The Drop: Echoes of the Soul

by glutenfreecupcake

Summary:

As Huntr/x embarks on their thrilling world tour, tensions run high. Rumi battles the haunting memories of Jinu's sacrifice, while Zoey reconnects with her family and a forgotten flame. Meanwhile, Mira sets her sights on a personal mission as she embraces her role as a powerful demon hunter, determined to uncover hidden truths.

Together, they must confront their pasts and navigate the challenges ahead. Will they unite to overcome their demons and rise stronger than ever? The adventure is about to ignite!

Or....

Zoey's gay. The girls go to hell. A new group of Hunters enter the stage.

Chapter 1: The World Tour Begins

The stadium lights of Seoul fade, replaced by the promise of a global stage. It is hard to believe that six months have passed since… everything. The private jet – a familiar, gleaming beast – now feels eerily silent, a stark contrast to their usual demon-hunting transport. No more scrambling for exits mid-flight thanks to a demonically possessed pilot – a flashback that still makes her shiver, even as she suppresses a laugh at the memory of Mira trying to fight a demon with a duty-free whiskey bottle. The Honmoon, sealed and vibrant, hums with restored peace, a testament to their victory, to Jinu’s ultimate sacrifice. This world tour? Everything she ever wanted. Sold-out arenas, screaming fans, hit songs topping charts. Why does it feel so… muted?

Zoey and Mira, bless their bubbly, easily distracted souls, are practically vibrating in their seats. Zoey's fingers are already flying across her tablet, eyes sparkling as she builds a fantasy shopping cart in some luxury boutique's online store. She probably already has a mental map of every high-end bag in Los Angeles she is going to hunt down. Mira, on the other hand, is most likely calculating how many cups of ramen she’ll devour the moment they touch down, probably at some hole-in-the-wall LA spot that only she knows about. Rumi tries to match their energy, but her bright smile feels like a fragile mask. Get it together, Rumi.

The demon patterns are not gone. They are a part of her, etched into her being. These are a vibrant, powerful mark that she now wears with pride, a testament to who she is. She is a hunter forged in fire and shadow. Jinu's final act, bathed in the Honmoon's glowing light, has erased the shame she once associated with them. The patterns are now a symbol of strength and survival. But an ache lingers where they once pulsed with a different kind of energy, a void she hadn’t anticipated. The fierce drive that propels her, the need to prove herself, is… gone. And sometimes, when she hits a particularly powerful note on stage or when her hand closes around her sword, she feels a strange resonance, a ghost of a soul pulsing within her, an echo of Jinu's sacrifice. "You gave me my soul back, and now... I give it to you." The words haunt her, whispering into her ears at night. A demon, with a soul. Who knew?

Zoey leans over, a playful glint in her eyes. "Still staring out the window, unnie?" she nudges Rumi's arm. "Seriously, we're practically in LA! Get hyped! Hollywood, baby! We're kicking off the world tour, big time, like, massive time!"

Before Rumi can respond, Zoey finds a crumpled piece of paper in between Rumi’s seat and tosses it at her. "Caught you!" Zoey chirps, "No secret songwriting sessions without us, remember? No more secrets, okay?" Her face softens, her tone becoming more serious. "We talked about this, after… everything. After the whole Honmoon almost falling, and the Saja Boys incident, and… you know. The big reveal."

Mira, who has been engrossed in a magazine, looks up. Mira’s eyes narrow, a tiny sweat drop forming on Zoey’s temple.

"She's right, though, Rumi," Mira says, her voice softer, but no less firm. "It’s okay to not be okay. We know… things were heavy. The whole part-demon thing, the pressure to get the Golden Honmoon going, then Jinu… We may not completely understand how you're feeling now, but we’re here for you. Just... let us in, okay?"

Rumi's throat tightens. Their unwavering loyalty, their fierce support… it's everything. She blinks, trying to compose herself. Before she can find the words, a subtle tremor runs through the plane. It is barely perceptible, a quick shiver. The cabin lights flicker, dimming momentarily before stabilizing. A prickle runs down the back of Rumi's neck. Zoey and Mira, caught in their heartfelt moment, do not seem to notice. Their faces are still full of concern, waiting for her response. It's probably nothing, right?

