It was pitch dark until her eyes were open, where Ring Ring could see she was covered in waters. She began to panic and quickly cover her mouth, but somehow, there's no suffocating. Both hands remove from her mouth as she takes a deep breath, no water coming through. She then notices something up ahead, a body that's floating. To take a better look at the person, Ring Ring swims toward it. When getting closer to the person, a pain strikes her chest. Not far, she could tell it's a woman; golden hair, skin that shine like gold. A person she never met made her like she actually knew this person.

...Sala...man...

Before she could get close to the body, a huge wave of water pressure push Ring Ring out of the way. She screams as her body being tumbled, taking her back to reality. Her eyes open in terror with a couple of sweat coming down from the head. Calming her down as she takes deep breathing. It didn't help when James settled a tray of water beside her bed, startling her.

You're awake. [Ring Ring look at him a few minutes before falling onto her bed] You sleep for three days straight after fighting with Pucca. When you go unconscious after the fight, the newcomer burns the festival.

[Began to chuckle] Master Soo festival didn't catch his interest. I really regret, fighting with pucca made me miss the best entertainment part.

And... There are other newcomers too.

What?! [Quickly sit up while James hurries to aid her side] I don't want your help. [Push James off when her body heavily lands on the floor] My body... [Try to wiggle herself off the floor] it's still weak. Why am I still weak? One day is enough for my body to heal.

Of course, you're still weak. [Ring Ring look up at him then growl] I'm trying to help, don't be alarmed.

I don't... [Eyes turning red] need...your help... [Slash out at him but missed when he back up]

Temper, control it. [She did as she was told but continue glaring at him] James and I will help you on your bed then I'll give you your medication.

I don't take medication.

Shush. [Put one finger on her lip to keep her quiet] I don't like babysitting, but you're additional to someone. Stop whining and let me help you.

It turns into a different direction when Ring Ring opens her mouth as she tries to tear his hand. James takes back from the sudden attack, he quickly gets a hold behind Soso, pulling him free from his mistress. With little effort, Ring Ring let go as they fell backward. She gives a few spit to the side, hoping to get rid of the aftertaste. Soso handed James the medication and left without saying anything.

[Stick out her tongue] He deserves it.

Milady, please raise your hands. [Reach both hands toward her] Let me help you to your bed.

[Turn away] I'm fine.

[Sigh] What would the master say about this?

Don't, don't you dare talk about my father. He's dead, dead to the world for whatever I care. [A few minutes passed, the silence was broken] Why's that fake monk here?

You're hurt, same as that busboy.

Dada? [Turn back at him] What happened to him?

Oh, now you're interested. [Ring Ring frown which made him grin at her reaction] The boy's face was burned, it wasn't deep. He and you were lying together backstage when I was about to get you and saw him begging the monk to look after you.

Ring Ring

Ugh, [Slam her head on the floor, surprising James] he hasn't changed. I don't get him. I hate him, more than Pucca.

Hate is a strong word. I don't understand, you always drag him everywhere and even tell me to protect him. Compared to the odango girl, you two had a strong bond to wreck each other at every opportunity.

[Blush furiously] You're not in the position to tell me that! Leave, go, do something useful!

I'm trying to help you.

LEAVE!!!

James did as she ordered then stop midway at the door before looking back and quickly leave. Ring Ring waits when he is completely gone and will use her full strength to the bed. It was exhausting but really rewarding. She stays on that spot while closing her eyes, thinking the dream she just had. That woman was so familiar, but yet, she never met her before. If she remembered correctly, maybe she did call out to her. How frustrated as Ring Ring grabbed her pillow and slammed into her face. It didn't help when Dada popped in her head too.

Somewhere up high in the mountain stood a palace, where Soso climbed the stairs to that palace. He couldn't believe that Ring Ring nearly bit his hand off. What did Dada ever see in that girl? The thought of being with that type of girl wouldn't last long. As when he entered the palace, Dada was ready and about to head out.

[Close the door behind him] Where are you going?

Work. The chefs want me back. [Notice the bite mark on Soso's hand] What happened to your hand? [Grab Soso hand to take a better look]

Ring Ring, [Sigh] she was more than I expected.

I never thought she would harm you. Come on, [Pulling Soso to the kitchen] let me take a look at it. [Searching through the drawers and pulling out the med-kit. He applies cream on Soso hand and wrap in bandages]

Hey, Dada.

Yeah?

I learned something interesting in the past three days over there.

Oh, hmm... James, right?

I can smell you over there, very distantly.

What? [Stop wrapping Soso while moving his head up] M-my smell? What d-do you mean?

I'm blind Dada, my other senses are strong. You hang out at Ring Ring place, especially in her room. I was wondering where did you go every night, and it turns out I found the solution. Can you honestly tell me, what's your relationship with her?

