The Unspeakable Feeling

Jin Ho opened his eyes to unfamiliar surroundings. He smelled and aroma of sandalwood, incense and flowers. The room was semi-dark with huge multiple layered lamp-stands and looked like a typical Shrughnan healing room of the medicus. Jin Ho with hazy vision turned around his head sitting half up. There were a several medicinal herbs and concoctions kept at one side. He realized he was now wearing traditional Shrughnan clothes. A long single piece wrapped on his waist but his upper body was bare and a strange layer of some dried paste was applied on his chest area.

"You woke up kumar (similar with the term 'gonzi')!" a male voice called out

Jin Ho turned around and saw and elderly man with a small earthen bowl in his hand standing by the door. He was wearing a white colored one piece cotton cloth. The cloth was big enough to cover his lower bottom from the waist and with a twist vertically over one half of his upper body. His hair was up in a bun which was wrapped with a round ornament made of, dark brown beads. He entered smiling at Jin Ho who looked confused.

Jin Ho, "Where am I and who are you?"

The medicus put down the bowl and spoke.

"Kumar, you were brought by our Adara kumari (similar to guniang/miss) yesterday from the borders. You fought the fire monster and got injured. I think you have recovered since you slept for one whole day. I will check your vitals first and then you may go meet your friends. They came here too. Your clothes have been cleaned, they are in the next room you may change and come"

Jin Ho got up and after getting dressed the medicus cast a vital checking spell and confirmed that he has indeed recovered. He came out of the house which was built amidst several trees and huge greenhouse like structures all around. He understood that this must be the Mountain Sect's medical facility. As soon as he came out he saw a figure standing near a small patch of land where several flowers are growing and among them in a huge stone basin were blue lotuses in full bloom. The person was looking at those flowers with utmost love and admiration.

Jin Ho quietly approached and spoke slowly, "Adara aghasssi?!"

Adara turned round with a smile, "Yes it is. Jin Ho-shi, how are you feeling? We could not meet properly because you were unconscious."

A whip of lotus fragrance hit Jin Ho who was at the loss of words looking at the person. She was no exceptional beauty but the vibe she gave off is something otherworldly. Especially her lotus petal eyes have something deep in them. Its true Adara was no exceptional beauty and that there are prettier girls than her. Her features were not extraordinary yet they were sharp. Jin Ho was captivated by her complexion as well. Unlike Yeosonian or Tianxian women, who were as fair as snow, she was like molten gold shining under the sunlight. Her figure too wasn't sleek but more towards fuller. But what made her stand out are the positive and confident vibes and her ever smiling face. Jin Ho pulled himself back from the momentary trance and bowed to her to which Adara folded her hands and greeted him back. She then asked him to walk with her to the Council where a meeting will be commenced sometimes later. They started walking side by side.

Jin Ho, "So what happened back there? The last thing I remember that it threw all of us and I got hit."

Adara, "Yes, you took a pretty bad hit at your sternum and lost consciousness. I just came down after you passed out and managed to kill it."

Jin Ho stopped shocked, "You killed it?"

Adara, smirked and said, "Of course I did how else I would have brought you here. Well if you want the story you can ask your friend Min Joon. He is here too."

Jin Ho returned the smile and they kept walking until they reached in front of the Council gate. Five guys were standing near the entrance up the stairs of the Council building chatting with each other when they heard a distant conversation and looked up to see Adara and Jin Ho walking together approaching the gates. Min Joon, Namgoong Jae, Dong Yul and Tan Feng were delighted to see Jin Ho up on his feet recovered. The one who wasn't was Yi Yun. Not because Jin Ho recovered but the fact that he was smiling and talking to the person he desperately wanted a moment alone and adding salt to the wound was that, this person was smiling back at him brightly.

