Via

No other kids wanted to play with Hwichan. They couldn’t see what Hwichan could, so when they did something wrong Hwichan would point it out, tell and show them how to do it. Kids quickly stopped playing with him. His parents worried about that too.

Right before schooling began for Hwichan his parents took him to several doctors. They could not understand how his imagination was as colorful and lively as it was. But his brain scans came back normal, Hwichan passed every test he was given. He was just normal, not special in any way. The doctors reassured them that they have heard of cases like Hwichan’s and they will eventually grow out of it. Once they have a new routine of schooling it should die down quite a lot and even more as he gets older.

Hwichan’s parents took the doctor's advice and proceeded with sending Hwichan off to school. They had thought the first month might be rough with the adjustment. His parents even met with the teachers in advance to let them know. The teachers appreciated the notice and told them to not worry. They also told them this was a common thing they see.

Boy was everyone wrong.

Hwichan’s imagination never dwindled. Of course his attention was on school, but the moment it was diverted from the lesson he was seeing something and wanting to play or pointing it out to someone else.

He was eventually separated from the class and was taught separately with a teacher to focus on his studies. That’s when things would lighten up. But when they moved him back to the class he became disruptive again. His parents met with counselors and teachers. They came up with several plans to help Hwichan study, and it cost his parents. Hwichan was oblivious to it all.

However as Hwichan grew up he noticed how much he would get in trouble every time he tried to point something out. He didn’t think he was crazy. One moment he would see a wild animal outside the class window and into the hallway, turn to his teacher to get their attention, and when he turned back it was gone. Every time.

Hwichan saw the pattern. So he decided to keep his head down and work. He was tired of being berated by his parents for all the stress he causes them. There were times where Hwichan would see something. He’d look away for a while and then turn back to see if the thing was still there. If it was, he tried to get his teacher's attention. Sometimes the teacher was dismissive of it, and Hwichan turned to see whatever it was still there. He would just ignore it. But the times the teacher did listen when he turned back it would be gone.

By high school, Hwichan just learned to keep his head down and work, if he was called on by the teacher he would answer and go back to distracting himself from looking around and causing a scene. He was tired of being the boy who cried wolf, he was trying to be better. He just didn’t understand why he could only see things.

Hwichan himself tried going to several doctors and therapists to explain his situation, they either couldn’t help him or wanted a lot of money to dig down deep. He just wanted a simple answer and solution. Has this never occurred to anyone else before?

Ω

Hwichan sat in class, the period was in it’s free time. Hwichan was doodling in his notebook, taking a break from reading the book he needed to finish by the end of the week. Something caught the corner of Hwichan’s eye. He looked up and saw someone dressed in all black, completely covered head to toe- hiding the person’s identity.

“Hey there is someone strange outside,” Hwichan calls as he watches the person quickly move down the hallway. He stands up.

“It’s probably your imagination again, Hwichan, just stay seated and do your work,” the teacher dismissed Hwichan. But something in Hwichan’s gut was telling him otherwise this time.

Hwichan moves through the desks and out the door. He runs down the hallway.

A blood curdling scream lets him know where he needs to go. He rounds the corner and watches as the mask person keels over a female student. He plunges an already bloody knife into the student. Hwichan runs and tackles the assailant.

They two fly down the hall and start tussling around with one another. But it wasn’t long before Hwichan was pulled off, and someone else grabbed the other person.

“You could have been hurt,” the teacher who held onto him, scolds.

“So I should have allowed him to kill her?” Hwichan turns and demands. He shoves the teacher off of him and walks away.

Hwichan found himself in handcuffs when the police arrived. He didn’t understand. He had stopped the guy from hurting the girl any further. Hwichan sat quietly in the car and everyone watched as he left with the police.

At the station Hwichan was questioned on end about what had happened and how he was involved and his aggression towards others, but every officer he told did not believe him. But when they had run out of questions and could not hold him there any longer Hwichan was released. More or so thanks to his peers who said he was in the classroom and said he saw the guy in the hallway.

It was late when Hwichan left the police station. He walked home, his parents ignored his calls and immediately hung up when he called from the police station as well.

By the time he reached his house it was extremely late. Hwichan’s phone was dead and he was cold from the fast approaching winter. The door was locked when he tried to enter. He huffed and went around to his bedroom window, which he conveniently leaves unlocked. He quietly climbs into his window and turns on his bedroom light.

He stands near his light switch and looks around the room. He takes a deep breath before digging to find a duffle bag. He proceeds to shove clothes into it and other necessity items. He zips up the bag and changes into warmer clothes, leaving his school uniform behind.

He exits through his window again and closes it. He would no longer be the black sheep.

Ω

“Lee Hwichan?” someone calls for him. He raises his head and meets their eyes. He pulls out one of his earbuds to hear better.

“Can I help you?” He asks.

“I was actually wondering if you would help me?” They counter.

“Depends on what and for how much,” Hwichan answers.

“It would be a long period time of assisting, and in exchange I will give you a place to stay and food,” they explain. Hwichan stares at them, skeptical.

“I need to see and approve it in advance,” Hwichan counters.

“Would you like to come now? We can talk more over dinner,” they suggest. Hwichan looks around at the homeless shelter that’s quickly filling up.

“If I leave now, I won’t have a bed to sleep on,” Hwichan tells them. The homeless shelter was filling up quickly since the sun was setting quickly.

“I can promise that you will have an even better bed to sleep on tonight if you come with me now,” they offer. Hwichan looks around once more. He grabs his things and stands up.

“Okay, lead the way.”

Hwichan follows the mysterious person out of the homeless shelter. They get on the bus.

“We have a little while before we are there,” they tell him, “I’m two cities over.” Hwichan nods, understanding. He gets comfy on the seat and eventually fall asleep.

Hwichan is nudged awake. He gets off the bus with his little friend and follows them another block before standing in front of a grand library entrance.

“This place?” Hwichan asks, “this looks really fancy.”

“Thank you! It’s mine. The inside doesn’t look as pretty. It’s quite messy,” they explain as they walk up the staircase, “let’s head inside. Dinner is waiting for us already.”

Hwichan follows them inside. They were right. It was messy. But Hwichan didn’t expect it to be a library. Hwichan weaves around the books.

Poaegi enters a back room, a large dining room table set, two plates filled with food, on opposite ends of the table. Poaegi waits for Hwichan to approach his seat and they sit down together.

“Let’s eat!” Poaegi tells him. The two eat in silence.

Ω

“Have you noticed?” Poaegi asks after a while.

“Noticed what?” Hwichan counters.

“Look around you,” Poaegi takes another bite of the food. Hwichan looks around the room. Still not understanding what they could be talking about. But the longer he looked, then slowly he noticed before it hit him.

“I don’t see anything,” Hwichan states, “my imagination. Nothing is there.”

“Exactly,” Poaegi smiles, taking a sip of their drink, “it’s also not your imagination. They’re illusions, created by you and only seen by you.”

“Is that not the definition of imagination?” Hwichan retorts, taking a bit of the food. Poaegi looks off, thinking about it before nodding, he is right.

“Yes, however, Hwichan,” Poaegi starts, “you are a special little human you see. Well I don’t think human is the right word. Ethereal. That’s what-“

“Ethereal? What is that?” Hwichan interrupts.

“The human definition is extremely delicate and light in a way that seems too perfect for this world,” Poaegi explains, “but in our case, an Ethereal is a being created by the universe to help those who cannot protect themselves. You, Lee Hwichan, are the Ethereal of Light. Those things you see are actually illusions created by you. How you can only see them baffles me.”

Hwichan stares at them in disbelief.

“You’re trying to tell me I’m some type of superhero and everything I’ve been seeing is really all in my head?” Hwichan clarifies.

“What? No. Don’t downplay it,” Poaegi scolds, “it’s truly a wondrous thing.”

Hwichan sits back in his chair and looks over towards the door, “I should have stayed at the shelter.” Hwichan turns to face Poaegi again, but instead he comes face to face with a large tiger. Hwichan freaks, falling out of his chair. The tiger pounces but disappears into a light mist before it touches Hwichan.

“Believe me now?” Poaegi asks standing above him where the tiger was. Hwichan didn’t answer so instead Poaegi clasps their hands together and slowly pulls their hands apart, a small orb of light growing in the center of their two hands. In an instant Poaegi breaks concentration and the light disappears.

“How about now?” Poaegi asks. All Hwichan could do was nod.

“I can teach you how to do these things,” Poaegi walks away from him, “I just need your help. There is a monster hunting us down and I need your help to stop it and destroy it before it fully wakes up.”

“Sounds dangerous,” Hwichan pushes himself off the floor, “like I might die-”

“You won’t,” Poaegi cuts him off quickly, “not as long as I am alive.”

Hwichan hesitates, staring at Poaegi before looking around the room once more.

“I’ll get food and a bed here?” Hwichan asks once more. Poaegi nods. Hwichan nods back.

The events that occurred the night before were blurred in his memory, but he knew one thing for sure. He remembered how hot it was and the flickering of a large flame.

Sebin’s grandparents stayed in the hospital waiting for Sebin to wake up. His body had taken a toll in the fire that killed his parents and burned down his home. Sebin missed his parents funeral due to the week-long coma he was in.

His grandparents avoided all questions about his parents when he woke up. The doctors informed them it may slow down the recovery process. But the truth had to eventually be told.

“Sebin,” his grandfather sat on the end of the bed, he rested his hand on the small boy's leg, “do you remember anything from that night?”

Sebin stared at him with big eyes and shook his head. Sebin could feel his stomach begin to drop. He was five-years-old and was not yet book smart, but he knew how to read the tone of voices.

His grandfather took a deep breath before continuing, “there was a fire. They don’t know how it started and it’s still being investigated-”

“What does investigated mean?” Sebin cut him off. His grandfather rubbed his face thinking of a good answer, and trying to be patient explaining this all to a child who lost everything.

“Investigate means that the police or firemen are searching for the answer to the problem,” his grandfather explains. Sebin nods, understanding.

“The fire…” Sebins grandfather pauses once more, “it burned everything. It’s… uh… it’s all gone.”

“Gone?” Sebin asks, “my clothes? My toys? My books? My bed?” Sebin’s grandfather slowly nodded each time Sebin asked about something and the list went on and on. Then Sebin stopped and hesitated.

“Mom? Dad?” Sebin looked at his grandfather. He couldn’t even meet Sebin’s eyes, he looked down at his shoes.

“Yes,” he whispered. Sebin caught his breath for only a moment before he released a blood curdling scream, and then the tears quickly followed. Nurses and doctors rushed into the room. Sebins grandfather told them that he had told him the news. They still checked on Sebin before leaving. His grandfather comforted Sebin, and when his grandmother returned from her home, having brought some fresh clothes and food- she too comforted the young boy.

“Where will I go?” Sebin asked through his choked tears, after calming down quite a bit.

“You will come with us!” His grandmother explained, “We have someone setting up your room tomorrow and it will be all ready for you when you leave the hospital.” Sebin didn’t respond. He just let his grandmother hug him some more.

Sebin was discharged a week late with medication and enough bandages for his burns to last an entire year. His grandfather wanted Sebin to have surgery to remove the burns, but the doctor had suggested that the surgery wait until Sebin was finished growing because the burns could stretch out and fade over time. Despite not liking the answer, Sebin’s grandfather understood.

Sebin’s grandparents arrived home with Sebin in tow. All his extended family members were there- at the request of the grandparents. A big dinner was being held in celebration for Sebin being released from the hospital. Nobody spoke to Sebin though. He sat quietly in a chair watching the family prep the table. His cousins didn’t want to play with them and were in another room playing video games.

Eventually all the food was brought and set at the table. Just as everyone sat down the doorbell rang. Sebin’s grandfather stood up, excusing himself for a moment.

But his grandfather only returned back moments later to call for his wife. The police were there. His grandmother then excused herself and followed her husband. That’s when the whispers began. His family members talked amongst themselves, but they were not very quiet. Of course, he was the center topic.

Sebin listened to the whispers around him. Why would they blame him? It’s not his fault he somehow survived. He had the burn marks to prove it. But Sebin stayed quiet. He never felt anger, not until now. How could his own family treat him like that? Of course they wouldn’t say this in front of his grandparents- most convenient time for the police officers to show up to talk to them.

The whispers continued and the odd side looks thrown Sebin’s away. He put his head down and bit down hard on his teeth. He clenched his fist.

Suddenly a small ticking noise ticked away for a couple seconds, steam quickly rising over the food and each dish placed on the table explodes one by one.

Screams erupt in the room. Sebin raises his head and screams as well.

Food was all over the ceiling, walls, floor, family members, everything and anything. His grandparents made their way into the room with the police officers following. They watched in horror as everyone sat, frozen in shock before they started wiping the food off of them.

“What happened?” His grandmother asked horrified in the mess that the room is.

“The food… just exploded,” one of Sebin’s uncle’s states.

“Exploded?” The police officer asked.

“We prepared all this food, it was sitting on the table all for different amounts of time… and it just all went off one by one after another,” another of his uncles states. Parents help wipe the food off kids, but no one helps Sebin. He just sits there quietly.

The police officers walk around inspecting the mess and helping people wipe food off of them. Sebin’s grandparents approach him and help clean him off.

“What’s wrong, Sebin?” His grandmother asks, noticing his distant look.

“They were talking,” Sebin tells her.

“Who was talking?” His grandfather questioned, picking the food out of his hair.

“They said it was my fault,” Sebin says, his eyes tear up.

“WHO said it was Sebin’s fault?” His grandfather's voice boomed over everyone else’s conversations. It fell deathly silent.

“I said WHO?” He demanded. Nobody dared to answer. 

“You should all be ashamed,” his grandfather scolded everyone, “get out.” That’s when the protesting started, when everyone finally found their voice. But his grandfather looked to the police officer who eventually rounded up everyone and got them out of the apartment.

“As long as I am alive, you will not ever have to hear those things again,” Sebin's grandfather declares. He hoped his grandfather was right.

Sebin saw his burns for the first time that night. He looked in the mirror, they looked like broken mandala’s over his back and arms. He stared at them for a long time.

His grandfather stopped in to check on him.

“You can have them removed when you’re older. Until then let’s keep our best to keep them out of sight,” his grandfather told him. Sebin did that very thing. For years and years he kept his burns hidden. Nobody knew of them. They all thought Sebin was insane for wearing long sleeves in the summertime.

Over the years the burns dulled. They never went away or stretched out. It’s like they grew with Sebin. They’re shapes and curves were still identifiable. The only thing that changed was that they no longer had an orange tint to them. Now they were dark brown, almost like if he put stencils on his body then went for a spray tan session. But over the years Sebin came to accept his burns. He didn’t mind having them there. He still kept them covered up, but they reminded him of his parents. The burns itself did not originate from a good event in his life but he thought about his parents and would play memories over in his head. The ones he could remember at least. He only had his first five years of life with him, it’s hard to remember something that long ago. He just always prayed nothing like that would ever happen again.

Ω

Sebin decided to go out with his grandmother that day. She had multiple errands to run and would return with multiple items. Usually Sebin’s grandfather would accompany her on her errand days, but this specific day he wasn’t feeling too well. So Sebin offered to go with her instead. Sebin didn’t get to spend too much time with his grandmother since school and his job, and before then she was a seamstress always busy working late. So Sebin enjoyed the one-on-one time he could get with her.

But as they returned from her half day of errands, they could see the smoke in the air. It came in the same direction as their apartments, but there were several buildings around them and they were still a few blocks away. Despite that they rushed back home. Only to find the building partially up in flames. The top floor, where Sebin lived with his grandparents, was totally encompassed within the flames. Despite the firefighters keeping everyone back, Sebin dropped everything he was carrying and rushed past them. 

Some firefighters tried to stop him, but when their bare hands touched Sebin they pulled away. Sebin was burning up- his shirt slowly was burning away from his skin before he disappeared into the smoke.

Firefighters quickly ran back to their trucks to get their suits on to grab Sebin.

Sebin rushed into the building. The flames licked his skin, but he felt nothing. His adrenaline was pumping. He had one goal and he was not leaving without completing it.

He raced up the stairs and pushed open the door. The metal doorknob didn’t even burn his hand. Sebin actually barely noticed it was warm.

Sebin called out for his grandfather, but all he could hear was the crackling of the fire burning down yet again his home. He searched frantically around the small apartment.

He found his grandfather slumped over in his reading chair. Sebin shook the man- he was slightly conscious. He inhaled a lot of smoke. He helped his grandfather up and told him to walk. The two slowly but surely moved out of the room. Then the apartment.

They eventually made their way out of the apartment. Firefighters were surprised and rushed to Sebin and his grandfather’s side.

Despite his burnt clothes and the ash in his hair and on his skin Sebin focused on making sure his grandfather was fine. Paramedics eventually checked Sebin out, and found him in perfect health. He requested he go to the hospital anyway. He rode in the same ambulance as his grandfather.

While his grandfather went through the ER, Sebin was taken to an Xray room to get Xrays done of his lungs. The doctors were shocked to not find any smoke in Sebin’s lungs.

“These burns,” one of the doctors looks over Sebin’s arm, before picking it up and running their fingertips over the burns- yet they were bumpy or wrinkled. Almost like healed tattoos in the skin. “Are these new? Are they tattoos?”

“They’re burns. Old burns,” Sebin gently pulls his arms away from the nurse.

“They still look so fresh,” the doctor stated. Sebin looked at her confused. The doctor searched for a mirror nearby and showed Sebin. Sure enough the burns looked fresh. But how? Earlier today they looked dull. Darker brown on his skin. Right now they almost have a reddish-orange glow to them. 

“You’re sure they’re old burns?” The doctor asked again. Sebin nodded without looking at her. 

“Where is my grandfather? How is he doing?” Sebin asked. The doctor stepped out and returned to bring Sebin to his grandfather. He had finally moved into the ICU where he was being monitored. His grandmother was already at his bedside.

“You did a foolish thing, Sebin,” his grandmother told him, “you could have been killed.”

“But-”

“No buts mister,” she snapped. Sebin hung his head low, disappointed he let his grandmother down. But she met him with a warm hug.

“Thank you,” she whispered. Sebin returned the hug.

Ω

A couple days later Sebin’s grandfather passed away. The smoke in the old man’s lungs was too much. It broke Sebin and his grandmother. 

It rained on the day of his funeral. Sebin stood next to his grandmother and held an umbrella over her head the entire time. It decided to rain that day. Where was the rain when he needed it most? Despite Sebin’s grandfather’s wish to be cremated they held a small private viewing before he was sent off to turn to ash.

It was a beautiful service. Sebin couldn’t find it in himself to talk. He stayed glued to his grandmother’s side and was quiet. Never spoke a word. But he heard everyone else's. So did his grandmother but she ignored them. 

They all blamed Sebin again. How could two fires happen within one lifetime to a family. Especially when Sebin was with them. Sebin wanted to scream at them. To tell them they were wrong. But he had nothing to prove. So he sat there and accepted the blame. The disappointing and angry looks he could feel burning in the back of his head. He accepted it all.

Ω

“Sebin, honey,” his grandmother begins, “I think it’s time for me to move into assisted living.” Sebin and his grandmother sat down on a bench in a nearby park. They just placed Sebin’s grandfather’s ashes in his memorial site.

Sebin huffed awkwardly, “wait, why? You have me.”

“I don’t want to hold you back from doing great things,” she smiled looking at her grandson, “you have your whole life ahead of you and so far you have been stuck here helping me and your grandfather.”

“But,” Sebin starts, he chokes on his words and tears form in his eyes, “it’s all I need. It’s all I want to do.”

“I know,” she places her fragile hand on his, “I’m not going somewhere where you can’t come see me. But I want you to have adventures. I want you to work for yourself. Maybe find a nice partner, settle down, have kids or not. Have a story you can tell someone one day.” His grandmother pauses. She looks up towards the sky and smiles even bigger.

“I know there is an adventure waiting for you. Someone is waiting for you to enter their lives,” his grandmother turns towards Sebin. His cheeks stained with tears. “Oh, my boy.”

“You think I have a story out there? Something for me?” Sebin asks.

“I know it,” she pats his leg, “it’s going to be great. I feel it. When you complete it. You come and tell me.” Sebin wipes his tears, smiling.

“Okay.”

Ω

Sebin stepped off the bus, only carrying a small duffle bag. He looks around before deciding on a direction. A new city, a new adventure, a fresh start. That’s what his grandmother wanted for him, and he would do whatever she wanted. He would start living for himself. Except he had no idea where he was going or what he was going to do.

He had helped his grandmother the day before move into her assisted living home and get her all set up and help make friends. All before his grandmother shooed him out to start his own journey.

“Excuse me,” Sebin tapped on someone’s shoulder, and they turned around, “I was wondering if you knew of any good apartment areas in the city?”

His eye sight when he was outside during the day or in a brightly lit room was poor. So poor that the optometrist was shocked at how poor his eyesight was. Jehyun was prescribed a heavy prescription. But Jehyun found out quickly, in school, on a movie day that his eyesight was perfect in the dark. 

When he got home from school that day he tested his eyesight in the dark once more and even told his parents. His parents tested it. They found it strange but didn’t see the need to take Jehyun to the doctor. They simply concluded that Jehyun’s eyes are just sensitive and poor in light. Easy answer, I guess.

So Jehyun continued growing up with his poor light eyesight and perfect night vision. Oftentimes Jehyun would wear jackets into class and keep the hood over his head to lessen the light entering his eyes. It helped just a little, but still was never enough. 

Jehyun also found it harder to focus in the light. He would rather fall asleep or keep his eye down to keep the light out. But Jehyun always succeeded in his tests, classwork, and school work so his teachers allowed him to do what he needed unless he was needed with his head up- which was always down without complaint.

