The sun was setting, casting a golden hue over the quiet village. Temple bells echoed softly in the distance, and incense swirled through the air. Sita sat beside her grandfather in the courtyard, the same place where they'd shared countless meals, stories, and silences.
But today, silence felt different.
Her grandfather's weathered hand trembled slightly as it reached for hers.
Grandpa:
Sita… there's something you must know. Something I should have told you long ago.
Sita looked at him, puzzled. There was a seriousness in his voice she rarely heard.
Grandpa (gently):
You've always been different. From the moment you could walk, you moved like a warrior. Graceful, alert, focused. You mastered archery before your tenth birthday, sparred better than boys twice your size, and you speak more than seven languages.
Sita (quietly):
You trained me…
Grandpa:
Yes. But it came naturally to you, didn't it? That's because you are the blood of Haneul and Tara — your parents. They weren't just scholars or travelers. They were warriors of the Samsara clan.
Sita's lips parted in disbelief.
Sita:
My parents…?
Grandpa (nodding):
Your clan — the Samsara clan — are the guardians of the Samsara Portal. A gateway that connects our world to a realm beyond life and death. A space where wandering spirits, those with unresolved karmas and unfulfilled wishes, wait in limbo. The portal… it's meant to stay sealed. But evil forces — the Death Order — are trying to tear it open, using those trapped spirits to wreak havoc on the living.
His voice grew weaker.
Grandpa:
Your parents once worked with the Death Order… until they discovered the truth — that the Order wasn't protecting balance. They were manipulating it. Trying to control the spirits and unleash them upon the world.
Sita (shaken):
No…
Grandpa:
When your father learned of their betrayal, they came for your family. Your parents brought you here to protect you. But even here, the Order didn't stop. They separated you from your parents. And now… they're searching for you again. Because you are the last descendant capable of controlling the spirits.
Sita stood up abruptly, pacing. Her breath quickened.
Sita:
Grandpa, what are you talking about? One hour earlier, I didn't even know my surname… now you say I'm some last descendant of a powerful clan?
And powers? What powers? I don't have any of these!
Grandpa (gently):
I know it's overwhelming for you to know all this. But my child, you should know about your importance.
Sita (choking up):
But Grandpa…?
Brother Wu (softly but firmly):
Sita… Grandpa is already sick. Please listen to what he says. From now on, you have a responsibility — to close the portal forever. You may not understand everything now… but you'll figure it out. You always do.
Grandpa (with effort):
It's not safe for you here anymore. They'll come again. You have to go somewhere they can't find you.
He inhaled shakily, then turned to Wu.
Grandpa:
It's my friend — a monk who lives overseas. We trained together in our youth. He knew your parents… respected them. If you go to him, he will help you.
Grandpa (to Brother Wu):
Prepare the tickets for Sita.
Sita's eyes widened in disbelief.
Sita (angrily):
What? Are you telling me to run like a coward?
After those monsters vanished my parents, injured innocent people, and hurt you…?
I can't!
A violent cough shook Grandpa's frail frame. Sita rushed to him, panic written across her face.
Sita:
Grandpa?! Are you all right?!
Brother Wu (calmly):
Sita… you have to think about your biggest aukbjot.
Everyone is chosen for it… but you are.
Sita looked at him — her guardian, her friend — and then back at the man who raised her. Her heart pounded. Rage. Confusion. Grief. They swirled in her chest like a storm.
She closed her eyes, trying to breathe.
"Grandpa is already injured… I can't risk the lives of others."
"I have to come through this… by myself."
She opened her eyes.
Sita (quietly):
Fine. I'll go. But not because I'm running.
Because I'm coming back stronger.
And I'll end this. For good.
---
That night, the moon lit their path as Brother Wu walked beside Sita, suitcase in hand. The airport buzzed with quiet voices, flight calls, and the low rumble of planes — but all she could hear was her own heartbeat.
As they reached the final checkpoint, Grandpa held something in his lap — a small wooden box, old but finely carved with a spiral symbol.
He held it out to her with both hands.
Grandpa (gently):
Sita… before you go, take this.
Sita (confused):
What is it?
Grandpa:
Your parents' blessings. They gave it to me when they left you here… told me to give it to you when the time was right.
Her hands trembled as she took the box. Slowly, she opened the lid.
Inside were two items — a silver crest etched with the Samsara symbol, and a delicate pendant, soft crystal still glowing faintly as if alive.
Sita (teary):
I'll make them proud. I promise.
She closed the box and held it to her chest as she walked toward the gate, never looking back.
Brother Wu stood beside Grandpa, watching her disappear into the crowd.
Brother Wu (quietly):
We told her to leave… but I don't know how she'll manage alone. She's just a baby.
Grandpa (smiling):
You're only a month older than her, boy.
Sita is brave. She'll manage… and she'll make us proud.
That night, the moon lit their path as Brother Wu walked beside Sita, suitcase in hand. The airport buzzed with quiet voices, flight calls, and the low rumble of planes — but all she could hear was her own heartbeat.
As they reached the final checkpoint, Grandpa held something in his lap — a small wooden box, old but finely carved with a spiral symbol.
He held it out to her with both hands.
Grandpa (gently):
Sita… before you go, take this.
Sita (confused):
What is it?
Grandpa:
Your parents' blessings. They gave it to me when they left you here… told me to give it to you when the time was right.
Her hands trembled as she took the box. Slowly, she opened the lid.
Inside were two items — a silver crest etched with the Samsara symbol, and a delicate pendant, soft crystal still glowing faintly as if alive.
Sita (teary):
I'll make them proud. I promise.
She closed the box and held it to her chest as she walked toward the gate, never looking back.
Brother Wu stood beside Grandpa, watching her disappear into the crowd.
The airplane screen blinked.
The Flight : Departed...
TO BE CONTINUED...