Yesterday, after Adara left with Jin Ho the five rode as fast as they could and reached the Mountain Sect where they were warmly welcomed by the Councilmen. Adara had already rushed Jin Ho to the healing chambers and called Mongmit urgently to help. Mongmit brought a few magical herbs to for blood coagulation to heal the internal injury Jin Ho suffered. Those herbs were concocted by the medicus and they kept feeding him those slowly. He slept for one whole day before waking up all healed. Meanwhile, Adara had already prepared staying arrangements along with Councilman Shera at the Academy guest house. As they arrived Adara took them to the guest house. Min Joon asked,

"Aghassi, how is Jin Ho? Can we see him?"

Adara, "He being treated as we speak. It's best you all meet him after he wakes up. Don't worry he will be alright."

She led them to their respective rooms but when she was about to leave Yi Yun, who spoke absolutely nothing till now ran after and stopped her.

"Wait. We never finished our conversation back there."

Upon hearing that sentence Yi Yun spoke Adara received a shock which took her back a year and half ago when Daksh said the same thing to her after their first encounter. With the heartbreak she was suffering anything which remotely makes her remember the time she spent with him turns her irritable and rude.

Adara, "There is nothing to talk specifically to me gongzi. Please return to your room and rest."

Yi Yun, "At least tell me your name. I am Yi Yun, from Tianxia Mountain Sect."

Adara looked at him as he spoke those words, feeling rather restless and was about to say something when Mongmit suddenly came called out her name startling her.

"Adara! You need to come with me to the medical facility."

Now that she called her by her name there was no need for Adara to say it to him anymore. Letting out a sigh she left with Mongmit. Yi Yun stood watching her leave and a wide lopsided smile appeared on his face as he murmured the name he was dying to know.

"Adara!"

He turned back and returned to the room he was sharing with Tan Feng who asked where he went. To which he replied,

"Went to know someone's name"

Tan Feng, "You mean guniang's name? And did you come to know?"

Yi Yun, "Yes Feng'er. Her name is Adara."

Tan Feng, "You are acting weird since she rescued Jin Ho. Wait, is this the same person you saw twice? The second time you practically stalked her."

Yi Yun, "I didn't stalk her, come on. I was just riding along that's it."

Tan Feng, "Yes right. Well that is stalking."

Yi Yun rolled his eyes and threw him a disgusted look. Tan Feng spoke again,

"You, my dear bestie are never into women. I mean physically yes but not like this. What is wrong with you?"

Yi Yun, "Believe me even I am baffled myself. She is something Feng'er. So different from the usual women I have seen till now. I can't help but know her."

Tan Feng sarcastically replied, "Know her? You mean want to sleep with her? You just said that she is different and I can't help but think that she definitely is. She looks like someone who is capable of beating the shit out of you if you try anything remotely your usual 'womanizer style' with her."

Yi Yun, "That's right isn't it fascinating?"

Tan Feng, "What? You are ok getting beaten up by her? My friend I think something is terribly wrong with you."

Yi Yun as if he cannot think anything but Adara spoke, "Did you notice that lotus fragrance when she is around. It's mind baffling."

Tan Feng opened his mouth shocked at this statement. He never in his entire life has seen Yi Yun so smacked by a woman who wasn't even pretty as what he always prefers. The numerous women he has slept or had affairs with were typical girly pretty women with slender built, with soft and delicate hands and feet, fair complexion with flawless skin and exquisite features. But he never felt so hard for any one of them ever. He slept with them at his heart's content but never let anyone enter it, or to be correctly put no one could even flutter it. And here, this woman who is far from what a traditional beauty signifies could pierce though his heart even without showing her face at first.

When Adara and Jin Ho approached the entrance Min Joon almost ran and embraced his brother/best friend followed by Namgoong Jae, Dong Yul and Tan Feng. Adara watched them with a smiling face not noticing Yi Yun standing at a distance without moving from his place looking rather annoyed. Adara was on her friendly cheerful behavior and seems like the boys were warming up to her too, much to Yi Yun's irritation. The Council meeting commenced soon with all of them attending it. The boys were welcomed once again and together they narrated their experience. Jin Ho especially thanked Adara for saving his and his companion's life. Jin Ho looked at her while thanking with an expression of admiration and gratitude and perhaps a little tinge of liking as well which was noticed by two persons among all. One was Yi Yun and the other was Daksh who was also present in the meeting. Councilman Shera stood up and addressed the meeting about a problem that has been persisting since quite some time now.

