[PK] Arirang

[Metamancy 1766]

 

 

OOC:

Spoiler

Wow. This is finally it. Cheong-Won’s PK post.

I didn’t think it would be this soon, but you know what, I feel like her story was very full and complete. Thank you so, so, so much to everyone who made Cheong-Won’s story possible; I’ve had the most fun with her over any other character I’ve ever played. Thank you to all the Won-In players who helped shape the culture I worked so hard on, thank you to all the Kurai-Kuni and Alba folks who made Cheong-Won’s story full. Strangely, this doesn’t feel as hard of a goodbye as I thought it would be. All stories need to come to an end, and I guess this is the end of this one. I look forward to continuing on with the Won-In community on my next character!

 

Music:

Spoiler

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=H_2yhCjGQuQ

 

· · ─────── ·𖥸· ─────── · ·

 

Cheong-Won, now forty-nine years old, stepped off of the ferry leading to Junmura. It was supposed to be just a short trip, to gather some herbs and do some shopping.

 

The moment she stepped off the ferry, she felt her heart leap into her throat. Opposite her, down the dock, stood three terrifying creatures in armor, one on horseback. Fortunately, beside her stood a knight and a soldier; seemingly from some foreign land; they did not appear Oyashi, or Won-In. Idunian, perhaps?

 

She inched closer to the knight on horseback. 

 

“You will protect me, yes?”

 

She murmured, half-joking as she stood next to the horse. 

 

It appeared she had come to the scene right as combat had begun; for the knight on horseback charged forth at the other mounted thing, shouting to the open air.

 

“Protect the woman!”

 

Those creatures came rushing towards them, one coming up on the rear with a potion, one meeting the knight in vicious combat, and one stalking the side of the dock with a controlled balance, circling around the knight and the soldier as its eyes landed upon Cheong-Won hungrily.

 

Instinctually, Cheong-Won immediately connected to the spirit realm, invoking the name of Fiarza, as to bless herself to allow for a jump across the water to the other side of the dock. 

 

Alas, almost as soon as that familiar wind began to pick up around her, a potion was thrown by the creature coming up from the back. She disconnected immediately, spinning around as to try and avoid the impact, but alas, that grey liquid caught her leg. Cheong-Won watched in horror as that liquid turned to stone and began to creep up her leg – cockatrice’s breath. 

 

Her eyes scanned the battlefield – everything was happening so fast. The soldier, who had been commanded to protect her, had been brought to the edge of the dock by the creature on horseback, who was now dismounted. Meanwhile, the knight could be seen clashing in vicious combat with the very same creature that had thrown the potion at Cheong-Won.

 

Cheong-Won felt her heart pounding in her chest as she saw the third demon approach from only a few meters away. Somehow, she knew she could not get out of this; the cockatrice’s breath was now up to her hip, and the vampire fixed its eyes upon her.

 

Shaking, Cheong-Won stepped off of the bridge, her hands in the air. 

 

“Hoh-kay. Jaa. We make a deal, oh-kay? You take me, do whatever ritual you want, drink my blood, whatever – just leave me alive, ne? And I will, uh, comply with everything. Ne?”

 

The greater vampire gazed upon her from behind its fanged helm, contemplating her offer – before it swiftly turned upon the struggling soldier at the edge, kicking him down into the water. Cheong-Won watched, petrified, as the soldier and the other vampire went tumbling down into the depths together. 

 

The vampire watched, grinning in victory, as the stone encased Cheong-Won up to her neck. The last thing Cheong-Won saw before the stone took her was the vampire disarming itself, taking off its armor and helm and shield, to reveal a truly hellish thing, with a most gruesome appearance…

 

…but she had no time to fully comprehend what she saw before the stone encased her fully.

 

· · ─────── ·𖥸· ─────── · ·

 

Cheong-Won was ten. 

 

It was early summer in Chonwon. It was dark outside, and the stars shone brightly in the night sky. Cheong-Won’s mother sat beside her as she lay on the mattress spread across the hard wooden floor. 

