terrified, half worried, such as seeing something that is dangerous, and Soo-jin doesn't have a clue on what's wrong.
"Stop it, please," said Ms. Na-ra.
"Why, Ssaem?" asked Soo-jin.
"Senshado is prohibited in this city, you tank girl freak!" said one of the girl.
"Mi-joo! No trash talking in my class! Do you want to get negative points in your first day!?" said Ms. Na-ra.
"Sorry, Ssaem," said Lee Mi-joo, a girl sitting next to Yoon Ji-soo.
Soo-jin was very shocked to hear what Mi-joo has said. Ms. Na-ra then looked at her in her face. There's some concern in her eyes, and next thing she realized, everyone is buzzing, seemingly whispered about Soo-jin. Suddenly, she felt that she's now under the spotlight, but not in a good way.
"Ehm, I guess I have to say something to you, Soo-jin-a..."
Ms. Na-ra tapped Soo-jin's shoulder gently, but this only made her shiver. She's now under a heavy feeling of fright, though the warm face and gentle touch of Ms. Na-ra seems calming her a bit.
"You see, in this city, we're not only having no senshado, but also there's a rule to prohibit senshado. As a result, this school, and also all three-schools are banning the practice and anything related to senshado."
"What? Is that true, Ssaem?"
Ms. Na-ra reluctantly nodded.
"And, I also have to apologize, but I have to seize the book as dictated by this city's ordinance," said Ms. Na-ra in reluctant tone.
"What? Ssaem, can't you let her to have her own book?" said Hye-ri, stood up.
"Yes, Ssaem. She's new in this city," said Yu-ra, "she couldn't possibly know the senshado prohibition, so could you cut her a little bit slack, Ssaem?"
"Please!" both Yu-ra and Hye-ri bowed.
Ms. Na-ra bitterly smiled.
"You know I would love to do that," said Ms. Na-ra, "however, I don't have a choice. Soo-jin has openly showed this book to the class for everyone to see, so I'm obliged to seize the book."
"But, Ssaem..." said Yu-ra and Hye-ri.
"Girls, please, it's okay," said Soo-jin, "I don't know what the rules said, but I guess things could get complicated if Na-ra Ssaem didn't seize the book. I don't want to cause any problem in my first day."
"I'm sorry, Soo-jin-a," said Ms. Na-ra.
Soo-jin can only watched in sorrow as Ms. Na-ra took the book and walked back to her seat. There's something very valuable about the book for Soo-jin, but she doesn't said anything. As Soo-jin sit, Hye-ri and Yu-ra extended their hands to her to console her.
"Ehm, okay, well. Let's continue, shall we?" said Ms. Na-ra.
Everyone then sat tight in their seat.
"As everyone knows, there won't be any lesson for first day of school, and Electives Fair will begin at 10," said Ms. Na-ra, "you could enjoy yourself there, there are 7 Electives to be selected for this year, so please choose carefully. It's your chance for getting extra grade other than regular lessons, after all. Do you understand?"
"Yes, Ssaem!"
"And, oh, right. The student head election will be held the day after tomorrow, so I'm expecting everyone who is interested for the post to submit their name to me by the end of class tomorrow."
"Why bother with election? We all know that there's no suitable candidates than our very own Ji-soo-nim," said a girl named Hye-won.
"No, Hye-won-a, like I always said, the process of democracy has to be observed. If your Ji-soo-nim feels that she's capable for the post, she could submit her name to me," said Ms. Na-ra, "or you may also submit the name of your friend that you considered to be capable for the post. The protocols are same, submit the name to me by the end of class tomorrow. I wish for a good, clean, and democratic election, you all understand!?"
"Yes, Ssaem!"
Later that morning...
Soo-jin, Hye-ri, and Yu-ra, coming out together from the class as the clock hit 10:00 a.m. It's the time for Elective Fair, and Ms. Na-ra dismissed the class on time for everyone to enjoy the fair. This is some treat before the real lessons started tomorrow. Despite the excitement, both Hye-ri and Yu-ra could see that Soo-jin is still a little bit down about what happened earlier. The city of no senshado? Not even her wildest dreams could comprehend that fact.
"You still down about that, Soo-jin-a?" asked Hye-ri.
"A little bit. I know that Na-ra Ssaem has to do that, but it still hit me quite hard," said Soo-jin.
"Does the book meant something to you?" asked Yu-ra.
"Can be said that way, yes," said Soo-jin.
"Oh, I'm sorry to hear that," said Hye-ri.
"Hey, how about if later this day, we go to Ms. Na-ra and tried to ask her about the book? I'm sure she could give it back to you," said Yu-ra.
