Chapter 83: Chapter 83: Her Tour Guide
"Idiot! Watch where you're going!"
"Taxi! Taxi!"
"Hey, I'm walkin' here!"
As Rumi Kang navigated the bustling streets of Times Square, her striking, big brown eyes absorbed the vibrant chaos that surrounded her. The cacophony of honking taxis, chattering locals and tourists, and bright neon lights felt both exhilarating and slightly overwhelming.
At just 17, Rumi possesses a slim, athletic build that speaks to her active lifestyle. Her heart-shaped face is framed by dramatic, dark eyebrows that arch gracefully over her expressive eyes, complementing her delicate, small nose. What truly sets her apart, however, is her long, brilliant purple hair, which cascades down her back in a thick dragon tail braid that reaches her thighs.
Today, though, it remained hidden beneath the soft fabric of her oversized pink hoodie and sleek black jacket, lending her an air of mystery as she blended into the vibrant tapestry of the city around her.
"Move it!" A woman dressed in a black suit, carrying a suitcase, said as she brushed past Rumi.
"You did great work today, Rumi. We still have some time before we need to head to the airport. Why don't you go explore what the city has to offer?" Celine, a middle-aged woman with flowing black hair streaked with a few gray strands, said after Rumi finished her dance and vocal training for the day. Standing next to Celine, Kathrine Perryting, a striking woman with midnight black hair, smiled encouragingly. "Just be careful; Americans can be a little... much."
"We're not that bad, Celine!" Kathrine laughed. "But seriously, Rumi. Just watch yourself out there. This city has a ton of superheroes, but it's also got its share of crooks and crazy superpowered folks."
"Uh, sorry!" Rumi said, but the woman was already gone, lost in the stream of people moving towards their destinations. "Celine was right, this city can be a bit… much."
New York City presented an entirely new world compared to her home city in South Korea. While Seoul's streets were typically bustling yet orderly, with a rhythm of life that felt almost choreographed, Times Square was a vibrant chaos unlike anything she had experienced before. Neon lights flashed in a cacophony of colors, advertising everything from Broadway shows to the latest tech gadgets.
The air was filled with the sounds of honking taxis, street performers, and the lively chatter of diverse crowds, all moving through the throng with purpose and excitement. The vibrant energy of Times Square stood in stark contrast to the more structured daily life back in Seoul, leaving Rumi feeling both exhilarated and slightly disoriented in the midst of the spectacle.
Rumi was currently away from home because of Celine, the woman who had raised and mentored her after her mother passed away. Celine wanted Rumi to train and learn from one of her longtime friends who lived within the city.
Although Celine was a highly successful and experienced pop star, having been a member of the Sunlight Sisters—an extremely famous K-pop group in Korea—she believed it was essential for Rumi to learn from various sources and perspectives. This way, Rumi would be as prepared as possible for the time when it would be her duty to seal the Honmoon.
What was the Honmoon?
In ancient times, when shadows danced across the land, demons roamed freely, their sinister laughter echoing in the night as they harvested souls to empower their ruthless king, Gwi-Ma. This malevolent ruler thrived on the despair and fear of mortals, casting a dark pall over the world. But hope emerged in the form of a trio of Shamans, fierce and determined, who wielded their intricately carved weapons and voices imbued with a mesmerizing power, strong enough to push back the tide of darkness.
With uplifting melodies that soared through the air like a gentle breeze, these three courageous women harnessed the profound essence of music, demonstrating its extraordinary ability to unite souls in a harmonious chorus of resilience. Together, they conjured the original Honmoon, a magnificent and ethereal shield that enveloped the people of Korea. This magical barrier glimmered with vibrant colors, pulsating with a life of its own, fueled by songs that resonated deeply with the souls of countless individuals.
Yet, the creation of the Honmoon was no simple feat. It drew on the collective strength of many souls, beyond the reach of any single hunter or a mere handful of offerings. As the flickering energy of life is not everlasting, the Honmoon, too, began to deteriorate over time, necessitating periodic reinforcement from each new generation of Demon Hunters.
