Chapter 1: Prologue

No one had foreseen an era where a certain percentage of people all over the world would suddenly gain abilities that surpassed human limits. From small powers such as transforming into a certain small animal to being able to lift boulders or even manipulating particular elements, everything was on the table and no one was ever certain what type of ability would they be born with-if even have any at all. 

 

As humans were naturally self-destructive, many had used their newly gained powers for good and bad causes. Whether driven by greed for money or power, countless lives fell victim to these evil acts including those who continue to try and put a stop to the onslaught of crimes caused by the 'Deviants'. 

 

Due to the rise of fatalities and lethal threat to the fall of societal order, a new organization rose to the surface and became the symbol for world order-DAWN. This organization specialized in dealing with criminals who have abilities, proving themselves to be the much needed safety line against the deviants. This establishment grew so much so that they have a base for almost all countries and have even made institutions for youths with powers. Helping them grow to be responsible adults who live by the rules of their countries. 

 

Humans were then divided into three groups; Archetypals, Common-folk and Deviants. 

 

First of making the majority of mankind were the Common-folk. Normal people who do not possess any abilities that surpass human limits. They are normal citizens who live mundane lives. They are the symbols of what people were like before the rise of Deviants and Archetypals. 

 

Next up, were the Archetypals. They are humans with abilities working with their governments and or with DAWN. They help maintain order and judgement in the world by offering their abilities to go neck and neck with any powered criminals. They are usually raised by DAWN's institutions and were offered the option to be part of maintaining order in the world. 

 

Last but not the least, were the Deviants. They are those with abilities that are involved with criminal activities, an upgraded criminal if one were to describe them in general. They chose to live a life of selfishness by doing as they please with their abilities-refusing to bend to society and disregarding the well being of others in order to be 'free'. 

 

An abrupt scream, and the peace of reading is gone. 

 

    '-If only the word 'free' was really attached to being a Deviant...' Bitterly thought of a fragile young woman named Ryang Iseul as she closes the book in her hands. Her hands, thin and bony, clenched to fists, 'No, I suppose it is...Just not for me.'

 

'Never for me.'

 

Doe-eyed coral pink orbs seemed ever so tranquil as their owner's gaze flickers from the book to the macabre scene before her. 

 

Before her was the fresh corpse of a poor Archetypal who was unfortunate enough to be caught red-handed by despicable individuals. Aside from being an Archetypal, which in of itself was already offensive enough for Deviants, this person's crime was simple. Yes, this Archetypal died simply for trying to aid Ryang Iseul to escape. 

 

For certain organizations composed of the most notorious of Deviants, Ryang Iseul is an invaluable asset. Her very being was owned by certain executives and even leaders. Her power was one of its kind, as she is the only recorded person to have it up to date. Hence, she is to be under the supervision of certain people who more or less own her. Eyes and ears were on her everywhere she went, and Iseul never did grew numb to the itching feeling of bugs crawling up her skin for every person that observed her. 

 

Sometimes, sometimes, there would be Archetypals who would infiltrate the ranks and offer her the option of escaping from the Deviants. And once upon a time, Iseul whole-heartedly believed in their lies. She truly believed that it was possible to return to her former life and live as a common-folk. 

 

However, that was a long time ago, Iseul held no particular expectations on the Archetypals sent by DAWN. She knew that whichever organization gets her only wishes to monopolize her power, completely confining her to a miserable life. Apart from that, Iseul also grew discouraged to escape with anyone as all attempts always lead to this. 

 

A dead person, and with her as the unwilling witness to their execution. 

 

Tears have long escaped her eyes, and Iseul isn't even granted a moment to mourn the deceased as a hand tenderly combs through her silky steel blue locks. The owner of that annoying hand opened their mouth, cheery yet insidious all the same-producing a most unnerving tone that never fails to set Iseul on edge. 

 

    "Crying for your attempted kidnapper again, Iseul? Tsk, Tsk." The owner of that damnable voice, Park Eun-ji, always had a penchant for taunting Iseul for being...Well, humane. "You shouldn't waste your pretty tears on scum like them." Iseul didn't need to turn to see the condescending grin on Eun-ji's cherry red lips as the girl takes the book from her grasp and carelessly throws it over her shoulder. 

