The Children Go to Earth 2!

by stickerfruu

Summary:

After discovering a strange orb behind the bookshelves, the children found themselves stranded in Korea, a strange and unfamiliar place without any of their family members by their side. While Cale made a deal to bring them back and busied himself with ensuring their safety, the children must hold out on their own in the meantime.

Notes:

A rewrite of my old fic ^^

Chapter 1: The Cintamani

Two years have passed since the White Star’s defeat. 

The world was finally at peace and Cale had finally achieved his long-awaited goal of becoming a slacker.

He spent most of his days slacking off in the Super Rock Villa following the same routine: he would sleep early in the evening with the children by his side and wake up late in the morning to find everyone already dressed and eating breakfast. He would do the same before making himself comfortable on his rocking chair and munching on fresh grapes while reading a new novel from the stacks of books on his shelves. By noon, his eyelids would grow heavy, and his body would long for its daily nap. After an hour or two, he would be awoken by the sounds of laughter and wooden swords clashing. He would find himself sitting by the window to watch Choi Han, Lock, and the wolf children train rigorously.  The war had already ended, yet they insisted on continuing their training, so Cale just let them be. 

When he felt like it or when the children urged him to go out more, he would take them on strolls around Rain City every once in a while. It wasn’t good to keep growing and curious children at home all the time after all, and if he were to refuse them, he would only set a bad example. 

While the young dragon and the red kitten grinned in excitement at every shop they entered, their older sister never failed to reprimand Cale for being unable to deny whatever items her siblings shoved in his face. She claimed he spoiled them too much. To defend herself, she brought up a time when Cale purchased the entire menu because Raon and Hong looked at a pastry store for a little too long.

Cale was speechless. Weren’t children supposed to like getting the things they wanted?

“I have a lot of money. This is nothing.” He shrugged.

Thinking about it now, he did buy too many dresses for On last week, including new shoes for Hong, and all types of different flavored pies for Raon. He sometimes wondered how many of those pies still sat around in Raon’s spatial bag waiting to be eaten. 

Anyhow, they were still kids. Children should eat well and enjoy every second of their childhood, doing whatever they want. Whether it was to train, study, sleep, play, or travel, Cale would always be there for them. He was their guardian after all.

 

---

 

After spending the entire day in the Henituse Duchy, catching up with his parents and bonding with his siblings, he wanted nothing more than to return to his perfect routine the next day.  

He entered the Villa, anticipating the black dragon flying towards him at full speed and crashing into his arms, and On and Hong jumping onto his shoulders and rubbing their furry bodies around his neck. 

“Raon?” Cale called out as he shrugged off his coat. “On, Hong?”

From the garden where they sometimes crafted flower crowns, to the training ground where the Molans would spar with them, and the living room where they would lounge lazily, they were nowhere to be found. 

“What are you looking for, young master?” Beacrox spoke up the moment he wandered into the kitchen. He wore an apron around his waist and mittens on his hands like he had just finished baking. 

Cale had expected to find the children helping Beacrox to prepare dinner, but they weren’t there either. “Have you seen the children anywhere?”

“They are upstairs in the young master's bedroom.”

“I see. Thank you.”

Cale rushed up the stairs to his bedroom. Still no little furballs jumping on the bed, or an adorable black dragon with round blue eyes nibbling on freshly baked cookies by his desk. 

He chuckled, gaze scanning certain corners of the room. “Oh, where could you be hiding?” 

The kittens were from the cat tribe who were experts when it came to stealth and assassination and the black dragon could conceal his presence with magic. Although this was the case, Cale found it ironic how the children giggled and hid in obvious spots every time they played together. 

They were still young and playful after all. So, he would feign ignorance and indulge their antics each time. 

Cale walked over to his bed and found the sheets folded neatly and the pillows untouched which was unusual. Raon liked to crawl under the blanket to hide, unaware of how his chubby body bulged like a hill in the middle of a flat field. 

He peeked behind the headrest where Hong usually poked his head out whenever he called for him. Not here. 

He turned towards the empty bookshelf beside his desk which was one of On’s favorite napping spots. Not there either. 

Cale glanced around his room in search of them. Not here. Not there. Not anywhere. Not even behind the cabinet or the curtains.  

If he had to guess, they took playing games more seriously now. Cale called out again, “Haaa... You guys can come out now.”

As he got down on his knees to look at the last possible hiding spot: under the bed, a voice called out from the hallway. 

“Cale-nim, are you here?” Choi Han knocked on the door and entered, curious as to why Cale was bent over and reaching for something from under the bed

“What are you looking for?”

“Huh?”

“Cale-nim?”

Cale quickly stood up and dusted off his clothes. In his hand was a shattered orb, its fragments slipping between his fingers. It flickered faintly like the wick of a melting candle.

Choi Han instantly recognized the orb. “The cintamani?”

It was a gift from the God of Death after the White Star’s defeat. The cintamani allowed them to communicate with Earth 2 and vice versa. 

"What happened?" Choi Han asked. 

"I don't know." Cale’ frowned. 

Cale looked up at the highest part of the bookcase. The collection of books that filled the entire shelf had been taken out. Did the cintamani fall out or something? It was impossible. He made sure to keep it at the very back, away from the edge, and out of reach. How could it have fallen out? Unless...

At that moment, Rosalyn entered the room. Her sudden presence pulled Cale out of his train of thought, and he quickly composed himself. 

“Yes, Miss Rosalyn?” 

“Young master Cale, Choi Han.” She greeted them both. “Miss Cage contacted me saying she needed to speak with you.”

