Chapter Text
Born to Protect
«"Some children inherit toys. I inherited a wooden sword... and a promise that had existed long before I was born."»
Before Yueha Chieng learned to read...
Before she discovered music...
Before she ever dreamed of standing on a stage...
There was already a wooden sword resting beside her bed.
It wasn't a toy.
It wasn't a decoration.
It was the first symbol of the promise carried by the Chieng family for generations.
For as long as history could remember, the Chieng family had faithfully served House Lee.
Not as rulers.
Not as nobles.
But as Sword Guardians.
Their duty was simple.
Protect the HouseLord.
Protect House Lee.
Protect the generations that would follow.
The promise was never written in law.
It was passed from parent to child.
From one generation to the next.
And one day...
It would become Yueha Chieng's promise as well.
---
Unlike most children, P's mornings rarely began with cartoons or games.
Instead...
The first sound she heard each day was the soft tap of wood striking wood.
"Again."
Her father stood calmly in the middle of the training courtyard, holding a polished wooden sword.
Across from him stood a ten-year-old girl whose smile seemed far too bright for someone training before sunrise.
"Ready!"
P charged forward enthusiastically.
Clack!
Their wooden swords met.
A second later...
P stumbled backwards after her father effortlessly redirected her strike.
She laughed.
"Again!"
Her father sighed, though a smile tugged at the corner of his mouth.
"You laugh every time you lose."
"Because I get another chance to learn."
She raised her wooden sword once more.
"So..."
"Again!"
---
The training continued until the morning sun climbed above the rooftops.
Sweat covered P's forehead.
Her hands ached from gripping the wooden sword.
Yet...
She never complained.
If anything...
She looked happier than when she had started.
Her father finally lowered his own sword.
"Enough."
P blinked.
"Already?"
"You've been training for three hours."
She looked genuinely disappointed.
"I thought it had only been one."
Her father chuckled.
"One day..."
"Your energy may finally run out."
P grinned.
"I wouldn't count on it."
---
Inside the family home, P's mother placed breakfast onto the dining table.
The moment P entered...
She sat down enthusiastically.
"I'm starving!"
Her mother smiled knowingly.
"Training again?"
P nodded while reaching for a steamed bun.
"Father almost hit me today."
Her father looked up.
"Almost?"
"You were nowhere close."
P laughed.
"I know."
"I was just making the story sound better."
The entire family laughed together.
---
Life inside the Chieng household was built upon two things.
Discipline...
And warmth.
Training was taken seriously.
Respect was never optional.
Yet laughter was always welcome.
P often joked that her family smiled more during sword practice than most families did during holidays.
Perhaps...
That was why she loved it so much.
---
Later that afternoon, P wandered through the family courtyard carrying the same wooden sword she had trained with that morning.
She spun it confidently through the air before catching it behind her back.
Another smooth movement.
Another spin.
Another grin.
An elderly man watering flowers nearby watched with quiet amusement.
"You carry that sword everywhere."
P nodded proudly.
"Of course."
"It goes everywhere with me."
"What if someone steals it?"
She hugged the wooden sword dramatically.
"They'd have to catch me first."
The old man burst into laughter.
---
As the years passed, P became known throughout the Chieng household for one unusual habit.
No matter where she went...
Her wooden sword followed.
Meals.
Walks.
Family gatherings.
Even quiet afternoons beneath the old trees.
The wooden blade was always within arm's reach.
Not because she feared danger.
Because it felt...
Natural.
Like an extension of herself.
---
One evening, after another day of training, P sat beside her grandfather beneath the veranda.
He quietly polished one of the family's ceremonial swords while P carefully cleaned her own wooden practice sword.
She looked toward the gleaming steel blade.
"Grandfather..."
"When can I use a real sword?"
He smiled without looking up.
"Why do you want one?"
P thought carefully before answering.
"So I can become stronger."
Her grandfather gently shook his head.
"A real sword doesn't make someone stronger."
He placed the polished blade back into its scabbard.
