Archive of Our Own ^beta

Chapter Text

It was a brilliant day today. She could feel the energy around her so she knew. The people were bustling about their days with vigor; merchants and shopkeepers called out to the customers with encouraging words, children running around with laughter, so full of joy and innocence, mothers trailing after them as their voices grew loud with anger but also concern for their children.

Mu Deok could feel them all around her but she couldn't see. She was blind, she could never see but feel. It was the reason people found so hard to believe she was blind. It was a blessing and also a curse.

Because for instance, she knew who to trust and who not to. It was a safety net but also a plunge to the abyss.

She felt or more like saw people's energy but it doesn't always remain the same. As people change, their energy also changes. So when a shopkeeper tried to scam her, thinking a blind girl wouldn't be able to tell the cheap and expensive materials apart, she knew not to fall for his tricks. Thus her unique powers became her safety net.

But when a friend betrayed her by stealing the one thing that could help her find her family, the betrayal was too much. Because her friend's energy had changed, and she couldn't stop her. She didn't know that negative energy was cast towards her. Thus the power became the push that shoved her into the abyss.

She couldn't trust the people around her anymore. Their energies were too much to see. So she let them take control of her life after her grandmother died. The old woman wasn't her real grandmother but she was one of the few people whose energy never changed. Warm, bright light. That's how her grandmother was. But she's gone now and Mu Deok once again was left alone in this strange world, in this world of light and darkness.

Now she was going to be sold to someone in the capital because of her grandmother's debts. The man from her village had told her she'd be sold to some kind and generous owner so she didn't need to worry.

She believed him but she knew he wasn't to be trusted because the man's energy was dark, an ulterior motive hidden behind his words. However, she ignored it.

There was no reason to be cautious anymore. She had nothing left. Her grandmother was dead, she had no friends, no memories of her home or parents, the eye mask which could have helped her was stolen. There was no goal to look forward to. She would let life take its course then she'd decide if to retreat or to continue.

As she listened to the buzz of market and people around her, a dull light greeted her senses. She felt a strong hand wrap around her shoulder and she was whirled around to face the person. It was a woman, she could feel it.

A woman with a sad past. Her energy was twisted between light and shadow. Like yin and yang. She was desperate, frightened and furious. But there was also exhaustion, a soul crushing exhaustion that weighted heavy on the woman.

The woman grunted and shoved Mu Deok away. For whatever reason, the woman had lost interest in her. She felt herself fall backwards and she flung out her arms to steady herself. The startled shouts of men echoed around her as she fell upon them. Then came several heavy footsteps, their core of energies was so bright she turned her head away.

Mages.

"Mu Deok! Are you alright?" Her broker asked as he helped her up.

She nodded, "Yes."

"Good. Good. Let's go then. There seems to be a commotion nearby. The Songrim mages are trying to catch someone." The broker said as she followed after him. All of a sudden, a great wave of magic surrounded them, a nasty energy buzzed in the air.

Someone was performing sorcery. A forbidden one. She could feel it in the air, the darkness was spreading around her as great towers of dark energy burst out to meet the sky.

She shuddered but then found herself in a different place. She couldn't see exactly what kind of place but it was bright, it seemed to be made up of pure energy. There was someone else in front of her. The woman from before.

They were the only two people there and then everything went dark.

She didn't know how long she stayed unconscious but as she stirred awake, she could see the faint glimmering lights of the men that surrounded her.

She was somewhere new, she wasn't in the market anymore. It was quiet but the energy was heavy around her. She realised she was surrounded by mages. She focused her powers at the one with the brightest light. It was warm, innocent but sad and confused.

She wimpered, her eyes hurting a bit. Instantly, almost all of them changed. Their energy became hostile, threatening. But the bright light stayed the same. He didn't change. He was close, she could feel his presence at arm's length. She reached out to him but someone grabbed her wrist harshly.

"Stay back, Seo Yul! She's dangerous!" A young man's voice said firmly. The bright light retreated a few steps back.

Seo Yul.

He was Seo Yul, her bright light in this new strange place full of hostile mages.

Where was she anyway? Why couldn't she remember? Who was she?

The panic flooded her senses, her heart pounding against her chest as she got up from her lying position. Hands roughly came to shove her back onto the hard surface.

Fear overwhelmed her and she screamed. The different lights around her flickered, but other than those lights, everything else was covered in darkness.

She couldn't see she realised. Was she always like that?

She could feel them grow threatening towards her, and her mouth and throat soon became sore with screaming.

"Let me go! Please! Where am I? I don't know anything!"

She was screaming at the people around her. Mages. That's what they were. But how did she know that?

"Don't move!" A commanding voice said threateningly, and she felt something on her throat. It was sharp and was buzzing with power. She could feel the sword was drawn out to protect.

But not her. The sword was drawn out to protect the others from her. She felt intentions of the wielder inside the sword.

She went rigid and halted her movements. The room grew silent and she heard the soft but sharp clink of metal as several swords went back inside theirs sheaths. She held her breath, not daring to move her throat at all.

The same voice commanded her, "State your name."

Her name? Her name was...

What was her name? She had a name. She was sure she had one but what was it?

Another wave of panic surged inside her. She wimpered, her lips trembling as she shook her head as much as possible under the blade.

"State your name, Assassin!" The voice grew harsh. The man's light was bright and fierce. It shone with protectiveness and love for his commarades.

But he was calling her an assassin. Was she an assassin?

"I-I don't know." She whispered out. Her voice trembling with fear and confusion. "I d-don't remember."

"Don't lie to us. We know who you are. Your Alchemy of Souls didn't work. Now stop pretending before I lose my patience."

The voice had became harsh and cold, the energy inside the man was twisting with anger.

"Please... I am telling the truth. I don't remember anything. I really don't. I... I don't know who I am."

"Lies!" Another voice came from behind her, it was young, his light was flickering with suspicion and an intense need to protect the others. "A bit of torture and she'll confess to everything."

"You are right, Sang-ho." Their leader said. "Tie her up."

"Right way, Master Park."

A pair of hands grabbed her by her arms and hauled her upwards. She trembled, "No. No! I am telling the truth! Please!"

They didn't listen. She was dragged forward roughly and someone tied her hands together above her head. The different lights around her changed, the warmth had vanished, all it remained was cold determination to get some answers.

She continued to struggle, her wrists burning as the ropes roughly scraped at her skin. Tears were following down her cheeks as she frantically yanked at her bindings, begging them to stop.

"Begin."

Chapter Text

Seo Yul stood silent as Sang-ho tied the assassin, Naksu. The girl frantically fought against her restraints, begging them to believe her.

She was pretending to have amnesia but her face was full of terror and fear. Either she was a great actress or she was telling the truth.

He clutched the wooden bird whistle in his hand. It was awfully similar to his own, the one he gave away to the girl he met on the mountain years ago.

Was she the one? Was this girl the one he met at Danhyanggok?

"Stop!" Master Heo Yeom's voice brought him back from his thoughts and he focused his attention on the girl who was struggling, her eyes frantically searching for something.

"Where is she looking at?" Master Heo asked no one in particular. He came forward to look at her properly. Naksu still didn't meet his eyes or look at his face, instead her eyes were on his stomach.

His wrinkled hand grabbed her by the jaw and turned her face from side to side, as if examining her.

"What are you doing, Master Heo?" Their leader, Master Park Jin asked. His brows were creased up together in confusion, his eyes roaming the older man's face for answers.

"Look at me." Master Heo commanded the girl. But she didn't look at him. She searched for him as if she couldn't see.

"Look into my eyes." Again he commanded.

She shook her head, "I can't... I can't see."

Dang gu scoffed, not believing her. Seo Yul also was not buying the act. As if sensing their suspicions, Naksu shook her head furiously.

"Believe me! I am not lying!"

No one spoke for a moment, all of them observing her. Then Lord Park took out a dagger. He floated it in mid air and zoomed it towards Naksu. The assassin didn't even flinch as it stopped just a few inches away from her right eye.

Her face was filled with confusion and terror as she blinked innocently into space.

Then came another dagger hurtling toward her. This time it grazed her cheek as it zoomed past her ear. She hissed as blood poured out of the small cut. She shut her eyes and she turned her face away. She only reacted when the dagger made contact with her skin.

Master Park tested her several times and each time the result was the same. The girl was truly blind. But Master Heo checked her just in case.

The old man gathered his powers onto his hands and laid it at the girl's head. Naksu flinched, sensing his energy surging through her head but she relaxed into it. As if she knew Master Heo wasn't going to harm her. He soon let go and stepped back.

"She's truly blind. Her eyes can't see." He said softly, his voice full of confusion.

"Is it a side effect of the sorcery? Did she lose her sight because her soul left then came back inside her body?" Dang gu asked.

Lord Park shook his head, "No. If that were to happen then she'd have gone wild by now. But that hasn't happened yet. That can only mean she's telling the truth. Her soul has shifted inside Naksu's body."

"That means Naksu is alive inside her body," Seo Yul came closer as he nodded his chin in her direction. Lord Park nodded.

The Songrim leader fully faced the girl, his expression became harsh. "Tell us the last thing you remember."

Naksu, or whatever her name was before the alchemy of souls, the was silent for a minute, her lips pursed and her eyes staring into space. She shook her head, "Nothing. I can't remember anything. Not even my name."

Her voice was steady but there was a tremble of fear in her words at not remembering who she was.

"What should we do with her, My lord?" Sang-ho asked.  The girl perked up as she turned her head in their direction.

"We'll help get her memories back. That way she can tell us who she was and where we can find Naksu." Lord Park declared and they all nodded. The girl sagged in relief as she let out a breath.

Lord Park gestured for Sang-ho to untie her and Seo Yul also helped. The girl nearly fell but she caught herself by clinging to Yul. She let go as soon as she was steady on her feet.

"Does that mean you won't harm me?" She asked, her eyes on Lord Park's stomach. Her voice was weak but firm, her fears had vanished now. The tears had dried on her cheeks and her eyes were red and puffy.

Lord Park nodded his head, "We won't. We'll help you find your memories then you'll find Naksu for us."

She was silent for a moment then nodded, her eyes drooping slightly. That's when Seo Yul noticed the blood that was pouring out of her wounds. She swayed and before she could hit her head onto the marble floor, Yul caught her.

Master Heo came hurriedly by their side and checked her pulse. His face contorted with worry and urgency. "She's lost alot of blood. Hurry! Take her to Sejukwon!"

Yul wasted no time as he gathered her in his arms and hurried to Sejukwon, Master Heo following after them.

He laid her down on one of the examining tables. Master Heo came up to them and started to treat her.

He ushered Yul outside and the young man obeyed without a word. He found himself on the bridge that connected Songrim and Sejukwon. He took out the bird whistle he'd nicked off Naksu's body.

He couldn't help but think that Naksu was the girl he met all those years ago. Now that girl had become an assassin, she had killed numerous people. She had become his enemy.

He exhaled shakily as his fingers wrapped around the hard wood surface of the bird. Would things be different if he hadn't abandoned her? If he had gone back to Danhyanggok would things had been different today?

Park Dang gu came to his side as he clapped him on his shoulder. "Yul, I am going to go meet Jang Uk. He's back. Wanna come with me?"

Yul blinked at his friend and then shook her head as he offered the blonde a smile. "You should go. I'll meet him some other time. Give my regards to him."

Dang gu pouted but nodded. With that he left and Yul also made his way to Lord Park's office. He wanted to know what was his plan of action regarding capturing Naksu.

He came inside as Lord Park was discussing something with Sang-ho. When the leader noticed him, he offered Yul a smile. As they finished their discussion, Sang-ho bowed and left them alone.

"Good you are here, Yul. I was going to call for you." Park Jin said. Seo Yul waited for him to continue.

"We can't wait for that girl's memories to come back. Who knows when she'd remember herself? No one really knows she's alive. At the market where she was found, her heart had stopped."

At that Yul looked up to meet his master's eyes in shock. Her heart stopped? Then how was she alive?

The questions must be showing on his face because Lord Park provided with a shake of his head, "I don't know what or how it happened but she was definitely dead. But then her heart was beating again. That's why I assumed her soul had come back into her body after failing to perform the sorcery properly."