“Miss Cage contacted you? Why didn't she contact me directly?” 

“She said that she was unable to contact you.”

“Unable to contact me? What–" Cale paused, his eyes wide as if his suspicions had been confirmed. He looked down at the broken cintamani in his hand that continued to flicker despite its current state.

Choi Han and Rosalyn exchanged worried glances. 

“Cale-nim?”

“Young master Cale?”

Cale stared at them before running his hand through his hair in frustration. No wonder he couldn’t be contacted. Raon wasn’t here. He was gone along with On and Hong. 

“...Fuck.”

“Young master Cale, did something happen?” Rosalyn asked. 

“No, I mean yes,” Cale sighed, obviously frustrated. “Please tell Miss Cage I would also like to speak with her. Personally.” 

“Alright.” She cast a skeptical eye towards Cale and the strange object in his hand before leaving the room.

Choi Han looked just as nervous beside him. They have known each other long enough to notice the sudden shift in the other's demeanor. “Cale-nim, what's going on?” 

“Have you seen the children today?”

Choi Han shook his head. “Lock, the wolf children, and I returned from Harris Village thirty minutes ago. They weren't here to greet us when we arrived. Ron told us you were visiting the Duchy, so we assumed they went with you.”

Beacrox just said they were upstairs, and the kitchen smelled of freshly baked cookies. They were good kids. Surely, they couldn't have wandered off by themselves without supervision or told anyone beforehand in such a short amount of time, right? However, Cale would have much rather preferred that scenario than confirm his worst fear. 

There was no doubt about it. They must have found the cintamani and taken it out. 

“Shit.” 

Then, Choi Han paled when the realization struck him. “Cale-nim, they couldn't have-” 

“Let’s go.” Cale shoved the cintamani in his pocket and walked off.

“To where?” Choi Han followed closely behind. 

“The Church of the God of Death.” 

Chapter 2: The God of Death

Summary:

Cale and Choi Han departed immediately and discreetly. He planned to explain the sudden disappearance of the children upon his return from the Church of the God of Death.

Cale and Choi Han departed immediately and discreetly. He planned to explain the sudden disappearance of the children upon his return. 

Inside the carriage, Cale sat with his arms crossed over his chest. His fingers tapped his elbows nervously as he watched the scenery outside, cursing his carelessness for keeping such a fragile and dangerous item in an unsecured place. He regretted not leaving it with Raon in his storage dimension like he always did.  

Cale clicked his tongue, making Choi Han who sat across from him flinch. What an inconvenience. If Raon was here, Cale could have simply asked him to teleport them to their destination. The faster they got to their destination, the sooner he could get answers and come up with a solution. But Raon wasn’t here. Neither was On and Hong. The worst-case scenario was that they weren’t transported to Korea but somewhere more unfamiliar. 

Korea. The original Cale Henitise surfaced in his mind at that moment. Their first and last conversation two years ago had been their final closure in accepting that they had neither stolen each other’s identities but only adapted to live as who they were at present. They were both satisfied in each other’s original worlds and neither wished to return, thus they decided to switch places permanently. 

However, that closure was only for Cale alone. How would his family feel if they knew the truth? Deruth, Violan, Basen, Lily, Ron, and Beacrox had grown up together with the original Cale Henituse. How would they feel that the one by their side for the past four years was not their son, brother, and young master that they had watched grow up and take care of? Would they understand?

No. He was Cale Henituse now. He was once Kim Rok Soo, but that was a long time ago. They didn't have to know anything. 

With Cale’s mind running chaotically throughout the first part of the journey and his heart growing weary from anxiety, he ordered his entourage to make haste. Within a few days, they arrived at the Capital and made their way to the Church of the God of Death. It was still as spotless and blindingly white as ever. 

Cage was the first to greet them with a few bubbly priests in tow.

“May you be blessed with a peaceful rest!” They spoke. 

Cale shuddered at the words. 

“Young master Cale, you’re here!” Cage whined helplessly, “The bastard wouldn’t stop bothering me in my sleep about ‘Young Master Cale’ this, Young Master Cale’ that! I had to stop whatever I was doing to come all the way here!”

“My apologies, Miss Cage.”

“Don’t apologize! If the God of Death asked for your presence, then it must be important.”

She gestured them to follow her, leading them into one of the large private rooms, occupied with only a table and two chairs facing each other. Cage and Cale sat down while Choi Han stood behind them.  

“I will start now, Young Master.”

“Go ahead.”

Cage’s eyelids fell shut and she began to chant. She raised her hands as her palms emitted black smoke, slightly fogging up the white and pristine room.

There was silence before the smoke eventually dissipated. She opened her eyes, and her pupils were pitch black like an endless void of darkness.

“Cale Henituse.”  Cage spoke, no, a voice was much deeper than Cage’s spoke.

“The God of Death.”

Cage, no, the God of Death observed him intently before breaking into a smile. “This child has accepted my direct will. I want nothing other than for her to be happy.”

“Miss Cage’s change of heart was surprising.” 

Cale only recently learned that Cage had become the God of Death’s vessel. He was rendered speechless when he heard the news. Who would’ve thought that the crazy excommunicated priestess, and the one who cursed the God of Death the most had accepted his will? 

However, the God of Death could only possess her if she summoned and allowed him to take control of her body as per their agreement. 

“It took a lot of persuading, but the child came around eventually.” The God nodded.  

“Is that so?” Cale put on a calm expression, though, through the God’s eyes, he didn’t look like he came here to waste time by chatting leisurely. “You called me here.”

“Yes, it’s regarding your little companions. They have strayed from this world.”