With every passing generation, new chosen guardians emerged from the shadows, tasked with upholding the Honmoon and expelling any demons that dared to breach its majestic barrier. Each newly formed trio aspired to attain the legendary Golden Honmoon, an ultimate form of protection said to become permanently impenetrable, a beacon of hope against the dark forces swirling beyond.
Among these brave warriors stood Rumi, the daughter and protégé of two past members of a revered trio of Demon Hunters. It was her destiny—woven into the very fabric of her being—to wield her own voice and strengthen the Honmoon, standing as a bulwark against the resurgence of dark forces.
As it stood, Rumi was the only member of what was traditionally a three-member group. However, that would soon change, as Celine was in the process of finding the last remaining chosen hunters.
One of the hunters was located in her home country of Korea, while the other was on the opposite side of the country where Rumi currently was. If everything went according to plan, Rumi would meet her new teammates within a few weeks to begin their mission: creating the golden Honmoon and stopping Gwi-Ma for good.
"Hot dogs! Come grab a delicious New York hot dog!" The vendor's voice boomed across the bustling street, his deep, hearty laughter mingling with the aromas of grilled meat and spices that wafted from his colorful cart. He skillfully worked on preparing an order for a young man with tousled red-brown hair, clearly relishing the lively rhythm of the city.
Feeling a pang of hunger, Rumi decided it was time to indulge in a little culinary adventure and treat herself to some authentic New York street food. The vibrant energy around her made the decision irresistible.
"One, please," Rumi said, offering a polite smile as she approached the cart.
"You got it, sweetheart," the vendor, Ezekiel, replied, flashing her a warm grin as he expertly assembled a mouthwatering New York-style hot dog, topped generously with mustard and sauerkraut, its sheen glistening under the afternoon sun.
After handing over her cash, Rumi took her hot dog and glanced around, her eyes scanning the area for a suitable place to enjoy her meal. However, the overwhelming sea of people, the cacophony of voices, and the vibrant chaos of the street began to chip away at her usually composed demeanor, revealing a flicker of uncertainty. "What should I do?" She said in Korean with a lost look.
"Do you need some help?" A voice suddenly chimed in Korean from beside her.
Thanks to years of intense training and combat practice, Rumi was able to suppress the instinctive jolt of surprise that accompanied the sudden appearance of the stranger. Turning to her side, she found the young man from earlier, his demeanor friendly and open. However, a hint of exhaustion shadowed his eyes.
"Ah, no, I'm okay," Rumi replied, her accent crisp and clear in perfect English.
"Oh, I'm sorry. I didn't mean to assume you didn't speak English," Wyatt said, a hint of embarrassment coloring his cheeks as he slightly bowed his head. As he stood up straight, a quizzical expression crossed his face as he looked at Rumi. He studied her for a moment before shrugging. "You just had that lost look most tourists have."
"Well, I am a tourist… and I am a little lost," Rumi admitted reluctantly, her voice barely rising above the clamor of bustling pedestrians and honking taxis.
Wyatt smiled warmly, his eyes sparkling with understanding. "Yeah, I hear that a lot. Oh, I'm Wyatt. Wyatt Wilkins. Just your friendly neighborhood New Yorker and the occasional guide for lost tourists."
"I'm… Rumi. It's nice to meet you," she replied, giving a slight bow, the corners of her lips twitching upward in a tentative smile, which Wyatt mirrored politely.
"If you don't mind, Rumi, I'd be happy to show you a much quieter spot where you can savor your food. Trust me, you'll want to relish Ezekiel's meal in peace. He serves up the best hot dogs in the city," he said, letting out a light chuckle. Ezekiel, standing behind his food cart, nodded vigorously, his jovial expression infectious.
"You know it! Spread the word, Wyatt!" Ezekiel chimed in with a beaming grin, gesturing animatedly.
Wyatt turned back to Rumi, his tone inviting. "See?"
