お帰り [Welcome Home] - Chapter Twenty-Three
Title: お帰り [Welcome Home]
Authors: curionenene and yeonah
Chapter: 23/?
Fandom: SS501 + Epik High Cameos
Pairings: KyuMin, HyunSaeng
Rating: PG-16
Warning: Angst, AU
Summary: Black and white... white and black. It isn't always possible to tell what is good and what is evil; and four players in the never-ending fight for freedom would know. In a world where things are painted by shades of grey, taking a stand could mean life or death. And the struggle to be free, truly free, may tear them apart until there is nothing left but ash.
A/N: KyuJong, HyunJoong, and Tablo are played by curionenene , while JungMin, YoungSaeng, HyungJoon, Mithra and Thaestae are played by yeonah .
A wave of energy sent everyone present sprawling, JungMin himself slammed backwards into the wall by the force of it. HyungJoon staggered, the power around him suddenly disappearing as he sank to his knees. One hand clutched his shoulder as red spilled over his fingers.
In the same time it had taken for the White Rabbit to fall, the chains binding the demon shattered into dust as the creature let out a roar of rage that had the hunters and anti-hunters alike covering their ears, a few losing consciousness from the strength that was suddenly unleashed.
The hunters remaining quickly got to work, trying to anchor the demon with spells and curses obtained at the pain of hundreds of nonhumans. And it seemed to be working...until the demon snarled at them and disappeared.
Somewhat dazed, JungMin's breath caught in his throat when fiery fingers closed around his neck, a sharp gasp exiting him as the fire pushed its way into his skin. The human’s eyes flashed a dark red and there was a wave of blinding pain, then nothing as his body sank to the ground like a limp rag doll.
KyuJong had fallen to his knees, clutching his head and screaming. He had tried to reach out to the demon with his mind, but it had only resulted in the demon retaliating. The ankou had just began to gather himself to try again when the demon was suddenly hovering over JungMin, and KyuJong’s eyes widened in horror as he realized what it was trying to do.
“No!” He screamed as he rushed over to JungMin’s limp side, gathering the man into his arms, frantically trying to see what he could do to reverse the situation. His eyes flashed silver and full of authority, uncaring about who saw. “No! Goddamnit! This human is mine! Get out of him!”
But the demon wasn't of this world, and had no obligation to listen to even an ankou. It had found an anchor, and refused to leave the body it had forced its way into. The fact that JungMin had no spiritual energy to speak of made it all that much easier...the human probably wasn't even aware he had just been possessed.
If his soul hadn't been torn apart by the demon's entry.
Thankfully the hunters looked to be in complete disarray, the anti-hunters recovering and forcing them back. HyungJoon watched KyuJong and JungMin, eyes wide and face pale from the loss of energy and blood.
Energy pulsed around JungMin's form as the demon grew annoyed at KyuJong's interference, a wave of power slamming into the ankou in return.
KyuJong yelled at the sudden assault, but he wasn’t to be so easily beaten. Tearing off his pixie guise with sheer willpower, he burst into his half form - just long enough to warn HyungJoon and the others to close their eyes as power flowed into him - more than enough for him to spiral into his full form.
Facing the onslaught of the demon with determined silver eyes, he whispered archaic words, trying to force the demon out of JungMin.
The demon started to lift out of the human's body, before clamping down hard. As KyuJong's power grew and pushed at the demon, a choked whimper escaped from JungMin, eyes half-opening to reveal the dark red they had become before he arched off the ground, screaming in pain at the struggle.
Watching with his remaining power, HyungJoon's eyes widened behind his hands and he scrambled forward. "Stop!" he shouted. "He's tied his life force to the human's...if you force him out, you'll kill JungMin!"
“What?!” KyuJong’s eyes widened in surprise, entirely distracted by HyungJoon’s revelation. And in that frame of distraction, the spell lost its power and there was nothing to protect KyuJong from the demon’s onslaught.
KyuJong flew backwards, slamming hard against the wall, a scream tearing out of his lips as he slowly sagged to the ground.
Once the ankou had been knocked back, the demon pulled his power back into JungMin's body, the human sinking back to the ground as his eyes closed.
It took only a second to spread throughout the body he had chosen, embedding himself so deeply it would be impossible for the ankou to even attempt forcing him out without killing his human master at the same time.
