23rd year of cheng dynasty

―

There was an unspoken rule in this big poor kingdom.

- Never leave your village after 9 pm -

Thieves, murderers and all kinds of evil humans, were lurking in the darkness, waiting for whichever naive careless soul, that would be stupid enough, to ignore the safety of their home, and go outside. Ending up getting robbed or even worse.. murdered

It was always dead silent at night.

No lights were seeping through the small houses, almost like the light was fearing to meet the blackness of the night, fearing that it might offend it somehow... and end up losing it's beauty and shine.

There were no human sounds or whatsoever, at that time of night.

No laughter.

No dog barks.

No cries.

People came to a point where they were afraid to breathe and, if it wouldn’t be essential for their lives, they would have stopped that too.

There was nothing, but the sound of aches, flickering through the air. Caused by the torches that only light up the area where the palace holds it's place like a rock in the sea of darkness.

The rest of the kingdom? Buried in pitch black darkness.

All of this was caused by the actual king. The fear to laugh, to speak up, Even the fear of living in this kingdom. The king  doesn’t care about that, he only cares about gold and women. He never cared about this kingdom, never cared about “his people” and still doesn’t care.

If someone complains at the market about the injustice they are living in, the guards would imprison them right away along with their whole family.

Women would be forced to join a harem against their will to please the king while their husbands have to rot in the royal prisons.

And what if they fight against him? They would either end up executed in front of all the others ―as a warning to never go against his majesty

Once he gets sick of the women who struggle against him, he throws them to the guards, for their own pleasure and to keep them entertained and loyal to him.

Children would be forced to do child labor, exploiting their youth to make them clean the palace and let them do the dirty work.

There was only one reason for this whole misery and  injustice.

The king.

The kingdom wasn't always like that. There was once a kind king. A king that cared about his people, one, that always listened to the people's complaints and needs. He always put his people first in line, so poverty was something foreign to the folk.

The king would even sometimes walk around the city with no gourds by his side.

But that all changed, when the king was murdered!

People were devastated, they were mourning for months, crying and screaming in the streets. Praying and begging to whichever god was up there, to let the kind king's soul go straight to heaven.

People weren't scared they knew the king's son would be as perfect as his father. A sweet child. loving  animals and flowers, loved to help people. The young prince even used honorification towards the servants, which was hugely uncommon for a Prince to do.

Even though people knew that the Prince was too young to rule the kingdom. They knew that one day he will, and they will live happily like they did during his father's time. But all that hope was cruelly shattered, when the kingdom announced that the sweet 13 years old boy was killed like his father.

Who would be the king now?

Who would rule them?

How are they going to live from now on?

The bitter reality hit them hard when the only option left was the king's younger brother. Only then did some people reckon that there was a blood betrayal.  

A jealous brother, killing his brother and his nephew.

But soon they saw how their future would end, if they kept that rumor spread. People who did speak something like this were immediately imprisoned.

And the new prince? Nobody knew anything about him, the public never saw him. Even if they did how different could he be than his cruel father?

Going back to the mean time It was 3:00 am right now, long passed the supposedly danger times and straight to the evil hours.

But there was one man awake during this late hour. More than awake actually he was up and swiftly moving between the trees of the forest near the palace on his horse.

Quickly checking his surroundings for traps and/or guards, the pitch black darkness didn't bother him, in fact it looked more as if he enjoyed it. Enjoyed the darkness and the quietness that the night holds, respecting it more than fearing it.

The sound of rustling of the dry leaves ―caused by the horse he was riding, stomping around stepping on vines and small branches― was quite but it sounded loud in the silent night, too loud for his liking.

He got off the horse keeping it close but not close enough to be seen by anyone, there was no fear when he approached the palace to the hidden place where he can go inside without being noticed. After all

He was an assassin.

Wearing all black ―face covered, long hair as black as the night―he moved quickly, no sounds coming out. He was trained, trained to keep quiet, trained to be quick, trained to check his surroundings.

