Chapter Text
── ⋆⋅☆⋅⋆ ──
The world changed fifty years ago, and not slowly but dramatically. It begins with the sky appearing strange until humans realize it is cracking like glass. That's where the rift, the monsters, began invading the world.
The world began to shed blood; humans and monsters fought each other, killing each other, leaving nothing but a winner.
Humans formed a union despite language barriers and began developing technology to prevent monsters from invading their base, which is now their city free of monsters.
Humans may lose friends, but they remain strong at all times. There is no weakening or loss of progress.
But monsters are smarter and sly because they know how to trick humans into their base and slaughter them bloodily. That's what happened to 1 out of five developing cities.
You see, monsters may be mindless and do not speak human languages. However, this is not statistically true. There are always different species that can learn human language and trick and kill people.
But why are monsters killing, you may ask?
They are not mindless.
Monsters and humans share something in common.
Power and greed.
Monsters have lost friends and loves since the rift; they did not intend to invade but rather to fight other monsters. However, humans become involved in the attack.
But it wasn't the fault of humans either. They were all afraid of the terrifying creature and wanted to protect their families.
That is how humans fight their own wars before going to war against monsters. It has always happened, and it is too late to fix it. It will always be difficult to resolve the war and make peace between them.
Monsters fight monsters and humans. Humans fight both humans and monsters.
It's all about power and greed.
Monsters Rift Apocalyptic slowly became post-apocalyptic. 30 years have flown fast since the beginning of Monsters Rift Apocalyptic. There was something that neither monsters nor humans expected.
The stories of the Black Calamity, a species that manipulates the darkness and energy around them. But there's only one. Not endangered nor extinct. Unfortunately, they entered Earth through rifts and haven't seen their family in other worlds.
The Black Calamity is not a large creature, standing about 6 and a half feet tall like a human, but it is a woman.
She has no name and only refers to herself as the Black Calamity. She was unfortunately caught in the middle of a battle between monsters and humans.
The first time she remembered she had arrived in the world unprepared, she was immediately attacked by humans, and all she could do was defend herself by lashing out with her darkness, weakening trees, grass, and plants and causing electricity to go out. Humans could feel the pressure, but it was not harmful unless the darkness tentacle could easily attack with great strength.
Humans began to fear the Black Calamity because of her true power of darkness, which could kill the lives of natural beings and humans.
The Black Calamity does not want to harm nature and humans but needs to protect herself without hurting further. All she can do is destroy trees but not roots. She can take the whole building down with whatever she wants.
After a few attacks, she has become well-known; they describe her appearance as terrifying, resembling darkness humanoids with multiple arms like spiders and a nearly humanoid face with spiky antennae like snake scales. She has glowy white eyes almost like headlights.
Until she met one man.
It wasn't a monster; it was human.
His name was Jaejoon. Just a farmer from a small clan who was good at protecting themselves from monsters.
They first met when Jaejoon spotted the Black Calamity while looking for the lost horse. His lost horse was discovered alive and calmly being pet by the Black Calamity. It wasn't terrifying, but rather peaceful.
Jaejoon realized he had seen something unusual among all the monsters.
So he approached, and the Black Calamity fled, not wanting to be harmed while unarmed. Nonetheless, they started seeing more and more.
Jaejoon never found her terrifying, but rather a pure sweetheart. The Black Calamity had never met a man who was so sweet and cute.
She began to learn from him; she was a quick learner, and their communication began to flow smoothly. They exchanged stories and mutual understanding.
Jaejoon discovered that the Black Calamity's enemies are simply monsters looking for power. The Black Calamity discovers that Jaejoon is a farmer who cares for animals but must kill them for survival and strength.
Jaejoon finally gave her a name, Chaewol, after meeting frequently every moon.
They are slowly developing the feeling and then fall in love with each other through their mutual love and understanding.
Then Chaewol grew the life inside her unexpectedly after their love.
Then the birth of the boy, a beautiful human newborn.
Jaejoon was surprised and always told her, “I sometimes expected an angel to look like you, but I always love our baby no matter what. He is beautiful.”
The boy was given the name Lee Yongbok by Jaejoon. But he not only gave a Korean name but also an English name: Felix. Because Jaejoon is from Australia and moved to Korea to support his small clan.
Chaewol has found her purpose to live on earth, with her love and her son.
But her hope shattered when Jaejoon did not return to her hideout one day. That's where she knew Jaejoon was gone or taken away. Because she knew Jaejoon would never leave them.
So Chaewol began taking care of her son alone, Felix.
Such fragile beings like Jaejoon, yet strong emotions and hearts. She knows Felix will be smarter when he grows up.
She always teaches Felix through Jaejoon's English and Korean. Felix was also a quick learner like Chaewol.
Then one day, when Felix was seven years old, he was playing outside the cave with sticks and handmade stuffed animals from Chaewol. He tripped on a stone and badly injured his knee.
He cried in pain as the grass and trees around him darkened and died. Felix's shadow is spreading. The ground then began to crack violently, causing Felix to panic and cry out for his mother. Chaewol sensed something and dashed out of the cave to catch Felix before he fell into the cracks.
“Felix!” She once said this while cradling him in her arms. “Look at me, Yongbok.”
“Mom—” Felix choked, sobbing from the unexpected ground crack and darkness.
