The Curse of Immortality

Chapter 7

The sky had long ago darkened by the time Chou Yee got to the restaurant in Hong Chow. Turning her back a few times, she wanted to check if the strange man called Ah Hong had followed her. She rented a room in the motel/restaurant called Hung Chi Lau. She decided to have dinner and rest after to gain enough energy to find the king. As she sipped on her tea, a large shadow was cast over her table. Before she had a chance to turn, the figure sat down next to her “Hello!!” he greeted merrily.

She nearly spit her tea out, instead it traveled down her esophagus making her cough uncontrollably “You…how…” she sputtered while Ahron watched her with a grin.

“What? You need to speak in full sentences.” He mocked.

She smoothed her own chest as she turned to him with a reddened face “How did you get here?”

“By foot. Same way normal people do.” He said casually. Picking up his chopsticks, he prepared to eat when the waiter brought over her food.

She used her own chopsticks to stop him from getting the chicken “Sorry, I don’t eat with strangers.”

He smiled as he pushed on her chopsticks causing them to break in half. Chou Yee looked at them strangely “Must be an old pair.” He seemed to read her mind without effort.

“How did you know I was coming here?” she asked suspiciously, then it occurred to her “Right, I forgot your martial arts was greater than mine. But that doesn’t make any sense…” she pondered while he enjoyed her food “Hong Chow is so big, how would you know I was at this restaurant?” she asked the hungry male.

“It’s just a guess.” He said humbly.

“Who are you?” Chou Yee asked straightforwardly.

Ahron swallowed the food in his mouth before answering her “That is not important. But I hope you will keep your promise.”

“What promise?” she was playing dumb as she pulled out another pair of utensils and began eating.

“Oh come now, you can do much better than play innocent.” Ahron kidded “But I will remind you. Our bet was if I could figure out where you were going, you would allow me to follow you wherever you are going.”

Chou Yee rolled her eyes “I was only kidding!” she said with exasperation “You didn’t hear that part did you?”

Ahron smiled crookedly “No…I failed to hear that part.”

She paid for the food and turned to him “This dinner is free. But don’t follow me.” She warned. Getting up, she walked towards the stairs and before stepping up, she turned to make sure he was not following her. Instead he was cleaning off the plates with not so well table manners.

Easing her worries, she casually strolled down the hallway of rooms until she reached her rented room. A strange feeling washed over her as she turned and was inches away from Ahron’s face. Startled, she jumped back while he sputtered out laughing, “You are a bit paranoid today. Are you sure you’re alright?”

Clutching her heart, Chou Yee growled at him “Stop following me! And stop doing that!!”

“Doing what?” he asked with innocent puppy eyes.

“Popping out of nowhere!” she cried angrily.

“I didn’t.” he replied calmly.

Chou Yee’s face was scalding hot, she could feel it “Look, I don’t want any trouble and I certainly don’t want someone following me around like a puppy! Frankly, I hate animals.”

“So you hate yourself?” Ahron crossed his arms “Because humans are animals too.”

“You make absolutely no sense!” Chou Yee was fuming.

In the room to her left was the King and Ka Chan “What is going on?” the King asked when he heard all the commotion outside.

“I’m not sure, your highness. Let me check.” He got up and was prepared to yell at the people making all the ruckus. Ka Chan opened the door and opened his mouth when he recognized Chou Yee’s back. Silently closing the door, he gathered back to the King “Sir…it’s her!” he hissed.

The King looked up from his readings “What girl?”

“HER!!” Ka Chan whispered louder as he mimicked Chou Yee’s stance.

He got the King’s attention as he dropped his book and sat up from the edge of the bed “She found us.”

“Yes!” Ka Chan began to pace the floors “I knew the Empress would send her the second she realized you were gone. What are we going to do now?”

“Calm down.” The King stressed, “I know…we’ll leave in the middle of the night. Get the stuff ready.”

“Yes, your majesty.” He bowed with respect.