He looks around, no sight of gourds then he looked up. There they were, other assassins on the kings side were on the rooftops. Arrows prepared, ready to shoot at anything that moves. Not being a fool, he knew no matter how well trained he is, he could never take them all down. With this in mind, he went to the other hidden place he knew.

It lead straight inside the palace. There was no one in sight, it was really late after all, he went up the stairs there was only two gourds at the kings main room door. This was easy… a little too easy... He didn't care, he had to end it quickly.

As a trained assassin his only goal is to kill the arrogant king.

That's his purpose in life.

He meant no harm to others ―yes he was an assassin, but he wasn't a ruthless murderer― he didn't kill just for the sake of killing and fun. As a matter of fact, he never found any enjoyment in it, he found it rather unnecessary.

He tried to avoid as much losses as he can, these people these guards are not the problem, yes they are part of it, but they only take orders from their superiors. They have families, they have children. He doesn't want to take them away from them, he is not a killer. No, the main problem is the king.

He doesn't care about the injustice his people are facing, the starving citizens, the beaten people, the homeless who have no shelter.

He threw a rock in the hallway and like he expected the guards immediately ran towards the noise trying to see if their king is in danger, swiftly the assassin made it into the bedroom closing the door.

Now he was alone with the awful king he had to be fast tho, he had to pull his sword out make sure to completely kill him then break the window and escape.

He wasted no time, there was no fear no hesitation he was ready to kill the bastard. Sword high up in hand. But when he drew the royal blanket aside, instead of the sight of a sleeping king like he expected, he was met by the sight of pillows lined up.

Before he could react a sudden pain shoot through his left shoulder, his eyes widened

It was easy Taekwoon, too easy.

How did the young assassin not notice it? Only two people guarding the king's bedroom? No one in sight at the palace? Nobody noticed him outside?!?!!

How foolish of you Taekwoon! It was a trap, to lure you out, and you so stupidly fell into it! Now you have a damn arrow stuck in your left shoulder.

Of course the assassin has been trained to endure the pain, he was trained to ignore the pain and keep going. This was nothing to him! Pain and death wasn't what he feared. What he feared most was failing his mission. Failing his purpose, failing his kind master.

He was taught, all his life, about what his purpose served. This is what he was trained to do.

But there was no time to regret his foolish carelessness! He had to get out and he had to get out fast.

Lifting his sword high, running, and fighting his way through some of the king's special guards ―he only injured their legs, not having any real intention to cause harm to them― he doesn't believe that they are the cause of the injustice system.

Immediately after disabling their movement and their ability to walk Taekwoon breaks the window, landed on the hay ―that he knew they always put there― and disappeared into the forest.

He had already rode on his horse when he heard the loud horns getting blown, indicating that there was an assassin or a thief on the run from the palace.

The night lost it's holy silent and was replaced by the sound of his hard breathing and his horse's stomps. It ran away, crushing all vines and branches in it's way and he tried to direct it in between the big trees that had more green leaves on, so he wouldn't be seen.

Soon he heard other horses nerbay, and a loud shout “SEARCH EVERYWHERE HE DISAPPEARED INTO THE FOREST”

Before he could change his path he heard another voice and his heart dropped “I SEE HIM, THIS WAY” not a second later the steps of the horses were on his trail.

He was so stupid, thinking that it all was too easy, as if the king, can be killed that easily, as if he would just lay there, on the main palace bedroom, waiting to get killed. He was so careless, foolish, but he still has to survive,

He still has to fulfill his purpose.

Right away another arrow was shot followed by several others, all the anger and regret was immediately washed away and replaced by a blinding pain. His back was full of arrows right now. Taekwoon must confess, he underestimated them! Not only did he underestimate their ability, he underestimated their numbers.

He feared that he might die now, and he feared it not because the idea of dying scares him, no because if he dies now, then who is going to assassinate the king? Who's going to free the people from their fear? No he NEEDS to survive this.

