End of the Road

I know i'm the one wanting change.......but now that's its so near......I am honestly scared of taking that final step.........Eight years and what do I have to show for it? NOTHING!!!

I will have to cross that road....sooner or later......but it's better now than wait for later!

New Beginning

Kitchen Adventure 2

Korean Beef resting on a bed of nutty sesame flavored stirred fried short toge.

One of my more successful experiment. hehehe!!!

Kitchen Adventure 1

Cooking is one of my secret love...,...and experimenting is what i love to do but as a precaution I do consult a recipe first if I will be trying a new dish.

I recently came upon a recipe for Panjeon or Korean Pancake. Since I now can experiment as much as I like since I will be on my own for the next 6 months I decided that this will be experiment number 1.



Although I did make the not so serious mistake of not letting the batter rest for at least 30 minutes before frying it. But in my defense, I did try this recipe at around 12 midnight, so yeah I was hungry and so was my dog....can't spare another 30 minutes for the batter to do what it wants to do during that *rest* time.

another pic



Although it's supposed to be on the crispy side, this ended looking like your regular pancake. This taste good (a lot better than it actually looks) and the accompanying dip adds to the taste too (and I also found out that the dip makes an excellent partner to fried tofu too!)

Andy singing I LOVE YOU in ShangHai

Andy singing Friend and Love of My Life. His english is good and so is his singing. He should seriously consider coming out with an English Album.

Shinhwa and Friends

Spent half the day and night of yesterday with the Shinphil girls. We were noisy and spent half the time either eating, laughing, sharing stories and laughing some more. My face was flushed red from laughing so much. I know I only laugh like this when I am in the company of my high school friends (And yes we are as loud too!) but hell, loud or not the time spent with this girls is worth a hundred visit to the spa.

Stressed?, meet with a friend, laugh like crazy and do as you please, and believe me silly as it may sound it is WAY better than a luxury massage and facial combined (and much cheaper too!!!)

whoaahhh

didn't realize I was away this long!

Shinhwa 10th Anniversary Concert Spot no.3

Chapter 2-SACRIFICIAL LAMBS

CHAPTER 2

Lamb to the Slaughter

The meeting with the Elders did not go well and made an already angry Andy more furious. He found it preposterous of them to assume that just because he agreed to the marriage means that he would agree to assume his abandoned position as a Guardian. He even found it more infuriating when they all looked to his father and demanded that he control him. Andy walked out, not caring if they would open fire at each after he leave the meeting hall.

He wanted to go back to his hotel and sleep but he knew that he would not be able to get any shuteye at the state he is in, so instead he took the car he borrowed from his brother for a spin around town hoping that the cool air would calm his nerves and clear his mind.

Traffic was light for a Friday night. The wedding is supposed to take place that Sunday and Andy has a mind to drive straight to the airport and abandon the lot of them to their big ego’s and never ending infighting.

Ring…..Ring…ringggggg……

“Hello” He said curtly.

“Where the hell are you?” It was Minwoo, obviously not pleased with the way he walked out of the Council of Elders meeting.

“Thinking of running your car towards the Han River”

“Pabo!”

“Dad called you?”

“Yes, and he is not very happy with you right now!”

“Don’t worry I feel the same!”

“Were at The Blue Lagoon”

“Hyung I’m really tired right now, can’t this wait”

“I’m afraid not!”

With that, his brother cut off the line.
He stepped on the accelerator not caring whether he hit something.

The Blue Lagoon is one of the classier establishments in downtown Seoul. Sure, it is still a girlie bar, but its clientele boast of a who’s who of society. Their girls are also a little bit classier than the other bars around town, the food is more decent and so is their list of vintage wines. Minwoo took him there the first night he arrived back in Seoul. Somehow, the gesture was lost in him because he asked to go back to his hotel room 30 minutes after they arrive. He claimed fatigue but truth be told his senses despite his tiredness is being assaulted by conflicting emotions of all the people that is in close proximity to him.

Andy did not immediately step out of the car the moment he arrived. It is a Friday night and he is quiet sure that despite the steep price people need to pay to be able to enter the place, the place would still be crowded.

So many thoughts are racing on his mind, all at the same time and it did not help that conflicting emotions people close by are assaulting him all over. He can feel small beads of perspiration forming at his nape and forehead. His heart beating faster by the second, Andy made a feeble attempt to get a hold of himself by breathing deeply.

A tap at the car window finally caught his attention.

“Welcome to the Blue Lagoon Mr. Lee”

Opening the car door, the cold night air washed over Andy’s damp skin, which calmed him down a little.

Just as he expected the bar is full to capacity. Andy made a feeble attempt to shut off his senses and concentrate on the loud music. Because of the crowd, it took them a couple of minutes before they reach the bar. The burly man led him to a side door guarded by a pair of equally burly men who immediately opened the door for them upon seeing his escort. The room they entered is small. On one wall is a big screen where smaller screens are showing various locations within the bar. There are three other people watching the monitors. It is the security room, but his companion did not even stop to look at the monitors, instead he led Andy to another door, which led to a long corridor. It was lit dimly and you could barely hear the noise of the crowd partying their Friday nights away.

IT was not long before they turned another corner and entered another corridor, which led to a series of stairs. The stairs led to another corridor, with one side lined by a solid looking metal wall while the other side is lined with what Andy assumed to be bulletproof glass panels. They are now on the third floor of the bar and they could actually see the whole bar crowded with people from where they are. However, they did not stop to watch the crowd on the dance floor. Instead, they continued walking until they reached another set of solid looking metal doors. The burly man who is escorting him spoke a series of number while looking at small screen. Andy immediately recognized the voice and retina recognition software developed by his company.