“Breathe, look at me. Not darkness or a ground crack. You're okay. Your knee hurts, but it will get better.”
Felix finally calmed down and followed his mother's instructions. Chaewol can see a human angel boy who possesses the Black Calamity power. She knew the world would see this as abnormal and wanted him on either side to turn against each other.
If humans discover this, they'll hunt him.
If monsters discover this, they'll use him.
If either side learns he inherited Black Calamity powers, he will never be allowed to simply be a child.
That realization could become the reason she starts teaching him emotional control so intensely.
Years later, Chaewol was aware that Felix had previously wandered into a small clan village. She is aware but has not intervened. She only stops when humans attempt to attack Felix because she can see through the darkness. Felix knows it too. She allowed her son to learn more about humanity in the village.
So one day, Felix returned to the cave and found his mother was lying on a handmade nest. “Mom?”
“Yes, angel?” Chaewol answered softly.
“Do humans really hate monsters?”
Chaewol froze at the innocent yet sad question. She considered for a moment before she answered this.
“Some do and some don't like your father. Some fear what they don't understand.”
“Will they fear me?”
The questions kept her awake all night, holding Felix in her arms, wondering how the world would react if Felix became part of the monster. She knows that such a sweet boy will learn what the world is really like.
Felix began teaching about emotions and feelings when she was sixteen years old. Telling Felix that while combat is necessary, it should only be used to protect oneself. She always said that violence is never the answer when you're frustrated. Only communicate through it.
Felix has completed his defense training and always listens to what his mother says.
“Your power follows your heart.”
“Never let others decide who you are. Not even me. It's entirely your decision.”
“You are not the darkness that causes harm.”
Then she said, “You're not human nor a monster.”
So Felix asked in the middle of training, “If I am not human, what am I?”
Chaewol smiles softly. “You are Felix.”
Felix only finds this little bit cringe, but Felix could never forget his mother's words.
── ⋆⋅☆⋅⋆ ──
Years passed, and Felix grew up to be twenty years old, young and beautiful, with a face similar to his father. He has a best friend named Jisung. Felix calls him Hannie for more casualness and cuteness. They have known each other since Felix visited the clan for the first time.
Felix is now concerned about the possibility that Jisung will discover Felix is not fully human. He never asked Jisung about his thoughts on monsters because humans had grown up hating them. So he gathered his courage to question Jisung.
Felix says goodbye to his mother before leaving the cave and walking through the deep forest to reach the village. He arrives and finds Jisung waiting for him.
“Hi, Fee-lix!” Jisung waved with a cute smile.
Felix scoffed at the nickname and smiled. “Hey to you, Hannie.”
They went to the same bench and ate their breakfast together as usual. Felix finished his sandwich and cleared his throat before looking at Jisung.
“Hey, Hannie. What do you think of monsters? It's a weird, stupid question.”
Jisung stopped chewing and looked at Felix with wide eyes; he resembled a chipmunk who had had a full month of food. Then Jisung swallowed and coughed lightly.
“Wh—what do you mean, an opinion on monsters?”
“Yeah. I never saw a monster.”
I lied. I did see a monster. Felix thinks to himself.
“Ahhh, aish! Monsters are extremely terrifying. I've seen on television how monsters attack other villages and cities. It was extremely terrifying!”
Felix sighed, knowing Jisung would be scared of the monster. “Then… Have you heard anything about the Black Calamity?”
The Black Calamity is my mom. She is not evil and has been protecting me since i was born…
“The search for the Black Calamity continues.” Jisung shrugged and ate another bite of the sandwich before speaking. “He is impossible to find. He is complete darkness.”
It's she. Not him.
“It's she.” Felix accidentally expressed his thoughts aloud before freezing and coughing awkwardly. “Monsters can be female, male, or even have no gender.”
Jisung blinks for a moment, then becomes suspicious because Felix is not afraid of monsters.
“Lix…”
“What?”
“You know something I don't…”
“Umm… I mean, you're heading to Gaoshi. The powerful city with the most formidable defense! They are accepting more survivors from around the world, including you. That is why I am curious about this place, as I will be alone.” Felix tried to explain in a cool manner.
“Lix, you... Aish! You are the smartest person, even if you didn't attend school. You are still welcome to come! But that isn't what I meant right now. You're always asking about Black Calamity! Like you know something!”
Felix froze, his heart racing as he looked down at his sandwich for a moment.
“Promise you won't freak out?”
Jisung shook his head. “No! Even I freaked out over a small thing, but whatever!”
“I know who Black Calamity is.”
Jisung's eyes widened and he stared at Felix, disbelieving. Then he turned to face Felix and almost shouted, but he stopped and looked around to make sure no one heard. He looked directly into Felix's eyes to ensure that he was not playing around.
“Are you deadass?”
“Yeah.”
“Then… is she dangerous?”
“Listen. Why I don't want to go to Gaoshi: I've heard they can detect who isn't human and kill or take them for even worse experiments.”
“Lix…” Jisung muttered, his face paling, realizing something. “HOLY SHIT. ARE YOU THE BLACK CALAMITY?!! ARE YOU ONE WHO TOOK DOWN A WHOLE ARMY?!”
Felix blinks for a moment. What the fuck is Jisung on about?