Lord Park shut his eyes for moment then opened them, "Anyways, people think she's dead. So let it remain that way. Naksu will come back for her body. If not for the body then she'll definitely come for her sword. We'll be ready to capture her then."

Seo Yul was feeling conflicted. For some reason, he didn't want Naksu to get captured. First, he wanted to know whether that girl was Naksu or not.

He shook his head to clear away his thoughts as Lord Park spoke once again, "I will keep her sword in the secret room, that way it'd be safe. You and Dang gu should be alert."

Yul nodded and bowed his head, "As you command, Sir."

He turned to leave but paused. Lord Park raised an eyebrow at him in question. "Master... Are you planning on using Naksu's body as bait? What of the soul inside the body? What if they capture her? We promised to get her body back."

Lord Park pursed his lips and nodded, "We did. And I intend to keep that promise but for that to happen we need to know where Naksu is. So, yes, I will be using the blind girl as bait."

Yul frowned. Master Park never put innocent lives in danger so how could he do this? Was he that desperate to capture the assassin?

"But it's risky and I think—"

He stopped abruptly as Lord Park raised a hand for him to stop talking. He offered the young mage a smile.

"Trust me on this."

Yul bowed his head in respect and left to get some sleep before discussing the matter further with Park Dang gu.

"Intruders! Intruders!"

It was nightfall when they came. Seo Yul and Park Dang gu had not anticipated it so they weren't ready. They were most likely waiting for Naksu to show up, not some trained assassins. He and Dan gu both engaged a group of people dressed in all black, into a fight.

He slashed and swished at the group, carefully avoiding their attacks. All of a sudden, a light flashed in the night sky like a second moon. The intruders halted their fighting and started to retreat.

Seo Yul was temporarily distracted by the flashing light, so he failed to capture the retreating men. A fellow mage came upto them in a hurry and informed them that the training center was on fire.

Park Dangu immediately went to the training center and Seo Yul also followed after him. But something dawned on him.

Why was the training center on fire? Distraction.

He changed his route and made his way to jeojinggak. The secret room was already opened and the place where the sword was placed was empty.

He hissed under his breath and went to find Lord Park to inform him about the sword. As he made his way to the training center, a young woman caught his eye. As she saw him, she started to run away.

Naksu?

Seo Yul followed after her but she was nowhere to be seen. He slowly made his way inside the storage room, his hand clutching the pummel of his sword, ready to draw the blade at any second.

As he came further inside, he found Jang Uk along with that woman. Seo Yul relaxed but the grip on his sword didn't lose. His friend had a hand over the mystery woman's eyes.

"Jang Uk? What are you doing here?" He asked his friend, his eyes still on the woman. "Who's she?"

Jang Uk stepped in between him and the girl, hiding her from Seo Yul's sight. Jang Uk looked nervous but tried to act as if nothing was wrong. Yul knew his friend very well, but sometimes Uk was unpredictable.

"I was visiting Songrim but a commotion started all of a sudden." Jang Uk said, letting out a chuckle, then gestured to the girl by his side. "My maid, Mu Deok, got scared and ran away so I was trying to console her."

Seo Yul's suspicions slightly subsided as he conversed with his friend. Moments later, Dang gu made his appearance. He was also surprised to see Jang Uk and Mu Deok.

After poking fun at Jang Uk, Dang gu informed him about the intruders, "They took Naksu's body and sword."

Naksu's body?

"What do you mean they took her body?" Yul asked alarmingly. But before Dang gu could answer him,  a young mage appeared through the storage door. He told them Master Heo Yeom was calling for them. They left Jang Uk and his maid behind to find the old master.

They were met half way with Lord Park and Master Heo. Seo Yul bowed in greeting and asked, "They took her body?"

Lord Park nodded gravely. When Yul opened his mouth to ask more, Lord Park shook his head. His eyes roaming around the crowd of Songrim mages in cuation. Seo Yul understood his master's subtle message.

He didn't trust anyone around here. But why?

"Tell everyone to gather around at the Training center!" He barked his command and immendiatly everyone dispersed. Lord Park leaned forward to whisper in Seo Yul's ear.

"There's a soul shifter among the mages. I am going to borrow Gwigu from Jinyowon. I want you to go to Sejukwon... Stay with her until its over."

Lord Park hurridly left for the Training Center, leaving Seo Yul confused more than ever. But Yul obeyed his order and went to Sejukwon. The infirmary was deserted as everyone had already left for the Training Center, but as he came inside the examination room, he was greeted by a soft voice.

"Hello."

He paused in the doorway, surprised to find Naksu, no— the girl in Naksu's body sitting on the table. She now had her hair unbound, her black hair cascaded down her shoulders and a blindfold was tied around her eyes. But her head was turned in her direction and there was a smile on her lips. She was dressed in some clean robes that Yul guessed must be one of the female servent's.

Wait... If Naksu was here then whose body did they take?

"How did you know I was coming?" Seo Yul instead asked as he came to stand near her. She smiled.

"I could sense you coming..."

Yul cautiously looked at her, still thinking if she was pretending to be blind. He leaned against the table opposite hers and folded his arms across his chest. He studied her for several minutes and couldnt help but be vary of her. She was so strange...

How could she be blind? She shifted souls in a healthy body like Naksu's, she shouldn't be blind. And what's the deal with her losing her memories?

"You do not trust me." She stated as if she knew it as a fact. Seo Yul was startled out of his thoughts. She was so wierd... How did she know how he was feeling?

"You don't remember anything?" Seo Yul asked the strange girl, hoping to find something about her. She shook her head and her smile faltered.

"I wish I could but I can't. I also wish to help you find the real owner of this body. I..." She cut herself off as she jumped to her feet. Yul also straightened. "Something's coming."

What? Seo Yul looked around in alarm, grabbing his swords tightly in his hands. She went to stand behind him to keep herself safe from whatever she said was coming. Then suddenly, a dog leaped forward inside the room.

It wasn't a normal dog, it was made up of smoke and dark energy. Seo Yul realized it was the Gwigu.

Chapter Text

The blind girl and the young mage stood in the empty room facing the Gwigu. The dog growled at them as it slowly prawled towards them. Seo Yul unsheathed his swords and took a defensive stance.

He looked over his shoulder at the girl who had a slightly worried expression on her face. The Gwigu must have sensed the different soul in Naksu's body. Seo Yul went to attack the Gwigu but his swords slashed nothing as it went right through the dog.

It leaped in the air, ready to attack the girl who stood oblivious to what was happening. Seo Yul yelled out, "Run!"

The girl flinched at the urgency in his voice and threw her body to the right, crashing into a small table, knocking down the objects placed on it. She hissed as she clutched her side as if in pain, but she kept herself steady on her feet.

Seo Yul clenched his jaw as he frowned at the dog. How was he even supposed to attack something that has no physical form?

Gwigu again tried to attack the girl but this time Seo Yul sent a burst of his energy towards the dog and it tumbled away. Taking this chance, he grabbed the girl's hand and they both ran out of Sejukwon. He could feel the dog chasing them. The girl squeezed his hand tightly as she tried not to fall while keeping up with his speed.

"What is it? Why its attacking me?" She asked, panting. He didn't know where he was leading her, he just kept running. When he halted, he found himself inside the Training Center. It was empty. That could only mean they had found the soul shifter. He turned to the girl as he let go of her hand. She breathing heavily as she waited for him to speak.

"It's the Gwigu. It's a relic which detects soul shifters. It must have detected your soul inside a different body. You should stay here, I'll try to keep it from entering." The girl nodded and Seo Yul went outside, closing the door behind him as he scanned his surroundings for the Gwigu.

He waited for a few moments but the Gwigu did not appear. Seo Yul frowned as he waited.

Where did it go? He thought curiously. He then thought of finding Jin Choyeon so that she could stop the Gwigu. With that, he left to find her.

Inside the room, the girl who had no name, no memories and no ties, stood alone in the quiet darkness. It was so strange to feel things but not see. Maybe it was a special power given to poeple who couldn't see. Foresight in exchange for sight.

She'd felt the Gwigu coming before she even knew what it was. Just like how she recognized that energy to be Seo Yul's.

Was she always like this? Who was she? DId she ever had family? The questions went unanswered just like those countless times she'd asked herself in these past 24 hours. Will she ever be someone? Or was she to spend her life asking these questions and getting no answers in return. She clenched her hands by her sides as she felt the tears prickle behind her closed eyelids.

"Someone... Please tell me who I am...?" She whispered out into the darkness in desperation and helplessness. A name, a memory, anything... Please...

A light flickered to life and she yelped in surprise. It was hovering into the distance, she felt a warm sensation enveloping her like a hug. She didn't know how she knew it was like a hug but one thing she was sure about was that she'd been hugged before to know the feeling.

So there was someone out there who hugged her with warmth. It brought a smile to her lips as she made her way to the small flickering light. Her arms outstretched so she could navigate her path to the light. She nearly fell when her feet bumped into stairs, the light hovering just a few feet above it. She realized the light was placed on a platform so she carefully ascended the stairs and was now face to face with it as she knelt before it. It was warm, it felt almost alive.

Nervously, she extended her hand to touch it. Suprisingly, the surface of it was cool like marble, such a contasrt to the warmth that radiated from it. She felt it with her fingers and she traced some carving that felt like it was of an animal but she couldn't place what ot exactly was. All of a sudden, it throbbed like it was beating heart. She gasped but didn't withdrew her hand, because she was somewhere else now.

The place seemed like home, it was still dark but the feeling was like home. Like she belonged there.

"Come here, my child. All of it will be yours one day..."

A woman was speaking with love and adoration. Then she heard a small voice, a child's voice. "But I don't need all of this, Mother." The child said innocently but there was old wisdom in the voice. The older woman laughed softly.

"You might not need it but Jinyowon will need you. It will be your responsibility to protect this place when I am gone." The woman was stroking the little girl's hair lovingly... No, the woman was stroking her hair because she felt the sensation of someone's hand on her head.

"But why?"

"Because you are my daughter, Bu-"

The woman's voice was lost in the void of darkness as she was shoved away from the strange cool surface of the flickering light. She fell backwards on her back.

No! The woman was going call out her name!

"Who are you and what are you doing here?" A young man's voice reached her ears. She hadn't heard him before so that meant he was someone new. The man's energy was barely there, almost like an inanimate object. She sat up and looked in his direction.

"Are you a servant?" The man asked but she didn't answer. She was too busy looking at his core of energy. She had been in the presence of mages and the people who had no magic, and their cores were nothing like his. It was like the man was barely alive. But judging by his voice, he seemed healthy.

He sounded furstrated as he said, "I don't have time for this." He walked past her and then came the crushing sound of something breaking. The flickering warm light died out. She realized he broke the object she was touching, the object that had helped her regain a memory. She was about to move her hands on floor when he caught them.

"Be careful." He said hurridely as he helped her up, "I am sorry for shoving you. I was in a hurry."

She didn't know what to say. She was feeling anger, sadness and curiousity all at once. Her thoughts were racing in her mind. Who was that woman? Was it her own memory or was it some trick the object played in her? And who was this man? Why did he have to break it?

Before she could voice a single question, many mages came hurrying inside the room along with Lord Park. All of them felt a certain degree of shock, disbelief and anger. She stood there with the young man silently as a soft but worried voice said, "Gwigu's pottery... It was our family heirloom."

The woman sounded young, her light bright and innocent. The guy beside her had a nonchalant attitude as he said, "What kind of heirloom is so fragile?"

"Jang Uk!" Lord Park furiously called out the young man's voice, making them both flinch. His energy flickered from shock to anger then confusion as he shouted at them, "Who did this? Was it an accident or a sabotage?"

"I was just looking around and this girl was touching it and then..." Jang Uk trailed off, making other's fill in the blanks. Did this guy just indirectly put all the blame on her?

"Are you trying to put the blame on me?" She asked Jang Uk softly. He seemed to have leaned closer to her because she could feel his warm breath near her temple.

"No. Of course not. I am just making them assume things and not correct them." His voice sounded like he was smiling. That evil jerk.

"That's the same thing." She replied.