The metal doors opened to a small room. It doesn’t have much of a furniture except for a bar in one corner, two comfy sofa and matching center table. A large flat screen TV dominates one wall. You can hear soft music but its source is nowhere to be found.

Five men are huddled in front of the TV, each one nursing a small glass of vodka.

“What took you so long?” It was Minwoo. Today he looks resplendent in a white suit.

“I took the longer route!” Andy said in a matching tone.

“Sit down!” It was Eric. He is the only son of Mr. Mun from his first marriage. Lean, muscular and with good looks to match, people assume that Eric is the typical rich playboy who wastes his time playing with his expensive toys while chasing anything that wears a skirt. Few would suspect that under the silent demeanor is a highly skilled expert shooter and swordsman.

Andy sat down and accepted the glass of martini that Hyesung silently handed him. He is as tall as Eric but much leaner. He has a small face with soft almost feminine features. This belies the fact that he is a 5^th Dan Blackbelt Master in Taekwondo and an expert shooter like Eric.

“How’s business doing President Lee?” Dongwan asked him in an attempt to clear the tension in the air. He is almost as tall as Andy is and is only a few months younger than Minwoo. But despite that, he possesses an air of maturity far beyond his real age. Like Hyesung he is also skilled in the art of Taekwondo and is also a good swordsman.

“Ok I guess!” Andy said this just so not to appear rude in front of his friends.

“How bad is it?” This time its Junjin’s turn to ask him. He is the tallest among them and has an athletic built with matching good looks. He is only a year older than Andy but like him was accepted early to become Old Shin’s student because of the powers he possess. He began training the same year as Andy.

“They want me to come back and assume my abandoned post as a Guardian”

“Not surprising” Dongwan said.

“They all got upset when I said they could shove the post up their ass!” Andy said this as he emptied his glass of vodka.

No one said a word for a while. Then Minwoo chuckled, followed by Eric and soon all of them are laughing at the absurdity of the situation.

The Council of Elders is composed of 12 representative chosen by the Clan Heads. They create rules and arbitrate between warring clans. According to the Guilds history which was passed on from one generation to the next, it used to be that only those with Manna are chosen as Clan Head and to become a member of the Council of Elders one must possess both Manna and Skills of a Good Guardian. But power and the influence that comes with it, which the Council of Elders posses can blind a man’s true sense of right and wrong. Lack of Manna did not stop some conniving Clan Heads from seeking to be a member of the elite circle. Use of violence, bribery and sometimes blackmail is often use by those that seek to have a position in the Council.

Guardians on the other hand are like soldiers, their duty is to protect the interest of the Guild. This usually means that any group or person who try to usurp the territory where a Clan Member or Members are conducting business are usually eliminated. Sometimes Council Members use their influence and use Guardians to settle personal grudge or to serve their personal interest. Use of violence is quite common and even though time came when not a single guardian possess Manna, they make do with use of weapons illegally obtained for them by the council. Although they report directly to the Council of Elders and absolute obedience is expected from them, Guardians are still expected by their own Clan to always protect the interest of their CLAN first before anything else.

Nobody knew how The Guild was formed, but it was believed that there was once a time when being born to a clan means you have the manna in you. Even Watshi’s a person born with really powerful manna in them, are fairly common back then. But greediness and the quest for domination resulted in clan wars that escalated to a point that some clans practically vanished for lack of a direct male descendant to carry on the family name. It did not help that only males seem to possess active manna. Because of this, some of the Clan Heads decided to create The Guild to stop the clan wars and put a semblance of order in the chaos they themselves created. As the years pass, less and less male was born with the manna until it came to a point that a couple of generations were born with not a trace of Manna in them. Old Shin was the only one in his generation to be born with it and two more generations passed before the six of them came along. Their birth also assures the birth of more clan members with manna. When it was confirmed that Andy is a Watashi the whole Council celebrated in anticipation for the glory he will bring to The Guild.

This placed the current Council of Elders in a precocious situation. Experienced has taught them that attempting to control someone more powerful than them is a futile exercise. Old Shin is a testament of that. He once sent all Council Members scampering like scared dogs when he blew their cars in succession by throwing a big ball of fire on each of their cars parked in front of the building where they are holding a meeting. The Council never again tried to enforce their will on him after that. The current Council of Elders now can only do so much to force the six of them to do as they ordered.

Suddenly Eric, ask “So are you….I mean will you…….”, he was at lost for words.

“Are you going to go through with the wedding?’ Minwoo did the asking for him.

“Will you forgive me if I don’t?” Andy answered while pouring himself another drink.

“You can’t do that!” Dongwan blurted out.

“And why can’t I?”

“ C’mon, she’s Eric’s sister!” Junjin said.

“Correction, step sister!” Andy said.

“So what if she’s just his stepsister, Tammy is a nice girl!” Hyesung quipped in.

“That’s the point. She’s just his stepsister, you all know I cannot marry a woman without manna in her blood…and besides, I don’t approve of this arranged marriages.”

“Who said anything about consummating the marriage?” Eric said.

“Do you honestly believe the elders will not stop bugging us to have children? We all know the reason they want me to be the one to marry is because they are hoping I would be able to produce another watashi, preferably someone more filial and amicable to their demands!”

“You have to marry her Andy, you’ve made Dad lose his face to the Council of Elders one time to many. At least do his bidding just this once” Minwoo said in a calm voice.

Andy did not say anything to this because he knows it is the truth. There maybe no love lost between his father and him but he is still his son and it is his responsibility to uphold family honor. Taught to them since they were little tykes in their nappies, family honor, and obedience to elders, it was something Andy has been trying to escape from when he decided to exile himself in America.

It was a while before he spoke again.

“There is more to this that you guys are not telling me”

“We will tell you if you want to know, but once we do that your in it too!” Hyesung said.