"A guardian becomes stronger long before they ever hold steel."
He pointed toward the wooden sword resting across her knees.
"This..."
"...is already teaching you everything that truly matters."
P looked down at the worn practice sword.
Its surface was marked by countless scratches from years of training.
She smiled.
"I'll take good care of it."
"I know you will."
---
That night, before going to bed, P carefully placed the wooden sword beside her pillow.
Exactly where it had rested every night since she was little.
She lay quietly beneath the blankets, staring toward the ceiling.
Some children dreamed of becoming doctors.
Others dreamed of becoming athletes.
Some wished to become teachers.
P's dream was wonderfully simple.
She wanted to become someone strong enough to protect the people she loved.
She didn't yet know who those people would be.
She had never heard the names Sara.
Nine.
Yona.
Hushhh.
Gunn.
Sway.
Yui.
Or T.
She didn't know that destiny was quietly preparing to bring nine children together.
For now...
She was simply Yueha Chieng.
A cheerful ten-year-old girl.
Sleeping peacefully beside a wooden sword.
Completely unaware...
That both her life...
And the future of House Lee...
Were about to change forever.
The Girl with the Wooden Sword
«"Some journeys begin because of duty. Mine began because duty introduced me to my first friend."»
For generations, the Chieng Family had faithfully served House Lee as its Sword Guardians.
Every few years, members of the family travelled from China to House Lee Estate in Korea.
Sometimes it was to renew the ancient oath between the two families.
Sometimes it was to attend important ceremonies.
Sometimes it was simply because House Lee had called.
The Chieng family had never once broken that promise.
This year...
The family travelled with their youngest daughter.
Ten-year-old Yueha Chieng.
---
The journey from China to Korea was long, but P never complained.
She sat beside the airplane window, her favourite wooden sword carefully wrapped in a protective cloth beside her.
Most children travelled with dolls.
Or books.
Or toys.
P travelled with a wooden sword.
Her father smiled.
"You've checked on that sword at least ten times."
P looked down at it.
"I just want to make sure it's comfortable."
Her mother laughed softly.
"I don't think wooden swords have feelings."
P grinned.
"How do you know?"
The three of them laughed together.
---
By the afternoon, they arrived at House Lee Estate.
The estate looked just as magnificent as P remembered.
Traditional buildings stood proudly among beautiful gardens.
Ancient trees shaded peaceful walking paths.
A gentle breeze carried the scent of blooming flowers across the courtyard.
P smiled.
"I like it here."
Her father nodded.
"So do I."
Before entering the main residence, he turned toward his daughter.
"I have an official meeting."
"You may wait in the gardens."
P raised her wooden sword slightly.
"Can I practise?"
"As long as nothing gets broken."
She laughed.
"I'll try."
---
Only moments later...
The peaceful garden echoed with the familiar sound of wood cutting through the air.
P smiled as she practised.
Every movement flowed naturally.
Years of training had become part of her body.
Strike.
Step.
Turn.
Block.
Spin.
Although she was only ten years old...
Her discipline reflected generations of Chieng Sword Guardians before her.
---
She never realised someone had quietly stopped to watch.
A young girl stood beneath the shade of an old maple tree.
She watched silently.
Curiously.
The cheerful girl swinging the wooden sword looked nothing like the serious warriors described in old stories.
She smiled while training.
Occasionally laughed to herself.
And seemed to enjoy every single movement.
P finished her final swing before noticing the stranger.
"Oh!"
She blinked.
"Were you watching?"
The girl nodded politely.
"I'm sorry."
"I didn't mean to interrupt."
"You didn't interrupt anything."
P rested the wooden sword across her shoulder before walking closer.
She smiled brightly.
"I'm Yueha Chieng."
The other girl bowed politely.
"I'm Sara."
P scratched the back of her head before laughing.
"You know..."
"Yueha sounds too formal."
She pointed at herself with a grin.
"Just call me P."
Sara looked slightly surprised.
"P?"
"Everyone calls me that."
"I like it much better."
