Archive of Our Own ^beta

Chapter Text

“Why the long faces? You’re getting your souls.” Jinu said to the silent crowd of demons below.

“Turn around.” A water demon said, pointing in the direction that was behind Jinu.

Jinu slowly turned around, he had to shield his eyes as the flame of Gwi-ma had grown in intensity since the last time he was here. Gwi-ma now covered the entire base of the floor and his flames were spilling over the sides of the walls, his bulk being evident by the vast amount of souls incoming.

“Your plan is great Jinu but you forgot one critical detail. Did you really think I wouldn’t hear about your little plot you and the hunter girl cooked up?” Gwi-ma said as his flames enveloped Jinu.

Jinu said nothing as he watched his vision be consumed by the purple and pink, that despite being fire, did not seem to burn him.

“That’s funny, because if you really believed what you were saying you would have told her the truth. How you left your family, how you abandoned them for your selfish desires. Just remember, I can always turn those voices up.” Gwi-ma said.

Jinu started to hyperventilate as memories of his past streamed across his mind. Jinu remembered how he left his mother and sister at the gate of the palace, how his sister cried out to him as armed guards held her back. He remembers the look on his mother’s face, one of heartbreak, as the doors close behind him. He remembers enjoying food with palace officials as he knows his family is starving on the street. He remembers the shame of knowing he chose to save himself over them, then the memories stop. Jinu calms down as the memories fade once again and he’s back to being enveloped by the flames.

“It doesn’t have to be way Jinu. There is one way you can still save yourself.”

“What is it?” Jinu asked, wanting anyway to be free of the suffering.

“The hunter who bears my marks, I want you to isolate her. Do this and you may be spared.” Gwi-ma said.

Jinu had to agree, it was either agree or suffer for eternity.

“It will be done.”

Gwi-ma’s flames shifted into what looked like a wide grin.

~~~~~~~~~~

Rumi overlooks the river below while riding on the back of Derpy. The sight looked peaceful and quiet as Derpy’s feet made no sounds. It was almost enough to allow Rumi’s mind to relax from the stress of the upcoming idol awards and hiding her patterns. Rumi was confident the plan would work and that she would be free from her shame. She and Mira had been fighting the last few days, especially since their failure at the train. Mira had accused Rumi of not being serious about their mission, saying Rumi was sabotaging them. Mira was convinced “Takedown” was the song that would win the day, it was designed specifically to capture the hearts and minds of the audience with its lyrics and beat. To Rumi, “Takedown” was too hateful to win and she felt every word pierce her heart like a dagger. Rumi and Mira’s disagreements had also been causing stress for Zoey who had become less talkative during sessions. Rumi was worried that the team she had fought with for years was collapsing around her, and that it was her fault. Soon, Derpy reached the balcony of the room Rumi called home. She dismounted and pet Derpy as he descended into the floor and disappeared. Rumi was exhausted, she had been planning for the idol awards non-stop and with the Jinu meeting, Rumi just wanted a nice, long sleep. Rumi laid on her bed, ready to take a nap but was interrupted by a loud knocking on her door. Rumi jolted upright as anxiety set in.

“Did I forget something important?” Her mind raced.

Rumi nervously made her way to the door, fearful as to what had the person on the other end so furious. She hesitated before turning the knob knowing that what was on the other side was not good, Rumi then turned the knob and opened the door to see a furious Mira staring back.

“Rumi, where were you?” Mira asked, her voice full of frustration.

“We were supposed to practice for the idol awards tonight but you didn’t show up. Zoey and I had to cancel, Bobby was not happy.” 

“I’m sorry Mira.” Responded Rumi.

“Sorry? Sorry?! Rumi, tomorrow is the biggest night of our lives and you can’t take it seriously. We should be your priority right now but you aren’t there. What is with you?” Mira said, furry now in her voice.

“I just have a lot going on right now Mira, you wouldn’t understand.” Replied Rumi.

“How am I supposed to understand when you won’t tell me? What are you hiding from us Rumi, you’ve been acting weird all week, even Zoey has noticed.” Mira said.

“Please don’t drag Zoey into this.” Rumi said.

“Zoey’s been there for me more than you have. She's been to every practice and is committed to every mission we've done while you have been god knows where.” Mira said. “If you’re still with us, please just show it. No more secrets and no more lies.”

“Mira… I can’t.” Rumi said as she looked down at the floor.

Mira sighed and turned away from Rumi.

“If you’re with us, please help us with the idol awards, that’s all we need.” Mira said.

Mira then closed the door leaving Rumi with her thoughts. 

Rumi didn’t know what to think, she had totally forgotten about the plan to train for the awards, maybe it does prove Mira’s concerns that she is distant from them. Rumi hates that idea because they are her friends, her rocks but they wouldn’t understand what she’s going through, not yet. Rumi hated hiding but they could never see her marks.

“They’ll never accept the real you” A faint voice called in Rumi’s ear.

Rumi looked around her room for the source of the voice but it was nowhere to be seen which freaked Rumi out. Who would call to her? Rumi had an idea of what it might be but she shuttered at the thought hoping it was just paranoia talking. Just then Rumi heard the low sound of Derpy reentering the room. Rumi turned around and sure enough Derpy had come back and was now sitting by her bed. Rumi walked over and gave him a long pet, his fur was soft and comforting. Derpy looked at Rumi and dropped a letter. Rumi opened it and saw it was from Jinu asking to meet again tonight to discuss something rather important. Rumi would go because she needed someone to listen to her and Jinu understood what she was going through.

~~~~~~~~~

Mira slumped onto the couch and grabbed the remote. A rest was just what she needed after dealing with Rumi’s crap once again. She hated always being the bad guy but someone needed to make sure Rumi was alright. Mira noticed Rumi had been strange ever since the Saja Boys turned up. Rumi had been distant, more agitated and more secretive and Mira hated it. She could not help if Rumi didn’t trust her enough to tell her. Their train failure hit the worst, Rumi had exploded at her which was entirely new to her. Mira couldn’t help but feel Rumi was pulling away from them, but enough of those thoughts, it was TV time. Mira turned on the TV using the remote and turned it to the wrestling channel she liked. It may not be much but it takes her mind off the stress. As Mira was relaxing Zoey came and plopped down on the couch as well.