Andy finished the last of his drink and stood up.

“Whatever it is I don’t want to know.”

But just as he was about to step away, Eric stretched out his long legs and blocked his path.

“Marry her, keep her safe but don’t consummate the marriage not until you’re sure you love her”

“And if I do as I please?”

“Then I’ll kill you myself”

“You know that’s a really stupid threat!” Andy said nonchalantly.

“Andy!” Minwoo said in a threatening voice.

“Alright, I’ll do it!”

***

Andy walked into the Westin Chosun Hotel, feeling like a lamb led to slaughter. The affair was supposed to be low key, with only immediate family members and high-ranking Council Members in attendance.

“I thought this is going to be a small affair? Why does it look like half of Seoul is in here? ” Andy said. He is very bored now and the sheer number of people alone is driving him crazy. The conflicting emotions he can sense from them is tiring him even more. When he was younger, he would always throw a tantrum whenever he finds himself in the middle of a crowd. Some people might think that the ability to sense other people’s emotion is a gift, but for Andy, it is a curse that his been trying to master since he was a small child. It is one of the reasons, why he hates crowds and always sought solitude.

Minwoo handed him a drink without answering him. He knew Andy’s mood is not going to improve anytime soon. He has warned his father about the peril’s of inviting so many people to attend the wedding. However, his father did not heed his warning because he was too happy and relieved that a clan war was prevented from escalating into a bloody free for all, that and the fact that Andy finally came home. As much as he hated to admit it, he sometimes envies Andy for being their father’s favorite. He saw how much the estrangement from Andy has taken a toll on their father’s health. But he cannot blame Andy either for running away. The Council of Elders can be very ruthless and manipulative. The only reason Andy was able to escape unscathed was because of Old Shin. He warned them that forcing Andy to bend to their will is like inviting the devil to dinner. He told them Andy would return when the need arises. Old Shin is a cranky old man during his good days, but he was the only one who was able to cajole Andy into continuing with the required training to become a Guardian. He could still vividly remember the day a very scared Andy comes running to their old teacher when he accidentally blew a very large statue in the entrance hall of their teacher’s estate. He got upset over something and blew the giant statue to pieces. Andy was only 5 years old then, too young to start training. Training of future Guardians usually starts at around 9 or 10 years old. But then Andy’s power was already manifesting itself that early that their parent’s deemed it necessary that he be trained to control it. The old man just laughed when he saw what happened to his precious statue. All of them are baffled as to why he just laughed, if it was any other students they were sure he would end up with sore bottoms and will not be able to sit down properly for days.

Andy was about to grab his 3^rd glass of martini from a passing waiter when Minwoo grabbed his shoulders to call his attention.

“What?!” He said this without bothering to hide the irritation.

“Your new in laws” Minwoo said this as he pointed to the new arrivals.

Mr. Mun , Clan Head of the Mun Clan was impeccably dressed in a boring black tie suite while his wife, Kim Hwan Min is wearing an eye blinding golden shift dress and big pieces of diamonds whose price alone is enough to feed a small African country for a year. She would have been a very beautiful woman if it were not for her thick make up, which she uses to camouflage the fact that she is already advancing in age. Her daughter, Kim Eun Mi, followed them. She is wearing a hideous silver shift dress and enough diamonds that one could mistake her for a chandelier if she stood long enough in one corner. She seemed to know everybody in the room and greeted anybody who would pay attention to her.

“Please tell me she’s step daughter no. 2!” Andy said with panic in his voice.

“What if she’s the future wife?” Minwoo said.

“Then kiss your fiancé goodbye because I’m blowing this place up” Andy said and he looks like he really meant to do just that.

Minwoo couldn’t help but grin. He wanted to tease his brother a little more but worried that he might really panic and blow something.

“Relax….. I wouldn’t betray you like that!”

“You better not!”

The whole hall became silent when the last of the Mun entourage entered the room. It was Eric, resplendent in a designer tuxedo and a very pretty girl wearing a simple empire cut dress. Her shiny black hair is styled in an elegant French bun, with only a small heart shaped earrings and matching necklace set in white gold to adorn her. She was wearing very little makeup, which highlighted the fairness of her skin and delicate facial features.

“My dear brother allow me to introduce you to your future wife”

A small smile escaped from Andy’s lips. But that smile disappeared the moment Eric handed her to him and whispered to his ears;

“Don’t let go of her ok, she’s not wearing her glasses and can’t see beyond 3 feet of her”

The prospect of being her walking stick the whole night did not please Andy at all but he faked a smile nonetheless.

The ceremony, conducted by a Justice of Peace, was followed by an elaborate dinner. It was a futile exercise of patience on Andy’s part. Both parents and almost all the clan elders kept reminding him the whole night to make little Andy’s quick as if he and Tammy just need to pop them into the oven and instantly there will be little brats in dirty diapers running all around the whole hall. It did not help that Tamara’s mood is very solemn the whole night. Andy could sense both desperation and sadness in her. She spent the whole evening looking at the floor and barely speaking at all. His new mother in law on the other hand is so happy she looks like she is going to break into a song and dance number anytime. She went from table to table, announcing how happy she is to have a watashi for a son-in-law. It took a lot of effort on Andy’s part to avoid getting near her the whole night.

Eric’s anger is getting into him too, despite his best effort to keep a safe distance from his new brother in law. But as the night wore on, Andy found himself on the bar, with an obviously drunk and angry Eric who is nursing his 20^th shot of Martini while caressing a smith and Wesson with his other hand.

“Are you going to use that or not?”

“Too many fucking witnesses!”

“Well you should have brought poison instead, that’s easier to use” Andy told him nonchalantly.

“Thank you; next time I just might do that!” Eric answered him still eyeing his stepmother with murder in his eyes.