As Jehyun grew older he found a passion for painting and drawing. He would ALWAYS be in the art room, preferably with as little light if it was allowed. 

Jehyun never stopped painting. When he finished one he moved onto the next project.

You never found white, black, or anything between the two colors in his painting. Not even on a microscopic level. Jehyun loves color. He wants to see the world in the brightest and vibrant colors one day without having to be so sensitive to the light. It’s his goal. His dream.

Jehyun also found a love for reading. Well reading one specific book. He’s read it well over a 1,000 times in his life. He never got sick of the story line. Although he could recite the book in his sleep he could never find himself moving on to another book. So when Jehyun wasn’t completing school work or painting he was reading. 

Ω

Tucked away in the darkest corner of the library, Jehyun sits against the wall, as well as pinned by a bookshelf. His glasses sit atop his head as he reads away his book for the up most millionth time.

“That book looks very loved,” a voice breaks Jehyun’s train of thought. Jehyun looks up from his book. His eyes meet with the person standing in front of him, the person invading his me time.

“Oh, I’ve just had this book for a very long time. It’s my favorite,” Jehyun raises his book a little to show it off.

“It’s quite a story and a long journey the character goes through. I read it a long time ago,” they tell Jehyun, “I’m Poaegi.”

“Jehyun,” he half smiles and opens his book again, hoping Poaegi would catch the hint he wants to read his book, alone.

“You know, “Poaegi starts and Jehyun internally screams, “at my library in the town over I have a first edition of that book just laying around. It’s yours if you want it. It’s still in its packaging- never been open or touched.”

If Jehyun had little cat ears they would have perked up. Poaegi had his full and undivided attention now. 

“You’d really just give it to me?” Jehyun asks.

“Yeah,” Poaegi nods, “I would just like you to hear me out.” Poaegi pulls out a notebook, and rips a small piece of paper out from it. Poaegi scribbles some words down and hands it to Jehyun.

“Whenever you have a moment, just stop by. I’m there 99% of the time,” Poaegi smiles.

Poaegi walks away, finally leaving Jehyun alone. Jehyun looks down at the note to find an address to a library. He places it in his bag and continues on reading.

Ω

Jehyun, honestly, couldn’t believe he found himself standing in front of Ethereal Trove library the very next day. But he really wanted that first edition. It goes for thousands of dollars and while Jehyun loved the story he could never justify spending that much for it when he could buy a cheaper copy of it at any book store.

Jehyun takes a deep breath before walking up the library steps. He opens the heavy doors, struggling a little, and walks inside. 

It’s pitch black. It took a single blink for Jehyun’s eyes to adjust and he could see perfectly fine. He removes his glasses and puts them in his bag.

“I thought the darkness would be a lot easier on your eyes,” Poaegi suddenly appears in front of Jehyun.

“How did you know I can see in the dark?” Jehyun questions, ready to bolt out the door behind him.

“Well you were reading in the darkest corner of the library, just assumed really,” Poaegi lies. Poegi knows everything there is about Jehyun’s little abilities, although Jehyun doesn’t see them as abilities.

“Here!” Poaegi holds out a dusty package, “I’m sorry it was dusty. I just pulled it out of the stack of books it was in. I didn’t have time to wipe it down before you walked in.” Jehyun takes the package and slowly opens it. He pulls out the books and gasps. It indeed was the first edition of the book. A hard cover too.

“This. This is amazing,” Jehyun breathlessly looks over the book, “are you sure I can just have it?” 

“Yeah,” Poaegi reassures, “for as long as this library has been open nobody has even wanted to check out the first edition… well my parents kept them hidden. But they’re gone now. So I make the decisions. I rather see it go to someone who will take care of it.”

Jehyun smiles, looking over the book, but then looks up, “you said I could have this if I hear you out. Did you want to talk about something?”

“Oh that! Yes!” Poaegi chirps up, “follow me.” Poaegi starts walking away, not waiting for Jehyun. Jehyun runs after them , putting his new book into his bag.

“Can you also see in the dark? How are you avoiding all these piles of books?” Jehyun asks, constantly having to watch his step.

“I can’t see as well as you but I have walked this library so many times so I could do it blind as well,” Poaegi explains. Poaegi opens a door and walks into a small room. Jehyun walks in behind them.

“What is this room?” Jehyun asks. It’s dimly lit and Jehyun could make out the colors in the room. 

“This is the Shadow room,” Poaegi smiles, “it’s suppose to be your room. But that’s if you want it. Just let me explain it all.” Jehyun walks around the room admiring the small bookshelves and the little artifacts laying around on the shelves. He looks up and it’s just pure black- he can’t see beyond it which was unusual for him.

“The reason you can see in the dark is because you have these abilities. Night vision is just one of them,” Poaegi starts, “you are an Ethereal Moon Jehyun. Created by the universe to help those who cannot protect themselves.”

Jehyun turns his attention away from the black abyss above him and looks at Poaegi like they’re crazy.

“Just trust me,” Poaegi tells him, “ reach your hand towards the shadow above you.” Jehyun hesitates a minute. But he takes his bag off his shoulder, gently setting it on the ground before slowly raising his hand towards the black abyss above him.

His fingers graze the shadows, causing an icy feeling against his finger tips. Suddenly the shadows quickly circle his hand and then over his body, causing his entire body to chill. The shadows his the floor and run away from Jehyun. All around the room the shadows take form and perform a scene.

Jehyun watches in amazement. The shadows perform a scene from his book. Almost in fluid shadow like motions. 

“How-” Jehyun watches the scene unfold before the shadows crumble and float back towards the ceiling.

“You are the Darkness Ethereal,” Poaegi tells him, “you have the abilities to manipulate shadows, create shadow illusions, night vision, and it’s rumored you can also turn into a shadow.”

Jehyun stands there, not really sure what to say. Could he believe any of this? It’s like one of the stories he read a long time ago came to life.

“Try touching the shadows again, but this time, think of something for them to do,” Poaegi encourages. Jehyun looks back up towards the ceiling of shadow. He could see it now. The slow circulating movements. Jehyun watches for a moment, thinking about what he wanted to do.

He reaches his hand into the shadows, he takes a deep breath. The icy feeling climbs down his fingertips to his arms and slowly the rest of his body is icy cold. The shadows once again circle Jehyun before running across the floor. This time the Shadows lay still on the floor for a moment. Poaegi and Jehyun wait.

Slowly the shadows rise and begin to tell a story- their story.

“You asked for their story,” Poaegi says. They watch completely enthralled with what the shadows had to offer. It shows another man.

“The Darkness Ethereal before you,” Poaegi explains. The man moves around the room controlling the shadows and the shadows move around completely crazy tasks. The time speeds up and it feels like Poaegi and Jehyun are being suffocated by the shadows before they stop. A dark monstrous shadow enters the room and takes the Ethereal shadow man and the Shadows stop telling the story, and retreat to the ceiling.

Poaegi’s eyes are filled with tears.

“What was that? What happened?” Jehyun asks.

Poaegi takes an audible breath, “that is why I need you. That very thing we just saw.” Poaegi leans themselves on the wall and takes a deep breath closing their eyes.

“I have never seen it. Only vague mentions of it,” Poaegi tells him, “the only reason we, the Ethereal are alive now is because the others have died and there has not been a threat to the world since. But now we all have been born. My parents never told me what was lurking. Now I know. It’s whatever that was. I need everyone to stop it.”

“That monstrous thing that easily killed him?” Jehyun asks bewildered. Poaegi nods.

“I have managed some research before, but never have I seen it,” Poaegi tells him, “it’s not running rampant right now. It’s in a deep slumber. But it’s slowly beginning to wake up. Hence why we have been born. It hunts Ethereals. Just like you saw. I need all 12 of us to stop it and to keep you safe. I can’t do it when everyone is spread out the way they are.”

Jehyun takes a deep breath. He runs his hand through his hair and paces around.

“I-I can’t,” Jehyun tells Poaegi, “I don’t even know how I was able to do this. That thing could come at any time. You don’t know much about it. You said it yourself.”

“Yeah,” Poaegi admits, completely and utterly defeated, “I don’t. I’m trying. But there isn’t much left of the archives. They seem to be destroyed or missing. I’m all alone in this.”

Poaegi stand there for a minute. They look away from Jehyun, ashamed.

“I understand if you don’t want to join,” Poaegi, “but if you do I can keep you safe. It’s a promise. But that’s all I wanted to talk to you about. You are free to go now.” 

Poaegi doesn’t move. Jehyun, frozen in place, slowly picks up his back and leaves the room. He felt the need to leave. He doesn’t know why. Something is pulling him to stay but he needs to breathe. To be in a safe place.

Ω

Back at home, he hides away in his little built up safe place in the back corner of his room. He pulls out his book light and opens his first edition for the first time, hearing the cracking of spin sent chills. The smell of a new book hits his nose. He starts at the decorated cover page, but he can’t find himself turning the page to start reading the story. He knows this story by heart. He knows the journey the main character goes through. Leaving everything he once knew behind to go to this new world and new adventure. It’s basically what Poaegi is asking him to do.

He sighs and closes the book again. He looks around and laughs to himself. He can’t believe he’s about to actually do it. 

Ω

The next day, well really only six hours later, Jehyun found himself standing in front of the Ethereal Trove library again. He holds onto his book Poaegi gave him. He takes a deep breath before quickly making his way up the steps and inside the library.

The sun had yet to rise and he hoped that Poaegi would be awake and not alarmed by his presence showing up at a very early hour. Or at least that it wasn’t a thief showing up.

Without much thinking Jehyun makes his way back to the Shadow room. Jehyun quietly opened the door and walked inside. He set his bag and book near the door. He looked up towards the ceiling and it seemed like the Shadows moved with happiness. Some even tried reaching out for him, but needed Jehyun to reach for them.

Jehyun smiles, reaching his hand towards the shadows. They shoot down his arm at an excited pace and dance around the room once they have the freedom to touch the floor.

“You can create whatever I think, right?” Jehyun asks, walking through the shadows. A small shadow zips up around Jehyun’s body before stopping in his open hand.

“I wouldn’t know where to start,” Jehyun tells the shadows. The shadows swirl around before forming a Shadow version of Jehyun. The Shadow Jehyun points to his head and watches on.

Jehyun looks back down at the Shadow in his hand. It runs in a little circle before stilling once more. It causes Jehyun to giggle. He closes his eyes and takes a couple breaths before focusing on his idea. 

He slowly peeks his eyes open, but nothing happens.

“Maybe it’s not possible. Colorful shadows,” Jehyun laughs in defeat, “that’s alright. I figured maybe a change is what you needed.” The Shadow Jehyun nods his head then proceeds to point at Jehyun.

“Me? I’m the change?” Jehyun asks, Shadow Jehyun nods. Jehyun half smiles as he watches the Shadow version of himself pool to the floor then return to the ceiling where the rest of the shadows retreated to.

“You came back.” 

Jehyun turns to find Poaegi in their pijama’s standing at the door.

“I did,” Jehyun shyly answers, “you said you needed me.”

He was an easy baby and his parents were so grateful, and a little braggy, about how perfect and easy Jinwoo was.

That all changed the first day they took Jinwoo to the park. At two and a half years old. The playground was filled with other kids. That’s when the voices in his head started. Jinwoo put his hands over his ears and started screaming. Of course everyone freaked out. The voices in Jinwoo’s head got worse. His parents immediately took him to hospital.

After a full examination, the doctors found nothing wrong. But every time he was able to, Jinwoo would cover his ears. The voices in the hospital were worse. He didn’t understand most of them, but he cried and cried the pain in his head was too much.

A middle aged male doctor asked if he could try something. He left and returned with headphones and a small music player. He put the headphones on his head and turned the music on. 

The voice were still there but they were almost drowned out by the music. Jinwoo stopped crying and calmed down. He focused on the music and relaxed a little.

“How? What?’ His mother asked.

“My child has the same issue,” the doctor explains, “I still don’t know what it is, or how to stop whatever it is. But I found that having headphones on with music is the best remedy. Put plain noise canceling headphones won’t work. They need to be with music. Preferably instrumental music.”

His parent’s stare in wonder then look back to Jinwoo who is sleeping on the large patient bed. Exhausted from all the voices and stress.

“How long will this last?” Jinwoo’s father inquired.

“I wish I knew. But I’ll keep you guys updated if you would like if I ever figure anything out,” the doctor offered them a business card then parted ways.

A solution was never found. The doctor died when Jinwoo was fifteen and even then there was nothing, but more remedies that could help with Jinwoo’s unknown condition. Jinwoo did them all, meditation, yoga, listening to music, quiet getaways, everything. Nothing ever solved his issue.

Despite his parents having a medical note from that doctor his headphones were constantly confiscated in school. Most of the time Jinwoo would pull out earbuds and hide them under his clothes and hair. But the confiscation got worse after the doctor died. But by then Jinwoo could handle the voices somewhat. There were days when it was bad, and other days when it wasn’t. Sometimes Jinwoo would even try to see how long he could go without his headphones. He made it up to three days before it got too much and it began to affect his sleep and school work.

Jinwoo actually hadn’t realized until he was in his fourth year of school that the voices in his head were everyone else’s thoughts. He never vocalized it to his parents, though, They were stressed enough the condition never went away and tried to take him to new doctors all the time. Until Jinwoo said it was getting better. Of course he was lying but every once in a while he would tell them he had bad days and needed his headphones around his parents and home. His parents worry lessened. All the talk about being an easy kid was out the door years ago.

However, on top of having everyone else’s thoughts in his head a new thing happened. It happened on the first day of school. The overwhelming sensation of sadness and abandonment. It was suffocating. Nobody wanted to leave their parents. At first Jinwoo thought it was just him. Because he too did not want his mom to abandon him wherever he was. But as the days and weeks went by Jinwoo would have all different mixed signals of emotions. He knew very well what he was feeling but everything else felt so suffocating. Of course he told his parents this feeling. They immediately called the doctor who had helped with his head. He too was baffled and thought maybe it’s just a new environment. So in a way, he was gaslit into thinking that was all in his head- how ironic.

Once Jinwoo figured out the suffocation of feelings came from those around him, he tried his best to tame the feelings. But they would just change from sad to happy, or from angry to calm. But the level of how much pressure it felt on him never dwindled. So he withdrew himself from everyone. He kept away. Kept his head down and did his work.

Convincing his parents every year to move him to online schooling was pointless. He tried every excuse in the book other than the voices in his head because he knew if he solely used that excuse he would just be dragged to doctor appointments. So Jinwoo continued on with in person schooling and even managed to finish school a year early. He wanted out.

Until he was truly an adult and could actually live on his own, Jinwoo worked and saved money to leave his house. He didn’t hate his parents but they can become so overbearing. Still constantly questioning about his head. That, and their thoughts were more overwhelming and annoying than most. He wanted out. 

He took the first out he could. Moved away from his parents, and took up a new job at a local coffee shop within walking distance from his home.

He had dazzled his manager during the interview so well that he was able to work solely on making drinks and got to listen to his music. Of course he showed his new manager how well he was at making caffeinated drinks- a special talent of Jinwoo’s. Some of the drinks were so good that they were added onto the menu.

That’s the life Jinwoo decided for himself. Just for the time being too. He was still trying to decide what exactly he wanted to do with his life, if he needed more education, or if there is an adventure he needed to take.

But on one fateful day, everything got flipped around and a new door opened. Gotta hit rock bottom in order to go up.

“Jinwoo I need you on register today, take those earbuds out,” someone calls. Jinwoo turns to find a coworker he did not like.

“I don’t work register, you know that,” Jinwoo tells him as he finishes up on three different drink orders.

“Well Junyoung is out today, and that means I’m in charge,” his coworker smugly tells him, “and I’m telling you to work register.” Jinwoo side eyes his coworker. He takes a moment to think about what he wants to counter with. But then Jinwoo remembers that he’s up for a manager promotion- currently competing with said coworker- how he was listed as being in charge today, no clue.

“Fine,” Jinwoo tells him. He approaches the register and takes out his earbuds. He takes a deep breath. The voices in his head quickly get louder and louder.

“How may I help you?” Jinwoo forces a smile and begins taking a rather large order. He reads back the order, the customer slightly upset because a couple of the drinks were completely wrong. Jinwoo fixes them and has the customer pay. It was much harder for him to take orders because of everyone else trying to decide what they want.

Well of course every order becomes more and more mixed up and customers get angry, some snapping at him. The stress quickly builds up and he’s trying his best not to cry.

After another customer he looks down and discreetly wipes the tears from the corners of his eyes.

Jinwoo looks up once more, ready, and that’s when his eyes strike theirs. Everything in his head goes silent. Utter silence. Jinwoo’s mouth opens. The person softly smiles at them.

He stares at them for a moment, but snaps out of it. It’s pure enchantment.

“Ho-how can I help you?” Jinwoo asks.

“Just an iced latte,” they smile. Jinwoo taps away at the computer in front of him and rings up the total. The mysterious enchantment pays and walks away.

But even as they walk away- silence. No noise. Jinwoo watches them. Then turns back to the next person. He apologizes and takes their order. The rest of his shift before his break smooths over. No mistakes. No yelling. No angry people. 

Jinwoo clocks out and he looks around the shop and spots them in a corner. A book on the table as well as a notebook- they write away in the notebook, doodling a little as well.

Jinwoo approaches them and sits in the empty chair in front of them.

“How did you do that?” He asks. The person’s head pops up. Once again, Jinwoo freezes as they make eye contact.

“I don’t know what you’re talking about,” they slyly smile.

“The noises in my head. The voices. The overwhelming sense of what others are feeling,” Jinwoo starts giving hand motions, “gone the moment I looked at you.”

“I’m flattered,” they smile, “I’m Poaegi.” Did they think Jinwoo was flirting with them? Because he very much wasn’t.

“I don’t want to sound rude,” Jinwoo awkwardly laughs, “but I’m not flirting or trying to get your number.”

Poaegi giggles, “oh I know. I’m just teasing Lee Jinwoo.”

“How did yo-”

“If you want to know how I did it and learn how to do it yourself,” Poaegi starts as they begin to pack up their things, “on your next day off come to the Ethereal Trove library.”

Poaegi stands up and quickly bids farewell to Jinwoo before leaving. Jinwoo watches them leave, never leaving the chair. But even as they left it still remained silent in his head. He couldn’t feel the emotions of those around him. Is this what being normal feels like?

Jinwoo manages to complete the rest of his shift. The noises never came back. The emotions never become overbearing. He clocks out and bids farewell to his coworkers.

The moment he steps outside the noise begins. Everyone’s thoughts fill his mind and the overbearing sensation of emotions fill him up. Jinwoo quickly pulls out his headphones and places them on, cranking the music all the way up. The faster he could get home the faster he could be in silence.

As Jinwoo was walking, someone happened to bump into him. His headphones pop off his head and the guy continues walking without apologizing. Jinwoo huffs. He picks up his head phones and puts them on just to find out they’ve broken. Jinwoo yells out in frustration. Then it happens again.

The silence.

Jinwoo looks around, hoping to find Poaegi. Instead he notices he’s standing in front of the very library Poaegi told him to meet them at. He hadn’t realized he walked by the library every time he came to and from work. Poaegi told him to come on his next day off. But could he wait that long? Was Poaegi even here?

Jinwoo risks it anyway. He walks up the grand steps and to the door. He pulls the handle and the door opens a crack. He slips inside, the door slowly closing behind him.

“I figured you wouldn’t be able to wait,” Poaegi’s voice calls out, almost teasingly. Poaegi then appears out from a bookshelf, carrying a large stack of books. They set them down next to several even large stacks of books before approaching Jinwoo.

“I-i just can’t do it anymore,” Jinwoo stumbles over his words once again. What has gotten into him. But he knew he freezes every time they made eye contact. He didn’t understand what was so enchanting about them.

“Follow me,” Poaegi motions before walking away. Poaegi leads Jinwoo through the mess of the library.

“Apologies that everything is a mess. Currently under reconstruction,” Poaegi laughs awkwardly, “normally I would take you to the large reading room but it’s a maze to walk through with all the books on the floor. So instead we will head into my office.”

Poaegi opens a large grand door and inside is an office that looks like it was pulled straight from a fantasy novel. Jinwoo looks all around admiring every last little detail- in his head he almost compared it to Belle’s library from Beauty and the Beast.

“Here it is,” Poaegi calls out. They pull a rather large book off the shelf closer to the desk in the back of the room. Poaegi approaches Jinwoo, who stands in the center where a small reading table and chairs sit perfectly- almost untouched. 

“Sit, sit, sit,” Poaegi motions. Jinwoo plops down onto the chair and a cloud of dust pops up into his face. Quite literally untouched- the chair was stiff as if nobody ever sat in it.

“Read pages 4 to 29,” Poaegi opens the book for him, “it will explain everything. If you have any more questions afterwards. Don’t be afraid to ask. I have a couple things I need to finish working on, so I will be at my desk.” Poaegi walks away. Jinwoo cautiously looks at the book Poaegi left on the small circular table. He picks it up and sets it in his lap.

The edges of the pages are slightly torn and the paper is yellowing. How old is this book? Despite the condition, Jinwoo does as he is told. He reads.

Mind Ethereal.

What? Jinwoo looks up at Poaegi who is busy writing away in their journal. He looks back down and continues to read.

The Mind Ethereal was created by the universe on the idea that no one should ever have to be alone. After all, all Ethereals were created to help those who could not help themselves. The Mind Ethereal is the most unique Ethereal with its abilities as well as their Troval r\Relic. 