Chou Yee had had enough of the argument as she prepared to enter her room. Her head turned slowly as she noticed the ridiculous grin on Ahron’s face “What? You’re not possibly thinking that you can enter my room?”

He laughed “I wouldn’t dream of it. Actually, my room is right next to yours.”

“Unfortunately.” She replied shortly before slamming the door in his face.

“Feisty! No wonder you are still single!” he threw out before entering his room.

Around two in the morning, Ka Chan gently woke up the King “It’s time.”

He nodded tiredly “Let’s go.” The two stepped gently out of the room and closed the door quietly. They turned and took a few steps before recognizing Ahron “You…” the King pointed with a confused face.

“Where are you going?” Ahron asked as he blocked the back door exit.

“It is none of your business!” Ka Chan said haughtily.

Ahron crossed his arms as his head spun back towards Chou Yee’s room “You might want to lower your voice, before the female shark wakes up.” Ka Chan quickly covered his mouth with his hand “This is just a wild guess, but you two know that girl.”

The King nodded “Yes. But please, you must promise not to inform her of running into us.” Ahron shrugged carelessly “I will give you all the money you desire, but please keep this promise.”

“Why didn’t you say so?” Ahron chuckled softly as he pointed to the exit “Come on, I’ll take you two out of town.” He led them through the short cuts of Hong Chow as if he had been living there all his life, but in truth he has never seen the town. One of the many perks of being a God, Ahron though to himself. When they were safe behind the gates of the town, he turn to the King and Ka Chan “All safe now. You may go as you please.”

The King smiled gratefully “Thank you.” He pulled out a gold medallion from his pocket while Ka Chan widened his eyes “Please, keep this. If you ever need my help or are in short of coins, come see the General of Seung Yeung, he will treat you with the utmost respect.”

“This is worth money?” Ahron asked while examining the object in his hands.

“Idiot! That is—”

“Ka Chan!” the King barked to silence him. Ka Chan quickly retrieved his head “I must apologize for my servant, I do not teach him manners.”

“It is alright.” Ahron nodded politely “Good luck to you.” He waved as the two continued on their way.

At the crack of dawn, Chou Yee woke up and prepared to beat Ahron on the road. As she snuck out of her room, she heard the voice she had grown to hate “Morning!” she jumped from the greeting. Her head snapped towards the voice and noticed Ahron eating a bun while leaning on a pillar not too far from her.

“Don’t you sleep!!” she demanded angrily.

He laughed, “I’ve never seen a nose flare like that in ages.”

She touched her nose in defense “So?”

Ahron shrugged “Nothing. I just wanted to point that out. So, where are we going?”

“WE are going nowhere. Don’t follow me.” She warned with a threatening finger. She sprinted to the door while Ahron quickly followed her. Every few steps she would turn and grunt at him “Stop that!”

He brought his hands out to the sides “Do you own every road in this town?”

She felt defeated when letting out a sigh “Fine. You can follow me. But I have three rules.” He nodded with a smile “One, pretend like you don’t know me.”

“That’s easy.” He quipped “What else?”

“Two, stay at least three yards from my back.” She pointed at the distance where they were standing and he took a few steps back “Lastly, do not be meddlesome.”

“The last one is going beyond the call of duty, but I will manage.” He bowed politely while she scowled with dismay. Ahron smiled “Do you ever give your nose a break?”

“Don’t talk to me!” she spun on her heels and continued on her way.

“Fine…by the way…oh, I’m just talking to the air, but I ran into those two men you were looking for.” He said it casually that she almost thought nothing of it until it occurred to her.

Forgetting about her rules, she turned and stepped towards him as he began backing away with each one step she made “What’s the matter with you?” she grew restless.

“Rule number two, stay at least 3 feet from you. My, you have a short term memory.” He shook his head sadly.

Chou Yee was in no mood to play around “Never mind the nonsense!” she snapped, “Where did those men go?” Ahron tilted his head to the sky and crossed his arms nonchalantly “Well???” she demanded.

“I don’t want to break rule number three.” He replied.