 

The little Cheong-Won gazed up at her mother, who smiled down at her daughter lovingly. 

 

“Eomma, norae bulleojwo,” (Mom, sing me a song.)

 

Cheong-Won requested, staring up at her mother with starry eyes. Her mother chuckled some, nodding a little bit silently before parting her lips to sing Cheong-Won a lullaby.

 

“Jajang… jajang… oori… aga…” (Jajng, jajang, my baby…)

 

“Ani, geugeo malgo!” (No, not that one!)

 

Cheong-Won interrupted, her high-pitched voice chiming out in the middle of the night.

 

“Arirang, arirang, haneun geugeo.” (The one that goes arirang, arirang.)

 

Her mother’s brows raised – arirang was not a lullaby. Alas, she smiled, laughing a little. 

 

“Geurae.” (Okay.)

 

She paused for maximum effect, before going to sing once more.

 

“Arirang, arirang, arariyo…”
 

· · ─────── ·𖥸· ─────── · ·

 

“Oppa!” (Brother!)

 

The thirteen-year-old Cheong-Won sobbed as Cheong-Geun looked back at her and the rest of the An family who were waving him goodbye. 

 

Cheong-Seok had been taken a few weeks ago. It was now Cheong-Geun’s turn.

 

“Oppa, kkok gayadwae?” (Brother, must you really go?)

 

Cheong-Geun smiled at Cheong-Won as she ran, barefoot, to wrap her arms around him one last time. 

 

“Eommarang appa jal dolbwogo,” (Make sure to take good care of mom and dad,)

 

The second eldest son of the An family smiled. 

 

“Neomu ooljee malgo. Eejae, Cheong-Woneega oori gajok jangnameeda.” (And don’t cry too much. Now, you are the eldest son of the house.)

 

“Geundae naneun namjaga aneeran marya!” (But I’m not a man!)

 

Cheong-Won sobbed, burying her face in her brother’s chest. A deep sadness crossed Cheong-Geun’s eyes.

 

“Eomoni, abeoji,” (Mother, father,)

 

He spoke somberly, still clinging onto the bawling Cheong-Won. 

 

“Bomhwaleul, Cheong-Woneeaegae jusaeyo. Hwal hananeun jal ssondan maleeaeyo, yaega.” (Please give Cheong-Won the Bow of Spring. If nothing else, this one is a good archer.)

 

Their father, an aged, tired man who had almost fully white hair, nodded firmly at this request as he wrapped a single arm around his sobbing wife.

 

Cheong-Geun pulled away, leaving Cheong-Won to stumble backwards, staring, teary-eyed, at her brother.

 

“Oppa…”

 

Cheong-Geun smiled sadly.

 

“Oyashi manee jugeegeo olkkae.” (I’ll kill a bunch of Oyashi and come back.)

 

The soldiers from the capital appeared, then, spears in their hands, marching down from the end of the dirt road.

 

“An Cheong-Geun,” 

 

One of them declared as they slammed their spears on the ground, with their identical military uniforms. 

 

“Gapshida. Janggunee geedarigo eeseumnida.” (Let us go. The General awaits.)

 

Without another word, Cheong-Geun turned away from his family, and he was gone.

 

· · ─────── ·𖥸· ─────── · ·

 

“...arirang gogaero neomoganda,”

 

A twenty-year-old Cheong-Won sang to her seven-year-old adopted daughter, Areum.

 

Areum stared up at her with sparkling eyes as she lay on a mattress, with Cheong-Won sitting beside her. They were lying in the back of the von Rhoswald tavern, in Alba.

 

Areum drifted off to sleep, leaving Cheong-Won to think about the parents she had left behind as she smiled down at her new daughter…

 

· · ─────── ·𖥸· ─────── · ·

 

“Gageora,” (Go.)

