Little Voices

In a corner close by of the sleeping quarters, Su-yeon was clinging onto her precious doll and she was whispering to Ae-rin as they were gazing out of the window.

Su-yeon First Person POV:

I do not really understand a bunch of these deep words they use about defense and unity, but I do know of this one thing, when I see all those glimmering guards, I feel safe. It's like they are a wall of superheroes guarding outside to keep the bad guys away. I hope Master Heuk always manages to stay strong for us, because if he does, then maybe someday, I won't be so afraid of the darkness.

(End of Su-yeon's POV)

Chul-woo being having his usual energetic spirit was bouncing about on the manor's courtyard, he was in awe looking at the new guards arriving. "Wow, guys take a look at them!" he yelled towards Jin-mu, his voice was full of unfiltered excitement. "They really look like warriors like the one's from those stories Teacher Lee Jin-Ho tells us about!"

Jin-mu, although he was quiet and stoic, he couldn't stop himself from giving a slight smile. "Yeah, they do look really strong. Maybe I can get them to teach me some new moves, maybe something that could help me use my bandaged arm a little bit better."

Even the youngest kid that was among them, Min-ah who had quickly become really close with Woo-jin was watching with a curious eye, as if every single little detail was a treasure that needed to be stored inside her memory. The children's chattering was both full of wonder and trepidation, it was cramming the estate with a lively energy that made every corner feel alive.

Back in the main chamber, the adults of the Redwood Estate was busying themselves with preparations for the day they would have ahead. General Kang and his group of warriors started setting up more watchtowers along the estate's perimeter, their disciplined actions was a huge contrast to the Redwood Estate's chaotic endeavors. Lee Jin-Ho was moving together with the kids, he offered them warm reassurances and checking up on them to see if they understood their new routines.

Heuk Cheon was gathering the leading children, it was Han-ju, Chul-woo, Ae-rin, Su-yeon, Jin-mu, Dae-hyun, Woo-jin, and Min-ah, into a sort of semi circle close by the courtyard's center. The tone of his voice was powerful and it resonated throughout the estate, it was carrying an unmistakable message of defying his enemies and instilling hope.

"This day, we will welcome our reinforcements sent by the Murim Alliance, not because we are weak, but because we believe it is better to stand together as a united army." he announced to the orphans, his eyes was burning with determination. "These warriors beside me are here to improve and support our defenses. But bear this in mind, your true strength lies within each of you. Keep on training, listening, and learning. So that when the time comes, you can stand by our side not just as brats that we take care off, but as martial artists in your own right."

Han-ju's heart was glowing with pride as he was listening to his Master Heuk. He understood that every single word from his Master Heuk was a call to arms, it was an invite to stand above the chaos and heartache of the past and to build a future that was defined by unitedness and not by fear. On the other hand, Chul-woo was just nodding vigorously, while Ae-rin was clasping her hands tightly together in quiet conviction. Even Su-yeon who was usually so silent, gave Heuk Cheon a tiny smile.

The wave of agreements among the adults was matched by the silent conviction of the young warriors. It was as if every soul that was there, whether they be young or old, understood that the time for being complacent was over, and that a new chapter of courage was just beginning.

After the assembly, the kids were guided away to proceed to their usual morning routines. But today, there was an obvious buzz hanging in the air. Some of the older kids were gathering together in small groups near the training area to start practicing their martial arts stances and to also sneak a peak of the new guards in action.

First Person POV: Jin-mu

I still remember when I first witnessed Master Heuk fighting someone. Back then, his movements were like a storm of whirlwind, a force that I think no one could ever stand up to. Now, I am seeing him standing here, teaching us how to fight and not only that, to also how to be vigilant. I dearly wish I could become someone as brave as him. Today, when I start to practice my martial arts stances, I will not just try to avoid falling face first, I will try to build a wall within me, a special wall that will never crumble under any pressure, no matter what happens inside or outside.

End of Jin-mu's POV

Somewhere else, Han-ju was leading a small training session with a couple of his friends, their voices was hushed as they were copying the strict commands that they had heard during their trainings. "Stand still! Do your best protecting your friends!" he was yelling with eyes that was glowing with a determination that belied his youth. In his mind, every time he did a stance, it was a promise, a promise that one day, he would be the shield that defended his makeshift family from the shadow forces that was coming together beyond their estate's walls.

First Person POV: Chul-woo

I'm usually the type of kid to make jokes here and there, the one who laughs the loudest at every single silly mistake. But today, I felt something different. When I saw the new guards outside, when I saw Master Heuk's eyes burning with that scary and dangerous light. I was feeling a spark inside me, it was like I wanted to be a part of that power, to come to learn how to stay and stand strong even when everything around me is mean and scary. I am small right now, but I am not weak! I will practice everyday until I have the power to protect my fellow kids.

End of Chul-woo's POV

The children's innocent but determined viewpoints was breathing new energy of life into the Redwood Estate. Their voices, although they were sometimes a bit soft and unsure, was carrying the seeds of a future where the legacy of Redwood Estate would be build on their courage and unitedness.

In the afternoon, as the reinforcement guards were integrating themselves into the estate's daily routines and after they created new patrol routes, Heuk Cheon gathered a council with his group and the Murim Alliance reinforcements. The topic of their conversation was clear, to prepare for the possibility of future attacks.

General Kang was standing beside Heuk Cheon, he was giving them an outline on the new measures. "We will maintain continuous surveillance along the estate's perimeter. In addition to that, I suggest that we start a training and practical protocol for the older kids. They are a bit young, but as they mature in the future, they must come to know about self defense and situational awareness. With that said, our future depends on their resilience.

Lee Jin-Ho agrees with General Kang. "Of course, education is our strongest tool. We will combine both martial arts techniques and practical lessons about strategy and awareness into our daily lesson."

The look on Heuk Cheon's face started to harden as he was addressing both his group and the assembly of the new guards. "I did not seek redemption just by hiding behind words. I accepted a chance to take back my power, I will make sure that no enemy, may they be old hatreds or new threats, can ever harm this home. Mark this day, we will stand together. Tomorrow, all of us will train harder. And in every passing second, we shall protect one another." The tone in his voice was echoing with the aura and presence of a man that had once commanded fear and respect on the battlefield, not he was tempered by a duty to cultivate and guard the vulnerable.

Seo Ryung took a step forward and with a firm tone. "We will choose not to rest until every single inch of Redwood Estate is deemed secure. The kids will know the meaning of safety, and they will mature into warriors that will carry our legacy forward."

The words of his was met with gentle nods from both his group and the new reinforcement guards. The unity inside the room was palpable, it was a vow that even if there was a storm gathering, every single soul within the Redwood Estate was sat and prepared to fight for the sake of their future.

That night, as the new reinforcement guards was taking their positions and the other members were going back to their sleeping quarters for a bit of rest, the kids found a silent corner of the estate where they could come and share their thoughts with one another. In quiet voices, they started to speak about the day's events and their dreams for tomorrow.