He needs to lose them, knowing very well that with all this blood loss he will be unconscious soon.

Feeling his vision already getting weaker, he pulled on the reins and forced his body forward “GO!”

With that order his horse took off and ran even faster.

“DON'T LOSE HIM!!” the voices becoming more drowned out now.

He felt his body slowly weaken his hands not strong and steady anymore, feeling himself getting dizzy, vision blurring and fading. Trying to fight it, fight not falling into consciousness. Forcing his body to stay awake. Not releasing anymore if the voices stopped. Did he lose them? Or was it the blood rushing into his ears, deafening him somehow?

He couldn't do it any longer. Feeling himself slipping into the unconscious state. Completely losing control over his body and falling forward on his horse's back. Fully relying on his faithful horse to get them out of this mess.

He started to embrace the blackness he can't fight any longer,  feeling the pain, he was trained to ignore it, to endure it. He even failed at that.

While sending a prayer to whoever was above to save him somehow he finally passed out.

He was starting to regain consciousness slowly. His back hurting, along with a  pounding headache. Feeling sick and nauseous. A thick black fog clouding up his brain, making it harder for him to focus.

He hated that feeling. It's been awhile since the assassin felt this way. ―The last time, was when he train for the first time..

The fog is making everything blurry. What happened? he can't remember anything, the barely conscious man opened his eyes slowly, the fog started to fade a little, and only then did he realize he was laying on his stomach?!

A defenseless position! He couldn't fight, that way, anyone could take advantage of that exposed position to kill him.

He sat up quickly, immediately regretting that small action, his back had gotten worse from the sudden movement, and the fog turned to big black spots blinding him from checking his surroundings. He can't focus.

What the hell happened to me?!

Blinking a few times, and even though his vision was blurry, he definitely didn't recognize this environment. It’s new to him, which was never a good thing. His body tensed up.

He started to regain his memory, he fell into the trap, they shot arrows at him, then he fainted.

No longer caring about his poor vision, or the pain in his back, he scrambled to get far away from where he was positioned, looking for cover. Looking for a weapon.

A mattress? Why was he laying on one? Eyes scanning the room quickly. There was a bowl of water mixed with red liquid.. blood?

Two tables. One with some strange looking containers on it, and one with fruits and a knife. A small dresser, and a chair. there was a door and two windows too. Curtains draped over the windows. The gilps of rey of sunshine seeping through.

It was a strangely comfortable environment for someone like him to wake up in. It was well kept. It looked small and cozy. He felt out of place.

His thoughts were interrupted, when he looked at the far corner of the room, his eyes widened.

His clothes were hung up on a string outside the room. No sight of His sword.

If his clothes were there then…

He looked down on himself, his upper body completely wrapped in bandages, but when he looked further down he found himself…

*****.

The thin cloth that was draped around his frame, that fell when he stepped away, was the only thing shielding him from being completely exposed. He scrambled to get the white cloth in his hands wrapping it around his waist.

He didn't have time to think, before he heard footsteps coming closer. He wiped his head towards the door, looking back at any weapon. He glanced at the table, ran and grabbed the small knife, and hide next to the door.

Soon the half ***** man, didn't stand alone in the small cottage. A tall slender tanned man, opened the door, a big bowl of water in both hands. He looked as if he was having troubles with the heavy bowl swaying a little. This man didn't look that strong? He had his back to him and stopped in his tracks when he realized that no one was on the matters anymore.

“Where did he go?”

As if on cue the bowl of water fell from his grasp and onto the ground, his back hit hard against the wall, knocking out the air from his lungs. He gasped loudly.

“what the?!”

Before uttering another word he felt the push of a sharp cold blade against his neck, the tanned man whimpered in fear, looking into the eyes, of the once unconscious man that was helplessly on his matters a few hours ago. Now pressing him against the wall with a knife on his throat.

He didn't dare say anything, not when the taller man was glaring at him with such fury and anger, eyes looking wild.