"Enough both you!" Lord Park yelled out in anger and annoyance, "Tell me girl. Did you do this?"

"No. He did. It's true I was touching it but he is the one who broke it." She provided calmly as she stepped away from him. 'He said he was in a hurry."

"Jang Uk! Come here! Trying to put the blame on a blind girl! Shame on you!"

Jang Uk withdrew away as he tired to get out of here. "I am sorry. I was looking and it broke." His voice was faraway now and Lord Park was also following him out. "Wait, Uk! Jang Uk!"

A heavy sigh came out of the young woman's mouth as she ordered the others with her, "Gather all the pieces since I'll have to put them back together."

"Yes, my Lady."

She stood there silently, not knowing what to do or where to go. She should get a walking stick to navigate her way around this place. She felt the woman come near her and her innocent energy changed into suspicion and hope...?

Was she mistaken? Why this lady would feel hope while meeting her?

"Who are you?" The lady asked her. She had no answer to give the woman so she stayed silent. "Are you really blind?"

That she could answer so she did, "Yes." At that the woman came forward and grabbed her arm. She yanked up her sleeve to see something but she let out a disappointed sigh. The lady then turned her head and touched her ear.

She swatted the woman's hand away, "What are you doing?"

"Nothing." The woman declared then left after ordering her people to hurry up. She tried to descend the stairs by grabbing the railings. She was nearly at the bottom when Park Danggu and a woman with strange energy came inside the room. They were talking about something but she couldn't hear them properly. Her feet met the flat surface and the railings ended. She straightened as she again outstretched arms in front of her to feel her way around. She really needed a stick.

Park Danggu came by her side and asked her worriedly, "What are you doing here? Aren't you suppose to be at Sejukwon?"

"The Gwigu came looking for me. Seo Yul left me here for my safety." She said as she turned her head in his direction, trying to ignore the strange woman who was glowing with shock and utter disbelief. She'd already met with a few weird things while staying here in Songrim. The woman might be no different from what they call normal.

"Where is Seo Yul?" She couldn't help but ask for him. It felt like he might be the only one who could become her anchor in this strange place. "Did the Gwigu harm him?"

Danggu chuckled, "No. The Gwigu can only harm a soul shifter." She nodded as she let out a soft sigh of relief. She then felt a hand on her shoulder and a jolt of shock went through her. Like she was struck by a small flash of lightning. She flinched away and gasped out, as she clutched her shoulder.

"Are you alright?" Danggu asked. "Is it your shoulder? Master Heo told us you had hurt your shoulder. Mu Deok! You should be careful around injured people."

"I am sorry, young master Park. But who is she?" Mu Deok asked as the girl tried to hide the worry from her tone. Park Danggu whispered out softly, "Don't tell anyone but she's a soul shifter inside Naksu's body. That evil assassin stole this poor girl's body and left her to die on the streets."

The girl's energy was swriling like a whirlwind, she was feeling too much all at once. "Are you alright?" She asked the girl.

The girl stammered out, "Y-yeah! I-Iam alright. I must go and find young master Jang." She hurried out as if the very room made her suffocate.

The young mage huffed out, "What was that about?"

"Danggu." She called out to him but she felt his surprise, "Can I call you Danggu? Okay. Danggu, Can you please get me a stick? It's hard to walk around like this."

The young man was silent for a long moment but then he found his voice, "Danggu? So informal... Um... Yeah. Okay. Come with me. Here, take my arm."

He offered her his arm and she took it as they both exited the large room. 

Chapter Text

Naksu stumbled out of the Training Center in a haze. Her heart was beating fast and her hands had turned sweaty. She swallowed hard as she tried to calm herself down. It wouldn't do her good to panic, she must keep a cool head in order to see this whole mess through.

But how... How was her body still alive? They all said Naksu had died but then how? Did her Alchemy of Souls actually successful? But she hadn't selected Mudeok's body, there was someone else she had performed the sorcery on. So how come she shifted her soul with that blind girl?

Naksu leaned against a stone wall, letting its cool but rough surface seep into her back, letting it support her in any way possible. She let out a shuddered breath. She had no idea what to do now.

Wait... If her body was here, occupied by the real Mudeok then who did Danju's men take? Was it a fake? A decoy? But even if it was fake, Danju would know unless Park Jin had a way to replicate her body with sorcery. Did he use one of the Jinyowon relics?

She had no way to know until she met up with Danju. She had to find a way to get out of here. She had to get her body back but she wouldn't be able to do it on her own. Mudeok's body was weak and frail, and she didn't have access to her sorcery right now.

But how come Mudeok was still blind in her, Naksu's body, that was perfectly healthy and fine. In normal circumstances, Mudeok would have been able to see and Naksu herself should have been blind since her new body was blind in the first place. But that didn't happen.

The blind one remained blind...

Could it be that Mudeok's soul itself was blind? But that didn't make any sense. It couldn't be possible to have such a case.

Naksu let out a frustrated sound as she clutched her head. So many questions and no answers. Everything went wrong ever since she entered Songrim. No. Everything went wrong ever since those four families killed her father.

Park. Jang. Seo. Jin.

Naksu gritted her teeth as hatred surged through her senses. Those people killed her family and everything went wrong from there onwards. She eill get her revenge one day. She will make them pay. All of them.

But right now, she needed to get her body back and to do that she needed Danju's help. She'll have to get out of here and tell him about her situation. Then the only hard part would be getting Mudeok out of here. She'd worry about it later. First, she'd have to find Danju.

She steadied herself with new found determination and went to find Jang Uk in the front courtyard where he was kneeling while Park Jin scolded him. The latter was red with anger and was yelling out every mishap the young man had committed ever since he stepped foot inside Songrim tonight.

She came to stand beside Seo Yul and her eyes immediately went to his other side where Park Danggu stood with Mudeok. The girl was silent but attentive as if she knew everything that was going on around her. As Naksu continued to stare at her, Mudeok slowly turned her head in her direction as of sensing her stare.

She quickly turned her head away. Park Jin went away after giving Jang Uk his punishment. Seo Yul turned to her and said with an asured tone, "Don't worry. He won't punish him for long."

"Last time he almost died after kneeling all night in the cold. His gate of energy is open just enough to keep him alive." Said Park Danggu worringly.

When Naksu pointed out that Seo Yul and Park Danggu could open his gate of energy, they said they couldn't. In fact, no one in the Daeho Fortress is alowed to open his gate of energy. A heavy silent fell upon them as she felt a flicker of pity for the young man who was kneeling on the cold stone floor of the courtyard.

The silent was broken by a soft voice, "The power he could wield if his gate was open... It would be incredible to witness that. It is a shame he can't."

 As Mudeok spoke, her voice was exactly like Naksu's yet it wasn't. Her voice was never this soft or this eerily calm. Like there was an old ancient being speaking with years of wisdom and knowladge. Was this really Mudeok or something went horribly wrong with her Alchemy of Soul?

Seo Yul and Park Danggu looked at Mudeok with a peculiar expression on their faces as if alos noticing the same thing she noticed. But they kept silent and after a moment they made their way inside with Park Danggu escorted the blind girl to her room.

 She could faintly hear the girl whispering something to Danggu and the young man looked over his shoulder at Naksu with furrowed brows. Her heart skipped a beat. Did she tell them that she was also named Mudeok as well? Or that she was also from the same village Naksu herself claimed she was from while inhabitating her body. But Park Danggu kept walking and soon both of them disappeared from sight. 

After a while, she was kneeling infront of her new master, Jang Uk. He stared into her eyes as she offered him a cup of tea. She told him she'd be leaving first. He expressed his surprise at that. He was hit from behind for speaking.

Naksu told him that he was loyal and he protected her despite knowing who she was and that was the reason he couldn't tell anyone anything. She then showed him the Spirit Plaque that belonged to him. He didn't say anything, he just watched.

"I will be safe thanks to you." She then leaned closer and whispered in his ear, "The people I have met so far only wanted me dead. You are the first person who tried to save me. Even if we meet again and come this close to each other, I will spare you."

She stood up and bowed deeply. Not because she was his servant in other people's eyes. It was because she was truly grateful that this man had saved her life no matter the motive behind those actions. She was truly grateful. Even though she had no one, she realized she was not ready to part from this world just yet. There were still unfinished goals and unfulfilled promises left.

She now knew what she had to do. She needed to find Danju so that he could help her get her body back. She accquired some fireworks from Joo-wol of Chwiseollu. She also found a way to sell the Spirit Plaque at the Black Market. She truly had incredible resources to get her hands on anything.

At nightfall, she left a message for Danju and used the firworks to signal her location at Danhyanggok. They will find her with the Spirit Plaque drwaing which she'll be selling to a black market merchant.

Park Jin stood with Master Heo and Lady Jin Ho-gyeong in front of the King and the Crown Prince. Jin Mu stood smug beside the throne, as if he had won a battle by capturing Naksu and killing her men. 

The King and the Crown Prince questioned him about Naksu and Sognrim's barrier being broken by Naksu's men twice. Jin Mu provided them with the answer saying there was a soul shifter spy in Songrim which was captured by Jinyowon's Gwigu. The King was also angered to know that the Songrim was responsible for accidently breaking the infamous relic. He then told them he was going to appoint Jin Mu as the Gwanju of Cheonbugwan.

They all opposed to it. They requested that the King grant Jin Mu another reward. Jin Mu then requested to allow him to burn Naksu's body to appease the poeple who were getting scared and agitated by this whole ordeal and he also wanted to keep her sword. The King granted him his request.  

Jin Mu excused himself and eagerly left to prepare everything. As cunning as that man was, he really could be impatient at times. Park Jin silently watched as Jin Mu left the throne room. He turned his attention to the KIng and his son.

"Your Majesty. There is something you should know regarding Naksu. We do have a way to capture her."

"What is it?" The King asked. Park Jin exchanged a look with Lady Jin and she nodded.

"We have Naksu's body. And she's alive." Both father and son looked shocked but they quickly recovered and asked him to elaborate.

"We used a relic from Jinyowon to replicate Naksu's body. What Jin Mu have is a mouse that has taken the appearance of Naksu. It will disappear as soon as it is burned. Naksu's body is alive and it is currently inhabitated by the soul of a young woman. We do not know who she is but we are sure that Naksu has shifted her soul inside that woman's body. As soon we recover her memories, we will be able to locate Naksu."

Crown Prince said, "How come you didn't tell Jin Mu about this? It could have saved alot of efforts on our part. And what do you mean recover her memories?"

" We didn't inform Jin Mu was because we simply did not have time. Everything happened too fast. We had planted a tracking device on the fake body but it somehow got disconnected. And as for the girl, she has lost her memories. She doesn't remember anything about herself."

He didn't inform the KIng about his suspicions regarding Jin Mu. How that man found Naksu and her men that fast was still a mystery to him. Songrim mages had lost the traces behind a powerful barrier and the next thing they knew, Cheonbugwan had found Naksu. As if they already knew where to find her.

"If that's the case then how can you find her?" The King asked with an agitated tone. Master Heo politely provided, "We can help her gain her memories. There are quite a few therapy methods that have been used to break mental blocks. I am confident I can help her recover her memories."

"Are you absolutely sure?" Crown Prince asked.

"Yes, You Highness."

"We ask you to keep this hidden because if anyone knew about Naksu being alive then her men might come for the girl and we might loose another chance at finding her." Park Jin pleaded his case.

The King was silent for a long moment but then nodded, "Alright. But I want to see the results soon and I would like to see this person who is living inside the assasin's body. Now."

"Yes of course, Your Majesty. In fact, she's here right now." Park Jin said as he bowed his head slightly, "Please allow me to go and fetch her."

With that he left to get her. He went inside a small chamber reserved mostly for servants that had accompanied the nobles to the palace. There she was with Sang-ho, her body was covered from head to toe with a heavy cloak. He beckoned his disciple to bring her forward. She looked pale and nervous.

Park Jin took her by the arm and led her inside the throne room. They halted in front of the Royals and the King surveyed the girl. She took off her cloak and let it rest around her shoulders. She bowed to the Royals and kept her head down.

