A/n : kindly play the song while reading💖

♈︎ ♉︎ ♊︎ ♋︎ ♌︎ ♍︎ ♎︎ ♏︎ ♐︎ ♑︎ ♒︎ ♓︎

Touch your smiling face,

Tears are flowing...

 ♈︎ ♉︎ ♊︎ ♋︎ ♌︎ ♍︎ ♎︎ ♏︎ ♐︎ ♑︎ ♒︎ ♓︎

Songrim-Library

The whole afternoon Namjoon was finding himself awestruck in the Songrim library. His eyes couldn't comprehend the various ancient books, manuscripts and scrolls he found, it was beyond interesting.

When he first entered this  ancient Joseon library it had an aura of eternal peace. The sweet scent of old paper and polished wood greeted  him as he open the heavy wooden doors for the first time, excitement was bubbling up inside of him, the door was intricately carved with Korean folklore.

The room had few lights, only paper lanterns; that cast soft amber light that flickered over the floor making it look like an ideal place for study. It was almost like an ancient version of a modern library.

Rows upon rows of bookshelves made in dark heavy woods are meticulously arranged with scrolls and bound manuscripts. Every single piece of writing is kept under protected silk textured cases ornamented in traditional patterns.

The smooth polished floors creak slightly when walked on revealing their age. Namjoon was fascinated. So much history in one place. It was to awesome to grasped.

There are low wooden tables with cushions at the center where scholars sit to concentrate on their studies. On these tables are ink stones, brushes, and small porcelain teacups to serve the needs of those who search knowledge and inspiration.

Tall windows with latticed screens provided glimpses into a peaceful garden outside where cherry blossoms trees and carefully manicured vegetation stand awasserene backdrops. Namjoon could even imagine the gentle rustling leaves or birds chirping from afar just enough to make calmness more palpable.

He was enthralled to the chagrin of his brother 'Yul' and Dan-goo his companion. After his eventful lunch with Jung-Uk who just vanished after that, he and Dan-goo found their way to the library.

The young trainee mages were in the court yard with some senior instructors.

Namjoon was totally emerged into the reading and his mind was overwhelmed with all the interesting information but what was so strange is that he couldn't find a authentic map of the Korea he knows in the modern settings. Maybe regions and names changed throughout the ages.

He walked around the rows, bowing to some elders that visited the library late afternoon.

When he saw the library assistant came out with some scrolls in his arms, Namjoon almost fell on his back. It was non other than...Yoongi!

How did Yoongi ended up in this world? He thought it was only the people that were with him in the library at that time. But Yoongi and Hobi in the same time period?  His mind couldn't comprehend it. He quickly rush to Yoongi and smile as he assist him by taking few scrolls out of his arms.

'Yoongi' smile brightly at Namjoon and his small cat-like eyes lit up with surprise. He cordially thanked him for his help.

'Oh hey, Nam-joon. I heard you got hurt yesterday after you tried to apprehend the assassin." Yoongi raised his eyes with glee.

Namjoon chuckled, glad this Yoongi looked at least friendlier than Hobi...but he was a little cautious just to assume things with this Yoongi. So he tried to play the memory loss card.

"Oh er...hi....er...sorry what's your name again?" He feigned innocence.

Yoongi furrowed his brows and looked at him with calculating eyes," Oh my...it's true. You lost your marbles. Gosh...how could you forget your best friend?  I'm Yoon-gi. We both came and work at Cheonbugwan until Master Park Jin needed us in Songrim" he filled him in but Namjoon was still lost.

Namjoon with caution,"Oh Yoon-gi. Of cause you look familiar but ...where is this Cheonbugwun?"

Yoongi signed, "Come walk with me while I put these scrolls away.Your clothes needs to be shortened, seriously. You really lost more screws than we thought. It is located within the palace grounds and is closely affiliated with the royal family and the government. It serves as a central hub for mages who perform official duties, including various political and administrative tasks, as well as conducting important magical research and activities. We both worked there at first doing research, but I left you there few months ago and came to work on another research here at Songrim. You wanted to stay for another three months as you and the Crown Prince are very close because you're cousins---"

Namjoon looked shocked," Er... excuse me? Are Yul and I related to the royal family?"