Chou Yee’s patience was wearing thin as she retrieved her sword and pointed it to his neck “Tell me now. I have no problem slicing your neck open like a chicken.”

Ahron used his fingertips to move the cold metal from his neck “If you must know, they were running away from a madwoman. He offered me money so I helped them get away. But who knew such a distinguished looking gentleman would have run out of cash? He gave me this absurd looking thing…” Ahron pulled out the medallion “And said if I wanted cash to come see a General in Seung Yeung City.”

Chou Yee replaced her sword and she stepped closer and yanked the medallion out of his hand “It is him…” she whispered.

Unexpectedly, he whipped the piece out of her hand “I believe this is mine.” He placed it into his shirt pocket.

“Where did they say they were going?” she drilled “Did he mention anything about the royal family?” she was testing to see how much knew of the King’s identity. The guy could be a spy from the Chinese sent to finish him off so they can take over the ManChu’s world.

“I did not ask.” Ahron shrugged.

“Well, did he leave any clues?” Chou Yee was frustrated.

“No. But I know the direction they were heading to.” Ahron nodded firmly.

“What are you waiting for? Lead the way.” She pointed.

He let out a tired sigh “Make up your mind. First you want me to stay behind you, now you want me to lead. Women! What a nuisance they are.”

“Never mind the smart remarks. Move.” She pointed. He obliged without feeling as he led her out of the giant wooden gates.

Chapter 8

Hours later, Ahron came upon an outdoor restaurant located outside the neck of the woods on the way to Seung Yeung. He took a seat at one of the empty tables while Chou Yee sat down on another empty table. The two didn’t exchange words or glances as they ordered their separate meals.

Ahron looked up after ordering and found Chou Yee staring intently in his direction. Smiling, he decided to tease her “I’m aware that I am a handsome looking man but a lady should not stare.”

Chou Yee snickered as her attention was directed back to her cup of tea “I was not staring at you.”

Before Ahron had a chance to turn, he found a group of men strolling over and took random seats on the last three empty tables. They were glaring at Chou Yee like a pack of hungry wolves. She remained cool until one guy approached her table leisurely. Without being invited, he sat down next to her “I know you are looking for him.”

“And?” she was trying hard not to falter by the Red Flower Sect. She knew them well and their only goal was to bring down her people and kill the King. She’s fought numerous hitmen who were sent to kill the Manchu King. They have grown to recognize her as well.

“We have him.” The man said light heartedly “You can’t save him. So go back and tell your precious Empress to find a knew King.”

“Sorry, I do not take orders from dogs.” She was still calm despite her heartbeat quickened.

“What did you say?!” a fist hit her table as it trembled under her hands.

Chou Yee’s cold stare only fed to the already boiling blood of the sect “I don’t like to repeat myself.”

Giving no warning, he began to attack her. Chou Yee pushed the table as it toppled towards the other men who was prepared to take her life. Drawing her sword, she swiftly maneuvered between each throw and kick.

Ahron sat still, unbothered by the fight scene before him. The owner was crying for mercy on his belongings. A few bodies were thrown towards Ahron as he carefully lifted his tea cup and sipped it. It wouldn’t take long for Chou Yee to be defeated, she was easily outnumbered. Somersaulting over to Ahron, she hastily said, “Help me! Don’t just sit there!”

He watched as she was raveled in yet another fight “Say it nicely! Like you would say it to a husband.” Ahron smiled playfully.

Spinning herself around until she reached close enough to talk to him “Please, help me.” Her eyes earnest for the first time.

He smiled as one hand rapidly pulled her to his side and he sent a flying stool towards a man ready to stab her back. He turned to Chou Yee “Much better.” Lowering his head, he took the sword from her hand and used to fight the group of men.

Chou Yee watched in amazement as he carefully dodged each slash and was colorful when attacking the Red Flower Sect members. He did not harm them physically only to slice their shirts and a few unlucky men had their braids cut off “Meddlesome! Who are you?” the leader raised a hand to stop his men after realizing they could not beat Ahron.