"Thank you, Girls, but I don't know if Ms. Na-ra would give it back the book to me," said Soo-jin.
"Of course she will," said Yu-ra, "she's the nicest and most kind teacher I know, so she must be willing to give back the book."
"I don't know," said Soo-jin, "I just don't want to put her in difficult situation if this is related to the city rules."
"Well, I figured she would find a way, then," said Yu-ra, "don't worry, okay? We'll sort this thing anyway."
"Or how about if tomorrow?" said Soo-jin, "things might still be very spicy today."
"Tomorrow is okay, we would always be beside you, Soo-jin-a," said Hye-ri.
"Yeah, that's a wise choice," said Yu-ra.
Soo-jin smiled.
"Thank you, Guys," said Soo-jin, "we just know each other, but it seems like we're old friends already."
"Hey, so do we," said Hye-ri, "you're like our long lost best friend."
"Alright, now shake those worries away, and let's enjoy the fair, okay?" said Yu-ra, "and oh, remind me to buy Ga-eun a corn dog, extra spicy."
"Did she asked you to do that?" asked Soo-jin.
"No, but she always like corn dog, extra spicy, extra cheese," said Yu-ra, "at least it could made her enjoy the fair as well."
"Ah yes, she choose to stay in class, isn't she?" said Soo-jin.
"Well, she doesn't really into the crowded place," said Yu-ra, "I can't say anything about it, but I could bring some of the festivities to her, right?"
"Right!" said Soo-jin, "oh wait, so if she doesn't go to the fair, then how she will choose her electives?"
"Easy, she'll pick the same elective as we are," said Yu-ra.
"We? Are we planning to pick the same elective?" asked Soo-jin.
"No, you pick the elective. We'll come along with you," said Yu-ra.
"Yeah, that eliminate all the confusing steps, hahaha," said Hye-ri.
"Me? But why?" asked Soo-jin.
"We don't want you to go through the elective alone, silly," said Yu-ra, "that way, we could accompany you wherever you will go."
"Oh, that so sweet of you guys," said Soo-jin, "group hug?"
"Group hug!"
Soo-jin, Hye-ri, and Yu-ra then group hug together.
"Jamkkanman," said Soo-jin, "you're not doing this because you don't know which one to choose, do you?"
"Well, that's also the idea," said Hye-ri while laughing.
The Electives Fair was held in the very large park called The Mugunghwa Park, which become the convergence point for the students of Baekhap, Yongdam, and Jindallae. As for today, the park was full of students from Baekhap and Yongdam who would like to know more about their electives before choosing it. This is perhaps the only times where two schools could join together in formal events. Jindallae didn't join the fair because they have different class structures, which based on vocational skills learned.
While here, Soo-jin could see that the differences between each school are very much clear. If Baekhap doesn't mandate a school uniform, Yongdam is the exact opposite. Each of Yongdam student has to follow a strict rule of Yongdam's attire. Their students can be seen wearing white blousse under ther navy blue blazers with teal lining and ties of similar color, with navy blue/teal plaid skirt. Aside from regular mandatory school uniforms, Yongdam also have their own hanbok, consists of white jeogori with vermilion git, goreum, and somae buri, and navy blue chima. This was topped by a jade with bellflower symbol wore in the bottom of jeogori.
The three jumped from stage to stage to see how the members of each electives performs to impress the would be members. So far they have seen Korean Traditional Clothing, Shindo (Shamanism), and Saljanoreum (Lion Dance), but none seems attracted them. Soo-jin kinda attracted with Jultagi (Rope Dance), but Hye-ri and Yu-ra quickly vetoed it. They can't stand the thought of having to dance in a tightrope, despite the performers performed a jultagi very impressively. While Taekkyeon, Ssireum, and Gugak get a vote of "probably".
The sun is getting high as they roam to the sideline. Here, the situation are somewhat quieter, no stages, only few handmade stall.
"What is this area?" asked Soo-jin.
"Oh, this is for any students who wants to set up new electives," said Hye-ri.
"They can do that?" asked Soo-jin.
"Of course, if you have support from at least 30 other students, you may have your own Elective," said Yu-ra, "ah, I nearly forgot, Na-ra Ssaem asked me to handed this to you."
Yu-ra then handed a pouch each to Hye-ri and Soo-jin.
"Ah yes, I forgot about this," said Hye-ri.
"What is this?" asked Soo-jin.
"Open it," said Yu-ra.
Soo-jin opened the pouch, and there's a puck-shaped acryllic disc there, colored in gold, with a white patch to write things on the middle of it.