Yoongi laughed as they walked towards a row and placed some scrolls in a section," Yes...I think from the queen side. So, you and I were the top students in our school in a region outside Daeho. We were summoned a year ago to come and assist with some important  research. We were both Seodangs---"

Namjoon stood frozen, trying to locate what Seodang means, according to his knowledge it was basically a library assistant or something, but it might mean something else in this time-period.

"Er... Yoon-gi, so we're are library assistants?" He asked as Yoon-gi dramatically turned and gave him a deadpan expression, but than the corners of his mouth lifted and he burst our of laughter. Namjoon stood transfixed as he looked at Yoongi. He was so different. It almost looked he and Hobi had a personality transfer. Hobi was up tight and stoic as if he had a stick up his buttocks and can't seemed to take a simple joke, but Yoongi was mellow, very friendly almost sunny and not introverted  but he maintain a little of his sassy nature. He felt at ease in his presence.

Yoongi patted him on the shoulder," Gosh, this new Nam-joon is so funny. No dummy... we are very influential  scholars or scribes.  Basically, our job is handling classical texts, we are literate in various scripts, and resources helping  those who are seeking knowledge, as well as giving them our 'young mage trainees' assistance on how to get around numerous collections of manuscripts and scrolls. We are normally mandated by the government or nobility to manage and curate library contents. Our duties, my dear Nam-joon  encompassed book organization and cataloging, assisting research while at times we are summoned to  copy or transcribed manuscripts for safe keeping. We are regarded as the most learned and respected individuals specializing in Confucian classics, history, literature and other academic disciplines." He told him with a little dramatic flair.

Namjoons eyes were widen, "Wow! We are that influential. That is ....very enlighthing."

Yoongi smiled that cute gummy smile, his eyes glows,"Yes, Nam-joon. That is why the King summoned us to the palace to assist, but you came few months later to Songrim, because the research are too much. So, while you were doing some scribe work...before you unfortunate incident, I was busy doing the proper maintenance of the collection but also became a guiding light for young researchers and intellectuals flocking here,  creating an atmosphere conducive to learning and intellectual development, which looked like that I will have to continue doing. Just don't let that those two mischievous young trainee mages Jeon Jeong-guk and Park Jim-in get on your nerves again...I think you have punished them enough."

Namjoon shook his head, is Yoon-gi talking about  Jungkook that worked part time with Mr Parks son Jimin in the modern library. Did they also transported here? Wow! He hope Arin also came through. But nobody seems to know her here. What a pity, that girl needs a desperate personality makeover.

He placed some of the scrolls on the nearby table and looked at Yoongi," Is Park Jimin , Mr Park Jins' son?"

Yoongi turned around with an awed expressing,"Oh wow! You remember young Jim-in. Or did you just heard about his family name and made your own assumptions? Yes, you actually right.' He suddenly looked around carefully and pull Namjoon to the furthest secluded corner.

Namjoon looked shocked and Yoongis demeanour.

Yoongi in a whispering tone,"Er...we don't actually talked about it here. It is a sensitive story. Master Park from Songrim had a little one night entanglement few years ago with Joo-wol the owner of Chiwiseonru he fathered her son. She was still a young lady and she left Daeho, but he knew about his 'love child' and he made her come back with his son ten years ago. Jim-in and Mr Park have a good relationship ,but his mom doesn't really like his dad, so they always clash. You did meet Joo-wol?"

Namjoon eyes were wide as he nodded. He wondered what was the real story in the modern world. Mr Park, the Seoul Uni curator is a widower as he lost his wife to cancer few years ago when Jimin was still in high school.He never saw Joo-wol in real life. You never know, maybe she was his real mother in the modern time.

After a while, he and Yoongi were done organizing and cataloging. They just chatted with muffled voices as Yoongi informed him about the various scrolls in the library.It was already night fall...and Namjoon felt spent due to all the studying and indulging in ancient facts with Yoongi.

.....

Meanwhile in the forest outside Songrim.

Park Jin, the leader of Songrim stood in the middle of the dense forest surrounded by young mage whom he summoned to follow him. The saw movement near the mountainous area as they all squint to have a better look.

