Jungkook forcibly exerted his long bronze handle sword into the chest of the black giant screeching bird that charged at him. The black bird had wings that measured over 7 feet in length when they were opened. The bird stood tall while looking down at him from above. The sinking of the sword into the bird and the friction from his shoes against the moist dirt came to a halt as the bird vanished into thin air.

The figure disappeared leaving behind dust to scatter around him. Jungkook released his stance and relaxed while he slowly lowered his sword. He listened for safety and afterwards twirled his doubled bladed sword around in his hand and tucked it back into its case he strapped on his back between his shoulder blades. He picked up his dusty pouch he dropped earlier and flung it back around his back, stringing the cheap ropes around his shoulders.

Placing his hands on his hips, Jungkook looked around observing Mt. JingShen’s grace. The air was again as peaceful as it was before the black bird appeared. Sunrays pierced through the lanky tall trees above him and bounced off his skin. The sound of running water echoed in the background and the chirping of birds were again at a harmony. Jungkook his dry bottom lip and nibbled on it while he thought to himself.

From his memory, he had made plenty of trips to Mt. JingShen before and had never been involved with any mystical beasts. This was definitely a first for him. Maybe the stories told at the teahouses that he attended to pass time were true after all. He then dropped his hands from his hips, tugged on the old ropes of his backpack and turned around to continue walking up the mountain.

As Jungkook approached the familiar meadow a few miles from the base of the mountain he jogged joyfully uphill. This meadow was his favorite spot to get away from the loud chatter when he was at home in the village outside King Taemusin’s palace. A refreshing creek ran through the meadow from the mountain top. He can hear the rushing water as he got closer and closer. Arriving at the meadow from the dense green trees and bushes, he looked at the grass that cultivated before him. It was still as healthy as it had always been. He supposed it was something special about that creek; nevertheless he was never too sure and didn’t really believe Mt. JingShen was as magical and terrifying as people put it out to be.

Jungkook embraced the scenery and beamed to himself. Every blade of grass and growing flower danced before him in the wind. Beyond the vast meadow were stacks of huge grey pillars and boulders that were miles high. He often slept in the cracks when he made his trips. They were surprisingly comfy for a tall person like him. This meadow never seemed to disappoint him. He felt as if it was a new scenery every time he came back. Not that he had been away for long, just a month; however, it felt very long to him.

Lately he had been busy helping his Aunt Minseo brew alcohol for the lantern festival that was to take place in a 3 weeks. At the age of 20, he should be out and about with men his age, talking to women and enjoying his prime, but that wasn’t what he was interested in. If it wasn’t for the ridiculous stories at the teahouses, Jungkook would rather be elsewhere. Every woman he met complimented his looks.

They lusted over his sword wielding abilities and brought him fruits and veggies all year round. Maybe that’s why Aunt Minseo never complained. But he never once used a woman who favored him. Every single interaction, he would kindly refuse their offer, or just never be around to deal with the women. He let his aunt tell them off instead.

Thin casted clouds slowly drifted out of the sun’s way and the meadow lit up one blade of grass at a time. As the meadow soaked up the incoming sun rays he noticed the back of a man crouched down by the creek a few meters away from him. Jungkook stooped down to protect himself from being noticed. The stranger’s hair was tied up in a bun and wrapped with a dark brown fabric. Although lighter in color, the stranger’s outfit looked no different than Jungkook’s dirt covered navy blue and brown outfit. He figured the stranger must also be a commoner who may have wondered into the meadow as well.

Jungkook watched silently in the shadows of the trees as the stranger shifted positions. Suddenly Jungkook’s eyes widened and his mouth gaped open. He witnessed the