"I don't know," Rumi muttered, a hint of skepticism threading through her voice. She instinctively pulled her hood tighter around her face, casting a cautious glance around at the thrumming energy of the city.
Does he know who I am? She wondered anxiously if he knew who she was, confused by Wyatt's odd stare earlier.
Though she was quite certain she would turn heads in Korea due to her connections with Celine and her identity as the daughter of the late Ryu Mi-yeong, she hadn't expected to be recognized in America, where the fame of the Sunlight Sisters hadn't had a large effect.
"Totally get it," Wyatt said, noticing her hesitation. "I'm a stranger, after all. But I can hook you up with directions to a cool spot, or you could dive into the chaos out here. It's just what New Yorkers do," he added with a friendly grin, as the crowd swirled around them like a busy river.
Rumi frowned as someone jostled past her, the city's frenetic rhythm almost overwhelming.
"Okay, I'll follow you. But I'm keeping an eye on you," Rumi declared defiantly, her resolve strengthening.
"No worries, whatever makes you comfortable," Wyatt replied, a friendly glint in his eye as he began to navigate through the throngs of people, gesturing for her to fall in step beside him.
After a moment's hesitation, Rumi decided to trust him, though she remained alert, every sense heightened as they wove through the vibrant streets towards wherever Wyatt was leading her.
Although Rumi wasn't afraid of walking into a trap and was fully capable of defending herself, she felt a bit uneasy. Her connection to the Honmoon was weak because she was far from home.
When the potent energy of the Honmoon flowed through her, Rumi experienced increased strength, speed, and enhanced abilities. She could also summon her Saingeom Sword whenever she desired.
However, due to her distance from home, all of her physical enhancements were diminished, and she could only summon her sword a few times during her stay in the country.
"Wyatt! Looking good!" a cheerful voice called from across the street, drawing Rumi's attention.
"Hey, Wyatt. Thanks for your help the other day!" another passerby chimed in, a genuine smile illuminating their face.
"My favorite customer! Here, I have some extra apples—take them!" A fruit vendor grinned as he handed over a small bag filled with vibrant, crisp apples, his warmth evident in every gesture.
As she walked alongside Wyatt, Rumi observed the bustling street around them. It seemed as though nearly everyone they encountered had a friendly greeting or a quick chat ready for him. From the elderly vendor selling fresh bread to the young children playing nearby, Wyatt's easy charm and open demeanor earned him smiles and waves at every turn.
Rumi couldn't help but feel a sense of comfort in Wyatt's presence. Each friendly interaction painted a picture of a young man who was not just well-liked but genuinely respected and trusted by his community. This realization eased her initial apprehension; after all, if someone who was so regarded by those around him couldn't be all that bad, perhaps she had misjudged the situation.
"Here we are, Bryant Park," Wyatt declared, his voice filled with excitement as they finally arrived at their destination. His arms were weighed down with several bags, remnants from the friendly vendors they had passed along the way. "While it may not rival Central Park in size, it's still a lovely spot worth visiting. Ah, look. There's a bench over there."
Rumi nodded, her gaze sweeping across the park. Expanses of lush green grass stretched before her, dotted with the shadows of towering trees swaying gently in the soft breeze. Though it lacked the grandeur of its larger counterpart, this quaint oasis provided a refreshing contrast to the surrounding concrete jungle.
Once they settled onto the bench, Rumi eagerly unwrapped her steaming hot dog, the savory aroma igniting her appetite. She took a hearty bite, savoring the flavor. "It's delicious!" she exclaimed, her face lighting up with satisfaction.
"See? Didn't I tell you, Rumi?" Wyatt grinned, mirroring her indulgence as he bit into his own meal.
Rumi let out a soft chuckle, her eyes drifting to the scene around them. She noticed families picnicking, couples lounging, and solitary figures lost in their thoughts, each enjoying the simple pleasures the park had to offer. "I'm really sorry for being so suspicious at first," she admitted. "You seem like a genuinely nice person, but being in a new city has me feeling a bit on edge."