Oh wait.
“No, but kind of, fuck. I promised her, but… you always keep secrets, so… I am not Black Calamity, but my mom is.”
Jisung blinks.
“And no, she's not dangerous.”
“B—b—but…”
“I mean, yes, she is dangerous, but she isn't cruel. She didn't mean to, but she had to protect herself! She is my mom…”
Jisung opened his mouth.
Closed it.
Opened it again.
Closed it again. At this point Felix thinks Jisung is acting like a fucking fish dying on land. Then finally,
“Okay.”
“Okay?” Felix looked at Jisung, confused.
“No! Not okay!” Jisung rubbed both hands over his face. “You're telling me the most wanted monster on the planet is your mother.”
“Well—”
“And you've been casually eating lunch and dinner with me for YEARS?”
Felix awkwardly rubbed his neck.
Jisung let his hands down, then he scanned Felix up and down. “Okay… I mean… I'm trying SO hard to not freak out. But I am confused!”
Felix sighed and took a bite of the sandwich. He is thankful Jisung did not freak out or leave him to report. He trusted Jisung like twin brothers. Then he decided to explain the stories his mother once told. told him.
The story of how his mother arrived on Earth 30 years after the monster rifts began. Basically a late boomer. Then he tells how she met Felix's father and learned her name from him. Then came Felix's birth, following their love. Fortunately, Chaewol aged like humans, so they hoped to grow together; however, Felix's father did not return and vanished. Then how she brought up Felix alone and kept him from anyone.
Jisung listened to it all without interruption. All the new information about Felix's life and how long Felix has kept his secret. Jisung knew Felix was keeping this secret because he was scared and because he wanted to protect his mother.
Then Felix heard gentle sniffles. Felix whipped his head to Jisung, eyes watering, pouring tears.
“Um… Are you okay?”
“N—no… It's so… fucking beautiful and sad!” Jisung sniffed and wiped his tears away but was still crying even more.
Felix gets emotional. He is not tough, but he cries easily when he sees his friends cry. “Stop! You are also making me cry!”
“Shut up. We will cry together. I am just… sad. She waited for him.”
“What?” Felix sniffs.
“Your mom.” Jisung voice cracked, “She waited for him all years. Does she think your dad is alive?”
Felix's heart cracks, she's not the only one who wishes Jaejoon were alive. Felix also believes his dad is alive, hopefully.
“Gosh. I barely remember my dad because I was just two when he disappeared. My mom worked so hard to raised me well…” Felix wiped his tears with his sleeve. “Great, you made me cry more!”
“Well, we cry together anyway. We are still twins, even if you aren't human. I always love you!” Jisung choked and wrapped his arm around Felix's shoulder. “You are still my biggest bro. You have opened my mind about your mother and your true identity!”
Then after some time they finally cool down from emotional mutual understanding. They stayed close to each other.
“Hey, Lix.”
“Mmm?”
“Thank you…” Jisung looks at Felix with a smile. “For trusting me and telling me. I won't forget it.”
“So… Not freaking out?”
“Well, fuck yeah, I am a little freaked out and a little mad that I never knew. But I understand why you kept it secret. I am the only one who knows?”
“Mhm,” Felix nodded. Jisung placed his hand over his chest like he was being blessed with a bunch of information. Felix scoffed and told him. “Stop being so dramatic. Another day, another Hannie.”
They laughed and decided to leave this park to avoid their little conversation being exposed. They walked down the street to Jisung home.
Felix sees how nearly empty Jisung's room is. Posters and pictures were already down. The wardrobe seems empty. It seems Jisung has packed a lot for his new move-in.
Felix realized he will miss Jisung a lot because Jisung might not be back here.
Jisung noticed the sudden pressure changed. Ah fuck. I forgot Lix might have power.
“Hey Lix. I can feel pressure changes, and I can tell you are sad.” Jisung turned to Felix and grabbed his hands, holding them with determination. “Why can't you come?”
Felix froze and took a moment before saying anything. “My mom has seen how outer guards measure and detect. She said she saw them killed or take on disguised monsters.”
“But… Are you disguised?” Jisung asked a question Felix never thought of. He shook his head, so Jisung continued, “Yeah, you said you were born in a human body. You are SO lucky I am studying to be a scientist, and I can follow similar protocols to what they did.”
Felix shuddered seeing Jisung open one of the suitcases, revealing a neatly folded microscope and some safe, closed chemical that was designed to detect monsters easily. Then he saw the fucking needle.
“Fuck no.”
“Relax!” Jisung whines and picks up the syringe and replaces the needle with a butterfly. “I need a little of your blood.”
“Hannie… Why are you doing?” he asked hesitantly.
“Because I wanted my baby to come with me.”
“Even I am a monster?”
“I have known you for like eight years. I see your true color is literally all rainbow and happiness. I don't want you to be alone forever here.”
Felix's cheek pinked, and he sighed, finally giving in.
He pushed his sleeve up and let Jisung look at the crooked elbow. Then Jisung puts a weird rubber band on Felix’s arm and finds a vein before poking with a butterfly. A sudden string made Felix wince.
But he watched Jisung withdraw a small amount of blood, and slowly he took a deep breath before he pulled out the needle slowly and wrapped a bandage on the spot.