“What’s your problem anyway?”

“Step mother number 3 and her brat of a daughter “

“I don’t want to ask why, but I’ll ask anyway!”

“Trust me you don’t want to know!” Eric said this as he poured himself another drink.

“Can I ask you a favor?” He added.

“What is it?” Andy said as he helped himself to what was left in the bottle Eric is drinking.

“Keep Tammy away from that witch, and while you’re at it keep yourself in a safe distance too!”

“Don’t worry I will” and at that moment Andy caused a glass of champagne to tip over and spill its content on his new wife’s stepsister’s dress.

Eric looked at him and the scene in the presidential table and said “When did you become this petty?”

“Nope just bored” Andy said while grabbing another bottle from a passing waiter.

“Where’s Tammy by the way?”

“I don’t know, your stepmother took hold of her earlier”

“Shit! I told you to hold on to her!”

“What exactly do you want me to tell your step mother? , No you can’t take Tammy with you to redo her make up because Eric ordered me not to let you anywhere near her”

Just at that moment Tammy, now wearing her granny eyeglasses came running into them. She looked visibly upset.

“What’s wrong?” Eric asked her.

“It’s Mama, she got mad at me when I asked her when we are going home. She said I am not going home with them anymore that I have to go home with my husband tonight. Please tell me it isn’t so!”

“Would you rather go home to that witch?” He asked her.

“Well….I…But…”

“Your better off going home with Andy than going back with them!”

“But I don’t have any other clothes with me and Mama….”

“Your clothes and stuffs were taken to Andy’s house this afternoon, didn’t you packed them yourself?”

“Yes I did. But I don’t want to………….!”

Eric took hold of his sister’s hand and looked at the finger where she is now wearing a wedding ring. Gently he said;

“We already talked about this right? You cannot live with me. As much as I want to get you away from that witch, I live a dangerous life, your better off with Andy.”

“But…”

“No but’s.”

“OK….but….well….Mama….”

“Hmmm….” Eric murmured patiently.

“Mama did not let me pack Samsoon…she said Andy will not like it”

Andy kept silent even after he heard her say his name.

Eric then said to her gently “You can stop worrying about Samsoon now, his in my car waiting for you. He wanted to come to your wedding but unfortunately they don’t allow teddy bears to attend weddings in here”

With this, she gave Eric a bear hug, completely ignoring her new husband seated right beside her brother.

“You’re the best brother in the whole wide world!”

“Off course” Eric said this with a hint of smile in face.

“Are we going home now?” She asked absentmindedly.

“Want to go home now?”

At the sound of Andy’s voice, she jumped on her feet; then slowly inched her way behind Eric to hide.

“Don’t worry, he may be a jerk half the time but he won’t harm you” Eric told her.

“So if I’m a jerk half of the time, what am I during the other half?” Andy said in answer to him.

“Don’t play smart ass with me Andy, I’m not Minwoo!”

Andy was about to give another smart aleck answer to his brother in law when he saw his now step sister in law sashaying in the middle of the hall going in their direction. Eric who also saw her coming their way stood up and gently pushed Tammy towards Andy.

“I think I’ll call it a night!” He said this while giving Tammy a peck on the cheeks.

“Going home so early my dear brother?” Andy’s new stepsister in law said this in an irritatingly singsong voice.

“I do have a job; unlike some people I know who can afford to spend the day lounging in bed”

She did not seem to mind this jab from Eric and instead turned to the newly weds.

“I think I haven’t said my congratulations yet to the newly weds, Congratulations!”

“Thank you!” Andy once again put on his fake smile.

“Tammy dear, aren’t you going to introduce your sister to your new husband?”

But Tamara remained silent while keeping her head down.

“Oh, still so shy. Since my step sister wouldn’t introduce me, let me introduce myself, Kim Eun Mi.”

“Andy” he said curtly.

“Please forgive my step sister; she’s always been a scared cat. She’s even scared of her own shadow”

At that moment, Minwoo walked over to them.

“Oh, Minwoo…I was just introducing myself to your brother, because nobody seemed interested in introducing me to my new brother in law. I never knew you have such a good looking brother, how come you never introduced him to me before?” She purred.

“Well good looks runs in the family.” Minwoo said with a smirk in his face.

Andy smiled his first genuine smile for the whole night. Expect Minwoo to turn on the charm when needed.

“I hate to rain on your parade brother, but it seems I will have to be your designated driver for the rest of the night. My jerk of a driver drank one shot too many”

Andy knew Minwoo only wanted to make sure that they got back to his house safely.

“In that case I’ll come with you!” Eric suddenly offered.

“I thought you wanted to go home now because you have work tomorrow” Eun Mi asked him.

“Yes, but I have to make sure that the two Mr. Lee behave like gentlemen in the presence of my sister”

“Oh come on you two. This is their first night as a couple. I’m sure Andy would like to enjoy some privacy with his new wife”

The malice in Eun Mi’s voice did not escape all of them. Andy’s dislike for his new wife’s stepsister grew rapidly after they had this conversation. Tammy who has remained silently stood beside him squirmed a little.

“I think we should go now. It’s going to be a long drive.” Minwoo said.

Andy was glad to go. The whole affair has tired him and his sure Tammy feels the same.

The guests accompanied the couple all the way to the front of the hotel. Minwoo took the driver’s seat while Eric sat beside him, Andy and Tammy has no choice but to sit at the back and keep up the appearance of a happy newly weds.

A block away from the hotel Andy noticed four cars following them.

“We have company.” Andy said.

“It’s ok, those are friendly company” Minwoo answered him.

“By the way somebody wants to say her congratulations!” Eric said while taking out a big teddybear from a paper bag and handing it out to his sister.