He twisted the handle until the sword rested behind his arm vertically “Just a traveler, I did not want to see the lovely lady being killed.”

“If you are Chinese, you will step aside!!” one man barked.

“Aren’t we all?” Ahron reasoned, “Chinese and Manchu speak the same language, eat the same food and sleep the same way. Frankly, I believe there is absolutely no difference.”
He used logic on them but it seems they were not willing to reform.

“That’s ridiculous! The Manchu took over our land. They may speak the same language but we are not the same!” the leader argued.

Ahron shook his head at the stubborn men “It doesn’t matter what you say, I am not handing over the girl.” He turned and tossed the sword back to Chou Yee, who caught it effortlessly.

“Fine. I will respect you for you did not harm my men. We will let her go this time, but we do not guarantee that will happen the next time.” The leader was a man of his words.

“Fair enough.” Ahron nodded as the men retrieve to their destination.

He turned to Chou Yee with a goofy grin “Wipe that smile off your face!” she snapped.

It only made him more amused “Your tone of voice has changed.”

“No, it’s now normal.” She said curtly.

Ahron crossed his arms “Fine, what will you do for me now?” She turned to him confusingly “I saved your life, surely that means something? A simple thank you will not do.”

She was stumped “Alright. What do you want? A servant? A favor or more money?”

He shook his head “I have three rules.” She arched an eyebrow up in disagreement but reluctantly nodded “One, you must be nice to me.”

Gaping at him in disgust, she muttered, “It will be hard, but I will try my best.”

“Two, you must walk or stand no further than…” he measured the distance between himself and Chou Yee “one feet from me at ALL times.” Rolling her eyes, she nodded with an annoyed expression.

“Fine. What’s number three? Feed you during meals?” she was being sarcastic but her idea made his eyes light up. Chou Yee frowned “You cannot be serious.”

He laughed from the horrid expression she made “Too bad you did not suggest this earlier.” He sighed sadly “But no. Number three, tell me what your mission is.”

Her eyes narrowed dangerously “I do not want to drag you down with me.”

For a split second, she reminded him of Azariah. Suddenly his thoughts traveled to his beloved. It felt like ages since he’s looked at her beautiful face. But no matter where they were, her flawless features were etched into his soul.

* * * * *

Azariah’s eyes welled up with tears as she watched him from Jeroham’s crystal ball “I miss you too my love.”

Cyrus shook his head sadly “Love. Is it worth it?”

“All the pain in the world is worth it.” Azariah replied dreamily. She turned to him “Who is that girl? She looks awfully familiar…” then it dawned on her “I recall Ahron advising me that she is a fortune teller?”

Jeroham appeared at her last comment “Ahron has seen her?” he asked without greeting the two of them. She nodded at him and his laugh surprised her “He knew! Oh how I’ve underestimated his intelligence.”

Cyrus and Azariah exchanged glances “Why is that amusing, my friend?”

The God of Life shook his head, the grin still plastered on his face “No wonder he is trying so hard to follow her.”

“What is her importance to Ahron?” Azariah tried again. It was obvious Jeroham did not want to share the secret he knew.

“That, my dear, is destiny. There is nothing we can do about it. Even Serefina cannot stop this.” His eyes distant and an apparent twinkle in his eyes.

Cyrus turned to Azariah “It is best that you don’t know.” He smiled at the curious girl “How are the headaches?” he knew she had recently been cured from the curse of love by Jeroham. It was a first time he’s seen a God in physical pain.

Azariah smiled “I am fine.” But she was not finished with Jeroham “What is a fortune teller? I assume it is not as simple as a reading of the palm.”

Cyrus shook his head “A Fortune teller is a human with extraordinary powers to teleport to another dimension. Humans are not given this type of skill unless he or she is to one day become a God or even more powerful being. This gift is given by the God of Life.”

Jeroham laughed giddily “Cyrus does know his history!”

