Archive of Our Own ^beta

Chapter Text

Jin-Ah was 10 when her younger brother was born. She was ecstatic to be a big sister, having many friends with siblings and wishing she had one to play with at home. But that joy was short lived, as just two years later at just 12 years old, their father, a former Fire Fighter turn Hunter, was lost to a Gate. His friends and those he had saved that day had done their best to help them. Ensuring they had someone they could call for anything. If it weren’t for them Jin-Ah isn’t sure how their mom would have remained sane during her grief.

Of course, with their dad gone, Jin-Ah took up as many chores and such at home. To make things easier on their grieving mother. Doing her best to make sure her adorable baby brother wouldn’t be lonely. She had promised to be there for as many of his milestones as possible. She was a bit saddened whenever she missed one while at school. But did her best to not show it, wanting her brother to see smiles more than frowns and tears.

They didn’t need to rely too heavily on the many aunts, uncles, and grandpas who always looked after them, that is, until Jin-Ah was 18. Just before her high school graduation, their mother fell into Eternal Sleep. Leaving a barely adult Jin-Ah and 8-year-old Jin-Woo without either of their parents.

The scramble after that to prove she was capable to look after her brother was maddening. Jin-Ah refused to let anyone take her last family away from her. Thankfully her best friend Han Song-Yi moving in with them helped. Wanting to leave her nagging parents who wanted her to quit being a hunter. With her, Child Services seen there was more than one person living there to look after young Jin-Woo.

Though what really got them off their case was the many Hunters who showed up to support them. The biggest being two S-Ranks who owed their lives to their father. The Hunter Association Chairman Go Gun-Hee himself, and the White Tiger Guild Master Baek Yoon-Ho.

With them backing them, Jin-Ah didn’t have to completely give up on becoming a doctor. Though Jin-Woo took priority, Jin-Ah was determined to become a doctor so she could hopefully find a way to help their mother and others who were affected by Eternal Sleep.

Their lives were in a relatively stable routine after that. Both siblings going to school, Song-Yi doing raids, visiting their mom every couple of days, weekly check ins with their S-Rank sponsors, and the occasional check in with their social worker to make sure Jin-Woo was being properly looked after.

Until some time after his 10^th birthday.

Jin-Woo

Jin-Woo was getting used to being the only one at home after he finished school, having convinced his sister and Song-Yi after his 10^th birthday that he’d be ok for a few hours until they finished school and work. Jin-Ah often had long classes at her university, and Song-Yi took as many raids as she physically could handle as an E-Rank. It was a bit lonely sometimes, he often missed having his mom welcome him home with a snack. But he didn’t want to bother the others with something so trivial.

Besides, he didn’t really have any friends at school, and wasn’t interested in any sports or clubs. So, it was either go home or wait at the school with teachers until one of them was finished and came to get him. Thankfully they eventually caved in and allowed it after making many rules and lectures on safety.

So, he quietly entered their apartment, locking the door behind himself. Something the girls had drilled into him to keep him safe. Not that anyone could break in. Grandpa Go and Uncle Beak had them moved to an apartment building with strict security after their old landlord tried to basically double their rent when their mom got sick. Others tried to scam them too. So, for their safety they moved. It was a little bigger than their old place, three bedrooms, nice sized living space, even a deck with a nice view, though the girls didn’t like him out on it by himself. There were even Hunters from Uncle Beaks Guild living in the building to help make sure they were looked after.

He toed off his shoes, moving into the house with socked feet. Placing his bag next to the living room table so he could start on his homework. Moving towards the kitchen to put his lunch box in the sink and went to grab a snack. When he opened the fridge, he spotted a sandwich and veggie sticks with a note from Jin-Ah for him.

“Eat this as your after-school snack. Love you! <3”

He smiled slightly, taking the plate along with a juice box with him carefully to the living room. He never understood why the pushy adults always asked if he was ok and if he was neglected. Despite being in university, Jin-Ah made sure to make him lunch each day, even when her classes started before his school did. When they started after, she’d walk him to school. Along with making sure he had snacks ready for him after school. Sometimes it was just some fruit or rice balls, but she always put him first.

After settling in to start his homework, he paused, spotting some notes at the bottom of his bag. He frowned, taking them out and unfolding the crumpled papers. Some kids at school often picked on him, making fun of him for not having parents. He ignored them most of the time, not really caring what others thought since he had Jin-Ah and Song-Yi at home, and all the Hunter aunts, uncles, and grandpa.

The notes were as he expected, more jabs about how his parents died and got sick because of him. One was saying he was so creepy and quiet and that’s why he had no friends. Another calling him a waste of space. Nothing new. Sure, they stung a bit, but he’s been getting notes like this since his mom got sick two years ago.

Sighing softly, he stood and went to their shredder. Not wanting the girls to see the notes again. Jin-Ah had gone to yell at his teachers last time about them letting others bully him. It didn’t go anywhere, since they had no proof of who had left the notes. It just made those leaving him notes sneakier about it. Besides, it’s not like they did much aside from leave these notes. Occasionally people tried to trip him, or bump into him in the halls. But he can handle petty harassment.

His chest stung as he watched the paper feed in and fall into its bin. It wasn’t like he didn’t have any friends. He liked to think Uncle Beak’s Guild members were his friends. They were always happy to see him and asking how he was whenever they seen him. He just didn’t have friends at school. No one was interested in him there, so he didn’t feel like talking more than he had to.