"What are you called, girl?" The King asked her. She shifted on her heels and her eyes around the shadowy corners. Taking a deep breathe, she answered.

"I do not have a name, Your Majesty. I do not remember my name."

"Show us the mark of a soul shifter." The Crown Prince demanded. The girl fumbled with her cloths and pulled aside her robes just enough to show them the blue mark. The King and his son leaned forward and nodded.

"I see. Fine then. You have my permission to work on this discreetly." The King announced and then they bid their farewell. As they waited outside the palace for their carraiges to arrive, Park Jin noticed that Lady Jin was staring intently at the girl.

"Are you blind?" She asked her. The girl's shouldered tensed but she nodded. Lady Jin then addressed him, "Are you sure she doesn't remember anything?"

"Yes. I am sure."

Lady Jin pursed her lips into a thin line and after giving the girl a last glance, she left. They also didn't wait long.

Chapter Text

Songrim was in chaos at nightall and everyone was whispering how young master Jang was poisoned by his maid, Mudeok. She was being tortured for information on the antidote but she hadn't given it up yet.

Every second the maid held on, Jang Uk was getting closer to death. Master Heo Yeom was pacing in the infirmary where Jang Uk lay in agony, his locked up energy barely keeping him alive. Maidservant Kim kept crying and begging him to open Jang Uk's gate of energy so that his body could fight the poison. Her cries and desperate pleas did something to the blind girl. The older woman's emotions were so strong and pure that it was hard to believe this was not Jang Uk's own mother.

Hearing her plead for his life raised a lot of questions in her mind. Was her mother waiting for her and praying that she return home to her? Did she have a mother? Was she ever...

She shook her head and forced herself to stop asking these questions. It did her no good to constantly think about thses things. So she took a deep breath and tried to calm her mind.

"Master Heo." She addressed the old man and he paused his pacing. "He is not going to make it."

She told him as she felt Jang Uk's energy diminish by each passing second. Master Heo came rushing towards him and checked his pulse. A gasp escaped his lips and his worry deepened.

He was silent for a moment and then nodded, coming to a decision. Folding his sleeves up, he hovered his hands over Jang Uk's body and opened his gate of energy. A rush of cold air surrounded them and she shivered, taking a step back. It surprised her. Mostly, she had felt warmth whenever she'd felt a person's core of energy but this...

Jang Uk spluttered and coughed and heaved a sigh as if his pain had finally subsided. But she wasn't paying much attention to him at the moment. It was Master Heo that had ained her attention, the old man was growing weak; his energy diminishing every passing second. She rushed over, as his legs gave out and held onto the table where Jang Uk was lying down.

"Are you alright, Master Heo?" She asked him as she helped him up. He patted her hand weakly which was resting on his arm. "Y-yes. Yes. I just need a moment."

He replied, his breathing heavy and ragid. She helped him into a chair and just then she felt someone pass her by. Maidservant Kim also rushed past, yelling out Jang Uk's name. Was Jang Uk already awake? Was he alright now? What was happening?

"Master Heo? Tell me what to do. Who do I need to call? You... You are growing weak." She told him cautiously, her worries for the old man were growing as his breaths continued to come out in heavy pants. But Master Heo only told her to calm down and said he was going to be alright. She didn't believe him but she stayed with him regardless. She didn't know how long she stayed there but his breathing had became somewhat normal, though he was still coughing a bit. He seemed to have fallen asleep.

"I'll get you some water." She said as she felt around for the walking stick that Park Danggu had given her just this morning. She felt her fingers graze it and she took a hold of it and went outside to fetch water. She would have to ask a maid or servant boy for water. She still didn't know her way around this place, it was huge. 

She had meant to go to the kitchen but she found herself in a place behind Sejukwon. There were two poeple there, talking. Mudeok and... Master Heo? No it wasn't Master Heo... It was Jang Uk!

But how was this possible? The energy swirling inside Jang Uk was exactly like Master Heo's. Did he give his energy to Jang Uk? She was about to make her presence known when she heard them talking.

"Do not tell anyone about our relationship." Mudeok was saying, her tone strict and unformal, unlike how she'd previously converesed with them. "You will continue to be my owner and I will continue to be your maid."

Jang Uk was silently listening. She didn't know why they were having such kind of conversation but she had a feeling that whatever this was, it wasn't meant for her ears.

"Also, our relationship as master and pupil will only last until you become the best and help me get my energy back. Only until then." Mudeok continued on, "The moment I get my energy back and become Naksu again, we will no longer be master and pupil."

She couldn't believe her ears. Mudeok was Naksu! And Jang Uk knew this. That meant her real body was Mudeok's. Her name was Mudeok! She was Mudeok! She clamped her mouth shut with her hand to suppress the gasp that was fighting to get out. She clutched her stick tightly in her hand and tried her best to not make a sound. She shaking and she didn't know what she must do from now on.

Jang Uk's voice drifted to her ears and she fized her attention on him, "Can you tell me why?"

"Because then you should no longer have the reason to protect me nor should I have a reason to go easy on you." As Mudeok... No. As Naksu said this, her voice was steady but there was disappointment in her tone like the very idea of not having someone protect her was... sad.

"So you want to part ways once our business is done? I see. All right." Jang Uk had come to a desicion. Was he this desperate to learn spells that he was willing to accept an assassin as his master? She was wrong about him... She thought he was same as Seo Yul and Park Danggu. But no... He was willing to accept a soul shifter who had stolen her body and left her to die. He was willing t oaccept someone who had made a living by kiiling people.

She was being overwhelmed by anger and she felt immense sadness as well. She could understand the feeling of anger but why sadness? She didn't dwell on that feeling much longer. She was going to tell Park Jin about them. All of it. Then she will get her body and hopefully her memories as well. She wanted her identity back. She wanted her life back... However it was like, she wanted it back.

She turned to leave but Jang Uk's voice stopped her in her tracks, "What about the real Mudeok? The one in your body I mean. What are you going to do about her?"

Naksu was quiet for a moment, then huffed out a small laugh. "Don't worry I won't harm her. I will take back my body once I have regained my energy."

"Promise me you won't harm her in any way. I will not stand aside and watch as an innocent person is harmed."

Naksu scoffed and said in an incredulous tone, "That's rich coming from you. You are already harming her by not telling her about me. That she's Mudeok. You think by making me promise that I won't harm will ease your conscience? You are equally to blame if we continue on this path."

Mudeok remained in her hiding position, listening eagerly. Jang Uk didn't reply. Naksu sighed and said in an exaggerating voice, "I promise to never harm Mudeok in any way possible. I will return her body safe and sound. Are you happy now?"

Jang Uk must have nodded because Naksu stepped forward and commanded, "Now, kneel before your master."

The rustling of cloths and a thud sounded and she knew Jang Uk had knelt before his new master, Naksu. "I, Jang Uk, your pupil, will serve and protect my master, Mudeok, with all my heart."

Both of them were silent but their hearts spoke volumes. They couldn't hear what was in their hearts but Mudeok could. Her blindness only made her unable to see with her eyes but whatever this sight was that enabled her to look inside a person's heart was still new to her yet so familiar.

So she knew exactly what both of them were feeling and what their silence meant. Jang Uk was deeply grateful but guilty. He had finally found a way to learn and use spells, something he had wanted to do all his life, but he wasn't happy that he had to step on Mudeok to acheive that goal.

Naksu on the other hand... She was, for once, not feeling much emotions. There was just one thing she was feeling at that moment. Hope. If Mudeok remembered correctly, Songrim mages had talked about Naksu not having anyone. She was all alone in this world. And yet this woman was feeling hopeful at this new opportunity of finally getting her hands on her body and disappearing like she never existed.

Mudeok's situation was exactly like that wasn't it? She was all alone and if she were to disappear like she never existed, no one would care about her personally. Who was she anyway right? Just a vessel to keep Naksu's body alive, a bait to lure the assassin in.

As she stood there long after the master and her pupil had left, she couldn't make herself go and tell everyone about Naksu. The girl had gambled on both her life and Jang Uk's when she poisoned the young man. They both were desperate enough to gamble on their lives to achieve what once was theirs in the first place; Jang Uk's right to cast spells and Naksu's right to live in this world that gave her absolutely nothing in return.

As Mudeok came to this realization, she couldn't bring herself to tell anyone about these two souls who had gotten nothing out of this world yet they were risking everything to make a place for themselves.

Seo Yul thought he could finally have a moment to himself when out of nowhere, Mudeok appeared. She had been following him the whole day. She even barged in with him to men's restroom. They were on the bridge at nightfall and Mudeok was staring at him intently. He was growing agitated and annoyed so he had dragged her out here, "Tell me what's it all about?"

She didn't answer, she just kept staring. "I know you were staing at me from afar with Uk. Why did you follow me? Answer me!"

She flinched at that and blurted out, "I am in love with you."

Well that wasn't the answer he was expecting, so he stood there, dazed. Just then, she flung herself at him, her hands coming to grab him. Without thinking, he used a spell and threw her backwards. She was thrown away on her back and she let out a pained moan. In an Instant, he felt guilt wash over his senses. He didn't mean to do that. Just as he was about to help her up, the blind girl came to Mudeok's side.

"Are you alright? Is anything hurting? Did you break anything?" Her tone was as if she was checking up on her child. Both Seo Yul and Mudeok looked at her in a confused manner. She helped the girl up and turned her head in his direction.

"How could you use your powers like that? You could have hurt m- her body." She stumbled on her words. Seo Yul noticed it but decided to let go. He turned to Mudeok and said appologetically, "It was an accident. Are you hurt?"

Mudeok looked at him with angry eyes as she hissed, "It hurts." Before he could respond, she hugged him, resting her head on his chest. His heart skipped a beat but he recovered himself and shoved her away.

"What is happening? Why are you guys so close?" The blind girl said, her accusatory tone didn't go unnoticed. But Yul wanted to deal with Mudeok first.

"You must be after my breathing technique. You keep reaching out for my core of energy."

"I said I am in love you!" Mudeok wasn't a good liar. Her expression and tone wasn't convincing at all but still that didn't stop her from lying to him. She did the same when he had asked her about her nimble moves that same day. She told him it was because she leaned dancing at the brothel.

The blind girl frowned and she whispered more to herself than to anyone else, "I don't like it."

"You are such an adept liar." He said, sarcastically. "I bet that move earlier was martial arts too."

"I lived a harsh life. I learned a few moves to keep myself safe."

"Are you doing this for Uk?" Yes that could be the olny thing that makes sense. Uk must have realized that Master Heo gave him his energy. He must have been trying to control that energy but even that was going to be difficult for him without a proper teacher. It would take him years to master and control of his own energy, let alone someoen else's. He wasn't going to succeed even if he knew Seo Yul's breathing technique.

So he told her so, "So stop wasting your time. Get treated and leave."

He was done after that so he was about to leave when the blind girl said, "Three breaths."

He stopped dead in his tracks and looked at her. "What?"

Her head was turned to him, more specifically to his stomach. Her eyes were covered with a blindfold so it was no way she could actually see him. But she pointed to his stomach with her index finger and said with a confidence, "Three breaths. Your breathing technique. See... One. Two. Three."

Seo Yul's eyes widened and Mudeok also looked at her in shock. No one should be able to tell that. Not without touching his stomach but then how did she know? She couldn't even see.

"H-How did you..." He swallowed hard, not quite believing that she correctly guessed his breathing technique. But then was it really just a guess? "How did you know?"

She shrugged her shoulders, "I just... I just know it. I can see it. I know it sounds very odd but I can sense it somehow."

"Is she really correct?" Seo Yul pursed his lips as Mudeok asked. He nodded reluctantly. The blind girl let out a nervous laugh, "You should help out your friend. He is your best friend isn't he?"

She took a step froward and stumbled on something. She bent down and felt for something on the ground. It was then he saw that he'd dropped the brid whistle. Mudeok's face had turned pale and there was a recognition in her eyes. But before he could grab it, the girl had already picked it up. She felt it with her fingers as she had a confusing expression on her face, "What is this?"

All of a sudden, she let out a gasp and dropped the whistle again. She clutched her head and took a step back. "Are you alright?"