"An assassin is on continuous rampage killing auras from all three Mountain Sects in search of the chosen ones. Allegedly she works for Commander Xi. This matter needs to be attended on a priority now. We have received support on this from the other two Mountain Sect Councils as well and it has been agreed that there will be a joint mission on this. So what do you say?"

Namgoong Jae stood up and said, "Aghassi Adara has saved Jin Ho's life and ours too, and we owe this to her if not the Council. It will be an honor for me and my teammates to join this mission."

Jin Ho, Dong Yul and Min Joon stood up and bowed in support of their leader's decision.

Yi Yun spoke, "We will join too. She saved our lives as well. And it is a matter concerning our kingdom so we have to be in this too."

Tan Feng came forward and they both bowed declaring their unconditional support. Satisfied the Council informed that since it will take some time to enquire before they leave for the mission all the auras will be their most respected guests till then. They are free to ask for any aid they require for the planning along with the mayavis of Shrughna Mountain Sect.

After that there was a special announcement made by the Council. It was about the final test of Adara and her batch mates to become a full time aura which was going to be held in the arena within the Sect Academy. After that they came out and Tan Feng couldn't hold his curiosity anymore and asked Adara.

"Guniang, you still didn't have your final test yet?"

Adara, "No, I didn't."

Tan Feng, "Wow we thought you are a full time aura because even we are still a year away from becoming too. Wait, that means guniyang are you older than us?"

Adara, "Ohhh yes maybe by a year or so. But don't worry it doesn't matter actually, you all are great in the field and this test is just a formality that's all. Let's hangout sometimes all of us shall we? We can discuss about our mission because I am in the team as well."

Tan Feng let out a fake laugh looking mischievously at Yi Yun saying,

"Well of course guniyang you have to be in the team otherwise it will be very 'demoralizing' for him…aahhh aahhh I mean for us."

Yi Yun casted a nasty look at Tan Feng and then turned towards Adara and said, "Adara jiejie (term used to address a woman older in age) would you mind if we attended your final test ceremony. It will be fascinating to watch you perform."

The expression and tone with which Yi Yun spoke the words, hit Adara severely. It felt like he was very proud of her and somewhere down there was respect. Adara looked into his eyes as he spoke and both of them stared at each other for a few seconds before Adara came back to her senses and replied,

"Of course you can it is actually open to public since being an aura means serving the people so they should witness the performance."

Tan Feng looked flustered getting the vibe between the two and so did the other boys, Jin Ho specially. After that a young aura came forward and noticing him Adara exclaimed.

"Ahh, Jiva. What's up?" With that they shared a fist bump. Jiva is a young aura who is Adara's batch mate and good friend. He was entrusted to look after these boys and aid them to know the Mountain Sect better.

Jiva, "I have been given the responsibility of them now that they will be staying here. You better be on your best behavior lady."

He winked at Adara who landed a light punch on his shoulders. Yi Yun got more enraged and thought to himself,

"Is this a joke? Why is she friendly will all the guys around here?"

Adara then turned to Namgoong Jae and said,

"Namgoong Jae-shii, please feel at home here. Jiva will be there to guide you apart from me. You all will have no problem here at all."

She turned to Jin Ho and said with a bright smile,

"Jin Ho-yaa, lets catch up for a drink sometimes shall we?"

To which Jin Ho returned back the smile and said, "Absolutely! Anything for the lady who saved me."

Tan Feng's eyes went wide and he looked at Yi Yun who was radiating fire from his eyes with the scene that just unfolded. Tan Feng sensing sinister gave out an uncomfortable laugh and tried to divert the situation into normal and said to Jiva.

"Ayii xiong (meaning brother/compatriot)! So where are we going now? I am so excited to see the fabled Shrughna Mountain Sect. This is will be fun."