The plane touches down smoothly, the bump barely noticeable. As the doors open, the roar of the crowd floods in, a wave of ecstatic energy. Her smile feels real this time, a surge of adrenaline washing over her. They raise their arms, waving, soaking in the adulation. This is for them, for their fans. And for a moment, the ache in her chest fades.

Chapter 2: Zoey's Homecoming

As they step outside the airport, Zoey can barely contain her excitement. The air feels different – quieter, more intimate. The scent of jet fuel mingles with the faint aroma of blooming jasmine. Rumi squints at the sign overhead that reads "Bob Hope Airport." "Bob… who?" she mutters, eyeing her surroundings.

Mira, clearly puzzled, holds up her phone. “GPS says… Bob Hope Airport. Burbank. This isn’t… LAX?” Zoey bounces on her heels, her energy soaring. “Exactly! Burbank, my hometown, babes! Surprise! We’re staying with my family! It’s going to be epic! Think of it like a giant slumber party. We can check out the Hollywood sign, Universal Studios, and maybe even the Chinese Theatre! But first,” she declares enthusiastically, “you guys have to try the best tacos in Burbank! They're served out of this retro school bus that's more hipster than trendy food truck!” She waves her hands dramatically. “Trust me, they’re the bomb dot commmmmmm!”

Rumi raises an eyebrow and exchanges a glance with Mira. “Staying with your family? I thought Bobby had a hotel booked?” “Nonsense! My family loves company! It’s going to be the best! So much fun!” Zoey insists, her excitement bubbling over as she grabs her carry-on, which feels surprisingly light – likely filled with plush keychains and adorable bucket hats rather than actual clothing.

------

They pile into a slightly beat-up minivan that Zoey somehow manifested, and within minutes, they're pulling up to a surprisingly modest, slightly cluttered house. The scent of freshly cut grass and the distant hum of a lawnmower fill the air. “Don’t worry about my family not being home until later! They’ve got a late dinner with some friends. Oh, and they left a key for us hidden under one of these rocks.” Rumi raises an eyebrow, eyeing the assortment of stones scattered around the front porch. “A key under a rock? Is that… safe?” “It’s totally fine!” Zoey reassures them, grinning as she gestures at the multitude of rocks. “It’s part of our 'secret' family tradition." Mira chimes in, "Is your family Home Depot?" Zoey ignores the comment and continues. "Besides, it’s one of those hiding spots that’s so obvious it’s practically secret.” “But there are a million rocks!” Mira exclaims, crossing her arms skeptically. Zoey chuckles. “Exactly! Good luck finding it!”

After a moment of playful debate, they kneel down and begin lifting rocks, checking underneath each one. Rumi picks up a larger stone, feeling its rough texture against her palms. “If only there were a ‘find the key’ reality show, we could be the champions!” After some time, Mira exclaims, “Wait! What about… this one?” She points at a rock that looks slightly out of place. Taking it from her, Zoey reveals a small key nestled underneath. “Bingo! See? Treasure hunt success!”

They quickly make their way back to the door, and Zoey inserts the key, turning it with a satisfying click. Once she pushes the door open, she flashes a playful grin. “Shoes off, hunties!” Mira pauses for a moment, eyeing Zoey with confusion. “What? Hunties?” “Just trying out a new nickname!” Zoey says with a laugh, throwing her hands up in mock defensiveness. Mira rolls her eyes, smirking. “Try another one.” “Okay, okay, no nickname then!” Zoey replies, her laughter ringing out as they step inside. The house is cozy yet cluttered, a noticeable contrast to the sleek high-rise they call home. The scent of vanilla candles and old books fills the air. “Are you really sure about this?” Mira asks gently. “Yes! You’ll love it! Trust me!” Zoey beams, pulling them inside further and leading them to her childhood bedroom.

Inside, the walls are plastered with posters of bands Rumi doesn’t even recognize, and shelves overflow with colorful plushies. The air is a nostalgic blend of old magazines and incense. Rumi’s eyes land on a family photo – a younger Zoey surrounded by her many siblings – and she feels a tug at her heart, realizing that the tough exterior is a deliberate shield. Her gaze then shifts to another photo, one of Zoey as a child, holding a framed picture of her father. The absence of a father figure in the recent photos makes Rumi remember what Zoey had confided in her about her dad leaving the family when she was young. A wave of empathy washes over her, and she feels a deep connection to Zoey's hidden vulnerability. Zoey's always been the strong one, the one who never shows any weakness. But maybe that's just a front. Maybe she's been carrying this burden alone for too long, Rumi thinks to herself.