Felix watches Jisung doing his thing out of curiosity. He knows Jisung is more of a biology nerd/scientist, so he must know about monsters well.
Then he saw Jisung’s expression change subtly, like surprise, when he put chemicals on the sample, examining it in the microscope.
The clock was ticking, and it had been 3 minutes since Jisung stared into the microscope. Then Jisung stood up abruptly, and Felix jumped like a cat.
“Um… If you're about to tell me I'm dying, at least buy me dinner first.”
“You should come,” Jisung finally said.
“Eh?”
“It's... It cannot detect you! The test says you are completely human!” Jisung said with wide eyes, like he had witnessed the new discovery of species. “You should come! I already have extra room!”
“But... you are paying for travel and I bet rent must be expensive…” Felix protested weakly.
Jisung put one finger up against Felix's lip, silencing him. “Nuh uh. I can earn more. If you are really concerned, then I will help you find a less dangerous job if you like!”
Felix rolled his eyes. But this offer was too tempting to refuse. He really wanted to go Gaoshi with Jisung and explore new things and how life worked with all the technology he’d been hearing about.
But… What about Felix's mom? Felix can't afford to leave his mom. He has so much love for his mom, and he had mixed emotions thinking about leaving his mom alone.
Jisung felt the pressure again. He sighed, pulled Felix up, and cupped Felix's head. “Why are you sad?”
“Damn, I need to start controlling my emotions around you.” Felix rolled his eyes and sighed. “It's about my mom.”
“Dude. Most people are ready to leave their parents for a new life. That means your mom must have raised you well!” Jisung said and gently squished Felix's cheek. “I wonder if I can try to convince your mom to let you go?”
Felix swatted Jisung hands off playfully and scoffed with small grins. “It's okay. I will try convenience when I go home. If she says yes. When do we leave?”
“Okay! Okay! We will leave in two days. Not too soon but pretty soon for you…”
“That's okay. I will try to convince my mom.” Felix nodded; he's okay with timing.
They went to a restaurant for a dinner before Jisung escorted Felix back to the trail in the forest. Saying farewell and telling Felix to update tomorrow.
It was nighttime, and the forest was dark and cooling. Felix is lucky he is the son of the Black Calamity, which has good vision in darkness. He managed to find his home cave.
He steps into the cave and searches for his mother to find her on the nest.
“Hi, Mom,” Felix said as he took his shoes off and crawled into the nest.
Chaewol smiled and wrapped her four arms around Felix and cradled Felix like always when Felix was a kid. She stroked Felix's head for a moment before Felix finally spoke.
“Mom. Can I go to Gaoshi?”
Chaewol's hand paused in mid-stroke before stroking Felix's hair again.
“I know you have been eyeing the human settlement Gaoshi.” Chaewol said, “And I know you told Jisung.”
Felix's cheek flushed, embarrassed, remembering his mother can see everything through shadow and darkness. But he could tell his mother wasn't mad or disappointed. She seems calmed and happy.
“You see. I wanted my son to explore the world. I wanted my son to be brave and smart. Like your father.” Chaewol whispers soothingly and kisses Felix's forehead. “I will tell you. Be careful in Gaoshi, always. I can't watch you far.”
Oh, that's right. Chaewol can see anything up to thirty kilometers in all darkness around. Gaoshi is literally forty-five thousand. It's too far.
“Mom… If I am going to live and explore… please promise me I want you to be okay and alive.”
Chaewol smiled and hugged, both tightly and softly. She starts to rock back and forth as if to comfort Felix’s sadness, but she knows that this is natural. After all, she learns the natural emotion of humans from Jaejoon.
“I will pack some of my handmade clothes. I will make more.”
“Mommm! I got plenty of clothes!”
“But I insist. I want to make them more cozy and comfortable for Gaoshi.”
At the End. Felix couldn't protest his mother's worries. He knew how much he was meant to his mother and nothing else. She would do anything to keep Felix alive and out of trouble.
When Felix had fallen asleep in her arms. Chaewol watches Felix's chest rise and fall with calm breaths. She covered Felix with the blanket to keep him warm and safe
She softly said, “Jaejoon… Our little angel is leaving home.”
She's just a monster, a woman who lost the love of her life, and now she's about to watch the last piece of him leave the cave.
── ⋆⋅☆⋅⋆ ──
Felix finally had at least twenty pairs of shirts, pants, underwear, and socks with an extra handmade bag. Felix had forgotten that his mother was very good at making clothes and things out of lots of yarns that she found.
Felix reached Jisung home and placed the bag on the bed. Jisung stares in disbelief with his jaw dropped.
“A—are you saying these are new clothes?” Jisung asked as he unzipped and gasped at how fashionable clothes are.
“Yeah. Mostly thin cotton with color.”
“She made it overnight?! She is like one of all fifty workers in the factory who make these!”
“She is not human. Duh.” Felix chuckles and looks at new clothes. He could have taken the old one, but he appreciated his mom so much. He always felt uneasy leaving the mother alone.
But Felix is a grown adult, and his mother allows her child to grow up.
Jisung was getting one extra train ticket. They got a really cozy room; only two bunks and a table were there. Felix finds this train very pleasant.
Felix and Jisung set their bags under the table and spent their time playing a card game and cursing each other. Felix couldn’t believe life was changing so fast. He adores Jisung even though he stinks.
