[CHAPTER XXXI]

Companions

“What do you mean I’m not human?” Hakyeon asked.

“Your mother… she’s not human. She’s a God as well. The Goddess of the Moon. She was born and raised in the Underworld just like Taekwoon. She left her world because she fell in love with your father when they were young.” Jaehwan told Hakyeon the truth.

“Wait what?” Hakyeon still confused. Just how much more surprises can he take in a single day?

“I told you I was sent down the mortal realm for my training as well as to study the human world but there was also one other task that the higher orders gave me. They knew that your mother broke the law of the Gods and left the Underworld to marry a mortal. On top of that, gave birth to a child. You. They wanted me to watch over her in case any of the secrets from the Gods were spilled and that I would have to eliminate her,” Jaehwan proclaimed.

“What? So if my mom said anything about the Gods…”

“I would have to kill her.”

Hakyeon gulped hard, unable to speak another word.

“But she didn’t. So you don’t have to worry. Except… she became a victim of the consequences of leaving the world of the Gods. Her illness. She became sick because she cast her own godly identity to live in the human world. She knew very well that she would die eventually, but she couldn’t leave your father or you alone.”

“I see… that’s why none of the doctors were able to cure her. No one could tell us what the cause of her illness was,” Hakyeon sighed in depression as he thought back at the times when he felt like he couldn’t do anything to help his sick mother.

Hongbin patted Hakyeon on the back, trying to make sure the older didn’t cry.

“So does that mean Hakyeon has some sort of God’s blood or inheritance in him?” Hongbin asked.

Jaehwan nodded.

“Hakyeon-hyung was born from a mortal and a God. This makes him a Demigod.”

“Demigod? But I don’t feel anything different than just being… human. I don’t have any powers or anything that I know of…” Hakyeon said.

“That’s what I don’t get either. You’re the first Demigod that I know of. I’ve always thought you had a strange atmosphere around you since I first arrived in Pinewoods but none of your powers ever awakened. That’s why I’m curious too,” Jaehwan said. “Anyways, it doesn’t seem like we can make your young master here change his mind about not following us to the Underworld either. So let’s just get ready and leave. We need to go to Pinewoods first before anything though.”

Hakyeon looked at Hongbin. He knew he was putting Hongbin in danger as well but he also knew that the younger was more stubborn than he was. Hongbin always got what he wanted. He just has to make sure to keep Hongbin safe.

He was still too surprised at learning his own identity. It was as if he could no longer run away from his fate. He’s learned too much about himself, his own family, and everyone around him. They were all involved one way or another.

In the world around him.

*   *   *   *   *   *

With the help of Jaehwan’s powers, the three of them made their way back to Pinewoods rather quickly. It usually takes several days or even a week just walking from the Capital to Pinewoods but Jaehwan showed his skills as a God and teleported him from one place to another. It was a rather convenient ability to have.

“I’m going back home first to see how dad is doing. Maybe you can show Hongbin around town?” Hakyeon suggested to Jaehwan.

“No way. I’m coming with you.” Hongbin persisted. He was rather wary about Jaehwan and didn’t feel exactly safe around the all mighty God. So he stuck close to Hakyeon.

“Guess we have no choice huh? Kong here doesn’t want to be left alone with the nice ol’ me.” Jaehwan joked around as he placed his arms around Hongbin and trying to scare the younger even more.

Hakyeon couldn’t help but laugh at the sight of Jaehwan trying to pick on the younger because Hongbin didn’t seem too used to Jaehwan’s personality yet. Hakyeon used to joke around like Jaehwan when he was younger as well but he’s changed. Too many things have happened for him not to change and before he realized it, there was already no turning back. He just didn’t know how to joke or boast anymore like he used to. He was once so carefree in order to hide his own dark side but now, he wanted to mature. At the same time, he wanted to find ways to strengthen himself.

On their way to Pinewoods, Jaehwan told Hakyeon that he had to be stronger and train more in order to make sure that he wouldn’t be consumed by the darkness immediately after they arrived at the Underworld. Jaehwan taught both Hongbin and Hakyeon how to meditate their minds and strengthen their mentality. None of them knew how long their trip would be on the other side, so one way or another, going back to Pinewoods was a way for them to relax.