He moved back to the table, choosing to focus on his math problems instead of the ache. Thankfully he managed to do it without help today. He always felt bad about asking Jin-Ah for help when she also had homework to do. It had become more frequent recently though. Jin-Woo struggled with fractions.

He had just started in on his last bit of homework, language, when he felt a sharp pain in his chest and head. He groaned, gritted and teeth, bringing one hand to his head and another fisting the chest of his sweater.

“Wha- … It hurts. What’s happening to me?” he thought, curling in on himself until his head touched his notebook. Tears welling in his eyes.

“Am I dying?” he wondered as the pain got worse, “No… I can’t leave Nuna. She barely kept it together after mom.”

“Worry not, young one. You are not dying.” A deep voice sounded.

Jin-Woo made an attempt to look around, but moving hurt too much. “Who?” he whispered.

“Surender to the pain. It will make you stronger.”

Not like he could refuse the strange voice. The pain quickly became too much for him, the world blacking out.

When Jin-Woo opened his eyes again, he was standing in a strange castle throne room like place, a few feet from the base of the throne’s steps. This strange room looked similar to what he had seen on the historical shows Jin-Ah liked to watch. Though less bright and vibrant than on the shows. The room was in shades of black and grey, but no less intricate.

On either side of the room kneeled strange purple/black shadow beings. Up the stairs, on the throne sat a large man in armor in similar colours, staring down at him. On either side of him stood knights, one with a long red plum sticking from his helmet, the other had two sets of black wings and a tall spike on his helmet.

“Welcome, child.” Someone spoke.

Jin-Woo looked back towards the being on the throne. He wasn’t sure how he knew that was the one who spoke to him, but he felt certain that he was the one who had just spoken.

 “Hello? Who are you?” his voice barely above a whisper. His hands coming up to grab at the front of his sweater nervously.

“I am Ashborn, Monarch of Shadows.” He answered.

“I guess that title fits.” Jin-Woo thought, looking back towards the shadow like beings kneeling around the throne room.

“I’m... Sung Jin-Woo.” The boy answered, with a small bow, knowing he should give his name too. Jin-Ah would scold him if he didn’t remember his manners.

“No need to be so nervous young one. No one here can harm you.” Ashborn stated, raising one of his sharp armored gauntlets towards him. “I’ve called you here to make you, my heir.”

“Heir?” Jin-Woo asked, “But shouldn’t you pick one of them?” he pointed to the shadows still kneeling in the room. “For your heir? Not a random kid like me?”

“They cannot succeed my power, as they are apart of it. My shadow army needs someone to properly lead them.” He explained.

“… And you think a kid like me is fit to lead them?” Jin-Woo asked, once more looking back towards the shadows in the room.

Many were knights, like the two beside Ashborn. But there were also some with hoods, some beasts he couldn’t name, and laying down in the back corner behind him he’s pretty sure there was dragon.

“I’ve observed your people for a long time. I see promise in you, Sung Jin-Woo.” He stood, slowly making his way towards the young boy below him. “One so young, yet emotionally strong beyond their years. One who has known death, pain, sorrow, yet doesn’t falter. One who wishes to be strong, not to harm, but to protect…” He stood before the now slightly shaking child, towering over him. “I have not seen another in my observations, more worthy to wield my power”

“But… I’m just a kid. I don’t have a need for an army.” He mumbled, trying his best not to shake.

Ashborn took a knee, gently lifting the boys chin to look at him. “Maybe not right now, but I believe you would only use my army for good. Most others would abuse this power.”

“What makes you so sure I won’t?” the boy all but whispered.

“If you were the type to do something like that, you wouldn’t keep hiding those notes from the other children. You’d have shown them to your guardians.”

Jin-Woo stared at him in shock. Ashborn moved his hand to gently pat the boys head.

“You’d also fight back whenever they tried to harm you. Instead, you choose to ignore them. You have a kind heart. That I am certain of.”

The young boy stared back at the mask of this Monarch of Shadows. He spoke old fashioned like the grandmas and grandpas at their old apartment building. But the boy felt certain the one before him was probably a lot older than they were. And his voice seemed quite sad, like Grandpa Go’s voice when he talked with them after he found out about their mom’s sickness.

“Mr. Ashborn… Are you dying? Is that why you have to find an heir?” the boy asked hesitantly.

The Monarch ruffled his hair a little before removing his hand.

“Something like that. I’ve reached the limits of my soul. I’m unsure how much longer I can last. Maybe a couple more decades, but probably not another century at most… This power has been a great help to me. I’d like to pass it along to another in need of strength. And by giving my power to another, I can last a little longer. It won’t kill me immediately. But it will weaken me greatly compared to my current self.”

“… Will this power hurt me?”

“It already has, and I apologise for that.” He bowed his head to the boy. “I hadn’t meant to put so much in you to start with. I miscalculated how much your small body could handle.”

“So even Monarchs are bad at math?”

The Monarch chuckled. He was certain, this child was the one most worthy of his power. Despite his fear, he was still curious, even cracking a joke.

“Yes, even we Monarchs make mistakes and have things we’re not good at.” He patted the boys head again before standing once more. “Now, I guess I should explain the power I have given you.”

Chapter Text

Jin-Ah

Jin-Ah knew something was wrong as soon as she entered the apartment. Jin-Woo usually called out or came to greet her immediately. But beyond that, there weren’t any lights on. Sure, it was still early evening, the sun was only just starting to set. So, Jin-Woo should either still be doing his homework, or watching cartoons by this time. The lights in the living room should have been on at the very least.