"It's alright. I hear that a lot. There aren't many people here who are willing to help tourists. So whenever I can, I lend a hand," Wyatt said as he began eating one of the apples he had been given, his hot dog already finished. "Would you like one?"
Rumi looked at the shiny red apple and nodded. She reached out and accepted the fruit. "Thank you for your help. That was very kind of you."
"It's nothing. I'm just glad to help," Wyatt replied between bites. "So what brings you to the city? The sights? The traffic? The crowded and hectic streets?"
"No, I came here with my… uh, my guardian for work," Rumi said, her fingers running over the apple's skin. "We've been here for a week, but we're actually flying back tonight. This is the only chance I've had to really explore."
Wyatt frowned upon hearing that. "That's a shame. We have so many beautiful places to see here—Central Park, The Metropolitan Museum of Art, the Empire State Building, the Statue of Liberty, and the Brooklyn Bridge. I could go on," he said. "How about this: the next time you visit, I can show you around if you'd like?"
Rumi smiled slightly, her left hand brushing her right arm. The arm where her patterns were hidden away by her clothes. "That sounds nice… maybe one day then," she said.
Noticing the familiar weight of gloom in Rumi's eyes and the downturned corners of her mouth, Wyatt felt a pang of concern. Her pained expression was one he had seen many times in different places around the world. In line with what he would normally do if he were in his Atomic persona, Wyatt decided to try to brighten Rumi's day. "You mentioned that you're leaving tonight, right? How about this: let's make the most of today!"
"Huh? What are you talking about?" Rumi asked.
"Rumi, I can't let you leave my city without really experiencing it," Wyatt said as he stood up. "Come on, we only have a few hours, and we have a lot to cover!"
"Wait, you can't be serious! Wyatt, there's not enough time for all of that!" Rumi exclaimed, begrudgingly following him as they began to cut through the park, drawing curious looks from passersby at their sudden jog.
"There's enough time, trust me. I know this city like the back of my hand. By the time we're done, you'll have the authentic New Yorker experience!" Wyatt grinned, motioning for her to hurry. "Come on! Our first stop isn't far away!"
As they ran through the streets, causing annoyance to several pedestrians, Rumi couldn't help but laugh at the spontaneity of the day. She definitely didn't expect her day to unfold like this.
••o••o••o••
Former pop star and member of the Sunlight Sisters, Celine, was growing increasingly anxious and angry as the seconds ticked by.
"Where is that girl?" Celine asked, pacing back and forth. Her heels clicked rhythmically against the hardwood floor of the grand hotel room where she and Rumi had been staying for the past week. "Our flight leaves in thirty minutes! She should have been here ten minutes ago."
"Relax, Celine," Kathrine replied, sipping her wine. "Rumi is a young woman in one of the greatest cities in the world. She probably lost track of time having fun—or maybe she found a boy. After all, she is very beautiful."
"Absolutely not," Celine replied, turning to her longtime friend. "Rumi would never do that. She understands her responsibilities, and wasting time on boys isn't one of them."
Kathrine's smile faded slightly. "I know, Celine. That girl has the weight of the world on her shoulders. But is it so wrong for her to enjoy herself before she officially becomes a Hunter?"
The part of Celine that had meticulously mentored and trained Rumi for several years urged her to focus solely on her role as a Hunter. It was imperative that Rumi devoted her energy to forging the golden Honmoom, a task of great importance that promised not only success but also liberation from the dreadful marks that marred her skin. These marks were not merely blemishes; they were a haunting reminder of what Rumi truly was.
Yet, another part of Celine, one that had nurtured Rumi since childhood, whispered gently in her ear. It reminded her of the fleeting nature of youth—of the vibrant, joyous moments that slipped away too quickly. This part urged her to allow Rumi the chance to savor life, to bask in the warmth of her years, unburdened by the weight of obligation.
In the end, however, the latter voice—so full of love and hope—succumbed in the fierce struggle for dominance within Celine's heart. She felt the sharp sting of loss as the echoes of her nurturing instincts faded, surrendering to the relentless call of duty and purpose.