“Oh, Samsoon!!!. Thank you, Oppa!” Tamara could barely hide her happiness at seeing the very rumpled and old teddy bear.

“That’s Samsoon?” Andy said incredulously.

“Yes!” Eric said this as if it is the most normal thing in the world.

The four of them were silent for the remaining of the trip home. Tamara fell asleep cuddling her teddy bear. Andy wanted to sleep too but somehow it escapes him.

Two hours after they left Seoul, they turned right to a narrow, dirt road that goes uphill. It took another 30 minutes of slow driving before they reached their final destination. A large, thoroughly modern house greeted them. The house belongs to Minwoo but he let Andy moved in when he agreed to return to Korea. He knows his brother prefers the solitude a house like this gives him to the convenience of living in downtown Seoul. The house, built mostly using stainless steel, glass and stone looked out of place. Old trees and thick bushes densely cover the surrounding area. The car Minwoo gave to him as a welcome gift and two other luxury sports cars that Andy did not recognize already occupy the pebble-covered driveway.

“What took you guys so long?” Junjin shouted from the porch above.

“Everything ok here?” Minwoo said.

“Yup everything, ok! Hey, Andy aren’t you supposed to carry your new wife to her new home?!” Dongwan said teasingly to Andy.

“If I carry her, then she sleeps on my bed!” Andy said this without thinking about it much.

Eric immediately took a swing at him, which failed to hit Andy because Minwoo managed to hold him back.

“I’m joking ok!” Andy knew he should not have said that especially since Eric’s sister can hear everything they were saying.

He walked up to the house without even looking back. Eric took hold of his sister’s hand and escorted her to her new home.

Hyesung threw him a cold can of beer lights as soon as he stepped on the porch. It would have hit Tamara if it were not for his fast reflexes. He deftly opened the can with one hand while he used the other hand to take off his jacket.

“I see you guys have been having a private party of your own here!” He said this as he looked at the empty bottles of soju, canned beers and cigarettes butts on one of the table.

“Well we just want to celebrate your wedding!” Junjin said in jest.

“Oppa!” Tamara greeted the others casually.

Hyesung, Junjin and Dongwan all gave her a gentle sisterly hug.

“How come the three of you didn’t come for the wedding?” she said this. She seems less shy now and even looks comfortable in the presence of the other men.

“Well we were busy preparing our wedding gift for you!” Dongwan said.

“Really! What is it?” She seems genuinely happy that they thought of giving her a gift.

“Its inside” Hyesung said.

Tamara immediately run towards the door and almost hit the glass wall, if Andy did not hold her back.

“Look, where you’re going will you! Everything’s made of glass in here” He chided her while he opened the sliding door for her.

“What the fuck!” Andy said under his breath when he saw what they were talking about.

“Wow!” Was all she said as she looked at the gift the other three has given her.

The walls of the house, which are made of glass, are now covered with cut out stickers of pink flowers, hearts and teddy bears. A giant teddy bear sitting on a balloon-covered chair occupies one corner of the receiving area.

“The house is all made of glass, so we put stickers on the dividing glass panels and inner doors so you wouldn’t run into them,” Hyesung said.

“Wow, their so pretty!”

“You like it?” Dongwan asked her.

“Go and check the kitchen” Junjin said.

Andy immediately run into the kitchen and came back immediately looking like he has seen the grim ripper.

“What the hell did you do to my kitchen?” he said incredulously.

The kitchen, which was previously filled with black and silver kitchen appliances, now boasts of a fuchsia pink refrigerator, a dark pink microwave oven and matching stove and conventional oven. Andy even saw a hello kitty percolator, food processor, toaster oven and dishwasher. The rug is also in pink but darker in shade. Everywhere else Andy look, he sees nothing but pink. The white dining table and matching chairs are the only things he saw there that are not in a shade of pink. Even the pots and pans are in different shades of pink.

“Well silver does not look well with the color scheme so we thought of changing it to something that will match” Hyesung said this while trying to stifle his laugh.

“But why make it look, as if Barbie leaves in here?” He cannot believe his friends will do this to him.

Eric and Minwoo who has joined them in inspecting the house could barely control themselves from laughing. Andy hates pink; in fact, he does not like colorful stuff. He prefers dark solid colors. The only light color he likes is white and that is not even a color at all.

At this last comment, the other five could no longer contain themselves and laughed out laughed. Just at that moment, Tamara runs from the kitchen while shouting;

“I love it! I love it! I love it!”

She gave each of them a big bear hug but stopped when she reached Andy.

“Want to see your room?” Dongwan asked her.

Tamara immediately followed Dongwan. Andy wanted to see too, but stopped himself, because he really is not sure what he will do if he sees his room become Barbie’s room. That is when he realized there is only one room in the house.

“Wait a minute!, what did you guys did to my room?!” Andy demanded.

“Correction, your former room!” Hyesung told him while putting his arm around Andy.

“And where do you propose I sleep?” Andy said, he could barely hide his irritation now.

“Well brother I guess you will have to make do with the sofa in your office, until the contractors are done finishing Tamara’s room” Minwoo told.

“Why can’t she sleep in there? This is my house after all!”

“Andy, first of all, you maybe the one who is leaving in here now. But this is still my house.”

“You said I could use this place for as long as I want! And besides the sofa in the office is too small for me!” Andy said. He knows he is sounding liked a spoiled brat kid but the thought of sleeping in the small sofa in the small office he is currently using or even on the floor does not appeal to him. It used to be a video room, which Minwoo uses to play computer games. However, since Andy needed a place where he could continue doing his job as President of his company he turned the room into a home office. Half the space is occupied by a large mahogany desk where Andy does most of his work, and the other half is occupied by a small sofa. Even if he could afford to purchase a bigger day bed, there is just no space for it in the room.