“To where?” Cale straightened his posture. 

“Where else but the other world?”

“How are they doing?”

“Child, you forget that I am incapable of foresight. I can only see the future of one’s death. So, rest assured, they should be safe.”

Cale breathed a sigh of relief.

The God of Death leaned back into his seat. “So, how do you propose that we go with this, hm?”

“Can’t you just make another one?” Cale pulled out the broken cintamani from his pocket and slid it across the table.

The God of Death let out a deep sigh. “It’s not that easy, Cale.”

“What do you mean?”

“I sent the cintamanis through the unranked monster. I didn’t make it, but I did use a large amount of my powers for it to have the ability to communicate through other worlds. Mind you, there were three cintamanis.”

The God of death counted with his fingers. “One is currently with your allies in the other world while the other broke during the battle inside the Sealed God’s temple.” Then he pointed to the broken cintamani. “And that was your reward.”

He placed his elbows on the table and propped his chin with his hands, looking sorrowful. “I used my powers for three, two ended up broken. Cale, won’t you pity this God?”

Cale paled. “You can’t bring them back?”

“Aigoo. The look on your face is unfit for the Roan Empire’s Hero.” The God of Death shook his head. “That’s not what I said, I just said that it won’t be easy.” 

The God of Death gave Cale and Choi Han no time to relax because the next second, he spoke seriously. “I will find a way to retrieve your children. However, I am a God.”

The atmosphere of the room shifted. 

Choi Han flinched, flashing Cale a nervous glance. 

But Cale kept calm under the God’s watch. “Go on.”

The God hummed, tapping his nails on the table. “Child, let’s make a deal.”

Cale’s expression didn’t waver at this. He had anticipated this of all possible scenarios. There was a price for everything, and he needed to hold himself accountable. 

“Since I am a merciful God, I shall let you decide on your offer.” His lips curved up as he gestured towards the stiff Choi Han. “Like this child here.”

Choi Han swallowed nervously and tapped on Cale’s shoulder “Cale-nim.”

“Don’t worry. I’m not crazy enough to offer half of my lifespan like you.”

Cale turned back to look at the God, a scheming smile dancing at the corners in his lips that only those closest to him could notice. If Raon was here, he would be shouting in his mind, asking if he planned to scam a God.

“Is the position of the saint still available?” 

Choi Han’s jaw slacked while the expression on God’s face looked as though he was holding himself back from jumping and dancing with joy. 

“Child! I knew you would come around someday. Yes! I saved the position for you and only you.” He exclaimed, as overjoyed as a God could be. With a big grin on his face, he snapped his fingers, and a scroll and a pen manifested out of thin air, shoving themselves in Cale’s face.

Cale took the scroll and the pen, briefly skimming through the contents. He cast the God a questioning look. “I would become your saint until death?”

 “Of course. You will carry my direct will for the rest of your life until you meet a peaceful rest.”

“Don’t get too excited. How exactly will you get them back?”

The God of Death picked up the broken cintamani on the table and inspecting it. “I can't create a new one.” 

“You’ll repair it, then?”

The God nodded.

“And how long will that take?”

“How long are you willing to become my saint?” The God of Death shot back.

Shit. He got him. 

The God of Death played with the broken cintamani in his hand “10 years. How about it, Cale Henituse?”

“Until they return safely,” Cale demanded.

“Five years,” The God offered. “Your service will bring me much happiness, child. Soon, you’ll realize that the position as my saint is not as bad as you think.”

“A year,” Cale said firmly. “Take it or leave it. Treat me well and maybe I’ll consider becoming your permanent saint.”

This was probably the most nonsensical Cale had ever been in his life. He could only hope the God of Death would agree to such an unreasonable deal.

“Very well. Just sign on the bottom.” 

With a snap of the God’s fingers, the condition within the scroll's contents changed. He gave Cale an assuring look. “Give me a few months, child.” 

A few months didn’t sound so convincing. However, for a divine being, the God of Death was merciful enough to agree to their unreasonable deal. Cale signed it despite himself. This was all for Raon, On, and Hong. He would get them back no matter what. 

 

---

 

On their journey back to the Henituse Estate in the Capital after their visit to the Church of the God of Death, Cale and Choi Han decided to inform the rest of their family members of the truth about the children’s disappearance once they returned to the Super Rock Villa. Until now, they are still under the impression that the children had gone with them on this trip. 

It would surely complicate things. How were they supposed to explain that another world existed and that they had been in contact with the people there this whole time using a device given to them by the God of Death without revealing that they were originally from that world? 

Moreover, the children had been transported there, and nobody knew how they were doing. Even after the God of Death assured them that they were still alive, there was no guarantee for their safety. Were they eating well? Did they manage by themselves just fine? Did they find somewhere safe to stay in the meantime? 

These were the kinds of questions that could drive an entire family mad from worry. 

They were enough to drive Cale mad that Choi Han had to urge him to rest. Cale did just that and fell asleep at some point during the carriage ride.    

Even in slumber, he couldn’t afford to rest. The God of Death asked him to give him a few months to fix the cintamani, but how long would that take exactly? If only there was a way to check up on them to make sure they’re safe… 

His records of Korea from two years ago surfaced in his mind. He recalled his time possessing the body of his younger self and battling monsters alongside his allies there. He thought of Lee Soo Hyuk and Choi Jung Soo who he had reunited with, as well as Choi Han and the Dark Tiger Alberu Crossman who had managed to follow him there by striking deals with the Gods. 

The memory of Alberu looking as majestic as ever even when possessing the body of the Grade 1 monster still made him giggle sometimes. 