The six boys left and Jiva first took them to see the Academy. They were fascinated to see the practice area. However there was one smaller arena built with shields and swords. Something which the boys weren't familiar with so Min Joon asked out of curiosity.

"Jiva-shii, what are all these. I have never seen shields and swords like this? Is this a traditional Shrughnan war craft?"

Jiva replied, "Well this place is exclusively built for Adara. You see we have a very rare form of fighting technique called kalaripayattu. It is one of deadliest form of martial art which is even coveted by experts from your kingdoms as well. So happens that it requires highest level of swordsmanship and no one has attained that except Adara. So it is only her who has ever qualified to learn the fight form in our whole Sect. You will see tomorrow when she will be up against her teacher because no one else knows it. She will deemed passed the if she defeats her own guru."

Hearing the whole thing the five boys were astonished. Yi Yun felt a sense of pride and impressiveness at the same time and with that the desire to know this girl increased tenfold in him and just when he couldn't feel more excited Jiva said,

"Ohhh and also, you guys will probably think it's crazy but Adara has some other insane powers too."

Tan Feng asked like a little boy was being told a story, "What is xiong? Tell us."

Jiva said, "She can control three elements and more than that she can wield her sword and powers simultaneously."

The boys opened their mouths in awe.

Namgoong Jae, "Whaaaaat? What are you saying? Is that even possible?"

Jiva, "Well we received the same shock Jae bhai but one of it I saw with my own eyes on a hunt we were together. Listen lets go to the nearest inn and I will tell you the whole story about Adara. You have never heard of such in your entire life I bet."

Suddenly he felt a strong grip on his arm and turned around to see Yi Yun grabbing it and with sparkling eyes he said,

"Let's not waste a second then gongzi. It's damn important."

Tan Feng grew bewildered seeing Yi Yun. Since childhood he knew Yi Yun to be a snarky, direct and cold a person who was least bothered about any one or women. But now his brains were in shambles as he is witnessing a different version, an unbelievable one at that, of the guy he calls his best friend.

They soon reached a small inn run by a Mangpo tribe couple who were excellent cooks. They ordered different Mangpo dishes and rhododendron wine. Then Jiva took the role of the narrator and started to tell how Adara casted a mind spell back in the thu heln's den before killing it and that she found Yeongsin there, practically witnessing the hatching thus the shyenagaru imprinting on her. Listening to it Dong Yul who was a melodramatic and with a bright character as Tan Feng spoke in awe.

"She named her Yeongsin? That's our wind god Jiva-shii. Whoaaaa I am impressed. Aghasshi is too awesome."

Min Joon, "I am fascinated by the fact that she wielded her sword and casted a mind spell. Hey, Jin Ho you should be happy you guys share the same power."

Jin Ho shyly replied "Yes I guess it will be nice to work together."

With the guys speaking about how they are impressed by Adara, Yi Yun who was already into a borderline jealous mode and was quiet till now, could not take it anymore and slammed his wine cup on the table startling everyone. Tan Feng jerked up in shock along with others and quickly assessing the situation tried to normalize it by asking.

"So Jiva xiong, guniyang's power element is fire right?"

Jiva, "Yes. In fact there too it's unique Tan bhai normally we control elements right. She can create fire from nothing."

Dong Yul almost choked on his food hearing it.

"I don't think I can take it anymore. This is beyond awesomeness. I want to know her more."

The words Dong Yul spoke bit Yi Yun like a poisonous snake. He stood up like a lightening across the sky, in frustration and excused himself saying,

"I think I need some air. Feeling clogged I am going out for a stroll. You guys carry on. See you back in the guest house."

Dong Yul dumbfound at his sudden reaction, "Why do I have a feeling that he was offended by my words?"

All of them seems to be confused except Tan Feng. He feared that if went on like this Yi Yun might lose it and do something given his lack of patience and superhot temper. So he was kind of relived that Yi Yun left the conversation, preventing a possible calamity. But little did he knew that fate had other plans for Yi Yun when it came to Adara.