I don't... I don't know what to say... [Settle the bandage down that hangs from Soso's hand, leaving him pace throughout the kitchen] We're... She's... I serve her. That's our relationship, nothing more.

Dada, you're hurting yourself. [Finishing the wrapping himself] Like when we used to live in the temple.

She's Ring Ring, I can't say no.

You can, go up to her and reject—

I can't do that! [Squeeze his hands then let go as he sighs] Sorry, I just...can't.

I was fine with public relationships, but learning what you and she had wasn't on my list. It's a bit bizarre... [Give a few thoughts] How long did it go on?

[Jolt a bit from the question] I... Don't remember clearly... [Try to remember while moving his head to the side] Maybe... If I remember correctly, the day she first moves in the village.

[Surprise that he took a step back] I'm... Going to see Lady Nell.

[He was startled when Soso mentioned Lady Nell, with that, he gave a worried look] Nelly, why her? Oh please Soso, don't tell her about my situation. Ring Ring didn't do anything wrong. I... I don't know what to do without her.

Advice, I'm seeking out advice. If I did tell her, Lady Nell won't do anything to her. She hadn't done anything for the past five years, if that's how long you two are together. Go to your work, don't want you to be late.

A-are you sure? Nelly wouldn't, or you won't try anything.

[Smile] I'll make sure. [Dada didn't take his word lightly but was off to the restaurant. His smile faded when Dada left, while he put the med-kit in the drawers] Lady Nell is a stubborn woman, she does whatever seems right.

Dada hasn't been down in the village after he got hurt, and it seems the village had managed well. The sight of Sooga Village makes it like the fire had never happened. He made his way to the restaurant, encountered Abyo and Ching along the front door.

Ah, here's the busboy.

Hello... Um... Here for the noodles?

Actually, we're here for Pucca. She hasn't woken up, so we came here to visit her.

[Surprise] She's not in the hospital?

No, but I wonder why.

Maybe her uncles convince the doctors. [Lower his voice enough that Ching can hear] Like bribing them. [Cause him to get an elbow punch in the stomach]

Oh, yes, I almost forgot. [Secretly pull out an envelope and hand it to Dada then whisper to his ear] Ring Ring told me to give you this. [Dada was confused as to why Ring Ring trusts her with this] She can be sweet sometimes, and I'm grateful to do a little favor for her.

[Pop out of nowhere between them] Hey, what are guys whispering?

[Rotate swiftly toward Abyo] W-we're talking about Garu. [Calming herself, going with that story] He's nowhere in sight, or anywhere in his place. I was wondering if he had seen Garu.

Ohhh... Yesss... After the fire, he suddenly disappeared. Poof, [Flick both hands in front of his face] gone, [Sprinkle his hands down] like magic.

[Rub his neck] I... Haven't... [Look up at Abyo] Not since...

Great, [Shrug] you no see, you no know. [Face the entrance while signaling his hand pointing at the door] Let's go Ching, don't want sleeping beauty waiting for us.

Abyo went first with Ching following behind as she gave a small goodbye wave. Dada was about to take a step when he noticed something beneath his nose. A black cat, Mio. Why's Garu cat doing here? That cat just froze stiffly when their eyes met. The body language Mio show had him suspicious. His eyes squint, thinking maybe his owner is here.

Not long, there's a loud breaking wood noise. Dada stood there, confused at the noise until he looked up at where the noise was coming. A huge piece of wood fell in front of him, nearly landing on Mio's tail. They look up, seeing Garu fully dress as a ninja. Then soon later, the rest of the roof from the second floor began to crumble. Garu leaps one piece of the roof then onto the others. He lands safely then turns to where the rubble fell. They were nowhere in sight, just when Dada's unconscious body was thrown beside him. Mio then lands on the busboy.

That kid was heavy. [Garu just looks at him in silence] Okay, I'm not getting used to this. I hate that woman, silent wasn't your thing. [People out of the village are beginning to approach their direction] We better hide, quick. [They quickly flee into the trees, leaving Dada on the ground, where people began to surround him and point at the incident] Let's get this over with. Visit that girl and get yourself together. You've been neglecting your training. What honor would it bring?

[Air wrote his words] I'm sorry, I can't think straight because of that kiss.

That's why you should visit that girl. She's also the success to earn your honor, that woman did mention about that. So, get on your feet and start climbing. You're wasting your precious time in Sooga Village.

Garu would hate to listen to the decision Mio is making, but he Had no choice. No matter what, honor was the main topic. He sighs in disappointment as he stares at his cat then on the window that leads to Pucca bedroom. They disappear from the tree into thin air.

Soso waits on the balcony of his palace, waiting for Lady Nell getting the news. Not long, she enters from the sky as she floats her way in front of him. The face that Soso show was the opposite of her, a frown and frustrated face. Lady Nell knows the reason, and she hates it because of the reason.

So... [Try to lighten the mood] How's your day?