HyungJoon swallowed, casting about with his power to see the hunters had all gone. "KyuJong sshi?" he called hesitantly.
KyuJong had lost consciousness for a moment, but now he shook himself out of his stupor at the call, and his eyes shot over to HyungJoon before they settled on JungMin.
In his full form, he could see JungMin’s prone body pulsing with power. Power that was now entwined so tightly with the human’s life force that if KyuJong were even to try to pull it out, it would cost JungMin his life.
Wincing, he tried to get up, only to fall back onto the ground - two of his wings had snapped with the collision to the wall, and at the moment he was too focused on JungMin to heal them.
Crawling forward, KyuJong reached JungMin’s side, curling his hand into the human’s as he slowly reverted back into his human form. Tears of apology flowed from his eyes as he slowly lay his head down on JungMin’s chest, whispering words of healing and strength in hopes of making it easier for JungMin to cope with the intruder in his body.
Sensing it was safe to look now, HyungJoon slowly lowered his hands and took in the scene around him, anti-hunters scattered throughout, some conscious and some not. Some were missing altogether, making sure the hunters left the area.
Then his gaze went back to the 'hunter' pair, and he bit his lower lip before shakily standing. His shoulder was bleeding badly, but a few spells soon had it healing and he was free to walk to where KyuJong was curled up next to JungMin. He sank down to his knees beside them, ears falling into his face as he looked down at the human.
"I'm sorry," he murmured. "I was trying to send the demon back where he came from...he just wasn't that willing to go." And now that he had found a body, it would be even harder to return the demon to the darker plane.
KyuJong sniffled, looking up for a moment, before shaking his head. “It’s not your fault…I should have been paying more attention…I’m supposed to protect him, not only as my master but also… but also…”
Unable to complete his sentence, KyuJong squeezed JungMin’s hand, his entire body trembling with fear and guilt.
HyungJoon watched the ankou sadly, not sure what he could say to help. "We'll figure out a way to get the demon out of him," he murmured. "It...It could be worse. This demon is relatively mild, just horribly stubborn when it comes to getting back to the proper plane. I'll see what I can do to fix this."
"But..." he shifted uncomfortably. "I have little say as to what happens until then. The next time he wakes up...only then will we know the extent of the damage. You know he might not be...himself anymore."
KyuJong’s hand tightened further, and the only reply that HyungJoon got was a whispered “I know”, before the ankou curled around JungMin closer than ever, his eyes shut, his mouth moving in the whisper of a prayer.
"..." HyungJoon rubbed his hair slightly. "We should head back to HQ. Come on. Whatever you both were doing with the hunters will have to wait." A demon possession was far more important, and explosive. A wrong move could cost JungMin his life, as well as destroy a large chunk of the city.
He stood up, checking his shoulder before looking over at the others present, making sure they were all right too.
KyuJong swallowed, nodding wordlessly, and gathering himself, he slowly gathered the unconscious human into his arms, cradling him softly.
HyungJoon gathered the remaining anti-hunters together. "I have enough energy left to cast a blanket invisibility spell until we're clear of the area," he said quietly. "Don't move too far from me." The White Rabbit glanced towards KyuJong before murmuring a few words under his breath, the group flickering out of sight.
KyuJong had heard HyungJoon and he hovered close to the group. They were already in trouble, and KyuJong didn’t want any more mistakes. Walking silently, he kissed JungMin softly on the lips as if in promise and hope.
‘Come back to me, Min…please…’
***************
"...Of all things to happen..."
Mithra sighed as he looked down at the human lying motionless on the bed, having remained unconscious the entire way back to the anti-hunter headquarters. The demon's energy had been hidden somewhat by the possession, but even the power they could sense sent shivers through those present in the room.
"There is very little any of us are capable of doing, I'm afraid. We can reason with the demon, but how well that goes depends entirely on how much he decides to cooperate. If he decides to take over JungMin's body completely...things could get very messy." Possessions generally didn't go over well, and JungMin's own lack of spiritual energy made it all the easier for the demon to do whatever he wanted with the body.
It was exactly the news KyuJong expected to hear, but didn’t want to. And he could only continue to gaze hopefully at JungMin.
Part of him wanted JungMin to wake up, and yet another part didn’t. The latter was the part that feared that JungMin would no longer be there even if his body moved.