“Jin-Woo?” she called out, getting no response.

His shoes were in the entrance, so he was home. But for whatever reason, he wasn’t responding.

She quickly put her bags down and kicked off her shoes, moving into the apartment to find her little brother. Heart pounding in her chest as she quickly moved down the hallway. She stopped briefly in the doorway, spotting him at the table, slumped over his notebooks. She let out a breath she hadn’t known she was holding. Relieved that it seems like he had just fallen asleep while doing his homework.

She turned on the light, before stopping again. Jin-Woo didn’t look right, his face was flush. She quickly moved to his side, putting a hand on his cheek, feeling it radiate heat.

“Shit!” she cursed under her breath, “Jin-Woo, honey, can you hear me?” she gently shook his shoulder.

But the boy didn’t stir.

She quickly ran to their bathroom to find their thermometer. Depending on how high his temperature was, she’d have to bring him to the hospital. Upon getting back to the boy, she gently moved him to lean against her while she stuck the thermometer into his ear. The wait for it to beep was agonizing.

“Shit!” she swore again, the thermometer read 39.2°C. “Jin-Woo, I need you to wake up buddy!” she tried again.

When he didn’t respond, she knew she had to make a choice. She scrambled to dig through her pocket to pull out her phone. Song-Yi hasn’t replied yet, so she was probably still in a Gate. Instead, she scrolled though her contacts to find their neighbour down the hall, Park Hee-Jin’s number. Pretty sure today was a day she was supposed to be at home and not helping with a raid.

“Hey Jin-Ah! How’re you?” Hee-Jin’s cheerful voice came through as soon as she answered.

“Jin-Woo has a high fever and won’t wake up.” She rushed, “The thermometer says 39.2. His breathing is a bit shallow too.”

There was a short pause before she could hear rustling on the other end. “Is Song-Yi still in a raid?”

“Yes. She hasn’t given me her usual text once she’s finished a raid.”

“Can you lift him yourself, or do you need a hand?”

“I- I got him. I just need help getting him to a doctor. We don’t have a car.”

“It’s alright Jin-Ah. I’m here. Just bundle him up and grab what you need.”

With the end of the call, Jin-Ah grabbed the blanket from the back of the couch and did her best to wrap it around Jin-Woo before lifting him and moving back towards the door. By the time she grabbed her bag and put her shoes on, Hee-Jin was at their door, worried eyes taking in the young boy in her arms.

“Oh, he really doesn’t look good. Ok, straight to the hospital. Any idea how long he’s been sick?”

“He was fine this morning when we all had breakfast together.”

“It’s ok, he’s a tough kid. A fever won’t be enough to take him out.” She tried to reassure the panicked girl beside her as they got into the elevator towards the garage.

“I can’t lose him too Hee-Jin” she whispered, holding her brother tightly.

“I know. It’s ok. It’s probably just a bug that’s going around.”

Once they reached the garage, Hee-Jin swiftly led them to her car, helping Jin-Ah safely secure Jin-Woo in the back seat with Jin-Ah beside him. Traffic is normally quite heavy this time, so she had to take the longer route to avoid it.

“Have you told the others yet?” Hee-Jin asked, trying to keep the younger girl from getting even more worked up.

“Ah, no.” she pulled out her phone, “Guess I should. Song-Yi will be worried when she gets home and we’re not there.”

“Don’t forget to message the Guild Master too. You know how he gets. He loves that little guy. He’d sulk if he found out he was sick and no one told him.” She chuckled.

Jin-Ah smiled, running a hand through her brothers’ hair. Everyone loved him. He was a bit shy and awkward around adults sometimes. But he seemed to really like playing with Uncle Baek. He preferred to be called Uncle over Mr. saying it made him feel less old and like family instead of a stranger.

She had just finished sending off texts to everyone when Hee-Jin pulled into the hospital parking lot. Her hands shook slightly as she unbuckled the seatbelt and lifted him into her arms.

The whole process was a bit of a blur. As soon as the triage nurse took his temperature, they swiftly moved them into the back to put him on a bed and begin running tests. They had just settled him into a room when Baek Yooh-Ho skidded to a stop at the door.

“Jin-Ah! How is he?” he panted, having hurried over as soon as he could.

“His fever hasn’t gone down, but his vitals are stable. They’re running his bloodwork right now.” Hee-Jin stood and explained.

The man took deep breath, moving closer. “How long has he-” he stopped, sensing Mana near by.

“Sir?” Hee-Jin asked, taking a step towards her Guild Master.

“Impossible.” he thought, eyes falling on the boy. With his fine trained sensed, he was certain, the boy was the source of that Mana. “The youngest recorded Awakened in the world is 15… How?”

He moved towards the sleeping child, face flush with fever. Hooked up to machines with an IV drip attached to the arm of the hand Jin-Ah was desperately holding onto.

“Uncle Baek?” Jin-Ah asked, worry clear in her voice.

“Park, you don’t feel that?” he asked instead.

“Feel what sir?” she looked between him and the child.

“I can clearly feel Mana from him. Not on him. In him.” He emphasized that last part.

Jin-Ah’s hands began to shake, she looked between them and her precious little brother.

“Then… He’s?” she couldn’t finish her sentence.

“How? The youngest anyone ever awakened at was 15?!” Hee-Jin whispered in fear.