Unpleasantly. Ring Ring nearly bit my hand off. [Show his bitten hand] Not only that, [Put his hand down] I found her and my little brother secret. Why didn't you do anything? I don't want him to experience the same way he did in the temple. Isn't that the reason you took us?

Yes, and no.

What do you mean?

I can't explain, but, [Take a deep breath] it's hard. If I'm going to tell you this, can you please keep it a secret from Dada. [Soso wants to tell him, but he wants to keep it a secret if it's important. He had finally made the decision to nod, following whatever Lady Nell had to say] Dada and Ring Ring are soulmates, they are meant to be together. [Where she started the explanation had made Soso lose it] What's wrong? Didn't you say you want me to explain?

I don't get you. Why did it begin by adopting us to Dada relationship?

Isn't that also the reason why I'm here?

Yes, but you quickly switch the subject. I'm asking you, why did you take us in the first place. Can you not, [Shake his head in disappointment] I can understand why your son was having a hard time with you.

[Cross her arms] I deeply apologize, I raised myself this way. But if you please listen, then I'll tell you the rest. I didn't mean to anger you or take your time away. [Soso was willingly listening] I love both of you as my real grandson, and the issue with Dada in the temple was meant to get him to stay away from harm.

And Ring Ring? She's harmful?

I'll get to her later. [Continue with the explanation] I have a duty, and I did follow whatever my duty told me to. My duty was to protect the children. Dada was one of them, which you happened to tag along. I brought you with him because you're the only person he's the closest to.

[Grab his chest because of the warmth he felt] How many children are there?

Eight, I've been waiting more than a thousand years for them.

A thou— [Was about to faint but get hold of himself] What so special about them? Does that mean Dada special like them?

Nothing unusual special about them, they're just family. A family I need to protect and unite them. Nothing more can I tell you.

That's a secret I should keep away from Dada?

Yes, but he'll remember it eventually. On his own. So, [Clasp her hands together excitedly] about Dada relationship. [Soso may not see her but the aura she gives was a terrifying mother instinct] I was so, so happy for Dada. The feeling he gave made me excited, made a tear shed from my eyes. When Ring Ring moved here, after you two, she was a child seeking affection. She felt abandoned after her father left then came Dada, giving her what she wanted.

...... [Clear his throat before speaking] Did you plan this?

Don't be silly, of course I didn't.

You're lying, Lady Nell.

Don't call me that. Nelly or Grandma Nell would be more suitable.

Nelly, please.

Fine. [Sigh] Yes, I did get involved a bit.

There are a billion of other people, and the person you choose out of them all had to be her. Why?

They're soulmates. I can't explain you any more than this.

Your duty and protection, you explained them all. Dada was one of them you had to protect, and now you can't explain. Is there a reason behind it? Ring Ring and Dada relationship don't make sense. She treats him as her slave, and he just follows. Dada wasn't that stupid when we used to live in the temple. He can stand up for himself. I'm his older brother, I have to know.

What can I only said, trust me. Please, trust me on this. I'm not hurting Dada, or level your stress. The girl and him, they really love each other. You don't really see it because they don't show it.

They're kids, Nelly. They'll outgrow their feelings.

Normal kids, yes. For them, no, I believe their feelings.

On that very night, Dada sneaks through Ring Ring bedroom window. He later spots her beside her desk, sitting on the chair while tapping on the desk.

What took you so long?

Part of the Goh-Rong falling apart.

Blame those constructors, they didn't do their job well enough. [Look at him] Did you get it?

Get what?

My letter, you idiot busboy.

Yes.

And, did you read it?

Yes, but why do you want to go to the sea? You could walk to the lagoon.

My strength isn't back.

[Surprise] What?! You bi— [Cover his mouth]

What? Tell me. Don't cover your mouth.

[Mumble as it was a whisper] You bit Soso hand this late morning.

He deserves it. [Lift both her arms toward him] Come on, carry me.

It'll be hard, I'm not that strong.

Just shut up and carry me.

Dada didn't argue, he scoops her into his arms. Now, the hard part, getting down from the window. Dada peers out of the window then back to the room, wondering how should he do it without dropping her. The worry he's bringing out had Ring Ring move her hair. The hair push them out of the window as it helps them land. Dada was so surprised that he holds onto Ring Ring tightly.

Stop acting all sissy and get a move on.

Y-yes, your right.

Dada struggle to move his feet, however, that shiver of fear will lose itself. They made their way to the lagoon.

Look at the sea. [Calmly feeling the wind when she turns her head up, watching Dada's face. Just then, the woman in her dream appears. It made her blush when she suddenly remembered that incident, thinking about Dada on her bed] You're nothing but a busboy! [Slam her elbow on Dada's stomach, making him drop her] Why did you drop me?! You're so useless!

[Hold his stomach on his knee] You... Punch me... Really, hard.

There's no reason for you to drop me!

Sorry, my grip wasn't strong enough.