The Power of Information

  A piece of information, whether it is big or small, can affect a person's life, either it will become a huge impact or small changes. If the information given is false and is shared without any solid proof that shows that the information is true, lots of misunderstandings will occur and it might affect a person's life. Even though some information is true, several people will be affected in either a good way or a bad way, and this is also applied to false information. Not only person will be affected, but everyone will be affected by the information given. Anyone can be hurt and happy by a single information. There is a story that describes this phenomenon.

  Have you ever heard of the Cursed Child? Have you seen this Cursed Child before? The Cursed Child is a young and beautiful village girl living in her teens, and she had a pair of black bat wings on her back which is hidden perfectly with her oversized light blue winter coat. She is born like a normal child but her wings start to grow after a while. She is born on the same day the prince is born, and it a taboo for the villagers that time. They believe if a villager's child is born on the same day as the royal family member's new-born child, the village child will become the Devil's Child. That is why the villagers always stay away from her and when they meet each other, they will either scream in fear, insult her with awful words, and physically hurt her by throwing rocks and sticks at her. Her presence is like a bitter pill to them. On the other hand, the first and the only prince of the kingdom, is different than the others. He wants to know about this Devil-turned-into-Cursed Child more and if possible, he wants to make friends with her.

  The kingdom is covered with white and the walls of the houses and the castle itself starts to freeze. The prince who is known as Kino, is watching the village freezing by eternal winter. He takes his golden binoculars to see who caused this eternal winter. There is a figure wearing a black cloak that covers its identity, making Kino unable to guess who is it. The figure holds a sceptre made out from ice and aims its power at the strange white colour flowers that is plant around the castle. The flowers seem to collect the power from the sceptre before it is spread to the castle. Kino suddenly shivers by the sudden drop of temperature. He puts the binoculars on his brown wooden study table and mumbles to himself, "I need to stop that sorcerer from freezing the kingdom."

  The cold weather made the villagers stay at their homes and lock their doors. Jaemi, who is known as the Devil's Child, is walking around the village because she is extremely bored staying home alone. Her mother died after giving birth to her, while her father died a few years later. She lives alone and guess what? She didn't go to school at all. Who wants to receive her? No one wants to accept her in the village. She learns from a spirit that takes care of her after her father died how to cook and knit. She even learns how to make handicrafts and take care of animals. She is heading back home and she saw the sorcerer. She looks at the castle starting to freeze and she runs to the sorcerer, or sorceress. She snatches the sceptre and pulls of the hood. The sorceress looks at her and she is raging. Jaemi swings her left hand and let go of the sceptre, causing the sceptre to land on the ground, breaking into million pieces. Jaemi shouts, "Stop ruining the kingdom!"

  "You little devil. You will now become a Cursed Child after interfering me!" The sorceress laughs wickedly and disappears in thin air. Jaemi doesn't care about it and walks back home. Kino just arrive outside and he saw everything slowly turning back to its original form. He saw Jaemi running and smiles to himself. His personal aid, Shinwon, arrives and said, "She just saved our kingdom."

  "I know," Kino replied. He continued, "We have to find her."

  At home, Jaemi closes the door and walks to the mirror after taking off her winter boots. She can't see her reflection and takes off her winter coat. Her wings pop up and said, "I am now the Cursed Child."

  A female spirit arrives as she gives her a cup of hot chocolate. Jaemi takes the cup and drinks it slowly. The spirit wanders around the living room and said, "I have to leave now. You can take care of yourself, Jaemi."

  "But why?" Jaemi asked.

  "I have to take care of things. I can't come back."

  Jaemi sighs heavily and nods. The spirit hugs her and vanishes. Jaemi sits on the wooden floor, crying out her feelings and hugs herself. Her wings become droopy and she stays all evening crying. She is alone now and she has no one to talk to. She stops crying and sleeps at the living room, feeling exhausted from crying a lot. She feels cold and what she doesn't know that Kino actually stops in front of her house. He walks in quietly and approaches her slowly. He carries her up gently and brings her to her room. He covers her with a blanket till her chin and said, "Thank you for saving the kingdom."

  The next day, Jaemi arrives in front of a bakery. She knocks the door with her free left hand and holds a basket using her right hand. She wants to buy bread because her food stock is finished. An old man's voice asked, "Who is it?"

  "Jaemi."

  "Go away, Cursed Child. I don't want any bad luck from you."

  Jaemi sighs in defeat and leaves. She walks at the stone pathway and looks around. Villagers hide in their houses and Jaemi stops walking. She sits on the pathway and mumbles to herself, "I am hungry."