Even those who awoke at 15 had a rough time. Their bodies barely handling the sudden change and surge of Mana through them. For a 10-year-old to Awaken. It wouldn’t be out of the realm of possibilities for his body to be unable to handle the change and he would die.

“Shit.” Yoon-Ho cursed, quickly taking out his phone. Dialing a number of the one other person he’d trust this information with.

“Chairman Go speaking.”

“We have a problem sir.”

“I heard, but as I’m sure you know, the doctors can handle a child with a cold Hunter Baek.” He tried to calm the man, knowing how much he adored the younger Sung sibling.

“That’s not it. I can feel Mana from him. Not on him. In him. And yes, I’m certain.”

He could hear the older man take a sharp breath before silence on the other end. Knowing the older man would have also read the information on how teens bodies reacted when they awakened.

“How much Mana?”

“My B-Rank Hunter Park Hee-Jin can’t feel it. But I can. It feels suppressed, muffled almost. It’s almost pulsing with his breathing. I can feel waves here and there when I’m next to him.”

“Rank?”

“It’s hard to evaluate with just this. He might be subconsciously suppressing it. Trying to fight the change. But if this is it suppressed? He has to be around A-Rank at least.”

He could hear something snap and a heavy exhale. “Which hospital?”

Chairman Go swiftly arrived, followed closely by Woo Jin-Chul, the newly appointed Chief of the Surveillance Division. He hadn’t met the Sung siblings just yet, but everyone in the Association knew how much Chairman Go and Hunter Baek cared for the Sung Siblings. Treating them as family.

“Chairman.” Yoon-Ho greeted, giving the older man a small bow.

“Any changes?”

“His breath is a little shallow occasionally. The pulses of Mana are lower then. But right now, the bigger concern is he still hasn’t woken up.”

As he stepped closer, the Chairman began to feel it. From a distance, there’s nothing. But as he got closer, slight waves of Mana can be felt.

“Chief Woo, can you feel anything?” the older man asked, moving to place a gentle hand on the Jin-Ah’s shoulder and the other on the sleeping boys head. Shocked by the heat he felt from the child.

“Nothing sir. If it weren’t for the two of you saying you felt Mana, I’d wonder if someone was just looking for their 15 minutes of fame.”

“This is definitely an Awakening. You’re right Hunter Baek. This feels suppressed, it’ll be difficult to get an accurate reading from him in this state.”

“Please, will he be ok?” Jin-Ah asked, grabbing hold of the man beside her.

The Chairman looked at her apathetically, knowing the chances. Among those who Awakened at 15, only around 40% survived. There’s never been anyone younger to Awaken, at least, not that’s been disclosed. There could be others who awoke this young and their countries simply didn’t announce it, probably because said child didn’t survive Awakening. But had any country had a child this young Awaken and survive, they surely would have boasted about it everywhere.

“I’m sorry Jin-Ah. Aside from treating his symptoms, there’s not much else we can do.” He pulled her close as she began to cry. “We’ll make sure he gets the best care possible. Give him the best chance at adjusting to his new power.”

He did his best to reassure her, knowing this young woman has only been able to hold on this long because she had her brother to worry about. Without him, she’d surely breakdown. Which is understandable. To lose so many family members, any normal person would break. He didn’t tell her the statics, knowing they’d only worry her more, but he gave a knowing glance to Hunter Baek and Chief Woo. Both nodding back. Understanding that it’d be best not to tell her about how low the chances are.

“For now, lets see if we can get a rough guess of the level of his power. Chief Woo?”

Jin-Chul stepped over to the other side of the bed, placing the portable Mana tester down beside the boy. After setting it up, he gently placed the boys hand on the crystal.

Normally, it’s difficult to get an accurate reading when the tester is asleep. But it can give a minimum power level. However, with the boy potentially subconsciously suppressing his power, chances are they won’t get an accurate reading anyways.

At least, that was the concern when he set the boys hand on the crystal.

None of them expected the crystal would crack mere moments after he came in contact with it. Not even letting the reader generate a power level.

All the Hunters in the room stared in shock. Wondering if they were imagining it.

“… What does that mean?” Jin-Ah asked.

“It means the portable tester wasn’t strong enough to get a reading.” Chairman Go stated, staring back at the boy in awe.

“That’s even more impossible.” Yoon-Ho muttered, from the end of the hospital bed. “For a 10-year-old to have that much Mana… It’s no wonder why he has a fever. A child’s body should never hold that much power.”

“He’s S-Rank?!” Hee-Jin asked in shock.

“It appears that way yes.” Chairman Go nodded to Jin-Chul, who took the tester away.

“S-Rank?” Jin-Ah mumbled in shock, gripping her brothers hand tightly.

Chairman Go, kept a gentle hand on her, “Don’t worry my dear. We would never dream of letting a child so young be a Hunter. There are strict rules, no one underage is to enter a Gate. And we’ll immediately place a protection order on his information.”

“He will, however, have to train his powers. He could pose a risk to his own safety, along with anyone around him, if he can’t control whatever his power is. But we can easily do that at the KHA’s gym, or at my Guild’s training area. Depending on what abilities he has.” Yoon-Ho stated, knowing the Chairman would agree even without asking.

“But... S-Rank?” Jin-Ah shook, a new wave of tears falling down her face.

Hee-Jin moved to hug the younger woman. “It’s gonna be ok Jin-Ah. We’ll all help him and keep him safe.”

