Chapter Text
The world knew us as pop stars, but we were so much more
We were hunters.
Demons have always haunted our world, stealing our souls and channeling strength back to their king, Gwi-Ma.
Until heroes rose to defend us.
Born with voices that could drive back the darkness.
Singing songs of courage and hope. But hunters were more than warriors.
Our music ignites the soul and brings people together. With this connection the first hunters created a shield to protect our world…
The Honmoon.
Every generation, a new trio of hunters is chosen to fulfill our ultimate duty. A barrier so strong it would keep demons and Gwi-Ma away from our world forever.
The Golden Honmoon.
But one hunter dared to defy her fate. Rather than vanquish a demon, she fell in love with one. From that love, came a child. Born of two worlds.
Only her fellow hunters refused to open their eyes. They saw only a demon, not a husband, or a father. The demon was vanquished, and the hunter died of a broken heart.
The hunters separated, but one couldn’t bring herself to kill the half-breed child. She took care of her, and nurtured her as best she could.
That child, ultimately, became a hunter and a new trio of hunters was born…
Huntrix.
Singers by day, warriors by night.
Of all the hunters before them, they were the closest to forging the Golden Honmoon. But the half-demon hunter, fearful of what she was, hid her true nature from those she loved. Told to fear and hate her patterns. Until she met another demon, once a man, wrestling with the voices in his head.
In each other, they found solace. But Gwi-Ma’s hold was strong. He was close to breaking the Honmoon for good.
It wasn’t until the half-demon hunter finally accepted her scars that she and her fellow hunters formed a new Honmoon. Not of gold, but strong enough to push Gwi-Ma back for good. But this New Honmoon had another effect.
Demons who saw the hunter with their patterns felt something stir within them. A demon, free of Gwi-Ma’s control, whose voice ignited a part of them they had long forgotten.
From then on, the hunters no longer killed every demon, but sought those who wanted to be free of the demon king’s voice, forever. In time, the Hunters sang for both humans and demons. Slowly, but surely, their patterns began to change, changing from dark to light.
Some demons, who were once human, were given second chances to amend for their past mistakes.
And the demon boy, who gave his soul, found it again.
This changed the Honmoon. Each day, it grows stronger, keeping Gwi-Ma trapped, but also opening doors for the souls who wish to find their melody.
…….
“And now, this new legacy, falls to you.”
“Wait. You mean all the previous hunters were all girls? Kind of breaking tradition, aren’t we?” Yong said, raising his hand. His patterns glimmered in the mid-day sun. His older sister, Aera, elbowed him in the ribs.
“You’re not wrong, kid.” Mira said, standing alongside Zoey and Rumi, her fellow hunters and lifelong best friends. The three now retired hunters stood behind the large tree where they used to train under Celine, the hunter before them.
Rumi, who long wore her hair in a long, tight braid now wore it in a loose ponytail over her shoulder. Mira had stopped dying her hair, which slowly returned to its dark color. Zoey grew her hair should, now being shoulder length.
Next to Rumi was her husband, Jinu. His once boyish hair was now styled back and he wore a pair of spectacles. Standing before the three returned hunters were the next generation.
Two boys and one girl. Rumi and Jinu’s triplet children.
Hyun was the eldest son, tall and handsome like his father. Most of his hair was purpled on the front, combed back while the lower half of his head was black.
Aera was the second triplet, and the only daughter. She wore her hair so long it reached her ankles. Her bangs were black but the rest of her hair was the same purple as her brother and her mother’s.
Lastly, there was Yong. The youngest, only an inch or two shorter than both his siblings. His dark hair was mostly unkept, with bangs that were reminiscent of his father’s younger years. Also, they were purple. His bangs, that is.
Like their mother, they inherited shimmering patterns across their skin. When they were younger, the patterns were small and barely visible. Rumi thought because they were only a quarter demon that they would grow up mostly human. But one day, as they all sang together, they’re patterns began to emerge. Jinu too kept some of the patterns from when he was a demon, but they no longer took over his entire body and were limited to his chest and upper arms.
Rumi patterns, long dormant, glowed for the first time since that final battle with Gwi-Ma. Proving yet again that everything Celine taught her was wrong. These patterns were once stronger when they were symbols of shame and hatred. But when shown love and hope, the patterns were like scars. They healed. Still visible, yes, but no longer painful, but beautiful.
“We figured, it was time for a change.” Zoey said, answering Yong’s question.
Rumi continued her speech. “It is your voices, your songs, that can strengthen the Honmoon. And one day, create the Golden Honmoon. That way, we can all be free of Gwi-Ma. Forever.”
Hyun too both his sibling’s hands and they nodded in unison, confidently.
“Yes, Mother.”
Rumi composure broke and she hugged her children. Mira, Zoey, and Jinu joined. Rumi caressed Aera’s face, admiring the way the patterns shimmered against her daughter’s skin. For years, Rumi was shamed of hers, and now her daughter worse them with pride.
Jinu clapped his hands. “Alright. Who’s hungry?”
“Oh, I am!” Yong jumped, raising his hand. The family pet tiger purred against the young boy’s leg.
Mira and Zoey released a loud. “YEAH!!!” making Jinu cover his ears.
“Big brother Jinu always makes the best snacks!” Zoey cheered, fist pumping the air.
“We’re having an actual meal, Zoey.” Jinu said sternly. Rumi laughed. She knew her husband had grown to love her fellow hunters just as much as she did.
After having abandoned his own sister all those centuries ago, having given the chance to be a true brother, to not one but two sisters, made him happier than words could express.
Yong and Aera joined their aunties in their battle cry for food, while Rumi and Hyun trailed behind. She put an arm around her eldest son.
“You okay?” Rumi asked.
“It’s a lot. Are you sure we’re ready for this?”
“To tell you the truth, I didn’t think I was ready either. Back then, I was told to hide my fears. All my flaws, imperfections, they could never be seen.” She touched his face, thumbs tracing against the patterns of his left cheek. “That was how the Honmoon used to work. But I promised to make sure you and your siblings were loved and accepted. That is what makes the Honmoon now stronger than ever.”
“But, the hunters have been figthing Gwi-Ma for centuries. You and aunties were the closets to create the Golden Honmoon. What if we fail too.”
Rumi smiled and wrapped her arm around her son’s, leading him back to the house. “Don’t focus too much on the final destination. Enjoy the journey. Share your talent with those who need to hear our story. And if the Golden Honmoon does happen in our lifetime, great. But if not, don’t think for one moment that you’ve failed.”
Hyun hugged his mother. “I love you, Mom.”
“I love you too. Now let’s get in there before your brother eats us out of house and home.”