Abilities: telepathy, echolocation, emotion reading, slight precognition

Troval Relic: an enchanted eye binder

The abilities of the Mind Ethereal are at limits without the Troval Relic. It has been found that only with the Troval Relic can the precognition work, but even then there are limitations. It has been found and studied that the precognition drains the life of the Mind Ethereal. However long they use that ability it gets taken off the life of the user. What can be seen through precognition seems to be random and not purposefully sought out. 

Jinwoo continues to read about the Mind Ethereal, fascinated with what information the book was giving him. Half way through is when he realizes it- he is the Mind Ethereal.

Emotion reading has been the most overwhelming ability of the Mind Ethereal. It feels like suffocation without being suffocated. Emotions radiate off people like heat and it feels like a pressure over the body. 

Jinwoo holds his breath. This was it wasn’t it? This was him. All of this reading. He continues.

Telepathy is the hardest ability to control. You simply cannot turn it off, but the noise can be drowned out. The sensation of hearing everyone’s thoughts at once is the same as a migraine. If one can endure the constant sound of hearing everyone’s thoughts for a long period of time they have the ability to withstand any noise. It is rumored that they also can turn off the outside world sound to their head- but it has never been done.

Jinwoo finishes reading and closes the book. He starts at the cover of the book. He notices his name engraved into the cover, under another name. Only two names are engraved in the book.

“What did you think?” Poaegi asks. His head shoots up and looks over at Poaegi whose chin rests on their intertwined hands, smiling over at Jinwoo.

“It makes sense,” is all Jinwoo could say. Poaegi is slightly shocked by his response.

“You’re not going to question the validity of anything you just read?” Poaegi inquires, their eyebrows raised. Jinwoo shakes his head.

“Maybe you will when I tell you more,” Poaegi leans back in their chair, “you only read the specifics of the Mind Ethereal, recorded by the previous Mind Ethereal before you. But what isn’t stated in this book is the backstory of the overall Ethereals. Why we were created.”

“But I read that it’s to help those who cannot help themselves,” Jinwoo answers remembering the line in the beginning of the book.

“Yes,” Poaegi nods, “while that is true. There is another reason. At least this time around. There is something monstrous out there. Waking up from a deep slumber… and it’s going to hunt down all the Ethereals.”

“So you want to stop it?” Jinwoo asks. Poaegi nods.

“But I need all the Ethereals with me to do so. I can’t keep everyone safe if they are not with me,” Poaegi explains.

“What is this monster?” Jinwoo asks.

“I don’t know,” Poaegi sighs, “my parents didn’t tell me much before they died. So I’m left in the dark. It’s what I’ve been trying to figure out for years as well as finding all of you.”

The two sit in silence for a moment.

“Will you help me, Lee Jinwoo?” Poaegi asks, voice just above a whisper as if they are afraid.

Jinwoo stands and walks over to the desk.

The moment Jinwoo’s parents heard his crying the hospital electricity flickered before going out entirely. The entire hospital stood for a moment, baffled. A select few managed to get the back up generators working within seconds, and the hospital was back to functioning as best as it could for what they had at the moment. 

Of course Jinwoo’s parents brushed off the moment because they were just happy to finally have their son with them and that he was safely delivered. The next day as the Parks were leaving the hospital to go home with their son the power suddenly turned back on with no issues.

But the weird coincidences didn’t stop there.

Many electronic things began to not work in the Park’s home once they brought home Jinwoo. First it was the baby monitors in Jinwoo’s room. His parents thought he had been a miracle baby who slept through the night, but they found him crying when they woke up thinking it was weird that their son had not called for them.

After that they moved Jinwoo’s crib into their room and threw out the baby monitors.

But of course things did not stop there.

Ω

Over the years, more and more things would break. The most random things too. Most of the time Jinwoo was holding them. Most of his battery powered toys would short circuit and stop working all together. Very rarely did his toys explode. There was even a time when Jinwoo turned off a lamp light and the lightbulb popped and the room quickly fell into darkness. 

Of course Jinwoo was never hurt. His parents were never hurt either. Of course things broke when his parents touched them as well. Oddly enough each time something that broke Jinwoo was either being held by his parents or holding on to his parents. Sometimes he would be just close enough for the object to break.

The parents just always figured they got a faulty object. Sometimes they would get replaced or they would change tactics and then it wouldn’t happen again.

But that all changed one fateful day. Jinwoo’s 10th birthday.

Ω

“Happy Birthday!” Jinwoo’s parents enter his room with a cake and candles already lit. Jinwoo wakes up and blows out the candles.

“Get ready! We have a whole day planned for you!” Jinwoo’s father rushes Jinwoo to get ready. Jinwoo got ready in record time, excited for what his parents had planned.

They enter the car, and drive off.

“We are going into the heart of the city today!” Jinwoo’s mother tells Jinwoo excitedly.

Jinwoo’s parents continue to talk about their fun day out and all they have planned for Jinwoo’s birthday. Jinwoo laughs excitedly in the back of the car. They had the zoo, aquarium, lunch, a movie, arcade, and dinner planned. 

Suddenly the car jolted a moment before running smoothly once more.

“You got the car checked out like I said, right?” Jinwoo’s mother asked.

“Of course I did,” her husband answers, “maybe I just slid on the road.”

“In broad daylight where it hasn’t rained in a couple weeks?” his wife counters.

“It’s fine,” he tells her.

Then the car jolted again, but this time it didn’t resume running normally. Jinwoo’s father tries slamming his foot on the brakes but the car doesn’t slow. The car starts to sway to a side. His father turns the steering wheel in with the turn to stop the spinning.

That’s when it all started. One car slams into them. Then another, and another, and another. In total, 13 cars piled into the Park family.

Instead of a happy day full of adventures and fun things, they were taken to the hospital. Luckily nobody in the car piled up, and there wasn’t too much damage. Jinwoo was unharmed- just a few cuts and bruises. His parent’s came out with concussions. His mother with her broken leg and his father with a broken wrist and shoulder.

The Parks were clear of any blame once the dash cam video and audio were examined as well as the recent check on the car which Jinwoo’s father provided the paperwork for.

That was the final straw for Jinwoo’s father.

“That’s it,” he frustratingly called as he sat in the dining room with his wife, “we’re moving. Leaving the city. Leaving behind all electronics. We cannot continue to live like this.”

“Honey, you’re being rash about all of this,” his wife tries to calm him.

Despite suppose to be in bed, Jinwoo stands hidden behind the hallway wall listening to his parents.

“Look at you,” he tells her, standing up, “look at me. We’re lucky Jinwoo wasn’t even hurt. He was in the car where all the other cars collided with us. We can’t continue on with life. Things break around us and we need to get away from it all.”

Jinwoo’s father sat back down and with a slouch. His wife didn’t argue, just a quiet okay.

A couple weeks later they were packed up, Jinwoo was withdrawn from school, and they were on their way.

Jinwoo’s parents saw their new house as a blessing. Kevin thought it was like a prison. He had to throw out a majority of his toys because they were electronics. He did admit though, the house was pretty and the countryside felt like a fairytale. He could adventure around. Maybe his dad would finally build a tree house or a fort for him.

That first night they were there a storm rolled in, but it wasn’t your normal rainstorm. It was an electric storm. Something uncommon for the area. Lightning never touched the ground but would just bounce between the clouds.

Despite this being an uncommon occurrence in the area it became common over the years. The electric storm comes at least once a week during the evening and disappears by morning.

Jinwoo continued to grow up. If anything his education was better than in the city. He developed a passion for books and started a mini library in his room and around the house. The countryside grew on his but tired him out. Everything was the exact same. There was nothing new, no change, no excitement. That’s why Jinwoo always found himself reading- escaping to a world where he can be someone else- a magical being or someone with super powers. It made him want to be a librarian one day. To own something and inspire others. To have a place to escape- a place for others to escape as well.

Ω

“For my birthday this year,” Jinwoo says as he finishes his dinner, “I want to take a trip to a library in a nearby city.” His father chokes on his food and begins coughing.

“Oh, honey,” his mother stammers for a moment, “I’m not sure that’s a great idea.”

“Your mother is right,” his father follows up after clearing his throat and mouth of food.

“But I really want to go,” Jinwoo tells them, “I’ve heard it’s the oldest library in the country and it’s got the coolest architecture and it has ancient paintings done by famous artists inside. Plus I could see if they offer internships for when I’m ready to go to college.”

His mother looks at Jinwoo sadly, understanding his want to go. She looks to her husband.

“Jinwoo, there is a reason we left the city,” his father starts.

“Yeah, yeah, yeah,” Jinwoo retorts, “because of the electronics and we don't have a good relationship with them and working around us… if you’ll excuse me.” Jinwoo stands up from the table and leaves the dining room.

He closes the door quietly behind him and sighs.

The one time I asked to go to the city despite wanting to for years… and I can’t go.

Jinwoo walks up to his window and stares out at the clouds rolling in. Lightning bounces between the clouds like a game of tag. He closes his window and pulls the curtains shut.

Jinwoo sits in his little corner he set up as a library / study area. He sits on the comfy pillows and pulls out his text book. He’s studying for a college entrance exam- for a college far away from the small country area he lived in.

He reads through the book for a couple hours, answering practice questions when they come up.

A light knock at his door stops him from completing the question he’s on.

“Come in,” Jinwoo calls. The door opens and his mother smiles. She sits on the edge of his bed, across from him.

“I spoke with your father,” his mother tells him, “and I have convinced him to allow you to go to the library for a visit.” Jinwoo suddenly lights up.

“Your father would like him and I to come with you. If that’s alright?” His mother asks.

“Of course that’s okay,” Jinwoo jumps up, throwing his textbook to the side. He hugs his mother tight, “thank you. Thank you. Thank you.” His mother smiles and hugs him back.

Ω

Almost a week later, on a weekend, Jinwoo and his parents are on a bus towards the city. Jinwoo watches the scenery, enjoying the change from the countryside to the city. His parents sit worriedly. Their memories of the car pile up haunts them still. 

The entire bus ride Jinwoo’s parents tensely sit, but watch their son enjoy his time. Eventually his parents relaxed, answering Jinwoo’s questions about certain things he saw.

“Do you know where we are going?” His father asks as they all finally exit the bus.

“Yes! It’s just around the corner!” Jinwoo excitedly claps his hands a couple times. He proudly leads the way to the library.

When Jinwoo spots it, he runs up the stairs, leaving his parents behind. He stares at the magnificent carved marble doors, but his eyes quickly land on a sign.

Closed for renovations. 

Jinwoo’s heart sinks. He came all this way, just for the library to be closed.

“It’s closed,” Jinwoo turns around to his parents, defeated.

“Closed?” Jinwoo’s mother looks at the note, “oh honey. I’m so sorry.” Jinwoo turns back to look at the large doors once more.

“Hi there!” Someone calls behind Jinwoo’s parents. The three turn around and face their caller. Their eyes widen when they see Jinwoo.

“How can I help you three?” They smile, clasping their hands together, a row of bags handing off each arm.

“Oh, we brought our son to see the library,” his father explains, “but it seems it’s closed. We had no idea.”

“Well you’re in luck! I happen to be the librarian. My name is Poaegi,” they smile, “come inside!” Poaegi steps past them, opening the doors for them to walk inside.

The door slowly closes behind them. Jinwoo stares around in wonder, his eyes not staying on one thing longer than a second.

“Oh, wow this is beautiful,” his mother states.

“Thank you! My family has worked on this place for generations,” Poaegi tells them.

“Your family owns this?” Jinwoo asks.

“My family built this,” Poaegi corrects with a smile, “it’s now mine to take care of until I have children and pass it on.” 

“That’s absolutely amazing,” Jinwoo’s father states looking at the walls and ceiling- covered in art, “Jinwoo has told us much about this place.”

“Oh yeah?” Poaegi smiles, “I’ll be more than happy to give a tour if you allow me a moment to set my bags down.”

“Take your time dear,” Jinwoo’s mother tell Poaegi. Poaegi quickly exits, leaving the three to wander around the front desk.

“There must be books dated back centuries if the library has been here this long,” Jinwoo’s father states.

“Almost 1000 years,” Jinwoo tells him.

“Okay. I can take you three around the library now,” Poaegi reappears brushing their hands off on their shirt.

Poaegi takes the three around the available parts of the library, explaining each section in great detail. All the artwork and who it was painted by. Showing off the oldest books that belonged to Poaegi’s ancestors. 

“Well, that’s unfortunately all I can show you right now because the library is under renovations,” Poaegi circles the group back to the front desk, “but please do explore around for a little bit. I just ask please don’t risk yourselves going into renovation areas.” Poaegi smiles and leaves the group alone.

“I think I want to go look back at some of those paintings,” Jinwoo’s mother states.

“The ones next to the old books?” her husband perks up. The two walk off back towards an earlier section they toured leaving Jinwoo alone.

Jinwoo kind of wanders around. Just wanting to explore what he could. See the types of books the library held.

Jinwoo wanders up and down the library aisles for a while, just observing the book, until one catches his eye. It seems out of place. 

Ethereal Trove.

Why would there be a book about the library in the history section when there is a whole area dedicated to the library and its history. Jinwoo reaches out and touches the book.

He instantly pulls away when a wave of lightning rolls off his finger and down the spine of the book. The lightning doesn’t disappear though. It sits in one place on the edge of the bookshelf, leaving no damage to the book or shelf. Jinwoo watches it. It moves a tad closer to Jinwoo before zipping off in the other direction.

Jinwoo watches it and then finds himself following it. He wasn’t really watching where he was going. His eyes were trained on the little wave of lightning bolts that wanted him to follow it. Was he dreaming? Were his eyes playing tricks on him.

Suddenly Jinwoo finds himself in a large open room. The wave of lighting rolls off the bookshelves and onto the floor, racing to the pillar in the center of the room. The lightning spirals up the pillar before entering the ceiling and zipping across to another pillar. It strikes it and then it all disappears. 

A loud bang takes Jinwoo’s attention away from the lightning. A tall boy stands near another pillar, a book at his feet. He stares wide-eyed at Jinwoo. 

“Oh, I’m sorry. I didn’t me-”

The boy picks up his book and runs past Jinwoo. He turns and watches as the boy scurries off down one of the isles. He feels a little defeated.

“Don’t mind Taedong,” Poaegi’s voice calls. Jinwoo turns back around to find Poaegi standing off to the side where the boy previously was, “he’s shy. But he’s a sweet boy. I’m sure you will become friends quickly.”

“I didn’t mean to startle him,” Jinwoo stammers, slightly embarrassed.

Poaegi lightly laughs, “Jinwoo, it’s okay. Taedong is still learning to open up to others.” Jinwoo looks back down the aisle. He can see Taedong sitting further down reading his book once more.  

“How did you even manage to come to this part of the library?” Poaegi asks, “it’s hidden away from the rest of the other areas.”

“Oh, I-” Jinwoo stops, how does he explain what happened?

“I feel like it’s going to sound crazy,” Jinwoo tells them, unsure of himself.

“Crazy?” Poaegi perks up, “I love crazy stories. Nothing surprises me anymore. Try me.”

Jinwoo looks at them, eyebrows raised. He relaxes then takes a deep breath.

“Earlier, when I was looking at the books I touched one of them and these little bolts of electricity ran down the book and the bookshelf. They just stayed in one spot and rippled,” Jinwoo explains, “so I approached it. When I did, it moved. So I stopped. Then it stopped. So I followed it here and then it jumped off the bookshelf and onto the floor and into the center pillar in this room.”

“And then?” Poaegi asks, despite knowing what he’s going to say.

“All the little bolts separated and ran up the pillar, across the ceiling and down into the far… pillar over… there,” Jinwoo slowly stops talking looking at Poaegi, “why does it feel like you knew what I was going to explain.”

Poaegi smiles, “because I did. You are special, Park Jinwoo.”

“Special?” Jinwoo questions them, disbelieving the word.

“Jinwoo,” Poaegi calls for him. They put their hands behind their back and walk further into the open room, “let me ask you… or I guess I want you to think… think about all the times in your life when electricity was surrounding you and how you interacted with it… what happened?”

Jinwoo stands there, eyebrows furrowed. He watches Poaegi walk around looking at the twelve different pillars in the room.

“Most of the time they broke if I touched them,” Jinwoo plainly answers, “but things would break if my parents touched them too. So I don’t know what you’re trying to get at.”

“Were you being held by your parents or hugging on to your parents? Or touching the object at the same time?” Poaegi continues with the questioning. Jinwoo takes a deep breath, slightly bothered by being interrogated. He wants a relaxing birthday exploring the most beautiful library in the country. But the more Jinwoo thinks about the questions, the more he relaxes and realizes Poaegi was trying to get at something. They were right. Every time something broke, Jinwoo was somehow touching his parents as well or touching the object too.

“I… I was,” Jinwoo answers quietly, “what does that mean?”

“It’s nothing bad,” Poaegi reassures him, “but like I said earlier. You’re special.”

Poaegi walks up to Jinwoo and grabs his hand. They pull him across the large room and up to one of the pillars.

“Look closely. This one didn’t get its gift until you stepped into the room,”Poaegi tells him, “the lightning you saw was your ability returning to home.”

“My ability?” Jinwoo looks at Poaegi bewildered but turns his head to look at the pillar. The pillar looks normal. Then he sees it. Lightning speeds across the pillar before disappearing. Then more began to do the same thing.. Jinwoo reaches out to touch it. When his hand comes into contact with the marble pillar, lightning crackles and runs up his hands and arms.. 

Jinwoo pulls his hand away, and watches as the lightning disappears instantly.

“You, Park Jinwoo, are an Ethereal. Created by the universe to help protect those who cannot protect themselves,” Poaegi explains.

“Now that is crazy,” Jinwoo tells them, “and crazy surprises me.”

“Oh?” Poaegi challenges. Poaegi raises their arm, a bracelet with 11 different charms dangle down.

“Pick one,” Poaegi tells Jinwoo, but they already know which one he will be drawn to. Jinwoo watches, observing each charm.

“That one,” Jinwoo points.

“Figured,” Poaegi smiles and pulls off the bow and arrow charm. The charm flashes and then appears in Poaegi’s hand life-size. The arrows crackle and they appear more like lightning bolts, but the bow looks like a normal ordinary bow. Jinwoo’s eyes sparkle in wonder.

“How-”

“I’m an Ethereal too, Jinwoo,” Poaegi tells him, “you, I, and ten others were created by the universe. Granted different elemental abilities.”

“But what are we protecting from?” Jinwoo asks, “everyday crime?”

Poaegi drops the bow and arrow to the floor which flash in a light then disappear, but the charm reappears on Poaegi’s bracelet. Poaegi's face darkens a little, “I wasn’t told much about it. My parents kept a lot hidden from me because they didn’t think it would appear back in my lifetime. But, there is this monster. From what I’ve managed to find in this library, it’s hunting down the Ethereals and it steals their powers before taking their souls.”

Jinwoo stares at Poaegi horrified.

“We don’t have to worry too much yet,” Poaegi tells him, “despite being born with our abilities, it doesn’t mean the monster has woken up. We might be able to find the monster before it wakes up and destroy it.”

“That still doesn’t sound much better,” Jinwoo tells them.

“If I can’t get all the Ethereals together, we will be easier to hunt down and I won’t be able to protect us all if we are all separated,” Poaegi explains.

“I thought we all protected?” Jinwoo asks.

“I’m the Protection Ethereal,” Poaegi tells him, “it’s why I have copies of all your relics on my bracelet. I have the ability to mimic your abilities to a limit and my natural instinct is to protect.” Jinwoo stands still momentarily, thinking. He turns away from Poaegi and looks at the rest of the pillars in the room.

“Which one is yours?” Jinwoo asks quietly. Poaegi smiles and grabs his hand. Poaegi walks to the center pillar in the room.

“But there is nothing. It doesn’t look like it has a gift,” Jinwoo states looking up and down and around the pillar.

“Nope,” Poaegi smiles, “that’s the point, it's so I can fit and shape to everyone else. I am the protector and I need to be able to step into anyone’s place at any time when needed.”

Jinwoo hesitates, “...you mean if they die?”

Poaegi whips their head to Jinwoo and catches their tongue. They pause for a moment.

“Not necessarily,” Poaegi starts, deciding to not hide the truth, “I can also step in and aid as well. If there needs to be two of someone, I can do that too.” Jinwoo looks back at the pillar and nods his head.

Jinwoo steps away and walks past each pillar, examining the cravings.

“Everyone’s pillar is a bit unique to their ability,” Poaegi stands by their pillar watching Jinwoo, “do you recognize some of these elements?”

Jinwoo stares up at the bright white pillar, it almost illuminates. “Light.” Jinwoo walks to the next one, he has the instinct to place his hand on it, it beats- like a heart. “Healing or Life.” The next is charred. “Fire.” After that is a black one. “Darkness.” Next wasn’t a pillar. Jinwoo reached out and his hand hit something. Invisible? But that’s not an elemental.

“Air,” Poaegi answers. 

Jinwoo nods his head and moves to the next one.

Broken? Jinwoo stares at the pillar. It was broken in half and almost dulled compared to the others but not black to be darkness. Jinwoo looks to the next one, vines wrapping around, and flowers constantly blooming.

“Life,” Jinwoo points to the living pillar. He turns his head back to the one in front of him.

“This is Taedong’s pillar,” Poaegi quietly tells him, having approached him in silence, but it didn’t scare Jinwoo, “death.” Jinwoo’s eyes slightly widen. That’s why he didn’t want Jinwoo near him. He wanted to stay far away from what he could potentially hurt.

“Is that why?” Jinwoo asks.

“No,” Poaegi half chuckles for a moment, “he’s just afraid of letting people close to him. He can’t kill people. Well I mean he could. Anyone can kill someone. But Taedong’s abilities are very unique. They don’t possess the power to kill.” Jinwoo stares at the pillar for a moment more before moving on to the next one beyond life. This one looks similar to the Air one, but it’s blurry. It hurts Jinwoo’s eyes to look at it for too long.