Azariah looked saddened as she returned her gaze to the crystal ball of life, her only connection to Ahron “Is she good or bad? Will she leave a mark in his heart?” Cyrus shook his head with a sigh “How can I help him?”

Jeroham smiled at the love sick God “There is a way. You can watch out for evil beings lurking around Ahron.” He finally got her attention “Are you forgetting our favorite God of War, Barak? His only goal is to condemn Ahron to eternal mortality, where he can never return to the Heavens. We have underestimated his power to manipulate, I can only guess that a plan is in the works to bring poor Ahron down.”

She grew worried “What is he planning? Surely, Serefina will not tolerate such acts!” Jeroham knew he had given to much information “Jeroham?” she pressed but he refused to look at her in the eye so she turned the God of Fortune “Cyrus, tell me now!” she demanded.

He hesitantly turned to her “The Crystal Ring.”

“The doors to the mortal realm?” Azariah was even more confused “I thought Gods were forbidden to enter the human world?”

“It is not only a gate. It lays a powerful spell that was left behind by Serefina thousands of years ago. No ordinary God could read the words. Even I have yet to see the words.” Cyrus turned to Jeroham “You might as well tell her.”

The God nodded as he let out a long sigh “Centuries ago, when Serefina was a young God. Her father, Lucifer ruled the Heavens above. He forbade his daughter to come in contact with any Gods with fear that she would fall in love. A person cannot live without love as a God cannot survive without companionship. She entered the Crystal Ring to befriend humans, after all Lucifer did not mention anything about humans. Serefina did not know what love is, but she felt something that she had not ever felt before towards a mortal. Lucifer discovered her little journeys to the mortal realm and he punished her to never fall in love again.”

“How about the human?” Azariah was shocked by the story.

“Vanished from all realms.” Cyrus replied.

“Yes.” Jeroham confirmed, “Needless to say, Serefina was devastated. She remained in the palace and read books. Stories written by Gods from the past. She eventually discovered a potion used by her own father. It allowed a God’s soul to enter and take over a human’s body. But by doing so, the God will grow physically older. Years will be taken from their youthful beings.”

“Is that why Serefina appears older than all the other Gods?” Azariah questioned.

“Yes.” The God of Life nodded “She risked her physical appearance as she used the humans to satisfy her curiosity of the word love.”

“What did Lucifer think of it?” Azariah found her self pulled into the curious force.

“He was furious and wanted to condemn her to eternal hell.” Azariah gasped “But how could he?” Jeroham continued, “Instead he grew mad and tortured the Gods as well as humans. Causing the world in chaos. Everyone feared the all powerful for he was no longer sane. He had created her out of loneliness, he wanted a daughter to adore and spoil. Instead she turned out to be as curious as any normal average girl would be. The heavens soon would melt away. Looking back at the history books, I found a way to retrieve Serefina from purgatory. For she would be the only one that could stop her father’s madness. Her soul was made from his own hands, after all he had created her. Reversing the power of creation, she gained all his powers and in the end Lucifer was banned into hell for all eternity.”

“I did not know Serefina had such a horrid life?” Azariah’s heart came out to the Queen “It is not a wonder she had developed the forbidden rule of love.”

“She did not want history to repeat itself. She has always felt responsible for the fall of the Heavens. Many Gods were innocently vanished. She had to start from the beginning with only a handful of Gods that still remained. Myself included.” Jeroham said with a sense of pride.

“Why do you think we can get away with everything?” Cyrus joked “Because we made friends with the God of Life.”

Azariah smiled, she knew she was grateful for his friendship and trust “What will become of Ahron?” it was still her only concern.

“He has a destiny to fulfill. You mustn’t worry yourself.” Jeroham advised wisely.

“Can you tell me who this Fortune Teller is?” she wanted to know for certain.

Jeroham smiled “She is you.”

Chapter 9

Chou Yee waved a hand at Ahron’s blank face “Hello! Are you alive?” she asked loudly.

Ahron was instantly snapped back to reality “What? What did you say?”