Wait. 

How was he able to do that again?

Cale began to search through his records for the conversation between them on the day they met in the parallel world. 

Cale had been at a loss for words and Choi Han had almost exploded from anger when Alberu said that he had made a deal with a God, thinking he had offered half of his lifespan to the God of Death as he had done. 

“But I made a deal with the Sun God?” Alberu had tilted his head in confusion. “The deal was that I would get a device that would allow me to talk to you.”

Alberu, in his dark tiger form, held up a black-and-white video communication device in his paws. “I was only told that I could chat with you through this device. At first, I thought that it was a video communication device. But it was a sleep induction device.”

He quickly added, “I was told that holding onto this could put me to sleep within five minutes. I would then remain asleep for one or two hours, allowing us to chat in my dream.”

The record ended there, and Cale woke up from his nap with a jolt.

 “Cale-nim?”

 “Choi Han. We’re going to the palace.”

 

---

 

 “Unbelievable,” Alberu massaged his temple as if sensing another headache coming. 

Cale broke into a bright smile and bowed deeply. “Good evening, Your Majesty, the sun of our Roan Empire. You are as radiant as the peak of noon despite being in your pajamas.”

“You are truly disrespectful,” Alberu said groggily, clutching the blanket to his chest. 

“Nice to see you too, Your Majesty.”

Alberu’s gaze darted between Cale who was hovering over his bed and Choi Han who was closing the window to his room behind them. “You two are the only ones who visit the emperor’s bedroom through the window at this hour.”

“My apologies. It’s urgent, Your Majesty.”

Alberu yawned and rubbed his eyes irritably. “What happened this time?”

“The children are in Korea.”

“What?” Alberu’s eyes snapped open. “Korea? The other world in the Sealed God Test?”

“Yes. Hyung-nim, I need your help.” Cale looked determined. “Do you still have the sleep induction device?”

 

Notes:

It's been a year since I last read a chapter of lcf. I am currently rewriting an old fic of mine from 2022 with nothing but pure determination and stock knowledge. I'm sorry if some parts don't align with the canon. I simply forgot, and I plan to reread lcf again soon!

Chapter 3: Boredom

Summary:

The children were bored out of their minds. Cale had left early in the morning to visit the Henituse Duchy, and everyone was currently busy or away. 

The children were bored out of their minds. 

Cale had left early in the morning to visit the Henituse Duchy. Naturally, Hong and Raon wanted to travel with him and meet his family again, but On had them insist on staying behind.

When her younger siblings whined, she argued that Cale spent all his time with them. From morning until evening, they clung to him like a scratch post, never letting him out of their sight. These days, he rarely got to see the count, countess, and his siblings. 

“Is the human still not back?” Raon munched impatiently on his cookies. That was the third time he asked that. 

On shook her head. She was in her human form with the red kitten on her lap. They sat by the window that overlooked the entrance to the Villa. They would know the moment Cale returned from his visit. 

The little dragon’s cheeks were stuffed with crumbs in the corner of his mouth. He reached inside the jar for more but there was none left. 

“Beacrox just baked those this morning,” On smiled. 

Raon looked embarrassed for hoarding them all to himself. “Are you hungry, noona?”

“A little.”

“Don’t worry!” Raon flapped his wings, determined. “The great and mighty Raon Miru will get more snacks!” 

On gave him a little wave as he exited the door before returning her focus to the book in her hand. 

“Noona, I’m bored…” Hong purred, leaning into his sister’s touch. 

“Go to sleep, Hong,” On sighed, scratching her brother’s chin. “I’ll wake you up once Cale gets back.”

“But I want to play!” Hong tossed and turned restlessly on her lap. 

“Then go play.”

“With whom?” He pouted. 

On was taken aback, but it was the truth. 

Everyone was currently busy or away. 

Ron and Beacrox occupied themselves with household chores. 

Mary returned to the City of Death. 

Alberu was busy with his duties as Emperor. 

Rosalyn was traveling to expand her knowledge of magic. 

Choi Han, Lock, and the wolf children went to Harris Village a few days ago.

Eruhaben spent his days in the Super Rock Villa with them, but he is also away right now. 

“Cheer up.” She patted his head reassuringly. “I have a feeling everyone will visit soon, and we’ll spend the winter together.”

Hong nodded but he still looked a little sad. 

No wonder they were all so attached to Cale, including herself. Day and night, he showered them with all his attention, even spoiling them rotten despite On constantly reprimanding him.

If she were given a chance to speak with her younger self who fought to survive and protect her brother on the streets and tell her that one day a young man would come into their lives, take them in, and treat them with all the goodness in his heart, her younger self’s heart would undoubtedly bloom with both hope and caution. 

She looked out the window but there was still no carriage at the entrance to the Villa. 

On let out a sigh. “Hong, why don’t you pick a book from the shelves and I’ll read it aloud for you?”

Hong perked up. “Really?”

On nodded. 

“Can you read the one Cale did last time?”

“The bedtime story about the aristocratic cats?”

“Yes! That one.”

“Go look for it, then.”

Hong leaped down from her lap and onto the floor. Morphing into his human form, he began to search the shelves for that specific storybook. When he couldn’t find it, he ascended higher using the ladder.

“Careful.” On lifted her gaze from the pages of her book to look up at him.

“I am.” Hong balanced himself on the ladder as he searched for the familiar title on the top shelves. 

What he found was something else entirely. 

“What is that?” On closed her book and approached him. 

“I don’t know.” Hong climbed back down with a strange object in his hand. “It’s a ball.”

