CHAPTER 3: The Mohan (Part 1)

CHAPTER 3

THE MOHAN (Part 1)

Okay, my meeting with Bachué and Sugunsua ended way better than I expected. I mean, Bachué didn't kill me, despite still hating my guts. Sugunsua and, apparently, Bochica truly believe in my path to redemption, and it seems like I can regain my title as a goddess after all. How cool is that?!

Anyway, Sugunsua said that to do so, I have to find both Bochica and my stolen chaos magic… Yeah, sure. No problem at all. It's not like I'm just a blind girl who hasn't eaten anything but a small bag of fruit since yesterday and has no idea where to begin searching... sigh At least, for now.

Sugunsua mentioned that this town might hold some clues. I still haven't regained my sight, but my other senses feel sharper, and boy, oh boy, do I smell some chaos magic around here! Not only that, but I can also sense the faint yet unmistakable reek of an old friend. Could he be the one who stole the chaos magic? Hmm… I don't think so. It feels like just a small portion of it. Maybe the real thief shared some of it with him? Oh well, I'll just have to ask him once I find him.

—Excuse me? Young lady? —an old woman's voice interrupts my thoughts—. It's dangerous for a girl like *sumercé to be out on the streets this late. Please, come with me.

Author's note:

*Sumercé: A typical and polite way to say "you" in the Boyacá region. It was mostly used by peasants, but nowadays, more and more people are using it.

Back to the story…

—Huh? Umm… yeah. Much appreciated.

I accept the old woman's invitation and follow her home.

It's been centuries since I last stayed in a human's house. Back then, I hated it. It felt like an insult for a goddess like me to stay under the roof of a filthy human, and I hated even more how Bochica was so chill about it. But now? Now I can feel the kindness and warmth this old lady radiates. She doesn't know me, yet she's sharing her home and food with me.

Wait a minute… sniff, sniff

—Excuse me… Is that *chicha, *mantecada, and *mazamorra I smell?

—It is, mija. Eat as much as sumercé wants —she replies.

—Sweet!! Thanks a lot!

Author's note:

*Chicha: A traditional Latin American alcoholic beverage made from fermented vegetables and grains. In Colombia, it's made with fermented corn and sugar.

*Mantecada: A spongy pastry originally from Spain, but it became a popular dessert in Colombia as well.

*Mazamorra: A common Latin American dish with many variations. The Boyacá region's version is a type of soup.

Back to the story…

OH GODS, YES!! *munch* … This is what I'm talking about!! *munch* … I devour the food as fast as I can. I swear I'm trying to be polite, really. But I was so desperate for a decent meal that I just can't help myself. Enjoying food is definitely something that feels more special when you're human. *munch* … I better not forget munch … to give this woman all my blessings and good fortune once I regain my title.

—My, my… Seems like sumercé hasn't eaten in centuries —the old woman chuckles.

—1000 years, more or less —I reply.

—Huh?

—Nothing. Gods' stuff… Listen *munch*, I'm really sorry for being so rude. But I was starving. I hope I didn't leave you without food. I'm also really grateful for letting me stay here tonight.

—Oh, don't worry. I still have plenty of food. Besides, I couldn't leave sumercé out there alone. Not with The Mohan kidnapping girls from the town.

The Mohan.

I knew it! From the very first moment I stepped into this town, I recognized that hideous stench of his tobacco. I can't believe that disgusting little creature survived all these centuries.

I ask the old woman for more details about The Mohan and what's been happening in town.

Her name is Carmela. She tells me that The Mohan has lived here since she can remember. For years, women from town would go to the river to do their laundry or take a bath. The Mohan, who tends to live near rivers, was always a pervert, peeping on young, beautiful women who wandered into his domain. At first, they were terrified, but since there was no other water source, they had no choice but to keep going. So, they started bringing their husbands, brothers, or other male relatives to protect them.

One day, tired of this arrangement, The Mohan appeared in the town center and literally begged the villagers not to fear him. He claimed he wasn't a pervert or a threat, just someone who appreciated beauty. He promised to continue sharing the river's water and even make the land more fertile and prosperous. In return, he only asked for one thing: that women should come alone. Nothing more, nothing less.

At first, the townspeople were hesitant, but the promise of fertile lands and a steady water supply was too good to pass up. They accepted his offer. The women returned to the river alone, and The Mohan kept his word—he never harmed them, and the town flourished.

However, everything changed about ten years ago.

Carmela tells me that The Mohan suddenly became more aggressive and demanding. He wasn't satisfied with just watching anymore—he wanted food, companionship, and, if he didn't get what he wanted, he started kidnapping women. Of course, the men in town didn't stand for it and tried to kill the bastard. After all, he was a demon, but a weak one.

Or so they thought.

To everyone's shock, The Mohan had grown immensely stronger. He slaughtered all the men who opposed him. After that, he stopped waiting for women to go to the river—now he comes into town at night and snatches any woman he finds on the streets. Since then, fear has gripped the town, and with no one going to the river, people are starting to struggle for water.

—Please, stay here —Carmela pleads—. I lost my daughter and granddaughter a month ago, and I couldn't do anything to save them. I don't know you, but if I can save at least one life, then I'll be able to live out my days in peace.

—… I appreciate your kindness, ma'am… I'll stay here, at least for tonight.

I'm obviously lying.

From the moment she spoke to me, I sensed the deep sorrow in her heart. And now I know why.

I have to do something. Not just for her, but for everyone in this town.

Old Carmela leads me to her granddaughter's room. I wait there for a couple of hours until I'm sure she's asleep. Then, silently, I slip out of the house and head toward the river.

I'm sorry, Old Carmela. This won't ease your pain, but I can't just sit here and do nothing. Besides, The Mohan always dreamed of having a harem for himself, so there's a chance—however small—that the women he kidnapped are still alive.

Maybe I can even bring your family back.

The river – Some Minutes Later…

Well, here I am.

The Mohan's scent is much stronger here. No time to waste. I strip down and step into the river, pretending to be just another naive girl taking a midnight bath.

Alright, you bastard.

You want some of this?

Then come and tak—

Fades to black…

TO BE CONTINUED…