Seo Yul asked as he grabbed her by her shoulders. She nodded her head and tried to keep herself steady on her feet. "I am alright. That whistle must be important to you. Don't lose it again."

With that, she left. Both Seo Yul and Mudeok stared after her in mild shock and confusion. That girl never stopped being weird. He quickly got that whistle off the ground and left as well. He couldn't sleep that night. He kept thinking about the blind girl. Who was she? Was her intuition so sharp that she didn't need eyes or touch to discern his breathing technique?

No. It wasn't just correctly guessing his breathing technique. It was more than that. She knew where and who exactly was standing in front of her like she wasn't blind at all. It would have been hard to believe if it wasn't for the eye mask she wore. And that intuition didn't seem to work on inanimate objects. When she didn't have her walking stick with her, he had seen her bump into chairs, stools and even doors and thresholds.

It was almost like she could see the world's energy around her... Just like someone he used to know. Someone who was dead now. But what if... No. What were the odds that she was alive and were now living inside an assassin's body? The odds were one in a million.

There was just no way that she was Jin Buyeon. But what if she was? 

Chapter Text

"Three... Two... One! I am coming!" Her voice echoed around her as she looked for her sister. They were playing hide-and-seek. She was seeking and her sister was hiding. But she knew exactly where her little sister was because she could sense her innocent energy and her twinkling light.

"I am coming... Where are you?" She said in a sing-song voice. Her sister let out a squeal that was a mixture of excitement and nervousness. She smiled as she neared the place her sister was hiding. But as she moved towards her someone bumped into her and she fell.

A cold washed over her senses as that person came to stand near her. She never liked him, she remembered. But who was he? His energy wasn't corrupted but something about him didn't settle well with her so she never truly liked him.

Then the scene around her changed. The steady ground beneath her turned to a rocking boat as she found herself in the middle of what seemed like a giant body of water. The energy around here was something she'd never seen before.

It was overwhelming and so strong but she'd also never felt so alive before. The man from before was there but someone else was also there; someone she trusted and loved more than anyone. Her father. The other man was saying something to her but his voice was distorted. She felt her body move and the sky above her bent to her powers as she called upon it. Again, the man whispered to her, her father was silently watching.

Then all of a sudden, she was thrown off the boat and into the water. She screamed but that only allowed the water to fill her lungs. She reached for the surface, her father was calling her name...

Her name...

"...yeon! Bu-yeon!"

Mudeok jolted awake with a scream, her body drenched in cold sweat. Her chest heaved as she panted. She breathed in deeply and air filled her lungs. Not water. It wasn't real, she told herself. She was dreaming. 

Her eyes and head hurt, so she pressed the heels of her hands to her eyes.

What was that? A dream? But it felt so vivid and real. Was it a memory?

Who was Bu-yeon? Was that her name? No, it couldn't be her name. She was Mudeok, she knew that. But who was Bu-yeon then?

A knock on the door startled her but she caught her breath. Her mouth was dry and her heart was still of fast. 

"Yes?" She asked, her voice sounded hoarse. She cleared her throat as she waited for the person on the other side of the door to answer. It was Seo Yul but he was quiet as if he was hastiating to come inside.

"Seo Yul? What is it?" She stood up and went to the door. She now at least knew her way around her room so she got to the door without the use of her walking stick. She opened the door and waited for him to speak, she knew he wasn't gone because she could sense him there.

"I heard you scream. Were you having a nightmare?" He asked, his voice laced with concern.

She nodded and slowly said, "Yes. I think it was a memory. I- I am not sure."

"What did you see?" He said immediately. She frowned at his hastiness but didn't comment on it.

She shook her head, "I... It's nothing. I am not sure what it was."

He was quiet for a long minute. Then cleared his throat and told her that she should come for breakfast since it was already morning before leaving her alone once again. She freshened up and went to Sejukwon. It was her daily routine now, she always had breakfast in Sejukwon with Master Heo. He would check up on her and make sure she wasn't going to run wild anytime soon. He had also told her about some therapy sessions that'd hopefully help her recover her memories but they hadn't started yet. Master Heo Yeom wanted to do this together with his granddaughter so they were waiting for her to arrive.

After having breakfast, she found out that Master Park banished Jang Uk from ever setting foot in Songrim and he was also flogged 100 times for losing the Spirit Plaque. Mudeok couldn't help but feel a bit sorry for him. Well, at least he'd have Naksu to teach him spells.

She was cleaning the frontyard of Sejukwon in the early afternoon when Jin Cho-Yeon strode in. Her light and graceful footsteps halted in front of her. Mudeok waited waited for the young heiress to speak as she shifted her weight against the broom.

"I am here for young master Jang Uk. Is he in there?" Her voice was gentle but full of excited and nervous energy. Jin Cho-yeon's core of energy reminded Mudeok of her dream. The little girl from her dream was exactly like her. When she didn't answer, the Jin heiress said, "Hey, I am talking to you."

The little brat was haughty as ever. But she couldn't feel any irritation or even an ounce of annoyance towards her, its like the warm feeling she'd gotten from meeting her never left. "He isn't here. He got banished from Songrim so he's recovering at home."

"Oh." The way she said that told Mudeok enough that her smile or whatever excitement she was feeling had vanished. For some reason, she didn't like that this young girl was feeling down so she told her that Seo Yul and Park Dang-gu were planning to visit their friend today. The girl lit up like a bright star. "He's also asked me to tag along but I don't want to if I am to be honest."

It was true. She had no interest in visiting Jang Uk, she was perfectly happy in her small world in Sejukwon because at least she knew her way around here. But Seo Yul had insisted that she needed to go with him. She turned attention to Cho-yeon and offered, "Would you like some tea while we wait for him to fetch us?"

"You'd make me tea?" Cho-yeon asked as they headed inside. Mudeok let out a small laugh, "Yes. I am learning to make some tea. It seems you'd be the first one to taste it."

The young girl stammered, "Uh... I- I am alright. I don't need tea." They were inside the recieving hall in Sejukwon and after feeling around for a chair, Mudeok shoved the girl onto it. "I said I don't want it."

Ignoring her, Mudeok started preparing tea. The girl stopped her whining and silence fell over them. She felt around for the container that had tea leaves and dumped it into a pot. Then she carefully felt for the kettle that had boiling water, she felt the heat and steam and carefully took it in her hands. She poured the water inside the pot and let the leaves open slightly. As she waited for it to come to the correct temperature and then to let it steep, Cho-yeon spoke.

"You know, I have just noticed it but you speak like someone of noble birth. Commoners do not use such refined pronounciation." Jin Cho-yeon observed. Mudeok hadn't noticed it before but she was right. She did have an unique accent.

"I hadn't noticed." They again fell silent. She now had her tea ready and poured it into cups, she gave one to her guest. The girl reluctantlty took it and sipped. "Do you like it?'

"It's horrible." She gagged. Oh. She needed more practice. She wondered what she did wrong.

"You at least should have sugercoated it a bit."

"Where are Seo Yul and Park Dang-gu?" She mumbled in frustration. Mudeok couldn't help but grin at the girl's flustered state. There was something familiar about her, like they'd been like this before.

"Do you have an older sister?" The words left her mouth before she could stop herself. She sensed Jin Cho-yeon's surprise but that feeling turned to sorrow. "What is it?"

She cleared her thraot before answering, "Yes. I had one. But she's not with us anymore."

So she was dead. She knew she should stop prying in other people's business but for some reson she wanted to know more. "What was she like?"

For a long minute, Cho-yeon was quiet but then she soflty spoke, "She was kind, beautiful and a bit bossy sometimes. She always knew what I wanted without even me telling her. I think I was Unnie's favorite person." She sniffed as she finished, "She left such an impact on my mother's life that I don't think she'd ever recover from that lose. You see, she was my mother's favorite daughter. She could never love anyone like she loved Unnie."

"I am sure your mother loves you as much as she did your sister." Mudeok wasn't sure if that was the right thing to say. Cho-yeon laughed softly, her sadness evident in that laughter. "You don't know anything."

"You are right. I am sorry." She apologized and they again became silent for a moment.

"What was her name?"

"You really don't know when to shut up, do you?" Her voice was thick with emotions but there wasn't that sadness from before.

"Right. Sorry."

The air around them turned awkward as they waited for someone- anyone to come fetch her so she could get out of there. Her prayers were answered when Seo Yul strode in. He was surprised to see Jin Cho-yeon but he didn't object to her coming along as well. As they exited Songrim and into the bustling town, she started to regret her dicision of stepping outside her little world.

She didn't know where they were going so she judt let Seo Yul guide her. They stopped and the sound of softly rushing water reached her ears along with the soft thuds of wooden boats crashing into the stone. "Where are we?" She asked fearfully.

There was no way she was getting on a boat. What would happen if she was thrown off it, she certainly didn't know how to swim. And not to mention the dream she had. She gulped and took a step back but Seo Yul held onto her arm. "We'll be using canals to reach Uk's house. It's faster that way. Come on."

A pair of thuds sounded in front of her and she knew Gang-gu and Cho-yeon had already aboarded the boat. She backed away and tried to get her arm out of Seo Yul's grip. "I am fine here on land. I am going back to Songrim." WIth that said, she tried to run into the brightly lit energy of the marketplace.

Seo Yul once again seized her by her arm and said, "Do you even know the way?" That halted her struggles.

"Why do I need to go? I am not even friends with Jang Uk." She gritted out as she realized she was running out of ways to get out of this situation. Then she felt Seo Yul's warm breathe graze her ear as he leaned in to whisper, "There's another place I want to stop by on our way back. And this is a great oppurtunity."

She hadn't realized how close she was standing to him. She became concious of his every touch; his hand on her arm, her shoulder touching his chest and his chin grazing her forehead. She felt herself go red and a warm fuzzy sensation took place in the pit of her stomach. What was happening to her? Why was Seo Yul standing so close to her? Was this place that crowded?

"Young master, are you coming or not? You are holding up a line, my lord." Someone said in an accent that Naksu often used when potraying Mudeok. It must be one of the men who rowed the boat. Seo Yul guided her forward and told her where to step on next. His directions were confusing and not to mention, their close proximity as he stood behind her, guiding her.

"I don't know where you want me to step foot." She told him in a frustrated tone. Now both Cho-yeon and Dang-gu were feeling impatient as well.

"Come on, Yul. Just carry her inside." Park Dang-gu suggested. What? Carry her?

Before she knew it, Seo Yul had already scooped her up in his arms. She was speechless, dazed and no doubt, red as well. Again, that fuzzy feeling came back and she didn't know what to do with it. So, when Yul placed her in a seat beside Cho-yeon, she kept her mouth shut all the way to Jang Uk's house. 

Chapter Text

As their small party made its way to Jang Uk’s house, Seo Yul went through his plan in his mind. He wanted to check up on his friend after he’d received such brutal flogging but he also had another ulterior motive to drag the soul shifter all the way out here.

He still hadn’t let go of his suspicions of her being the long dead Jinyowon Heiress. He couldn’t let go of that tiny little possibility of her being alive. And if it were true, then the universe was playing a very sick game. It was well known that Lady Jin had not accepted the fact that her firstborn daughter was dead and was constantly looking for her. And if the one in Naksu’s body was indeed Jin Bu-yeon and she didn’t remember anything about her past and not to mention, she was in another body.

With all those facts, could he truly go and say that he’d found their long-lost daughter?

But the only way to find out was to open the gate of Jinyowon. And that’s the reason why he’d dragged the girl along with him.

They made their inside Uk’s house and immediately his attention went to the commotion in the front yard. Jang Uk was fighting someone and he was shocked to see his cousin, the Crown Prince was his opponent. He heard Park Dang-gu inquire about the situation.

“Fine. I will keep my promise and let you have it.” The crown Prince was saying and looked at Mudeok, “However, I must punish her.”

Punish her? For what?

His questions were answered when the prince said, “I will not forgive her tainting my cloths.”

Seo Yul couldn’t help but feel even more confused. His cousin moved and unsheathed his sword. It all happened in a blink of an eye. One second, the Crown Prince was coming to attack Mudeok and the next, Jang Uk had unsheathed his father’s sword to block his attack.