Sara smiled warmly.
"Alright."
"It's nice to meet you..."
"...P."
P's smile immediately grew wider.
"See?"
"That already sounds friendlier."
For the first time that afternoon...
Sara laughed.
A genuine laugh.
P quietly celebrated inside her head.
Mission accomplished.
---
P noticed Sara looking curiously toward the wooden sword.
"You've never held one before?"
Sara shook her head.
"No."
P immediately held it out.
"Here."
Sara blinked.
"You trust me?"
"Of course."
"It's only wood."
"And besides..."
P smiled mischievously.
"If you accidentally hit me..."
"I'll just dodge."
Sara laughed again before carefully accepting the wooden sword.
It felt heavier than she expected.
---
For the next hour...
The quiet courtyard transformed into a small training ground.
P patiently demonstrated simple footwork.
"Left foot first."
"No..."
"Like this."
Sara copied every movement carefully.
Sometimes she lost her balance.
Sometimes she held the sword incorrectly.
Every mistake was met with encouragement instead of criticism.
When Sara finally completed her first proper swing...
P clapped enthusiastically.
"There!"
"You did it!"
Sara looked at the wooden sword in surprise.
"I actually did."
"I told you."
---
Eventually, the two girls sat beneath the old maple tree overlooking the garden.
P placed the wooden sword across her lap.
Sara looked toward it.
"Do you always carry it?"
P nodded proudly.
"Everywhere."
"Even from China."
Sara smiled.
"You really love swords."
"I do."
"They're part of my family."
She looked toward the estate.
"My family has protected House Lee for generations."
Sara listened quietly.
Then smiled.
"I'm glad you came."
P looked surprised.
"Really?"
Sara nodded.
"I made a new friend today."
P laughed.
"So did I."
---
A familiar voice echoed through the garden.
"P."
Her father had finished his meeting.
"It is time to leave."
P stood and picked up her wooden sword.
Before walking away, she turned back toward Sara.
"I'll come back."
Sara smiled.
"I'll be waiting."
"Next time..."
P grinned confidently.
"You'll beat today's practice."
"I'll try."
"No."
P laughed.
"You will."
The two girls waved goodbye.
As P walked toward the estate gates beside her parents, she glanced back one last time.
Sara was still standing beneath the maple tree.
Smiling.
P smiled too.
She had travelled from China because of an ancient family oath.
She was returning home with something even more precious.
Her very first friend.
Neither of them knew it yet...
But one day, children from China, Korea, Germany, Canada, and Japan would all gather beneath the same cherry tree.
And the friendship that had begun with one wooden sword...
Would become the foundation of a family that would last a lifetime.
The Third Guardian
«"I thought I was travelling to House Lee because of an ancient oath. I didn't know I was walking into the beginning of my second family."»
Another season passed.
Once again, the Chieng family received an invitation from House Lee Estate in Korea.
For the adults, it was another renewal of an oath that had lasted for generations.
For ten-year-old P...
It meant seeing Sara again.
The night before the journey, P carefully packed her belongings.
Clothes.
Books.
And...
Two wooden swords.
Her mother smiled when she noticed.
"You brought another one."
P nodded confidently.
"You never know."
"Maybe I'll meet another friend."
---
The following afternoon, the Chieng family arrived at House Lee Estate.
The adults entered the main residence for the official ceremony.
P was free to wait in the gardens.
She knew exactly where to go.
The training courtyard.
Sure enough...
Sara was already there.
The moment she spotted P, she smiled.
"You came."
P laughed.
"I said I would."
Sara's eyes drifted toward the two wooden swords.
"You brought another one."
P shrugged.
"It felt lonely travelling by itself."
Sara laughed.
"I don't think swords get lonely."
"Mine does."
---
As they talked, footsteps echoed along the stone pathway.
Sara turned first.
"Nine."
The quiet girl approached with her usual calm expression.
She greeted Sara before her attention shifted toward the cheerful girl carrying two wooden swords.
P smiled brightly.
"So..."