“It’s ok, I don’t mind sleeping on the floor,” Tammy said. She sounded scared and Andy could sense panic creeping in her.

“No, you can go and use the room.” Minwoo told her gently.

“Why don’t you go and change, I sent someone to buy us some pizza” Eric told her gently.

“Hmmm…..oppah….” she said timidly.

“Yes?” Eric said.

“Can I have some ice cream too?” She said this in a sing song voice, obviously trying to charm her brother into giving in to her.

“I think there’s some left in the fridge” Junjin offered her.

With that Tamara left the six of them. As soon as she is out of sight, Minwoo smacked Andy on the head.

“What the hell is that for!” He complained loudly.

“For being a jerk!” Minwoo told him.

“And how about them, they just turned your house into a doll house!”

“Drop it!” Minwoo said curtly.

Andy walked out the porch again and sulked in one corner. Minwoo and the others followed him. None of them talked for a while.

“Look how difficult is it for you to bear this burden?” Eric asked him.

Andy did not say anything. Under normal circumstances, he would have found the situation funny, but being on the other end of this joke after a very trying and tiring day, Andy’s patience and sense of humor is already stretched thin.

“Why must it be pink?!”

At the mention of the word, the others started laughing again.

“There’s nothing wrong with the color pink” Hyesung said.

“It’s so girly!” Andy answered.

“Well, Tammy likes pink!” Eric said.

“How about me, will nobody ever consider what I want for once!” Andy said.

“Don’t worry you’ll get used to it!” Minwoo answered him while chuckling. The five of them are obviously having fun at Andy’s expense.

“Can she cook?” he asked absentmindedly.

“Andy, don’t even think of making her your personal maid!” Eric warned him.

“What the hell do you want me to do? I can’t fuck her, and if she can’t even cook you might as well take her back!” Andy said trying to sound angry but failing miserably.

“If I could I would!” Eric answered him in a solemn voice.

“Why can’t you?” Andy asked, curious now.

The others all looked at Eric, obviously waiting for him to answer this one.

“Andy you know why you were asked to come home right?” he answered.

“Yeah, to be a sacrificial lamb, to force our family to stop killing each other! Which is rather stupid may I say!”

“We know that! But try telling that to my father! His all about keeping the family honor. And I can’t see anything honorable in turning your back against your friends just because you’re scared of being the next target! ” Eric said.

“How so?” Andy asked.

“Because I think all this fighting is just a ruse to lure you back!”

“I feel so important now!........just to force me to comeback their willing to kill people!” He said this as downed the last content of his soju bottle.

“I’m not talking about the elders,” Eric said.

“And who is foolish enough to want me to come back?” Andy said.

“We don’t know!” Eric answered.

Chapter 3 Coming Soon!!!!

Chapter 1-SACRIFICIAL LAMBS, my official entry to Nanowrimo 2007

For some reason I am not so happy with the result of my efforts for my very first Nano, so I don't think i will be posting it here. But I do not want to waste the more than 50K plus words I wrote and agonized over during that crazy month either so I decided I will post it here, it's my blog after all...hehehe.

While reading this I suggest you kick your inner editor out the window because I did not edit it at all. So what you will be reading is the actual result of the crazy month of November 2007, also known as NANOWRIMO 2007.

Chapter 1- Ghost from The Past

Andy kicked on the accelerator because there is nothing else in sight to kick. The call from Seoul is to be expected. He knew that ignoring the letters of summons would not work. The first time he received summon from his father he just threw the letter to the trash bin after reading its contents. All subsequent letters from him suffered the same fate. Now he sent in somebody he knew he would not ignore. This made him angrier. How dare he manipulate him this way?

He was so mad he almost missed his exit point. It would not be long now before he reaches his destination. The house he built from his own sweat and blood stood far up in the hill. Living in California with the danger of bushfire occurring every summer, did not stop him from building a house far away from other people. He likes the peace and solitude it affords him. He is not concerned with security either. Being the president of his own software development company that develops security software for big companies, Andy is confident that whatever he installs in his own home will work.

The gates to his home opened without any effort on his part. Like everything else in his house, the gates are computer operated and could recognize his car from a few feet away. However, he was surprised to see another car parked in the driveway. It was a silver sports car of the expensive variety. Nobody can get pass the security as far as he knows. He has tried using another car before to test the security features and the lasers installed burned all four tires of the car.

”Surprised?!” a voice coming from one of the upper windows pulled Andy out of his revelry.

The owner of the voice came out wearing nothing but swimming shorts. He stood an inch smaller than Andy but has a more muscular built and matching six packs. Which is not surprising at all because Minwoo, Andy’s older brother live a very active lifestyle that requires him to be always in good physical form.

‘I see there’s no need for me to ask you to make yourself comfortable?” Andy answered sarcastically.

“Is that the way to greet your hyung?”

“Hmm, shall I bow down then Minwoo hyung?!!” Andy said this with one eyebrow raised.

Minwoo ignored his brother’s bad mood and walked over to him to give him a hug.

“I see you’ve lost weight, but still as good looking since the last time I saw you”

Andy could not help but smile at his brother’s attempt to humor him. “Well I can’t help that, It’s probably in my blood!!!”

Both brothers grinned on each other until Andy noticed he is being soaked wet too.

“You’re wet!”

“Well I’m just relaxing my tired muscles in your lovely Jacuzzi, I would have enjoyed it more if there are sexy attendants to keep me company”

“I’m sorry about that, but unfortunately we don’t offer that kind of service here”

“That’s too bad!”

“I thought you’ll be coming next week?” Andy asked his brother while mindlessly pouring both of them a drink.