“Mind,” Poaegi says looking away as well, “it hurts everyone’s head but our other Jinwoo.”

“There is another Jinwoo?” Jinwoo asks, and Poaegi nods. Jinwoo moves onto the next pillar and it's plain. Just like Poaegi’s… and so it's the one after that.

“We’re missing two more Ethereals,” Poaegi explains before he can ask, “water and earth.”

“So these pillars are here for what? Decoration? Power up?” Jinwoo asks.

“I’m still not sure,” Poaegi answers truthfully, “like I said earlier, my parents kept a lot of things from me before they both died. So I’m having to learn everything as I go. I do know they are helping train and control your abilities. That’s what I am using them for right now, but I know they can do more. I just don’t have any of the knowledge or books.”

The two stand quietly for a moment near the entrance of the room.

“I-I should probably get back to my parents, then,” Jinwoo states.

“You are welcome to stay. Just like the others. You’ll have a space here and learn about your abilities,” Poaegi tells him.

“I don’t know if I can convince my parents to let me stay in the city and about this whole Ethereal thing,” Jinwoo awkwardly laughs, “they would probably flip if they found out I’m the reason we can’t be around electronics.”

Poaegi softly smiles, “I understand. I just can’t protect you if you are far away. I don’t want anything to happen.” The two stand in uncomfortable silence now.

“We could give them a white lie,” Poaegi suggests after a moment.

“I can’t lie to my parents,” Jinwoo tells them.

“It’s not really a lie,” Poaegi counters, “you want to be a librarian one day right? I have the legal grounds of getting you an internship to help you with your career path. You could tell you parents I offered it to you and that you would be able to stay here for free with food and a room.”

Jinwoo hesitates, “it would take some convincing.”

“That’s okay,” Poaegi tells him and hands him a card, “give me a call when you do it.”

Jinwoo takes the card and the two of them walk back into the library where Jinwoo’s parents were waiting by the door.

“Thank you again for coming,” Poaegi shakes their hands and bows once more to them.

“Thank you for opening up the doors for us despite being under renovations,” his father thanks Poaegi. Poaegi watches them leave, knowing Jinwoo would come back.

Ω

“Poaegi offered me an internship there,” Jinwoo tells his parents as they sit on the bus ride home.

“An internship?” His mother inquires, “but the whole library is under renovations.”

“Well someone is going to need help with organizing and cataloging the books when they get back on the shelves. They said certain parts of the library will be worked on at a time, so it’s still somewhere functional for the librarian and assistants to use,” Jinwoo tells them, coming up with an entire lie. He felt so guilty but if what Poaegi said is true then he knows he can’t stay far for too long.

“Plus it will look really good on my resume for when I finish my degree,” Jinwoo finishes.

“I’m just a little nervous about it all,” his mother states, “what do you think, honey?” His father has sat quietly this whole time.

“We didn’t have any issues with electronics today,” his father states. Jinwoo wants to facepalm. That is what he was thinking about?

“That’s true,” his mother agrees. Double facepalm.

“Is this really what you want to do, son?” his father turns to him.

“Yes,” Jinwoo smiles.

“Okay,” his father nods, “but the moment those little electronics act up I want you back home.” They will never let go of this… but I mean at least Jinwoo had an answer to it all now.

“Okay, dad, I promise,” Jinwoo tells him, yet another lie.

“Good. Good,” his father turns to look out the window again.

“When will they want you to start?” His mother redirects his attention.

“As soon as possible is what I was told,” Jinwoo answers and his mother smiles.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

This story was an original idea I wanted to write and eventually one day publish, but I never found motivation to do so.

When the Omega X tour was announced I knew I wanted to do a project for the fans. I didn't want to do the same thing I did last year. Then randomly I had a what if and I asked a few friends. I wanted them to tell me I was crazy and there is no way I could actually do that.

And they did. They said I was crazy. But they told me to do it anyway. Because they knew I would be the only one actually able to do it.

So now here we are. Writing a wild somewhere superhero story where anyone and everyone can play the character Poaegi and work along side of Omega X to save the day- of world if you want it to sound dramatic.

I hope everyone loves this story and continues to pressure me to finish it. I don't want to lose motivation because when i tell you I have a story to share it's going to be good. I have it all planned out and I need to give it my all. I just need to know you guys want it too.

Starting after the Atlanta show (Nov. 29) is when the true story starts. So until then enjoy the backstories- read them all. They all have key pieces you will need to know before the story truly starts.

Finally I want to thank all my friends who have encouraged and worked with me so far in proofreading this story. I love and cherish you all. And to my other fiends who are spreading the word of this story at other stops. Thank you, from the bottom of my heart.

Please share your thoughts and feelings along the way on twitter with the hastags #omegaxlore & #EtherealTrove

Ω

Kim Jaehan was born to the leaders of the community. The community in which lived separately from the world. The pregnancy was grueling and the birth was no less beautiful. Despite the doctors and Jaehan’s father believing it was their god who saved Jaehan’s mother, it was actually Jaehan himself. Although he did not pluck one of the feathers from the small wings attached to his spine to make a wish, instead his cries that sounded like a beautiful melody saved his mother. Jaehan was special in more than one way and nobody was going to realize it until it was too late.

It was almost like a lion king moment raising Jaehan to the crowd that stood and watched his birth. His father announced that God had presented them with an angel, and how he knew all along. The crowd instantly bowed to the baby who screamed due to the cool (despite it being July) air against his skin. Well the breeze was much cooler than where he was used to.

Presents were gifted to Jaehan- however the most special gift was that of his parents. In the first month of her pregnancy, Jaehan’s mother beaded the most intricate necklace, and in the center was a pendant of a mother and child. For the remaining months his father prayed and ‘enchanted’ the necklace with safety, prosperity, and health. Although too big for the newborn, Jaehan would grow into it well.

Jaehan’s birth was celebrated for a week straight with no sleep- well Jaehan slept. Parties without end were thrown. Feasts of all sorts were cooked at every given moment. There was no time to waste when God had gifted their community with the purest piece of the heavens.

Jaehan’s father and mother obviously knew of the risks that could come to their child. Once the festivities ended and life was somewhat moving back to normal, Jaehan’s father hired and entrusted a select group of people to help raise and protect Jaehan. Life then dulled.

Everything was followed to a T. Nothing could be done without approval. No food could be eaten without being tested for poison first. Jaehan could not play with the other kids. Jaehan could not step foot outside without all the others in the community being locked in their own homes. All for his protection. He had people with him at all times during the day. Even in the bathroom. For a long, long time Jaehan thought this was normal. He understood he was special. Of course there were times in which he wished he could go play with the others or eat the delicious foods right away. But he knew there were rules and eventually it broke him down..

When Jaehan was almost ten-years-old, only then did he begin his studies. His parents pushed learning off as much as they could. His only purpose was to serve and bless the community with his appearance every Sunday morning. But Jaehan’s constant pestering that his parents read books to him pushed them over the edge, so they hired a tutor. The smartest person in the community began to teach Jaehan to read and write. His tutor was stunned that Jaehan was a quick learner. Jaehan was also hungry to learn everything he could. It was the only thing that kept him entertained every other day when he had classes. It wasn’t the same thing he was learning. It was different every time. He liked the difference. There was no change in his life until learning began, and he took it like a child in a candy store.

But as everyone knows, all good things must come to an end. Unfortunately, for Jaehan, it was an abrupt end. Jaehan had asked one question about the outside world, something he was studying- history related. His father freaked out. He did not want his son to become impure from outside knowledge. His parents evaded the question and his studies ended there. His tutor was even exiled from the community. It broke Jaehan entirely. 

Jaehan became depressed. He didn’t leave his room and demanded dinner be brought to him. He only left to ‘bless’ those on Sunday mornings then returned to his room.

One night, almost two years after Jaehan’s studying had ended he was awoken to a couple of rocks thrown at his window. He awoke and peered outside. 

His tutor stood there. He waved to him. Jaehan quietly escaped out of his house- something he did many times before.

“How did you get back in here?” Jaehan asked his tutor, greeting him with a hug.

“My family,” he softly smiles, “listen. Jaehan. The world out there is so much bigger than I thought. There is so much I did not get to teach you. So much of what I taught you is wrong.”

“I don’t understand,” Jaehan questioned him.

“Here,” his tutor reached into a small back and pulled out a large book and handed it to Jaehan, “this is a history book from the outside. Hide it and read it when you get the chance. It changes everything you know.” His tutor then reached for another thing, something weird. “This is a laptop. It has the answers to everything on it. You’re a smart boy. You will figure out how to work it. It has portable wifi on it. But I must warn you, it has a limited time in which it lives before it needs to be charged again. I will come weekly to charge the laptop for you to be able to continue to use. Do you understand?”

“I don’t,” Jaehan answered, confused and hurt, “please don’t leave. I don’t want to be here. Just take me with you.”

“They will kill me, my child,” his tutor sighed and sadly looked at the boy, “my family loves me and will allow me to come, but if I take you with me they will rat us out. I can’t risk that. I still have so much to learn. How else will I be able to teach you?”

Jaehan looked at his tutor, defeated.

“I must go,” his tutor told him and looked around, “trust me.” His tutor sneaked off into the darkness, leaving Jaehan standing there.

Jahean returned to his room. He sat on the floor. He placed the laptop on the floor and the textbook next to him.

Hide them.

The words rang inside his head. Jaehan looked around his room. Jaehan slid the laptop underneath his bed- luckily it lay close to the ground, he shuffled around a few things under his bed to truly hide the mysterious device. He turned back to the textbook.

Curiously, Jaehan opened the book. He reached for his candle and lit it. He sat there in the early hours of the morning, reading away. When the sun hit the horizon, Jaehan panicked. He knew he stayed up too late. He quickly put the book underneath his bed, blew out the candle and climbed into bed. His ‘helpers’ would be at his door when the sun began to peak over the horizon.

Over the next few months, Jaehan became enthralled with learning about anything and everything to do with the outside world. There was so much to learn. Jaehan had studied culture, living, food, jobs, and hobbies of the modern world. He had studied parts of the history- but he wanted to know everything about the now. 

It took Jaehan two nights, the only time he could be peacefully learning about the outside world, to learn how the laptop worked. He mostly used the laptop- it gave results faster than the textbook. That and the textbook was history based. While history interested him, the modern world in which lived outside of these walls captivated him much more.

Jaehan’s tutor came every week like he promised to charge the laptop for Jaehan to keep researching. In the time the laptop would charge his tutor would spend the time telling Jaehan about his adventures. Each story caused an uproar in Jaehan- he felt the outside world calling. To discover what was out there. He was limited and under constant surveillance here.

“I want to escape here,” Jaehan blurted one night to his tutor, “I want to explore the world for myself. Not through the laptop.” His tutor sat quietly for a moment.

“It would be very difficult,” his tutor started, “I tell you about the good things. I don’t tell you about my hardships, Jaehan. Plus your father and mother would come looking for you.”

“That’s if they can find me. I can hide,” Jaehan told him.

“You want to hide your whole life?” His tutor asked, “I’m not trying to stop you, Jaehan. I just- your mother and father will not stop searching until you are back. They will do man hunts. You are special.”

“Just because I have wings growing out of my back doesn’t make me special,” Jaehan snapped, “you know how life is here. I can’t do anything. I’m kept away from even this little world we are in because something bad can happen.”

His tutor opened his mouth to speak but stopped for a moment.

“I just want to explore the world. I don’t want to be trapped forever. I will find a way,” Jaehan continued..

The laptop beeped, alerting the two it’s fully charged. They both stood up. Jaehan took the laptop. His tutor picked up the charger and handed it to Jaehan.

“Why are you giving me this?” Jaehan asked.

“If you plan to leave, you will need to charge the laptop when it dies,” his tutor smiled, “Living out there isn’t easy. But you are smart enough to figure it out.” His tutor then gave Jaehan a short hug.

“Why does this feel like goodbye?” Jaehan asked, his heart slightly broken.

“Because it is. I have taught you everything you need to know,” his tutor smiled again, “if you come with me, my family here will rat me out. I will be killed, my family will be exiled, and you will be dragged back here and chained to the house to never leave again. We can not risk anything.”

Jaehan took a deep breath and nodded his head.

“I guess this is goodbye then,” Jaehan told him, unable to smile. His tutor managed one last smile and nodded his head.

The two part ways.

Ω

It took Jaehan exactly two weeks to figure out his plan and another four weeks to put it into action. He wanted everything to go perfectly. He did not act out or question his father or his choices and did not slack in his chores or services.

His father even commented about how proud he was that he is finally maturing and seeing the great ways of living life and being a proud leader to the community. It made Jaehan feel uneasy inside.

But finally, the day- well night- came.

Jaehan waits until the house falls silent. Deadly silent. He knows his father stays awake until the early hours of the morning, and that man moves quietly like a mouse.

When he hears his parent’s room door quietly lock, Jaehan quietly hops out of bed. He grabs his shoes and his go bag. 

He opens his door and tiptoes out of his room and down the hallway- evading each creaky board there was in the floor. He has them memorized and could do it blindfolded and after being spun in a circle 3 times. He knows because he’s done it. Many times. He would not mess up his chance.

Jaehan quietly walks down the stairs, he grips the handle to his small bag tight and pulls it flat against his folded wings. He pops his head out from the staircase, looking around before tiptoeing towards the door- which would be his biggest obstacle because the door creeks every time you open and close it. 

He quietly approaches it. He very, and very, slowly opens the door. It creeks, but not loud enough to reach the upstairs bedroom his father sleeps in.

“Jaehan?” A broken woman’s voice quietly calls. Jaehan freezes. He slowly turns around to face his mother.

“Mom,” Jaehan weakly smiles- there goes everything. His mother stares at him, sadly. She cautiously approaches him and then half smiles.

“You’ve grown up,” her voice waivers.

“Mom? Are you okay?” Jaehan begins to worry. She shakes her head and her eyes well over with tears- one quickly escaping the corner.

“I’m okay,” she weakly smiles, “It’s okay. I won’t tell anyone. I didn’t see you.”

“What do you mean?” Jaehan awkwardly laughs.

“I didn’t always live here,” She says looking past him at the open door, “I lived in the outside world. Your father brought me here. Told me he’d save me from the scary world. That he would take care of me… I was only 16 then. I’ve longed to go back.” She looks back at her son, who is now also crying. Jaehan hugs his mother and she tightly hugs him back.

“Just promise me you will be safe. I don’t want to have to retrieve your body from anywhere,” she whispers, “you have to bury me. I must never bury you.” Jaehan nods his head in her shoulder.

His mother pulls away from him, “hold on.” She quietly shuffles to the other side of the room and enters his father’s office. She turns with a handful of papers and hands them to Jaehan.

“That is everything you will need to do whatever you have set to do with your life,” she tells him, “now go. Do not ever look back.”

Jaehan looks down at the papers and quietly places them into his already full bag. He walks towards the door, but stops. He turns around to face his mother again. She’s watching him, sadly smiling.

I love you, she mouths. Jaehan smiles and walks out the door.

His mother watched until she could no longer see him. She then proceeds to the kitchen. She unlocks a pantry and pulls out the fullest bottle of alcohol. She would drink until she forgets. She will permanently erase seeing her son leave so his father can’t get any information out of her. She needs him to escape- to live his life. Just as she has wanted to do for almost 20 years.

Ω

Getting out of the community was easier than Jaehan initially thought. His plan is sailing smoothly. 

Of course Jaehan couldn’t have walked on the road that leads out of the community. Instead he goes straight east of his house. The same way his tutor would come through. Luckily it’s past midnight and nobody checks areas around the community, just the main road. ‘Cause who would come from off the road into their community? No one had done it before, so there is no clear need to do so.

The sun was kissing the horizon as Jaehan finally found his way to the nearest civilization closest to his community. He looks around, the area completely void of people due to the early hours. Jaehan wanders. He takes his time watching everything he passes by.

Everything feels so enchanting. No picture Jaehan searched could do anything he is currently seeing with his own eyes justice. 

As the sun rises higher into the sky, and people begin to move out of their houses and into their cars, Jaehan forces himself to pick up the pace. He knows the people in his community are awake and the man hunt will start as soon as every object in the community is flipped looking for him.

Jaehan wanders further into the city, not really sure where exactly he is going, but he just keeps heading east, no turns. He didn’t want to accidentally make his way back to his community. He can’t be caught. 

But the moment comes too soon. He hears his name called. Not just his first. But first and last name. He looks over his shoulder and sure enough, through the crowds he spots a group of men, looking around. One quickly spots him and points.

Jaehan takes off running, sprinting, down the sidewalk. He passes by people and even bumps into them. He apologizes, but continues on. They were gaining on him and yelling his name.

Suddenly an arm grabs him and pulls him down an alleyway. A hand slaps over his mouth and Jaehan gets pulled behind a large trash can that reeks. Jaehan freezes in place. He had gotten this far and quickly was caught. He would be chained to his own house just like his tutor told him.

“Kim Jaehan, not a sound,” he didn’t recognize this voice. He turns around to find them, someone not of his community.

“Quickly. We need to go,” they tell him. They remove their hand from his mouth and grab his hand. They rush down the side of the alleyway and quickly onto the other side of the street.

The unnamed person pulls them along quickly weaving through the crowds. Then he’s pulled onto a bus. The mysterious person pays the driver, and the two take a seat on the side away from the entrance of the bus.

“Who are you?” Jaehan quietly asks as the bus closes the doors and pulls away from the curve and into the busy street.

“My name is Poaegi,” they turn to Jaehan, “and I’ve been waiting a little while for you Jaehan. You actually beat me to rescuing you from the cult.”

“I beat you?” Jaehan questions.

“I had this whole plan to get you away from that place, but you managed to do it on your own. I’m impressed,” Poaegi tells him, “and you’re hiding your wings pretty well.”

“How do yo-” Jaeahn freezes at the mention of his wings.

“You’re not an angel,” Poaegi tells him, “well.. Kind of you are, but not in the sense of what your cult thinks. You are something even greater.”

“This wasn’t a part of any learning I found,” Jaehan tells Poaegi.

Poaegi laughs, “of course not. This is a secret. Nobody knows about us.”

“Us?” Jaehan's eyes widen, “you have wings too?”

“Not really,” Poaegi tells him, then holds up their charm bracelet, “they’re on here, though.” Jaehan stares at Poaegi confused.

Poaegi smiles and proceeds to explain to Jaehan for the next half an hour bus ride to the next city about how he is an Ethereal, created by the universe and granted the power of life. Poaegi then explains the benefits of relics and how the Ethereal of life is attached to theirs.

Jaehan leans back in the bus seat.

“That’s a lot to take in,” Jaehan says, “and honestly, it sounds a little too weird to believe.

Poaegi looked at Jaehan with an expression that screams you’re joking. Jaehan looks over at them and slightly jumps..

“You, someone with angel wings growing out of their spine, is telling me that my story is crazy and unbelievable?” Poaegi asks.

“Well I’m living proof of my story,” Jaehand counters. Poaegi sighs and the bus comes to a stop.

“This is us, let’s go,” Poaegi tells him, “we have a long journey before I can prove to you that my story is real.”

Jaehan follows Poaegi off the bus. Why? He wasn’t sure. But anywhere was better than what he called home.

“Where are we off to now?” Jaehan asks, following Poaegi down the less crowded streets.

“Well if we don’t want to be spotted by your cult members, who will hunt you down, we need to get you a makeover,” Poaegi tells him.

The head into a clothing store. Jaehan follows Poaegi around the store like a little duckling. Poaegi shuffles through the clothes, randomly holding clothing items up to Jaehan to measure size and for an idea of how the item would look.

At the register, the cashier took their time scanning each of the six items Poaegi is purchasing.

“Oh my god,” Jahan gasps and quickly runs behind a rack of clothes. Poaegi turns around and finds men looking around outside the story, a small little tablet in their hands. Clearly looking for something, or someone.

Poaegi looks at the cashier who just finished ringing up the last item. Poaegi takes the unbagged clothes and slams a small stack of cash, more than enough to pay for the clothes, and quickly moves through the back of the store. 

Poaegi shoves Jaehan into one of the dressing rooms with the clothes and orders him to change. Jaehan is quick and exits the dressing room, holding his old clothes.

“Leave them here we need to go,” Poaegi whispers, watching one of the men walk into the store, approaching the cashier. 

Poaegi hunches over, Jaeahn following in suit and they make their way into the employees only area dn out the back door.

The two take off running, and quickly catch the next closest bus that is here.

They ride to the next town over.

“What are we doing next?” Jaehan asks.

“We need to get you a fresh makeover, but food would be a good idea first,” Poaegi tells him just as their stomach growls, “we won’t be able to eat in a restaurant. Those men somehow keep finding us. We’ll have to find some on the go food.”

The two walk around before finding a small convenience story. They each grab some ramen and snacks.

“We can eat here. We already paid for the food,” Poaegi explains, setting Jaehan and their cups of ramen on the table, “we can up and go if we need to.”

The two eat in comfortable silence for a little while. Poaegi occasionally looks around. Jaehan’s eyes never leave the door and windows. Waiting to see someone he recognizes.

“That’s a pretty necklace,” Poaegi breaks the silence as they stare at the beaded artwork hanging around Jaehan’s neck.

“Thank you,” Jaehan quietly tells them, sadly smiling, “it was a gift.”

The two move back into comfortable silence. Poaegi is still staring at the necklace, not liking the way one of the beads glimmering an odd shade of red until the convenience store lights.