She looked between the three higher ranked men in the room with them. Knowing that at least the two S-Ranks would move heaven and hell to keep this boy safe. But everyone else present aside from Jin-Ah had experienced the hell inside of Gates at some point or another. None of them would ever willingly let this sweet shy boy go into one unless he decided that himself when he came of age.

Chapter Text

Song-Yi

Song-Yi had just finished up her raid, sitting outside the now empty gate location, on a stack of pallets. Today’s raid had been near a packing plant. The late raid had them finished after sunset. Normally she took raids earlier in the day, so she’d finish around the time Jin-Woo finished school or just after it left out. But it took awhile before enough of the group could get to the location at the edge of the city today.

She and the other injured were getting their wounds treated by one of the three healer teammates who joined today. Mr. Song Chi-Yul was their groups leader as the highest ranked Hunter there. He always insisted on having at least 2-3 healers on each raid for safety. Todays gate was a low D-Rank, thankfully all the injuries were fairly minor. The most challenging opponent today were Goblins, one managed to snag Song-Yi on the arm good during their fight.

She had become decent friends with the healer who was treating her, Lee Ju-Hee. She had been the one to interduce her to this group of Hunters. Helping her when she had just started out as a proper Hunter. She had wanted to start Hunting right after they graduated high school, but no one under the age of 19 is allowed in Gates per the KHA rules.

Thankfully through Jin-Ah and Jin-Woo, she met many amazing Hunters who helped her train to prepare. So, in the just over a year she’s been going on raids, she had joined many strike teams and groups. But she mostly goes on raids with Mr. Song’s group. He cared the most about the safety of everyone involved. Plus, the chances of meeting a Lizard in his group might as well be 0%. His senses were too good to allow that kind of shady person join.

While Ju-Hee healed her arm, Song-Yi checked her phone. Whenever she did later raids, she usually had at least a couple messages from Jin-Ah. Normally just letting her know she was done with classes, what they’d be having for dinner, or reminding Song-Yi for the millionth time to message her once she was done her raid. She knew it was just her worrying since Gates were a scary subject, so it usually brought a small smile to her face to see her friend worrying over her so much.

So, when she seen that beyond the normal messages she expected, but many messages about Jin-Woo being sick and her taking him to the hospital, she was ready to bolt. And she probably would have had Lee Ju-Hee not held her in place.

“Don’t even think about it. Your injuries may be mostly healed, but they could get worse without proper treatment.” She stated, working on a particularly deep part of the long gash on her arm.

“That’s not important right now Ju-Hee Unnie! Jin-Woo is sick, Jin-Ah had to take him to the hospital. She’s gonna be freaking out. I have to go to them!” she tried to get up again, this time Ju-Hee letting her.

They had done enough raids together for everyone still present to shoot worried looks her way. They all adored the little boy, having met him a few times when he and Jin-Ah had come to meet up with her after a raid. Most of them said he helped brighten the atmosphere after tough raids, even if he was a bit shy still. He helped them move past the horrors of their job and be grateful that kids like him were kept safe by what they do. Even if their group didn’t take on any particularly tough Gates, they still took out a couple a week.

“Is it serious?” their raid leader, Song Chi-Yul asked.

“The messages said she found him asleep while doing his homework. That he had a high fever and wouldn’t wake up when she tried to rouse him.” Song-Yi explained, showing him the message thread from Jin-Ah.

“That’s pretty serious. I’ll give you a lift. I didn’t get hurt so I’m not in need of treatment, and there should be some Hunter doctors at the hospital who can treat what’s left of your injuries.” He stated, giving Ju-Hee a look, hoping it would relax her.

Ju-Hee took her duty as the group’s highest rank healer seriously. Not wanting anyone to leave in more pain than necessary if she had a say in it. She was especially protective of the E-Ranks that joined any raids she was on. They were the weakest rank of Hunters, often picked on or used as bait for bigger monsters by ruthless Hunters who didn’t care about others.

She gave a resigned sigh and gave their group leader a nod before wrapping Song-Yi’s arm with some bandages.

“Really? Thank you so much sir!” Song-Yi all but bowed her thanks.

As soon as Ju-Hee double checked that she had no other bleeding injuries and her arm was wrapped, she let them leave.

“Keep me updated, ok? I’ll bring you guys some snacks if he has to stay for awhile.”

“Thanks Ju-Hee Unnie!” she gave her a quick hug, before following Mr. Song to his car.

By the time they reached the hospital, it was just after 8pm. Normally, visiting hours would be over by now. But since Song-Yi was technically one of his guardians, she was allowed to go to his room.

“Let me know if you guys need anything. I’m just a call away.” Chi-Yul gave Song-Yi a pat on her shoulder before heading out.

“I will. Thanks again Sir!” she gave him a quick bow before following the nurse.

She had expected at least Hee-Jin Unnie to be there, since Jin-Ah had said she was the one taking them to the hospital. She probably should have expected Guild Master Baek to be there, given how much he fretted over the Sung siblings. But she was completely shocked to see Chairman Go there when she entered the room.

“Song-Yi.” Jin-Ah looked at her with tears in her eyes.

“I’m sorry I’m late.” She ran to her friend, pulling her into a hug. “The raid was at the edge of the city and took awhile to get everyone there. How is he?” she looked towards the others.

“His fever still hasn’t broken, but it hasn’t worsened since arriving at least. Though all his bloodwork and tests have come back normal. So, for now he’ll have to stay on the IV drip and medication until then. However, he still hasn’t woken up.” Hee-Hin answered, her tone calm and reassuring.