Everyone was shocked and surprised. Jang Uk swung his sword and the prince’s blade was cut in half. Even Jang Uk himself looked shocked, as if just realizing what he’d done.

Gu Won, the prince, looked beyond angry. “Jang Uk! I thought you didn’t know how to use spells but you have been deceiving us all.”

Seo Yul wanted to defend his friend but before he’d say anything, Jang Uk’s arm started to vibrate violently.

“What…?” Jang Uk looked confused. He pointed the sword at Gu Won and his eunuch looked both angry and shocked.

“How dare you point your sword at the Crown Prince.”

“No. It’s not me.”

Dang-gu fearfully and worryingly told Uk to put it down. Seo Yul also told him to put it down. Jang Uk couldn’t.

“What is happening?” The blind girl asked, and that’s when he remembered that she was also present there. “What’s this strange energy?”

Jang Uk started to attack the prince and the latter defended himself. Gu won jumped out of the way to avoid the attack as Jang Uk started to frantically swing his sword. Did he lose control of his sword or what? Yul didn’t know what to do.

Jang Uk suddenly swung his sword their way and the blind girl behind him let out a yelp as she flung herself backwards, as if sensing his attacking. Before Seo Yul could move and block Jang Uk, a wave of energy grazed his shoulder from behind but Jang Uk got the full force of it as it knocked him off his feet.

Seo Yul stood there shocked. He looked over his shoulder at the girl who had her hands flung out in front of her, palms raised. How?

 Uk groaned in pain but his arm was still acting up as both Park Dang-gu and Maidservant Kim tried to help him up and get him to lose his grip on the sword. Seizing this opportunity Jin cho-yeon quickly bound his arm with a binding bracelet, “It’s weight will your arm under control.”

However, this did not please the prince as he demanded to take it off. Seo Yul stepped forward, Your Royal Highness, he is no match for you.”

He tried to subdue the situation but his cousin was adamant, not quite believing that Jang Uk had no mastery or control over his own energy. They all started to defend Jang Uk and that angered the prince even further. They bickered among themselves as to what to do. He believed this was Jin cho-yeon’s doing since she provoked the prince. As he voiced his thoughts, he was met with Cho-yeon’s annoyed expression and she suggested to handover their friend.

All of a sudden, Mudeok fell to her knees in front of the prince and started to beg for his forgiveness for throwing chamber pot water at him. She also said that she was going to drink the dirty water to show her sincerity. Just the thought of it made Seo Yul’s stomach churn.

As she was about to bring the pot to her lips, Jang Uk fell to his knees as well and demanded that he should be the one to drink it. “His Royal Highness is upset with me, so I ought to drink it.”

He looked into the pot and quivered, “There’s quite a lot.”

“Just give it to me. I’ll drink it!” Mudeok said, snatching back the pot filled with dirty water. They bickered back and forth and Mudeok gave in. But before Jang Uk could drink it, Maidservant Kim also went to her knees and said he’d drink it in place of Jang Uk. The Crown Prince had never looked so disgusted by something like this before. Soon enough, Dang-gu also joined their ranks on the ground and offered to help drink it like it was jasmine tea.

He neared it to his face and nearly gagged as it sloshed around in the pot. Jin Cho-yeon gasped out loud as she covered her nose, “It really is the chamber pot water.”

The blind girl shivered slightly and scrunched up her nose in disgust, “Insane… All of them…”

Before Seo Yul could spill his breakfast all over the front yard, he stepped forward and addressed his cousin, “, Your Royal Highness. How could we possibly dare to challenge you? Must you let them drink that filthy water solely as an apology?”

“Damn it.” Gu won said in annoyance but he gave in, “Forget it. You are making me retch. Let us go.”

With he left, taking his men with him. All of them heaved a sigh of relief. As Dang-gu and Maidservant Kim asked Uk if he was alright, Mudeok quickly got Naksu's sword and ran after the prince.  He followed her and saw her giving the sword to the prince, telling him not to return. There was definetly something suspicious about her, she felt familiar and yet so...

"You do not hasitate to fall in love or brown-nose others for your young master's sake." Seo Yul said. 

"I could not fight him myself, so I splashed that on him," she said, not quite meeting his eyes. She then glanced at her hand, "I reek of filth. You should avoid me."

He offered his handkerchief so that she could wipe the dirty water off her hands but she refused saying she couldn't dirty the man she's in love with. She left after saying this. He did not believe a word she said. But one thing was clear that she was avoiding him, his presence made her uncomfortable for whatever the reasons. 

Seo Yul's plan did not go well. He wanted to make a stop at Jinyowon before going back to Songrim. But now that Jang Uk had unsheathed his father's sword, he wanted to go to Songrim and tell Master Park about it so he could be accepted as mage there. Everyone else was onboard as well. Seo Yul wanted to ask Jin Cho-yeon to invite them to her house in guise of checking up on the Gwigu pottery. In real, he wanted to check whether the blind girl could open the door to Jinyowon or not. But now they al were heading back to Songrim and he couldn't come up with an excuse to part from the group. Besides he also wanted to support his friend so he stayed quiet.

They entered the front courtyard and up at the stairs stood master Park, master Heo, Lady Jin and the assistant Gwanju. Why were they both there?

Master Park addressed both him and Dang-gu, "Did I not forbit him from entering here? So why did you bring him with you?"

Jang Uk answered for them, "There's something you should see." Mudeok handed him the sword and he unsheathed it, much to the surprise of master Park and his companions. Lady Jin even complimented him of mastering Ryusu so quickly. Jang Uk reminded master Park of his promise of teaching him if he managed to unsheath the sword. But Master Park wasn't impressed as he came to stand in front of Jang Uk and asked about the bracelet. He demanded that Jang Uk take it off and he did. As expected, Uk's arm went out of control yet again and he stabbed Master Park in the shoulder. 

Everyone was shocked. Uk ripped the blade out and began to swing at master Park again but Yul stepped forward and knocked the sword out of his hand.

"Bind his arm again." He told Cho-yeon, she quickly obliged.

Master Park looked disappointed, "What's the point of unsheathing the sword when you can't even hold it?"

Jin Cho-yeon looked ready to defend Jang Uk but it was the blind girl who spoke first, "Then teach him. Isn't that what you are suppose to do? You promised him after all. Besides, he has great potential and you know it."

"Yes. He even defeated the Crown Prince. He also broke his sword in half." Cho-yeon added. 

But everyone turned to look at her as if just acknowledging her presence. Master Park's eyes widened in caution but his expressions changed and turned anger. "I do not think you have a say in this matter, girl?"

Jin Mu stumbled forward in shock. His companion had gone pale in the face as his eyes roamed over the blind girl. "What is she- No. W-who is she?"

Master Park's eyebrows creased and he gestured for Sang-ho to take the girl inside. He tried to change the subject by bringing up the prince but Jin Mu wouldn't let him as he came to stand beside master Park and demanded to know about her. "Tell me who she is and what is she doing here? She looks like Naksu but I burned her body... then what's this..."

"She's no one. Just a poor soul in an assasin's body." Lord Park once again tried to dismiss the situation. Seo Yul could see the gears behind the Assistant Gwanju's eyes turning and he knew he was upto no good.

"I see. So she got her soul shifted with an assassin. And you didn't care to inform the Cheonbugwan. Have you been hiding her in here?" 

"Handling forbidden sorcery and rougue mages have always been Songrim's job. It has nothing to do with Cheonbugwan." Lady Jin interfered, her voice strict and firm. He turned towards his half-sister and looked at her with malice but just for a second. It was such a brief moment that Seo Yul thought he'd imagined it. He smiled at her and bowed slightly.

"You are right, sister. But they have intentionally decieved Cheonbugwan as we were the ones who caught Naksu and her men." JIn Mu said.

 "Except you didn't. Naksu is still alive out there and her body is perfectly fine as you can see." This time master Heo spoke, his tone annoyed and full of displeasure.

"So what have Songrim done to catch the assassin?" Jin Mu asked, directing his attention back at master Park. 

"We are searching for her but it's hard to have any information about her appearance as the girl inside Naksu's body is blind; a side effect of Alchemy of Souls. So she can't tell us how she looks like but we are searching everyone she knows." Master Park told him, his voice steady and firm and there was no hint on his face that he was lying.

Seo Yul slowly retreated back to where the girl was standing and whispered to her, "Don't let them know you don't have any memories. Just pick a random name if he asks."

She nodded. Jin Mu stepped forward and looked carefully at the girl. "Tell me who are you and where you are from?" 

"Just tell your name. No need to tell him where you are from." Master Park interjected, but added further when Jin Mu looked ready to argue, "We don't want to alert Naksu or anyone who might help her since everyone now thinks Naksu is dead. Naksu herself might also believe that we think she's dead. So we don't want to garner unncessary attention."

Jin Mu's mask slipped and his face turned red with anger but he recovered himself quickly, "Alright. Just tell me your name then."

The girl was quiet for a moment as if thinking. Seo Yul realized this might lead to more suspicions so he prented to encourage her, "It's alright. You can tell him."

"My name is..." She paused and pursed her lips, She cleared her throat and squared her shoulders to look more confident and said out loud.

"Bu-yeon. My name is Bu-yeon."

Chapter Text

Mudeok didn't know a name could cause such a storm. The way they gasped, the surge of emotions and the quiet that followed afterwards was enough to tell her that she might have made a big mistake uttering that name out of her mouth. But that name... 

Bu-yeon.

It just felt so right, like it belonged to her. She had only said that name because it had been echoing in her mind ever since she'd woken up from that nightmare. But now that she had coined that name as hers, it felt like something finally clicked.

"W-what did you just say?" The assisstant Gwanju, Jin Mu asked lowly as if the mere name brought up some bad memory. Master Park's shock had subsided and he quickly tried to avert Jin Mu's attention.

"Now that you know her name, shall we get to the matter at hand?" As he uttered those words, someone took her arm and slowly led her to the back of the crowd. She realized it was Seo Yul. Master Park continued, "Did you fight him?"

"Stay here and keep quiet." Seo Yul whispered to her. She nodded.

"I demand to know more." Jin Mu said, "But you are right. We shall punish the one who dared to point his sword at the Crown Prince."

Park Jin was again asking Jang Uk about his fight, his voice full of anger, "Did you fight the Crown Prince?"

Jang Uk replied, "I did." His voice was weak as he said it.

"His Royal Highness wanted to take the Gwanju's sword. It was a bet, my lord. Even the Crown Prince forgave him." Maidservant Kim tried to defend him.

"Despite his sword having broken, he still threatened with that sword! He put the Crown Prince's life in danger." Something about that man did not sit welll with Mudeok. He did not seem worried about the Crown Prince, the way his energy was swirly inside him, he felt... excieted. It was almost as if he was looking for an opportunity like this to harm Jang Uk in anyway possible. Did he felt threatened by Jang Uk? But why?

Was it because his gate of energy was opened now? Sure, it could be a reason. Even a blind girl like her knew the young man possessed extraordinary potential to become a strong mage one day. Jang Uk was like a dead man before his gate was opened but now, he was a completely different man. It was a positive change to be honest. Nothing about his demeanor or energy was threatning, he was still that same man whose energy was warm and glowing.

Seo Yul's voice snapped her out of thoughts, "We were there too.We stopped him beforehand."

"That means the four of you watched as His Royal Highness was ridiculed." At that no one spoke up, he continued, "This is an insult to the royal family!"

"Lock him up." Master Park commanded. "He is uncontrollable and dangerous."

"Yes, my lord." Two pairs of footsteps approached and took Jang Uk away. Jin Mu said lowly to Park Jin, "As soon as his gate of energy was opened, Jang Uk immediatly wielded his sword at the Crown Prince. Cheonbugwan will not let it slide." His words were laced with both a warning and a threat. He made his way outside but halted when he reached her, Mudeok could feel his energy near her. Her every sense and instincts told her to move as far away as possible but she willed herself to stay where she was. 