  Jaemi uses her finger to draw some random shapes on the pathway. She saw a pair of feet wearing black sandals. She looks up and saw Kino who wears like one of the villagers. She stands and Kino asked, "Are you Jaemi?"

  Jaemi nods and Kino hands out his right hand. He smiles and introduces himself in a friendly manner, without revealing his real identity. Jaemi hesitates to shake hands with him before Kino comforts her. They shake hands and Jaemi introduces herself. They walk around the village and Kino asked, "Why is this village so quiet?"

  "They don't like me. They think I will bring bad luck but in reality, I didn't bring any bad luck," Jaemi replied.

  Kino nods and asked, "Do you know an empty house? I'm new here."

  "I am not sure myself. Honestly, I thought you're the prince," Jaemi said.

  Kino chuckles and replied, "You figured it out. I tried to hide my identity but you guessed it just like that. Looks like I can't lie."

  Jaemi smiles a bit and Kino asked, "Am I too obvious?"

  Jaemi nods and they stop at a fish pond near the forest. They sit on the giant rocks and Kino said, "You really saved the kingdom. Thank you. I don't know what will happen."

  Jaemi chuckles and replied, "It's no big deal."

  Kino asks her if she wants to live in the castle, working for him. Jaemi thinks for a moment and realises that she will get free food and that is important to her. She is hungry and at least, she won't be lonely. She nods in agreement and Kino cheers elatedly. They get off from the rocks and walk to Jaemi's house so she can pack her things. She brings her things out from the house and the villagers watch her. Kino helps her and Jaemi locks her house door. She sighs and said, "I'll miss home."

  "You will get new clothes and other necessary items. These ones you can keep if you want," Kino replied.

  The two of them head to the castle while chatting about lots of random topics. Most of the topics are funny and some are quite ridiculous but fun to hear. As they arrived at the castle, Kino shows Jaemi around the castle and Jaemi's jaw dropped as she witnesses the beauty of the castle itself. She said, "I should had not judge you by its cover."

  Kino looks at her, with an eyebrow raised. He smirks and walks off while showing Jaemi every parts of the castle. Jaemi is still scared and debates with herself. She thinks that maybe the other workers will hurt her or make fun of her. Maybe even worse, Kino's parents will do anything to get rid of her. Those questions are filling inside her head and- "Hyunggu."

  Jaemi comes back to reality and blinks a few times. She saw Kino talking with his mother who is the Queen, and she looks at her. She smiles and Jaemi bows in respect. She stands properly and said, "My name is Jaemi, Your Highness. I won't cause any trouble to you and everyone else."

  The Queen smiles and approaches her. She pats Jaemi's head and said, "You are adorable for a Cursed Child."

  "T-thank you for the compliment, Your Highness," Jaemi replied.

  The Queen guides Jaemi to her room while Kino carry the bags. The Queen opens the door and Jaemi gasps as she sees how beautiful her new bedroom is. It is almost like a princess' room. Jaemi looks at the Queen and the Queen nods. Jaemi walks inside the room and the room is simply stunning. She explores the room thoroughly and lots of new clothes are hanged perfectly inside a big walk-in closet. Kino brings in Jaemi's bags and leaves the room. The doors are closed and Jaemi sits on a queen-sized bed. It is comfortable and Jaemi lays down, staring the white ceiling above her. She smiles as she thinks that her life is getting better and she needs to work for the castle. She is glad that she meets with the royal family and manage to live in a castle. She slowly dozes to sleep to recharge herself for her first day of work.

  Dawn has arrived. Jaemi is eating an egg sandwich at the kitchen. She wears a black maid dress and matching black shoes. The other workers look at her and create a gossip. Her wings are quite visible and Kino actually wants her wings to be shown. Jaemi refused at first but after Kino convinced her, she ends up revealing her bat wings. Jaemi stands and walks to take a mop and a red bucket. She walks outside to fill up the bucket. Kino's journalist, Hui, passes by and saw her. He stops and takes the bucket before saying, "I'll help."

  Jaemi looks at him and Hui smiles. They walk inside the castle and Hui takes another mop. He pours out a cup of mopping solution into the water and stirs a bit. They start mopping the floor and Hui sings to make the atmosphere less boring. They manage to clean the whole castle with the help of the other boys who work under Kino. Jaemi sighs in relief and the boys leave to continue their jobs. Jaemi keeps the things and a group of castle maids approach her. Jaemi looks at them and the maid with brown, wavy hair said, "The Cursed Child is here. Gosh my peaceful life is not peaceful anymore."