“So… how’d it go with Rumi?” Zoey asked.

“About as well as I expect.” Replied Mira. “I don’t know how she expects us to understand or help her when she won’t tell us. The idol awards are tomorrow and we never felt more disconnected.”

“I wish I could do more. I care about Rumi too but it’s hard when she hides herself.” Zoey says.

“What if she is sabotaging us?” Mira asked with uncertainty.

“No, she wouldn’t. not our Rumi.” Zoey said.

“You’re right Zoey.” Mira said bring Zoey in for a hug.

She needed this right now, with the stress of the awards and dealing with Rumi, a hug from Zoey was the best. Mira’s hug on Zoey was so tight and long Zoey had to tap Mira’s arm to let her know she couldn’t breathe. Mira dropped the hug upon noticing Zoey’s distress.

“I’m sorry Zoey.” Mira said.

“It’s ok Mira. Maybe just a little less squeezing next time.” Zoey says, laughing it off. “Should we go check on Rumi?”

“Yeah, I’m all recharged.” Mira said.

The duo got up from the couch and made their way over to Rumi’s room. They knock but receive no answer. They knock again but the result is the same. Mira then cautiously opens the door to find the lights off and it devoid of the one person they were looking for.

“Rumi?” Mira said hoping she might hear it but no answer.

“I don’t think she’s here.” Zoey said, looking around the room.

Mira felt disappointment wash over her. After everything they had just talked about, about commitment, Rumi disappears again without even saying bye. Maybe she really wasn’t with them. A defeated Mira then left Rumi’s room, not hopeful Rumi will support them at the awards.

~~~~~~~~

“They will turn against you. They already have their doubts.” The voice told Rumi.

“Shut up, I’m not in the mood.” She told the voice, not wanting to really listen.

Rumi was a liar and she knew it, but for good reason. Rumi just hoped that the web of lies she had constructed wouldn’t come crashing down onto her because if this voice was right about anything it would mean the end of her and Mira’s friendship. Rumi couldn’t allow that. Rumi pulled up her sleeve to look at the patterns, luckily there had been no growth over the last few days which gave Rumi hope they could do well at the awards. She wanted to be free of the patterns and be able to repair her relationship with Mira and Zoey.

“This endeavor is foolish child, you can’t go back.” The voice said.

Rumi ignored it as she was almost to her destination, she really needed to talk to Jinu and she hoped he’d listen.

~~~~~~~~

Jinu waited by the wall and looked out over the city. The city looked like a gleaming gem during the night with its endless lights from billboards and the dots from apartments that looked like stars. It was peaceful which didn’t ease Jinu’s mind as he knew what he was going to do was wrong. Rumi would be here soon but part of him hoped she wouldn’t show as to spare her from Gwi-ma’s plan. He didn’t want her to hurt but he could tell from their earlier conversation something was bothering her. Jinu already had regrets about hurting his family 400 years ago and now he regrets dragging Rumi into his world and his personal problem, but he couldn’t help but feel comfort when he talks to her. Unlike the Saja Boys or even anyone else he knew while alive, Rumi listens and sees him as he is. For once in his 400 years he felt human again. As his thoughts continue he sees a magpie with three eyes land on the wall beside him. Jinu smiles at the bird and offers some seeds.

“Hello Sussie, glad to see you here.” He said as Sussie eats seeds from his hand.

Sussie happily tweets and eats seeds but avoiding the sunflower seeds. Jinu never figured out why she hates sunflowers but she would never touch them no matter how hard Jinu tried to get her to eat them. Sussie then flies away from Jinu’s hand as his eyes follow and he notices a large, blue tiger descending from the sky with Rumi.

“Please turn around.” He thinks to himself, hoping Rumi might see his thoughts and take the hint.

Jinu knew as soon as Rumi landed that Gwi-ma would be listening, waiting, making sure he said and did the right things. Jinu had to lie and he hated it. Jinu collected his thoughts as Derpy landed and Rumi dismounted.

“I really need to talk to you.” They both said in unison.

“You first.” Jinu said being polite.

“Ok… I don’t think my friends trust me. Zoey barely looks at me anymore and Mira…” Rumi started but trailed off. “It’s these patterns, if they were gone I wouldn’t have to lie and hide.”

“I understand, it’s difficult to lie to the ones you love.” Replied Jinu knowing all too well what he was saying.

“They act like I’m not there for them anymore and that I’m not committed to the mission. No one is more committed than me, I hate lying to them but I can’t tell them and I probably never will.” Rumi said.

“Rumi… you’re right, they don’t trust you. I’ve seen things from them and I think you should know.” Jinu hated the lies but he had to, for his sake and hers.

Jinu pulled out his phone and opened it up to his camera roll to find the one image he needed.

“Here.” He said, flipping the phone around for Rumi to see.

Rumi’s expression changed to a frown as she read the screen. It was an image of Mira’s account saying 

“I question if our group leader is fit to lead, how can she make choices for us when she won’t even talk to us? I have my doubts.”

The comment was also liked by the account belonging to Zoey but the entire thing was faked, fabricated by Gwi-ma for this moment but believable enough that it looked real. Even if Rumi looked online, those comments would appear as real even though the words were never said. Rumi kept scrolling through Jinu’s phone seeing comment after comment of Zoey and Mira expressing their distrust of Rumi, by the end she was nearing tears.

“I… I can’t believe they said these things.” Rumi said.

Jinu could see she was nearing tears so he pulled her into a hug.

“I know it’s hard but I’m here for you.” Jinu said.

“Very good, make her trust you.” Gwi-ma said.

Jinu hated this, hated how fake he was being with Rumi, the one person that cared for him, but he was in fear. His fear of punishment overrode his rational thinking, he wasn’t proud, now the regrets of his actions would forever haunt him.

“You should rest, I’ll help with your plan and maybe they will trust you again.” 

Rumi didn’t say a word as she mounted Derpy and took off into the sky. Jinu was once again alone, alone with his thoughts and his regrets.

Chapter Text

As Rumi slept, she was reminded of the past events from the last few days.

“NOT EVERYTHING IS ABOUT YOUR INSECURITIES MIRA!” Dream Rumi screamed.