Soon enough, he and his companions left. She sighed softly, relieved to have him gone. Master Park and Master Heo also left. Seo Yul and Park Dang-gu hurried off after Master Park, no doubt to plead for their friend. She was left with Naksu, Jin Cho-yeon and her mother Lady Jin. She felt Lady Jin come near her and she felt her immense anger and deep sorrow. Mudeok frowned in confusion.

"Why did you say that name?" Lady Jin asked, her voice strained, she seemed to have been holding back. "I already know of your situation so I know your name isn't Bu-yeon. So why did you utter that name?"

"I- I..." Mudeok tried to speak but she couldn't say anything. Because she was dreaming about a person named Bu-yeon. Should she say that? "No reason. It was the first name that came to mind."

Lady Jin's anger surged, "You are not allowed to take that name! It does not belong to you."

Before Mudeok could stop herself, she said, her tone was clam and matter-of-fact, "I don't think it belongs to you either."

But Lady Jin remained quiet for a moment then said sternly, "That name belongs to an exceptional person. You do not know the weight that name carries."

She left along with her daughter, leaving her alone with Naksu. She had been silent ever since they all came here. Naksu didn't stay for long either.

It was nightfall and Mudeok was at Sejukwon with Master Heo Yeom. He hummed as he mixed several herbs together to make a concoction for her to drink. He had been giving her this medicinal drink of his own making to contol the surge of energy inside her body due to the foreign soul. According to Master Heo it will delay the process of her running wild but just for the time being. It won't stop it however. She had already accepted the fact that she might turn into stone someday and that day might come soon.

She tried not to think of her impending doom and focused her attention on the old master who was happily humming and working. She smiled, "Are you that happy that Jang Uk mastered Ryusu so quickly?"

He chukcled and nodded, "Ofcourse I am. He made my torrent of energy his in no time. He'd always been the brightest ever since he was a child. I am proud of him." He went back to his work. Master Heo always seemed so strict with Jang Uk but deep down he cared deeply for him. Uk was truly a lucky person to have so many people love and care for him.

"But I am worried about him." Master Heo said quietly, "I was visiting him just now, he looked down. I'll have to talk to Jin Mu so that he won't be punished."

"I am sure you all will help him find a way out of this." She spoke warmly as Master Heo gave her the bowl containing the medicine. "He is very lucky to have you."

She brought it to her lips and drained the bowl. She gagged at the bitter taste, she had been taking this concoction for some time now but still couldn't get used to the foul taste. They both fell silent as he started to put the herbs and ingridients away.

"Can I ask you something, Master Heo?"

He stopped humming, and said curiously, "Yes. What is it?"

"Why did they react so strangely to the name 'Bu-yeon'? And why was Lady Jin so offended?"

He let out a soft sigh and a chair creaked as he sat down. "Because that's her eldest daughter's name, Jin Bu-yeon. She died ten years ago." Now everything made sense. She felt sympathy for Lady Jin and couldn't help but feel grief for the loss Lady Jin must have felt. Master Heo went on, "Ever since that day, Lady Jin has been searching for her, she believes her daughter is still alive."

"Why does she believe that?"

"Because her body was never found. She fell into Lake Gyeongcheondaeho so her body was never found." He was quiet for a moment then reminisced, "She was an exceptional child. If she had lived, she would have been the most powerful preistness in Jinyowon history. Even at her young age, she was powerful enough to be comapred to the divine preistness, Jin Seol Ran who founded Jinyowon and helped save the world with Master Seo Gyeong." 

Jin Seol Ran. Seo Gyeong.

Why these names sounded so familiar? Where had she heard those names before?

"Why did you say that name anyway? It's not a common name." Master Heo asked with doubtfulness.

She didn't answer, instead she asked, "Was she blind?"

"She was. How do you-"

"Was she supposed to inherit the Jinyowon?"

He was quiet for a second, "Yes. She was the true heiress of Jinyowon. Why are you asking this?"

She smiled as she stood up from her seat, her hand clutching her walking stick, "I just wanted to know the reason behind their reactions. You should call me Bu-yeon now since I have already told the Assistant Gwanju that it's my name."

With that she left and made her way to her room, more specifically to Seo Yul's room since his was just a few rooms away. She reached her room and then counted the doors to the left of her. She reached the door and knocked.

The door creaked open and she recognized his core of energy. "Seo Yul!"

"What are you doing here at this hour?" He asked, his voice was calm but surprised was evident in his tone.

She hurried inside before he could stop her and quickly asked, "Where did you want to take me today? You said there was a place you wanted to stop by. Was that place Jinyowon?" 

"How..." He started but she cut him off.

"You think I am Jin Bu-yeon, don't you? And there must be something inside the Jinyowon that can prove that. I am right, aren't I?"

Seo Yul was silent for a long minute then he said, "Yes. You are right. I wanted to check whether you are Jin Bu-yeon or not. But how did you come to realize that?"

"You are a smart person, Seo Yul. You need proof before you can say I have found the lost heiress of the Jin family. And you can't go to Jinyowon unless you have that proof. So that could only mean that the proof is at Jinyowon. Is it a relic like Gwigu? When can we go and check it out?"

She could feel the young mage's surprise and skepticism as he struggled to form words. He finally collected himself, "Why are you so eager to go now?"

She came near him and whispered excietedly, "Because I also think that I could Jin Bu-yeon." 

"Why do you think that?"

"Because I keep having dreams about someone named Bu-yeon. Do you think it's just a coincedence?"

"No I don't." He declared, "We will go tomorrow and find out whether you are Bu-yeon or not. But it won't be easy."

His voice was full of worry and concern but Mudeok believed he could find a way. So she moved towards the door and smiled at him, "I am sure you'll find a way."

Chapter Text

Jang Uk and Naksu never failed to stir up some trouble every other day. It was at the crack of dawn when the royal decree came to announce the duel between the crown prince and Jang Uk. Both Seo Yul and Park Dang-gu ran to Uk to inform him of this and helped him escape along with Naksu.

Seo Yul told Bu-yeon all this when he had returned after saying his farewell to the pair. He didn't tell her where they were heading and she also didn't bother to ask. As they ate their breakfast outside, overseeing the small lake located in the premise of Songrim. Bu-yeon carefully took a spoonful of soup and sipped, as she listened to the buzz of life around her; the trees rustling in the morning breeze, the soft rush of water and melodic chirping of birds.

Seo Yul sat across her as he thought of a plan to get them inside Jinyowon to test their theory. "We need to think of something else. I was going to use the Gwigu as an excuse to enter the place but it's been stolen so I can't use that."

"We can fool Jin Cho-yeon to invite us." She said leisurely. "Tell her you want to have a look around."

Seo Yul huffed softly, "It’s not that easy to fool her. She may look naive but in reality, she can be pretty cautious when it comes to stuff like Jinyowon and it's relics."

Bu-yeon was quiet as she chewed on a piece of meat. "So? What have you thought of?"

"Just give me some time. I'll think of something. Don't worry." Seo Yul assured her and told her to wait patiently as he stood up and left to do whatever he did in his time at Songrim. Bu-yeon also finished her breakfast and went to help around in Sejukwon. She didn't do much, it was either dusting the furniture or sweeping the front yard. Sometimes she even washed dishes in the kitchen. She didn't remember if she used to do this stuff but the way her body moved it felt like she was doing this for years.

After spending the day helping around, she made her way to Sejukwon to receive her daily dose of the foul medicine Master Heo forced her to drink. The old master seemed happy as she drained the cup, telling her how the medicine was a success. There was a tone of surprise like even he couldn’t believe that it was working. She fought the urge to empty her stomach then and there, and offered him a smile. 

She sighed in relief as her body hit the bed. She was currently sprawled on her bed in her room. The day was tiring but also enjoyable as she conversed with various servants and staff members. It was only a matter of a few minutes and she drifted off into the land of dreams.

Master Lee stood over the sleeping body of the young woman who was emitting such strange energy that he paused, the ice dagger in his hand disappearing. He knew something was not right here. A great soul must have transferred in the young woman's body. But how was she still fine? She should've run wild by now judging by her weak body. 

He pressed his hand on her forehead and tried to feel the same energy from before but it had disappeared, leaving him more perplexed than before. He suddenly felt someone behind him, "Who are you?"

A young man's voice answered, shaky and scared, but he stood his ground, "And who are you? Step away from Mudeok."

Master Lee turned around slowly to face the man. It was only a matter of seconds before the inexperienced mage attacked.

Naksu was dreaming, or she thought so. Because there was no way that someone was performing another Alchemy of Souls on her. There she stood inform of her own body in that place between the worlds or whatever that place they entered where the pure energy flowed around them. Her body wasn't hers anymore because it had a blindfold on. She realized she was staring at Mu- No. Bu-yeon. The one who was making Naksu's body her own by every passing day; just like how Naksu had done with Mudeok's body.

Her usual red assassin robes were now replaced with rough rags of servant cloths; her usually tightly bound hair were flowing behind her back on a phantom wind.

Naksu felt like she was being trapped in this place as she tried to wake up.

She continued to stare at the girl as she came closer to her. Naksu wanted to back away but she was rooted to her place. The girl smiled, "I can't wait any longer."

"W-what?" Naksu was startled as she spoke. She didn't know it was even possible to speak in a place like this.

"You must give me my body back as soon as possible or you might lose yours forever."

A shiver went up her spine at her words. It was just dream... Just a silly little dream... It wasn't real. Wake up... Wake up!

Just like that, Naksu jolted awake. 

Seo Yul knocked at the door of Bu-yeon's room in the middle of night as he felt the strange energy around her. There was no answer so he was about to leave when he heard her whimper. He knocked again.

"Bu-yeon? Are you alright?" Again, no answer.

Making up his mind, he opened the door to her room and entered. There she lay on her bed, whimpering and drenched in sweat. Like she was having a bad dream. He tried to wake her up but her body was surrounded by that strange energy he'd felt before. He didn't know what to do as he called out to her, growing anxious. All of a sudden, the energy around her disappeared and she calmed down, and her eyes flew open.

She jolted awake in her bed, nearly knocking her head against Seo Yul's but he moved away quickly. She exhaled heavily and looked around at him, her eyes unfocused. "Seo Yul?"

"Are you alright?" He asked her.

"What happened?" 

He was surprised by her question, "What do you mean 'what happened'? I should be the one asking you that?"

She shook her head slowly and mumbled, "I... I don't know. It was so strange. It was like someone else was speaking through me. It was such a weird dream."

Seo Yul couldn't understand what she meant by that. "Dream? What kind of dream?"

She sighed but didn't answer. She got up and took a hold of her walking stick, "I need some air. My head is hurting."

Seo Yul didn't want to press anymore so he nodded and gave her space to move to towards the door. He'll inquire more about it in the morning, but she might not even know anything. Maybe she did it subconsciously or something. The sound of wood hitting the floor startled him out of his thoughts and he realized that Bu-yeon dropped her walking stick.

He was about to pick it up when she hunched over in pain, a whimper escaping her lips. He immediately came to her side and saw her clutching at her heart. "What is it? Where does it hurt?"

She started to breath heavily as she let out a small cry. "Is it your heart?" He asked as he tried to steady her on her feet.

Bu-yeon shook her head, "No... No. A-above the heart... I-it's... burning!" She cried out as tears formed in her eyes.

Seo Yul didn't waste another second and gathered her up in his arms and ran to Sejukwon. He burst through the doors and called out to Master Heo Yeom.

"Master Heo! Physician Seo! Anyone!" He realized that Bu-yeon was burning up and he grew more anxious and worried. Physician Seo came running inside, hurriedly tying his outer robes as he told Yul to lay her on the table.

He pressed his hand on her forehead and asked her where it was hurting. She pointed out at the area just above her heart and Seo Yul realized that it was same spot where her blue mark was. Physician Seo pulled aside her robes to check the mark and was startled as he gasped. He backed away and looked shocked as he quickly went to fetch Master Heo.

"What is it?" Seo Yul called out after him but he was already gone.

He looked at Bu-yeon who was still crying out in pain and took her hand in his. Her eyes fluttered open as she turned her head to him, "Seo Yul."

"It's going to be alright. Master Heo will treat you soon. Hang in there." He tried to offer her a few words of comfort but he didn't know whether they were the right words or not. Soon, Master Heo showed up, looking sleepy and tired.