  "Excuse me but I didn't find any trouble with you," Jaemi replied.

  "Since you're working, can you please clean the castle windows, do the laundry, water the plants, do the dishes, arrange the books and polish every shoes? Ah! I just remembered. You also need to clean the basement and also the chandeliers. It's so dirty and it hurt our eyes."

  "Can't you all do it?" Jaemi asked.

  The other maid who is braiding her brown, silky hair looks at her and replied, "We're busy for the ball preparation. Besides, we will have to buy beautiful, pretty gowns for the ball next week. Who knows, either my friends or I will marry the prince."

  "About you, he won't choose a girl with wings and always had bad luck. You will never get the prince. He acts like he cares about you because he likes to toy others' feelings. He doesn't like you, and by the way, you're not invited," the blonde maid replied. The girls laugh and leave Jaemi. Jaemi sighs and said to herself, "Let's get cleaning, Jaemi."

  Kino, on the other hand, is reading a book inside the study room. He is thinking deeply about the ball that will be held next week. He sighs and keeps his book inside his desk drawer. He saw the white door being open slowly. He tilts his head and asked, "Who's that?"

  The door is open wide and revealed to be Jaemi. Kino smiles and Jaemi keeps an emotionless expression. She walks in with three bundles of books before walking downstairs to collect the other books. She walks up and down without complaining. Kino is curious on why Jaemi acts like that. Jaemi arrives with the books and closes the door. She sits on the floor to untie the strings, while Kino watches her. He asked, "Why are you so cold towards me?"

  Jaemi gives him a cold glare before continue doing her work. Kino stands and walk towards her. He sits and cut the strings. Jaemi take several books and stands before walking to put the books at the shelves. Kino looks and silently sort the books for Jaemi. He debates with himself inside his brain, 'Why is she acting like this? Have I done something wrong?'

  Jaemi comes back and take the books. Kino looks at her and Jaemi avert her gaze before walking away. Kino sighs heavily and carry the books to the back. He helps to put the books and asked, "Why are you clamming up?"

  "Don't act nice to me," Jaemi replied coldly. She takes the books and put the books on a top shelf. Kino pouts and said, "Please tell me."

  "You purposely talk to me and bring me here just to toy my feelings? You actually don't want me to be your friend, right?"

  Kino looks at her, taken aback by her words. He asked, "Who said such nonsense?"

  "The maids in the castle," Jaemi replied. Kino clench his fists and replied, "You should not trust them. They spread false information. They're jealous of you."

  They made eye contact and Jaemi looks down. She feels embarrassed for believing the rumour. She feels bad for jumping into conclusions and believe others. Kino puts the last book and replied, "Don't mind them. I really want to make friends with you."

  "Hey, are the maids are the apples of discord for you?" Kino asked in a teasing tone.

  "No!" Jaemi shouted and her cheeks are burning red. She clears her throat and asked, "How about the ball? I am not invited, right?"

  Kino laughs and replied, "You are invited, silly."

  "Really?" Jaemi asked in a hush tone.

  Kino nods and replied, "I hope you are happy for next week's ball."

  A night before the ball arrives. Jaemi decorates the ballroom alone because the other maids are in their day-off to get their dresses. She cleans the chandelier with Hui's help and put new colourful candles carefully. She asked, "What is this ball about?"

  "Kino will be the new King tomorrow. That's why his mother organise the ball to find the perfect girl to be his queen," Hui replied as he dusts off the chandelier. Jaemi sneezes and falls from the ladder. Hui grabs her instantly and holds onto the ladder firmly. Jaemi puts her feet on the ladder and said, "Sorry."

  "It's okay," Hui replied. Jaemi flies up to put the remaining candles. Hui suddenly asked, "Do you have a dress?"

  "M-me? No I don't," Jaemi admitted.

  Hui climbs down the ladder and Jaemi flies down to solid ground. Hui examines her and recalls what Kino had told him about the dress. Hui finger snaps and replied, "Let's check the wardrobe."

  Hui and Jaemi put the ladder inside the store room and walk to Jaemi's room. They head to the walk-in closet and Hui opens the door. He walks in and Jaemi follows him from behind. He looks around and Jaemi takes a pink dress. She asked, "How about this?"

  "It's pretty but I think it's not that suitable," Hui replied.

  Jaemi puts the dress back and follows Hui. She looks around and saw a red strapless gown with a black ribbon belt tied into a black rose. The dress has diamonds at the skirt, and there are matching black shoes with diamonds shining beautifully. She walks to the dress and asked, "How about this?"

