Days went by happily through in the house. We sat and watched the night skies together, as though we were the only ones alive in the universe.
Glacier put her hands over her shoulders as they sat on the cliff.
Glacier: Sam?
Sam: Yes dear?
Glacier: What if one day you found out that I don’t age?
Sam: Don’t be foolish. That cannot happen. Immortals are just stories created as fantasy.
Glacier: What if you run into one? What would you do?
Sam: That’s a silly question Glacier. I don’t believe it. So how can I answer you?
Glacier: It’s the truth. I’m immortal Sam. I do not know how long I have been alive Sam. Look.
He showed him the mark on his hands.
Glacier: This is the curse of the stone heart. My heart had been turned to stone and I can’t die unless it cracks totally. That is what I heard. I lost two of my loved ones, believed to be the reincarnation of my love.
Sam: You are kidding me right?
Glacier: I know its sudden. But let me show you.
He took a sharp stone and slashed his wrist.
Sam: What are you doing?
Sam’s eyes stared in disbelief. His wounds healed almost instantly.
Glacier: Sam, I’m not lying to you. I’ve seen centuries change and I hate the very feel of staying alive. I wished I could age and die like you Sam, but the curse didn’t allow me to. I tried countless times and none worked. I know one day I will meet the one to end it all but I have been waiting for this day all my life.
He said as he embraced her tightly.
Glacier: I’m afraid of losing you like the rest Sam.
They sat facing the moon and it framed them against the eclipse.
Years passed and Sam was maturing whilst Glacier was still the same. She then understood what Glacier was talking about. They had spent countless years on the house and one day Sam decided to go back to visit, at least to see how her heartless dad was doing. Heartless as he may be, at the very least he was still her father.
Glacier and Sam both held hands and Glacier took his motorbike and rode back.
Everything changed. And when they arrived at where her dad used to live, he wasn’t there any more.
They went to the village chief’s house and asked and their reply shocked them.
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Village Chief: Your dad had passed away a few years ago, chased by the loan sharks. Remember the dowry? He spent every single cent in less than 3 months and owed more than what he could give.
Sam: But $100,000 USD… how can he spend it so quickly?
VC: Even before your wedding he was already there, boasting about his wealth. So everyone was eyeing him, trying to bring him to different places and one by one he lost but he did not learn from it. He borrowed even more, saying that his son-in-law is a foreigner and is filthy rich. One day he was thrown back in the outskirts of the village, covered in blood. His arms and legs were gone. They couldn’t find you nor Glacier and the only thing they could take from him is his limps. He had to beg on the streets. Quite a pitiful sight it was but it was his just desserts. When he regretted, it was all but too late. Everyone tried to save him but he only kept mumbling “I’m sorry Sam. I’m sorry Sam. I haven’t been a good father. I caused the death of your mum. I am not fit to be your dad. I am a failure.” And while the villagers shook their heads with tears in their eyes, he tried to twist his body and plunged down the cliff.
Sam buried herself in Glacier’s chest as she heard the news. Glacier embraced her and she cried her heart out.
The village chief shook his head and left, leaving the astounded Sam crying in Glacier’s arms. Sam and Glacier did not say a word on his way home. But halfway through the journey, Glacier suddenly stopped and held on to his heart. He could feel heat glowing from his heart. He knew that ‘she’ was somewhere. He looked around as he saw a motorbike pass through on top. But he couldn’t recognize as she was wearing the headgear. But yes she was there.
Sam paused, seeming to know his reaction but she kept silent for the bad news of her dad’s plight was all in her head now.
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Linh rode on her motorbike and sped on the expressway, swaying skillfully to avoid the traffic. She too felt something but she ignored as it might have been just a hunch. She was speeding towards the gambling den.
Her usual gang was waiting for her. As she dismounted from her bike, she took off her helmet and swung her head, letting her red hair down. She was wearing heavy makeup with earstuds all over her ears. Almond shaped hazel brown eyes, with purplish lips and a slightly crooked nose that matched perfectly with her pointed face frame. As she took off her jacket, her left arm was all tattooed with barb wires and in the centre of the wire was the emblem similar to that of Glacier’s.
Linh: What’s for tonight?
Gang: You are always the last one Linh. We are going to teach someone a lesson. Let’s go.
The gang leader handed each a weapon and they left. Linh took her favorite weapon and rode with them, honking throughout the road. They came towards a house, lit the wick and threw the bottles of kerosene into the house. The family member ran out frantically with luggages as though they were trying to flee. The gang charged towards the guy and slashed him to death while the helpless children and wife look helplessly seeing their loved ones die in front of them.
Linh gave the last blow when she slashed his neck, giving him an instant death. He stood kneeling on the ground before breathing his last. Linh licked her blade before sheathing it back, and looked at the dearful children and wife.
Linh: What are you staring at?
They closed their eyes, fearful of what she might do to them but she turned her back and left, leaving the house burning down to nothing in an instant.
Sam just slept with her back facing Glacier, her eyes wide open, thinking about her dad. Glacier hugged her as she held his arms. It was all she needs right now.