Ho-seok eyes were wary," They must have broken the pine forest barrier...and escape through here"

They could still see blurry crawling figures running up the mountain. It was already evening and the forest was dark and gloomy.

Then Mr Park stretched out his hand and conjured a glowing energy ball of water in his hands and that he hurled it towards the mountain and an electrical explosion occurred. It immediately light up the area in front of them and the group could see the number of crawling figures the mountain escaping.

Park Jin looked with narrowed eyes in that direction,and turn to Ho-seok his second in command and trusted mage, "I see. They broke the barrier."

Ho-seok nodded," We'll follow them".

Park Jin, shook his head nodded," It's too late for that.Only the people of Songrim are able to break the barrier."

His eyes narrowed,"We have a spy among us."

Ho-seok and the young mages eyes widen in shock.

Park Jin inhaled deeply," We must ask the Jin- family for their help."

......

Back at Songrim- library

A mage run into the library as everyone of the patrons looked up in a startled manner.

'Master Heo wants all of the members of Songrim to gather in the Training hall asap.---"he bowed at a perplexed looking Yoongi as Yoongi told the library guests to please leave and do what they were told.

Namjoon looked more confused as ever and wonder what was happening. Was there any more news about the assassin?

Yoongi locked the library and they all followed the mage to the Training centre. More people were rushing to the center. Curiosity and some kind of apprehension were in the atmosphere. The air was cracking with a magical tension.

When they entered the Training Center, Namjoon's eyes widen in total awe.

The training center hall exudes a mystical and traditional ambiance. The hall was spacious and adorned with intricate wooden carvings and beams, reflecting classical Korean architecture. The floor was a brown polished wood, gleaming under the dim, ambient lighting provided by lanterns hanging from the ceiling. Scrolls with ancient scripts and symbols were displayed on the walls, adding to the scholarly and magical atmosphere. Namjoon wish he has a camera to capture the essence of this magnificent space. His eyes moved up to the levels upstairs where numerous mage guards were standing elegantly and with a serious demeanour on every corner or pillar.

The room was arranged with low tables and cushions for seating, typical of a traditional Korean setting, but it was pushed at the side so that the floors will be spacious for the crowd.  There were also various training tools and weapons neatly organized along the sides of the hall, indicating the space's dual purpose for both scholarly study and martial training of the mages.

Namjoon was standing at the back next to Yoongi. Dan -goo also stood next to Yoongi, his face looked gleeful. He loves excitement .The placed filled up as more women who worked as Songrim servants entered. The place were filled with young trainee mages also.

Namjoons eyes drift to a sudden movement in the back, their friend Jang-Uk and a young lady just entered the hall with solemn looks. Dan-goo called to Jang-UK  to come and join them up front.

Namjoon furrowed his brows to Yoongi,"Who is the girl next to Jang-uk?" He didn't know the guy was dating.

Yoongi snorted," Dan-Goo said the cute girl is his servant with the name of Mu-duek"

Namjoon nodded, as he saw how Jang-uk and his cute girl servant came to stand with them. They looked a little apprehensive.

Jang-uk looked at Dan-goo with questioning eyes,"What's going on? Why are we gathered all here?"

His eyes roamed around the packed hall.

Dan-goo turned to him and whispered," One of Naksu's men is in here. They're  going to catch him'."

Jang-uk eyes widen,"Naksu?"

Dan-goo nodded.

Namjoon saw how Jang-uk and his servant exchanged thoughtful looks.

Just then Park Jin and Master Heo Yeom enter with the senior mages behind on the high podium in facing the murmuring crowd.

Park Jin looked serious as his eyes roam around the with a serious demeanour,  his lips pursed," Among you stands a person who aided, Naksus' men in their attack on Songrim. "

Dan-goo lift his hands and spoke up," My lord, there is no one here today whose identity should be in question."

Park Jin looked very serious and his gaze roamed around the room,"On the outside, you all look like members of Songrim which is why I've requested some help---"

Then Ho-seok with his short platinum hair entered behind Park Jin and whispered," Lady Jin Cho-yeon of the Jin-family has arrived. She has Gwigsu in her possession."

.....

When Lady Jin Cho-yeon entered the training hall, the atmosphere shifted dramatically. The room, already steeped in a quiet tension, seemed to hold its ' breath in anticipation of her presence.

