[Chapter IX]

Resolution

Instead of heading straight home like usual, Taekwoon went to the swamps instead. He didn’t know why but he felt like there could be answers there. As if, Ravi could help somehow…

Wait, that’s right! The drawing! Taekwoon suddenly remembered and picked up his pace as he headed towards the cottage. He never got the chance to ask why there was a drawing of the exact same door as the one he occasionally visited in his secret little place. He was too distracted by his battle with Ravi that time on top of helping Hyuk.

*   *   *   *   *   *

The land felt a lot cooler than the time Taekwoon had first stepped onto. It seems like Ravi was taking a break after his battle with Taekwoon. He used so much magic during that time that he needed to replenish his powers and for some reason, Ravi predicted that Taekwoon would visit from time to time. Somewhere deep down, Ravi probably wanted someone to company him and despite how he looked, he was warm-hearted and caring. He had his guards up when he first met Taekwoon but he felt that the young master was different from the rest, slightly resembling himself. He was also worried about whether or not Hyuk's wounds have completely healed from their battle. He had a soft spot for animals, especially dogs even if they’re hellhounds or if they had three heads…

“So? What brings you here?” Ravi asked Taekwoon the moment the door was opened.

He stole a glance at Taekwoon's sides to see if Hyuk was accompanying his master but unfortunately, Hyuk wasn’t. Ravi was slightly disappointed.

“I want to ask about that picture,” Taekwoon pointed at the mysterious drawing on the wall.

“Huh?”

The drawing of the door didn’t just resemble the door in Taekwoon and Hakyeon’s secret base but it was a complete replica of it.

A door without a knob…

Ravi and Taekwoon sat at the living room and looked at one another in silence. How does one start a conversation about a door? Or the possibility of crossing to the other world when everyone knew it was illegal to do so. It was a forbidden topic that no one would dare to talk about.

“Well, what of that picture?” Ravi finally said.

“Um… It looks familiar,” Taekwoon replied.

“Oh? Does it now?”

Silence.

Should Taekwoon tell Ravi about his secret meetings with a mortal for the past decade? How much can Taekwoon trust Ravi though?

“Cough it up, you’re hiding something aren’t you? I won’t tell you if you can’t tell me why you suddenly decide to show up at my place and interested in that picture.”

“I… I’ve seen that door. In the Forest of Nightmares on the outskirts of town.” Taekwoon hesitated.

“And? There’s more to that right?” Ravi could feel that Taekwoon was hiding something and he knew exactly how to make Taekwoon spill his secrets.

“I met… a mortal on the other side. Well, more like talked to him.”

“Oh.”

Ravi didn’t seem too surprised. In fact, it seemed like he was expecting it.

“Do you know something about that door?” Taekwoon asked.

“You really don’t know anything about that door huh? Let me guess, you want to cross the other side don’t you?”

Correct.

Ravi seemed to know everything that Taekwoon was thinking of or Taekwoon was too much like an open book.

“Yes…” Taekwoon answered in his small voice while his eyes began to trace the patterns on the wooden floor. He was feeling guilty for some reason.

“What would you do if you got to the other side?”

Taekwoon let out a deep breath and decided that it was no use of hiding anything from Ravi. It seemed like the man knew exactly how to interrogate every answer out of Taekwoon if he tried to hide anything at all. Taekwoon told Ravi about how he stumbled upon the door when he was a child and met a mortal named Cha Hakyeon. The place they met became Taekwoon’s only haven and that he’s been feeling more desperate than ever to crossing to the other side because of what happened earlier that day. He reassured Ravi that Hakyeon doesn’t know about the Underworld or Gods but simply lied that he lived in another ‘mortal’ world separated by that door.

“Do you like him? This Cha Hakyeon?” Ravi looked straight at Taekwoon’s eyes.

Taekwoon nodded. He knows that it was wrong to have such feelings for a mortal, and a man at that. But what could he do? His feelings couldn’t be stopped.

*   *   *   *   *   *

Ravi scratched his head and continued looking at Taekwoon, then let out a deep sigh. Instead of being disgusted about Taekwoon’s desires, he was strangely accepting of it to which gave Taekwoon a peace in mind. Taekwoon was thankful that Ravi didn’t react negatively to his story.

“That door used to be a link between the mortal world and the Underworld. But ever since mortals became more intelligent and harder to manipulate, the Gods sealed it off completely. In fact, the Heavens have the same door to connect to the other world. But the one in the Heavens is highly guarded and only higher officials have access to it especially for research purposes. It’s nothing unusual but not many Gods know about it now except for those in charge of looking after it. The elders don’t talk about this especially after the ban of interacting with mortals was implemented.”