Glacier too was deep in his thoughts.
Sam: Dear?
Glacier: Yes?
Sam: Will you forsake me?
Glacier: Of course not Sam. Of course not.
Sam: I knew from your reaction on the way back. You felt her presence, didn’t you?
Glacier: ….
Sam: What will you do if you meet her dear? What will you do?
Glacier: ….
Sam said as she turned her head and stared at Glacier.
He too was in a loss of what to do.
Glacier: I’m not sure if its her dear. But I do have a feeling that this time, everything will end dear. Everything will end including me.
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Linh’s gang: Hey did you hear?
Linh: Yes?
Linh’s gang: Someone said they saw Sam the other day in the village.
Linh: So?
Linh’s gang: It will be a good time to get back what her dad owed to boss.
Linh: What? But he’s dead already right? Thus the debt has been settled.
Linh’s gang: Tell you what, we will find her and take the money from her, and we will split the money between ourselves. Come on, you can’t resist money right.
Linh: How are we going to find Sam? No one knows where they are.
Linh’s gang: It’s just a matter of time Linh. Let the rest do the scouting. We will scare them first and threaten them to hand over the money. I heard that her husband is filthy rich.
Linh: Whatever. Let me know when you are ready.
Linh said as she put on her helmet and rode home.
Glacier woke up early and cooked for breakfast. Sam could smell the porridge from the bedroom. She woke up and walked towards the aroma like sleepwalking.
Glacier: You are up dear. I’m making porridge for breakfast, it will be done soon. Go wash up yeah?
Sam kissed him on his cheeks and went towards the bathroom.
They ate breakfast happily and took a slow stroll in the mountains, letting the fresh air perk them up. They sat on the cliff and watched the timelapse of the clouds passing by.
Sam: Dear, tell me about her?
Glacier: Who?
Sam: The girl you have been waiting for, how does she look like previously?
Glacier: Well, nothing much. I’m not even sure if she is here. But this is what’s left.
He took out the pocket watch and showed her the portrait.
Sam: Wow. She’s gorgeous. Pardon me for asking, why did you say you had a feeling that you will die?
Glacier: I’m not sure too. It’s just a gut feel.
Sam rested her head on his shoulders as they caught up with each other in every single detail.
In the far end of the forest, someone got sight of them as he rubbed his hands in excitement. He could remember the commission he would get for exposing where they were.
Next episode: THE FINALE.
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Linh’s gang smiled in the dark where they high five each other. And the one member did up a fake IOU and they discussed what to do. After a good hour’s meeting, they were ready to put their plan to use.
And the person who tipped them off was led to the room and murdered by Linh in one single slash as they did not want someone to know their secrets.
The five of them rode on their bikes and sped towards their house.
Glacier’s heart reacted as he knelt to the ground, holding his heart.
But before Sam could react, their door was kicked open and Sam hid behind Glacier. The headlights of the motorbikes blinded them temporarily as he could see five figures carrying weapons of all kinds and the lady carrying the sword caught his attention.
He took the chair and used it as a weapon.
Linh’s boss: You must be the husband they talked so much about. Now are you going to return the money that Sam’s father owed us?
Glacier: Just who the fuck do you think you are talking to? You guys chopped off his limbs and left him to die, and you expect me to pay what you have done? You are lucky that I did not wipe you out and you are here asking for stupid answers.
Linh just stood there, eyes as cold as ice, but yet she felt a feeling that she knew him, though it was temporarily. She had already thrown her feelings aside every since her own parents were murdered. The one thing that she had a feeling for was her family heirloom, the sword.
Linh’s boss was pissed by Glacier’s comments when his fingers gestured the move forward sign and three of his frontmen charged towards him. They swung rods at him but he dodged them easily and slammed the chair against their ribs, instantly breaking them. They knelt on the floor with their hands supporting their ribs. And still stood up, trying to compose themselves and charged again.
Glacier turned his head and told Sam: Escape by the back door.
He said as he retreated and Sam opened the backdoor in the kitchen and ran. Glacier hands reached for the kitchen drawer and took out a bottle of kerosene, and lighted the cloth, threw it towards Linh’s gang. The living room caught fire and they panicked. He took the chance and ran. But it did not hinder them at all.
They charged towards him and one of them jumped and pinned him to the ground but was no match for the strength of Glacier. Glacier took hold of the attacker’s legs and swung him against the wooden pillar with a loud crack which broke his neck instantly. He laid unconscious on the ground.
1 down. 4 more to go Glacier thought to himself.
He tried to reach for the kitchen door again and a rod came, hitting him hard on his back. The fire was spreading but the gang did not seem to have any plans of retreating. It was not their style of escaping. Death was absolute for their targets.
Glacier’s back was bruised with that impact and another came where he dodged with his arm, and the other took the attacker’s wrist and twisted it in one full turn.The attacker’s hand broke as the rods dropped to the ground as he screamed in pain. Glacier gave him a kick on his stomach as he flew towards the burning flames. His shirt caught fire and screamed, running and trying to extinguish the flames but his body was coated with the kerosene on the ground and he shrieked as he burned to death.