Ω

“I don’t understand how they keep finding us,” Poaegi grumbles. They look out the window, finally relaxing as the bus moves away. Poaegi pulls the strings on their hood tighter, the hoodie wrapping tighter around their face.

They look over at Jaehan. He still needs the makeover- they were so close.

How are they finding us so fast? Poaegi thinks. They look over Jaehan’s appearance. He looks just as normal as can be. Then their eyes stop. The necklace, and that glimmering red bead. 

“Give me that necklace,” Poaegi demands. Jaehan looks down at the necklace he’s wearing.

“Why?” Jaehan asks.

“That is how they are tracking us,” Poaegi holds out their hand, “the necklace. Now, Jaehan.” Jaehan’s hand rests on the necklace, hesitating.

“I’ve had this necklace since I was born. It’s all I have left of that place,” Jaehan tells them.

“I thought you wanted to let go of everything there?” Poaegi asks. Jaehan bites down on his lip, they’re right.

“My mother,” Jaehan tells them, “she wasn’t all that bad. She knew I wanted to escape. She beaded it for me in her first month of pregnancy.” Jaehan tells Poaegi the truth.

Poaegi pulls their lips to a fine line, then sighs.

“Okay. We need to get across town to have the tracking removed,” Poaegi crosses their arms, “I promise you can keep it once it’s safe and it won’t break.” 

“Thank you,” Jaeahn quietly told them. Poaegi takes a deep breath. They would have to evade the cult members just long enough. Poaegi pulls out their phone and dials someone.

“Hey,” Poaegi starts, “I’m cashing in that favor.”

Ω

Poaegi and Jaehan walk out of an antique shop. Jaehan, happy, looks down at his necklace once more.

“We should be safe, but we need to move out of the city at once,” Poaegi explains to Jaehan, “ we need to get you a makeover fast so they don’t recognize you.”

Jaehan nods his head. Poaegi whistles a taxi and the two climb in. Poaegi hands a wad of cash and tells the driver to take the loopiest way to the next city in case they are still somehow being followed. The taxi driver does exactly that.

Ω

“Well-ah,” the hair stylist turns Jaehan around to show Poaegi. Jaehan, now with bleached platinum white hair, sat in the chair. The stylist removes the cape and Jaehan stands up shyly and smiles at Poaegi.

“Looks wonderful,” Poaegi smiles and hands over cash to the hair stylist, “keep the change.” The stylist looks in shock after receiving a tip larger than what the work was charged for.

Poaegi and Jaehan leave the salon. They make their way to the subway.

“Where to now?” Jaehan asks.

“Home,” Poaegi smiles, “that’s if you still want to know if I’m telling the truth as well as wanting a home where those people won’t be able to find you.” Jaehan smiles at Poaegi and looks ahead at the subway train that approaches.

Hangyeom never regretted a moment of his life. He cherished it all- good and bad. Even when his childhood dog fell ill for the first time. It scared him. He didn’t know how it happened or if the dog would live. He begged and wished for the dog to survive, but each day his dog grew iller and iller. 

They eventually reached the death bed. His parents said their goodbyes and left Hangyeom alone for a moment, after all this dog had grown up with him the last ten years. How can he even find the words to say goodbye to someone who had been by his side for that long… it wasn’t fair.

Hangyeom choked on his tears and the words couldn’t find their way out of his mouth- they were trapped in his mind and heart… but he hoped his dog understood what he was wanting to say.

Hangyeom leaned over the dog and gently hugged the dog. His sobbing became vocal and he couldn’t hold back anything now. Hangyeom raised his head and met the dog's eyes. He tilted his head for his dog to see him as well. He tried his best to smile. He didn’t want to show fear. He gently petted the dog, repeatedly. He took deep breaths to calm himself so he could talk.

“If only we could have more time,” Hangyeom choked out. He started crying again and couldn’t finish the rest of what he wanted to say. Instead he continued to pet the dog.

A warm sensation tingled in Hangyeoms hands. He looks over to find his hands glowing. It was a dim golden glow. He pulls his hand away from his dog, staring at his hand then his best friend. The glow dimmed in his hand.

Hangyeom caught his breath. Was his dog still breathing? Did he somehow kill his dog with his glowing hands?

Then the dog sat up suddenly. It scared Hangyeom and he yelled. The dog turned its head towards Hangyeom and started wagging its tail. It got up, stretched, and walked into Hangyeom’s lap.

His parents rushed into the room- thinking the dog had finally passed. But instead the dog was jumping up on Hangyeom licking his face.

He wasn’t sure how, but he had this weird gut feeling he had healed his dog. Or something made him better. His glowing hands were something. Whatever it was he hoped it would continue to happen when he needed it most.

Ω

The same thing happened a year later. His dog was involved in a dog attack and Hangyeom somehow managed to heal him. Hangyeom hadn’t even noticed that the dog bite marks and scratches on his body had healed as well. He also didn’t notice his own pain- masked by the fear of losing his dog. 

His parents questioned him when he arrived home. His clothes were completely tattered. Hangeyom made up a story about playing too rough at the dog park and having to jump over the fence before a dog got a hold of him and his dog.

Somehow his parents believed the story. Hangyeom retired to his room afterwards and stared at the tattered clothing in question.

How did he not earn a single scratch or have his blood drawn? He remembers the dog biting him several times. How could have it drawn blood from his dog, but not himself? Maybe dog's skin was more sensitive and fragile? No… that’s not the answer. It left Hangyeom confused.

Hangyeom pulled out a journal from under his mattress and opened it. He began writing another entry. Hangyeom started journaling after the day he managed to save his dog. To document all the times he managed to heal something. To see if there was a pattern or maybe how he could control it. But after a year he still didn’t have direct answers. He tried to save some other animals but sometimes his abilities wouldn’t work and he felt bad having to leave the animal. It crushed a part of his heart.

There were 4 successful entries of healing and there were 7 unsuccessful attempts of healing. He didn’t understand why it happened randomly. If he could just have control of it he could heal and save everyone he could.

Ω

Eventually the inevitable happened. After 18 long years by Hangyeom’s side, his childhood dog passed away. It crushed everything in Hangyeom, but this time he understood he couldn’t keep the dog here any longer. There was nothing left to heal. The pain could never be replaced and Hangyeom grew to accept that his best friend was gone.

With Hangyeom’s best friend no longer by his side, he tried even harder to learn to master his gifts. He only ever found to be successful with his dog, and on a very rare occasion another animal.

But Hangyeom finally cracked the code- after almost 9 long years. His emotions were key in making his abilities work. He didn’t know how to describe it but he wrote down the thoughts he had as he helped animals. 

It first worked on a poor cat he found on the side of the road. It had taken a hit by a car and was on the verge of dying. Hangyeom’s heart shattered at the sight. It looked like a house cat. Based on the little collar it had on. Hangyeom thought about the poor child that might lose their best friend, just like he had but in a worse scenario. Hangyeom took a deep breath, and still with the thought flowing through his mind he reached for the cat. Gently placing his hand on it. He brushed the fur a couple of times and his other hand rested on the cat's head… and that’s when he felt it. The warm sensation in his hands. He looked down and they glowed.

He watched as the wound slowly closed up on the cat and the body moved to take proper shape. 

When his hands stopped glowing he picked up the cat who was meowing and purring. Hangyeom took the cat to a nearby shelter and explained what he had ‘seen’. The cat was reluctant to leave Hangeyom but he knew the cat had a family to return to. 

Hangyeom immediately returned home and pulled out his journal. He wrote down the events and his thoughts and conclusions of what had happened and how. He flipped through other entries and eventually he found the pieces. They were right in front of him. As corny as it was, it was love. His love for animals. Well specifically his love for his dog and the thought of someone loving said animal.

Finally Hangyeom felt accomplished.

Over the next couple of years Hangyeom would volunteer in pounds and vet clinics and heal animals. Most of the time he was successful. Very rarely it was not successful. Hangyeom also came to the conclusion that his healing could be rejected. If it was truly an animal's time to part from the world their body would reject the healing. It destroyed Hangyeom to watch certain animals leave their families. He experienced his grief all over again on those days.

Ω

Hangyeom pulls his black hat further down to cover his face a little more and readjusts his face mask. He pulls out a set of gloves and puts them on before picking the lock on the side employee entrance. 

Once the lock was picked he would technically have five minutes before the alarm was pulled. Then it would be about 15 minutes until the police arrived. But depending on where the night guards were they could take anywhere from two minutes to ten minutes. All depends on if they have their little police cart or if they are walking. But Hangyeom specifically figured out when the nightly security would be on the other side of the zoo when he enters.

Hangyeom needed to put his abilities to the true test. Earlier that day he went to the zoo with his parents. Viewing all the animals. They had just rescued a new leopard family. One of them was hurt and kept in a separate area from the others. That was when Hangyeom knew he would finally put his abilities to the test. Could he heal a large animal?

The lock pops out of the socket and Hangyeom swings open the door. He hurries inside and quickly runs down the small walk away. He knew he was lucky there was an entrance door near where the leopards were kept.

Hangyeom approached the next set of locked gates. This time it was to the leopard den. Hangyeom knows he’s risking getting mauled but he has to try. He quickly picks the lock. The lock pops off quicker than the employee entrance. Hangeyom kind of stares wide eyed.

Little terrifying, he thought. He shakes his head and slowly enters the den. He hears the ticking from the leopard, then a low rumbling growl. 

Hangyeom slowly raises his hands, trying to show no harm. The leopard hisses, but does not move. Hangyeom takes a step closer. The leopard doesn’t move, doesn’t make a sound. It watches Hangyeom curiously.

Hangyeom stands there for another moment. He swallows the built up saliva and nerves in his mouth before taking another step. This time, the leopard moves a little closer. Hangyeom cracks a small smile. He can do this. 

Hangyeom inches closer to the leopard. He’s almost there. 

An alarm blares through the silence. It startles the leopard who lashes out at Hangyeom. The claws rip through Hangyeom’s clothes and skin. The leopard strikes a couple more times. Hangyeom stumbles back every time. He falls to the floor and the leopard lowers itself to pounce on Hangyeom.

Something grabs the back of his jacket and yanks him out of the leopard enclosure. The gate slams shut.

Despite breathing heavily, his adrenaline pumping and anxiety raising, he looks up towards the person. But it’s not security. 

“Damn it, Hangyeom,” they say, crouching down to his level. The person looks over his wounds.

Hangyeom looks over himself and his eyes widen as he watches his wound slowly close up. 

The person reaches for their bracelet, pulling off halo like charms. They suddenly grow into the size of bracelets. The person places one on each wrist and they begin to glow. They let their hands hover above his wounds for a moment. Then they start making a motion of sewing. As if they were pretending to sew the skin together, except the skin was slowly closing. Their hands never touched Hangyeom’s skin.

They quickly moved on to his arm, but this time just slowly swipe their hand upward and the wounds closed. Hangyeom watched in wonder and horror. There was someone else out there just like him, and they knew what they were doing.

They moved to the wound on his chest. It was healed for the most part. They just let their hand hover above the wound to help quicken the process.

The person then helped Hangyeom off the floor.

“We need to go before they find us,” they tell Hangyeom. He nods in agreement and the two quickly escape out of the zoo.

“They will bring the sniffing dogs and hunt us down,” the mysterious person tells Hangyeom. They stop running. Hangyeom watches as the person takes another charm off the bracelet, the halo bracelets disappearing from their wrists. A giant cloak appears in their hands. They throw it over themselves and take Hangyeom’s hand.

“Do not make a sound. We will continue on,” they explain, “but if we need to stop we need to not make a sound. Understood?” Hangyeom nods his head.

Although they can’t see it, Hangyeom and his savior disappear from sight. They continue to move. Their steps are ever so careful. Their speed slows by a lot which causes the police and their sniffing dogs to catch up.

“Stop,” the savior tells Hangyeom. The two of them freeze. Despite Hangyeom not understanding they were invisible, they thought they were caught the moment the lights hit them.

“I don’t understand. They’re acting as if they are right here,” one officer says, holding a leash to one of the dogs.

“Their trail can’t just stop here. It’s the middle of nowhere,” the other officer accompanying the first retorts.

“Well how else do we explain that the trail drops off?” the officer asks, “they were aliens and beamed up to their ship? That’s ridiculous. The security footage showed two people.”

“Two masked people. They had most of their body covered,” the officer tells them, “let’s head back. Maybe they picked up a different scent and followed it here.” The first officer grumbled but obeyed. They leave, pulling the dogs who had not stopped sniffing their feet.

“Okay, we can move again.” The officers and dogs are out of sight. The two took off running this time.

Ω

The two stop running. They find themselves not too far from Hangyeom’s home but in an area full of warehouses. The mysterious person takes off the cloak and it disappears, returning to the bracelet.

“Who are you? How did they not see us? Is that bracelet magic?” Hangyeom asks, out of breath. Instead of answering, the person takes off their hooded jacket, baseball cap, and mask. Hangyeom’s eyes widen. He suddenly feels enchanted to be in their presence.

“I’m Poaegi,” they answer, “we were invisible, and yes this bracelet is magic. But magic isn’t the right word for it.”

The two stand in silence for a moment, Poaegi reaches for something in their jacket.

“Here,” Poaegi hands Hangyeom a letter, “now go home and get some rest. Don’t do any more foolish things, please. I do have things to do as well.” Poaegi winks at Hangyeom before walking away. They disappear into the shadows. Hangyeom looks down at the letter.

Healing Ethereal : Hangyeom

Ω

Back at his home, well past midnight. It was fairly easy to sneak back into the house. Cholong sleeps happily in his bed and his tail wags excitedly as Hangyeom quietly enters the house. He trails behind Hangyeom as he walks to his room. Cholong finds a comfy area on Hangyeom’s bed before falling asleep once more.

Hangyeom discards his shredded clothes for some sweats and a, hopefully, clean shirt he found on the back of his desk chair. He examines his arm and bare chest in the mirror. No scars, no blood, no wounds. Hangyeom didn’t know he could also heal humans. He only ever tried his abilities on animals.

He sits at his desk and opens the letter Poaegi handed him.

Song Hangyeom

Your healing abilities have come a little slower than I thought they would. But I am happy you have slowly begun the process of figuring things out. It saves time on my end having to find the exact trigger in you to use your abilities. 

I need you, Hangyeom. There is something awakening. I still am unaware exactly what it is. I’ve heard only parts of stories. The best I can explain is that it’s a monster, and its goal is to hunt us down in order to destroy all living life. I have been recruiting the other Ethereals, you are one of the last members I have yet to find. 

What is an Ethereal? Good question. There are 12 of us. Each with an ability. Water, Fire, Earth, Air, Electricity, Light, Dark, Mind, Life, Healing, Death, and Protect. We were created by the universe to protect those who can’t within means. 

There is a library where I and the other Ethereals are living. If you heart desires to join, this letter will turn into a map by tomorrow morning. You are a key role to our team Song Hangyeom.

Poaegi

Hangyeom looks up at the wall in front of him, lowering the letter. He takes a deep breath. There was purpose to his ability. He could learn more. There was clearly more to learn after watching Poaegi tonight.

Ω

From a young age Hyuk always knew he was different, and he loved every part of it. Despite being raised to hide his ability from the world and to appear as normal as he could, Hyuk rebelled every chance he got.

When he was a toddler, Hyuk didn’t understand why he had to hide his ability, wasn’t it normal? One of the last days he went to a park as a toddler until it was banned, Hyuk lifted several rather large rocks. Rocks three times his weight. Hyuk had figured that he needed to show off, to be the alpha as some would say. To prove he was the strongest and the coolest. Of course the other kids found this cool and tried to lift the heavy rocks too but couldn’t do it. Hyuk was confused, why couldn’t they lift it at all? The other parent’s were mortified to say the least. 

Hyuk’s father picked him up and they swiftly left the park. 

At home Hyuk’s parents had to sit and explain, to four-year-old Hyuk, that he was not normal- not like the other kids. 

“You must never show your ability to anyone,” his mother told him.

“Why?” Hyuk asked- his favorite word for the conversation.

“Someone bad could see and take you away,” his father didn’t sugarcoat it, and it scared Hyuk. He burst into tears. His mother consoled him and told him about how she and his father would help figure out how to hide Hyuk’s abilities.

And that’s exactly what they did. For years, they practiced about hiding his ability and playing it off that he was normal like everyone else. They did test runs in public. They went horrible at first, but slowly they improved until it was mastered. Hyuk was homeschooled until it was mastered. It took three and a half years. So Hyuk started in the second half of the second grade/year at a prestigious private school. His parents worked extra hard to donate extra money to school in case anything ever happened and they couldn’t just expel him.

But of course, as kids grow, the more rebellious they become. 

When Hyuk’s parents weren’t watching he always messed around with things. Of course he did it without anyone looking. He knew to be careful- his father’s words still ring in his ears.

There were several cases in which Hyuk received weird looks when his strength took over. Hyuk was scrawny- stick and bone others would comment. How could someone so skinny break a door handle? How could he crack glass by bumping into it? How did he get the snack machine to drop his favorite snack by hitting it? Quickly Hyuk noticed these eyes and he ran out of excuses, especially when they started to become more bizarre cases. Most of the time he didn’t mean to use his abilities. He just knew how to hide them but was not trained to not use it.

As often as he could, Hyuk would go on a hike into the mountains to train and to build on muscle after his few trips to the gym were unsuccessful and he continued to get looks from people. After his first trip to the mountains, Hyuk discovered while he was strong he was not invincible- his knuckles bloodied when he would punch the side of mountains, rocks, or trees. So on his second trip to the mountains, he brought gloves to help protect  his hands, and they did an okay job. He would have to replace them after every few trips, but his trips were paying off. He was building muscle. His training, eating habits, and protein drinks were helping him build the look he needed.

With his bulked up muscles, Hyuk no longer received weird looks when something happened. Now he had a plausible excuse. Instead of weird looks he received feared looks. While still some-what following his parents' rules, Hyuk took up a new ‘hobby’.

He picked on bullies. Every single one of them. Teaching them a small lesson in what it’s like to be a victim. Of course this brought trouble, but the school never expelled him. Mostly due to his parents donating so much money as well as all the bullies’ victims vouching for Hyuk as well. He became legendary at school. Bullying became non-existent. So Hyuk reached out to other schools, and within a semester, bullying in the area ceased due to Hyuk.

Hyuk, of course, became bored once again. How was he going to mess around with his abilities if there was nothing for him to do? Bored of moving rocks and no one to punish. But that all changed the day he was introduced to the gangs that ran certain parts of his city. The first encounter was simple, the members were beaten so badly that instead of jail they were sent to the hospital. The thrill of stopping bad guys became Hyuk’s new ‘hobby’. The thrill of it brought him so much energy.

Of course that is all until now.

Ω

Hyuk stands, barely breaking sweat and not out of breath. Several guys scattered around him, unconscious from the beating they received. Several more men stand in front of him, out of breath but still ready and able to fight.

Hyuk would not back down. Every single man that came at him, he would take on. Hand-to-hand. He would be the reason everything is safe.

He knocks another man twice his size unconscious. Hyuk shakes out his wrists and rolls his shoulders, looking back at the group of men in front of him.

Something in the corner of Hyuk’s eye distracts him. Something moved, but it wasn’t one of the men. That’s when one of the gang members do it. They pull out a gun and fire it. The bullet, too fast to avoid, rips through Hyuk’s shoulder. 

Hyuk screams in pain, his body wiping backwards with the force of the bullet and onto the ground.

Something jumps from the shadows and in front of Hyuk. Pools of shadows roll out like clouds from under the cloak dn envelope the rest of the men in darkness. The sound of crackling lightning scares the men. But they are all swiftly rendered unconscious with the traveling lightning coursing through all the metal around them.

“Let’s go,” the cloaked person tells Hyuk, helping him up. Hyuk yells in pain, the cloaked person grabbing his injured arm.

They lead Hyuk away before the black mist disappears. Groaning men on the floor, bodies twitching from the level of volts their bodies endured. Enough to hurt, not injure or kill though.

“Where are we going? Who are you?” Hyuk asks, groaning in pain. The masked person still had not let go of his arm. Instead the person leads him down several allies then up a flight of stairs towards a door.

The open it and shove Hyuk inside before looking behind them and then closing the door. 

“Who are yo-” Hyuk stops when he sees the person under the dark hood. Goosebumps rise along his skin. Why did he he feel enchanted all of a sudden.

“Sit,” they demand, pointing to spot in front of a worn down couch. Hyuk obeys.

“Who are you?” Hyuk curiously asks.

“Poaegi,” they respond pulling out a rather large first aid kit before sitting on the couch behind him, “What you did was stupid.”

“I was getting rid of bad guys,” Hyuk counters.

“You are not listening,” Poaegi snaps, “You. Could. Have. Been. Killed.”

“It’s impossible to kill me,” Hyuk scoffs, irritated that he's being scolded by a stranger. Poaegi puts pressure on his wound and Hyuk yells. He turns around and stares at Poaegi, pissed. Poaegi returns the look of pure rage. Hyuk backs down, slightly scared. He turns around and faces forward. He watches Poaegi work on his shoulder through the black screen of the television.

“Where are we?” Hyuk asks.

“A safe house,” Poaegi responds, eyes trained on the medical supplies and his wound. They work cautiously but quickly.

“A safe house?” Hyuk repeats, “what are you? Some special, secret government agent?”

“Not quite,” Poaegi answers and wipes a numbing gel over Hyuk’s wound, causing him to hiss, “it’s one of the several safe houses my parent’s instated for when the Ethereals awakened.”

“You must be on drugs. What the hell are Ethereals?” Hyuk spats.

“You,” Poaegi pulls out a pad, and they dab away some more blood. Goosebumps rise on Hyuk’s skin.