“Is there no way to cross to the other side?” Taekwoon asked with a glint of hope in his eyes. Ravi could sense him being too hopeful about the situation after hearing the story.

“There is a way but… it’s tricky and needs time to prepare. Normal magic or godly powers won’t be able to break down that door. I’m sure you’ve tried before, right?”

“Mhmm…”

“You know what? If you can successfully steal the Moon, I will help you get to the other side. I have nothing against you interacting with humans and it seems like our thoughts are similar regarding them. Humans are harmless yet the Gods fear them, so you being a friend with one isn’t a bad thing either. Maybe, just maybe, some sort of revolution can start from all of this.”

Ravi’s mind was set on diminishing the Gods of their power and bringing freedom to the mortal realm. It seems strange to most people but Taekwoon was different, he wanted to help Ravi more than ever. Taekwoon was desperate in crossing the other side to the point that he’s willing to take all risks.

Yes, he was resolved to obtaining the Moon from his father, no matter what it takes.

Taekwoon knew that in order to steal the Moon, he would have to fight his father. This meant, he had to be stronger than ever. Ravi helped Taekwoon train to control his powers as much as he could without the Moon. Day after day, the two would practice and battle with one another over the swamps where there would be no one to interfere. Hyuk, who saw his master’s determination, also joined in the training. The two had to be ready for anything.

“So, you still haven’t figured out where your dad hid the Moon?”

Taekwoon shook his head.

“Not yet. He also barely leaves the mansion so it’s even harder to search his room.”

“Hmm. It has to be somewhere in your house though. The one who looks after the Moon or the Sun is never too far from the items because their powers rely on it. If he doesn’t leave his room often, there could be a chance that that’s where it is located. You just need an opening.”

Besides his study room and bedroom, Taekwoon’s father seldom leaves the house and would barely walk around the mansion. The father and son were similar in that way. But Taekwoon also thought the chances of the Moon being located in those places would be rare because they were rooms that the housekeepers would visit the most. If anything had to be found, surely the housekeepers would’ve found it by now. Could there be someplace else that his father frequents but Taekwoon doesn’t know about?

“We might need to create some kind of diversion once you have located the Moon as well. Going head-on with your dad is going to be tough even if the three of us go against him together.” Ravi said as he looked at Hyuk. The three of them including Hyuk.

Taekwoon agrees.

Just the three of them training as much as possible isn’t going to be enough. Taekwoon’s father is considered one of the strongest Gods since the time he was in the Heavens. That was why his father’s two elder brothers teamed up against him to bring him down. Their betrayal was enough to bring out the wrath that his father had hidden inside of him down to the world of the dead. If he were to know of Taekwoon’s treachery, who knows what would happen.

“I’ll see if there are any other spells I can make to help us. Since you have access to most of the spell books and research in the central library of the Underworld, can you bring them to me to look at?”

Taekwoon nodded.

“In the meantime, just do your best. Every great scheme and the revolution needs time to prepare so don’t overdo it especially since we know you tend to black out and lose control when you exceed your limits.”

Ravi witnessed firsthand as to why Taekwoon desperately wanted help in controlling his powers a few days ago when their practice battle went out of hand. When Taekwoon lost against Ravi during practice sessions, he felt angry at himself for being so weak and on top of that, Taekwoon’s mind has become so overwhelmed by the thoughts of Hakyeon that his heart was becoming consumed by the darkness. Once Taekwoon’s heart was concealed by the nightmares, he would lose control and his powers become limitless from the wrath he feels. Taekwoon was no doubt, the son of the God of the Underworld. It was a side to Taekwoon that even he, himself, did not know about until Ravi and Hyuk had to forcefully restrain him and told him about it afterward. When Taekwoon came back to his senses, he saw the chaos his powers brought to the swamps and how drained the other two looked after trying to stop him. Taekwoon nearly killed Ravi and Hyuk without knowing and that thought scared him the most. Powers that he wasn’t able to control, powers that could destroy everything in its path along with the people he loved the most…

*   *   *   *   *   *

It was Taekwoon’s day off from his lessons or training with Ravi so he had the free time he needed to finally relax without overdoing it too much. Even Ravi told him to take a bit of time off from using his powers too much.

As Taekwoon wandered around the mansion, he noted down every room and corner he could find in his notebook in order to map out a blueprint of his own home. There were too many spots he never knew about and he tried not to get caught in his exploration. Just then, he saw one of the housekeepers dragging one of the new workers out along the corridor and scolding her along the way.

“Didn’t I tell you that we are forbidden to enter that room?” The housekeeper yelled.

“I’m sorry, I forgot.”

“No excuses! The master has laid down the rules to forbid anyone from trespassing in that room at all times.”

“But… it’s just a bathhouse right?”

“Bathhouse or not, if the master says no, it means no. Understand?”