  Hui stops walking and looks at her. Jaemi shows the dress and the shoes. Hui smiles and replied, "I was finding that for you to wear."

  "We do have the same taste."

  Hui walks at a red glass box located at the middle of the walk-in closet. He lifts up the box and reveals a beautiful silver crown which has the shape of seven leaves and a medium-sized pearl at the middle of each leaf, with a smooth curved V-like base decorated with small pearls. He puts the box on the floor and looks at Jaemi before saying, "This is yours."

  "W-what?" Jaemi asked, shocked and in disbelief.

  Hui nods and replied, "Kino give this to you. Wear it for tomorrow."

  The night has finally arrived. The castle gates are open and everyone in the village quickly run to the castle to get to the ballroom. Some girls quarrel because all of them want to marry Kino. He is indeed the most attractive prince in the kingdom. Everyone is at the ballroom and all of them are eager to see Kino. Jaemi arrives a bit late and her dress stands out the most. The guests look at her and Jaemi walk downstairs. She wears a black masquerade mask and stands at the end of the stairs. Her wings are quite visible so everyone knows she's there. The trumpets can be heard and it is time to welcome the arrival of the new King of the kingdom, Kino. Kino is surprised to see everyone is at the ballroom. He smiles as he walks to the centre of the ball.

  "Please choose me," one of the girls whispered. The girls pray for Kino to choose them. Kino walks near them and the girls' heart are pumping rapidly. Kino passes by them and the girls are disappointed. Kino stops as he stands in front of Jaemi, which Jaemi ends up averting her gaze. Kino takes her mask off and Jaemi looks at him, scared. Kino asked, "May I have this dance?"

  "But she will give you bad luck!" One of the girls shouted. Kino looks at her and asked, "Since when?"

  "Since she was born. She doesn't deserve to be with you! She will make everything chaotic," a village girl dressed in a yellow ball gown replied.

  Jaemi looks down and Kino said, "It's my choice, not yours. That information can affect her. You know how much she had to bite the bullet after all of you call her Cursed Child. She is a Cursed Child but it is only a name. She might have wings on her back and can't see her reflection, but she is way better than all of you combined."

  "How do you know- Jaemi, keep quiet," Kino scolded her.

  "But still, you can't choose her!" The maid who talked to Jaemi the other day shrieked as she is extremely jealous of her.

  Kino roll his eyes and grab Jaemi's wings. He tears it off and Jaemi screams in absolute pain. Kino throw the wings on the floor and said, "Your words are a hundred times more painful than just a tear of her wings."

  The wings vanish and Jaemi stumbles before falling into his arms. Jaemi breathes heavily and suffocates. She controls her pain and her wings slowly grow on her back. Kino looks at all of them and said, "At least when her wing is torn, it can be healed, but when you keep spreading false rumours, it hurts her more and it is almost possible to treat the open wounds all of you created."

  Kino looks at Jaemi and said, "I want you to become the Queen."

  "But why?" Jaemi asked.

  "Your kindness beats them all. All of the girls are pretty but their personalities say otherwise. They don't deserve my heart except you."

  Kino leaves the ballroom with Jaemi and they head to the castle lake. They sit on the grass and Kino said, "I'm sorry for tearing your wings."

  "It's okay," Jaemi replied.

  Kino and Jaemi had a long silence. They stare at the full moon and Jaemi's wings flap a bit. They made eye contact and Kino asked, "Was I that scary?"

  Jaemi nods and Kino replied, "Sorry."

  Jaemi nods and Kino said, "Seriously they only know how to spread false information to other villagers. They should stop."

  Jaemi and Kino sigh at the same time and laugh. Kino takes out a small red box and gives it to Jaemi. Jaemi looks at him and takes the box. She opens the box and said, "It's a beautiful ring."

  Kino chuckles and asked, "Do you like it?"

  Jaemi nods and looks at Kino, eye to eye. Kino flashes a smile and said, "Let's stay together forever."

  "Even if I have wings and said to bring bad luck to anyone?" Kino nods and replied, "Nothing can stop us, even with only one information."


Hello! I am back with my second blog with the title "The Power of Information". I know this is a fictional story and I tried my best to tell about it. It is hard at first to write this topic and I brainstorm and made some research about it and viola! I decided to use one of the stories that I wrote inside my book which I always bring almost everywhere, which is the "Book of Thoughts". I wrote this story about three times, the original short story is written inside my book, the second one which is the new and improved version in AsianFanfics, and the third one with character changes is here. I hope you enjoy it and comment down to give me criticism so I can improve more on my English. Thank you~