“Nothing yet. What is the matter? You appeared to have dazed off.” She frowned, her brows wrinkling with worried.

“I’m alright now.” He smiled brightly.

Chou Yee tilted her head “Thinking about your love?” she asked “I’ve seen that look before.” She said it almost sadly.

“Really?” he asked with a grin.

“That’s not important. We should be on our way.” She nodded to the trail.

“Eh, eh, eh…I believe you are forgetting something?” he teased while pointing her back to his side.

Chou Yee sighed as she dragged herself back to him “Happy?”

He nodded and began walking. She came into step with him “So why are you here?” he asked again.

“My job.” She replied shortly. Still refusing to tell him the entire truth.

Ahron laughed “I figure that much.”

“The Empress sent me to retrieve the King.” She began “She thought of sending an army but it would cause too much attention.”

“So she sent a girl that could barely handle ten men?” he quipped “The Empress is not a smart lady.”

“How dare you!!” Chou Yee snapped “Must you disrespect her in her own land?”

“Don’t get your nose twisted up in a flare.” He said sarcastically “I only speak of the truth. Do you think you are capable of saving the King from them?”

She lifted her chin bravely “Even if I die, I will guarantee his safety.”

“Oh, I did not know ghosts could save humans?” he mocked with a smirk “Chou Yee, you may be courageous but you cannot defeat an army of hundreds of men.”

“Then help me.” She asked “I’ve seen you fight, you are incredible! The King could use someone like you.” He laughed but she was dead serious. Chou Yee got down on her knees in front of him “Please, I have never begged anyone.”

Ahron’s face fell as he pulled her to her feet “Don’t. I don’t ever want to see you kneel again.” he said solemnly.

“Why?” she questioned “I only kneel to his highness and the Empress. You should feel lucky.”

He wasn’t sure why he said it “I do not want that kind of luck. I will help you.” Her face brightened “But you must listen to everything I say.”

“Done!” Chou Yee nodded firmly “Let’s go!”

“You forget quick!’ he called.

Chou Yee hastily retrieved her steps “Sorry.”

“That’s alright, but do not let it happen again.” He straightened his back and nodded to her with authority.

*********

The king was not treated like a normal prisoner. He sat in his well lit room, the food was made from the best cooks in the city and only the best wine was served. But he grew restless after three days of his captured. Ka Chan was placed in jail while he helplessly watched. The leader of the Red Flower sect entered his room one night “How are you doing, your highness?” he asked with a friendly smile.

“When are you planning to release me?” he asked haughtily.

“When you decide to sign the treaty allowing the Chinese to regain their land.” He replied a matter-of-factly.

The King sat firmly in his chair “I cannot do that!”

“Then I cannot let you go.” The man replied icily “If the Empress cannot save you, you will remain in our hands. But don’t forget, it is not impossible to replace a King. Your uncles and brothers are waiting in line to rule this country.” Her reminded him.

“Say no more! I will not bow to your requests.”

The leader threw daggers at the King, but it was quickly replaced by a smile “As you wish.” He returned to the door and paused “You must be bored from the lack of entertainment. Let me introduce to you Hong Chow’s number one beauty and musician. Fan Yu Lan Siu Jei.” He clapped his hands an a beautiful girl dressed in pink entered the room “Keep his majesty company.” The leader informed.

The King did not bother to look up, he has seen more beauties in his life time and he has married plenty of them. Yu Lan curtsied at the leader “Yes, sir.” When he left the room, she angled herself towards the King “Please excuse my lateness, your highness.”

He was quick on his feet the second he laid eyes on here. Such a rare and classic beauty, he thought to himself. Lifting her up by the elbow, he smiled “Please, do not be polite, we are not in the palace.” She stood up with a smile that could melt hundreds of men hearts.

“Thank you.” She replied shyly “What would you like to hear?” she approached the harpsichord that sat on a lowered table. Her nails grazed the strings as it sent out a beautiful melody.