Felix has seen the sunrise, then the sunset into the moonrise and moonset. Felix counted how many days it had been since he was on the train with Jisung, and it had been three days.
He has new biomes like jungle and then plain before snowy comes. He has seen small villages and towns, and sometimes he saw monsters chasing the train but failed. miserable.
Jisung violently shook Felix, causing him to awaken. Felix sat up, disoriented and sleepy, staring out the window. His eyes widened as he saw the giant wall and the fancy city behind it, tall buildings with glass in the distance.
It may appear to be this size from a distance, implying that when Felix is close up, the size will be approximately 1000 square miles. Now Felix felt out of place because he just grew up in a cave with no education and was unfamiliar with anything.
He has learned something from Jisung out of friendship, but going to Gaoshi is a very huge step.
Will Felix even survive this?
Then they reached the final stop, and Felix took a deep breath, hoping to start a new life undetected. Jisung always assures Felix they would not detect Felix.
Felix only gripped the back of Jisung's shirt, following into the line. He sees the security-like men scanning the people with weird sticks. He sees other tested people with weird spray things.
Until it was their turn. Jisung went first and gave his two suitcases and backpack. They examined it before nodding for Jisung to pass.
“Um. I also invited my bestfriend. He is new and doesn't know technology stuff, so please be gentle!” Jisung called out to guards and inspectors.
Felix is unsure whether they heard Jisung. They took the bag and backpack and examined the contents to discover a large amount of clothing and snacks, but there was no crime or suspicion. Then they raised a strange stick and hovered above Felix's body. Nothing much
Then they sprayed weird liquid at Felix, and all he did was sneeze, which was also a normal reaction.
Jisung finally let out the breath he had been holding for so long and pulled Felix and helped with the bags. “We did it!”
Felix smiles shyly and follows into the huge neat street that Felix did not expect. It was way too neat with blocks moving on the road.
“Those are cars.”
“That's a billboard.”
“That's a drone.”
“Oh, they have a cafe!”
“Yep, these are called phones, pretty expensive but for long-time communication.”
“Yes, people own dogs and cats like back there.”
After all of this, Jisung answers Felix's many questions. He knows Felix lives in a cave, literally. He wanted to teach Felix almost anything that he nearly corrupted Felix with.
The twin has started their new journey as human and monster together, a new life no humans in Gaoshi will knowtogether.
But someone in charge of organizing the capture of monsters has his eye on Felix.
── ⋆⋅☆⋅⋆ ──
Felix is now in Jisung's apartment, which was cleaner and more modern than Jisung's previous residence. Way too big for Felix's house, but Felix did not complain.
They all unpacked and finally got organized at last. Felix was curious about what he could do while Jisung went off to internship.
“Hannie?” Felix asked, walking into Jisung's bedroom and flopping on the bed. He felt comfortable. “What can I do here?”
Jisung chuckled and put his pair set in the wardrobe before walking and collapsed on the bed beside Felix. “Relax, Lix. I'll get the latest phone for us, and then I'll help you look for jobs. No dangerous jobs.”
“Mhm. So can I take a job to clean?”
Jisung choked out laughs
“Fuck no. You aren't twelve anymore.”
Felix frowns. “But cleaning is respectable. Your family liked me for that…”
Jisung sighed and rolled to Felix. “I know, but I didn't drag you across half the country so you could become my housekeeper.”
“Then what do I do then?” Felix asked to look at Jisung. “I can't be just sitting and hibernating…”
Jisung scoffed and shook his head. He sat up, and Felix did the same unconsciously. Jisung took something from the nightstand and placed it on the bed. It was the map.
“This is a big city, but you can explore.”
“Explore?” Felix blinks and takes a look at the map. Jisung pointed to the red dot to indicate where they lived. “Hannie. This is just too big! I don't think I can walk that far...”
“Relax, baby Lix! I am not saying you should explore all time!” Jisung folded the map and placed it on Felix's hand. “You have lived in the forest your whole life.”
“But I literally went to your village.” Felix said deadpan, yet his tone contained confusion.
“Yeah, congratulations; you only visited my village.”
“Not just one. Like two villages.”
“Lix…” Jisung rolled his eyes.
“Okay fine. Yeah, only one.” Felix huffed reluctantly.
Jisung laughs and pulls Felix into cuddles. “Okay, I will be out to buy food and some needs for both of us. I will be home by around 6 pm.”
Felix glanced up at the clock, which read 1 p.m. This means Jisung will be gone for five hours to get everything they need.
“Okay, I will stay here.”
Jisung hums and gives a nod. He ruffled Felix's hair before getting ready and grabbing his bag. Jisung instructed Felix to stay here and be safe. Felix can watch whatever he wants on TV. So Jisung said his goodbyes and exited the apartment.
Felix was alone at home. He went through the living room, his bedroom, Jisung's bedroom, the bathroom, the kitchen, the pantry, the storage, and the laundry room. They all weren't small or large. It was mostly perfect and relaxing.
Felix decided to sit in the living room to watch what's on TV. The thing is that TV was actually larger than he saw in Jisung's old home. He checked and realized he didn't need to change channels because he could just pick anything from the home screen.
Wow, what the fuck? Is this too advanced? Oh, wait, I did live in a cave the entire time.