“The old man thought you might try to run on us so he asked me to come earlier”

“It’s been three months since he sent me his first letter. That would have been plenty of time for me to change address or move into another country”

“Don’t be too hard on him”

“And don’t tell me he suddenly misses me. His the one who told me never to come back even for his funeral”

“Well …..to be honest…..”

“How bad is the situation, for him to be this desperate?”

‘People are dying, and we don’t know why and who did it!”

“People all over die everyday for no reason at all…what’s the difference?”

“Look the elders want you back!” Minwoo blurted out. There is no use dilly-dallying now. Andy is no fool and he knew years before that the elders has pinned their hopes in him and his powers to bring back the glory days of the Guild.

“What if I don’t want to?”

“Then we’ll die one by one without ever knowing who our real enemy is”

“The clans have been killing each for as long as they existed. Now that somebody has taken it upon himself to do that for them, their suddenly panicking?” Andy could barely hide the contempt in his voice.

“So you don’t mind seeing me dead?” Minwoo was surprised and hurt at the same time at Andy’s lack of empathy for their clan. He knew Andy walked away from them because he does not want to use his powers to be use by others to hurt another. But Andy's lack of concern for his own clan members rattled him to the core.

“Your one of the best there is, one of the few with real manna to speak of, I’m not that worried for you!”

“So is Old Shin and his now dead. Found in his room, no sign of forced entry. Looked like he fought to his last breath, but still his dead”

Old Shin is their former teacher. All male children of clans in their Guild train to become Guardians, but only few get a chance to become students of Old Shin. Usually those that have exceptional talent and are willing to work hard to possess the skills to make a good Guardian are trained by him. In their case both Andy and Minwoo, have the gift of Manna or Magik as ordinary mortals call these powers. Together with Eric oldest and only son of the Head of the Mun Clan, Hyesung from the Clan of Shin, Junjin from the Park Clan, and Dongwan, only male heir of the Kim Clan. The six of them has trained with Old Shin since they were young boys. This made them grow closer to each other and look after each like brothers will. All of them possess the Manna, this assured them a spot as Old Shin’s students and a sure future as a member of the Elite circle that are assured of a position in the Council of Elders once their current Clan Head either dies or become too old to perform their function. In the case of Andy and Minwoo, being brothers’ means that either Andy has to give way to Minwoo because he is older or Andy can become the Clan Head because he is the more powerful one. Andy walked away from everything his powers will give to live an ordinary life in America. This disheartened his father and caused him to lose face among the other Clans. It also strained the relationship between father and son. It caused much talk and became the topic of discussion among the clans, because the one they thought would bring back the glory days of the Guild turned their back on them even before he could be of full use to them. None of the Elders dared forced Andy to come back. Because truth be told, none of them possess the powers to defeat him, even Old Shin when they tried to pressure him to force Andy to return told them that his powers is beyond what their imaginations could fathom.

“Old Shin?, but how…..his old yes! But his no fool!.”

“We don’t know. That is why the elders are all getting agitated over this matter. When the others died it did not surprised them. There are very few of us that has been gifted with real manna and except for Old Shin, nobody in their generation is powerful enough to even protect themselves”

“Any idea why?”

“We have no concrete evidence, but it seems what this person or persons wants to happen is for there to be infighting between the really powerful clans.” Minwoo said.

“Our clan is currently at war with the Mun clan, and there are a few other small wars going on “ he continued.

“Isn’t Mr. Mun and Dad really close friends”

“Yes they did. But not anymore!”

“Why?’

“ Old Mun thinks Dad is the one who ordered old Shin dead. There are other reasons but I don’t know much about them. What I know is this, both of them are thinking the other betrayed them.”

“Why would Dad do that?!”

“Everybody knows you’re a watashi. The only watashi born for more than a hundred years.” Minwoo said this with a heavy heart. He knows his brother has refused to acknowledge how powerful he is. Even without much training, Andy’s power is such that even he is afraid to duel with him despite the fact that he finished his training under Old Shin and is one of the few Guardians who are actually gifted with the Manna.

“But how can they suspect me, I live halfway round the world”

“Well only a watashi or somebody really powerful can kill somebody as skilled and as powerful as old Shin”

“Then there must be another one in your midst nobody knows about” Andy said. He really does not want to know too much, because it might force him to become involved. But Old Shin is both a friend and teacher to him and Minwoo and to four others who showed strong manna at such a young age. However, unlike them Andy proved to be stronger than the lot, with powers far beyond what any of them could dream. He was Old Shin’s pride, joy, and the ultimate source of his fears. Andy knew this, because Old Shin himself told him so when he said he is moving away. Their old teacher explained to him his powers and what he is capable of; this strengthened his resolve to move away. He knows the elder will use his powers to their advantage and he does not want that.

“Impossible! There are only six of us who has the skills and power to kill the old man, and none of us would do it” Minwoo said this with much conviction. Old Shin may be a cranky old man and a difficult taskmaster even on a good day but he is a good teacher and everyone respects him. No one in the Council of Elders would dare to order his death; he is just too influential and has too many supporters.

Minwoo knew convincing Andy to return is next to impossible but his return to them is of outmost importance now.

“But what if it’s somebody who did not train with us? An illegitimate child raised outside the circle?”

Minwoo knew that is possible. Monogamy is common especially among the older generations. During the olden days, it was a means to strengthen the clans and assure its survival. Today, it has become some sort of a status quo among the Clan Elders to parade a new and younger wife every few years, like the way you show off a new car.

“Look why don’t just go back!”

“You know why?”

“So you are not coming back?”

Andy wanted to say no. Getting involved with the clan business is the last thing he wants. But he can’t find it in his heart to say no to his brother.

“What’s the deal?”