The worker nodded and the two walked off.

Why was Taekwoon’s father so strict about anyone entering the bathhouse to the point that even maids were forbidden to enter? Amongst the many other bathrooms in their mansion, that bathhouse was sacred for some reason. Taekwoon knew that his father would go there to cleanse himself once in a while but it seemed like it was more than just that. As if his father was hiding something. Although Taekwoon knew of the bathhouse's existence, he didn’t think about entering it at all. He was told not to ever step in that room and he listened. Could it be that that’s where the Moon was hidden? But why there? If it’s true, Taekwoon needs to inform Ravi and devise the plan as soon as they can. Although Ravi told Taekwoon not to be in a rush, he couldn’t help but want to hurry. He couldn’t wait any longer than he needs to because Hakyeon’s ‘marriage’ definitely wouldn’t wait for him to say no.

*   *   *   *   *   *

Since the day both Hakyeon and Taekwoon celebrated their anniversary, the two couldn’t find a perfect time to meet up again. If they did, what would they talk about though? Without feeling so awkward. But Taekwoon was worried and curious about Hakyeon and how he was doing. Taekwoon suddenly decided to visit the door despite the fact that he didn’t make plans to meet up with Hakyeon. He simply missed his friend.

As he entered the hole in the tree, he looked around his surroundings and began to reminisce the past. When he was younger, the stories that Hakyeon told him about the other world made him imagine what it must be like to look at a clear blue sky and surrounded by vivid greenery. Although Taekwoon was bad at drawing, he often drew images from his imagination of the other side in the secret base. Those drawings made Taekwoon feel like he was in the mortal realm alongside Hakyeon. The memories and the stories that were told at that place was very special to Taekwoon, so he was most afraid of losing all of it.

“Hakyeon-ah, if only you knew…” Taekwoon murmured to himself as he slid his hands across his drawings.

“Know about what?” Hakyeon’s voice suddenly appeared.

Taekwoon was shocked to suddenly hear Hakyeon’s voice. They weren’t supposed to meet today after all.

“Hakyeon? Why are you here?”

“Because I want to? I could ask you the same thing.”

“…”

“I was bored so I came. I didn’t expect you to be here as well though. So, what did you say I should know about?”

“Nothing. It’s nothing. I was just talking to myself.”

“Sure. Whatever you say.” Hakyeon knew Taekwoon was hiding something but didn’t interrogate him any further for answers. If Taekwoon didn’t want to say it, it was best not to pressure him into doing so.

“How have you been these few days?” Taekwoon finally asked while trying to change the subject.

“Nothing much. School and bakery. Same as usual I guess? You?”

“Nothing.”

Actually, there were many things that happened during the time they last met. So much that Taekwoon almost forgot about it all happening. He didn’t think he had so much going on during the time until Hakyeon had asked.

“So… about your mayor’s request. How’s it going?” Taekwoon was curious despite not wanting to know at the same time.

“Oh, that. Hmm… we talked I guess?”

“Huh? Who?”

“Me and… her. The mayor set us up to meet one another so we did.”

“And?’

“Nothing. Just…”

“Just what?”

“She’s… different. Different from other girls I guess.”

“What do you mean?” Taekwoon was slightly regretting his interrogation. Maybe he shouldn’t have asked.

“I don’t know. Everyone at school is always talking about how cute and smart she is. Like, she’s innocent and loved by all. I can see why though. She helps out the teachers at school, she’s friends with her classmates, gets good grades and the folks in town love her as well. Ever since her dad set us up, she’s also begun to come to help out at the bakery. She’s a good help I guess?”

Taekwoon was feeling jealous of how highly Hakyeon talked about the girl.

“She just feels… too perfect for me though.” Hakyeon continued dispirited.

As much as Taekwoon was jealous and envious of the way Hakyeon was talking about the girl, he couldn’t help but let his curiosity get the best of him. He wanted to know everything that was going on in Hakyeon’s mind and heart.

“Do you like her, then?” Taekwoon could feel his heart being stabbed by his own words.

“I don’t know…”

The hesitation in Hakyeon’s answer gave Taekwoon a displeasing feeling as if Hakyeon was feeling something for the girl. As if she was able to move Hakyeon’s heart to somewhere where Taekwoon could not reach.

*   *   *   *   *   *

The two decided to meet up again like usual but rather than patiently waiting until the next time, Taekwoon felt as if his time was running out. He was beginning to run out of patience. He continued his training with Ravi for several days straight and told him about the bathhouse but they both knew that they needed a plan before jumping into action. Taekwoon was determined that no matter what their plans are, whether they succeed or fail, that he would do anything to get into the realm of mortals.

Even if it means to defy his own father, the Ruler of the Underworld.