“Finally, an answer, right?” Poaegi laughs, “Ethereals are beings created by the universe to control the elements. There are 12, and you, Yang Hyuk, are one of them. Earth.”

“Why me? What does that even mean?”

“Wish I knew why too,” Poaegi grabs the wrap with their free hand, their other hand holding the pad against the completely numb wound, “but it means that a great danger is waking up, and soon it will come after the twelve. I’ve come to collect the Ethereals. You have to defeat whatever this monster is. I’ve only heard legends. The last time the mons-”

“You sound crazy!” Hyuk pulls away from Poaegi who is mid-wrapping the wound. He pushes himself off the ground and stands before Poaegi.

“Then explain yourself,” Poaegi challenges, “explain how I did all that as well.”

Hyuk laughs and shakes his head, “I don’t need to subject myself to any of this. I’m out of here.” Hyuk grabs his torn and bloody shirt, putting it on.

“What happens when those men find out where you live?” Poaegi questions, “where you live with your parents. Your innocent parents.”

Hyuk turns around, full of rage, and screams, “YOU DON’T KNOW ME! I CAN PROTECT THEM!” Hyuk walks out the door, slamming it behind him.

“Well that went well,” a male voice says.

“Could have been nicer, but that’s my opinion,” another male states. 

Four men move out of the shadows. Poaegi turns to them.

“Need I remind you how stubborn you were, Moon Jehyun?” Poaegi counters, another man chuckles, “you too, Lee Jinwoo.”

“So what do we need to do now?” The final boy speaks, adjusting his wings.

“We need to beat him to his house. I have a feeling those men are going to find him,” Poaegi tells them.

“Do you need me to scout ahead?” the winged one asks.

“No, I can’t risk you being seen here,” Poaegi tells him, “it’s too open. We will go on foot.” Poaegi cleans up the medical supplies and they all head out the door.

“Jaehan, your wings,” Poaegi reminds him.

Ω

Hyuk angrily marches home, grumbling quietly to himself. 

He earns horrified looks from those he passes by, but not one dares to offer their help.

Your innocent parents.

Hyuk scowls harder, biting his teeth. He would show Poaegi. He would show them he can handle himself and protect his parents. 

Hyuk turned down his neighborhood street, unaware of those around him. He marches right up the stairs to his front door and walks in. His anger suddenly disappears. His childhood home always had that effect on him.

“Mom? Dad? I’m home!” Hyuk calls. He walks further into the house.

“Mom? Dad?” Hyuk calls, not seeing anyone.

Suddenly loud bangs and shattered glass fill the silence. Hyuk throws his body to the floor.  Holes in the wall around him leave Hyuk wide eyed.

What happens when those men find out where you live?

Ω

“How do you know where he lives again?” Hwichan asks.

“Not important Hwichan,” Poaegi rolls their eyes, “I have to keep tabs on you guys the moment I find you. Sometimes the first moment I find you is never the right one.”

The five of them walk through the back end of Hyuk’s neighborhood when they hear it. Several gunshots and screaming.

The four of them begin to run towards the sounds. At the end of Hyuk’s street the four of them hide behind the side of a house, peering out. Poaegi turns and nods their head to the boys. They quickly run the opposite way, back towards a large tree they passed by moments ago. Xen approaches the tree.

“Out of sight,” Poaegi tells Xen.

“In the mind,” Xen responds. Jaehan helps him up into the tall tree and Xen ties a blindfold over his eyes.

“Jaehan, find the parents,” Poaegi orders, “Hwichan illusions, Jehyun shadows.” Poaegi reaches for their bracelet and pulls off a bow and arrow and it flashes before growing to life size. The three other boys nod and they head in a sprint towards the house.

Parents are hiding in a closet, near the master bedroom. Xen’s voice speaks in their minds. Jaehan instantly opens his wings and takes to the sky.

Five hiding across the street in the bushes. Two behind the cars. Four in the front yard. Three approaching through the back. One body scrambling inside the house- probably Hyuk.

Thanks Xen. Keep watching. Poaegi responds.

“Boys, Take care of the front,” Poaegi orders and quickly the rest of the group goes off. Poaegi heads towards the back of the house. Poegi pulls an arrow out of the quiver and latches it onto the string. They quietly move towards the backyard. The first man comes into view and Poaegi lets go of the serving and the arrow flies towards the man. It hits him in the back- but instead of impaling him the arrow evaporates into electricity, shocking the man unconscious. Poaegi quickly pulls out the next arrow, latching it onto the bowstring. The second man comes to check on the first and Poaegi hits them with the arrow. The third fires a random shower of bullets towards Poaegi’s direction. They slam themselves against the wall. Poaegi pulls out another arrow, notching it to the bowstring. 

Poaegi takes a couple breaths, and when the bullet shower stops they pop out from behind the wall and let go of the serving. The arrow flies off towards the third and final guy. As the arrow evaporates and shocks the man, his finger pulls the trigger, another shower of bullets. Poaegi moves, but not without getting hit in the arm with a bullet.

“Ahh,” Poaegi yells, they grip their arm.

Quite lucky, Taedong is not here, Xen comments.

“Not now, Xen!” Poaegi growls. They take a few hissing deep breaths.

They drop the bow and arrows and they return to a charm and appear on the bracelet. Poaegi pulls off the halo charms. They grow to their bracelet size. Poaegi puts them on and heals themself.

Ω

Hyuk slams his body to the ground once more, a shower of bullets flying through the broken windows, walls, and door. He army crawls behind a wall. He covers his head, but looks behind him. For anything. Anything that could potentially be a weapon. The knives in the kitchen would be a risk to get. The baseball bats were too far. All of his weight training items were upstairs. He was stuck.

The back door breaks in. Hyuk panics and scrambles to the kitchen across the room, to reach for the knives. A hand stops him. Hyuk looks up to find Poaegi, out of breath and battered.

“Poaegi,” Hyuk gasps, “how did you find me?”

Before Poaegi responds another round of bullets fly through the house. Poaegi tackles Hyuk to the ground. 

“Here,” Poaegi pulls off the brass knuckle charm, “put these on. Follow my direct orders.” Hyuk, panicking, puts both brass knuckles on.

“On the count of three you’re going to smash your fist into the ground,” Poaegi orders, “One! Tw-”

“What?” Hyuk panics.

“Three!” Hyuk punches the ground as hard as he can. The ground shakes violently. A small crack opens under his hand and trails to the front of the house, the crack growing bigger and wider.

More men keep showing up. 

Poaegi takes a deep uncertain breath.

“What? What’s wrong?” Hyuk asks, “did I do it wrong?”

“No,” Poaegi tells him, “more men are showing up. I know what we need to do… but I need them closer to the house. All of them.”

Xen. Tell Hwichan and Jehyun to lure them here.

“We have to wait. It won’t be long,” Poaegi tells Hyuk. They pull off the bow and arrow charm again.

“Your door frame is made of metal, please tell me it is,” Poaegi begs Hyuk.

“I don’t know,” Hyuk answers, panicking once more.

“Let’s pray it is,” Poaegi pulls an arrow on to the notch and pulls back the bow string, “I get one shot at this.”

Jehyun is the first to enter the house and quickly finds shelter. Quickly after is Hwichan.

I get one shot Xen. Tell me when.

Bullets shower through the walls and doors. Their voices get louder and louder.

“What are you doing?” Hyuk panics and curls up into a ball covering his head.

NOW!

Poaegi lets go of the serving and the arrow flies into the door frame. It evaporates and electricity flies through the air like a firework show, bouncing off every metal object within inches of each other. 

All the men being so close that the metal guns they are holding are not only electrocuted but so are the men holding them. Bodies fall down in a wave like motion.

When the last body falls, silence follows. Poaegi pops their head out. Hyuk follows. Jehyun and Hwichan come out of their hiding spots. Jehyun leans over catching his breath, Hwichan plops onto the dirty couch. Jaehan slowly makes it downstairs with Hyuk’s parent’s. 

Hyuk runs to them, Hugging them tightly. His mother checks him over for injuries. Poaegi watches.

“Who are you guys?” Hyuk’s father asks.

“We are like your son, but a little different,” Poaegi explains, “we have different elemental abilities.”

“There are more of you?” His mother asks, completely shocked. Poaegi smiles and nods.

“There are a total of 12 of us,” Poaegi explains, “darkness,” Jehyun bows, “light,” Hwichan bows, “life,” Jaehan bows, “mind, but he is elsewhere. Finally, protection,” Poaegi bows.

The KNPA is about to move in, you all need to get out of there now.

“Who said that?” Hyuk’s mother asks.

“Mind,” Poaegi explains, “but he’s right. We need to go, now. You can go under KNPA’s protection, or you can come with us. But I can’t promise Hyuk’s safety if they find out about him.”

“Where will we go?” Hyuk’s father asks.

“I have a safe house for the two of you, but Hyuk will need to come with me to the library,” Poaegi explains. Hyuk’s parents look at him, allowing him to make the final decision.

“You’ll train me to use my abilities?” Hyuk clarifies once more.

“Yes,” Poaegi answers.

You guys have about 30 seconds.

“Okay,” Hyuk tells Poaegi, “we’ll go with you.”

“Perfect,” Poaegi smiles and turns to the boys, “Hwichan. Jehyun.”

The two boys straighten their posture. Hwichan’s crystal on his necklace glows, and Jehyun wraps himself in his cloak, shadows spilling from the bottom of it.

“What’s happening?” Hyuk’s mother asks.

Ω

At just a day old, in the hospital room, Taedong accidently took his mother’s last breath. She held him close to her, calming his cries. A melody of coos came from Taedong when he settled. His mother’s heart slowly stopped and she managed to kiss Taedong’s head once more before her last breath.

To say his father was distraught was an understatement. He had gone to retrieve his wife some food and returned to her, but she was gone. Doctors and nurses were alerted and nothing was able to be done. Everyone was left confused. The delivery was completed safely and everyone was healthy and well. 

Taedong was asked to be kept in the hospital for surveillance because of his mother’s sudden death. They wanted to be sure nothing came to harm the child. Taedong’s father had his own room with his newborn son. The nurses cared for Taedong, feeding him and changing him. Taedong’s father barely left the bed. His life had started and ended in the same day, just hours apart.

Taedong’s father occasionally would find the energy to look at Taedong, to watch him peacefully sleep. The only thing he had left.

For the first time in three days, Taedong’s father had the energy to hold Taedong for the second time since his birth. The nurses were happy that he had gained strength. His father held him close, rocking him, talking to him, feeding him even. 

On Taedong’s last night in the hospital is when it started. Taedong began to coo again, his father reached for him to figure out what he needed. A strong pain struck his chest. His father fell to the floor but managed through the pain to hit the call button. His father grabbed his chest and tried to breathe for air.

A door opened and nurses ran into the room. Taedong’s coos stopped with the commotion in the room. His father felt some relief but it felt like he was dying. The nurses helped Taedong’s father off the floor and immediately checked him out. The nurses are baffled to find the state Taedong’s father is in. 

The nurses manage to stabilize him, and once he could breathe without a machine he tells them to get rid of Taedong. His cries are what caused his wife’s death and his almost demise. The nurses were confused and asked over and over again for him to explain. But the man just freaked out when Taedong would cry and demanded to have the baby sent away.

He wanted nothing to do with Taedong ever again.

Saddened by the news, the nurses took Taedong away.

Eventually an orphanage came to talk to his birth father about the conditions and his why. The representatives were concerned with the answer his father gave, but regardless they took Taedong to the orphanage.

Taedong’s stay in the orphanage was short and not at all sweet. With the report and warning from the father the staff workers were cautious and deeply disturbed by the story. But it took one night of crying for them to quickly realize the father was telling the truth. No one had died, but paramedics were called. It had been the older staff member who came up with the earplugs. They worked, but only if they were worn properly. All the staff members were terrified to attend to infant Taedong, but they can’t be inspected in case of a missing child or death- the risk was too high. The only thing they could do was manage to pawn Taedong off to someone willing to care for him.

The perfect opportunity came in the middle of week 5. A deaf couple arrived in hopes of adopting a baby. The moment the staff discovered they were deaf and in search of a baby they introduced Taedong. The couple fell in love immediately. The staff cheered when Taedong was taken home after the adoption process was officialized.

Taedong’s cries never harmed his mother and father, for they could not hear his cries. But Taedong was cared for and loved deeply by his adopted parents. They were excited to teach him sign language despite being a hearing child.

His parent’s never really worried about whether or not he learned to talk, but they agreed if he showed interest they would get him lessons, but of course they never understood how to go about that route. But it was going to be a problem for when the time came.

Ω

Taedong, seven-years-old, sat in front of the television, and listened to the way the people on the screen talked. Taedong didn’t understand what they were saying, but it fascinated him. He tried to repeat the words himself, but because the people on the television were talking so fast and never repeated any words over and over again, Taedong’s speaking was just a lot of baby sounds despite being in first grade.

The next day in class, Taedong could not stop trying to talk. It caught his teacher's attention, a mid-30s woman with hearing in only one of her ears. She asked Taedong if he was learning to talk, very well aware of his ability to hear just fine.

I am! Taedong signed. I want to be like the people on television!

His teacher smiled, almost laughing. Keep practicing, Taedong. Maybe one day.

After that school day, the teacher approached the counselor, something she did often.

I think it’s time, the teacher signed, he’s started to talk, listening to the television.

The counselor nods his head, I’ll contact them tomorrow.

The counselor met with his parents two days later and informed them of what Taedong’s teacher said. The counselor explained he met with other staff and they all agreed and strongly encouraged Taedong to be moved to a hearing school so he could succeed in life and not falter because he wasn’t taught to speak.

His parents were upset. They hadn’t realized that they were slowing Taedong down from developing. They hadn’t realized it was such an issue. The counselor offered to help with finding an appropriate school and speech classes for Taedong and offered to return the money of the current school year to help transition him and pay for outside speech classes if the new school did not offer classes.

Taedong’s parents agreed and they spent the next few weeks preparing for Taedong to make the switch. They explained it to him. Taedong, of course, didn’t understand. Why couldn’t he just take speech classes and continue to attend the school he is at now. It was hard for his parent’s to explain to a seven-year-old that it was better. They didn’t just want to say it’s because he was different from other kids. They didn’t want to single him out. 

But eventually Taedong figured it out, and he was sad about it. But his parents tried to cheer him up and told him he still could visit and see his friends outside of school and it would be a new adventure. I mean, it couldn’t be all that bad. But the more and more his parents talked about it and the more the days past his sadness turned into anxiousness. How would his new classmates, those who could hear, think of him? Think of someone who could hear but doesn’t know how to talk?

Taedong entered the room quietly, unsure of what was happening. His translator followed him in.

“Introduce yourself,” his new teacher looked down at him. Taedong looked up at her and then turned to his translator who signed. Taedong nodded and turned to the class, and proceeded to sign.

Hi. I’m Kim Taedong. I’m seven-years-old. Taedong signs quickly. His translator relates his signing to the class. The kids all look at him funny.

“I thought he could hear, why is he signing,” the teacher whispers to his translator.

“He can. His parents are deaf. He doesn’t know how to talk properly,” his translator answers. His teacher sighs and then motions to Taedong to sit in the empty desk near the back of the room. 

He slowly walks towards the back of the room, all the students staring at him and whispering. He takes a seat and his translator pulls up a chair next to him.

Quickly it became apparent nobody wanted to be Taedong’s friend, but his recess and free time was taken up learning how to properly speak. He would spend half the day in his speech class and the other half of the day in his regular class. Taedong became used to not having friends anymore. He missed his old friends from his previous school.

Over time Taedong’s speech improved drastically and he was happy to finally understand what people were saying. He wanted to participate in class and he tried his best, but teachers weren’t terribly patient with him and the kids would pick on him, make comments, and give him nasty looks. So Taedong kept to himself and only answered when called on. That’s how it went all the way through high school.

Taedong had found his interests and despite not talking in school he talked every chance he could- mostly to himself. His whole world changed when he discovered ‘real’ music. Before his parents listened to music with no lyrics but melodies in which they could feel the vibrations. But music that involved lyrics was beautiful to him. He found himself singing and had a passion for it. Of course he kept it to himself.

His parents would watch him, despite not hearing him they encouraged him to try out for a school club or the choir class if he loved singing so much. 

Taedong was hesitant, he knew he was exceeding all his speech classes and he sounded like he had spoken his whole life but still he could hear those kids mocking him- some still in his class but have since stopped their bullying.

It took a couple months, but Taedong worked up the courage to approach the choir instructor and asked if he could audition to be in the class or a club. The instructor informed Taedong that it was too late to audition for the fall semester class but he’d audition him right then for the spring semester if he wanted to wait a couple more months. Taedong agreed. Students were already in the room preparing for the class to begin. Taedong set his bag and books down and informed the choir teacher of his song choice. The instructor blinked back in surprise and smiled, impressed with the song choice. He told Taedong to begin.

Taedong closed his eyes and took a deep breath. Taedong began singing the song, the teacher listening and was extremely impressed. But suddenly the teacher’s shoulder curled inwards and he grabbed his chest, and fell to the floor with a thud.

Taedong opened his eyes and stopped singing, finding the teacher slumped on the floor, barely moving. He turned his head and he watched in horror as the rest of the students slowly slumped in their chairs or slid off of them and onto the floor. Their bodies limp and stiff, some still somehow breathing.

Taedong immediately ran out of the room, looking for another teacher. Other students passed by the open doors and screamed in horror.

It didn’t take long for paramedics to arrive. Taedong watched numbly, not understanding. The school was put under investigation for the students near deaths, but it came up with nothing. Taedong was interviewed and interviewed and his story never changed and they eventually stopped asking. The school was found not guilty and the students and teacher recovered and eventually came back to school or were moved to another school.

Taedong stopped talking officially after that. He knew what happened, but he also knew nobody would believe him. How could it be possible that his voice kills others? Depression overcame Taedong like nothing before. His parents noticed, and when they finally asked Taedong begged and cried to go back to the deaf school. He told them it was his fault and he blamed himself for those students almost dying. Watching Taedong finally breakdown broke something deep inside his parents.

Instead they moved. To another city. Somewhere fresh for Taedong to start clean. His parents enrolled him in a new high school, but Taedong refused to go. Locked himself in his room. His parents bargained and pleaded. But they didn’t understand, how could they? They are deaf.

Eventually, his parents compromised with him. He would do online schooling but still attend the school they enrolled him for his extracurricular classes and activities he needed to graduate. Taedong reluctantly accepted, and he finished up high school.

Everyday he walked to and from school he would pass by a library. It always caught his attention, but he never had the courage to go in. But he knew it was calling. Like it was waiting for him. He would search about it and its history and talk about it with his parents. They had convinced him to apply if there were jobs once he finished school. Then his course changed a little. Most of his classes changed in order to hopefully prepare him to work in a library and he studied harder in history and literature classes. He was going to be ready.

Ω

Taedong stands outside the Ethereal Trove Library. He brushes down his shirt once more before walking up the steps.

He opens the door and walks inside, and checks to make sure it closes behind him. Taedong looks around the library as he walks towards the front desk. The library is a mess, books on the floor, empty shelves, books stacked on tables- almost like they were moving.

Taedong spots a bell on the desk and taps it. The sound is enchanting and it rings throughout the library.

“Just a moment!” A voice calls out from a distance. Taedong looks around a little more. He even strays from the front desk towards a table of books. They look extremely old. He reaches to open one.

A loud bang stops him. Taedong slowly turns around. A pile of books at their feet, as if they just dropped them.

“It’s… it’s you,” the librarian breathlessly states. Taedong looks around before pointing at himself.

“Yes, you,” they laugh.

Taedong then signs, I’m sorry I can’t speak.

“Or that you don’t want to?” They counter. Taedong raises his eyebrows. “I’m sorry. How can I help you?”

I’m Kim Taedong. I was wondering if you had any job openings? Taedong signs.

We do. I’m Poaegi. I am the librarian and so much more, Kim Taedong. Poaegi signs back, messing up a couple words, but they fix their mistakes. I apologize that my signing is not very good. Languages are not my strong suit.

It’s very impressive for someone who hears. Taedong compliments.

“Right back at you,” Poaegi winks, “You can start tomorrow. Come in at 6am sharp.”

Thank you. Taedong signs. He waves and heads out of the library. He does a little victory dance as the doors close, so Poaegi doesn’t see.

Ω

At 5:55am Taedong waits inside the library at the front desk. Poaegi slowly comes down the stairs and is startled by Taedong.

“You’re here!” Poaegi smiles, their mood instantly brightening, “let’s get started!” Poaegi takes Taedong around the library, showing him all the different sections, explaining the rules, and going over what needs to be done today.

The two get to work immediately and there is barely any talk throughout the day, just Poaegi clarifying things for Taedong when he has questions.

Taedong and Poaegi sit down, leaning against a couple of bookshelves, the setting sun casting a glittering orange glow through the stained glass dome above them.

How did you come to run this library by yourself? Taedong asks.

I didn’t always have the dormitory….

“Sorry, my signing is still not very good,” Poaegi apologies, “I hope you don’t mind if I just speak?” Taedong nods his head, giving the go to Poaegi. Poaegi looks ahead, almost purposely avoiding Taedong’s gaze, and takes a deep breath.

“I didn’t always have the library,” Poaegi starts, “This library has been in my family for generations. We refuse to sell it to have a more modern building set up. We’ve been offered a lot. But there is so much history within these walls. So it’s stayed with my family. Passed down, blood relative to blood relative. One day I’ll have to suck it up and produce a child so they can take over the library.”

What about your parents? You said this was in your family for a long time?

“My parents?” Poaegi asks, “they died a long time ago.” 