Tablo sighed, rubbing his face. In his mind, he was silently cursing - ‘First HyunJoong, now this. Fate really doesn’t do things in halves, does she?’ But outwardly, he only patted KyuJong on the back, not knowing what else he could say.
HyungJoon leaned against the wall, chewing on his lip as he thought. "Okay...what's worst case scenario?"
"Worst case scenario is the demon has full control and JungMin's soul has been lost, in which case we'll have no choice but to carry out a full exorcism regardless of what the consequences may be," Mithra replied. It was useless saving JungMin's body if his soul was missing.
"Best case?" HyungJoon asked, starting to pace as he thought.
"Best case is the demon is cooperative and leaves on his own, but from how he reacted earlier, the best case scenario right now is that he remains simply a passenger and doesn't interfere in anything JungMin does." It was too optimistic to be true. A demon that powerful wouldn't be content to remain in the back seat for long.
KyuJong shrunk closer and closer to JungMin the more they spoke. He knew they were only speaking the truth, but the truth was painful, and in such a situation, he’d choose unrealistic outcomes anytime.
He wished he could do something - anything. Anything at all. All he wanted was his master and lover back.
"Perhaps we should set up a binding spell...just in case," Mithra started, but HyungJoon started shaking his head.
"We don't want to annoy him...that would be extremely counterproductive right now. Let me try talking to him-"
A slight movement drew their attention to the bed. JungMin's fingers twitched slightly, the human drawing in a shaky breath.
KyuJong immediately sat up, hopeful look in his eyes as he peered at the human, trying to discern who was in charge. “Min…?”
Tablo on the other hand, tensed, his hand going to his gun by instinct. There was more than a 50% chance that the one who would greet them would be a grumpy, disgruntled demon. And although a gun wouldn’t be much use, at least he could say that he tried.
A soft noise escaped JungMin before his eyes opened. His irises were an ordinary black at first glance, and with a red tinge upon closer inspection.
The gaze he focused on KyuJong after a moment was sleepy and more than a little confused. "Hey. Where are we?"
HyungJoon stared. The human was actually in control of his own body? Or the demon was just an excellent actor.
“Min…?” KyuJong hesitated, peering into the human’s eyes. They were JungMin’s black, but there was a tinge of red and power there that made him uneasy. And gently, he touched JungMin’s arm. “Is that really you?”
JungMin blinked at him, seeming entirely confused about what in the world KyuJong was talking about, and it was clear he was wondering if the ankou had hit his head a little too hard. "Er, yeah? Who else would I be?"
KyuJong nearly collapsed into tears of relief, wrapping his hands around JungMin and burying his face against the human’s chest. “Oh…thank God!”
“…” Tablo was more skeptical though, and his sharp eyes gazed at JungMin. “Do you know what happened to you?”
Eyes widening slightly at KyuJong's reaction, JungMin awkwardly ran his hand along the ankou's back, trying to comfort him even though he hadn't a clue what was wrong.
He looked up at Tablo's question, and paused. "We were...trying to stall the hunters from interrupting whatever it was he was doing," he said, motioning at HyungJoon with his free arm. "It seemed to work for a while."
"And after that?" Mithra pressed.
"After..." the human trailed off, frowning. "I don't know. I don't remember anything."
Tablo exchanged a look with Mithra. So this was really JungMin then…but then what had happened to the demon? Surely he must be somewhere…
The agent bit his lip, wondering what to do. On one hand, they needed to find out more about the demon. And on the other, with JungMin still intact, it might prove fatal if they decided to prod the demon into talking with them. And there was still the unknown of how the possession had affected JungMin in general…
Running his fingers through KyuJong's hair, JungMin looked at them all. "How did we get here? What happened?" He winced. "Did we blow our cover already?" Not even a day in...
HyungJoon looked over at Tablo, frowning. He wasn't even aware he wasn't alone in his body anymore? What was the demon up to? Even a human should be aware something wasn't right...
“We haven’t yet.” KyuJong answered, his voice a mere whisper as he slowly sat up, hair untangling out of the human’s fingers.
He looked into those familiar eyes and bit his lip, hoping he was doing the right thing. “But Min…something went wrong with the moving of the demon…and he…possessed you.”