"You're Nine."
Nine nodded gently.
"And you're Yueha Chieng."
P immediately laughed.
"That sounds too serious."
She tapped her own chest.
"Just call me P."
A small smile appeared on Nine's face.
"Alright."
"Then just call me Nine."
"Deal."
---
P carefully removed one of the wooden swords from her back and held it toward Nine.
"I brought an extra one."
Nine accepted it with both hands.
"For me?"
"I heard you're good."
Nine looked up.
"Who told you that?"
P pointed toward Sara.
"My friend talks about you."
Nine looked at Sara.
Sara smiled innocently.
"I only told the truth."
P rested her own wooden sword on her shoulder.
"So..."
"The famous Guardian."
Nine's lips curved into another small smile.
She looked at P's confident stance.
"So..."
"The famous swordwoman."
P blinked.
Then laughed loudly.
"I like you already."
---
The two girls walked into the centre of the courtyard.
They bowed respectfully.
Sara stepped aside, excited to watch.
The wooden swords met for the first time.
Clack.
Neither child fought recklessly.
They tested one another.
Learning each other's rhythm.
Each movement.
Each habit.
Each strength.
P relied on speed and instinct.
Nine relied on calm precision.
Several exchanges later...
Both stepped back naturally.
Neither had won.
Neither had lost.
P lowered her sword first.
"We'll finish this next time."
Nine nodded.
"I'll be ready."
---
Before either of them could speak again, another familiar figure entered the garden.
A quiet girl from the Yumie family approached with graceful steps.
The moment Sara saw her, she smiled.
"Yonaka."
Yonaka Yumie bowed politely.
"Good afternoon..."
She paused before looking at Sara.
"...Little Princess."
Sara smiled helplessly.
"Yonaka."
"You know you don't have to call me that anymore."
Yonaka looked slightly embarrassed.
"My family still does."
"I know."
"But we're friends."
A brief silence followed.
Then Yonaka smiled gently.
"...Alright."
"Good afternoon, Sara."
Sara's smile grew brighter.
"Much better."
---
Sara turned toward P.
"P."
"This is Yonaka Yumie."
P smiled warmly.
"Nice to meet you."
"I'm Yueha Chieng."
She laughed almost immediately.
"But nobody calls me that."
She pointed at herself.
"Just call me P."
Yonaka nodded politely.
"It's nice to meet you..."
"...P."
"I'm glad you're here."
P grinned.
"Me too."
---
The four children spent the rest of the afternoon together.
P quickly noticed something amusing.
Sara was thoughtful.
Nine was quiet.
Yonaka was even quieter.
P placed both hands on her hips dramatically.
"I've made an important discovery."
The three looked at her.
"I'm surrounded by quiet people."
Sara laughed.
"I suppose you are."
Nine nodded once.
"You're the loudest."
Yonaka smiled shyly.
"I agree."
P placed one hand over her heart.
"Then I accept my responsibility."
Sara tilted her head.
"What responsibility?"
P smiled proudly.
"I'll make sure this group laughs."
For a moment...
Nobody said anything.
Then all three laughed together.
P smiled.
Mission accomplished.
---
As the evening sun painted House Lee Estate in shades of gold, the four children sat beneath the trees overlooking the gardens.
P rested her wooden sword across her knees.
She looked at Sara.
Then Nine.
Then Yonaka.
Three children she had only just begun to know.
Yet somehow...
It already felt as though they had known one another much longer.
She smiled quietly.
The Chieng family had travelled from China to renew an oath that had protected House Lee for generations.
P was returning home with something that no oath could ever create.
Three friends.
She didn't know that one day more children would arrive from Germany, Korea, Canada and Japan.
She didn't know that the world would eventually know them as ALPhaaXX.
She only knew one thing.
She couldn't wait for the next journey to House Lee Estate.
A Promise Without Words
«"Long before I became a Sword Guardian... my heart had already chosen who it wanted to protect."»
The years that followed passed quietly.