------

Later that night, they sprawl out on the floor of Zoey’s childhood room. Mira sports a calming face mask while Zoey meticulously polishes her collection of Shin-Kal daggers. The scent of lavender from Mira's face mask mingles with the metallic tang of the daggers. “You know, you don’t always have to play the tough girl,” Mira says softly, her voice just above a whisper. Rumi nods, echoing her sentiment. “We see you for who you really are, Zoey. It’s okay to let your guard down sometimes.” She picks up a plushie – a fluffy white tiger with striking blue eyes. “I saw the photo of you and your dad,” Rumi continues gently, her voice filled with compassion. “I know it must have been hard when he left. But you don’t have to carry that weight alone. We’re here for you.” I wish she could see how much we care about her. She doesn't have to be the strong one all the time, Rumi thinks, her heart aching for her friend.

Zoey pauses, daggers in hand. For a brief moment, something flickers in her eyes. She looks down, her expression softening as she takes in Rumi's words. “It’s just... it’s easier this way,” Zoey admits quietly, her voice barely audible. A small, vulnerable smile tugs at her lips before she quickly masks it with her usual bravado. “Besides. I’m Rapper Zoey, badass demon hunter! Nothing can bring me down!” Mira exchanges a knowing glance with Rumi. “Too far, Rumi,” a thought bubble seems to form over her head.

Before they can dwell on it, Zoey pulls out a backpack from under her bed. “Okay, new plan! Let’s go out on the town and hit up that taco truck. Who's in? I promise they’re so good they might as well be winning awards for best hipster taco in Burbank!” Their earlier thoughts fade as they join in her excitement, ready for whatever quirky adventure awaits them in this charming little burb.

Chapter 3: Welcome to… HOLLYWOOD, babes!

Rumi wakes to chaos – a pair of electric-blue eyes stare into her soul. Zoey, nose-to-nose and grinning like a caffeinated kitten, is already fully dressed and fizzing with excitement. “Rise and shine, sleepy legends!” Zoey stage-whispers, practically vibrating. Mira jolts upright, halfway tangled in her sleep mask, arms flailing in defense against a ghostly horde. “Where’s the demon?” she hisses, instinctive fingers curl for a banishing gesture.

“Just me!” Zoey chirps, waggling her brows mischievously. "And don't worry, I come bearing gifts." She sweeps an arm toward a nearby chair, where a pile of questionable attire waits: floppy sunhats, oversized sunglasses, thrift-store chic hoodies. Imagine a K-pop group trying to blend into a knitting convention – if that knitting convention is also hosting a spy movie marathon.

“Disguises!” Zoey declares, her voice gleaming with the thrill of low-stakes espionage. “We need to stay incognito – there could be fans anywhere. Or… demons in disguise.” The last bit is delivered with a dramatic eyebrow raise and a conspiratorial whisper.

Rumi eyes the pile, her skepticism louder than a stadium encore. “Zoey, this is Burbank. The only thing we’ll be recognized for is questionable fashion choices.” She gestures at the peacefully boring neighborhood: lawns trimmed, squirrels unbothered, the only ‘fans’ present a couple of bored pigeons. Mira groans, already regretting her life choices, but Zoey’s enthusiasm is a force of nature… and possibly supernatural.

“But the airport was chaos!” Zoey insists. “One grandma with a Huntrix lightstick does not equal chaos,” Mira retorts, arching an eyebrow. “She threw her purse at me!” Zoey protests. “Besides, undercover is fun! Embrace the drama, darlings!”

Before either can object, Zoey hands them sunglasses so large they might double as shields. “You two are hopeless,” Rumi sighs, but she can’t hide a grin as she pulls on the hat because, secretly, she kind of loves this.

And so begins the "stealthy" tour of Burbank. Zoey leads them to a park with a surprisingly small duck pond. She shares tales of chasing geese as a child. Next, they visit the 'world-famous' spicy ramen burger from her teen years, which, while decent, mostly tastes like nostalgia rather than actual spice. Zoey takes a dramatic bite of a burger, a halo of golden light surrounding her head as she reminisces. Rumi and Mira, wearing their sunglasses and hats, share a bland-tasting burger and a skeptical side-eye. They pass by an elementary school, and Zoey's voice softens as she points out her old classroom. There’s a wistful quality to her excitement, a yearning for something she barely got to experience. She was yanked into idol training so young, then demon hunting… it's like she’s trying to reclaim a childhood she never really had.

