Cold. A feeling every Night was accustomed to and this young man was no exception to this. In a group of rogue mercenaries who searched for purpose, this young man accepted everything that came his way. It was easier for him with the leader of the Nights, Sir Huang, keeping an eye on his abilities and trained him up like his own son. But of course, that would never replace your own family. His only family now was a bunch of mercenaries, who could turn on him in a heartbeat.

 

“Out of the way squirt!” A shove rendered the young man speechless as he fell to the floor. “Tch, good-for-nothing boy.”

“Hey! Watch it! Don’t hurt hyung!”

“And what are you going to do about that kiddo?” The man sneered.

“I’ll tell my father about this.” The younger boy’s eyes darkened, “And I am sure he would not like what he hears.”

“It’s alright Tao, I am fine.” Han said curtly while the younger boy glared intensely at the man who was twice his size who eventually walked away.

“Why didn’t you defend yourself hyung?”

“Because it wasn’t worth the fight. And who gave you permission to call me hyung?”

Tao didn’t reply and pouted slightly.

“If that is all then I am going to my quarters now.” Tao nodded and let Han go.

Life was truly unfair, with Han’s likelihood of becoming the Night’s leader growing as well as his leader’s child, Tao, who was not getting proper training and guidance. Once Sir Huang saw potential on Han, he neglected his own child. So much so that Tao was not trained like a true Night would, from the age of 3, experiencing cruel ways to master the blades which gave the Nights a reputation.   With no regards of the minimal support of his fore coming rule of the Nights, Han wondered why Sir Huang neglected his only son, his own blood to give him the leadership role.

Han snapped out of his own thoughts when a Night muttered. 
“He’s such a disgrace, just like his father.” Han looked at him blankly.

 

 

“He doesn’t even know who his own father is.”

“It doesn’t matter anyways, from what I have heard, his father is a coward. He doesn’t even deserve his own son.”

“Heck, we don’t know either.”

“Maybe it’s better this way. You know what they say, ignorance is bliss.”

“Han has potential, but without a name to surpass, he is a nobody”

 “STOP!” An eleven year old Han screamed. “Tell me who my father is!”

“Han? What are you doing here? Get back to your room young boy.”

“Not until you tell me who my father is. Then I can prove to you that his isn’t as cowardly as you claim he is.”

“Tch. You? You can’t prove anything.” Sir Huang’s right hand man, Hyunki sneered. “Besides, we are protecting you. The truth hurts kiddo and if you know of it, you would not be capable to comprehend anything afterwards. Now go back to your room, be glad Mr Huang granted you a place to stay.”

Han was shoved back into a partitioned 36 square metre srea which was his room, tears streaming down his youthful face. That was the last time he cried.

 

 

“You still think that would affect me, Taehyun?” Han said in a stoic manner.

“Should it?”

“I am not a naïve young child anymore. If you haven’t realised, I hold a higher rank than you, so shouldn’t you be much less bitter than you were? Never know what might happen to you if you get reported by me of your misconduct.”

“I wouldn’t though, would I? You have never been a tattletale.” Taehyun said quietly

“And you should be glad, however, this time, it won’t go unpunished, son of Soohyun,” Taehyun flinched.

“H-How do you know my father’s name.”

“A man once said, ignorance is bliss, and in our case, it is.” Han said before turning around. “Oh and, make sure to pack well, you never know when the next mission could be your last.”

Taehyun’s eyes widened, but of course, Han was long gone to see his fear stricken countenance.

Resorting to threats was not Han’s style in dealing tough situations, but one can only withstand so much. Walking back to the marksmen room, he grabbed a few knives to throw at lifeless dolls and relieve his boredom.

A fit of coughs resonated in the infirmary as a man walked inside.

“Sire, are you alright?”

“Do I sound alright to you, Hyunki?” This silenced him. “Hyunki, you have probably realised but it is high time to choose the new leader. My situation is deteriorating and there will be havoc if the Nights do not see their leader soon.”

“Yes Sir Huang.”

“Don’t be too shocked young man, but the title will go to Han.”

“Han…? Sui Han?”

“Yes. Sui Han. Lu Han, as I have named him, has the most potential for leadership. He is the most worthy of my title.”

