#omegaxlore

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.

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.

-

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. 

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.