“Dad! I’m home!” Hakyeon said as soon as he got home.

He hasn’t been back home since he left Pinewoods three years ago. He’s hesitated a few times and wanted to come back but he was afraid that he didn’t want to leave if he came home. He’s only ever written letters to his father but seldom got any reply. Hongbin’s father, on the other hand, made sure to write back to Hakyeon to ensure that the boy knew his father was alright.

“Welcome home,” Hongbin’s father came out from the kitchen.

“It’s been awhile, uncle. Thank you for everything.” Hakyeon bowed.

“No need. You should’ve said something if you were coming home. Your father just went to rest, so it’s best not to disturb him.” He said.

“Dad!” Hongbin shouted as soon as he entered after Hakyeon.

“Hongbin! Quiet down. Why are you here as well?”

“Uh… Hakyeon said he wanted to come home for a visit so I came along as well. And to see you too,” Hongbin ran up to his father and gave him a hug. Sure Hongbin can be quite bold and cold with others, but he loved and respected his father greatly. Hakyeon couldn’t help but be envious of the two’s relationship. If only his father was back to the way he was, he could give his father a hug too.

“Well, make sure you don’t fool around while you’re here okay? This is Hakyeon’s home after all. By the way, you two must be hungry right? It takes a long time to get here after all. Go ahead and rest while I prepare some food for you two.” Hongbin’s father said.

“Make that three sir!” Jaehwan suddenly popped in from behind.

“You are?”

“I’m Hakyeon’s friend! I used to live here in Pinewoods as well. At the Starlight Inn!” Jaehwan said excitedly at the notion of food being prepared.

“Oh, my. I’ve heard about you and your brothers from the folks here before. But you guys disappeared. What happened?”

“Oh, nothing. We just decided to go back home to our parent’s. That’s all.” Jaehwan lied.

“I see. Well then, I guess I’ll make double the portions for us all. It’s going to be a full table tonight.”

“Thank you, sir!” Jaehwan said as he grabbed Hongbin along to help Hongbin’s father with the food preparations.

Hakyeon took this as an opportunity to go see how his own father was doing. He hasn’t seen his old man for years and although his father was still recovering, Hakyeon wanted to see him. Even for a bit.

*   *   *   *   *   *

Hakyeon gently opened the bedroom door to see his father while he was resting. As he sat by his father’s bed and watched him sleep, he saw how tired and how much older his father has become. Hongbin’s father said that his father was slowly recovering but because of his wife passing away, the rehabilitation was slow. But it was working. When Hakyeon’s mother first left them, his father only knew how to cry and drink. He never once had a proper meal nor sleep. Now, his father was peacefully resting before him.

“I’m sorry for not being able to be here for you dad,” Hakyeon whispered.

Hakyeon fixed his father’s bed sheets making sure his father stayed warm and quietly left the room. He was at least able to see his father’s face before leaving.

Hakyeon went back to his own room to pack some of his own clothes for the journey. He didn’t really know what to put in his luggage though. A few pairs of pants and shirt should do the job. Honestly, he didn’t have many hopes for his stay in the Underworld. Who knows whether or not he would even survive a single day there? From the stories that Jaehwan told him, the Underworld was a dark place. Eerie from the cries and sorrows of the dead as well as the Gods that were turned away from the Heavens.

Jaehwan also told him about Taekwoon’s father, who was the previous Ruler of the Underworld. Jaehwan’s father and Taekwoon’s father were brothers back when the two were in the Heavens. Which made Jaehwan and Taekwoon ‘cousins’, even though Taekwoon still had no idea of Jaehwan’s true identity. That’s why Jaehwan has always looked after Taekwoon since they first met in Pinewoods.

As Hakyeon was finishing up with his packing, he saw a small journal that was placed on his dresser. It didn’t look like it belonged to him, nor did he remember ever placing such a thing before he left home. He went to inspect what it was and at the bottom of the journal, a letter stood out to him.