"What's this?" asked Soo-jin.
"It's a token. Each student got one," said Yu-ra, "if you're interested with an Elective, then write your name and class there, and insert the token to the box on each Elective's stage or stall."
"You can also use that to support a non-elective stall," said Hye-ri.
"Why not just put form and write your name in it?" asked Soo-jin.
"We did that, and students tends to write their name in more than one form, and it gave the school the hard times to track each student and ask them about their Elective. This way, student can only make one vote," said Yu-ra.
"I see," said Soo-jin, "but if I put my token to support the non-elective, what happened to my vote should they don't meet the quota?"
"Well, they must return the tokens to school, then each voter would be asked to choose from available Electives," said Yu-ra.
"Arasseo..." said Soo-jin, "wait, why we go through here?"
"To go to food stall area, we have to introduce you to the beauty of Korean street food," said Yu-ra.
"Ne! They made a good hotteok there," said Hye-ri.
"Hotteok? What is that?" asked Soo-jin.
"You'll see," said Hye-ri.
When they strolled on the way, suddenly Hye-ri seems startled when seeing one of the stall. There are three girls on the stall, each with their own unique props. One girl is wearing red wonsam with yanggwan on her head, the other wearing sky blue durumagi with hair braided and tied with maroon daenggi, and the last girl wearing a floral dress of 20's style with cloche hat. These are what so called as History Buffs in Baekhap, three girl who's so fond of history and tried to enact it the best they can.
"Oh? You made your stall again?" asked Hye-ri to the girls in the stall.
"Yes, of course we are!" said the girl with yanggwan, who seems to be their leader.
"They're your friends?" asked Soo-jin.
"Yes, we are Hye-ri and Yu-ra's friends," said the yanggwan girl, "and who are you?"
"My name is Ahn Soo-jin, nice to see you all," Soo-jin bowed.
"Ah? Ahn Soo-jin? So this is the notorious tank girl? She's in your class?" asked the yanggwan girl.
"Eh? How did you know?" asked Soo-jin.
"News travel fast in this school, Tank Girl," said the girl with braid and daenggi,
"who knows, tomorrow, kids from other schools would perhaps knew about that as well."
"Eh? That's scary!" said Soo-jin.
"That's how the world works, Tank Girl," said the girl with floral blouse and cloche.
"Ah yes, I haven't introduce them to you," said Hye-ri, "this is Lee Deok-seon..."
"Ehm!" Yu-ra loudly cleared her throat.
"Ah, yes, I forgot. I must introduce them with their spirit name," said Hye-ri.
"This is Seondeok, her real name is Lee Deok-seon," said Hye-ri.
The yanggwan girl bowed. Seondeok is the name of great queen from Kingdom of Shilla, from a period of Korean Three Kingdoms. It could be she chose the name from her real name: Deok-seon.
"And this is Haeryeong, her real name is Park Ha-young," said Hye-ri.
The braided girl with sky-blue durumagi bowed. The name Haeryeong come from a female historian of Joseon period, Go Hae-ryeong. It's also possible she chose the name from the alteration of her real name: Ha-young.
"Last but not least, it's Maria, her real name is Go Jin-sang," said Hyeri.
The girl with blouse and cloche bowed. The name Maria came from a female independent fighters of Korea during Japanese occupation times: Maria Kim. Big chance is she chose the name due to similarity of her name with Maria Kim's real name: Jin-sang.
"Right, but it's your third attempt to create a historian electives, right?" asked Hye-ri, "I thought you have given up already?"
"Yes, but one must not falter on their sacred mission, no matter how many times they fell," said Seondeok, "no change in history could be made by retreating."
"Well, actually..." said Haeryeong.
"Oh please, don't start with Wihwado Retreat again, please!" said Seondeok, definitely not happy.
"I have to," said Haeryeong, "you start by stating that no change in history could be made by retreating. Well, that's not true. Wihwado Retreat is the point where The Kingdom of Goryeo fell and The Kingdom of Joseon rose."
"Oh, you think so?" said Seondeok.
"Change my mind if you dare!" said Haeryeong.
"So you think without Wihwado Retreat, Joseon won't rise?" said Seondeok.
"Yes!" said Haeryeong.
"Well, actually..." said Soo-jin.
Everyone then turned and staring on Soo-jin, which make her felt a little bit intimidated.
"Sorry..." said Soo-jin.
"Go on, we would like to hear your opinion," said Seondeok.
"Yes, it's nice to hear some fresh ideas," said Haeryeong.
