the past and the present

Ch 33. Old friend

Let it be known that I ONCE AGAIN used GOOGLE TRANSLATE.

- lunaria

Martial walked through the halls with a pout; just where had his mother gone to? They took their eyes off her for one second, and suddenly she's gone.

Honestly, why can't she just stay put? They were supposed to make a plan on how to reunite with Phil!

She couldn't have gone to see the youngest without them... right?

He stopped in his tracks, eyes wide at a sudden realization; she definitely would.

Stuck in thought, he failed to hear the footsteps heading his way. It was only then, when he felt someone tap his shoulder, that he was brought back to reality.He jolted in surprise and quickly moved away, instinctively getting into a fighting position, ready to attack.

In front of him stood a man? He can't really tell the gender because of the long purple hooded robe that covered the small man's frame. (he's not that small, but he is to Martial)Small and skinny from what Martial could see, it was enough to make him relax a bit and stand up straight. "Who are you?" he asked the man.

"I-i-...what?..." the unknown man stuttered in shock. He brought his hand up to his forehead then down his face, rubbing it hard before he looked back at Martial. He brought his hand up again, rubbed his eyes harshly before blinking over and over and stared back at Martial."이런 젠장!" The man cursed under his breath

.

"What?" Martial asked; that voice sounded so familiar.

"너는 죽었어야 했어!"

Martial tilted his head in confusion. "Ha?... English?"

The man jolted and cleared his throat. "You're dead."

Martial glared at the other, "what exactly are you implying here? You gonna kill me noodle arms?"

The man flinched in shock, wondering just how the other got that idea. Oh, he literally just told Martial that he's dead; maybe he should have said yes when Phil offered to teach him social skills.

The man coughed into his fist. "Uh... that's not! I uhhh..." his sweat dropped as Martial's glare intensified, "what I meant to say is uh... what's the.., 씨발..." his fingers played with his robe as he struggled to find his words. "AH! You're supposed to be dead!" he said cheerfully, happy to finally figure out his English. "You died a long time ago!"

Martial winced; is casually talking about someone's death the norm in this year? With a smile, nonetheless... "yeah? So?" he crossed his arms. He kept his guard up, even though it didn't look like this man can take him in a fight; it was still better to be prepared for any attack.

Those that look weak and small tend to have the strongest bite after all.

He's learned his lesson from Phil.

"Why? How?" the man pointed towards Martial, "how is this possible?" the man walked closer, making Martial freeze up; he couldn't sense any ill intent from the man's soul, his emotions composed of sadness, longing, happiness, all strong emotions that were overshadowed by his curiosity. Knowing that the man didn't want to harm him, he allowed himself to relax a bit as the man walked in circles around him while mumbling to himself.

Martial will add this moment to the shortlist of reasons that he's grateful that he inherited his mother's empath magic.

The man suddenly clapped his hands together, making Martial flinch; he cursed himself for getting lost in thought.

"You know what? I'll ask the questions later," the man shrugged, "I expect a really long chat about this sudden revival."

"What makes you think I'll tell you anything?" Martial glared.

"I haven't seen you in a long time, and you're not gonna chat with me?" the man asked a bit deflated; he sighed.

"Do I even know yo-"

"Are you looking for Phil?" the man interrupted. 

Martial froze; this man knew his brother? "Yes..." might as well make his unwanted company useful. "Do you know where he is?"

The man started walking ahead of him, gesturing for Martial to follow. "Not really... but he's not that hard to find."

Martial followed the suspicious man. "Then... do you know where he could be?"

"Yup," the man opened a door leading to the main room. The two of them moved to the side, where they wouldn't be seen immediately. "Follow the crowd, and you'll find Phil in the center of the storm," he pointed towards the crowd, and just as he said, Phil is in the middle talking to a crying country. "They gather around him like flies

."

Martial doesn't know how to feel; should he be happy that his brother is popular and surrounded by friends? Or should he be worried that he's surrounded by potential enemies?He shook his head; he'll think about that later. For now, he needs to focus on at least getting Phil to acknowledge his re-existence.

Which reminds him, where are his manners? He turned to the man; he seriously forgot about that? "What's your name?"

The man flinched; he slowly turned his head to Martial, "you seriously don't know who I am?"

Martial felt bad as he shrugged his shoulder, "yeah, no."

The man pointed to himself. "It's me... Hyun..."

"Hyun?" Martial scratched his head, "Hyun... hyu-" his eyes widened. "NORTH KO-"

"Hushhhhhh"  ̶t̶̶h̶̶e̶ ̶m̶̶a̶̶n̶, North Korea, put a hand over Martial's mouth, silencing him, his hood falling down at the sudden movement.

Now Martial could see the face of his old friend.

"Not so loud, Martial," North Korea let Martial go and put a finger on his lips. "I'm not supposed to be here, you know?" he spoke with a grin.

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a new character just arrived! dont i just love using problematic ones!

- lunaria