Taedong’s heart shatters, Oh, I’m sorry.. I didn’t know.

“It’s okay,” Poaegi sadly smiles, “They were sick. They died within days of each other. First my mother, and then my father’s health deteriorated quickly after. We think the disease and a broken heart ultimately killed them.”

That must have been horrible. You must have been so sad. To be alone.

“It was hard. I admit. I did some things I wasn't proud of. I have the scars to remind me,” Poaegi continues, “but I realized, death isn’t always bad and painful. It can be freeing and happy. To be relieved of pain and sickness… I realized I was selfish trying to wish them back. They were free of their diseases and they were living in the afterlife. I could sense their happiness. So I let it be. I started to focus on myself and rebuild what I broke to honor my parents… and I’m still doing that now.”

Silence fell between Poaegi and Taedong.

“Did you know,” Poaegi starts randomly, “They say that if you can see souls you are a guide to the afterlife. The soul’s new home.”

Did you see your parent’s souls? Taedong asks, curious.

I wish, Poaegi signs back, “I guess I wasn’t the lucky one. My parents had taught me that. So when I didn’t see their souls that’s when I started all the horrible things I did.” Taedong looked at Poaegi sadly.

Have you ever seen other souls?

Poaegi smiles, remembering how a woman had waited a long time to meet Poaegi, wandering the earth. Telling Poaegi how she had given birth and died. She told Poaegi of her beautiful son, Taedong. How she wished she could stay longer to watch him grow more, but she knew her time on Earth was coming to an end, if she didn’t cross then she would disappear into true nothingness.

“I have,” Poaegi answers after a long time, “a beautiful women who died in childbirth.”

Taedong stills.

“Are you okay?” Poaegi asks, concerned and upset for opening their mouth.

Taedong takes a deep breath, yeah. I’m okay. Just reminded me of someone.

Do you want to talk about it? Poaegi signs.

My.. my mother died after giving birth to me, Taedong explains, they said they found her in bed holding me, her heartbeat gone. They claim to not know what happened, but I think I figured it out. It took me 17 years though.

“My voice… kills,” Taedong whispers.

Poaegi’s eyes light up, and they smile, “you have a very beautiful voice, Taedong.”

There was silence between them.

“It was hard, wasn’t it?” Poaegi asks, “not knowing anything about the power of your voice and what it can do.”

Taedong looks at Poaegi, “what do you mean?”

“I know what happened. All those times,” Poaegi tells him, “it’s scary. Taking someone’s last breath without realizing it. It’s not an ideal elemental ability, but it makes you special. You just don’t see it yet.”

“I killed my own mother,” Taedong spats, “how am I special? Every time I open my mouth I almost kill someone.”

“You’re not killing me? You haven’t killed your adoptive parents,” Poaegi counters, positively, “do you know why?”

“No. I don’t want to know,” Taedong tells them, upset, “it’s why I never talk. I don’t know why I’m still even talking to you.” Taedong stands up and walks away.

“When you sing,” Poaegi stands, and Taedong stops. “When you sing, you take away someone’s last breath. You didn’t know. You were a baby, then a kid. You were just trying to live and fit in. Do the things you like. But only those who can hear it are affected.”

Taedong turns around to face Poaegi, tears threatening to spill.

“You’re special, Taedong,” Poaegi tells him, “you don’t like your ability. I understand why. You have experienced so much pain, so much hate. But it’s not all negative. I can show you.” Taedong shakes his head. He turns back around and heads for the library doors.

“Taedong!” Poaegi calls.

Taedong leaves the library, confused and dazed. He bumps into several people, apologizing each time. He soon comes across an almost empty park nearby. Taedong enters and takes a seat on a bench under a large tree.

A low, almost broken, meow alerts him. He turns his head around looking for the cat. It meows again. Taedong looks under the bench and finds a beautiful calico cat. It lays on its side breathing unevenly.

Taedong pushes himself off the bench and crouches in front of the cat. Taedong reaches out his hand to let the cat sniff, but it seems uninterested and continues to brokenly meow. Taedong’s heart breaks a little.

“You must be in pain,” he whispers to the cat. He reaches and gently pets the cat, hoping to give it comfort to distract from the pain. His hand becomes warm and softly glows for a moment. Taedong pulls his hand away in fear, and falls onto his butt. The cat stills for a moment.

The cat lifts its head and slowly is able to push its body off the ground, when it meows it sounds happier, and not broken. The cat slowly walks to Taedong, climbing into his lap, and curling up once more. The cat purrs. Taedong smiles and continues to pet the cat. Slowly the purring stops again and the broken meows start.

Taedong looks at the cat, sadly. The Poaegi’s words ring in his ears.

Death isn’t always bad and painful. It can be freeing and happy. To be relieved of pain and sickness.

Tears well up in Taedong’s eyes, and he chokes on his words, “are you ready, little one?”

The cat looks up to Taedong, its green eyes sparkling, and another broken meow answers his question. Taedong blinks back his eyes and sniffs.

“Okay,” Taedong sadly smiles toward the cat. He pets the cat one more time. His hand warms and softly glows for a moment. He picks the cat up and holds it close to his chest. He softly hums a little song. The cat purrs and leans into Taedong. Slowly the cat’s breathing stills and the purring stops. Taedong cries and holds the cat close to him, knowing exactly what he had done.

“I’m sorry,” Taedong whispers. He looks down at the cat who looks like it's peacefully sleeping after a long time. He sadly smiles and pets the cat once more.

Meow.

Taedong freezes.

Meow. 

Taedong lifts his head. In front of him the calico cat sits, but less color. It almost looks translucent.

They say that if you can see souls you are a guide to the afterlife. The soul’s new home.

Poaegi’s words fill his head. How is he suppose to do that? He only knows how to kill.

Meow.

The cat walks towards Taedong, rubbing up against his legs and purring. Almost like it's telling Taedong it’s time to take it home.

Taedong sniffs and with one hand he wipes his nose and some tears away.

“I don’t know how to take you home,” Taedong tells the cat.

Meow. 

The soul then begins to walk away from Taedong.

“Wait,” Taedong tells the cat. He stands up, still holding the body and begins to follow the soul. The cat is fast, prancing along. Taedong has a hard time keeping up. 

But he finds himself back in front of the Ethereal Trove Library. The cat’s soul sits at the doors at the top of the steps while Taedong stays at the bottom. Taedong takes a deep breath before climbing the stairs once more.

He opens the door, the spirit trotting in and suddenly disappearing.

“Poaegi?” Taedong calls out, voice cracking a little. Taedong hears running and looks at each of the staircases, eyes flipping between the four of them, waiting to see them.

Poaegi appears at the top of one. They rush down towards Taedong. 

Taedong breaks down and his knees drop to the floor.

“Oh, Taedong,” Poaegi hugs Taedong which causes him to cry more. Poaegi rubs his back and lets him calm down.

“Why does it still hurt to do it,” Taedong whispers after he calms down a little. Poaegi pulls away from Taedong. They take his face in their hands and wipe away his tears, and sadly smiles.

“I wish I had an answer for you, my dear,” Poaegi tells him, “every time I did it. A part of me aches too. But I know what cures the ache. It doesn’t solve all the pain and sadness, but it relieves it.”

Poaegi stands up. They pull a charm off their bracelet and it expands.

“I’ll have to go grab yours as well,” Poaegi tells Taedong, “but we can take the soul to its new home.” The cat’s soul appears next to Taedong and rubs itself against Taedong then moves to Poaegi.

Despite Junghoon’s scraped knees and elbows, he was punished for pushing back. He was given a strict lesson about having to be the bigger person and not to fight back because violence is never the answer. Junghoon found it unfair. While he had to sit in the principal’s office doing busy work for the rest of the school day, Sujin got a light slap on the wrist and a reminder to play nice before going back to class. 

As Junghoon sat in the principal’s office, thinking about his ‘bad decision’ the wind outside picked up rapidly. Dust and leave wildly whipped around. Junghoon hadn’t even noticed until the principal said something. Junghoon lifted his head, bad mood disappearing. Just as his bad mood was disappearing the wind outside died down. The principal shrugged and went back to work. But Junghoon was not fascinated with his discovery. He thought about how he was pushed off and punished for it. His anger grew and the wind began to pick up, this time the large trees swayed with uncertainty that they would stay rooted. Junghoon then started to think about his dog waiting for him at home and he became happy and the wind came to a still.

That was it. Negative emotions. He just needed to learn to control his emotions and how it affects the winds. He could tame what now was his. He had a mission, and he had a target.

-

Junghoon sits in his backyard. A light warm breeze brushes by every so often without Junghoon willing it to. The shade of the tree keeps him cool on the warm spring day. Junghoon holds a book, barely having just started the book, but eyes freeze over a word. A name.

Sujin.

Junghoon hasn’t thought about him since that day. He has done his best to repress the memory. He didn’t mean for anything that bad to happen. He had lost control of his ability.

White clouds slowly begin to cover the sunny sky.

The memory choppily plays over in Junghoon’s mind but he tries to force the memory back. It was an accident. Nothing was suppose to go that far. 

Sujin was never suppose to scream. Junghoon didn’t mean to scare him. He didn’t mean to chase Sujin down. Sujin wasn’t suppose to run. Junghoon’s emotions had gotten the best of him. Sujin was never suppose to be in the road. He wasn’t suppose to get hit. He wasn’t suppose to fall into a coma.

The doctors’ said he was lucky that the impact of the car and hitting the asphalt didn’t kill him, but it was enough to take away his ability to walk normally. What they didn’t know was that Junghoon had somehow used his ability to catch Sujin before he hit the ground and gently let him down. It had taken a lot of his energy too. 

Junghoon lied that day. Told his parents, Sujin’s parents, police, and doctors that they were playing too close to the road and Sujin got hit. It killed something inside of him. The guilt ate at him so bad the wind had picked up so much everyone though a tornado was going to happen. 

Sujin woke up a couple days later with no memory of what happened. Junghoon made it his goal to befriend Sujin to ease and help his conscience to live with what he had done. The two became inseparable best friends until Sujin moved away to the States a couple years later.

-

“Junghoon!” His mother calls. Junghoon looks up from his book. The sky is covered in dark gray clouds that look like it will rain, but Junghoon knows they won’t. He doesn’t have the ability to cause rain. 

Junghoon’s mother waves him inside. Junghoon stands and feels a tear run down his cheek. He quickly wipes it away and closes his book without bookmarking his page. He quickly crosses the yard.

Junghoon closes the door behind him when he walks in. He places the book back on his family bookshelf. He turns to find his father walking in the door from work. The two head to the dinner table to eat. Junghoon’s mother places the last dish on the table before sitting down.

“Those rain clouds came out of nowhere. It didn’t say it would rain this week,” Junghoon’s father states.

“It won’t,” Junghoon answers before shoveling more food into his mouth. His mother’s cooking was always his favorite. He’d be too embarrassed to admit it’s a reason why he hasn’t moved out of his parent’s home yet.

The three eat in silence.

“How many days have you worked this week?” His father asks. Junghoon mentally rolls his eyes, he knew this was coming.

“None,” Junghoon answers. His mother sighs.

“Why can’t you just find a better job?” His father questions, slightly irritated, “we understand you love to work in a coffee shop and you’ve been creating new recipes, but working only a handful days out of the month isn’t good enough, Junghoon.”

“Why can’t I just do something that makes me happy?” Junghoon retorts and immediately regrets it. He knows what can of worms he just opened.

“We want you to be hap-” His mother gets cut off.

“We want you to be successful. To live on your own one day,” Junghoon’s father interrupts. 

“I’m trying my best. I’m applying. Trying to find things I want to do and it’s not easy. They want all these requirements and qualifications,” Junghoon counters.

“Well try harder!” His father raises his voice.

“I’m sorry!” Junghoon yells back, “I never seem to be good enough to your standards. I keep trying and trying and when I succeed it’s not good enough and I need to move on to the next thing!” Junghoon rages, his heartbeat rising. The winds outside blow crazy. He stares his parents down waiting for a response.

Instead his mother breaks out in a coughing fit, gasping for air. His father coughs a couple of times and reaches for his throat.

Junghoon's mother grabs her shirt, coughing and trying to gasp for air. His father barely makes a sound but is squirming in his seat.

“You can’t guilt me like I’m killing you,” Junghoon shakes with rage. Then his mother falls out of her chair onto the floor, and his dad’s face begins to turn blue. He falls to the floor immediately. His father’s eyes rolling back into his head, and he now tries to breathe through his mouth.

Junghoon begins to panic and he rushes to his parents' side.

“I’m sorry. I’m sorry. I don’t know what’s happening,” Junghoon panics, not knowing what to do. He doesn’t touch them, afraid he’ll hurt them. “Please stop!” He yells and suddenly both gasp for air and breathe heavily. Junghoon’s eyes are filled with tears.

Junghoon moves closer to his mother and helps her sit up as she inhales deeply and exhales short.

“Are you okay? What happened?” Junghoon asks.

“I… I don’t know,” his mother answers slowly, “It felt like… suddenly couldn’t breathe… I was trying.” Junghoon takes a deep breath. He couldn’t have done this right? His ability was just the wind, not oxygen.

“It felt like,” his father coughs, “oxygen just disappeared.” Junghoon helps his mother into her seat and then his father.

“You guys should rest for the night,” Junghoon suggests. His parents both agree and he helps both of them to their bed.

“I’ll check on your guys throughout the night, just in case,” Junghoon tells them.

“Good boy,” his mother smiles towards him, “we’ll be okay.” His mother grabs Junghoon’s hand and squeezes it. Junghoon sadly smiles at her.

Junghoon leaves the room, closing the door behind him. Suddenly couldn’t breathe? No oxygen? Could he have done it? Why did nothing affect him? He was drinking water just like his parents and eating the same food. In the same house, same room. 

Junghoon looks over his shoulder at the door and decides to leave. He exits out the house and runs. Just run. Don’t stop. The wind flows with him, making him think he was moving faster.

The wind stops, and Junghoon could feel the burning in his legs. He bends over, resting his hand on his knees and breathing hard. He looks up and spots a bench. He takes a seat.

Junghoon leans forward and covers his face with his hands and cries.

“I didn’t mean it. I didn’t mean it. I didn’t mean it,” He whispers, “I didn’t ask for any of this.”

“No, you didn’t…and I’m so sorry,” a voice tells him. Junghoon freezes. He slowly raises his head from his hands. The whole area is covered in fog. It’s hard to see even a foot in front of him.

“Who said that?” Junghoon asks, catching his breath.

The fog suddenly clears and that’s when he sees them.

They raise their head and remove the hood from their hair. They look at Junghoon and softly smile. Junghoon stares back at them. 

“Hi, Junghoon,” they greet, “I’m Poaegi.”

Poaegi takes a few steps closer to Junghoon and sits on their knees, their butt resting against the heels of their feet.

“I don’t-”

“It’s okay,” Poaegi cuts him off, “you didn’t mean it. Just like the other time… you didn’t ask for these abilities.”

“Who are you? Really?” Junghoon asks.

“Really, I am Poaegi. That is my name,” Poaegi repeats, “I can help, but only if you want. I am aware of your abilities Han Junghoon. The ability to manipulate the wind and oxygen.”

Junghoon freezes.

“Are you like me?” Junghoon questions.

“Sort of. I share some of you abilities, but I cannot do everything you do,” Poaegi explains.

“Then how are you able to help me? You can’t do everything I can,” Junghoon counters.

Poaegi smiles, “I cleared the fog with ease, didn’t I? You don’t even know how you caused it. You root your abilities from negative emotions. I know how to control and hone that.” Poaegi stands up. “I am also aware of your other abilities.”

“Other abilities?” Junghoon asks, his stomach drops. No, he didn’t want more.

“Yup! You have more than what you know,” Poaegi smiles, “I know all about them. How to control them? Entirely not sure, but I know the basics.”

“You really aren’t selling yourself, you know,” Junghoon retorts. Poaegi shrugs.

“It’s better than nothing.” They had a point. It was better than nothing.

“So you can teach me how to control my abilities?” Junghoon inquires. Poaegi hands Junghoon a letter and a small card. Poaegi +82 XX XXXX YYYY .

“Think about it,” Poaegi tells him, “for now go home. Be with your parents. Sleep on the idea. It’s a big step you have to take.”

A small cluster of fog appears over Junghoon’s head as he stares at the card.

“Hey,” Poaegi calls for his attention. Junghoon raises his head. Poaegi blows air at the cluster of fog and it disappears. Junghoon just stares at them, somehow feeling a little lighter than he has all day.

“Go home Han Junghoon,” Poaegi smiles. They pull the hood back over their head and disappear into the fog. Suddenly the fog disappears and Poaegi is nowhere to be seen. Junghoon looks down at the card one more time before standing up from the bench and walking home.

-

“I spent the day looking for potential jobs,” Junghoon states at the dinner table the next night, “and I think I found one. But there is a catch.”

“Catch?” His father’s eyebrows fur together.

“It’s far away. A couple hours,” Junghoon tells them, “but they said they’re willing to offer room and board for me for a little while.” His parents look at each other quite surprised.

“That doesn’t sound too bad,” Junghoon’s mother begins, “what is the job?”

“It’s a librarian position,” Junghoon starts, “but they are in the middle of renovating the library. So for now they need help with clearing the library out. During renovations they plan to go through all the books, toss out old books and order new ones and catalog them.”

“What happens after renovations are complete?” Junghoon’s father questions.

“I will help restock the library of its book and work in the coffee shop and be the librarian assistant as well,” Junghoon answers.

“I thought you needed a degree to be a librarian?” Junghoon’s mother looks at her husband. Junghoon nods his head, just taking another bite of his food. 

Junghoon covers his mouth, “to be a librarian, yes. But not a librarian assistant.” His mother nods her head.

“I think it sounds great,” She smiles at him, “have you already applied?”

Junghoon shakes his head, “I wanted to make sure moving away wouldn’t be an issue first. But I plan to apply after dinner.” His father nods his head. They continue to eat in silence the rest of their meal.

Junghoon walks into his room. He sits at his desk. He picks up the letter Poaegi gave him. He takes a deep breath looking over the contents one more time.

Dear Han Junghoon,

I’m sorry for the abilities you were gifted. You never asked for them. Nothing is your fault. If you want the chance to learn to control your abilities so nothing like those accidents never happen again, please reach out.

If you want to learn to control your abilities I can give you what you want and what your parents want. Tell them you have been offered or found a job to be a librarian assistant. The library is under renovation right now, so make sure to let your parents know too. You can come up with the rest. I’ll happily play along. 

I don’t want you to suffer from what you never asked for. Some call it a blessing… others call it a curse. Sleep on the decision. Even if you don’t make it right away I will be waiting, but I do not have forever. Something is coming… but I’ll only tell you more when you arrive. I hope to see you soon.

Poaegi

Junghoon puts down the letter and picks up the small card. He pulls out his phone and dials the number. He takes a deep breath.

“Hello Junghoon,” Poaegi’s voice flows through the phone. He could hear the smile in their voice.

“Hi,” Junghoon responds, and exhales a breath he didn’t realize he was holding in. Then there was a brief silence. How should he go about this? Just say he wants them to teach him about his abilities.

“Are you sure?” Poaegi asks, worry in their voice, “you are hesitating.”

Junghoon clears his throat and sits up in his chair, “no, no, no. I want this. Sorry. It just doesn’t really feel real. I never thought I would accept this part of myself.” Poaegi laughs.

“Oh my dear,” Poaegi calms themself, “this is just the beginning. Just you wait. You will learn to control you abilities and much more… I will say it’s not an easy task and I can’t guarantee you won’t get hurt, but I can promise you control.”

“Whatever it takes to control it,” Junghoon tells them.

“Okay,” Poaegi answers, “look at the letter I handed to you.” Junghoon picks up the papers again, but they look different. “Now you will see a map and an address for the library. You can arrive as soon as tomorrow if you wish. Everything will be ready once you arrive.” Junghoon stares at the map.

“Okay,” Junghoon tells Poaegi, “I’ll be there soon.”

“Until then Junghoon,” Poaegi ends the call.

Junghoon takes another deep breath, his heart beating hard. Why is he so nervous? He looks over everything in his room. His childhood bedroom. 23 years here, and he has to pack it up and leave. Should he take everything? Or should he only take what he will need. He doesn’t know how long it will take to master abilities. Will he be allowed to come home if he asks? Poaegi seems like a reasonable person.

Junghoon loudly sighs and stands up from his desk and lays on his bed. It can all be a problem for tomorrow.

-

Junghoon stands in front of the Ethereal Trove Library. A small handful of suitcases in front of him, his parents standing behind him.

Junghoon turns to face his parents.

“Are you sure you don’t want us to walk you up?” His mother asks.

“I’m sure. I can do this. I’m a grown boy now, mom,” Junghoon laughs, causing her to laugh too.

“You are. All grown up,” His mother sighs looking at him, “don’t be afraid to reach out or come home if you need to.” Junghoon nods, smiling at his mother. Then he turns to his father.

“You’re going to do good,” his father states, “don’t overwork yourself. Moving from a handful of days a month to full time is going to be hard. But we’ll always be a phone call away.”

“Thanks, dad,” Junghoon smiles. His father pulls him in for a hug and then his mother.

“Well,” Junghoon smiles, “here I go.” Junghoon grabs his suitcases and pulls them up the staircase.

Junghoon opens the doors and pulls his luggage inside, letting the door close behind him.

“Hello? Who’s there?” Poaegi calls and soon appears out from behind a library shelf and a lot of stacked books.

“Junghoon! You finally arrived!” Poaegi greets and hurries over to him, “you parent’s didn’t want to come in?”

“I told them I didn’t want them to,” Junghoon answers. Poaegi smiles.