"Well, in my opinion, given the precarious condition of Goryeo at that time, I don't think without Wihwado Retreat, Goryeo would still stand. Maybe yes, a little bit longer, but not for long time. So, there are few possible result could happened, in that case," said Soo-jin, "first, Goryeo fell, but the replacement is not using the name Joseon; could be New Baekje, or New Shilla or, I don't know, anything. Second, if we looked into Ripple of Time Effect, Joseon would still rise, Yi Dynasty will rise, but the first king won't be Yi Song-gye; my best bet is his son, Yi Bang-won, shall be the first king."
"Impressive, so one way or another, Goryeo would still fall?" asked Seondeok.
"But are there any possibilities Goryeo would still stand?" asked Haeryeong.
"Like I said, could be longer, but not that long," said Soo-jin, "Wihwado is actually a preparation to attack Ming territory of Liaodong Peninsula. Given the concern of Yi Song-gye, Goryeo army won't stand a chance against Ming army, which would lead to diplomatic chaos for the Goryeo court. Even if they won, the battle would have weakened the forces of Goryeo, and this won't be something Ming could let go easily. At most, in the time of Emperor Yongle, Ming would attack and invade Goryeo, and perhaps making it as part of Ming Empire. Then there won't be any Korea we known today."
Both Seondeok and Haeryeong fall silent, staring in awe to Soo-jin. A clap can be heard, as Maria applauding the argument of Soo-jin.
"You made them silent, and that's not an easy feat, Tank Girl," said Maria, "with that profound knowledge of yours, you'll be great asset to us."
"Thank you," said Soo-jin, "actually..."
Soo-jin took the token in her pocket, then put it in their box, to the surprise of everyone there.
"I enjoyed our conversation, so yeah, I gave my token to you," said Soo-jin.
"It can't be!" said Seondeok, "I must be dreaming!"
"Our very first token in three years!" said Haeryeong.
"You must be an angel sent from heaven, Tank Girl!" said Maria.
"Wait, what? Your first token?" asked Soo-jin, "so you mean you..."
"Yep, you are the first," said Maria.
Hye-ri exchanged look with Yu-ra, then they follow Soo-jin and put their own token (plus Ga-eun's) to the box.
"We've promised to follow you, so we're in," said Yu-ra, "also Ga-eun as well."
All three History Buff were stunned by the act.
"Guys, what day is it today? Is it the day an angel come to bless us?" asked Maria.
"There's no other explanation than that," said Haeryeong.
"We were blessed by thy grace," said Seondeok, "Jeonha!"
They then kowtowed in front of Soo-jin, which startled by the suddennes of the situation.
"Hey, what are you doing?" said Soo-jin, "come on, Guys, it doesn't need to be this way."
"Yes, this is the only way, Jeonha!" said Seondeok.
"Jeonha! Jeonha!" said Maria and Haeryeong consecutively.
"Jeonha" is the word used to address a Korean monarch, and of course, Soo-jin is a little bit uncomfortable to be called that way. However, before Soo-jin saying anything, Yu-ra gave her cue to let the History Buff did what they like to do.
"I really hope for the best for you three," said Soo-jin finally, when they stopped kowtow, "hopefully you'll gain other votes today."
"Don't worry, Jeonha," said Seondeok, "even if you're the only one voted for us today, we'll still be forever grateful to you."
"Ah, yes, we should bestow a spirit name to our new friend, the Tank Girl as well," said Maria.
"You're right, but what name?" asked Haeryeong.
"I don't know. I haven't thought about that," said Seondeok.
"Well, maybe you could think about that first, and let me know later," said Soo-jin, "it's not like I'm in hurry or something."
"You're right, Jeonha," said Seondeok, "it's something we must think carefully."
"Alright, Guys, we must excuse ourselves," said Yu-ra, "we need to go to the food stall."
"Of course, we bid thou farewell, Jeonha," said Seondeok, "long live, long live, long live and reign for 10.000 years, Jeonha."
Soo-jin smirked, didn't know what to answer. They then took off while the three History Buff still chanting their name. Most of the stalls there are uncrowded, but some are full of girls gathered there. Soo-jin looked at one of the crowded stall and surprised to see Yoon Ji-soo there. She attended a stall about modern fashion and make-ups. Something suddenly struck Soo-jin.
"Oh no," said Soo-jin.
"Wae? What?" asked Hye-ri.
"I forgot," said Soo-jin, "back then at the toilet, Yoon Ji-soo told me to give her my token."
"What!? But we already gave..." said Yu-ra.
"Is things gonna be okay?" asked Soo-jin.
Hye-ri raised her shoulder.
"Who knows?" said Hye-ri in a concerned tone.