Her entrance was marked by a palpable aura of authority and mystique, captivating the attention of everyone present. She was flanked with the prominent and highly skillful female bodyguards of the Jin-family.

Lady Jin Cho-yeon, dressed in a flowing hanbok that accentuated her graceful movements, exuded an air of elegance and power. Her expression was composed yet determined, reflecting her resolute purpose. The soft rustle of her clothing was the only sound that broke the silence as she walked to the center of the hall.

She bowed and politely greeted the leader of Songrim who welcomed her to the podium. The aura has charged with apprehension and visible curiosity. The crowd knows the power of the Jin-family.

Namjoon eyes widen as he looked at the prettiest girl he has ever seen since he landed in this period. He at first couldn't see her full face as she looked like she was gliding pass them.He only notice her beautiful side profile. Her chestnut brown hair was wavy and braided on top in a intricate style adored with hair flower crystals. She looked like a princess.

When she stood on the podium where all the members gasped at her outward beauty. Namjoon felt how his body started to react in shock. Shivers run down his spine as he behold the flawless beauty in front of them.

His eyes widen in recognition. Oh my gosh! It was non other than Arin!.

She made it through the portal into this world and she seemed to be a very influential girl here.

He was still contemplating her presence as he fail to notice her widen eyes as it land in their area. Her  eyes were fixed on him and than at Jang-uk.

But then she got herself together and looked as fierce and serious as usual.

She raised her hand with an authority yet gentleness, the room seemed to dim a little, like it knew that she could control some kind of magic. She started chanting in a sweet melodic voice in an ancient language that sent shivers down anyone’s spine who was listening – and they were all watching.

All Namjoon could do was watch her move. Arin was enchanting. Her power, beauty, and magical abilities took his breath away.

He saw his brother behind them and smiled, nodding before turning to Dan-goo who couldn’t take his eyes off Arin. Oh my goodess. Does Dan-goo like Arin this time period? Does Arin like him back?

“Arin?” Namjoon whispered her name breathless.

Dan-goo smirked and leaned over, “It’s not your Arin? It’s the prettiest girl in all of Daeho. That is Lady Cha-yeon of the Jin-family---the girl you and Jang-uk refused to marry," He paused for effect – forgetting that he was talking about their friends new title – “Their family keep the most dangerous relics---”

Namjoon wasn’t really listening because what came next showed him how wrong he had been about the‘fantastical’.

As Cha-yeon chanted something under her breath she pulled out a small wooden flute from her pocket which caught Namjoons’ eye as it was so intricately carved. When she put it to her lips and blew softly into it a beautiful haunting sound filled the hall. The noise danced through the air causing shimmering lights to appear where ever it went.

From these lights the Sapsali started coming into being – at first just looking like heatwaves or distorted air but slowly solidifying until there stood before them what could only be described as some form of ethereal dog with glowing fur that seemed see-through at points due to its spectralness.

The creatures eyes were the most piercing blue that seemed to look through you with a wisdom only found in another world. To start off with it stood there looking at Lady Jin Cho-yeon before giving her a nodding bow and then turning its attention towards what ever it had come here to do.

The hall was filled with a buzz of magic so strong even those who couldn’t feel it could see it, they all watched as the Sapsali began moving around searching for the soul shifter – each step though graceful had an element of purpose in it which caused everyone present to hold their breaths as they waited for what would happen next – their anticipation fuelled by none other than Lady Jin Cho-yeon’s unwavering gaze on this creature that was under her command.

The tension was so thick you can cut it with a knife. You can feel the air crackling with excitement; lantern light flickers and throws eerie, dancing shadows on the walls.

It’s not only the Sapsali, currently making its' way down the hall.

Or the students, hushed and watchful in their seats.

Now— they are all waiting for one thing: that magnificent creature to find out who among them is hiding a soul-shifter within them.

A/n: Arin entered the scene

Thank you so much for reading, voting and commenting.  You are fantastic.

1.Do you think Dan-goo will win Arins 'heart in this time period?

2. Will Namjoon be able to lure Arin back to the modern lips?

3. Where do you think the lost relic might be?

4. Do you think Arin is aware of the time travelling?