 

The sixteen-year-old Cheong-Won’s father told her. In just a few years, the man had aged significantly, the wrinkles on his face having become ever-more prominent. 

 

Cheong-Won shakily stepped onto the boat, her books, clothes, food, bow, alongside the rest of her belongings strapped to her back inside a sack. 

 

“Abeoji…”

 

Cheong-Won spoke weakly, looking to her father.

 

“Eomoni…”

 

She looked to her mother next, who could not meet her in the eyes. 

 

“Go, find better life,”

 

Her father told her in broken Common, his own voice breaking. Taken aback by the sudden change in language, Cheong-Won’s eyes widened. They had been studying Common, hard, to prepare Cheong-Won for this journey. 

 

“You be better on Aevos, yes?” 

 

Cheong-Won felt tears well in her eyes as the ferryman gave them a moment to enjoy each other’s company one last time. 

 

“Yes, father,”

 

Cheong-Won returned in the same language. Her frail mother descended into heavy, uncontrollable sobs as Cheong-Won’s confused little sister, Cheong-Sin, stared at her with wide eyes.

 

“Unni… eodee ga?” (Big sister… where are you going?)

 

She asked, her voice small and afraid.

 

Cheong-Won could not answer, for, in truth, she was not sure. They had heard only tales of Aevos; a land of magic, where there were elves and dwarves abound, dokkaebi had their own nation, and anything was possible. All she knew was that she was their family’s last hope; the village was withering away. 

 

“Doraolkkae,” (I’ll come back.)

 

Was all Cheong-Won could manage. Little did she know, that was a lie – she would never come back to Chonwon, ever, in the remainder of her life.

 

“Jal eesseo.” (Be well.)

 

Cheong-Sin began to tremble in fear. Cheong-Won found herself mirroring her little sister’s movements as the tears in her eyes began to flow.

 

Her father offered the ferryman a solemn nod, and the boat began to drift away from the docks. 

 

“Ani – andwae!” (No - no!)

 

Cheong-Won protested as the boat drifted further and further away.

 

“Jamshimanyo! Ajik – jedaero jakbyeoleul mot haetdan mareeyaeyo!” (Wait! I – I haven’t been able to say a proper goodbye yet!)

 

But alas, the ferryman listened to her father, not her. Cheong-Won could only watch, sobbing heavily, as she looked at her village and her family for the last time, disappearing over the horizon. 

 

· · ─────── ·𖥸· ─────── · ·

 

“Nareul beorigeo gashineun nimeun…”

 

Cheong-Won’s mother sang to the sleeping, ten-year-old Cheong-Won. 

 

· · ─────── ·𖥸· ─────── · ·

 

And suddenly, Cheong-Won was in Childeok, watching the downfall of the oasis to the forces of the Mountain.

 

And suddenly, Cheong-Won was a bartender in Alba.

 

And suddenly, Cheong-Won was sleeping in the back of the von Rhoswald tavern with her new daughter, Areum.

 

And suddenly, Cheong-Won was studying the art of shamanism under Yhl’Flaaowni.

 

And suddenly, Areum was asking her to move to Koyo-Kuni.

 

And suddenly, Cheong-Won was in Koyo-Kuni, feeling safe around the Oyashi for the first time.

 

And suddenly, Cheong-Won was watching as the Mountain was defeated.

 

And suddenly, Cheong-Won was on a ship, to Kalldur, to Azuras.

 

And suddenly, Cheong-Won had mastered shamanism, teaching students of her own. 

 

And suddenly, Areum was getting married.

 

And suddenly, Cheong-Won was underwater, the cockatrice’s breath cracking as the vampire pulled her deeper and deeper into the depths. 

 

The stone encasing her broke entirely as Cheong-Won began to drown, bubbles leaving her mouth as the greater vampire grinned eagerly at her, ready to feast. Cheong-Won felt the energy of the spirits surge within her – she heard On-ssi whisper in her ear, she heard Gye-nim’s wings wrapping around her in a warm embrace. 