 

Eun-ji was a curvaceous and pale beauty, well-versed on using her charms for everyone to do her bidding. With straight light caramel brown hair that seemed to frame her slender face and eerie pitch black eyes, many would think of her as a model and not a Deviant. The deceptive young woman was one of the worst Deviants to ever exist, and to Iseul as well. 

 

She was the reason why she lived so miserably for many years. 

 

    "Stop annoying Iseul, Park Eun-ji." A baritone voice coldly cuts in, no-nonsense and to the point as its owner emerges from the corner of the room and glared pointedly at the light caramel haired woman. If looks could kill, Eun-ji would be dead ten times over. "We still have a dinner party to attend in a few hours, Iseul needs her rest."

 

Eun-ji only raises her hands in mock surrender, "Oopsie, forgot about Mr. Byun Young-chul here-the dictator-was with us." Her eyes rolled as the intimidating male moves to Iseul's side. "Let the girl live a little, won't you? It wouldn't hurt to let our Iseul in on some action every now and then...It's not like darling over here can run anyways, I mean....She's on a wheelchair! For life!" 

 

    'I wonder who caused me to become handicapped.' Iseul bitterly retorts inwardly yet her face remained neutral, only watching on as Byun Young-chul shake his head in disapproval. 

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"Iseul's health comes first before entertainment, don't be stupid and let's go."

 

Byun Young-chul, another powerful figure who was actively reinforcing Iseul's captive life. An unfortunately beautiful tall man with a lean yet muscled figure with healthy russet brown skin. Midnight black hair tousled slightly and sharp gunmetal blue eyes reminding Iseul of a frozen lake as their owner was always composed and straightforward with his interactions. It was a shame that he was a Deviant, had he been on the side of DAWN then perhaps he would be hailed as a hero and not a notorious crime lord.

 

Iseul thinks nothing of her captors beauty, their personalities have long destroyed whatever affection she held for them in the past. They were all rotten inside and beyond redemption, not that they want to change for anyone or anything. 

 

    "Her room is dirty now, Iseul will be staying in my manor for the time being." As usual, Iseul had no say to her living arrangements as her captors casually discuss what to do with her. "She's gotten thinner again, are you watching her diet closely?"

 

"Oh trust me I'm working hard to make our princess eat but she's a tough nut to crack." 

 

"You're a useless guardian."

 

"At least I'm not mean!! I mean, I don't wanna force Iseul to eat and risk her puking you know? God knows what happened last time when your 'nurses' thought it was a good idea to force her to eat...I want my pretty girl to eat at her own pace, she looks cuter that way." 

 

"If she loses too much weight we'll have to put her on a feeding tube."

 

"Yikes, you're such a helicopter partner."

 

Young-chul stands behind her and places his hands on the handles before gently pushing the wheelchair, steadily distancing themselves from the corpse of the Archetypal. Eun-ji is right beside them, her steps leisure and languid as she remained smiley throughout the entire ordeal. 

 

The two weren't bothered that Iseul was entirely ignoring their existence. The precious girl slowly became reserved and stoic faced, never interested in humoring anyone much less participate in any conversations. Over the years they've grown used to the distant look etched on her face, although they would be lying if they said they didn't miss the old Ryang Iseul. 

 

The Iseul that smiled ever so warmly and sweetly, treating all people as equal and active in life. In the past, she had been so lively and gentle all the same, becoming a beacon of light to many people's lives-especially Eun-ji and Young-chul. 

 

Ah well, they've long made peace with the outcome.

 

You gain some, you lose some. 

 

And for them, gaining Ryang Iseul and having her under their watch 24/7 far outweighed the loss of her warm personality. 

 

Iseul on the other hand, fully regrets ever letting these despicable individuals in her life. Had she been more cautious, perhaps she would be living the life of a common-folk now and not trapped within an evil organization with the leaders as her main captors who were all hell-bent on making sure she remains by their side.

 

How she longed to go back to the days where freedom was taken for granted. When she was still autonomous and able to use her legs. When she had a life and a family to go home to. Where everything was normal...Until it wasn't.

 

Her eyes closed, mind going numb as she listlessly leans back to her permanent seat, uncaring to the bickering deviants behind her. 

 

'How did it all come to this?'

 

 

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