------

An hour later, no one glances their way. Mira nudges Rumi. "Okay, I think we can lose the spy gear now, don't you?" "Definitely," Rumi agrees, pulling off her oversized hat, feeling a small sense of relief.

Just then, Zoey points ahead, eyes sparkling. "Alright, babes! Time for the main event! Welcome to… HOLLYWOOD!"

The world shifts. Suddenly, they're not on a quiet street in Burbank anymore. The air crackles with a different kind of energy, vibrant and alive. The sun hits the golden streets, making everything shimmer. The girls step out from a shadow, a magical burst of light surrounding them as they shed their disguises, revealing their iconic, dazzling stage outfits beneath. They look like goddesses. Giant palm trees line the boulevards, taller than anything Rumi’s ever seen.

Rumi’s jaw drops. Towering above them, gleaming in the Californian sun, is a giant billboard. It’s them, the three of them, frozen mid-dance, looking impossibly cool. Below it, a brightly colored pop-up boba restaurant bustles with activity. And gathered around it, sipping drinks, are fans… dressed as them? Only… they’re all white girls. "Huh," Rumi mutters, a faint amusement blooming. "White girls can really do anything in Hollywood, huh?" Mira snorts softly beside her.

As they walk, mesmerized by the flashing lights and movie posters, a bus rumbles past, its window momentarily reflecting a distorted image. For a split second, Rumi sees it – a flash of golden eyes, a familiar smirk, Jinu speaking to her from the reflection, his voice a whisper in her mind: Look for the signs, little bird. She blinks, the image gone, shaking her head to clear it. It's just the glare, the lingering effects of the previous night’s supernatural flicker, her mind playing tricks. Rumi rubs her eyes, a transparent image of Jinu’s smiling face fading away in the bus window reflection. See? Not real. Rumi reminds herself.

But then she truly sees the bus. It's emblazoned with a massive image of the idol group… Huntrix. Their faces are fierce, charismatic, undeniable. Rumi freezes, genuinely awestruck. Holy shit. It’s them! She knew they were popular, but this… this is different. This is real global phenomenon level.

"Wow," Rumi breathes. "I didn't realize… we were so big in the US." Mira rolls her eyes playfully, though her own gaze is fixed on the imposing images. "Unnie, that’s kinda the point of a world tour. We're big everywhere.” Rumi looks at her friends, their faces alight with a mixture of excitement and fierce pride. The lingering shadow of Jinu’s memory, the feeling of emptiness, momentarily recedes. They did this. They're here. They squeal, practically jumping up and down. They can’t wait!

Then, the murmuring starts. A few whispers turn into excited shouts. "It's Huntrix!" "Look, it's Rumi!" "Zoey! It's Zoey's homecoming!" The mob starts to swell, flowing towards them. People are shouting Zoey’s name, holding up signs. They love her. Her tough-girl persona isn’t just a front; she earns this adoration. Mira and Rumi share a look, a knowing, triumphant glance. For the fans, always. They plaster on their most dazzling smiles and step confidently into the throng of worshippers, ready to embrace the chaos.

Chapter 4: Meet Cassie

The crowd is a vibrant, swirling sea of faces, all beaming, all calling their names. Rumi grins, letting the pure joy of it wash over her. Her face is illuminated by a shower of sparkles, radiating pure idol energy as she high-fives a fan. This is it. This is the moment. The Honmoon is safe, Jinu is… gone, but his spirit feels present, somehow. The weirdness from the plane, the melancholy – they all fade in the face of this adoration. Mira is a natural, laughing, signing albums with a flourish, exchanging playful banter with the fans. Zoey’s just as vibrant, hitting poses and rapping little snippets of their songs, her tough image perfectly honed. Everyone is happy, living in this thrilling moment.

Then, a gap in the crowd. A girl pushes through, focused. She’s around Zoey’s age, maybe a little older. Super cool. Laid-back style, but completely put-together. The girl (Cassie) steps into a beam of angelic light that parts the crowd. Her eyes, framed by perfectly styled hair, lock onto Zoey. Zoey, mid-autograph, freezes, a single bead of sweat rolling down her temple. Cassie: "Zoey! Can I get an autograph?"