Tablo’s eyes widened at KyuJong’s sudden action - what was the ankou thinking?
JungMin stared at KyuJong for a moment, not comprehending. "Huh?" Then his eyes widened in shock. "He what?!"
Watching with worry, HyungJoon stepped forward quickly when the sudden panic seemed to draw a reaction from the demon, the energy that had taken root under JungMin's skin shifting. "KyuJong, calm him down." The knowledge of what had happened had forced the human to become aware of his passenger, and it wasn't going over too well with either of the body's occupants as the red in JungMin's eyes deepened.
KyuJong had seen the panic too, and he quickly wrapped his arms around JungMin, “Shh…calm down…it’s alright. You’re still here. You survived…”
Shaking fingers curled into the fabric of KyuJong's shirt, JungMin burying his face in the ankou's shoulder and drawing in a shaky breath. Slowly, the energy that had flared up eased away again, HyungJoon's gaze thoughtful as he watched.
"W...What now?" JungMin asked, voice shaking. Even he knew what possession meant. He also knew he was powerless to stop anything that might happen.
"Well, the fact that you're in control now is a good sign," HyungJoon said slowly. "It means the demon is willing to cooperate at least a little." It was pointless to pretend that JungMin would still be talking to them like this if the demon had the notion to take over completely. "We also know your life energies are linked, and I think it's safe to say emotions as well at this point. For anything more than that...we might have to speak to the demon directly."
JungMin stiffened in KyuJong's arms.
“Sssh…” KyuJong pulled JungMin even closer as he whispered reassurances. “It’d be better to hear the demon out and find out what he wants. We can’t help it now - he’s linked with you…and if we only push him away, it might prove worse in the long run.”
He kissed JungMin’s cheek, a look of trust in his eyes. “Besides, you’re still with me aren’t you? I’m sure you’ll be able to come back.”
The other man held on to KyuJong tightly, clearly not liking this whole idea. JungMin could stand up to many different things without even appearing nervous, but not being in control of his own body wasn't one of those things.
Drawing in a shaky breath, JungMin slowly pulled back so that he wasn't smushed against the ankou, kissing him lightly and straightening. "...All right." He swallowed nervously. "What do I have to do?"
HyungJoon watched them, lips pursed slightly in thought. "Theoretically, you shouldn't have to do anything. The demon should be able to hear all this just as well as you can, and it is up to him whether he wants to come forward or not," he stated.
Tablo nodded in agreement, but then again, JungMin was one of the first few he’d seen come out of a possession entirely in charge. Who knew what was different about this possession.
KyuJong on the other hand, gently took JungMin’s hand, and lightly traced symbols in the skin that had meanings to the demons that they meant him no harm.
JungMin glanced down at the hand KyuJong was playing with, a little confused as he waited for something to happen.
After a moment, HyungJoon groaned. "Oh, we're being rude. After I got his name and everything...” He rubbed his temples. "His name was...Thaestae."
Mithra's lips quirked upwards. "Well, I wouldn't fancy being referred to as 'the demon' either...” He trailed off as the energy in the air changed, growing. JungMin's faint spiritual energy seemed to all but disappear as the human's eyes shifted into a deep red.
"...” HyungJoon smiled a little nervously. "Welcome back, Thaestae."
KyuJong blinked at the name before he slowly put his hand down out of respect for the demon. The body might be JungMin’s, but he did not know the consciousness that possessed him now.
“Thaestae…” Tablo rolled the name in his mouth before bowing to the otherworldly being. “I’m sorry for bothering you, but we need to talk.”
Deep red eyes rose to meet those of the agent, JungMin's expression neutral. There was something else in his eyes though, and it was like someone else was looking out from inside him...which was essentially the case.
"So I heard." It was JungMin's voice too, but with an accent the human had never possessed, the accent of someone accustomed to the demon language. "I'm listening." There was no dancing around the point, and at the same time Thaestae never stated whether he would cooperate with their wishes or not.
“Why have you possessed this man?” Tablo asked gently and respectfully. “What are your intentions? Do you really wish not to return to the demon plane?”
"No I do not," was the flat answer, the demon obviously disgruntled at the very idea. "Nor will I allow those humans you call hunters to use my power as they wish. This human's lack of spiritual energy both makes him unable to use me, and hides my own energy signature in the process."