3 more. He grabbed the rod and ran. He managed to get out of the house when a gunshot could be heard. The bullet glazed his right arm, causing a cut. There was no response from inside the house as he ran, hoping that Sam is safe.
The deafening sound of the motorbikes was heard as the headlights blinded him as it knocked him down. It took Glacier a while to regain his posture when another gunshot was heard, injuring Glacier on his arms. The attacker told Linh and her boss that he himself would be enough. He took the revolver and fired rounds towards Glacier. But Glacier was swift in running from tree to tree. Using the shadows to his advantage. The 3rd attacker took out his knife from his boots and looked around carefully. Glacier kept really still until he disappeared into darkness. The 3rd attacker moved carefully but he couldn’t locate Glacier. He turned his back and tried to return to the gang when suddenly hands were on his cheek and the other on his head. Before the attacker could react, Glacier twisted his neck and dislocated it immediately. He took the body and swung it towards the far distance as though he was a pillow. The 3rd attacker’s body flew and landed near the spot where the last two was standing. His eyes bloodshot and mouth wide open.
Linh and boss decided to go after him together, as they gave chase. These two wasn’t like the other 3. They were skilful assassins and never failed in any mission.
Glacier ran, hoping that he could at least see Sam. Then he knew where she would be. And that thought eased him. Now he could fully concentrate on fighting the two. He stopped in the middle of the forest, took up a middle sized rock with a sharp edge and listened.
Linh’s boss signaled to her that he will attack front on and she would give any support if necessary. But he wanted her to hide in the shadows. Glacier closed his eyes and waited.
Both Linh and boss could see Glacier standing there.
Linh’s boss shouted a word ‘stupid, who would just stand there and be an easy target?". He charged fully with his daggers held firmly in both hands.
Linh: Stop boss!
Glacier was quicker that Linh’s boss as he struck the rock straight into his forehead, crushing his skull, his head split open as he screamed in pain, Glacier took his dagger and slit his stomach open.
Linh stepped out from the shadows with her sword unsheathed. Her eyes cold as she stared at Glacier.
Glacier: No please. I do not want to kill you. I’ve known you for centuries. Please.
Linh could feel her heart beating fast now. She did not know why but she didn’t care as she pounced and slashed wildly at Glacier. He dodged her sword with the small dagger he acquired. The knives clanged under the full moon, casting reflections on the eyes like shinobis.
Glacier: Listen to me…
Glacier was thrown backwards by her slashes as he did not want to retaliate.
Linh continued.
And Glacier could hear footsteps near him. Someone light.
Oh no.. Glacier thought.
It was Sam as she stood at the corner.
Sam: Don;t kill him, he is your lover, your man!
Linh turned towards Sam in lightning speed as she grabbed hold of the handle, ready to thrush it deep in Sam’s heart.
Glacier: Watch out Sam!
Glacier managed to grab hold of Sam and forcefully threw her aside. Linh’s blade pierced through his heart fully with 3/4 of the blade jutting out from his back.
He coughed out blood. Blood flowed and dyed the entire handle red. He held Linh’s hands and everything came gushing into Linh’s brains. All the past moments from Scotland, to Hongkong and the other countries before he came. Her fingers were trembling now.
Glacier’s pocket watch fell from his neck as the necklace snapped. He knelt on the ground, feeling pain for the first time. He could now feel his heart, pumping and he panted. Linh could not believe her eyes and heart about what just happened. She threw herself at Glacier, remembering every single detail, she was sobbing really hard now.
Linh: Glacier… Glacier… I remember now… I remembered… I’m so sorry…. dear… I’m so sorry…
Glacier: I got so much to tell you dear…
He said as he touched Linh’s face with his blood stained palms. I’ve knew you would come. I dreamt about this.
Sam stood rooted to the ground seeing Glacier with the sword buried in him. She was at a loss of what to do.
Glacier: I’m not sure if its her dear. But I do have a feeling that this time, everything will end dear. Everything will end including me.
Sam covered her mouth and sobbed.
Linh was too shocked to react. How could she imagine herself killing her loved one.
Glacier took his last breath: Thank you dear. I’ve been waiting for this moment where I can be released from my curse. It could only be lifted when my most loved one stabs me with her own hands. It has been a really long journey. I’m tired. Thank you my love. Elizabeth, Fong and you. I love you.
He said as he lowered his head. His hair suddenly turned white and his body aged instantly and reduced to bones.
Linh stood there.
Watching helplessly as her loved one disappeared in front of her.
Linh: We shall never be apart again.
She said as she took her long sword and slit her neck as she collapsed on the heap of bones.
Sam just sat there and cried. She folded her legs and cried throughout the night.
Sam took Glacier’s pocket watch and slipped it into her bag. In the spot laid a small tombstone that read “Together forever”. She took a deep breath and looked at the bright sun, and embarked on her journey back to her village.
The End.
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