Chapter Text
Minji Lee was tired of running. She had been running since she witnessed her first demon stealing the soul from her brother. Promising to dedicate her life to become a mudang to prevent the tragedy from destroying any other family. But despite all her work it was never enough. Even after she had found two others to join her of her quest, they have made little progress in slowing down the demons. With most towns leading in loss leaving her trio to be at best comforters to those left behind and worse chased out as if they had brought the demons to them.
They had just settled for the night after helping a family with their lose when Lee had enough. Whilst her companions were sleeping she had been restless twisting and turning trying to think of a way to repel the demons. At this point she was willing to do or give anything to push back the demon horde.
Anything?
Lee burst up after hearing the distant voice in her head. She looked around wildly trying to pinpoint where the voice came from. Suddenly she heard a haunting melody coming from the east. Her eyes settled on a ghostly woman just beyond the town that was beckoning her over. Lee gave a breath glance to her sleeping companions and left to meet the woman.
After what felt like hours stumbling in the dark following the mysterious melody Lee found herself at a willow tree with the woman’s back to her.
“Why did you lead me here?” Lee asked.
“Is that anyway to greet a goddess?” The woman asked turning around.
Samsin Halmeoni. Any shaman worth her salt would know the goddess of childbirth and fate. When she first started training, she learned how to do the childbirth rituals to ensure her protection.
Lee immediately dropped into a low bow.
“I am sorry my lady. How may I be of service to you?” Lee whispered reverently.
“Stand up. There is no need for formalities.” Samsin just waved her hand. “I am here to help you. Too many of my charges have been taken by the followers of Gwi-Ma.” Her face settling into a pensive expression.
Lee felt the moment that Samsin’s full attention landed on her. It felt like a light from the havens was shining on her.
“I heard you call.” Samsin continued snapping Lee out of the daze she was in. “I can give you the power to help ward off the demons that hunt this land.”
Lee was ecstatic. Finally, a chance to enact real change. Her group will no longer deal with the constant train of tragedy they seem to be stuck on.
“But there will be a cost.” Lee felt herself freeze up. “This power will wear down your soul till you become part of the Honmoon. A human body was not made to sustain this level of power.”
“How long would I have?” Lee mutely asked.
“While it could change on the strength of the soul, you wouldn’t make it past 30.” Samsin answered solemnly.
Lee swallowed. That wasn’t too bad. She has only known a few people that have lived that long even without the threat of demons.
“And how will this power work?” Lee asked.
“You will have access to see and manipulate a long-forgotten source of protection.” Samsin seemed to relax at Lee’s continued interest. “The Honmoon.”
“Honmoon?”
“Yes,” Samsin seemed to gain height and a glow as she shared. “The Honmoon is a barrier that can prevent demons from entering this realm. It is fueled by the spiritual connection of humanity. But since the demons have been terrorizing the land, it has weakened as humanity has fallen to fear and paranoia.”
“How can I strengthen the Honmoon?” Lee stepped forward.
“With song.” Samsin smiled. “Using your voice, you can bring humanity together in song and brighten their souls with hope. With enough strength the Honmoon will be able to repel all demons. But you can’t do it alone. The songs needed to fuel the Honmoon will require the power of three”
“Will they also have their souls worn down?” Lee froze at that. She was willing to sacrifice her life for the Honmoon, but she wouldn’t want anyone else to have to bear that weight.
“No.” Samsin sensed her hesitation. “While they will be needed and have a similar connection to the Honmoon and its abilities only you and your legacy will act as its conduit.”
“So, how can we do this.” Lee relaxed at that.
“I am glad to see I have chosen correctly.” Samsin straightened and gained a serious expression. “Minji Lee, do swear to use the full abilities of the Honmoon to protect humanity even at the cost of your soul and legacy?”
“Yes.” Lee replied.
“Then I shall open your eyes and soul to the Honmoon.” Samsin pushed one finger to Lee’s heart. “Go to your fellow mudang and protect our world.”
Lee clutched her chest and stumbled back as she felt a sharp pain right where Samsin touched. It felt like a cattle brand was being held to her chest. After ages she felt the pain fade and saw as thin iridescent cracks sprouted out from the area.
