Samhain

chapter nine: when it shatters

"Curses and calamities have to go through the apocalypse hotline."

Jongho moves deeper into the church with an air of indifference, his voice holding a hint of annoyance. Seonghwa trails closely behind him with a weary smile, fully aware that their presence has been a persistent source of vexation for the priest.

Upon hearing seven sets of footsteps continue to echo through the hallowed halls, the priest turns around to deliver more admonishment for their persistent intrusion.

"This isn't any ordinary curse," Wooyoung interjects, seizing this brief moment of attention with desperation. "You're our only hope."

San hums in agreement. "It's truly an extraordinary curse. I mean, look at how stupid he is. Surely there's something you can do to help."

"Apologize right now!" Yunho huffs, elbowing San.

San raises his hands in surrender, smirking. "I'm sorry he's stupid!"

Jongho glances at Seonghwa out of the corner of his eye, watching as he sighs apologetically. "Pardon my friends. They're being especially... themselves today."

Jongho appraises them for the first time since they entered the church. Wooyoung seems to catch his eye; a glimmer of recognition dances behind his stoic facade, causing him to study the Wooyoung more intently than the others.

"Okay." The word falls from Jongho's lips, and a collective sigh of relief sweeps through the room.

He ushers them towards a door, which leads to a smaller room behind the altar. Casting a cautious glance at the entrance of the church, Jongho mutters, "Quickly, come into the chapel before I change my mind. It's much safer back here."

The chapel is a cozy and unexpected refuge from the wasteland that lay behind them. As they crowd into the smaller room, a soft, multicolor glow shines down from stained glass windows and onto ivory walls adorned with religious artwork. Wooden pews create neat rows leading to the altar, their polished surfaces reflecting the ambient light.

Dozens of intricately crafted holy symbols cast long shadows on the wall, each bearing the insignia of a different pantheon of deities. An atmosphere of reverence carries the secrets and prayers that have been shared within these walls for generations.

The smell of incense lingers in the air, and Wooyoung welcomes the reprieve from San's earthy scent.

Jongho sits down on the marble steps to the altar and motions for them to take a seat on the wooden pew in front of him.

"So," he continues, "I'll need you to start from the beginning. I wasn't really listening to your rambling. What's this curse thing about?"

Yeosang's voice echoes throughout the chamber. The haunting descriptions of the dreams he has been having - about a malevolent shadow creature, a prophecy of an apocalypse - makes Wooyoung feel more profoundly burdened than ever before.

He's just a college student, and yet he finds himself entangled in a destiny far beyond his years. He shouldn't have the fate of the world in his hands when he can barely cook instant ramen without setting it on fire.

The moon goddess told them that Wooyoung was cursed. She proposed that the werewolves kill him, and while death technically breaks all curses, it is far from an acceptable solution. Wooyoung doesn't want to die. There has to be a real solution - one that doesn't involve sacrificing a life.

Jongho remains quiet throughout the explanation, and when they finally finish he looks lost. He opens his mouth to speak several times, unsure where to begin.