"What do you mean her mark is fading?" Master Heo asked his subordinate as he came up to Bu-yeon's side.

What? Her mark is fading...? But how?

Master Heo pulled aside her robes and thats when Seo Yul took a glimpse of the blue mark. The physician was right. It was fading. The first time Seo Yul had seen that mark it was bright blue like the afternoon sky but now it was dim... Like an old stain. What was happening? Was she... No way...

"Is she going to run wild?" Seo Yul asked a puzzled Master Heo was still checking the mark. The old master did not reply, instead he gathered some energy in his hands and spread it over her heart. He was silent for a while as he concentrated. He exhaled sharply as stopped and ordered Physician Seo to get him a calming tonic while he picked up an acupuncture needle. Physician Seo made Bu-yeon drink the tonic and her expression softened. Master Heo stuck the needle in the middle of her arm and her body went limp, seemingly passed out.

The old man heaved a sigh as he took a deep breath. "What's going on?" Seo Yul asked.

"I don't know." Master Heo answered grimly. That wasn't the answer Seo Yul was expecting. 

"I have never seen anything like this before." Master Heo continued, "She isn't running wild but this is not normal either. Her has faded a bit and I don't know what that means."

The old man looked troubled and tired, muttering to himself about what could cause such a thing. He excused himself by saying he needed to study on this and left. Seo Yul was left alone with a sleeping Bu-yeon who had a serene expression on her face, the pain long gone. He exhaled softly and rubbed his face with hands as he sank into a nearby chair.

He kept an eye on her just in case. He found himself staring at her, and in that moment, he realized how pretty and beautiful she was.  

Chapter Text

Bu-yeon woke up with a headache. She didn't know where she was but it definitely wasn't her room. She whimpered as she sat up, the bed beneath her was hard. She soon realized it was an examination table in Sejukwon.

What happened to her? How did she end up here?

Then she remembered, about the strange dream, the pain, then Seo Yul...

She sensed him near her, he was there with her. There was a gentle, soft sound someone breathing. She turned her head towards the warm energy that radiated from him and realized he was sleeping.

Her heart skipped a bit at the realization that he was by her side all this time while she was unconscious. She couldn't help the smile that graced her lips.

Seo Yul took a sharp breath and it seemed like he was awake now.

"Bu-yeon, how are you feeling?" He inquired, his voice was calm hyt she could detect a hint of concern as well.

"I am feeling alright now. What happened to me?" She asked as she remembered the pain she felt just above her heart.

Yul was quiet for a few seconds as if not knowing how to answer her. "What is it? Is it something bad?"

"No." He answered quickly but then sputtered, "Well, not exactly... I- we- I mean Master Heo is not sure what happened. But he said that your blue mark is fading."

Bu-yeon was left confused. Seo Yul's explanation gave her more questions than amswers. First she didn't know what blue looked like. Second, what will happen to her now? Third, did that mean she was going to run wild and someone had to put her down for good?

She swallowed the lump that formed at the back of her throat, and willed her voice to be steady when she spoke, "Am I going to die?"

It was barely a whisper, she didn't know she could sound so weak. She felt Seo Yul coming closer to her and she was slightly taken aback when he boldly took her hand in his and gently squeezed.

"No. You are not." He said firmly. "I don't know whats happening to you but I'll try everything in my power to track down Naksu. So that you guys can shift back."

The promise in his voice was like line etched in stone. It felt like he would truly do this for her. Her heart swelled up in happiness and her heart started to beat faster.

But she knew already who and where Naksu was. Should she tell Seo Yul everything? If she didn't, she might die. They both could, her and Naksu. She had decided to give Namsu and Jang Uk a chance to make a way for themselves but was she really going to risk her life for this?

The smart thing would be to tell Seo Yul everything and then she could have her body back and not be constantly in fear of dying.

"Seo Yul." She grasped his hand tightly.

"What is it?"

"I need to tell you something. I- I know where N-" She was cut off by the untimely entrance of Master Heo Yeom. He was both relieved and delighted to see her awake.

"Good. Good. You are awake! I am so glad. I was worried you might take a day or two to recover but you are already feeling better."

Bu-yeon let go of Seo Yul's hand and fully turned her attention on Master Heo. "How long was I unconscious for?"

She realized she never asked Seo Yul about this. Master Yeom provided, "Just a few hours. Seo Yul brought you in in the middle of the night and now it's morning."

Oh so it hadn't been long. That was a relief. Master Heo told her even though she had recovered from the pain, she was still weak and needed to rest. He gave her different types of foul tasting medicines and she begrudgingly drank them.

She almost gagged at the foul taste and she could hear Seo Yul's muffled laughter. She grew slightly annoyed at that and shoved the empty medicine bowl in his direction, "Why don't you try this sometimes huh?"

This time, he laughed out loud but quickly contained himself. He cleared his throat and excused himself saying he had accompany Master Park to Cheonbugwan.

She didn't see him for the rest of day. She mostly spent her day either sleeping or exploring Songrim. The days she had spent cooped up inside, she had explored every corner of Songrim by now. First she had felt Somgrim was huge but now it felt small. She kept wondering what other place would be like.

She liked her time in Songrim but she was getting bored now. Everyone was nice to her here but she felt something was missing. What? She didn't know.

Currently, she was sitting by the pond, just feeling the cool water flow between her fingers. It felt extremely relaxing and calm in a way she didn't expect. She had thought only living things possessed a core of energy but dhe was wrong. Natural things like water, fire and even trees had subtle energy around them.

As she felt the water around her fingers, she could feel the faint energy inside. She liked it, it was cool, soothing and calm. But that calmness was broken by a certain someone.

Park Danggu came out of nowhere and in an attempt to startle her, said in a loud voice, "What are you doing?"

She yelped and flung her hands out to shove him away on instinct. Water splashed everywhere and Danggu groaned out in pain along with a wet thudding sound. Did he fall into the pond? But the pond was to her right and the sound came from her left.

"Park Danggu? Are you alright? Are you hurt?" She asked with concern.

"H-how did you do that?" Danggu asked with a surprised tone. "Did you just use sorcery?"

What? Sorcery?

"What are you talking about?" She was confused at his line of questioning as she came to help him up by offering him her hand. "Did you hit your head?"

"L-look at me! I am all wet! A-and I was at least 5 feet away from you. It felt like someone hit me with a bucket full of water!" Danggu hysterically explained, his voice growing louder and louder as he went on. "That was Chisu level stuff!"

She had no idea what he was talking about but she tried to help him nonetheless. "Let me first help you up alright? Come on..."

He cut her off and said, "Stay there! I am alright now!"

He let out an awkward chuckle and tried to lighten up the mood by saying, "It's fine. I am fine. G-good night!"

She was left dumbfounded and wondered what just happened?

The next morning Seo Yul found her while she was helping out in the kitchen after breakfast. She was surprised to find him there and wondered why he was looking for her. He asked to talk to her after she was done with her chores so when she was finally done, she found him waiting for her outside.

"What is it?" She asked. He took her by the arm and led her to a more private area where no one could eavesdrop on them. As the more seconds went by, Bu-yeon grew anxious. She had no idea why Seo Yul was acting this way and that had her concerned. They stopped in front of an abandoned residential area.

"Park Danggu told me about last night." He stated, "He told me you used sorcery to manipulate the water. I would've had a hard time believing it if I hadn't experienced it first hand myself."

What? What was he talking about? Why did they seem to think she could use sorcery when she herself had no idea about it?

When she kept quiet, Seo Yul went on, "I know you can use sorcery. You used it against Jang Uk when he couldn't control his sword and you used a shield to protect yourself. I thought I had imagined it because it was so brief but now this incident with Danggu, I know what I felt then. So don't even bother to deny it."

She could feel the distrust he was feeling and there was another feeling as well... Hurt? It was faint but it was there.

"You don't trust me. You won't believe me." She stated softly as she turned her head away from him. She didn't want to look at his core of energy at the moment, she didn't like that Seo Yul was feeling such an emotion for her.

"Try me." His tone was cold.

She let out a soft sigh, "I don't know. I had no idea this was happening. I mean, I have no memory of who I am and no one has taught me how to use sorcery here. So I don't know what you are talking about."

He scoffed, "You don't know. You really want me to believe that? No one uses sorcery subconsciously, one has to be of sound mind to even control a little fragment of it. Look at what happened to Jang Uk. He had no training for how to properly use sorcery or the right mindset for using it, that's why his hand became like that."

She knew he wouldn't believe her. He had already made up his mind about not believing in her and trusting her.

"I really don't know. It's up to you whether you believe me or not." She calmly said but she couldn't hide the hurt that she felt in her heart, "I thought we had established a bit of trust in each other, Seo Yul. I thought we were..."

She stopped herself from finishing her sentence and she shook her bead slightly. "Nevermind. I am disappointed in you, Seo Yul."

With that, she left him there and made her way to her room. She didn't know Seo Yul's distrust in her would bother her this much. She had no idea what to do with this painful feeling in her heart. She felt like crying but at the same time, she didn't want to cry because of Seo Yul. She was angry and hurt and she didn't know what to do with these feelings.

Seo Yul had never expected that her words could bother him this much. He shouldn't even care what she thought of him but here he was feeling like a total jerk.

I am disappointed in you, Seo Yul.

Her words echoed in his ears and he couldn't forget the way her voice quivered at the end. He sat down on the dirty stone steps of the abandoned residence and sharply exhaled. Maybe he was wrong. Maybe she truly didn't know what was happening or how she was doing it.

She wasn't exactly 'normal' after all. She was probably the first soul shifter whose mark was fading away while being another's body. She was also blind when she shouldn't be.

He shouldn't have confronted her the way he did. He should have believed her or at least given her the benefit of doubt.

I am disappointed in you, Seo Yul.

He ran a hand through his hair and let out a frustrated sigh. Why was he bothered by that so much? Sure he didn't like to hurt anyone's feelings but he had been harsh to others sometimes. And he had always been able to shake off this feeling so why couldn't he now?

I am disappointed in you, Seo Yul.

"Damn it."

Bu-yeon was startled by the knock on her door so she quickly sat up in her bed. When she sensed it was Seo Yul, she grew anxious.

What did he want now? Was he here to interrogate her again?

"Bu-yeon, please open the door. I know you are in there."

She didn't want to open the door. She didn't want to talk to him or feel his distrust or doubts about her.

When she didn't move from her bed, she thought he'd leave but he stayed there by the door. He was quiet as well as if pondering over his words.

Then he said in a soft tone, "I am sorry. I shouldn't have behaved like that. I should trust you. I know it's been hard for you ever since you woke up in that body. So I am sorry for not understanding and not trusting you."

She was surprised by his apology, he sounded sincere and it seemed like he was really sorry. So she got up and opened the door. His core of energy was bright and warm as usual but that feeling of distrust was gone. Instead there was sincerity and regret.

"I am sorry, Bu-yeon." He again apologized and waited for her to say something with bated breath.

She smiled as her hurt, anger and anxiety vanished. "I forgive you, Seo Yul."

"Thank you. I promise I'll make it up to you." He said, there was no harshness in voice unlike before. "But I have to tell Master Park about this, you know that right?"

She clenched her hands into fists as she grew concerned at that. She didn't know how Master Park would react to this new turn of events. But she nodded nonetheless. Seo Yul was a Songrim mage so he had a duty to report such things to Master Park.

"Seo Yul. Can you please take me outside?" She asked meekly, fearing Seo Yul might deny her request.

"Outside?"

"Outside of Songrim. I feel so cooped up here in Songrim. I want to visit other places." She said hopefully and waited for him to say something. Seo Yul answered as she expected.

"But it's dangerous outside for you. Naksu's men could be out there looking for you. I feel like it's too much of a risk."

She couldn't help the disappointment that bloomed in her chest. He was right but she was really getting bored here.

"You will be with me all the time. No one can harm me when I am with you. And besides, you said you'll make it up to me or were those just some empty words?"

Seo Yul was quiet for a long minute but then he sighed and finally gave in. "Alright. If that's what you want then I'll try my best."

It was the first time, she had ever felt this happy since waking up here in Songrim.