“An orb,” she corrected. “Give it here.”

Hong handed it to her. “What is it, noona?”

An odd feeling of uneasiness washed over her as she held the fragile glowing object. She gave it a sniff and felt even more discomfort. The familiar scent reminded her of the bad times in their lives. 

“It smells strange,” On grimaced, wiping it with her sleeves. 

“It does?” Hong leaned closer.

“Don’t touch that!” 

The shout made them jolt in surprise, prompting a collective squeak out of them with the orb slipping from On’s grasp and it crashed heavily on the floor.

“Oh no!” They all gasped and Raon rushed towards them from the doorway. 

In an instant, the room's atmosphere shifted, and the air grew thick with darkness. The shattered orb began to emit black smoke that clouded their vision.

Hong began to sway unsteadily. On caught his limp body in time before falling to her knees. Her heart sank to her stomach as she held her unconscious brother in her arms. 

The black smoke swirled around them. She sucked in a deep breath as if bracing herself for a big wave coming to sweep her away from the shores. 

“Noona! Hyung!” Their youngest Raon yelled. 

She reached for him as well, desperately trying to anchor her consciousness to his fading voice. But the lightheadedness struck her hard and fast and she passed out.

 

Chapter 4: An Unfamiliar Place

Summary:

On vividly recalled her last moments before being swept away by the darkness. What was this place? Where were her younger siblings? 

When On opened her eyes, a dark and gloomy sky stared back at her through the jagged hole in the ceiling. Pale light beamed through it, casting uneven patterns across the dusty floor. 

She sat up, groaning as her body ached from lying on the cold hard floor. She wondered if the hole in the ceiling was because she fell through it. 

Clutching her head, she vividly recalled her last moments before being swept away by the darkness. 

“Hong? Raon?” She called out, but only the faint sound of distant wind rattling against exposed steel beams greeted her. 

What was this place? Where were her younger siblings? 

She turned to the light. Cautiously, she made her way toward what used to be a doorway but was now reduced to a gaping frame overlooking the ruins of the world beyond. 

She stepped outside into the empty streets, taking in the sight of the thriving vegetation and crumbling structures surrounding her. They leaned at unnatural angles, their walls blackened by fire and smoke. She noted how the architecture was unlike anything from back home. 

A sense of desolation weighed heavy in the air, carrying the smell of decay and burnt metal. Not a soul was in sight, no one to approach and ask about this strange place or her siblings’ whereabouts. 

As she wandered about, she kept tripping over the uneven pavement and the twisted metals that littered the ground. From there, shards of broken glass crushed beneath her feet with every step she took. She couldn’t help but feel bad for the new pair of shoes Cale bought her last month. They were unbelievably expensive.

A flicker of movement caught her eye, and On instinctively readied her defensive stance, ready to unleash her fog and strike with her sharp claws. She stared intently at the nearby bushes, hissing as if to convey a warning. 

“Noona, it's me!” A familiar voice yelped in surprise. 

“Hong?” She dropped her guard. 

“Noona! You’re here!” It really was Hong. He stood up from the bushes and ran towards her. 

They crashed into each other’s arms in a tight hug. 

“Oh, Hong…” On almost fell to her knees, tears welling up in her eyes as her fears vanished in an instant. Her little brother was alive and well. 

“I was so scared. I thought I was all alone,” Hong sobbed, clinging tightly to her body like a lifeline. 

“It’s okay. I’m here now.” On gently caressed his hair. 

Once Hong finally calmed down, he took her hand and dragged her towards one of the ruined buildings. “Noona, we have to hide from the monsters.”

“Monsters?” On frowned. 

“Yeah! I saw a bunch earlier. They were huge and had super long arms and fingers. They chased me around for a while.” 

“What?!” Once they were safe inside, On inspected Hong carefully. “Are you okay? Are you hurt anywhere?”

“I’m okay, really! I paralyzed them with my poison and ran off,” he giggled and puffed his chest proudly, like how Raon did it whenever he did something brave. 

Then, On realized something; if Hong was here, then Raon must be close by as well. They were all in the same room at the same time when the black smoke engulfed them. 

She sighed and wiped the tears and snot from his face. “You should always be careful. What if your poison didn’t work on them?”

“But it did! I did the move Ron taught us, and it worked!” Hong said in awe. Then, he took a step back to reenact his next words. “When they were chasing me, I quickly moved to the side like this, and they hit a tree. But before they could get back up, I sprayed poison all over their fa–”

“Watch out!” On lunged forward.

Hong’s rambling was cut short as she pushed them out of the way of a large hand. Long, thin fingers poked through the floor where they stood a second ago. 

On yanked Hong back to his feet and unleashed her fog to mask their movements. They bolted towards the exit when the creature’s other hand crept their way inside. With no choice but to retreat, they made their way further inside and huddled into one of the corners to catch their breaths.

Hong finally regained his senses and released his poison to mix with On’s fog, momentarily slowing the monsters’ approach. 

“Noona, it’s the monsters,” Hong whispered. “I swear I paralyzed them.” 

“You said there were more.” She shielded him with her body, her eyes darting everywhere for a possible escape route. 

“Quick, in here!” She pulled him into a small hole in the wall. They morphed into their beast forms to squeeze through the narrow cracks into another room. Regret sank in as she realized the room had no windows nor cracks that led outside. 

They were trapped. The building shook as the monster grew increasingly agitated outside. It poked its thin fingers aimlessly but with On’s thick fog and their nimble steps, it couldn’t pinpoint their exact location. 