“He was fine when we had breakfast, how could he get so sick so fast?” Song-Yi asked.

“Song-Yi... Jin-Woo... He’s awakened. They feel mana in him.” Jin-Ah choaked out.

“What?!” she all but screamed, looking back at the small boy in the hospital bed. “But I can’t feel a thing?”

“It seems only Guild Master Baek and Chairman Go can feel it right now.” Hee-Jin explained, telling the newest arrival about what happened while she wasn’t here.

“Can kids even handle this?” she asked, looking towards the Chairman. “I Awakened just after I turned 18, and was sore and aching for close to a week. And that’s just being an E-Rank. How could a 10-year-old handle that?”

“… Ordinarily, they’d die. An adolescent body can’t handle this kind of power and change.” Chairman Go stated, causing Jin-Ah to choak out more sobs into Song-Yi’s arms.

“The biggest problem is he broke the reader when we tried to get a rough reading on his power level.” Guild Master Baek explained, “Meaning he’s probably around high A-Rank to S-Rank.”

“S-Rank?! He’s a child!”

“And we will protect him. But seeing as Hunter Baek and I are the only ones who can currently feel his power, power we believe he’s currently subconsciously suppressing, it’s up to us to find a way to help him adapt to this new power. We will be doing everything we can to help him survive.” Chairman Go did his best to reassure the two young women before him.

“How do we help him?” Song-Yi asked desperately.

“Right now, the most we can do is manage the symptoms his body is presenting.” He explained.

“Will that be enough?”

“It’s hard to say, there’s no real precedent for this. But we can’t risk too many knowing about this. Too many would want to exploit him if they knew.” Baek stated, running a hand through his hair.

“Would a healer be able to help with this? Now that we’ve confirmed he’s Awakened? Or at least have them check if there’s anything else wrong that normal tests can’t find?” Hee-Jin asked.

Guild Master Baek and Chairman Go shared a look. Sure, healers could treat a variety of things in fellow Awakened. But it’s uncertain if they would be able to help with something like this. Not to mention, there was only one healer who either would trust this kind of information with, and he was retired. Currently studying to become a teacher.

“A healer might be able to give us a more accurate idea on how his body is handling this… But we’d have to be careful. We’ve already drawn in enough attention with the two of us being here.” Chairman Go scratched his beard.

“Most people tend to ignore him now that he’s retired and isn’t in the lime light as often. Plus, he’s always been pretty good about avoiding the press. So, it’s worth a shot.” Yoon-Ho stated, looking back to the terrified young women before him, and the unconscious child in the bed.

“Will he come?”

“Byung-Gyu has a soft spot for kids. I’m sure he’d come running if I explained it was for a young Awakened, let alone that it’s for Jin-Woo… Would it be alright to call him, Jin-Ah?” Baek asked, knowing her opinion matters most.

She’s met him a couple times before, he comes around to the White Tiger Guild office occasionally to drag Baek out to eat or for drinks. On one occasion it was while the Sung siblings were visiting. Jin-Woo riding around on top of Baek’s shoulders while he showed them around. The two hit it off talking about their love of historical dramas.

Jin-Ah couldn’t bring herself to talk, still trying to stop crying. She nodded instead against Song-Yi’s arms.

Baek moved to the corner of the room and made the call.

“Hey Yoon-Ho!” Byung-Gyu answered with glee, “You finally inviting me out for drinks first?”

Baek chucked lightly, “I wish. I need a favour.”

There was a pause on the other end, he could hear his friend stifle a sigh, “Yoon-Ho, I’m retired.” He complained, “Don’t you have plenty of talented healers to treat your injured in that fancy Guild of yours?”

“Not a Guild member. The Chairman and I need you to come take a look at a child. The two of us are the only ones who can feel Mana in him. He broke the portable tester.”

He could hear something shattering on the other end. Byung-Gyu probably dropped whatever he was holding.

“Did you just say a child has Mana?” he asked in disbelief.

A fair response. Baek would never have easily believed anyone who tried to tell him this either had he not been able to feel it himself.

“Yeah, 10-years-old. All normal tests are coming back in normal ranges except for his temperature. It’s been at 39.2°C since it was first taken a few hours ago. He hasn’t woken up yet. The IV drip has only been helpful in keeping him hydrated… The Chairman and I think he’s subconsciously trying to suppress the Awakening, which can’t be good.”

“… Yoon-Ho, why are you involved in something like this? The Chairman I get, but you? What haven’t you told me yet?”

Baek couldn’t help but smile, Byung-Gyu knew him well.

“Byung-Gyu, it’s Jin-Woo.”

There was a long pause, before Baek could hear a lot of movement.

“Which Hospital and room number?”

Chapter Text

Byung-Gyu

Byung-Gyu managed to get there in record time. Chief Jin-Chul having gone down to guide him after he was called in. The hospital staff choosing to look the other way when powerful Hunters kept arriving to visit a sick child after hours. Knowing better than to ask too many questions when two high ranking officials from the KHA told them to butt out.

By the time he got to the room, Jin-Ah was no longer crying. But she still held onto her brothers hand desperately.

“Any changes?” he asked, taking off his jacket as he moved closer.

“Not really. It could be just wishful thinking, but his breathing seems more stable now.” Yoon-Ho told him, taking his jacket so he could get to work.

“God I was hoping you guys were joking. Some dumb ploy to get me here. But it’s real. It’s faint, but there’s definitely Mana in him.” He stared at Jin-Woo in shock.