 

Sunlight streamed in through the surface of the water as the vampire lunged for Cheong-Won’s throat. And yet, all Cheong-Won saw was not the face of death, but the face of Cheong-Seok, the face of Cheong-Geun, the face of her mother and father, the face of Cheong-Sin, the face of Areum. 

 

And she realized, then, that truly, she had no regrets.

 

She was at peace. 

 

Strangely, she could hear the sound of cicadas from back home as her vision began to dim.

 

She could smell the scent of rice steaming.

 

She could feel Areum’s weight as she slept beside her. 

 

Gently, she felt herself let go of the spiritual energy within her. 

 

And she felt herself smile as death sank its fangs into her neck. 

 

· · ─────── ·𖥸· ─────── · ·

 

“Shiprideo motgaseo balbyeongnanda…”

 

Cheong-Won, the seven-year-old Areum’s mother, concluded the song.

 

· · ─────── ·𖥸· ─────── · ·

 

The following letters are addressed following Cheong-Won’s death. 

[OOC: These letters are PRIVATE and should NOT be metagamed.]

 

To Areum, @Cally

 

 

Spoiler

[OOC: I thought you might enjoy a hangul challenge! A translation is attached in another spoiler if you ever get too lost.]

 

아름다운 아름에게, 

 

이 편지를 읽고 있다면, 너무나도 미안하구나. 벌써부터 우리 아름이를 떠나야 된다니, 심장이 깨진단다. 

미안하다. 너무나도, 미안하다. 가기 전에 손자 손녀 보고 가면 얼마나 좋았을지 궁금하구나. 

하지만, 엄마는 아름이를 믿는다. 엄마가 없어도, 우리 아름이는 강하게, 항상 씩씩하게, 신령들을 잘 믿으면서 대단한 사람이 될 것을 엄마는 믿는다. 이미 대단한 사람이 됐지만… 하하.

엄마가 처음 아름이를 만났을때, 처음부터 알았어. 아름이가 얼마나 울어도, 얼마나 어려운 일이 있어도, 항상 엄마를 행복하게 해 줄수 있다는 것을. 엄마의 마지막 순간까지도, 아름이 덕분에 행복 했단다. 

기억나니? 알바의 술집에서, 그 첫날 밤 같이 잤을때를. 그때부터, 엄마는 너를 영원히 사랑하기로 결심했다. 그리고, 영원히 사랑한다. 사랑한다, 아름아. 

때로는, 엄마 생각 안 나도 괜찮다는 것을 기억하길 바란다. 엄마 없이 행복해져도 된다. 꼭, 꼭 행복해야 된다. 

밥은 꼭 챙겨 먹고. 혼자 다 하려고 하지 말고. 온씨에게 기도 잘 하고.

엄마 인생에 와줘서 고맙다.

네 엄마로 살아서 정말 행복했다. 

잘 살아야 된다, 나의 사랑스런 아름아. 

 

엄마가

 

 

Spoiler

Dear my beautiful Areum,

 

If you are reading this letter, I am so sorry. The fact that I have to leave you already breaks my heart. 

I am sorry. I am so, so sorry. I wonder how nice it would have been to see my grandchildren before I went. 

But, I believe in you. Even if I am not there, I believe that you will stay strong, always confident, and believe in the spirits as you become a great person. Although you already are a great person… haha.

The moment I met you, I knew from the beginning. No matter how much you cried, no matter what hardships came, that you would always make me happy. And even up until my final moments, I was happy thanks to you.

Do you remember? That first night we slept together in the tavern in Alba. From that moment, I swore to myself to love you forever. And I love you forever. I love you, Areum.

I hope you remember that sometimes, it is okay to forget about me. You are allowed to be happy without me. You must, must be happy.

Make sure to eat regularly. Don’t try to do everything by yourself. Pray to On-ssi well.

Thank you for being in my life.