However, she was certain it would start tearing the roof or walls just to get to them if they didn’t do something. 

That was when she saw it. As the monster struck again, the soft, smooth flesh of its hands bruised and bled from the constant friction against the rubble.

Hong noticed it too. Together, they drew out their own sharp nails, landing deep scratches at the monsters’ flesh. It let out a piercing screech from the pain. Ultimately retreating and allowing the two kittens to dart past it. On brought Hong cover while he intensified his poison, aiming it directly at the monster’s wounds. 

Another screech. However, it didn’t come from this monster. There were about a dozen gathered outside, possibly waiting for their turn to feast. It was unfortunate that they chose the wrong family to prey upon. 

“Youngest!” 

“Raon!” 

“The great and mighty Raon Miru is here!” A little black dragon hovered protectively above them, blasting the monsters to bits with his mana. 

On and Hong assisted him by directing their poisonous fog toward the monsters as they jabbed and scratched at their weak points. Even with their strengths combined, more monsters flooded the streets like a never-ending wave. 

Raon flapped his wings furiously, charging a bigger, more powerful blast. 

On watched in awe. The dangerous glint in his big blue eyes told her that he would not hesitate to flatten this world to keep them from harm. However, she feared that such a destructive attack would draw more attention to them. 

“Raon! Carry us!” She called out to him. 

Raon snapped out of his enraged state and immediately cast flight magic on them. Once their paws were off the ground, the monsters cried out, their long arms and fingers outstretched in an attempt to grab them in the air.

“Noona! Hyung! Are you okay?” Raon flew around them, inspecting them carefully. 

On and Hong transformed back into their human form as Raon placed them safely on the rooftop of another building. 

“Youngest! You’re here!” Hong reached out for him joyfully and Raon crashed into his arms in a big hug. 

“You’re here,” On heaved a sigh of relief. “We’re okay. Are you?” 

Raon nodded and snuggled close to her too, his big blue eyes teary. “I looked everywhere. I… I thought I was all alone.” 

“We thought so too.” On soothingly rubbed his head. “How did you find us?” 

“I saw a pile of monster bodies nearby and sensed hyung’s poison on them.” 

On turned to Hong as he flashed her a toothy grin. She sometimes forgot he could be as vicious as the rest of their family, if not more. 

Then, she smiled and embraced her brothers tightly. “I’m glad that we’re together and safe.” 

They drew closer to the edge of the rooftop, their sight reaching far off into the distance of this strange and unfamiliar place.

Chapter 5: Korea

Summary:

They weren’t simply stranded somewhere in the eastern or western continent; they were in another world entirely.

“It’s a city,” Hong said. “Do you think there are people here?”

On didn’t know. 

The closely packed buildings, the monster-infested streets, and the absence of other people was all too foreign. They had travelled almost every part of both the western and eastern continents during their adventures and the war against the White Star. However, they had never heard or come across a place like this. 

“I want to go home now,” Hong said sadly. 

On placed a hand on his shoulder. “I know.”

Then, they turned to Raon who was unusually silent beside them. It was rare for Raon to go quiet when exposed to new things, especially new environments. He was naturally curious and talkative, always asking questions and seeking answers. 

“Youngest?” Hong started. 

“What?” Raon became flustered under their watchful gaze. 

A young dragon like Raon was incredibly knowledgeable despite his age. Naturally, they looked to him for guidance too. 

“Do you know where we are?” 

Raon hesitated. From the way he twirled on his thumb claw and avoided her gaze like the time she caught him eating sweets past bedtime, On immediately knew he was hiding something. 

She narrowed her eyes, shooting the young dragon a skeptical look. “Raon, do you know where we are?”

He shook his head.

“Really?”

He nodded and then looked away.

“Raon, answer me.”

“We’re in Korea!” he blurted out before covering his mouth in surprise. 

“Korea?” If On recalled correctly, there was no such place on the map of the western or eastern continent. “Where exactly is this place?”

He shook his head frantically, afraid that another word would slip out.

“That orb,” she realized. “Back home, what did you mean not to touch it? Are we here because of the orb?” 

Raon curled himself into a ball, his wings flapping nervously in the air. He looked as though he wanted to sew his mouth shut with his mana if On kept this up.

She was starting to get frustrated. Why was Raon so stubborn? What was he hiding? Just a few minutes ago, they had been attacked by a group of savage monsters. If it hadn’t been for their quick thinking and experience in dire situations and Raon who found them just in time, they would have died far from home. The rest of their family was still so busy, having no time to visit them recently. Winter in the northeast was just a few months away, On couldn’t imagine such a fate awaiting them without getting the chance to play in the snow together this year.

“Raon–”

A rumble. Raon and Hong turned to look at her. The sound didn’t come from anywhere else, but her stomach. 

“Noona…” They started.

“I’m fine,” she sighed, her hunger outweighing her frustration. 

Raon, looking guilty, took out a slice of apple pie from his spatial bag and offered it to her. On received it but gave it to Hong instead. 

She gave them both a pat on the head. “You two should eat first.”

As the sun set on the horizon and dusk grew colder, they agreed to stay where they were. To keep themselves hidden from more unknown threats, they didn’t light a fire, instead, Raon used heating magic on them to keep them warm. He had a few more apple pies to share, so those became their meal that night. The taste of home lingered in their mouths. They instinctively wiped the crumbs off their clothes, forgetting that Beacrox wasn’t here to scold them for eating something sweet as their dinner. 

They did their best to make the rooftop a more comfortable place to sleep by dusting away the remnants of rubble and tiny glass shards on the floor. Conveniently, Raon pulled out a few fluffy blankets in his spatial bag and draped those over them. He claimed he had packed it as it was essential for emergencies and On couldn’t agree more. 