“You should know better than to think I’d joke about something like this Byung-Gyu.” Yoon-Ho huffed.

Byung-Gyu shot an apologetic grin his friends’ way before gently placing a hand on the boys head. Worry growing deeper at the heat. Probably the only way his body felt it could react to this. A child’s body just wasn’t meant to house Mana.

Many thought in the beginning that children would be the best ones to adapt to Awakening. But it’s the opposite. The sudden change to being a Hunter was more than an ever-changing child’s body could handle. The sudden surge of Mana and power has quite literally ripped some young Awakened beings apart.

For Jin-Woo to have enough power to break the portable tester, there’s probably a slim chance of him surviving this. There’s only been a couple of 15-year-olds with high ranks to survive world wide. A 10-year-old shouldn’t stand a chance.

Not like that would make him give up.

This boy was someone his closest friend cherished, and the family of his former boss who help keep him safe when Yoon-Ho was a firefighter. He’s not about to sit back and do nothing, even if he’s retired. Plus, he liked the kid. He helped get Yoon-Ho out of that office and the mountains of paperwork he had to do as a Guild Master. Sure, the boy hadn’t quite warmed up to him yet. But he was awkward around adults when he was a kid too, so he understood.

“Sorry Jin-Ah, could you let go of him while I appraise him? Even if I’m a Healer, my Mana could still potentially hurt you.” He asked her gently.

It took her a few moments to finally let go of his hand, hers stood shaking as she clenched them in her lap.

He gave Song-Yi an apologetic smile as she still behind Jin-Ah, her hands rubbing soothing circles on her friends shoulders.

“Alright. Let’s see if there’s anything else going on inside you little buddy.” He thought to himself, bringing both hands up.

One hand stayed at his head, while the other hovered just above his chest. Appraising the health of other Awakened was something all Healers could do. The depths of it merely changes depending on the rank of the Healer. As an S-Rank, there wasn’t much, if anything, that could possibly escape Byung-Gyu’s notice.

He knew the others would be anxiously awaiting even the smallest of updates. So, he’s going to be as thorough as possible. Checking every organ, bone, and anything in between to ensure he has as full a grasp on the young boys condition as possible.

To his surprise, everything felt exactly as it should. Which was beyond words on how shocking it was.

He had helped treat some of the younger Awakened in the past, when he had first Awakened as a Hunter and was getting the hand of how to Heal people. The youngest being 16. They had been in agonizing pain while their body adapted to their Awakening. Their bones were being broken by their power as it surged, several muscles had snapped from the strain, even some organs were inflamed.

Yet, Jin-Woo felt perfectly fine internally aside from the fever. Even externally, he didn’t feel even the tiniest of bruises or cuts kids typically tend to get from normal kid stuff.

“How is this possible?” he wondered, doing his best to maintain a poker face. “He’s clearly suppressing his power. Internally he should be a mess trying to fight it… But there’s nothing wrong. There’s-”

His thoughts were stopped short as he felt a small pulse next to his heart. As if the boy held a second heart in his chest.

“What is that?” he questioned, using his Mana to investigate further.

But before he could fully grasp what he was feeling, he felt a terrifying presence.

“Don’t push it, Healer.” A voice rang in his ear.

He froze, trying to understand what just happened. Through the corner of his eye, in the shadow next to the sleeping child’s neck, he could see a glowing blue eye watching him.

Given that no one else reacted, he had to assume they can hear it. Making it even more terrifying to the retired Healer. How could neither of the other S-Ranks in the room feel this… thing, Either?

“The child is fine. Leave him to rest and adjust to his power.” The voice spoke again.

“What the hell? Is the kids power sentient?!” he internally worried.

To the other side of him, he could see Yoon-Ho and the Chairman taking note of his sudden stiffness. Both moving a step closer. They may not notice what’s going on, but they’ve clearly taken note that he’s found something.

“We are the ones who shall protect him. Now leave him be.” The voice warned once more before he could feel the presence leave.

He did his best to let out his held breath without showing his fear. Whatever that was, he was not about to fight it. He knew with just that brief meeting, that it was far beyond what he could handle.

He withdrew his Mana and dropped his hands, putting on his best poker face for the worried group present.

“Internally he seems fine. As hard as it is to believe, I think he’s adjusting to his power just fine considering how much of it he probably has. But Hunters don’t handle medicine the same as Unawakened do. So, the medicine they’re giving to help with his fever, it’s probably being processed before it can help him. They’ll have to up the dose for it to have a chance at helping.” He explained.

Jin-Ah practically deflated in relief as she took her brothers hand once more.

Byung-Gyu gave a look to the others. “We should probably get out of here for now. All of us don’t need to wait here overnight.”

“Yes. Jin-Ah darling, we’re only a call away if you need anything ok? We’ll come back tomorrow to check on you guys.” Chairman Go did his best to give his calmest smile, understanding immediately what Byung-Gyu was after.

She nodded, wiping away the tears threatening to form in her eyes again. “Thank you so much for coming here.”

“Of course, we won’t let you guys go through this kind of thing alone.” Hee-Jin gave her arm a gentle touch.

After everyone said their goodbyes, Yoon-Ho sent Hee-Jin on her way, leaving just the three S-Rank Hunters and Chief Woo. The three moved to a quiet out of the way room to speak privately.

“So, what is it you didn’t want to say in front of Jin-Ah?” Yoon-Ho asked, eyeing his friend as he practically fell into a chair, clasping shaky hands together in his lap.