Living as your mother has made me so, so happy.

You have to live well, my lovable Areum.

 

Mom

 

 

 

To Yhl’Flaaowni, @DizzyGrey

 

 

Spoiler

Is it true? That you have forgotten the spirits, that you are a mystic now?

No matter what happens, miss Flaaowni, you will have a special place in my heart forever. You introduced me to the spirits, and for this, I thank you forever. Whatever path you now follow, know that I hold no sorrow for it.

It has been a long time since we have parted ways. Alas, if you are receiving this letter, I am dead; and I would like you to know that living as your student was one of the greatest pleasures of my life.

Know that I go without regret. And thank you for everything. 

 

Cheong-Won

 

 

To Shuji, @Bones

 

 

Spoiler

My little fisherman. How wonderful it has been, watching you grow; from that little boy that played with Areum, Florian and Andromeda to the samurai you are today. I would have no other man marry my daughter if not you. 

You are beautiful, just the way you are. Always remember that I love you like I would love a son. 

I trust you with Areum’s laughter, and with her tears, for when I am not there.

You know, the world will ask you to be hard. It will ask you to be brutal. When that time comes, remember to be gentle – always choose love.

Wherever you go, you will always have a place in my heart, and in our family.

May you always remember the weight of the blade you carry, and may it never tremble when it matters most.

Go liberate Chonwon for me.

 

Cheong-Won

 

 

To Mikaze, @Mallow

 

 

Spoiler

Mikaze-ssi. When I first came to Koyo-Kuni, you were one of the first to greet me with the most open arms. It is incredible to think that, as Shuji’s father and Areum’s mother, we are family now – and I hold your honor with me, even as I pass on into the next life in the spirit realm that I go to. Truly, I am honored to call you family – and though I never could have imagined trusting an Oyashi with my daughter, I now leave her in your hands as her only other parent. 

I have seen the care with which you guide your family – and for the steady presence you have been in my daughter’s life, I am forever grateful.

My heart is at ease, knowing that I entrust this mortal realm, my culture, and my family in your competent hands. 

Thank you. I look forward to watching the fall of the demon-Shogun from my place in the afterlife. 

 

Cheong-Won

 

 

To Siegfried, @AurelianCraft

 

 

Spoiler

Heh. I’m dead now. Have a good life.

 

Cheong-Won

 

 

Dear Admiral Ena, @Reckless Banzai Screamer

 

 

Spoiler

Ena-nim. You have been one of the most welcoming people to my culture, and I have, still do, and will continue to look up to you greatly. Knowing that you are there to lead the marines leaves me at peace. Not many have listened as carefully as you have. 

Your leadership brings safety to more people than you may realize – and I am sure that I am not the only one to value your presence. 

It has been an honor to know you, and I am grateful that the spirits allowed our paths to cross.

 

Cheong-Won

 

 

Dear Akaijosei, @Bakaling

 

 

Spoiler

What a wonderful, promising young shaman you are. Even without me, I know and trust that you will continue to serve the spirits well, and that you will carry on my legacy as a shaman. 

Your heart is strong, and that is what matters most, in this life that I am leaving behind. May the spirits always guide your steps.

And know that I am proud of you, always, even in death.

 

Cheong-Won

 

 

Dear Auntie A, @milksoda

 

 

Spoiler

Atsuko-nim! Though you are Ronin now, I still recall your leadership and willingness to welcome us as farfolk into Koyo-Kuni when you were Shugo. Your leadership allowed us to settle into Koyo-Kuni when I felt like a foreigner, and for this, you have my eternal gratitude.

I do not know what you do nowadays; I recall the last time I saw you was at Areum’s wedding. Wherever it is you are now, I hope that you are as happy as you made Areum and I. The safety we found in Koyo-Kuni began with you.

To me, you were more than just a leader – you were family, and I am sure many of the Oyashi and Won-In feel the same. 

May you find peace wherever the roads of life carry you. Thank you.