“Why?” KyuJong piped up before Tablo could, and the ankou looked up with eyes just tinged with silver, a solemnity in them not usually seen. “Why do you not wish to return?”
"..." Thaestae's smile quirked up the edges of JungMin's lips. "Have you ever lived in such crushing negativity and anger it hurts just to breathe? For century after century? This world is different from the one I came from, and I have no desire to return there anytime soon...despite all attempts to the contrary," he said wryly, red eyes going to HyungJoon, who shifted nervously.
“But the man you are possessing now. He has a life as well, how would you feel if someone took control over your being and you were helpless to stop it?” KyuJong said quietly, and Tablo, standing near, took an involuntary step back. There was a sense of deep restraint in that quiet voice.
"I have no intention to take that life away from him," Thaestae replied firmly. "As you have noticed, he is perfectly in control of his own body. But without a body of my own in this world, I cannot hide my energy and am constantly bombarded by both humans and non-humans. What I have seen since entering his body interests me, and I will continue to observe how your world works until I am ready to return to my own." There was a sense of finality in his voice.
KyuJong stared steadily at Thaestae before he asked quietly, and Tablo nearly staggered back at the sentence filled with power. “Do you promise that you will not control him against his will unless necessary? That you will not hurt him?”
It wasn’t just a question, but a question that held a binding in its words. And if Thaestae agreed to it, he would not be able to break it without dire consequences.
Thaestae's eyes...JungMin's eyes...narrowed slightly. It was obvious he could sense the bind in the other man's words. "You insist on playing these games with me, ankou? Residing in your domain may give you the power to bind me, but you might need reminding of what would happen to this body if you were to force a penalty on me." The demon matched power with power, the energy contained under JungMin's skin strengthening.
"I have said before, I have no intention to cause him harm. I will interfere if I deem it necessary, or if he wishes for me to interfere."
KyuJong lips quirked as he looked down away from those eyes. “I’m not playing games, only trying to protect the one I love. Surely you can’t blame me for that.”
“But fine. I would not like it if I were put into a situation where I was out of control as well.” KyuJong looked up, his eyes shifting between a cold power and a soft plea. “I will hold you to your promise then…please, don’t hurt him.”
"I gave my word," Thaestae replied simply.
"...I'm still thinking of one other problem," HyungJoon said slowly. "Thaestae sshi, is JungMin aware of any of this?"
"Not at the moment. He doesn't have the experience to remain conscious while not in control of his body."
"Good, I don't think I want him to hear this," the rabbit winced. "I'm not sure if any of you thought of this yet...but a human's body can only contain so much energy. Meruses are the rare exceptions. Containing a spirit as powerful as yours, a completely separate entity to boot..."
‘And even Meruses have a hard time containing their own power.’ Tablo thought of HyunJoong, but didn’t say it out loud. He could see KyuJong already trembling at HyungJoon’s statement, realizing it true.
"Then I'm afraid you can't be left in JungMin's body like this, Thaestae sshi," Mithra said firmly. "You just promised not to harm him, and yet if you stay where you are..."
It would tear JungMin apart from the inside out.
"I don't think it's that simple," HyungJoon said, frowning. "I can see your life energies...You were hasty in securing yourself to him, weren't you, Thaestae sshi? Is it even possible to remove yourself without killing him?"
KyuJong’s hands fisted in his lap, looking down so that he could keep the look of fear and fury away from Thaestae. No…he couldn’t let JungMin die like this…but…what could he do?
"It would be difficult," the demon admitted.
"So until we find a safe way to get you out of him, we'll have no choice but to watch and minimize any damage the best we can," Mithra said firmly. "HyungJoon, odd spells are your specialty, can we count on you to find something?" The White Rabbit nodded.
“I’ll do up research on it as well.” Tablo chipped in, and although KyuJong knew they were doing their best to help, it just wasn’t enough for him.
Getting up abruptly, he stalked out of the room, not wanting anyone to see the hot tears that rolled down his cheeks.
HyungJoon jumped, watching with wide eyes as KyuJong left. "Oh dear...” Swallowing, he looked between them all before following the ankou out.
Mithra fixed his gaze on Thaestae, eyes shifted into the color of sand. "Once we find the proper method, I hope you will honor your word," the sand demon said, the barest hint of anger in his level voice.