Every few months, another family would arrive at House Lee Estate to renew the oath their ancestors had once sworn to House Lee.
With every visit...
The little group beneath the cherry trees grew larger.
First came Hushhh, travelling all the way from Germany with her family.
She was cheerful, curious and never afraid to ask questions.
Within an hour, she and P were already laughing together as if they had known each other for years.
Not long afterwards...
Gunn arrived with her family from Korea.
She had inherited both French and Korean blood, but she had grown up in Korea.
The first thing P noticed about Gunn wasn't her smile.
It was how much food disappeared during lunch.
"You finished all of that?"
Gunn blinked.
"...Was I supposed to leave some?"
The entire table burst into laughter.
P immediately decided she liked Gunn.
---
Another season passed.
This time, a family travelled from Canada.
Their daughter introduced herself politely.
"My name is Siyoung Nam."
Before anyone could say anything else, she smiled.
"But everyone calls me Sway."
P laughed.
"Finally."
"Someone else likes nicknames."
Sway smiled.
"They're easier."
The two quickly discovered they shared a love for music, stories and long conversations beneath the trees.
---
The following year...
Another renewal ceremony brought a girl from Japan.
She carried herself with quiet confidence.
"My name is Yui Aikana."
Unlike the others, Yui didn't hesitate.
She immediately looked at the wooden sword resting against P's shoulder.
"You really carry that everywhere?"
P nodded proudly.
"Everywhere."
Yui laughed.
"I think we're going to get along."
She was right.
---
Only one place beneath the cherry tree remained empty.
One family had yet to arrive.
The adults never explained why.
The children never asked.
They simply waited.
---
By now, House Lee Estate felt different.
Whenever the families gathered...
The children naturally found one another before the adults even finished their meetings.
Some explored the gardens.
Some played music.
Others practised with P's wooden swords.
The estate no longer felt like a place where ancient oaths were renewed.
It had become the place where friendships quietly grew.
---
One afternoon, after another friendly practice match with Nine, P sat beneath the old cherry tree.
Sara joined her.
The gardens were peaceful.
The voices of the other children drifted gently through the breeze.
Sara looked toward P's wooden sword.
"You always carry it."
P nodded.
"I always will."
"You never get tired of training?"
P smiled
"Not really."
She looked down at the worn wooden blade.
"My family says every Sword Guardian carries a promise."
Sara listened quietly.
"I don't know what my future looks like."
P continued.
"I don't know where life will take me."
"But..."
She smiled warmly.
"I know my family didn't protect House Lee because they had to."
"They protected House Lee because they chose to."
---
Sara remained silent.
P looked at her.
Then laughed softly.
"Don't worry."
"I'm not making some dramatic speech."
Sara laughed.
"I know."
P rested the wooden sword across her shoulders.
"I'm just thinking out loud."
She looked across the gardens where Nine, Yonaka, Hushhh, Gunn, Sway and Yui were laughing together.
For a long moment...
She simply watched.
Then she smiled.
"I think..."
"I've been very lucky."
Sara tilted her head.
"Why?"
"Because I didn't just inherit an oath."
She looked toward her friends.
"I found people worth keeping it for."
---
Far away...
Another child was living a life completely different from theirs.
A child they had not yet met.
One day...
She would arrive at House Lee Estate.
One day...
The empty place beneath the cherry tree would finally be filled.
But that day had not yet come.
For now...
The family of eight was still waiting for its ninth heart.
---
As evening settled over House Lee Estate, the children stood together beneath the old cherry tree before returning to their families.
No grand promise had been spoken.
No ceremony had taken place.
They were still too young to understand what the future held.
Yet P quietly tightened her grip around the handle of her wooden sword.
She looked once at Sara.
Then smiled to herself.
The Chieng family had sworn to protect House Lee for generations.
One day...
That duty would become hers.
When that day came...
She wouldn't protect House Lee because tradition demanded it.
She would protect it because someone she called a friend lived there.
And though she could never have known it then...
That simple thought was the first true step toward becoming The Unbroken Blade.