 

Cheong-Won

 

 

Dear Hina, @latte

 

 

Spoiler

Hina-ssi! You were one of the greatest friends I ever had in both Koyo-Kuni and Kurai-Kuni. You were a pleasure to get to know and I am confident that you will continue on just fine without me. It is a shame that I do not get to kill more Hou-Zi with you, but I am happy that I got to kill the ones I did. 

I know that as a samurai, you will keep on fighting, keep on laughing, no matter what happens. You always took the first step, even when I hesitated, and for that, I admire you. 

Stay safe out there – the world should fear you. 

 

Cheong-Won

 

 

Dear Jiro, @Tentoa

 

 

Spoiler

Jiro-nim. You are one of the samurai I look up to most – always so brave, so strong, doing the best for your country. 

I hope and trust that even in my death, you will continue to take good care of the rest of the Won-In and act as a respectable and honorable teacher to my daughter.

Thank you for all you have done for us. May your strength continue to inspire those around you, as it has done for me.

 

Cheong-Won

 

 

Dear Shugo Honda, @Fishy

 

 

Spoiler

Shugo-nim. As our leader and as the rightful Shogun of Oyashima, I am forever grateful for the protection and guidance you offer us. Your leadership allowed us to find safety and a place where we belong.

Though I have passed on, I know that the people will continue to flourish under your rule. I leave without worry, knowing Kurai-Kuni, and the Won-In, are left in your capable hands. 

I look forward to smiling from the heavens when you liberate Chonwon.

 

Cheong-Won

 

 

Dear Daniel, @Jayphynph

 

 

Spoiler

Daniel. It really has been a long time, hasn’t it?

I wonder how you are doing now. Married, with children; I hear the von Rhoswald family is quite expansive. You must be so proud of all you have done within Alba.

I should thank you for taking such good care of Areum and I, all those years ago. No matter what happens, I will always remember that it was you who allowed me my first job as a bartender, and you who gave Areum and I a home when we had none. 

Thank you, and I hope that you are forever happy and at peace.

 

Cheong-Won

 

 

Dear Terminus, @DevilPaws

 

 

Spoiler

I have not much to say to you, other than the fact that I am dead. Do not grieve; I was only your teacher, and the spirits do not discriminate. I know that wherever you go, you will carry the spirits with you.

Make sure to never abandon them.

 

Cheong-Won

 

 

Dear Andromeda, @TheIchorDruid

 

 

Spoiler

Thank you for being Areum’s friend. I hear you are a big physician now; how wonderful it is, to know that that book I bought you was only a small step in your grand journey. 

Thank you for forgiving Areum for my mistakes. Despite our disagreements, you are a beautiful young woman, and I thank you for attending my daughter’s wedding.

Please continue to take good care of Areum.

 

Cheong-Won

 

 

[Cally 1080]

Spoiler

Thank you for everything you did for Areum on Cheong-Won, Meta, I will be sure to carry on her memory with due diligence.

 

It felt almost cruel to Areum that things went the way they did. Riding up seaside to the port, and looking out as she found a scrap of pink-white fabric floating adrift in the waking waves. Crouching with her kusarigama to fish it out of the water. Even then, she was worried, shattered.

Sometimes she couldn't believe she reached the ages she did, sometimes she couldn't believe she was grown.

Now, fingers tracing her mother's hangul calligraphy on a prepared scroll. . . She sang, a song her mother had sung to her when she had prophetic nightmares.

 

"Mong mong geya jitjimara. . ."

The ache in her chest spreading as a concerned hearth-fire fox laid at her feet and tried to nuzzle her out of numbness. Tears of fire rolled down her cheeks. 

 

"Uri agi jaldo janda. . ."

Her voice faltered as resolve in her broke and more tears came flooding.

The fox whimpered.

 

She curled further in on herself as singing became hard, patrons and her pacted spirits gathered 'round to try and coax her out of this broken, numbing pain. They needed a strong champion.