Thaestae's response was to close his eyes, the demon's aura fading slightly as JungMin's body went limp again, the human collapsing onto the bed.
Tablo sighed, moving forward to shift JungMin so he would rest more comfortably on the bed. “Ah…what a mess…”
***********************
KyuJong didn’t know how long he walked, only that suddenly he didn’t have the strength to walk anymore. And he slumped against the wall, his hand covering his face, trying to shield the fact that he was crying from the world.
HyungJoon paused a little farther back, hesitant. Opening and closing his mouth for a moment, he finally sighed and walked up to KyuJong quietly. "KyuJong sshi...?" he tried, taking in the frazzled energy the ankou had.
KyuJong jumped at the call of his name, and wild eyes took in HyungJoon’s cautious form, before he turned away, furiously wiping away tears. “Yeah…?”
"...” The rabbit watched KyuJong for a moment before stepping closer, placing a hand lightly on the older man's shoulder.
"You know it's not your fault, right?" he asked, voice soft.
KyuJong jerked slightly at the touch, before he calmed down, biting his lip as he slowly put his arms around himself, hugging himself lightly. “There’s a lot of things that I know, but don’t like or agree with, HyungJoon sshi…”
HyungJoon gave a sad smile. "Sometimes things are out of our control. I think it hurts most to have power, and to still be unable to do anything...” He tried to get KyuJong to look at him. "But it's not over yet. We can still change this, there is always a way. We just have to find it."
KyuJong slumped lower against the wall, his hold on himself tightening. He was silent for the longest time, before a gasp for air stole out of his lips, and he lifted tear-filled eyes. “There must be something I can do…I’m sovereign over death…surely I can…”
He broke off then, knowing the answer to his own question - power over death he did, but only once could he exercise that power over a person.
Meeting his gaze, HyungJoon bit at his lower lip lightly. "Even if you could stop him from dying...it wouldn't change the fact that his body wasn't made to hold two souls." It was pointless to avoid the truth.
"KyuJong sshi...there is still time to fix this. If Thaestae sshi is careful to limit how much energy he uses, and keeps a low profile, JungMin sshi's body will be able to take the strain longer. He will be able to hold out until we can fix this. Have faith in your master, and in yourself. You're not completely powerless either."
KyuJong looked up in surprise at the reassurance, and the words swirled in his mind as he unwittingly smiled. “I guess…you’re right. It’s quite pathetic isn’t it? Me crying like this. It’s not like there’s nothing I can do at all…”
"It's not pathetic," HyungJoon shook his head. "I actually might have been more worried if you weren't crying. But don't let yourself be crushed before we can even start making this better, okay?" He gave the ankou a half-hug around the shoulders.
Turning the corner, JungMin looked around for KyuJong and paused when he found him, with HyungJoon. More than a little confused when he'd woken up, the first question out of his mouth had been where KyuJong had run off to.
"Kyu?"
KyuJong had smiled a little at the comfort, and had even begun to return the gesture when a familiar voice caught his ears.
Startled, KyuJong looked up to see JungMin staring at them in utter confusion. “…Min?"
Biting his lower lip, JungMin looked between them for a moment before his gaze settled on KyuJong, the human walking closer. "Why did you run off?" he asked, confused. He'd obviously missed out on the whole conversation.
HyungJoon smiled and let go of KyuJong, clasping his hands behind his back.
It was when HyungJoon let go of him that KyuJong realized what that had looked like. Walking forward, he tried to reassure JungMin. “Ah…no…I was just upset about something earlier and HyungJoon-sshi was just trying to cheer me up.”
JungMin nodded slowly, glancing at HyungJoon before looking back at KyuJong. Noting the watery quality to the other man's eyes, he frowned. "What's wrong?" he asked, putting the scene he'd walked in on aside for the moment as he reached out, fingers brushing the ankou's cheek.
KyuJong leaned into the touch, cradling JungMin’s hand. He looked up at JungMin before shaking his head slowly. “It’s nothing.”
Clearly not convinced, JungMin wrapped his free arm around KyuJong's waist. "It doesn't look like nothing. What...how did the conversation go?" he asked slowly, still uncomfortable about this whole thing.
