The Cloak Guard

The Calm Before

This was it. This was where it happened. Where they had mocked him and scorned him. Where they had broken his spirit and almost made him give up on life.

This is where he truly felt lost.

So destroy it, the voice whispered. He didn't know what it was. It lurked inside of him, sliding between his thoughts like a conscience. Except he didn't know of any conscience that said the things it did. Rip the place asunder.

"What would that accomplish?" he asked.

It will prove your strength. You will bury this place in the past where it belongs and grow even stronger than before.

"I..." He looked at the building in front of him. It was a small and white two-storey square with several wings and branches added to it. "I don't know. There might be people in there."

So? Why do you care? They are beneath you now. Flex your power. Begin to show the world what you are truly capable of.

He wanted to. God, he wanted to. Tear everything down, all the streets and buildings and just start anew. A blank canvas. But...he didn't want anyone to get hurt. That wasn't him.

This weakness is holding you back. You wish to be strong don't you?

"Of course I do," he replied. "But...not like this."

Ugh, very well. Give me control and I will show you how it's done, without killing anyone. It will still be an important lesson.

He found himself nodding in agreement. Yes, that he could get behind. "Ok," he said. "Do it."

As you wish.

The power rushed through him, taking control of mind and body until it was like he was passenger, just watching what was happening. He felt his body change, a dark matter wrapping around his skin, shiny in appearance.

Now, let me show you how it's done.

"...it's a little strange to be asking about this now, but let me think. Hmmm. I remember Older Brother, Younger Brother was one of your favorites. And you always wanted to read The Princess and the Beggar. And of course there was..."

"Halmi," Sumin interrupted. "I know all those ones. But I was wondering more about the myths rather than the folk tales."

"The myths?" their grandmother questioned. "Why are you so curious about this all of sudden anyway?"

"School project," Sumin replied smoothly, having already crafted a lie. "It is on our cultural background and stories."

"Well, I don't see why you can't go with those two. They are great stories with timeless messages about right and wrong as well as feminism which still translates to..."

"Yes, Halmi, I know. But...there is just one story that I almost remember that I wish to focus on," Sumin explained. They had hoped this would be easier but their grandmother was one of the smartest and keenest people they knew.

"Almost remember? Jubang, you have the best memory in anyone I have ever met. How could you have forgotten something?"

Sumin winced. That might have been a mistake. "Well, you told me many stories when I was young and it may have gotten lost among all the others."

"Hmmm. Oh very well. What do you remember of this so great story?"

She was also a bit on the sarcastic side.