On sat down on folded knees while Hong laid his head on her lap. The cold hard floor and the gloomy scenery reminded her of the time when it was only them against the world. The streets of the slums were all they knew. No home waiting for them, no family to rely on, and no guarantee that they would get to eat the next day. 

Despite the unpleasant memory, it also taught them perseverance. For the first half of their lives, she, Hong, and Raon managed to survive long enough to meet Cale. Now, in the face of this unfamiliar place, they had to hold out on their own and survive until they found a way back home to their family.

On glanced down at Hong. She hummed a soft tune as she ran her fingers over his nose bridge in repetitive up-and-down motions. It wasn’t long until he dozed off and his quiet snores filled the silence between On and Raon. 

Hong had already fallen asleep, and the young dragon was still circling above them restlessly, scanning the streets below and the sides of the building for any danger. 

“Youngest,” On called out to him, patting the space on her lap.

Raon cast one last look at their surroundings before swooping back down onto the rooftop. 

On pulled him closer and rubbed his head. “You worked hard today. You’re tired.” 

He was a powerful dragon, there was no doubt about that. But Cale wouldn’t want him to push himself too hard. Without him around, it was On’s responsibility to keep him in check.

“We’ll talk tomorrow, okay?”

A nod. Raon’s wings drooped and he nuzzled in her embrace. He fell asleep faster than he could finish a jar of cookies. 

On looked up at the night sky. Tomorrow was their first step in navigating through this place together. They had to get back home no matter what. 

 

---

 

When On woke up there was something heavy in her chest. 

It was a joyful red fur ball. “Noona, you’re awake!” 

She stretched and rubbed her eyes. She slept so soundly that she almost mistook the concrete for Cale’s bed. Turns out he was just tucked in Raon’s fluffy blanket. The gloomy, dystopian scenery of tall, cramped, and crumbling buildings greeted her again, reminding her of their reality. 

She stood up, draped the blanket over her shoulder, and carried Hong in her arms. She scanned their surroundings but the young dragon was nowhere to be found. “Raon?” 

“He left early to take a look around. Don’t worry! He left breakfast for us.” Hong beamed. 

Right beside where she laid a moment ago were two apple pies prepared neatly on a platter. But before On could bend down to split breakfast between them, the ground suddenly shook. 

A loud explosion erupted throughout the area. Something had crashed against the building they were on. The rooftop wobbled unsteadily and the unexpected impact knocked On and Hong off balance.  

She was slipping along with the tilt of the concrete beneath her feet faster than she could process what was happening. She embraced Hong tighter and ran, seeking balance, anything that could anchor them. The railings around the rooftop were too far. She wasn’t going to make it. Gathering her strength, she tossed Hong ahead of her and his little form managed to grab hold of the bars just in time. 

“Hong! Hold on!” On lost her footing completely and fell onto her stomach. 

“Noona!” Hong cried, shaking his head madly. He quickly morphed into his human form with his arms outstretched but she was already too far from reach. 

Gravity took her by the ankles, pulling her to the edge of the building. She desperately clawed at the floor, hoping to hook her fingers on a crack big enough to hold her weight, but it was useless. The concrete was too smooth, the cracks too narrow for even one of her fingers to slip inside. 

Her feet were now dangling in the air. On dared to look down and was met with the sight of the once desolate street engulfed in flames. Gravity had won and On screamed. She closed her eyes, unable to endure the look of despair on Hong’s expression as her body began to fall. This was it. This was how she would die. 

The fierce wind brushed against her skin but it was only for a moment. She looked up to find Hong slipping and falling. Her heart nearly leaped up her chest in horror. She reached out to catch him when they suddenly began to hover mid-air, a gust of fluctuating mana swirling around them.   

“Youngest!” 

“Raon!” 

Raon flew up to them, his wings flapping unsteadily in a panicked rush. He had caught them using flight magic in the nick of time. A second too late, and they would have fallen to their deaths.

As the buildings toppled over each other, Raon crammed them all together inside the safety of his indestructible magic shield. They were neither safe above or below. For now, they could only catch their breaths mid-air. 

Raon broke down in tears, his big blue eyes stricken with guilt as he apologized for wandering off and leaving them alone on the rooftop. On and Hong both reassured and thanked him for saving them. Although, she couldn’t help but notice how much Hong was shaking in her arms. He learned to hold her more tightly after what just happened. 

They’ve had nothing but close calls ever since they were transported to this place. She knew they had to be more careful if they wanted to survive and return home to their family. 

When the dust and smoke cleared, On caught the sight of a fierce battle taking place down below. 

Hong followed her gaze. “Woah! There really are people here!”

“And more monsters,” she added, pointing at the lizard-like creature in the distance. She figured it was the one that rammed against the building they were just on because of its size. 

It stood out amongst the smaller monsters that lurked in the shadows, nearing almost thirty meters with hardened scales and fire flaring out of its nostrils.

Hong watched the humans fight the enormous monster with anxiety. “We have to help them!” 

“Yes!” Raon agreed.  

“No,” On said firmly, turning to look at Raon. “Not until you tell me what’s going on.” 

She flashed Raon a stern look, reminding him of their talk scheduled today.

Raon finally spoke up, “We’re in another world. A place called Korea.” 

“Another world?” On was stunned. 

He added, “The orb was a cintamani, a communication device between this world and ours.”