She regretted that as soon as she said it. Why was she taking her anger out on Mira? Mira had done nothing wrong to her and Mira had every right to question Rumi’s distance. It was when they got home from the train that the damage had been shown, Mira and Rumi got into a huge argument about outfits for the idol awards. Mira wanted to go sleeveless as it was the peak of summer and sweltering hot. Mira’s logic was that it didn't make sense for them to suffer heatstroke and sweat while performing. Mira also thought it would be nice if they matched outfits as a team for once. Rumi, though, needed the sleeves for obvious reasons and was totally against the sleeveless option. This led them into a heated argument about the outfits.

“My god Rumi, quit always shooting down my ideas. Mira said angrily. “You always do this, you always say no to my outfit suggestions and you say I’m the insecure one.”

“Mira, you know why I need the sleeves.” Replied Rumi.

“NO I DON”T RUMI! I don’t know and you won’t tell me. Everytime I try you get defensive like today.” Mira yelled.

“I’m sorry Mira.” Rumi said.

“Your apologies mean nothing when you do the same things all the time.” Mira said. “Whatever, choose what outfits you like, I’m over it.”

Mira dropped the paper sketch she was holding and left the room. Maybe it was the stress of losing on the train today or her total unawareness of her distance but Rumi felt stressed. With stress came the familiar feeling of burning on her arms as her patterns glowed. She made sure no one was looking before sticking her hand up her sleeve and scratching them. Rumi wanted to be honest with Mira but she can’t, not until her patterns are gone. The dream then shifts into when Rumi switched their songs.

“What do you mean you don’t want to do Takedown? We’ve worked on it for days and we already paid for the choreography.” Mira said with anger.

“I just don’t think it’s the right song.” Replied Rumi.

“Of course it’s the right song, we made it together and the tests proved it to be overwhelmingly positive so why are you changing it now?” Mira asked, putting down the physical copy of ‘Takedown’.

“It seems so… hateful.” Rumi said.

“Well yeah, we hate demons and we hate Gwi-ma.” Replied Mira.

“Can you two not fight please, we’re so close and you two are at each other's throats.” Zoey said, turning around in her chair to face them. “If ‘Takedown’ is too dividing we can do ‘Golden’ instead, everyone liked that song.”

Rumi and Mira nodded in reluctant agreement. They didn’t want to fight so this was the best compromise they came up with. Suddenly, the dream faded and Rumi woke up.

Rumi’s eyes opened to see a dim ray of sunlight falling across her bed. Rumi glanced over at the clock and gasped. 10:30 already?! She was going to be late, Rumi had never overslept that long, especially not on the most important day of the year. Rumi jumped out of bed and rushed to her closet to get ready. She picked out the outfit she had custom made for this day, its black jacket shining underneath her display lights. Rumi slipped it on, it would be a long day with little rest. Rumi then rushed out of her room and was met with the disappointed faces of Mira and Zoey.

“Good morning guys.” She said, nervously.

“Rumi…you were supposed to be ready an hour ago, Bobby had to delay the photo shoot.” Zoey said, looking at Rumi.

“I’m sorry, I overslept.” Replied Rumi.

“Rumi, please take this seriously, this is the biggest day of the year where we strengthen the Honmoon for the whole year and you’re slacking. Not to mention sneaking out again without telling us where you went.” Mira said with a stern voice.

“I can’t tell you where I was, I’m sorry.” Rumi said, her head hanging low.

“Just… tell us you’re with us.” Said Mira.

“Of course I’m with you, the golden Honmoon is important.” Replied Rumi.

“I hope you mean that.” Said Mira as she turned and walked away.

“They doubt your loyalty and you just lie to their faces. Are you truly even friends?” A voice asked.

Rumi tried to ignore it. She had this creeping feeling the voice belonged to Gwi-ma but she would rather die than admit that. She was a hunter not his servant. Rumi put it out of her mind and went to join Mira and Zoey for the photo shoot.

~~~~~~~~~

Zoey was sitting around the table eating her pre-show ramyeon. Beside her Rumi was swallowing gimbap like her mouth was a black hole and she wondered how Rumi didn’t choke like that. On the opposite side of the room she could see Mira punching a bag with a picture of Abby Saja saying “I… hate… abs!!” Zoey tried to tune out the noise and focus on her spicy ramyeon, it was her favorite flavor too, garlic and chili! Zoey took a bite of the noodles, it felt like heaven on her tongue and she couldn’t help but smile. As she ate her thoughts shifted to Mira and Rumi. She loved them but their fighting had gotten intense to the point Zoey worried about the integrity of Huntrix as a whole. Zoey wanted nothing more than to keep her friends happy and for Huntrix to be alive and well. In fact, she was planning on asking Mira out after the awards because she was her everything. Beautiful, caring, independent, confident, she was everything Zoey loved in a person. She hoped Mira would accept her feelings but wasn’t fully certain. This was Zoey’s happy place, just sitting around with the two people she loved most in the world without a care in the world. Even though it was just a few hours before the awards, Zoey was relaxed and enjoying herself and it seemed Mira and Rumi were as well. Zoey finished her ramyeon and asked Mira and Rumi if they would like to watch a movie before showtime. They both agreed and decided to stream ‘Business Proposal’ in their last few hours of free time. 

Hours later the trio was waiting around for the Saja boys to finish their number until Bobby stormed into the room.

“Girls, the Saja Boys are fighting, you’re on in five.”

Zoey was confused as to why they would fight now of all times but Mira and Rumi looked ecstatic so she decided to let it slip. They then headed out of the room and to the stage for an unforgettable night.

~~~~~~~

Rumi was shining like the North Star over the Milky Way galaxy. People were cheering as she swung from the suspended seat as her part of ‘Golden’ rang out across the stadium. Rumi was ecstatic as she could see the Honmoon shimmering golden as the fans went wild. Mira and Zoey were absent but she assumed they’d be back any moment to finish the song.

“Like we’re born to be!” Rumi’s voice sang with a passion, she was going to win, Jinu kept his promise.

Until suddenly the lights went out. Rumi looked around, confused as to what happened as did the audience, but then she heard it. The beginning of ‘Takedown’

“Takedown? They put this back in?: she asked, anxiety present in her voice. 