“Well welcome to your new home,” Poaegi does a grand gesture with their hands.

“Home? This is a library,” Junghoon questions, causing Poaegi to laugh.

“Let me show you. It’s much more fun than explaining,” Poaegi tells him. They grab one of Junghoon’s suitcases,walk off towards one of the grand staircases, and begin the climb. Junghoon quickly follows, looking around at the endless amount of books.

Poaegi waits for Junghoon at the top of the staircase. Junghoon slowly made his way up, admiring all the art painted on the walls and ceilings. It felt like he was in Greece or Rome with the artwork and interior architecture. 

“Like what you see?” Poaegi asks.

“It’s beautiful. I’ve never seen anything like this up close,” Junghoon answers.

“It was all done by my ancestors. Each person gets a mural in the library,” Poaegi explains before walking down one of the hallways.

“Your family has done all this work?” Junghoon asks, “where is your mural?”

“I haven’t started mine yet. I will soon though,” Poaegi answers. They stop at a bookcase. “Are you ready?”

“For what?” Junghoon questions looking around some more.

“This,” Poaegi giggles. They reach inbetween two books on a shelf and their finger flip a switch. They pull their hand out and the bookcase rumbles before turning. A hallway opens and leads straight into another room. Junghoon watches in amazement. Poaegi motions for him to follow.

They enter the grand room and Junghoon turns around soaking in every detail. Victorian style architecture with paintings all around. In one corner of the room is a bed and a desk as well as an artifact in a showcase. The same is on the other side of the room but with a different artifact.

“What are the artifacts? Heirlooms that run in your family?” Junghoon questions walking up to one of them. He admired the golden laurel wreath crown being held up but transparent holders to make it look like the crown was floating.

“Actually, that,” Poaegi points to the crown, “is your relic. It helps enhance and control your abilities.”

“Wait? You’re saying this crown that the Greeks and Romans use to wear is going to help me with my abilities?” Junghoon inquires, pointing to the golden leafy crown.

“Yes,” Poaegi nods.

“Then what about that one?” Junghoon points to the other artifact across the room.

“That is your roommates' relic,” Poaegi answers, “they have yet to arrive… well I’ve yet to find them. Once I do, they will be your roommate.”

“Is he like me? Someone who controls the wind? There are others?” Junghoon questions.

“It’s a lot to take in,” Poaegi tells him, “there are others, but they have different abilities. You and the others are creations of the universe. All the elements were gifted to 12 individuals: water, fire, wind, earth, light, darkness, electricity, healing, life, death, and protection.”

“That is a lot of information,” Junghoon repeats and sits down on the edge of his new bed.

“That’s just surface stuff. There’s more if you want to say,” Poaegi tells him and Junghoon nods his head, “the universe gave these abilities to 12 different bloodlines. They abilities would awaken when the threat would awaken. Only one other time did these abilities awaken and they put this thing, a monster, to sleep. It would be only a matter of time before it awoke again.”

“A thing? Monster?” Junghoon sits up, freaked out a little. A small breeze picks up in the room, Poaegi silences the breeze with a swipe of their hand.

“I’m not sure what it is. There is very little documentation on it. A lot of it was destroyed. My parents didn’t teach me anything because they thought it wouldn’t awaken in my life time. They thought since it had been asleep for so long that it would have just died,” Poaegi explains, becoming agitated.

“Wait,” Junghoon stops them, “what is your role in all of this. You said you share the same abilities as me, well some of them.”

“I have the ability of protection. I can copycat each of the other 11 abilities. I can’t perform all tasks and I can only perform a full task when I am close to that person or am wearing my copycat relic,” Poaegi explains and holds up the charm bracelet to show Junghoon. Junghoon spots the laurel wreath charm on their bracelet.

Junghoon leans back on the bed, taking in all the information Poaegi told him.

“Did this monster wake up? Why are you concerned with this thing now?” Junghoon asks, remembering the monster.

“I don’t know,” Poaegi answers truthfully, “there would be no other reason for our abilities to awaken. But I haven’t seen or heard anything. I’m in the dark and having to learn on my own.”

“Where are your parents?” Junghoon asks.

“They’re gone,” Paoegi sadly smiles.

“Oh,” Junghoon quietly responds and proceeds to avoid the rest of that conversation, and noting to never bring it up in future conversations.

“If this monster, or whatever it is, is awake and comes after us or others,” Poaegi starts, “You will help defeat it? I still have to ask the others… I just haven’t had a moment.”

Junghoon sits quietly for a minute, thinking about how he wanted to answer.

“I just want to learn to control and hide my abilities,” Junghoon finally responds. Poaegi turns away from him, sadly smiling.

“That’s alright,” Poaegi tells him, “I promised you that. So I will deliver.” Poaegi heads for the door.

“The button here opens it, and I hope you watched where the button on the outside is to get in,” Poaegi explains, “dinner is at 6pm. I’ll send one of the others to come get you.” Poaegi walks out of the room, closing the door behind them.

-

At six-years-old Yechan attended a yacht party with his parents. It wasn’t uncommon for his parent’s to attend extravagant parties like this, but it was Yechan’s first one he was in attendance of. His mother just received a huge promotion at work and there was a large company party to celebrate, and expenses were the last thing they worried about. 

Yechan, his mother, and father dressed in their nicest attire arrived at the harbor at 3:55pm, 5 minutes before the yacht was suppose to leave. They each handed their tickets to the Captain and boarded. A round of cheers erupted as Yechan’s mother was spotted by company employees and the party began in full swing. Alcohol was shared and food had just arrived at the buffet tables.

Other kids were at the party, but they were much older than Yechan. The next youngest was 11-years-old, and they paid no mind to Yechan. He was too young to play ‘big kid’ games according to them. Instead Yechan explored the yacht with his parent’s permission. Yechan had even found the Captain's room with the large wheel. 

“It’s just like a pirate ship!” Yechan exclaimed from the open door. The Captain jumped from the sudden noise and turned to find little Yechan pointing to the wheel of the ship. The Captain laughed.

“Come in and steer it if you want,” the Captain pulled over a tall chair. Yechan walked over to the chair and the Captain pulled him up to sit in it. The Captain stood behind the chair and showed Yechan how to steer the boat and even explained some of the other gadgets in the room.

The two watched the sunset through the dark clouds that were moving in fast over the water. The Captain frowned.

“Alright Skipper, return to your parents and head indoors. We need to head back to the mainland before this storm hits,” The Captain ordered and he took Yechan out of the seat. 

Yechan left the room and ran down a hallway. He stopped when he couldn’t remember which way he had come from. He looked around trying to find any of the markers he saw earlier but it was too dark.

“Good Evening folks, this is your Captain speaking,” the intercom called out in the silence, “we unfortunately are heading back to mainland there is a storm quickly approaching. I ask that everyone move themselves inside.”

Yechan, in full panic, ran down a hallway trying to find his way back to his parents and the party.

At the party, Yechan’s parents frantically looked for him. Some of the other employees calmed them and stated he’s probably with the other children in the arcade room. The entire party finally moved inside.

Yechan, unaware he had found himself on the main deck, started to feel the yacht sway. He looked up towards the skin, the brown clouds took over the stars and dark blue sky. He continued to run. He rounded a corner when a violent wave knocked the yacht. Yechan fell to the floor and slid on the tiles. He reached for something to grab. Another wave hit the bottom of the boat and Yechan fell off the edge of the main deck and onto the stern. But it was too late. Rough violent waves were washing over the swimming platform and quickly pulled Yechan into the black waters. 

The water was ice cold on impact and Yechan flapped his arms and kicked his legs around to stay above the water. The temperature of the water quickly faded and felt normal against his clothes and skin, but Yechan was too panicked to feel that. He watched, when the waves were low enough for a moment, as the yacht moved further and further away from him. 

Then the rain started. It hurt as it pelted down on his head. It quickly became harder and harder for Yechan to stay above the surface. The waves were moving too ferociously and his limbs lost strength. Slowly his body stopped fighting the waves and he fell beneath the surface, waiting for death to take him.

His lungs burned for oxygen, and Yechan knew this would be it. He inhaled… but no pain followed. No rush of water to his lungs. He held his breath again. Then his lungs burned to exhale and inhale again. Once more… no pain. Maybe death wasn’t suppose to be painful?

Yechan opened his eyes and everything looked and felt so clear underwater. It was dark, but he could still make out the fish swimming around him. He was well beneath the surface now. With his eyes open this time he inhaled again and exhaled- quickly. He proceeded to do it several times in a row. Why wasn’t he dying? Human’s can’t breathe water. He remembered hearing about one of his distant relatives drowning last summer. 

Suddenly something large swam in the corner of Yechan’s eyes. He turned but it’s too dark to have seen what it was. Then it swam by again, this time slowly. A large silver shark. Yechan’s heart pounds. Now he knew he wasn’t dead, and he was far from it… well at least until this shark attack. Instead of attacking him, the shark just swam in circles around him. Again and again and again.

After a while the Shark began to swim underneath him, occasionally bumping into him which caused Yechan to swim a little higher. Yechan’s eyes never left the shark, he watched as it swam around him. 

Then his head broke the surface. Yechan inhaled oxygen, and it didn’t burn his lungs. 

How long had he been underwater? The storm had passed, but it was still dark. His eyesight was unbothered by the saltwater in them, he just blinked a couple times to flush it out and his vision was perfect again.

Another bump scared Yechan. He poked his head under the water, and the shark was gone. Instead a dolphin swam quickly next to him. The dolphin bumped the side of his body again.

Yechan understood and slowly began to swim. The dolphin stayed by his side and pushed him when he started swimming the wrong way.

It felt like forever that Yechan continued to swim. His body ached, but every time he stopped the dolphin would bump into him. But eventually the bumping stopped entirely, and when Yechan noticed he looked around for the dolphin, and it was nowhere to be found. That’s when he saw it. A bright light casted down onto him from a large coast guard boat. Several people jumped into the water and swam towards the Yechan. 

He was brought into the boat, wrapped in more towels than he thought was possible and paramedics checked every part of his body. That’s where he learned he had been in the ocean for 13 hours… missing for 13 hours.

When the coast guard boat docked in the harbor, Yechan’s parents were waiting with the police. Yechan walked off the ship and his mother wailed and ran to him holding on to him. His father quickly joined. Yechan’s mother checked her son despite having paramedics with him.

“You won’t believe his story,” one of the male paramedics told his parents, “he’s alive from a miracle and will power.”

Yechan was taken to a hospital, his parents in the back of the ambulance with them. He was overseen by doctors, nurses, and psychiatrists. Just as the paramedic said, nobody believed Yechan’s story. But the doctors and nurses couldn’t understand how the boy did not have hypothermia or even water in his lungs. He looked like he just went for a swim in his own pool at home. The psychiatrists didn’t understand how his brain scan looked normal. No signs of trauma or damage from water in his lungs if there were to begin with. 

Yechan was considered a blessed miracle. But Yechan knew that nobody believed what he witnessed and went through. He knew he didn’t hallucinate. He was then discharged after a couple days of observation, and he finally went home. He never told his story again, at least not his version. He told a bland version thought to have actually happened according to what everyone else thought. 

A few months later Yechan actually asked his parents if he could sign up for swimming lessons. His parents were wary of the idea. Losing him in the ocean had permanently traumatized them, but Yechan persisted and explained why it could be beneficial. After a few weeks his parents gave in and signed Yechan up for swim lessons right as the summer season sprung into action. 

During his lesson Yechan tested out his ability to breathe underwater more and more. He used it to his advantage and became what he liked to call ‘The Ultimate Swimmer’. He could hold his breath the longest out of his entire team, but of course didn’t just sit under the water for 10 minutes. His record in his first year of swim lessons was 1 minute, and that was impressive to the other seven-year-olds on his team. 

Over the years Yechan improved his stamina, physique, heart rate, and his technique. He was the star swimmer of every team. By the time he was only 12-years-old he had college recruiters hunting him down offering deals if he continued on his journey of swimming. Yechan held onto these offers, paying them no mind. While he loved swimming and winning all his medals the fun was having the excuse to play with his ability of breathing underwater. There were so many things Yechan had done. Swimming was just an excuse to have his parents not freak out about him being near water… well it was also an excuse to improve his ability to swim.

Now at 22-years-old Yechan is still deciding where he wants to go next. He tried out some colleges, but nothing seemed to satisfy him anymore. He hadn’t felt any improvement since he left his highschool team. 

Yechan sits in his room, looking over the possibility of attending a college in the States to swim. He knows his parents want him to stay here, but he feels limited now.

“Yechan!” His mother called as she enters the home. Yechan stands up from his chair and exits his room to meet his mother in the living room. 

His mother wildly waves around an envelope in her hands. She excitedly shoves it into Yechans hands.

“They finally got back to you! Open it! Open it!” His mother cheers. Yechan’s father hurries into the room hearing his wife’s news.

Yechan looks at the emblem of the university imprinted on the envelope. His eyes widened. He rips open the letter and pulls out the folded paper. He unfolds it and reads the following:

“Dear Shin Yechan. It would be our pleasure to inform you of your acceptance as well as the offer of a full-ride scholarship for the upcoming fall semester-”

Yechan’s parents yell in excitement. Yechan smiles and laughs. He had waited a long time for this moment. The one university he had his eyes set on since he was younger finally reached back to him. Applying for the university for three years in a row. Getting accepted was extremely difficult but Yechan had hoped and prayed that he would be accepted. Now he is.

“We’ll have to take a day off of work to tour the school,” Yechan’s mother tells his father. She looks over to Yechan, “hopefully it’s everything you’ve wanted.” She then hugs Yechan.

Yechan retreats back to his room after dinner. He drops the letter on his desk and lays on his bed. He chuckles to himself. He finally got in. After years of applying. 

Yechan walks over to his computer again and searches the university. Acceptance rate: 9.8%. Yechan laughed again. He picked up to read the acceptance letter once more but frowned when he saw something different.

Dear Yechan,

I’m sorry for misleading you about the acceptance letter. With you being in the spotlight it was hard for me to reach out to you. I have tried on several occasions, but all have failed. I do hope you and your parents decide to make the trip out to visit the university because I am located across the street.  You see, I am aware of your ability to breathe underwater, Shin Yechan.

Yechan caught his breath. He hasn’t told a soul since that day. Who wrote this letter?

Would you believe me if I said you were able to do more? There is more than just breathing underwater. I’ll be more than happy to teach and show you. You can find me in the library across the street. I hope to meet you soon.

Poaegi

“Poaegi? What kind of name is that?” Yechan stares at the name. He flipped through the rest of the papers to have found them blank. Nothing of the university was on any other page. How did they do that? 

Yechan stares at the paper a few more minutes before crumbling the paper and throwing it away. He paces a couple times back and forth. He hadn’t told a soul that day. He also clearly remembers no other kid on that yacht having such a weird name like that.

Yechan stops pacing and takes a deep breath. Somebody is just messing with him, right? He currently holds the country's record of holding their breath underwater. Yechan nods his head, they have to be messing with him.

-

Yechan exits the taxi and closes the door behind him. He stands behind his parents. His parents still dragged him to visit the university despite his pleas not to. They didn’t understand why he suddenly didn’t want to go.

“It’s marvelous,” his mother smiles. Yechan quietly agrees, but looks over his shoulder across the street, no library in sight… weird… that’s where they said it would be.

“Let’s go,” Yechan’s father calls out and the three of them walk towards the administration building. A tour guide happily shows them around the campus. Yechan couldn’t believe his eyes, everything really is marvelous… if only he had been accepted. The feeling in his chest felt bitter sweet. Maybe there was still something he could do.

The tour concluded with the guide dropping them off at the campus store and handing them a map.

“Feel free to continue to look over the school and if you have any questions just head back to the administration building and someone will be more than happy to help you,” then the tour guide had left. 

“What do you want to do, Yechan?” His mother asks, and Yechan laughs.

“Well by the looks of it you two want to buy every piece of parent merchandise you can get your hands on,” Yechan jokes. His parents both nod their heads which causes Yechan to realize they are serious.

“I think I want to look around a little bit more. We can all meet back here,” Yechan tells them. His mother hands off the map and her and his father hurry into the campus store excited. Yechan sadly smiles. Maybe this was the time he could see if there was any way he could get into the school, with them distracted.

Yechan looked down at the map, figuring out where he was and where the administration building was. That’s when he spots it, a small little building across the street on the map. Ethereal Trove Library…. And it’s right across the street from the campus store. Yechan looks up from the map and behind him.

Across the road a beautiful ancient-looking building sits across the street. It stands out from all the modern architecture surrounding it. Yechan stares it down, and thinks back to the letter. Would you believe me if I said you were able to do more? Yechan looks back at the store, barely spotting his parents holding up matching shirts they just found, showing each other, and then looks back to the library.

-

The door creaks open and the light fills the dimly lit front room. Yechan enters, and the door slowly closes behind him.

“Hello?” Yechan calls as he slowly approaches the large circular front desk. A head pops out from one of the shelves off to the side. Followed by a small gasp.

Yechan’s eyes follow the noise, and that’s when they see them.

“Shin Yechan?” They quietly ask.

“Poaegi?” Yechan cautiously says, afraid to pronounce it wrong. Poaegi’s eyes light up.

“Oh, it’s really you! You actually came!” They exclaim walking over to Yechan.

“Honestly, I’m not really sure what I’m doing here,” Yechan explains. Poaegi smiles.

“You felt drawn the moment you layed your eyes on here, didn’t you?” They ask, “you want to know more. Or how I know about your ability to breathe underwater.”

Yechan takes a step back, a little alarmed, “more so the how you know.”

“There is a lot that I know. We’re connected you see. What you can do, I can do as well,” Poaegi explains. The hair on the back of Yechan’s neck stands up.

“That’s not terrifying to say to someone you just met,” Yechan tells them, back up towards the door. He turns and runs towards the door.

Poaegi pulls something off their bracelet and it grows in size and a vibrant ombre of purple and blue covers the scales on the mask. They place the mask on their face and swipe their hand in front of them.

Before Yechan can reach the door a wave of water rushes before him, blocking the exit. Yechan stops staring in horror then turns back around to Poaegi.

“I’m sorry,” Poaegi apologizes, “I just want a chance to explain before I lose the chance forever. Getting to you has been the hardest out of all the others.”

“Others?” Yechan asks, “are there others like me?”

Poaegi tilts their head left and right a couple of times, “eh, kind of? They have abilities. Not water, but other abilities.”

“Other abilities?” Yechan repeats.

“Now will you hear me out?” Poaegi asks.

“I guess,” Yechan slowly relaxes himself. The water retreats from the door and Poaegi takes off the half scaled skull mask from their face.

“You, Shin Yechan, are a creation of the universe,” Poaegi begins.

“Whoa whoa,” Yechan stops them, “I don’t need an explanation of how my parents did that.”

Poaegi laughs, “Each response to that line has been amazing. But that’s not what I’m talking about. There is something greater than humans and gods out there. They blessed 12 people with elemental abilities, and they would awaken in the blood line when needed. You have the ability of water. There is also fire, earth, air, light, darkness, healing, mind, electricity, life, and death-”

“That was only 11,” Yechan counters.

Poaegi huffs, “nothing is going to get past you, is it?” Yechan shakes his head. “The 12th is protecting. My ability. But you have the element water. If you can put two and two together, you would figure out that you have the ability to manipulate water just as I did a moment ago-”

“If your ability is to protect, how did you manipulate water?” Yechan asks.

“You know, for someone who isn’t interested and wants to leave, you ask a lot of questions,” Poaegi counters, “The protector has the ability to use all the elements but to a certain degree. I can’t do everything you are able to do.”

“Why do you need me then if you can do what I can do?” Yechan asks. He quickly ducks from a flying book Poaegi threw.

“Really, you ask a lot of questions,” Poaegi tells him, “let me get to everything.” Yechan motions that he’s going to zip his lips and waits for Poaegi to continue. “The protector cannot use the abilities of said element if the being with the elemental power is not near me. So if you go back home I am not able to use the water element. You enhance and give me power to use you element too. We need you to complete the team Yechan. Something is coming. I don’t know what but your powers would have not awakened if they weren’t needed. You and the others. I need to train you on your abilities and give you your relics. We have to be ready for whatever is coming.”

Yechan raises his hand.

“What?”

“Did you always have your ability then if you say ours have just awakened?” Yechan asks.

“My family has always know about it’s abilities, they have been awakened once before and since then everything has been taught and passed down so the next time we are prepared,” Poaegi explains, “so I’m sorry that I tricked your parents and you into thinking you got into your dream school. But that’s how badly we need you, Yechan.” Poaegi pulls out a card and hands it to Yechan.

“I know this is a lot to think about, but please do think about it,” Poaegi begs, “I can get fake forms and have you ‘all set up’ for school so your parents don’t know.” Yechan looks over the card. Poaegi +82 XX XXXX YYYY . “You can do so many things Yechan, you have just scratched the surface.”

Yechan awkwardly smiles at them and nods his head and hesitates a moment.

“You can go now. No more water wall,” Poaegi motions. Yechan tightly smiles before walking out of the library.

He meets his parents at the coffee shop next door to the campus store. His mother has one bag while his father carries three more.

“You really went all out,” Yechan awkwardly laughs.

“Why wouldn’t we? This is your dream school. Your next steps,” his father smiles. 

-

Yechan walks into his room, a university sweatshirt and Poaegi’s card in his hand. He sits on his bed. He looks down at the sweatshirt and sighs. There is nothing more that he wants than to attend the university. Would Poaegi actually be able to get him in if he asked? Something in exchange for his help? Yechan starred at the card. He sighed again before tossing the card onto his nightstand and the shirt onto his desk across the room. He could just sleep on it for the night.