They weren’t simply stranded somewhere in the eastern or western continent; they were in another world entirely. Returning home wasn’t going to be as simple as asking Raon to teleport them into the safety of Cale’s bedroom, hitching a ride on a traveling guild’s carriage, or sneaking into a merchant’s ship to cross the sea into the shores of the western continent. Whatever that cintamani was, when it broke it must’ve transported them here.

“How do you know all this?” On had always been a cautious person at heart. As much as she trusted her little brother, she knew he wasn’t being completely honest with her right now. 

He continued, “Noona, I promise I’ll explain everything else later. But right now, we need to find someone named Kim Rok Soo.”

“Who is this Kim Rok Soo?”

“Someone we can trust. He can keep us safe until we find a way to get back home.”

“Noona, listen to our youngest!” Hong tapped her chin, choosing optimism in their current situation. “What if this Kim Rok Soo person is fighting down there?” 

“But if he’s not?”

“Then we’ll ask them where to find him after we save them!”

Her lips curved up in a familiar smile. “Sounds like something he would do.”

Hong and Raon whispered among themselves. Something about her planning to scam people. They weren’t wrong.

There was only one person in her mind at that moment. This man rarely lost his composure in the face of adversity. He would find a way to make such a dire situation work in his favor. That was the kind of person Cale was. 

On was deep in thought as she analyzed the scenery and battle more intently. 

From the symbols on signboards on the side of crumbling buildings to the people’s similar hair color and the way they conversed between themselves, she deduced that they must all be one of the same kind. 

Moreover, the people fighting down there were no ordinary humans. They’ve got special abilities that allow them to face such dangerous threats with confidence.

“I’ve got a plan,” On finally spoke up. 

She turned to Raon. “Youngest, do you know what language they speak? Can you cast translation magic on us?” 

“Sure thing!”

“We stand out too much. Please make our hair and eye color the same as theirs.”

Like a bucket of dye had been poured on them, their original hair color began to wash away in an instant. From red and silver to a matching shade of dark brown.

“Noona, you look so different!” Hong marveled at her, his paws playing with the strands of her hair.

On acknowledged her brother by looking into his now brown eyes. 

“Do you both still remember the Lion Dragon during the battle in Puzzle City two years ago?”

Her younger siblings nodded and she continued, “Let’s go with the same strategy; we’ll have them injure the monster severely before Hong and I will strike its wounds with our poisonous fog.”

On was unsure about how the larger monsters of this world functioned, but if they managed to weaken the Lion Dragon and bring it down with the help of their allies, how much more now that their abilities have improved significantly? It was worth the shot. 

“I’ll help attack the monsters!” The young dragon’s wings flapped eagerly. 

“Don’t overwork yourself.” 

“I won’t! Because I am already strong and mighty!”

“Alright, alright,” On pinched his chubby cheeks. “Youngest, bring us down there.”

Raon maintained the magic shield around them before casting invisibility magic over it to keep them hidden and safe from the flying debris before descending onto the chaotic streets. 

Unaware of their presence, the people rushed past them and into the battlefield, their weapons drawn and ready to strike. 

On surveyed each individual closely. One particular person stood out amongst the others. The man pulled out his sword from his scabbard and fought alongside the vanguard. Under the translation magic,  she could faintly understand his orders, something about staying in formation and checking up with the rear. He was strong and agile, slicing every monster in his path while relaying information to everybody else.

“That must be their leader,” On noted.

Raon followed her gaze and suddenly exclaimed, “It’s him!” 

“Kim Rok Soo?” On and Hong perked up. 

“His friend! I’ve seen him before. He’s Lee Soo–” 

There was a roar far off into the distance, the same giant lizard had wrecked another building. Debris flew in all directions, some even slammed against the magic shield around them, but they all remained unfazed. Raon’s shield was indestructible. Not even a powerful blast from an archmage could damage it. 

“Let’s get started.” On finally said. 

Her siblings nodded. They dashed through the dust, rubble, and smoke to the lizard-like monster’s location, with Raon flying defensively above them. He cleared their path by using dragon fear to scare away the smaller monsters and blasted the more stubborn ones to bits.

As they ventured further, they encountered numerous casualties. Many people were injured. Some got trapped under the debris with their companions desperately trying to lift it off them. They managed to pull out and recover a few, but others weren’t so lucky and had stopped breathing.

On didn’t linger for long, casting them a fleeting glance. “Raon, please cast magic shields around them.”

“Yes, noona,” the young dragon’s expression turned sad at the scene. 

Hong had the same look on his face, but On simply gave him a reassuring pat on the head. 

They kept advancing until they reached the base of the collapsed building under the monster’s feet. Raon’s shields remain unshaken under the pressure of falling debris and the scorching heat surrounding them. 

On looked up at the monster, scanning the injuries on its body. It opened its big mouth wide and stomped its huge feet, sending tremors through the streets. It let out another deafening roar, ready to spew out waves of fireballs.

“Once we take out the monster, Hong and I will show ourselves to the humans. Raon, I want you to stay hidden in case something happens.” She then pointed at her temple. “We’ll communicate with our minds. We can’t let them know anything.”

As the monster expelled rains of fireballs onto the street, On and Hong unleashed their poisonous fog. It spread rapidly across the area, weakening the monster’s movements and prompting confusion among the people inside Raon’s magic shield.  

It only took seconds for their poisonous fog to enter the monster’s system through its wounds and it fell forward with a loud crash. With a vicious glint in his eyes, Raon dealt the final blow by blasting the nape of its neck. Monster goo splattered everywhere, coating the street and the sides of nearby structures in it. 

The world went quiet, and the children disappeared into an alleyway.