Felix checks every application on TV and finds them so entertaining. Then picked YouTube to watch anything about monsters out of Gaoshi. He saw how soldiers are defending against monsters.
Felix became sleepy after watching an hour-long video about Gaoshi. He stood up and turned off all of the room lights. He closed the blinds and searched for a place to nap.
Well, he still has habits. Weird habits.
He knows that Jisung has Felix's trust and refuses to tell anyone about his monster friend in his apartment. So Felix climbed up on the bookshelf. Lucky it was mounted to the wall.
Then he lay down on top of the shelf and fell asleep peacefully, as if nothing would harm him.
When Jisung returned with a heavy backpack and groceries. He was confused by how dark the apartment was.
“Why is it so dark?” he mumbled and walked to the living room and turned lights on.
He looks up and screams.
“LIX?!”
Felix awoke disoriented and sleepy. When he looked down and saw Jisung was home, he noticed wide-eyed shock on Jisung's face. “What?”
“WHY ARE YOU UP THERE?!” Jisung dropped the bags and rushed to the shelves, expecting Felix would fall injured if Jisung weren't nearby.
“Um... My mom and I prefer sleeping in a high place…”
Jisung facepalmed. How can he forget Felix grew up with a monster mother?
“BUT, Like, people don't DO THAT!”
“But… My mom does it? …”
“YOUR MOM IS BLACK CALAMITY.”
Felix blinked in surprise and eventually climbed down. Jisung feels as if he will have a heart attack one day.
But it wasn't just one habit. It was the next day. Jisung has learned more: Felix's habits are weird but childhood comforts to him.
He remembered being hungry so he went to kitchen and look for a snack, but he finds
twenty-seven packets of snacks.
twenty cans of soups.
ten of dried fruits
and one confused Felix inside the cabinet.
Jisung does not even need to ask Felix how the fuck he got inside the cabin. He assumed Felix was very flexible and the cabinet wasn't that small. But Jisung needs to teach Felix to not do that.
Felix has learned since yesterday that he can do whatever he wants, but he should not be doing this if someone is coming over, so he had to stop his strange habits. Because he made a new friend next door.
“Oh hey, you are Seungmin! Jisung told me about you!” Felix said after opening the door with a bright smile.
“Yep, hello, I am Seungmun,” Seungmin said, showing his box of baked goods. “Since you and your brother moved in. I want to make a proper welcome.”
“Thank you. I am Felix and uh...” Felix felt flattered and happy that his new friend considered welcoming him! He cleared his throat before speaking. “Jisung isn't home anyways. Internship, haha.”
“No problem,” Seungmin waved off and placed on Felix's hand. “Just enjoy and good luck.”
Felix smiled and waved goodbye. He checked and noticed the number on the sticky note attached to the box. It was, of course, Seungmin's phone number, along with the message: Text or call me if you need help! 🐶
Felix stares and lets his lips smile. He remembers growing up having four people.
-
Mom
-
Jisung
-
And Jisung's parents
Felix is now slowly adjusting to new life. He has something in back of his mind. Is his mom doing well?
“FELIXIE!!!”
Felix jumps like a cat at the shout and looks to find Jisung in the hallway rushing towards the door. Jisung reached with heavy panting and showed two boxes: the new phone, the latest model.
“Um. Hannie. You might scare people away if you shout like you lost your foods…”
Jisung laughed but wheezed and coughed from overexcitement. Jisung dragged Felix inside and shut the door behind.
They started unpacking the phone. It was thinner than Felix expected. He saw the screen glow logo before the homescreen.
Then Jisung started showing Felix how to use the phone. Showing a website for searching anything. Showing the application for adding contacts. Showing how to communicate with each other via phone and text.
Felix had to absorb the complicated yet simple information on how to use the phone. He eventually figured out how to memorize and use it.
“There's also one more thing, Lix. I ran into a tall, handsome man. He looks like a high-ranking cop from a comic! He is in charge of patrolling and eliminating monsters,” Jisung rants, remembering something. “And I noticed that he is usually walking near our apartment.”
Felix froze and looked up from his phone to Jisung. A high-ranked officer who is in charge of patrol and eliminating monsters? Does that means…
“Lix. He won't come after you,” Jisung quickly reassures Felix, knowing his fears. “He asked me a question about an unexpected new roommate in less than a week, but he didn't push it. Aish! I refuse to let anyone look at my innocent baby best friend!”
Felix's cheek turned pink. “I am not a baby… And thank you.”
“Yah! I don't know what he can do, but do not run into him, okay?”
Then Jisung shows the website to find jobs that Felix would love. He saw Felix eyeing the cafe, which was nearby.
Jisung made a choice to apply for the cafe barista under Felix's name. Felix never felt more excited to try this new opportunity.
It was nighttime, and Felix and Jisung were watching a movie. Then he noticed Felix was a little quieter now, so he nudged his elbow against Felix.
“What's wrong?”
Felix sighs as he turns his attention to Jisung. He leans into Jisung's shoulder. “Nothing. It just… I missed my mom.”
Jisung's expression softened, and he hugged Felix. “You know we can go back and visit.”
“No.” Felix shook his head but still burrowed into Jisung's arms. “My mom would be upset if I returned early. She wanted me to grow and explore, but I am damn worried about her.”