She looked up in confusion to Samsin but felt her breath leave her once more as her eyes landed on a similar iridescent tapestry. While she could tell it was thread bare and worn the Honmoon glowed with such power that Lee couldn’t take her eyes off it.
“Pretty isn’t it.” Samsin said placing her hand on Lee’s shoulder.
Lee’s head whipped to her. “Yes, I will make sure to not use you gift in vain.”
“Good.” Samsin gave her a smile with weight that showed her years. “I know that you will do everything in your power to stop the demons and strengthen the Honmoon.” She touched where the mark was on Lee. “This is the mark of the Honmoon it will grow as your body wears down more. Once it wraps around your neck your soul will join in the Honmoon.”
“Thank you again for your gift.” Lee grinned at her and bowed. “I shall take my leave now.”
Lee was so excited in her flight back to her companions she missed as Samsin’s smile fell away to a look of guilt.
I can do this. I will make sure that we can strengthen the Honmoon for good so future generation will not have to live in the same fear.
Minji Lee failed. She looked in the mirror as the iridescent marks was almost fully around her neck. Her fellow mudang with the power of the Honmoon have done great work in stopping the spread of Gwi-Ma’s influence but still despite everything the Honmoon was still not fully repaired. What would happen when she passed? Would her soul be able to be the final piece to close it for good? Lee was still rubbing anxiously at her neck when she hears the familiar haunting melody from years prior. She turned to her window and saw Samsin standing by a willow tree. Sparing a quick glance to confirm her companions were asleep she went to meet Samsin.
“I am sorry I failed you.” Lee said falling into a low bow once she reaches the base of the tree. She feels as arms brought her back up to a standing position meeting eyes full of greif.
“You didn’t.” Samsin said with a small smile. “You have done great work in repairing the Honmoon and protecting the people.”
“But the Honmoon isn’t fully fixed. What will happen once I am gone?” Lee cried.
“You will pass down the power.” Samsin answered.
“What?" Lee looked up startled.
“I wasn’t fully honest with you that first night.” Samsin continued. “Being a conduit does not end with just your lifetime. It follows your family line… your legacy.”
“That’s why you said it would cost my life and legacy?” Lee’s eyebrows come together in recollection. “But I have no offspring.”
“I can help you with that.” Samsin gave a rueful grin. “I am the goddess of childbirth you remember.”
“But they will have the same burden.” Lee said as the gravity of the situation hit her. “To find their fellow mudang and bear the weight of the Honmoon.”
“Yes, I am sorry for not being fully honest.” Samsin gave a grave nod. “I did not realize how truly weak the Honmoon had become. But we most continue.”
Would Lee be able to do this? She had thought only she would be sacrificed. To learn that a child she will never truly know will have to as well made her wish she never said yes. But was that true? She has brought so much good, and she knows her child will as well.
“Okay,” Lee said meeting Samsin’s eyes. “Would the next generation be enough?”
“I can’t promise anything.” Samsin answered honestly. “But I do promise that that child and their team and all that might follow will have not only the Honmoon but my protection as well.”
“Well how will I continue my line?” Lee asked.
“I will bless you with a child made with my essence.” Answered Samsin as she placed her hand over Lee’s stomach. “And will continue through your line.”
“Thank you for your blessing.” Lee knew that she was the goddess of childbirth, but she didn’t expect this. She gelt the warmth as Samsin’s hand glowed and knew that her line will continue.
“Thank you for your continued fight.” Samsin replied. “I will make sure they know who you were.”
Lee just smiled and bowed again heading back to her home.
Once she arrived at home she immediately pulled out her scrolls and wrote everything down. While she trusted Samsin she wanted to make sure her child will know her from her words as well even when she wasn’t there and know how much she wished that her child wouldn’t have to be part of her legacy in this way. She wrote so much that she felt the early rays of sunshine on her face and felt as two pairs of hands rested on her arms.
“Lee?” a voice rough with sleep asked from her right. “Have you been up all night?”
“Are you okay?” Grumbled a voice from her left
“I will be.” Lee turned to them with a weak smile. “I need you to make me a promise.” She said as she held up the scrolls to her. “I need you to give this to my child when I pass.”
“What!”
“I have a lot to tell you.”
And Lee did and after tears, yelling, and soft promises made, her line had not only the support of Samsin but her fellow Mudang.
She could only hope that the next generation can finish what she started.