Dear Hakyeon, my one, and only son.

It was his mother’s handwriting. A letter for Hakyeon.

Hakyeon was surprised to see a letter from his mother. It was never there when she passed away nor before he left the town to go to the Capital. He took the letter and opened it.

My child, Hakyeonie. How are you doing? Are you eating well? Sleeping well? By the time you have come across this letter, I am most likely no longer in this world. Day by day, my body has only become weaker and I know that my time is finally due. I have no regrets though. Meeting your father and giving birth to such a wonderful son like you, I could not ask for more.

I’ve always wanted to tell you how much you mean the world to me. I was born in a place of darkness, where light never shined through but the both of you gave me hope. Your existence was my light.

I am not human.

I was once a God who lived in a world called Hell or Underworld and watched over an heirloom called the ‘Moon.’ It was my job to keep it safe from the possessions of the evils but when I met your father, I left my own duties to find my own happiness. And I really did. I was happy. But I’m more worried about you, my son. Are you happy?

I know you broke up with Taekwoon but did you really want to break up with him? Although I was against the two of you, in the beginning, I could see how much he means to you. Do you really not regret letting him go? He’s not from the same world as you but I know how much he means to you. You were always a bright and cheerful child but there are times when I feel like you weren’t as happy as you appeared to be. You never tell me how you feel or think except tell us that you’re alright. But when Taekwoon came to Pinewoods, it was the first time when I saw you as truly happy. I want you to always be as happy as you were when Taekwoon was here.

Please. Find your happiness. I don’t want you to have any regrets. That child, Taekwoon, have sacrificed so much for you as well. He is a God just like myself and he was getting just as sick as I am for staying here in the human world. Because he loves you. Even when I told him that he should leave, he refused. He wanted to be with you. And I can see how much you want to be with him as well.

As I am writing this letter, I am also prepared to tell you everything about the truth about your identity. I am a Goddess and your father is a mortal. Which makes you half of a God as well. You may probably wonder why none of your powers ever awakened but there is a reason for that. I have sealed your powers when you were born with the last ounce of my abilities. In order to awaken those powers, you must go to the Underworld.

There is something called the ‘Moon’ there. I use to guard the Moon as my own duty as a God. But since I left the Underworld, I kept the Moon hidden somewhere safe. There are two different Moons, however. Two halves of the Moon that only we, as guardians, know of. One half was possessed by the Ruler of the Underworld and the other, by its guardians. The two halves of the Moon was divided in order to make sure that the Rulers of the Underworld would never become too powerful to overthrow the Heavens. If the two halves become whole, its wielder would become too powerful. That’s why it has remained a secret for many millennia. Please find the other half and awaken your abilities and find Taekwoon.

Find your happiness.

Hakyeon stared at the letter from his mother and read it over and over. Reread it so many times over his tears. He never cried once during his mother’s funeral and his tears were dried up even for the past few years living in the Capital. But now, his tears would not stop. His mother was always so attentive about him despite how hard he tried to cover up how he truly felt. His mother knew everything about her son and Hakyeon couldn’t help but feel the regrets of not being as filial as he could be when she was alive.

He also recalled the time when Taekwoon left the town once because the other said he had something urgent to attend to. Taekwoon didn’t leave because he wanted to, but because he was getting sick. Hakyeon was always worried about Taekwoon’s healthy during that time but because he didn’t know how to help him, he was only able to care for Taekwoon as much as he could. Taekwoon tried to stay in the human world because Hakyeon asked him to yet Hakyeon only knew how to turn him away and break his heart.

Hakyeon felt the remorse for breaking his love’s heart. He was Taekwoon’s happiness and Taekwoon was him but he was too ignorant to see it. With his mother’s letter, he made a promise to himself.

A promise to not have any more regrets. He was resolved to make things correct again. To find his happiness and go to the Underworld to retrieve Taekwoon.

Taekwoon came to the human world and sacrificed so much for Hakyeon, so Hakyeon was ready to do the same.

Along with Jaehwan and Hongbin, Hakyeon was ready to leave the human world and venture into the dark and evil world of the Gods. The Underworld.