Suddenly the lights reignited, showering the stadium in light as Mira and Zoey were suddenly by her side.

“So sweet, so easy on the eyes, but hideous on the inside. Whole life spreading lies but you can’t hide. Baby nice try.” What sounded like Zoey sang out.

Rumi was forced to dance, dance to a song she hated, one that felt especially targeted at her. Rumi could see something was off about Mira and Zoey as well. Their smiles seemed unnatural and they were circling Rumi like sharks around prey. Rumi began to feel fear, fear of what they might do. Then they got close, close enough that they started shoving her around. Rumi was paralyzed by fear, why are they doing this? Why now of all times? Rumi could only express panic as Mira and Zoey pulled her jacket from her arms revealing the dark, purple patterns underneath. Rumi instinctively covered her arms with her hands as she had been trained to do but it was no use, the world saw them and Rumi was gripped by a primal fear.

“We see what you are.” Said Mira

“You’re a demon.” Said Zoey.

“A mistake.” They both said in unison.

“NO!” Rumi screamed.

“You have been since the day you were born” They said again, mocking her.

“NOOOOOOOO!” Rumi screamed, her voice coming out powerful and warped.

Her voice reverberated across the stadium causing lights to shatter and plunging the stadium back into darkness. Rumi was overwhelmed with panic and fear and just stood on stage completely unaware of how far her patterns spread. They had spread to every part of her body including her face and were alive with a purple glow, there was no hiding them now. Just then Mira and Zoey made their way back to the stage and saw the sight before them. They saw Rumi panicked and afraid but with patterns all over her. Mira and Zoey felt their hearts sink in that moment. 

Rumi did the only thing she could, she ran off the stage and headed towards the backstage, away from the fans and away from the stage. Rumi felt herself in a full blown panic to the point she was hyperventilating and was struggling to breathe. Rumi made her way down the cold metal stair and into a clearing back stage where she saw Mira and Zoey.

“What? How are you here? You were just on stage. That wasn’t you? Oh. oh, thank goodness.” Rumi said relief washing over her realizing Mira and Zoey didn’t say those nasty things to her but Rumi was stopped dead in her tracks as Mira and Zoey took a step back and just looked at her. Rumi looked down at her hands to see vibrant, purple patterns clear as day on her hands. She turned them over and over frantically in a futile attempt to make them go away.

“No, no, no, no.” Was all she could muster.

“How do you have patterns?” Mira asked, breaking the silence.

“These were supposed to be gone. You were never supposed to see.” Rumi said, fighting back the tears.

“You were hiding this from us the whole time?” Mira asked.

“I had a plan to erase them, Jinu was supposed to help me. Rumi cried, frantically.

“Jinu? You were working with him?” Mira should have known.

“No! I was using him to fix this, to fix me! So we could all be together and do our duty.” Rumi cried, frantic to keep her friends near her.

Zoey spoke next and it was the most hurtful of all towards Rumi.

“How can we be together and trust you if we can’t tell your truths from your lies?”

Rumi was crying now, there was no will left to hold back the tears. They saw her and they hated it.

“I knew it was too good to be true.” Mira said, as she began to walk away, Mira was hurt beyond repair and she was done.

“No! NO! Please don’t go, I can still FIX THIS!” Rumi’s voice came out warped. It wasn’t human and sounded animalistic and primal. A wave of magenta energy shot out from Rumi and made a wave across the Honmoon.

Rumi collapsed after hearing her own voice. She wasn't herself anymore, Rumi didn’t notice as her left eye’s iris turned golden and the pupil became a cat-like slit, the look of something not human. Mira and Zoey turned around at their fallen friend and Mira pulled out her gok-do and pointed it at Rumi. 

“Mira…” Rumi said, her voice weak, but Mira made up her mind.

Rumi then turned to Zoey hoping she’d show sympathy.

“Zoey… please.”

But the response was the same as she pulled out all six shin-kal. Rumi’s heart was broken, her friends didn’t love her. Rumi did the only thing she could, she ran, perhaps Jinu would know something. She ran to find him.

Rumi wandered the endless halls hoping to find a glimpse of Jinu.

“Jinu. Jinu, where are you?” She said to the emptiness.

Suddenly she found him standing in a clearing. Rumi walked up to him, hoping what had happened wasn’t his doing. Jinu snapped his fingers revealing the Mira and Zoey beside him to be demons which quickly disappeared.

“Jinu, you didn’t, how could you?” Rumi asked, shoving him.

“I just needed you to trust me.” He said, his tone somber.

“We were so close, you were going to be free.” Said Rumi.

“You don’t get it do you, I’m not a good person and I don’t deserve to be free.” Said Jinu.

“No, don’t say that you’re a good person, your family…” She was cut off.

“I LEFT THEM!” Jinu screamed, turning around as his patterns shone. “Yeah you heard me, I left them at the palace gates to starve as I sat everyday in luxury while filling my belly every night.” Jinu explained as his glamor facade dwindled.

“That’s not how that works Jinu, you can still be free.” Replied Rumi.

“NO IT’S NOT!”

“YES IT IS!” They both screamed, causing double ripples to be sent out at the sound of their warped voices.

‘Listen to yourself, you're a demon, just like me. When you’re ready to accept that you know where to find me.” Jinu said, teleporting away and leaving Rumi alone. 

“Rumi put his hands to her arms and dug her fingernails into her skin, she had not noticed how her right hand had morphed to where her fingers ended in sharp claws and her whole hand was a dark purple but she didn’t care. Rumi could feel blood starting to pool from the wounds as she walked, the Honmoon tearing behind her as a vibrant magenta color. Rumi had one place left to try.