“Who are you? and where am i?”

The voice sounded surprisingly soft and calm, but there was a hint of impaciness in it.

“I-i… phy-physician… cottage.. ”

Feeling his voice shake and body tremble violently, the stranger seemed to take pity on him, and let go.

He tried to get his frantic heartbeat and breathing at bey. Trying to calm himself down.

The taller man was watching him silently, waiting, maybe he was wrong for taking in an unconscious wounded man. Not knowing his background.

“Where exactly am i?”

The stranger asked calmly, as if he didn't just press a knife at someone's throat.

“we a.. are in the middle of the forest in my cottage… ”

The man nodded looking around silently.

“What happened?”

“Eh… what?”

Taking a deep breath, seemingly impaction.

“I lost conscience when I was on my horse wha…. Where is my horse?”

“It's in the back. I can show you where later. And it's the reason that your here. I woke up in the morning with it sitting in front of my door with you on it's back, so I took you in and treated your wounds.. ”

It seems that the man smiled softly at that, seeming more relaxed.

“How long have I been here?”

“Three days.. ”

“Three days?!”

Shouting his eyes bulged out of his face he turned around urgently, gathering his clothes.

“Uhhh I wouldn't leave if I were you.. ”

The taller man turned around surprised, grip on his sword tightened.

“And why is that?”

“... Well the king's men are all over the forest…. Looking for you.. ”

The physician immediately regretted his choice of words, the assassin narrowed his eyes at him, drawing his sword back, coming closer, each step the taller man took, made the physician take one step back until his back hit the wall.

“If you know that, I'm the one who tried to kill the king. Why didn't you hand me over?”

“Be- because, I don't l-like deaths… my job is to save lives not take them a-away..”

The assassin seemed to stop at that, he seemed to think about what he said but not losing eye contact.

“Y-you c-can't kill me”

He saw a small smile coming from the stranger, if it wasn't for the situation they were in, he would have liked that unsettling smile.

“Really?” He asked mockingly.

He glubed “I- I saved your life.. I could have left you”

The man smile disappeared and was replaced by soft kind eyes.

“Besides you can't go out like that, your health isn't good you will faint in no time!”

The young assassin didn't seem to like hearing that.

“I've been through worse”

“Then you would know that pushing your body to it's limit will only damage it more!!”

The older man pushed against the wall, raising his voice a little, again he smiled it was a fond kind of smile.

“What's your name”

“It’s Hakyeon.. You?”

The man seemed to ponder for a second.

“Leo”

Of course he wouldn't tell him, his real name, even though he could tell that the tanned man, didn't mean any harm. He still didn't trust him. You can never be too careful. But the physician didn't seem to like that, rolling his eyes.

“Oh come on, I told you my real name”

Taekwoon found him amusing, one second he would be terrified of him, and the other, he seemed to scold him.

“Well unlike you, I have a reason to keep my name a secret, besides seeing my face is more than enough”

Laughing in his head when the older man pouted.

“Ok lay down I have to check your wounds”

Taekwoon sat silently on the mattress while the physician unwrapped the bandages, he used the water in the bowl  ― or at least what's left of it and cleaned the wounds, and then moved anyway and took one of the containers on the table green in color and put it on him.

If it stung Taekwoon didn't let it show. Matter of fact he was In fact used to the pain, his mind drifted off to more important things, like what his mentor would think of him now? He failed his mission, he failed his purpose…

“Does.. Doesn't it sting at all?”

The physician asked curious, and a little worried since this herbal medicine is SUPPOSED to sting for it to work.

“I'm fine.”

Hakyeon sighed, great the man isn't talkative, he didn't even thank him for saving his life, nor did he apologize for putting a knife to his throat! The least he could do was talk to him!

Determined, he tried another approach.

“You know your horse wouldn't leave your side, even when I took you in, it stayed in front of my door, it seems really loyal to you”

“I-” he was interrupted by a knock on the door