“Play as you wish.” The King’s barriers were lifted as he enjoyed a beautiful lady’s presence “I am sure it will be magnificent whatever you decide.”

“You are too kind.” Yu Lan smiled, showing off her dimple. Her fingers lifted over the instrument and they made magical music with each pick and stroke. The King was enjoying each note as he sat still and closed his eyes to take in the song he knew would be hard to forget.

*********

Ahron and Chou Yee had traveled for hours until they both settled at a deserted temple “Why don’t we stay at a motel?” Ahron wondered out loud.

“And give them a chance to attack?” Chou Yee snickered “Do not be naïve.”

“This is their region, no matter where we go, they will be sure to know.” Ahron replied logically.

She knew he had a good point “What do you suppose we do?”

“Disguises.” He replied with a grin.

“As what?” she asked.

Ahron shrugged “An old married couple?” her face twinged with disgust and he found it endearing “We’ll decide tomorrow.”

She nodded in agreement “That’s a good idea.” Taking a seat against a pillar, she leaned her head back and rested her eyes shut.

He laid across the room from her with his head propped up on his elbow “What are you thinking of?”

Chou Yee opened her eyes “Sleep.” She replied curtly.

“I can’t sleep. Let’s stay up all night and talk.” He pulled himself in a seated position.

Her brows wrinkled “I’m tired.”

“I’m not.” Ahron smiled “Tell me about your human life.”

She smiled at the interesting way he worded the question “Human life? Don’t we all have that? Why did you specify?”

He quickly caught himself “Just answer me.”

Chou Yee sighed, “It’s quite boring. Are you sure you want to hear it?” He nodded with a grin “When I was born, my mother had passed away. My father adored me and he taught me everything he knew except martial arts. He worked as a master who trained all the men who were in charge of protecting the royal family. He was amazing at his work and was treated with much respect. I use to sneak in the studies and watch him train, he wouldn’t let me learn because ladies were not suppose to fight. But I was always curious. I was even better than some of his students. I was not allowed to enter the Royal Garden but one day, I decided to take a tour. I ran into the King at that time, but did not know he was the King. He was a few years my elder and we began to bicker. I ran home and told my dad what rude people the Palace had.”

“Did your father find out?” Ahron smiled at the troublemaker.

“Yes. I was in trouble and he realized after my description that it was the King. I thought it was absurd because the King has to be older to reign a whole country?” Chou Yee laughed as she remembered that day clearly “He made me apologize and actually took me to the Empress and told her everything. She was not only polite, she did not punish me. I’m not sure what good impression I left in her head but she asked if I would come and keep her company each afternoon. We had to talking and she learned that I loved martial arts. She asked me to perform for her and I did, right when my father entered the garden. He was furious.”

“I bet.” Ahron laughed, “Were you punished?”

She shook her head “The Empress would not allow him to lay a hand on me. Instead, she asked that I be trained as one of the King’s personal bodyguard. Hence, I became the first female bodyguard of the royal family.” Chou Yee concluded with a proud grin.

Ahron nodded “I see. So, what happened to your father?”

“He passed away not too long ago.” She sighed, “I do miss him terribly but I know he is proud of my accomplishments.” He smiled in agreement and it was her turn to question “How about you?”

He shook his head “My life is quite boring.” He rested his head on the ground and prepared to sleep “Good night.”

“That’s not fair!” she blurted out “You know my life, why can’t I know about yours?”

“Because it’s boring.” He said simply with his eyes shut “Didn’t you understand it the first time?”

Chou Yee shook her head in defeat “Yes, sir.” She stared at the smile on his face. Something about it was oddly familiar “I didn’t thank you for saving my life.”

He peeked one eye open “You already did.”

She frowned “I don’t recall it.”

“But you did.” He insisted.

She smiled “You are definitely NOT from this neck of the woods.”

“How do you know?” he asked with both eyes opened.

Chou Yee shrugged, it left him wondering this time “Just a hunch. Good night.” She closed her eyes and dozed off to sleep.

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