Chapter Text

Mira slammed open the door that led to the alleyway outside the stadium. Mira stepped into the crisp night air and began walking away from the stadium, away from Rumi’s betrayal and lies. Mira needed time away from it all. All Mira wanted was trust that her chosen family would not hurt her or lie to her face like her biological family had done. Mira’s parents had told her to her face they would not send her to boarding school in Gwangju but they were lying. Before she knew it she was forced onto the train and sent to a city where she knew not a soul and the lies never ended. Every promised gift, every missed event and every other broken promise they made, Mira remembered. They only lied and it was part of the reason she went off on her own. She wanted to escape that hell that was her "family" and find where she belonged. Eventually she met Rumi and lived with her and Celine and Mira finally found her place. They were happy and were even happier when Zoey came along. Mira had found her real family and they would never lie to her, or so she thought. What she saw tonight shattered that illusion. Rumi had lied to her and had been for years. Mira felt a twisting sensation in her stomach, how much of what Rumi said over the years was a lie? Was Rumi committed to protecting the Honmoon? Did she work with Gwi-ma to cause the train disaster? Did Rumi even love them? 

So many questions were left unanswered and it gave Mira doubts about Huntrix even. Why should she continue to be in the same situation she desperately tried to escape from? Mira felt like vomiting, the stress was overwhelming her. All Mira knew at the moment was she needed to be as far away as she possibly could be from Rumi and the idol awards. Maybe she would forgive Rumi in time, but for now she couldn’t even think of Rumi without feeling sick so Mira just walked to clear her mind. Mira just needed to enjoy the fresh night air and not worry about anything else at the moment.

~~~~~~~~~~

Rumi walked silently through the grass and bushes over the hunter’s cemetery. Her presence a black hole that sucked in all hope and joy and destroyed it. Rumi felt empty, like a hollow shell waiting to be filled with purpose. The Honmoon screamed with agony behind her as her path tore at the fabric like shears, leaving the threads magenta and weakened.

“You have no one, they have all left you, but I can give you a place.” The voice tempted Rumi.

Every moment the words of that voice felt like the aloe for her burns, so soothing and so enticing but Rumi ignored it. Perhaps it was the small part of her that believed she could still fix everything or something else entirely but Rumi could still go lower. Rumi knew it was Gwi-ma talking, his influence coiled around her body for all the world to see. Rumi could not see it but her other eye had changed, it was now a bright, golden color with its pupil formed into an inhuman slit just like a cat that now matched her left eye. Rumi held her hands to her arms, not caring that the clawed one was dug into her skin causing her to bleed. Perhaps it was a sign there was still a trace of humanity left in her curse of a shell. Soon, Rumi reached her destination, a large tree that looked like it reached the heavens, not that Rumi belonged there. The tree shimmered like it was Christmas with blue as Honmoon threads hung from it like garlands. Underneath Rumi spotted a woman deep in prayer at the base of the tree, her foster mom. Why would she think when Rumi approached like this? Would she be disgusted? Would she cut her down, god, did Rumi hope she would.

As Rumi approached Celine grabbed her weapon and readied herself. Rumi had seen that pose countless times, it was the pose she made in the presence of demons. She was a demon now and she couldn’t deny it, just look at her. Celine turned around and was met by the daughter she had raised slowly being corrupted by the darkness. Celine dropped her weapon in shock and horror seeing what had become of Rumi. Rumi watched Celine, her golden, inhuman eyes watching her. It was ironic really that the only golden Rumi managed to achieve was her descent into demonhood, a fitting end for a mistake. 

“I ran out of time… I thought I could fix me but I ran out of time, they know now and they rejected me.” Said Rumi, her voice monotone and clearly showing defeat.

“Rumi… oh my…” Celine trailed off.

Rumi felt empty, she wanted to disappear forever. She needed to be punished for her mistake of being born, for ruining the Honmoon and for betraying her friends. Rumi summoned her sword from the Honmoon, its mere presence surprised Rumi who believed she had lost that ability along with her life. Rumi kneeled in front of the stunned Celine and offered the weapon up to her.

“You knew I was a mistake from the very start. Do what you should have done a long time ago. Do it before I destroy everything I swore to protect, please.” Rumi begged. She had a long pause before she encouraged Celine to finish it. “Do it!” 

Her voice coming out warped and monstrous, reaffirming Rumi’s idea that she didn’t deserve to live. She just wanted Celine to end her.

“I cant… When we lost your mother, I swore to protect all that was left of her. I never imagined that something to be a child, a child like… like you. Everything I’ve learned taught me that you were wrong, but I made a promise. I did my best to accept you and love you,"said Celine.

It was a punch in the gut for Rumi, Celine didn’t love her, she loved the idea of her.

“Accept me? You told me to cover up, to hide who I am.” Said Rumi.

“That’s not true, you can still cover them up, you can still make this right.” Celine said, putting her cloak around Rumi’s shoulder.

You, not us, you, as if it was Rumi’s failure for all of this. She was a liar but it wasn’t her fault.

Rumi threw off the cloak defiantly “No, no more lies, no more hiding.”

“Rumi, please, we can still fix this.” Celine pleaded.

“Don’t you get it, THIS is what I am. Look at me, why can’t you look at me!? WHY COULDN’T YOU LOVE ME!!?” Rumi screamed.

“I do love you.” Celine added.

“ALL OF ME!” Rumi screamed, her warped voice sending shock waves through the Honmoon, Rumi’s voice sending a chill through Celine’s body.

“You never loved me, you only loved your precious Honmoon. The Honmoon was more important than me and if this is the Honmoon I’m supposed to protect then I’m glad to see it destroyed.” Stated Rumi.

She looked at Celine with her golden eyes, her patterns glowing under the light of the moon. Celine would never accept her. 

“She has abandoned you, but you knew this would happen. You’re a demon, you belong here with us.” The disembodied voice of Gwi-ma said. 

Rumi then teleported away leaving Celine alone and hoping her last hope could bring her hope back.

~~~~~~~~~

Zoey entered the back alley in a search for Mira. She had just lost Rumi and she did not want Mira to leave as well. Zoey was in a panic, she couldn’t find Mira anywhere. Their group was in a bad spot right now and Zoey absolutely did not want them to break up and for her to be alone again. Zoey has spent most of her childhood alone. Her parents had divorces early in her life forcing her to constantly move school over the years. Zoey also experienced bullying due to her nationality and being half Korea. Zoey would never forget the first time a boy in her class used his fingers and pulled his eyes back as a racist gesture towards Zoey. She would never forget how he had never received any sort of punishment and how Zoey was told she was being dramatic which caused the other kids to ignore her. She was isolated in school but that was nothing compared to moving to Korea. Her mother had decided it was best to pack up and fly across the world to a nation Zoey had only visited a few times. As a lonely American girl, Zoey felt like a fish out of water, she knew very little Korean and had no clue the custom norms, but that all changed when she met Rumi and Mira. Unlike others, they took a chance on her and actually taught her everything she needed about Korea. It was thanks to their efforts Zoey could sing in fluent Korean when she could barely say hello when she arrived. Zoey couldn’t let them go, she needed them and they were her everything. Then Zoey spotted her, it was Mira.