“Sir…”

“Do I hear regret in your voice, Hyunki? Or is it envy?”

“No, Sir Huang.”

“Of course, you haven’t heard my ulterior motive to this plan.”

“No, I am not aware of it.”

“You see, I have set up an empire of mercenaries and despite what others might say, I do have intentions of conquering Capital myself. Of course, that cannot be accomplished in one lifetime, so I will burden young Han to complete the deed. Although, this would be most tragic, seeing as the young prince would murder his own father. I can visualise the look of betrayal on the King’s face.”

“So this is how it will unfold, Sire.”

Sir Huang grabbed Hyunki by the shirt and pulled him towards his face. “This is our redemption by completing our job and causing great destruction. You know what every father fears, Hyunki? He fears what his son could do. The leader of Capital will be terrified of his own son before being slaughtered by his own blood.”

“Is this why you haven’t trained Tao to become your successor?”

“Tao is like his mother, indecisive and soft. He will not be of any use to the Night’s goal. He does not possess any qualities which would bring the Capital on their knees. Besides, why waste time when you have a perfect candidate. Now I urge you to rush the tedious task of making Han the leader of the Nights.”

“Yes Sir.”

A silent figure slipped away into the shadows before Hyunki left the infirmary.

Everything happened so quickly that it became the topic among the Nights.

“It has come to my attention that a new era of the Night’s is at hand.” Sir Huang said, “And for a new era, a new leader must stand. My time is up as the leader of the Nights. May I present to you, Han the new leader of the Nights. As I step down as the leader, a young talent rises. But we share the same purpose, bringing Capital down with our strengths. I officially appoint Night Han as the new leader, succeeding myself, Zihao Huang to continue the deeds we must complete in order to retain the honour of the Nights.”

 

“For the honour of the people, the Nights, I, Han will commence in serving as the leader. I assure you that victory will be ours through strong leadership and brilliant guidance from Sir Huang.” Han said stiffly, “Thank you Sir Huang for offering me the privilege of ruling our people.” Han kneeled in front of Sir Huang.

“Only the worthy will be able to carry the title of Leader of the Nights and Mr Lu Han shall carry the honourable title.” Unsheathing the glorious sword of the leader, Mr Huang presented it in front of Han. “Rise Leader of the Nights and advance our forces into the Capital.” Han took the sword in his arms and bowed gracefully before the crowd who returned the gesture.

Han eventually walked to his new room where he took the burdensome sword off his back and laid back. “So, overthrowing the Capital Leader is the plan...”

[Three Years Later]

Swoosh, THUNK! Three blades thrown consecutively, hit smack bang in the middle of the target.

“I did that with my eyes closed.”

“I’ll do my best…” Tao threw three blades, two of which didn’t even reach the target.

“Stop. Your arm motion is wrong. There is no grace in your slings and I don’t even know how  you got that on the target.”

“I’m sorry, Han.” Tao looked down in disappointment

“Your father is so much better than you, even while he can’t sit up straight.” Tao stood there, embarrassed and humiliated.

“Sir Han! Sir!! Mr Huang, he’s requesting your presence.” Han looked at the man and gave a single grave nod.

“Continue practising Tao. You have to live up to your father’s name.” With that, Han left Tao and went to the infirmary which was Mr Huang’s makeshift room.

Two guards stood firmly in front of the infirmary before Han dismissed them.

“Han. I don’t have much time… I have many things to say but not enough time. First, you are aware that the Nights must defeat the Capital.” Han nodded. “Also, son, look after my good-for-nothing child. Train him to the best of your ability and have him at your disposal. Lastly, Han… Your… ” Mr Huang gasped.

“My?” Han raised a single eyebrow in questioning.

“Your… father. He… He-” Mr Huang wheezed. “He was…” His eyes rolled behind his head.

Han smirked, “My father? Oh him. He’s the Capital leader who left me at your mercy. I am well aware of that, Sir Huang.”

  

FIN

Author's Corner: I would like to thank Kfanfiction for providing us the opportunity to write our own adaptation/side story of her own characters. I hope we have done your stories justice with our work as well. :) Thanks for reading as well ^_^