Zoey’s hand, holding the marker, jerks. Her wide, idol-perfect smile instantly becomes brittle. Her eyes flicker towards Rumi and Mira, then back to Cassie, her eyes are wide, like a startled deer, while a tiny, panicked chibi-Zoey runs frantically on a treadmill inside her head. A barely perceptible tremor is in her jaw. Zoey never gets flustered. She faces a literal army of demons with a smirk and a witty one-liner, but this girl, Cassie, has her looking like she just heard Bobby announce an impromptu 5 AM practice.

Zoey: (Voice a little higher) "Oh! Uh, hey, Cassie." She snatches the album, signs it with a surprisingly stiff hand, and almost shoves it back.

Rumi, oblivious, beams at Cassie. "It's so great you came out to see us, Cassie!" She turns to Zoey, bumping her elbow playfully. "Hometown support, right, Zoey? You always say how much you love that!" Rumi gives Zoey a huge thumbs-up, a glowing aura of naivete surrounding her, while Zoey’s face is a mask of pure agony. "You should totally come to our opening show at SoFi Stadium! Day after tomorrow! It’s going to be absolutely epic!"

Mira, equally dense, nods enthusiastically. "Yes! It'll be amazing! Zoey always gets extra hyped when her friends are in the audience! Plus you haven’t seen our show since you came out to Seoul all those years ago." Mira delivers a bone-jarring clap on Zoey's back. A faint, almost cartoonish WHUMP sound effect appears next to Zoey, who visibly flinches, her spine momentarily straightening like a board. "Lots of cute fans too!"

Rumi sees Zoey's jaw clench, a subtle tightening that only lasts a second. Her perfect idol smile vanishes, replaced by a quick gritting of teeth, quickly masked again.

Zoey: (Forced brightness, strained) "Yeah! Totally! SoFi... it’s going to be... great!" She tries to subtly nudge Rumi and Mira away. "Great seeing you, Cassie! We gotta... you know... keep the line moving! So many fans!" She gestures vaguely at the crowd behind Cassie, which isn't moving anywhere fast.

Cassie smiles, unfazed, and waves. "Yeah, definitely! See you there, Zoey!"

Zoey practically stomps away, dragging Rumi and Mira with her. Rumi feels the tension radiating off her. Something about Cassie... Zoey's reaction is just so bizarre. It’s not a big deal, of course. Zoey’s always been hyper-focused on her career, on training, on demon hunting – she probably hasn’t had much time for personal life. And, yeah, maybe she hasn’t had a chance to openly explore how she feels about... liking girls. Rumi’s mind drifts to a blurry memory of seeing Zoey and Mystery laughing together backstage, a little too close, sharing a single ramen cup, a memory that now makes her wonder if it was more than just friendship. But still. This is Zoey. She doesn't usually get flustered by anything other than Bobby cutting their couch time. 

A sudden blast of a horn, loud enough to rattle her teeth, cuts through her thoughts. HONK! Rumi’s eyes bulge, head snapping back as the sound waves hit her, depicted as exaggerated squiggly lines. A massive double-decker Hollywood tour bus rolls past, the commentator's voice tinny from its speakers. "And on your left, folks, you'll find the iconic Walk of Fame, home to over 2,700 stars honoring legends of the entertainment industry!"

The jarring sound pulls her sharply back to the present. She shakes her head to clear it. Zoey is already several paces ahead, practically marching toward a brightly colored merch booth. Her shoulders are stiff, her movements jerky.

Zoey: (Loud, slightly too boisterous) "Alright! Next stop: the merch booth! We need to see how well the limited edition plushie version of Mira's spear is selling!" Zoey points dramatically towards the merch booth, a fiery speech bubble engulfing her face, while Mira and Rumi share a bewildered glance. "Gotta keep up with the demand for mini woldos!"

Rumi glances at Mira. Mira subtly raises an eyebrow, a tiny, almost invisible sigh escaping her lips. Zoey's trying to act tough again. But this time, Rumi sees past the persona. There’s a frantic edge to it, a nervous energy she’s never witnessed in Zoey. And for a moment, Rumi feels a pang of genuine understanding. Zoey's facing a different kind of demon right now. A demon of the heart. And it looks like it might be the toughest one yet.