“Mira!” She shouted.

Mira didn’t respond as Zoey ran up to the railing Mira was looking out over. The city below looked so peaceful like the collapse of their entire family didn’t just happen. Mira then let out a sigh and spoke.

“I’m done Zoey.”

“Done with what?” She asked, uncertain of what Mira was asking.

“With this, with demon hunting and with Huntrix.” Clarified Mira.

“What? Why?” Zoey asked.

“Because… because I can’t be a part of something that doesn’t make room for me. All the lies and deceit, those were things I strived to leave behind, not throw myself back into that situation. I want to be a part of something that is honest with me and trusts me.” Stated Mira.

“But the Honmoon, Rumi!” Zoey said.

“I’ll still protect the Honmoon but I’m not being a part of Huntrix anymore, as for Rumi… I just need more time.” Replied Mira.

“I understand…” Said Zoey, more defeated than before.

The pair said nothing as they continued to stare out over the peaceful city below. Zoey had been stressed before now but being here with the person she loved made it melt away. She would tell Mira someday, just now wasn’t the right moment. Suddenly they saw a ripple of magenta shoot across the Honmoon like someone had thrown a stone into a still pond. They overlooked the railing and saw trails of magenta extending from Namsan tower like the tentacles of an octopus ready to devour its meal. 

“Gwi-ma.” They both said in unison.

Just then, Zoey’s phone rang. Zoey picked it up not expecting anything important but she fumbled hitting accept when she saw it was Celine.

“Hello?” 

“Zoey, something's wrong with Rumi, I’m just calling to tell you I have a plan if the Honmoon is to break. If that takes place it will be up to you to train the next generation. I believe in you.” Celine’s staticky voice said on the other end then she hung up.

Zoey put the phone away and started to walk away but noticed Mira wasn’t joining her.

“Mira, let’s go.”

“I’m not going.” Stated Mira.

“Why? Asked Zoey.

“I can’t look at Rumi right now.” Replied Mira.

“Ok, then you can stay out of sight.” Replied Zoey.

“Ok then, I’ll help protect the Honmoon but I will not speak with Rumi.” Mira said.

Mira reluctantly began to follow behind Zoey as she walked towards Namsan tower to confront the dangers ahead.

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

Jinu felt hollow while performing. He had betrayed everyone he had ever cared about for his own selfish desires. First his parents and now Rumi. Speaking of her, Jinu hoped she wouldn’t appear tonight. He could not face the regret of what he had done to her, it was his fault she was in pain and he would never recover if she fell into Gwi-ma’s control because of his actions. He only hoped Mira and Zoey would support her and prove all the lies he and Gwi-ma spew. As Jinu danced the stadium was abuzz with lights and cheers from the audience. Anyone would believe they were wearing makeup and that the flames consuming everything they touched were just really advanced pyrotechnics and not the embodiment of evil making its way into this world. Jinu had no choice as he had nowhere else to turn to, he lost Rumi and he lost his chance at redemption. He was driven by shame and guilt for what he had done. Jinu was broken from his trance at the sound of a female voice.

“We are hunters, voices strong. Slaying demons with our song.”

The voice was demonic and warped, but Jinu knew who it was.

“No! Why did you come here? Leave! Save yourself!” His inner thoughts screamed but he was unable to verbalize them.

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

Rumi stood with a look of crippling depression. Her shame and her guilt were overwhelming her. She felt like Sisyphus, every time she hoped to push past her pain, something would drag her right back to square one. Rumi hoped that this time she would finally succeed and prove to the world that she was not a mistake, her mantra had everyone’s attention, now it was time to make the stand. Rumi’s golden, slitted eyes looked up and met the flames of Gwi-ma. Gwi-ma’s body looked like a barbeque flame that had overgrown the grill it was in, he consumed the entire stage but he looked elegant while doing so.

“You come here looking like this? You think you can fix the world? You can’t even fix yourself?” Gwi-ma states.

“I can’t” Rumi’s voice is monotone and without emotion.

“And now they see you for what you really are.”

“They do.”

“And the Honmoon is gone.

“It is. So we can make a new one.” Rumi’s voice held the slight flicker of hope in the endless void that was her soul.

“We?” Gwi-ma asks.

We? What does he mean? 

“Look around little hunter. The ones you call friends are not here for you.” Gwi-ma says.

Rumi’s eyes widen as she raises her head to look around the stadium. Gwi-ma’s statements to her for the last few days couldn’t be right could they? Rumi’s eyes frantically scan the crowd for any sign of anyone she cared about but nothing. Rumi felt the last bit of hope die in her like someone had dropped a match into an ocean of despair, no one was here for her.

“Your friends have abandoned you, your mentor has forsaken you and even your manager isn’t here for you. You are alone.” Gwi-ma mocks.

He was right, not even Bobby was among the crowd. Rumi felt darkness wash over her. She never felt more alone, in her time of need no one showed up. They never trusted her and when the lies collapsed, they only saw her as a demon, a mistake.

“You pretend to be something you’re not for those who don’t care about you. A mistake they call you. Shun you for your mere existence they do, but you can be something much more.”

Gwi-ma’s voice shifted from the ice cold feel he gave off. His voice suddenly felt warmer, kinder, more inviting. Rumi could feel it on the back of her head, it called to her.

“They told you your patterns were hideous, but I never thought that. You are alone but you don’t have to be. Come my child, join your real family. We will never have to be something you're not. I offer you a place of belonging.”