“Why should I tell you? I thought you are not interested”

Andy stood up and walked out to the deck. The sky is very clear and when he needed to clear his mind he would always come out there and would just gaze at the stars. The magnificent view of the sky day or night is one of the things that attracted him to this place. That and the solitude he craves. Sure, it could get lonely, but he knows being a watashi also means he cannot marry a woman not of his own kind. Those that do not have manna in their blood he can easily kill or hurt in a moment of passion. So he stayed away, hoping the powers he have that others crave will die with him. Old Shin himself told him that power in the wrong hands is disaster for others. It is one of the reasons why he left as soon as he has a chance, he does not want to become the source of other people’s sorrow.

He does not want to come back. But if Old Shin could be killed as easily as that then the majority of them do not stand a chance. There are only five active Guardians who could fight this unknown enemy and if infighting ensues, then their defeat is more than assured. He can stay away if he wants, but despite the difficult relationship, he has with his father he really cannot just stand back and watch his family massacred without a fight.

Minwoo, he is sure will do everything in his power to protect them but he is only one and there are at least a hundred or more family members who do not possess the power or skills to protect themselves. The other four Guardians he is sure would be in the same dilemma, and with Eric definitely siding with his family in this clan feud then they are one less of an ally. He is not sure about the other three. If they take side then it will be a free for all.

He did not notice his brother has followed him outside.

“The Clan Elders are mapping out a peace accord according to tradition”

“And that is?

“Forcing clans to make peace by marriage”

“Ridiculous! In this time and age, who follows the tradition of arrange marriages?’

“There are still some who does that”

“So who’s going to be the sacrificial lambs now?”

“Old Mun offered his youngest stepdaughter, Tamara”

“And who’s the other one?”

“You!”

“You people are crazy!”

“Desperately crazy”

“Why me and not you, your older and should marry first!”

“I’m sorry to inform you my dear brother but Dad will make another more powerful enemy if he marries me off now to another woman”

“You’re spoken for?!, why does that surprised me? Who’s the crazy woman who wants you for a husband?” Andy said with surprise in his voice. He felt guilty for not knowing that his own brother is already engage and he does not know anything about it.

“Somebody from the house of Shin” Minwoo answered. It was the truth but marriage for him and Yuri will have to wait. She is still in University and made it clear to him and her father that there will be no wedding until she graduates. That will be two more years of waiting for Minwoo.

“How come you never told me anything about this” Andy has temporarily forgotten that they are talking about his own betrothal.

“Well how can I tell you when you never call at all? And when I call you always say you’re busy!”

“I’m sorry about that, I’ve been busy” Andy knew he sounded stupid with that lie but what else can he say. The lack of communication on his part is intentional and Minwoo knows that.

“Too busy to even ask if your dear brother is still alive or not”

“So who’s this brave girl?” Andy tried humoring his brother.

“I’ll introduce her to you once we return to Korea” Minwoo said to him with a smile on his face. He does not want to involve Andy at all but desperate time’s calls for desperate measures.

The mention of Korea made Andy remember that they are talking about his impeding arranged marriage to a complete stranger.

“Who’s this girl again? The one you said Dad wants me to marry?”

“Curious are you?”

“Well who wouldn’t be, what if she looks like a gorilla or something”

“I assure you she’s cute and very nice”

“How did you know?’

Minwoo placed his arm around his brother’s shoulder and said, “Because I’m a good hyung so I personally checked her out for you!”

“You went to the Mun estate?. That is stupid! Eric or the others could’ve killed you while your there”

“Nope, Eric wouldn’t do that to his best buddy” Minwoo said this with confidence.

“But I thought our Clan is at war with theirs”

“Well technically we are, so is Hyesung and Junjin’s clans are at war with each other while Dongwan’s Clan is still undecided with whom to take sides, but us, next generation are keeping out of the old people’s business”

“So you’ve seen her?’

“Well there really is no reason to be worried my dear brother, I think you yourself know her too!”

“Who? Tamara? I know Eric has a stepsister but I’ve never met her”

“Ah yes, I’ve forgotten you’ve been away ten years now, you won’t know her because she was too young back then to be allowed to join in any of the Clan functions and Eun Mi came after you were gone.”

“Who’s this Eun Mi?”

“Stepsister number 2, but she’s older than Tamara, and you’ll be very happy to know that Dad did not choose her?”

“Why? Is she ugly as a bat?”

“Eun Mi?, No, she’s actually very pretty but in a cheap kind of way”

“When did you ever became that harsh, if I remember right, every girl is beautiful to you so long she’s a size 1 with a 24 inch waistline”

“Time changes my dear brother, I have found myself a good woman and I want you to have the same”

“And letting Dad marry me to a complete stranger is okay with you”

“Eric is not exactly a stranger to us”

“Time can turn close friends into strangers”

“You’re the one who left Andy, not us!”

“I know and I’m not sorry I did!” Andy knew he sounded harsh saying it but it’s the truth.

“So are you coming back?”

“I might but in one condition!"

“What condition?”

“Tell the clan elders I will do this enemy a favor and annihilate them all in one go if any of them ever attempts to get on my case”

“Ok noted! Anything else?”

"I’m doing this because I trust you.”

“I know”

“So when do I have to come?”

“Tomorrow! I already bought you a ticket and packed your bags”

“You’re that confident I will agree?”

“Actually just so you’ll know, there is plan B just in case you don’t agree”

“And that is?”

“Put a sleeping pill in your drink and smuggle you back home”

“You didn’t do that or did you!?”

Minwoo could not help but laugh seeing his brother’s reaction.

“That was the plan but I figured out my charm and convincing power is enough to convince you!”

“Pabo!”

“Thank you!”

The brothers spent the night talking their hearts out. Andy knew he might one day regret going back home but still, blood will always be thicker than water.

CHAPTER 2 COMING SOON!!!