“Your mom is the Black Calamity. She is strong enough to protect herself like you told me. I think she would be so proud of you. Even I haven't met her.” Jisung smiled and nodded. “Okay, save worries for when we visit her next month.”
Felix smiled and nodded, knowing Jisung would help him with the visiting. Jisung had done everything for Felix, and he felt bad about it. He wondered if Jisung was ever doing it for himself too.
Well, Jisung always said he would buy a new uniform for himself. New shoes and anything he can do. He has loads of money, and Felix doesn't know where it came from. Well, internship, of course.
But Felix will make sure Jisung isn't the only one earning money. He wanted help.
── ⋆⋅☆⋅⋆ ──
Felix was hired after going through an interview process. The boss said he didn't need experience because everyone starts somewhere. Boss sees potential in Felix, who can attract customers with his sweet and adorable personality.
Wooyoung, Felix's boss, shows him around the cafe before teaching him how to make basic coffees. He will eventually learn how to make specialty coffees.
“Hey boss—”
“Nuh uh. Call me Wooyoung!” Wooyung put a finger up and shook his head.
“Um. Wooyoung… I am really thankful for hiring me. I won't disappoint you!” Felix looks up at Wooyoung with sparkling eyes.
Wooyoung is about to die with cause of death: adorable young employee.
“Anytime, Felix. Now you have covered knowledge of the basics. You can work a little if you like to.”
Felix nodded, determined to work a little more even though his official shift begins tomorrow. He only needs a little more practice making coffee and greeting customers.
Surprisingly, Felix can already greet customers and make coffees from memory. He realized his mother and Jisung were right: exploring more will help him learn and adapt easily.
The hour passed; Felix hadn't tired easily, and he saw how much his boss had been paying for a cup of latte to keep him awake. Felix became curious, finished cleaning the counter, and walked to his boss.
“Wooyoung?”
“Mm?” Wooyoung takes a sip while looking at Felix. “What's up, Felix?”
“I recently moved to Gaoshi and am curious about...” Felix bites his lip, attempting to avoid sounding suspicious or awkward. “This is the one guy. I don't know his name, but I've heard he's a handsome high-ranking officer who eliminates monsters?”
Wooyoung blinked and opened his mouth, but as expected, there was one ring when the customer entered. Felix's attention shifted to see a tall and handsome guy in an officer suit with a cape and fur around his neck.
It's exactly what Jisung described when he saw him around.
Shit. Is he stalking me? Does he know?
Felix tried to calm himself and walked to the counter with his usual smile, but his heart was racing crazily from fear and fluster, especially given how attractive he is.
“Hello! What would you like to order?”
The officer looks down at Felix, who appears taken aback. Maybe he didn't expect Felix to have a deep voice.
“Americano and muffin, extra shot on Americano.” The officer finally answered, pulling a wallet out from his suit.
Felix nodded and tapped into the register machine. He glances at the man's face and notices a small mole under his eyes. It was kinda cute for someone who could hunt Felix.
“That would be 4.25 UD. What is your name?” Felix asked and looked up.
(a/n: UD means universal dollars. Completely fiction.)
“Hyunjin.”
“Um, H-U-N-G-I-N?” Felix mumbled, typing it down.
“No. It's H-Y-U-N-J-I-N.”
“Oh sorry.” Felix mumbled, quickly deleted, and typed the name. He sort of did this on purpose to know the first name; then he could search the full name later. “Forgive me, your order will be ready in two.”
Felix noticed how casually Hyunjin nodded and walked to the table, saying nothing. Felix is unsure whether he should be especially cautious with Hyunjin because he is a hunter.
Felix needs to stop overthinking. Felix already checked himself to see if he has any inhuman features. Even Jisung told him multiple that Felix is perfectly fine and human
Felix quickly finished the order and delivered it to Hyunjin's table on a tray. He placed it on the table with a smile. “Here is your order, sir.”
Hyunjin fixed his gaze on Felix for a moment before grabbing his wrist.
Felix flinched with wide eyes.
Hyunjin's gaze flicked down to Felix's wrist. a birthmark under freckles on the wrist before looking back up.
“Are you Jisung's roommate?”
Felix blinked, his Adam apple bobbed, and then he nodded. Hyunjin looked at Felix as if he were examining him before nodding. Letting Felix go back to his work.
Felix awkwardly returned to his counter. Wooyoung was taken aback and hid his expression behind a newspaper, waiting for the famous officer to finish and then leave.
Hyunjin stood up and placed tip on counter before walking away without saying any words.
“Uh…” Wooyoung sighed and placed the newspaper on the counter. He looked at Felix and asked, “Do you know who this guy is?”
“No…” Felix muttered and shrugged.
“I mean, he always come to this cafe, so it's not unusual but…” Wooyoung murmured, trailing off before looking at Felix, “Why did he grab your wrist like in a movie?”
“I—I am not sure...” Felix turned to Wooyoung with a sheepishly confused expression.
Wooyoung raised an eyebrow. “Should I be concerned?”
“I'm very concerned!”
Wooyoung nodded in agreement and patted Felix's back. “Okay, be careful. Your training is finished, and you can go home.”
