The Cloak Guard

The Calm Before

"Spiritual energy," Sumin said. "I remember a story where this...being had the ability to create objects out of light itself. It stuck with me and I was wondering if you could help me remember."

Of course, Sumin didn't really know if there was such a story. They hoped so as that might provide some sort of clue, or maybe just the beginnings of a clue, as to what was happening to them. And given their inability to locate Travis today, they had to try something.

So, as soon as school had ended, they had called their grandmother to ask her. Unfortunately, she had gone out for the day so they'd had to wait a little while which, given the immense time difference, meant the next day for them and later in the day for her. She lived in the city of Pohang in South Korea alongside Sumin's cousins ever since her husband, Sumin's grandfather, died.

It was only after a few seconds that they noticed how quiet the line had gone. If there was one thing any of their family could say about their grandmother, it was that she was never quiet.

"Jubang," it finally came, as little more than a whisper. "Where did this come from?"

Sumin was confused by her response. If there was no such story, then she would just say so. But she was acting...like Sumin had said something dangerous. Did she know...?

"Halmi, I saw it in a dream," they told her, hoping she wouldn't see through their lie. "But I remember it so vividly that I thought it must have come from one of your stories. So many of them have leaked into my dreams over the years."

"There are many legends and tales of spiritual beings possessing great power," their grandmother said after another thirty seconds of silence. "But none quite like you've described."

Sumin sighed in disappointment. It seemed this was a dead end after all. "Very well. Thank you, Halmi. Tell my cousins I miss them."

"Wait, Jubang."

Sumin blinked, not ready for the somber tone in their grandmother's voice. "Yes?"

"Is everything...ok?"

Sumin blinked again, finding themself more and more confused. "Yes. Why?"

"Did...anything happen recently? Because, you can tell me anything."

Sumin froze. Did she know? Was that why she was asking? Why she was acting so strangely? Was it something that existed in their family? If so, why hadn't they known about it?

"I know, Halmi. It's..." They paused, wondering if they should tell her. They didn't really know if she knew. It might seem like it, but maybe she was just concerned. And if they told her what was really going on, she might just grow more concerned. They couldn't risk it right now.

"Don't worry, I'm fine," they assured her.

There was another pause before, "ok. Well, I'll try to dig up what I can for your project."

"Oh, thank you," Sumin replied. They were certain now that that wouldn't help, but they didn't think it would hurt either. Plus, one never knew what might come in handy. Perhaps they would find something in those stories.

"And how is Althea doing?"

Sumin sighed, the pain hitting just as fresh as always. "The same, I'm afraid. She has made no signs of recovery."

"Well, as long as she shows no signs of deterioration, then I'll take it. My granddaughter is a strong soul. She'll pull through this, just as we all will."

Sumin smiled. Somehow, their grandmother, always managed to make them feel better, even in the darkest of situations. She had stayed with them for a while after the accident, helping around the house and cooking the food while Sumin's parents worked extra to afford the medical bills. Her aid had been invaluable. Sumin knew their parents sorely missed her presence but they also knew their cousins needed her just as much. They didn't fully know why, they didn't talk to their cousins too much. All they knew was that there was something going on with them that was never really talked about.