“I’m not even sure what that was.” He told them, “Something was in the shadow next to him, watching me. It somehow spoke to me without anyone else hearing based on how none of you reacted to it. But its presence was also overwhelming. I don’t know how no one else felt it.”

“What?!” Yoon-Ho paled at the implications.

“What did it say to you Hunter Min.” Chairman Go pressed, placing a hand on the other S-Ranks shoulder to try and calm him.

“Basically, just to leave the boy alone, that he’d be fine with some rest, and that whatever that was would protect him. But the more terrifying part was that it said ‘we are the ones who shall protect him.’ Meaning there’s multiple of whatever that blue eyed thing was in his shadow.” He shuttered at the thought.

Whatever that was in his shadow, it reminded him of the overwhelming presence of the Queen Ant from Jeju Island. No. Something more terrifying than that. Whatever was in his shadow, it could easily be an S-Rank threat. That, he was certain of.

“Is it even possible for a Hunters power to be sentient?” he asked, looking up at the Chairman finally.

“There’s no record of anything like that to my knowledge.” He replied, rubbing a hand on his beard. “But the world of Hunters changes with every Awakening. Each person power is unique in their own ways.”

“What if they’re a threat to him?” Yoon-Ho asked.

“Given that they told Hunter Min to back off, I think we should be more worried about, whatever it is, being over protective of him instead.” Chairman Go joked half heartedly.

“Chairman, I don’t believe now is the time for jokes like that.” Chief Woo sighed.

Byung-Gyu took a shaky breath, looking out the window next to him. Taking in the city cloaked in the shadows of night and the distant lights of street lamps, buildings, and cars helping calm his nerves.

This whole thing just proves it once more that he’s not made for the Hunter life. He’s too much of a coward.

“Was there anything else, Hunter Min?” Chairman Go asked, noticing Byung-Gyu started to relax.

He signed, knowing the sly old man could tell he held something else back.

“I’m not sure, I’ve never felt it in others I’ve treated before. But I felt like I could feel another heartbeat in him. Like he had a second heart next to his. It was as I was trying to investigate it that, whatever that was, told me to back off.” He ran a hand through his hair. “I don’t know what to call it. Maybe the center of his power? Or maybe just where his power was starting to grow inside him? I’ve treated a few newly Awakened Hunters in the beginning to help me get the hang of things. But back then I wasn’t quite as thorough as I was with Jin-Woo. So, I’m not really sure what I felt.”

“Do you think it could be harmful to him?” Yoon-Ho worried.

Byung-Gyu closed his eyes and thought about it.

From what he could feel, it didn’t feel like something foreign. His body didn’t feel like it was trying to attack or reject it. If anything, it almost felt like it belonged there. Like, whatever it was, was always meant to rest in that spot.

He shook his head. “No, from what I could tell, it doesn’t seem harmful.”

Yoon-Ho let out a breath.

“It’s fine Hunter Baek. We’ll keep an eye on things. Whatever happens, he has us to help him through this.” Chairman Go reassured him.

“Frankly I wish you’d all keep me out of Hunter stuff. I’m supposed to be retired.” Byung-Gyu complained, standing up and giving a stretch. “But I guess I can’t fault you for this one. The world is gonna have a field day when it gets out that not only has Korea found their 9^th S-Rank, but that it’s a 10-year-old who can’t legally go into Gates for another 9 years thanks to our regulations.”

“Well, obviously we’re gonna try to keep this a secret for as long as possible.” Chairman Go gave him a look.

He raised his hands in surrender. “Relax, I’m not dumb enough to go around spreading this. I’d never hear the end of it from you or Yoon-Ho here if I did. Besides, Gates aren’t a place for kids. So, I hope you guys have come up with some kind of plan for him. Cause eventually, someone will notice. And there are some who’d jump at the chance to try and use him.”

“They’ll have to go through us to even try it.” Yoon-Ho eyes glowing orange in anger at the thought.

“Once he’s awake and out of here, you should probably introduce him to the other S-Ranks. You know they’d kick up a fuss about this if you kept it a secret. Or do something stupid otherwise.” He suggested, knowing full well how much Yoon-Ho and Choi Jong-In are constantly fighting, trying to steal each others Gates and members.

He doubts Choi would be dumb enough to try anything with a child, but than again, he has made quite a few quips about the Sung Siblings being his secret children with how much he dotes on them. Something Byung-Gyu heard over drinks after dragging Yoon-Ho out after a particularly long day for him. So, who’s to say what that man would do if he knew it’d piss off Yoon-Ho.

Those two got along like oil and water. Sure, they could get along well enough when they had to. But outside of Gates and battling, they went right back to bickering.

“That will be up to him and Jin-Ah. She’s his legal guardian. But his thoughts on the matter are just as important.” Chairman Go stated.

Byung-Gyu nodded in understanding.

“Well, try to keep me in the loop, I guess. I don’t really interact with any of the others besides you two. But always nice to know what story I need to spin with them if they show up in front of me. Plus, for a kid this young learning his powers, I wouldn’t mind coming out of retirement slightly to help treat him.”

“Thank you Byung-Gyu.” Yoon-Ho gave his shoulder a pat.

“No worries. Just means you own me dinner after dragging me all the way here.” He grinned.

He huffed a sigh, “Yeah, sure. I can manage that.”

With that, they all headed their respective ways. Deciding to leave the rest for another day. When they had more answers. And when Jin-Woo was hopefully awake and could possibly answer some questions.