── ⋆⋅☆⋅⋆ ──
Felix finally reached home, feeling proud that he did so well on training, even if it was just simple. He wanted to tell Jisung about what happened.
He finds Jisung in the kitchen, who is making dinner. “Hey Hannie.”
“Welcome home, Lix. How was training?” Jisung looked at Felix with a smile.
“It was… good, but it's sort of weird.”
Jisung tilts his head and turns the stove off. “How weird?”
“Like fucking weird… I met him, the one you described...” Felix sighed and pulled out a note he had secretly written and showed it to Jisung. “His name is Hyunjin. He gave me stalker vibes when he asked if I was your roommate.”
Jisung read the note, then his eyes widened. “Wait, Hyunjin? tall and handsome?”
Felix nodded once.
“Holy shit. This isn’t good. He has eye on you…” Jisung ran his hand through hair. “I think his full name is Hwang Hyunjin. He is the son of Hwang Minjin, who controls scientists and hunter-militaries.”
“Hwang Hyunjin? Well… Um, do you know their family’s objection?” Felix asked if he feels like he knows the answer, and he will fear that.
Jisung bit his lips nervously. “Yeah. They are hunting the Black Calamity… My boss told me about it. Because your mom is only one who is an SSS-plus class monster out of all monsters…”
“SSS-plus?” Felix asked, his fingers fidgeting with his shirt hem nervously.
“It is like top ranking. There are like five different monsters that are better than all monsters. That's another reason why the boss told me they keep seeing monsters fighting each other for power to rank.”
“Yeah, Mom told me… Who are five?”
Jisung pulled out his fingers and counted, “The Black Calamity, aka your mom. Uncanny Sol, Amber Titan, Poison Moth, and Sea Abyss.”
Felix listens with wide eyes. “Woah… Can I know more of the other four?”
Jisung smirks, and he leaves the kitchen, then returns with thick books with the title “Earth’s Invasive Monsters.”
Felix looked at the book and picked it up and flipped pages.
Uncanny Sol is one of the SSS-plus creatures currently under investigation in the maxiumum security laboratory. They were captured a decade ago and were well-known for their energy, which included light, fire, and heat similar to the sun itself. “Sol” is the Latin name after the sun, and it has a history of cursing and blessing villages with sunlight and heat.
Felix did not know this was already captured. He remembered his mom mentioned him once, she said he was annoying, but he wonders if Sol is still alive.
Amber Titan is one of the SSS-plus creatures who is known for having the strongest body no matter how much a human tries to kill it. It will never have a single crack. Amber was named for having a bright orange color and being bright. Amber Titan was hidden somewhere and impossible to find despite its large size.
Felix can see an old photograph of Amber Titan, which appears to be larger than a tree.
Venom Moth is one of the SSS-plus creatures that reassembles a moth but contains the ability to paralyze and kill anyone he chooses. It was located in some abandoned building in Europe. The information is lacking.
Felix was disappointed because he was extremely curious about it. He finds it terrifying that this can poison anyone.
Sea Abyss was very recent creature discovered as this book is updated. It was known for living in the sea and can control the water and oxygen which was surprisely but chemist explained water contains oxygen and Hydrogen. They have no idea what can sea abyss do with hydrogen but it is still under search since it lives in deep abyss.
Felix’s eyes rose. A new one?
“The Black Calamity was known for controlling shadows and darkness. It was a very dangerous creature that defeated an entire army. It was well-known, and many wanted to capture it to investigate, but it was impossible for twenty years because it was always hidden in shadow, day or night.” Felix read aloud to Jisung before smiling. “They don’t know anything about her, but my mom is badass. The world fears her, but she literally made me a dinosaur-carved apple for my breakfast.”
Jisung and Felix erupt into laughter.
Felix has learned new knowledge about rankings and monsters. But he couldn't stop worrying about Hyunjin, who had suddenly appeared in Felix's life.
Felix must stay cautious and avoid Hyunjin at all.
To be Continued
⋆ ˚｡⋆୨♡୧⋆ ˚｡⋆
Bonus but part of story
Chaewol remembered the first time Felix spoke when he was 10 months old.
“Mama…” Felix was just a baby, and he was clapping with tiny hands.
“You said your first word!” Chaewol said while her glowy eyes were already watery. She lifts her tiny human into her arms. “Say, Mama…”
“Ma...ma!” Felix cooed and wrapped his tiny hand around Chaewol’s long finger. “Mama!”
“Felix, Yongbok… your dad would be so proud of you.” She whispers and kisses Felix’s temple.
Chaewol finds it strange but adorable and normal to her that she is a dangerous monster roaming in the forest with her biological son, who is human.
But her son doesn’t seem afraid. So she wonders how he will react when he meets humans who look completely different from Chaewol. Will Felix be frightened? Will Felix leave her?
But her fears were wrong.
Felix was twelve, and he went alone to the village, and he saw humans in the village, and they looked exactly like Felix. Here he also met Jisung, and Jisung’s parents took Felix in to dinner.
Felix could see how different it was. But he didn't want to tell Jisung and parents about Mother because he starting seems to understand what's happening.
When Felix returned home. “Mom?”
Felix still calls Chaewol “Mom” even after Felix learned about monsters. Felix still has his love for his mother regardless of whether Chaewol gave birth or not. Because Chaewol raised him well and protected him.