Gwi-ma’s voice felt like a warm blanket on Rumi’s tired mind. Rumi let herself fall to her knees, she had no fight left in her. What was the point in fighting anymore? She was always a pawn in a larger game, trained to hide what she was from everyone. The same everyone that had abandoned her the moment she revealed her true identity. Rumi relented and let the warmth envelop her. It felt welcoming, comforting and most of all, peaceful. All of Rumi’s senses went quiet as Gwi-ma’s laughs quieted in the distance. Rumi did not notice the changes taking place, and that was probably for the best.

Chapter Text

Jinu stared at where Rumi had fallen. Rumi, the girl who had cared for him, loved him even, was now firmly under the control of Gwi-ma and it was entirely his fault. It was his fault her patterns had spread over her body, it was his fault her friends had left her and it was his fault when she finally let go. Jinu stared at the floor of the stage, its reflective nature acting as a mirror allowing Jinu to see himself. He could see the hanbok he was wearing, his purple skin with its magenta pulsing patterns and his searing golden eyes with their red pupils staring back at him. Jinu couldn’t help but make a disgusted face at himself, this was who he was. He was this disgusting demon who hurt everyone that ever cared about him, he was the real monster, not Gwi-ma and certainly not Rumi. He was full of shame and regret for his treatment of Rumi and he deserved every moment of it, he deserved eternal torment for his actions. Suddenly, Jinu’s thoughts were interrupted by a scream. It was the sound of something in deep searing pain like it had been ripped open by a wild animal, something primal at its core. Jinu was jerked towards the source of the sound and saw it was Rumi. Jinu felt the crushing weight of guilt like someone had dropped an anvil on his head, he knew what was going to happen, he had felt it himself long ago. He watched as Rumi’s patterns glowed as intense as Gwi-ma’s flames. They shone and expanded across the remaining parts of her body like serpents. Rumi’s remaining hand elongated into claws and turned a deep purple, leaving her hands looking deadly and monstrous. Jinu watched as Rumi’s skin changed to a deep purple to match his own. He watched her teeth become sharp like an ever hungry predator ready to tear flesh from the bone. Finally he saw Rumi open her eyes, but they were different. Her eyes still retained their golden irises but her pupils had changed to blood red, cat-like slits like his very own, the unmistakable sign of something inhuman, a demon. Jinu saw then Rumi regain consciousness and stand up to her feet.

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

Rumi’s head felt like she had been hit over with a baseball bat, it was a throbbing pain that not even the strongest pain killer would cure. Rumi tried to hold her head in her hands only to be met with the unfamiliar sensation of being stabbed. Rumi looked at her hands as her eyes widened in shock.

“My hands…” Was all her inner thoughts could manage.

Rumi looked at her now clawed hands with unfamiliarity, were these really hers? Sure enough, she could move them freely like any normal hand confirming they were indeed hers. Rumi then caught her reflection in the floor below, it was different. The first thing she noticed was her eyes shining golden like the Honmoon had hours earlier along with her pupils that looked like they belonged on a cat. Rumi then looked at her whole arms and saw they were the same color as the nearby Saja Boys but Rumi didn’t have time to explore further as Gwi-ma called.

“Welcome to the family my child, you look so beautiful like that.” Gwi-ma’s voice called.

It was oddly comforting for her full and complete self to be called beautiful even if it was coming from the literal embodiment of evil. Maybe it hidden mental changes or if Rumi had been starved of positive validation for too long, but she didn’t care. 

“Now that you are mine I have a very important job for you.” Said Gwi-ma.

“I accept.” Rumi said without hesitation. 

Why hesitate when she had nothing else? No one supported or loved the real her, even Jinu abandoned her, so why not accept the grace of the only thing that had shown her comfort?

“Very good. Now, go get changed.” Said Gwi-ma.