 

"Ggoggo dakah ulgimara. . uri agi danjam ggenda. . ."

But, she was nothing at the moment. The light they tried to fill her with cracked, then extinguished in ephemeral nature. She curled a fist into her mother's pillow on the bed she prepared for her, the scent of comfort and home filling her lungs. The person, her dear mother, no where to be found.

 

"Jajang jajang uri aga . ."

 

Breathing became a chore, and singing became more of a plea, a plea even Oem-ssi answered, esoteric and unreachable as she. A shadowed hand coming to her back as even the faceless woman's mouth downturned. 

 

"Jaldo janda uri aga. . ."

Her singing faded out when she couldn't cry anymore, her head hurt and reeled with the dehydration and her voice became too broken to speak. She'd lay on that bed for days, hardly taking care of herself.

 

 

She dreamed of her mother, the only mother she ever had, being alright and alive. . . At least she could try. 

At least the spirits granted her that much.

 

 

 

[femurlord 3751]

In the deepest of crypts, a deathly pale thing hunches over a bloodless corpse. Taloned fingers sought scalpels and tweezers, embalming oils and twine, fleshing beams and ear splitters. The work is heard, sickly and stomach-dropping, until it was done.

 

What was once a woman became a macabre art piece, one which brought a smile to a fanged mouth.

[milksoda 2884]

In a small dinky room in foreign lands a retired warlord now Ronin sat in a singular chair the letter in one hand the dossier for her next odd job in the other. As weary red eyes scanned the contents of the letter she took a swig of her gourd. Beside her an array of cigarette butts littered the table of the dimly lit inn room she were staying in this night. As she placed the papers down and begun to pack her Tanegashima ("crossbow") full of bolts she pumped it singularly.

"Cheong-Won. Rest easy. You did good, no- better than good. I am proud." only after she poured one out for a real one did the Ronin step outward with a kick of the door to go blow femurlord's shit smoove off to mega kill him so he can ultra die. (YES, YOU!!!!!!!!!!!)

Edited January 22 by milksoda

[Reckless Banzai Screamer 15456]

It was another promise of vengeance for the green spider in human skin Kato Ena. To live by the sword and to die by the sword. He stashed Cheong-Won’s letter beside the handful of others he would keep in his bedside dresser. Each letter’s writer’s name remembered by the hate filled admiral. Iori. Telemachus. Daisuke. Ichika. As he laid on his bed looking over the collected head trophies of both yokai and descendants it dawned on him that perhaps he could not reach them all. That he was caught in the ripple of his own self-made suffering. But this self reflection was batted away by the incredible hate of the admiral.

 

”Man or beast, they will know pain, Cheong-Won. Let’s die together.” 

[Bakaling 20]

 

Young I was founded

Built me with thunder and flame

A babe I remain

 

The parchment was held in a knotted fist, a breath was taken, and offering given. Thrown into the embers and left to burn.

"It hurts."

 

[DizzyGrey 1229]

The ancient Kharajyr priestess was not one for sorrow. Being a Kharajyr, and born in a time far harsher to her people than the modern day, grief and loss were emotions long dulled within the warped mind of the woman.

 

Or so she’d thought, as she read the letter.

 

Kharajyr could not cry. And even if she could, she would not have. Memories of a young woman that reminded her so much of herself flashed through her mind.
 

An Cheong-Won had been, in all aspects, an agent of Change. It was through An Cheong-Won’s effort that the Won-In, much like the Kharajyr, had grown. In numbers, and in remembrance of who they were. Of all her students, Yhl’Flaaowni would only privately admit that she had been proudest of the no-fur she had taught visions to by tormenting a cheating partner.

 

”This one will ensure trophies made of whatever took the you, An Cheong-Won.” She murmurs, gently making to fold the letter and tuck it away. 

 

“Yours work am never to be complete, but no more can be asked of the one whom set in motion such flourishing of life. Rest well.”