"Yes… It is." Celine's voice cut through the air, laced with a tone of finality that brooked no argument.
Kathrine, her brow furrowed in concern, nodded slowly. She understood that there was nothing she could say to sway Celine's mind.
Just then, the main door to the room swung open with a creak.
In a flash, fueled by the speed and agility honed during her years as a Hunter, Celine darted into the expansive main hall. Her fierce expression flickered, giving way to a look of bewilderment as she took in the sight before her.
From head to toe, Rumi was an explosion of vibrant New York memorabilia. She wore a bright red "I Love New York" t-shirt that contrasted sharply with her leggings, while a matching cap perched jauntily on her head. Her arms were burdened with an array of shopping bags, bursting at the seams with souvenirs, trinkets, and whimsical items, creating a colorful tableau that spilled over the pale floor.
"I'm so sorry I'm late!" Rumi exclaimed, her cheeks flushed with embarrassment as she registered Celine's incredulous stare. "I kinda... got lost?"
Celine raised an eyebrow, her frustration palpable as she gestured broadly at Rumi's ensemble. "What is all this?" she demanded, her impatience simmering just beneath the surface. "You know what? Never mind! Just get ready. Our plane leaves in less than 25 minutes."
Rumi nodded slowly, her gaze lingering as she watched Celine walk away. With an amused glint in her eyes, Kathrine approached Rumi, a playful smile dancing on her lips. "So, how was the city? Did you make any new friends along the way?"
Rumi placed her bags down on the floor, her fingers brushing along her exposed braided hair as she removed her hat, a small, content smile breaking across her face.
"The city was fantastic! There was so much to see and so much good food," Rumi said. Her thoughts then turned to the unusual young man she had met. "Did I make any friends? Yeah… I think I did. He's nothing like what I expected from the people here, and he showed me around. He was… nice."
"I'm really glad to hear that, Rumi. Now, let's make sure to pack your bags quickly," Kathrine said softly. "And remember, Rumi, while you are going to become a Hunter, you're still a young woman too. It's important to enjoy life and have some fun along the way. Not every moment has to be focused on achieving the golden Honmoon."
Rumi frowned as she pondered over Kathrine's words, the weight of their meaning pressing down on her. With a reluctant nod, she turned and walked into her room. As she began the tedious process of packing, her thoughts swirled.
"A young woman…" Rumi whispered to herself, her voice barely audible above the soft rustle of fabric. She crossed to the bathroom, the cool tile sending a shiver up her spine as she removed her hoodie and jacket. Her gaze lingered on the purple marks marring her shoulder and torso. "No, I can't relax. I need to focus on closing the Honmoon. I need to focus on becoming normal."
Staring into the mirror, disappointment flickered in her eyes as she took in her reflection. The image before her was a stark reminder of everything she was trying to escape. Memories of her evening with Wyatt danced temptingly at the edges of her mind, a brief escape from the heavy mantle of her responsibilities as a future Hunter.
For just a few hours, she had shed the burdensome cloak of duty and experienced the carefree joy of being a regular teenage girl. Laughter had slipped easily between them, warming the chill of the tasks that awaited her. But now, reality crashed back in, cold and unyielding.
With a heavy sigh, Rumi recognized the bitter truth: she would likely never see Wyatt again. Lifting her phone, she allowed herself a faint smile as she scrolled to a candid photo taken by a kind stranger. In it, she and Wyatt stood before the majestic Statue of Liberty, grinning widely, the warmth of that moment radiating from their faces. It felt like a different world—a world where she wasn't burdened by the reality of what she was.
"We are Hunters… voices strong," Rumi sang softly, her voice tinged with the bittersweetness of hope and resignation, before placing her phone down on the counter.
At least for today, she could cling to the illusion of being a normal girl.
At least today, she could momentarily forget the monster that dwelled within.
At least today, she could pretend she wasn't part demon, caught between worlds, and struggling to find her place.
Weekly Power Status
-- Power
Ranking 
-- Power
stone