Rumi did as she was told. She left for the back stage to change for whatever Gwi-ma had planned for her. She shouldn’t obey this easily but something was changed inside her, she was compelled to follow orders but she didn’t know if it was his control or by her own free will. 

~~~~~~~~~~

Mira and Zoey reached the entrance to the stage at Namsan tower. There was an eerie silence like the entire area had been covered in a soundproof barrier. Not even the wind could be heard as even their breathing sounded like a symphony.

“It’s too quiet.” Said Zoey, her voice reverberating like someone had just shouted into a megaphone.

“I don’t like this.” Mira replied.

They proceeded to push the double doors open, their sound announcing to the world of their presence. 

“Gwi-ma!” Zoey shouted, summoning her shin-kal. 

“So you did show up after all, I expected as much but you’re already too late.” Said Gwi-ma.

“Shut up you monster! Where is Rumi?” Mira shouted back.

“The girl? The one you abandoned at the first sight of her marks, the one who gave you everything while you gave nothing in return, the one who despite it all, tried to fight for what she believed in, that Rumi?” Gwi-ma said, his voice chilling and targeted.

Those words made Mira’s heart feel heavy like stone. Those words were incredibly targeted towards them and it worked. 

“Yes her, now where is she?” Said Zoey pointing a shin-kal a Gwi-ma.

“Very well.” Said Gwi-ma.

Just then, a shadowed figure appeared in front of Gwi-ma's flames. The figure’s features could not be made out as their shadow was a black as a black hole that feasted on the light. The only thing Mira could see was the piercing, hollow stare of their vibrantly golden eyes. Those eyes, they weren’t human yet they had a feeling of familiarity which was impossible, they would never friend a demon. Right.

The figure walked forward slowly, creeping forward like a tiger stalking a deer, ready to enjoy the fear once it got close. Mira instinctively pointed her gok-do at the figure as she got the feeling of being threatened, as did Zoey. As the figure came into the light, their features became abundantly clear, Zoey gasped at the sight.

“Rumi…?” She said.

Sure enough it was Rumi, or at least possessed her features, but with stark differences. Rumi looked like a demon in both looks and outfit choice. Gone was her white crop top and shorts of the idol awards, replaced by a black hanbok with a large brimmed hat with a bead chain. Rumi looked like she was a member of the Saja Boys now with the exception of them being absent.

“You point your weapons at me again Mira, Zoey. Is my appearance really that frightening?” Rumi said, her voice warped like two voices in one, sounding like a distorted vinyl record but still recognizable

“Rumi… Rumi, snap out of it, this isn’t you.” Said Mira.

“Oh Mira, you don’t get it do you? This IS me, it always was, you just didn’t want to see it.” Replied Rumi.

“No it’s not, the Rumi I knew would never give in to the demons.” Said Mira, her gok-do still filling the void between them.

“Did you really know me, Mira, or just what you wanted me to be? When I showed my real self you left me. When I was at my lowest you abandoned me. When I begged for mercy you pointed your weapons at me. This is the real me, you just didn’t want to see it.” Replied Rumi, her demonic voice causing what was left of the Honmoon to convulse like a laser light show at Christmas.

“What did you do to her, you monster!” Shouted Zoey.

“I did nothing she didn’t want. It was you who did this to her. Who wasn’t here for her when she needed it most? Who looked at her with disgust when her real self was shown? It was you who caused this, she is YOUR failure, I only offered her what she craved, a place to belong.” Gwi-ma said, taking pleasure in their pain.

“Do what you must, show them the real you.”

Rumi’s eyes locked on to Mira, their stare laying bare the shame and guilt within her soul. If only she hadn’t run away maybe things would’ve been different. Rumi then faded from view in a puff of magenta smoke.

“Mira, watch out!” Zoey screamed, throwing a shin-kal to interrupt Rumi’s strike.

Mira turned around and sure enough, she had just barely dodged a strike that would’ve ended her, but thanks to Zoey Rumi’s claws had caught air.

Rumi keeps up the strikes, she is intending to kill while Zoey and Mira only fight to defend. Sure Rumi had lied to them and had fallen, they still couldn’t bring themselves to end the person they had spent years beside. Killing Rumi would be like killing themselves and right now they felt like their hearts had been dunked in battery acid and left to rot. Seeing Rumi like this was like a slow and painful suicide of their very souls. 

“WHY COULDN'T YOU LOVE ME!” Rumi screamed, her voice demonic and distorted, causing the Honmoon to rip apart like someone had thrown a cigarette onto a white sheet. 

“We did love you Rumi, I know this is pointless now but we are sorry, we should’ve accepted you, we should’ve been here for you.” Mira said, tears streaming down her face at the weight of her sins. 

“YOUR APOLOGY MEANS SHIT!” Rumi screamed, her attacks becoming more violent and reckless. 

Rumi’s recklessness had left her open to attack, which Zoey had taken advantage of and kneed Rumi in the stomach incapacitating her. Rumi fell to her knees in pain as her claws left deep gashes in the floor. 

“Rumi…” Mira said, reaching down only to pull back quickly as Rumi tried to swipe her.

“I HATE ALL OF YOU! GWI-MA WAS RIGHT ABOUT YOU!” Rumi screamed.

It was painfully clear that the Rumi they loved was gone, consumed by the shame and darkness within her heart, and it was their faults. Huntrix was dead and they were to blame. Suddenly a wave of blue washed over the stadium causing Rumi to start to get pushed below the ground. The Honmoon, it had been restored. 

“RUMI!” Zoey screamed, reaching out, but it was no use.

“No, no, no, Rumi! Please don’t go, we’re sorry.” Mira cried, unable to bear watching her friend getting rejected by the Honmoon. 

“Why couldn’t you accept me? That’s all I ever wanted, was to be by your side as the real me.” Rumi’s final words rang before she finally was pushed into the demon realm to suffer eternity for the sin of being born. It wasn’t fair, why did they have to lose her? They loved her and her figurative death had carved their souls out and pulverized them in a blender. They would never be the same.

Gwi-ma was gone but so was Rumi and they could only cry. Cry for Rumi and cry that they had failed her. 

~~~~~~~~~~

Celine stood by the tree, the Honmoon hanging from it with it’s threads snapped and glowing magenta. This had been her fault, she had been the one to tell Rumi to hide who she was, she was the one who had forced Rumi, her beautiful daughter, to torture herself for years. Self-image issues, let alone cultivated ones, never die on their own and now that betrayal could cost the world. Celine needed to pay for her failures, if not for herself then for the pain she caused Rumi. Nothing would undo the weight of her sins on the world but she could ensure its future protection. The Honmoon was gone, but it didn’t have to be, Celine could ensure it’s survive for the next generation of hunters. She had already signed over everything to Zoey, the record label, the training grounds, everything. Celine knew what she had to do. The Honmoon is normally built and strengthened by song but there is another, untested method. The Honmoon can be restored if a hunter, past or present, gives their soul up by their own hands. Celine had failed but she would turn that failure into the only way she knew how to, by giving herself up.

Celine stood by the base of the tree and chanted the mantra needed to complete the ritual. Celine felt like she was floating as her body began to dissolve into a fit of blue light, this would never make up for what she did to Rumi, but at least the world wouldn’t have to suffer for her actions. Celine’s soul began to shift into threads as it expanded across the world. She would become the new Honmoon to protect the world and to protect future generations. Celine was no more as her body was gone, she wasn’t Celine anymore either, her soul now the basis of the new Honmoon. The Honmoon was back, but the world felt emptier than it ever had been before.

~~~~~~~~

Zoey looked out onto the training grounds, watching three girls swinging sticks at eachother. The new generation was excelling in their training and their bond with each other had never been stronger. It had been 10 years since they lost Rumi, ten years since Huntrix was disbanded. Zoey was now the sole heir to Sunlight Records and the sole protector of the future of the hunters. Zoey’s face was starting to show her age, or maybe it was the stress of her life. Zoey moved to sit at the table, a glass of expensive French wine in her hand. Ever since inheriting Celine’s title as mentor she finally figured out why Celine loved alcohol so much. Alcohol dulls her mind, providing relief from the guilt of the past and her own tortured memories. As for Mira, Mira had left Korea on a mission of bettering the world. After that night she couldn’t bear to sing anymore and had decided to help out others around the world, although Zoey missed her, she hoped she was doing well. Zoey heard the door burst open like a group of tornadoes making their presence known.

“Imo, look! I summoned a knife.” The child said, proudly displaying the shimmering dagger that reminded Zoey of her own shin-kal.

“That’s wonderful.” She said, patting the child on the head.

Zoey was determined to right the wrongs of the past, she was going to raise the next generation of hunters with love and support, always encouraging them to be themselves.

“Why don’t we go learn how to use them?” Zoey said as the child cheered.

At least hope still remained.