“Thaestae… was willing to cooperate us. But it’s a little… difficult for him to move out of your body as of now.” KyuJong said cautiously. “We’re… going to research on how to make his transfer easier. But we will…for sure!”
Nodding, the tension left JungMin's shoulders, the human more than a little relieved that at least the demon was cooperative.
"That's good at least," he sighed, completely unaware of the rest of the conversation as he drew KyuJong into a proper hug, resting his forehead against the ankou's shoulder.
HyungJoon smiled sadly before taking his leave. Between Thaestae and HyunJoong, he had the feeling he wasn't going to be getting much sleep for a long while.
KyuJong closed his eyes, tightening his hold around JungMin.
He would get that demon out of JungMin. He would.
And then things could go back to the way they were.
Authors: curionenene and yeonah
Chapter: 23/?
Fandom: SS501 + Epik High Cameos
Pairings: KyuMin, HyunSaeng
Rating: PG-16
Warning: Angst, AU
Summary: Black and white... white and black. It isn't always possible to tell what is good and what is evil; and four players in the never-ending fight for freedom would know. In a world where things are painted by shades of grey, taking a stand could mean life or death. And the struggle to be free, truly free, may tear them apart until there is nothing left but ash.
A/N: KyuJong, HyunJoong, and Tablo are played by curionenene , while JungMin, YoungSaeng, HyungJoon, Mithra and Thaestae are played by yeonah .
A wave of energy sent everyone present sprawling, JungMin himself slammed backwards into the wall by the force of it. HyungJoon staggered, the power around him suddenly disappearing as he sank to his knees. One hand clutched his shoulder as red spilled over his fingers.
In the same time it had taken for the White Rabbit to fall, the chains binding the demon shattered into dust as the creature let out a roar of rage that had the hunters and anti-hunters alike covering their ears, a few losing consciousness from the strength that was suddenly unleashed.
The hunters remaining quickly got to work, trying to anchor the demon with spells and curses obtained at the pain of hundreds of nonhumans. And it seemed to be working...until the demon snarled at them and disappeared.
Somewhat dazed, JungMin's breath caught in his throat when fiery fingers closed around his neck, a sharp gasp exiting him as the fire pushed its way into his skin. The human’s eyes flashed a dark red and there was a wave of blinding pain, then nothing as his body sank to the ground like a limp rag doll.
KyuJong had fallen to his knees, clutching his head and screaming. He had tried to reach out to the demon with his mind, but it had only resulted in the demon retaliating. The ankou had just began to gather himself to try again when the demon was suddenly hovering over JungMin, and KyuJong’s eyes widened in horror as he realized what it was trying to do.
“No!” He screamed as he rushed over to JungMin’s limp side, gathering the man into his arms, frantically trying to see what he could do to reverse the situation. His eyes flashed silver and full of authority, uncaring about who saw. “No! Goddamnit! This human is mine! Get out of him!”
But the demon wasn't of this world, and had no obligation to listen to even an ankou. It had found an anchor, and refused to leave the body it had forced its way into. The fact that JungMin had no spiritual energy to speak of made it all that much easier...the human probably wasn't even aware he had just been possessed.
If his soul hadn't been torn apart by the demon's entry.
Thankfully the hunters looked to be in complete disarray, the anti-hunters recovering and forcing them back. HyungJoon watched KyuJong and JungMin, eyes wide and face pale from the loss of energy and blood.
Energy pulsed around JungMin's form as the demon grew annoyed at KyuJong's interference, a wave of power slamming into the ankou in return.
KyuJong yelled at the sudden assault, but he wasn’t to be so easily beaten. Tearing off his pixie guise with sheer willpower, he burst into his half form - just long enough to warn HyungJoon and the others to close their eyes as power flowed into him - more than enough for him to spiral into his full form.
Facing the onslaught of the demon with determined silver eyes, he whispered archaic words, trying to force the demon out of JungMin.
The demon started to lift out of the human's body, before clamping down hard. As KyuJong's power grew and pushed at the demon, a choked whimper escaped from JungMin, eyes half-opening to reveal the dark red they had become before he arched off the ground, screaming in pain at the struggle.
Watching with his remaining power, HyungJoon's eyes widened behind his hands and he scrambled forward. "Stop!" he shouted. "He's tied his life force to the human's...if you force him out, you'll kill JungMin!"
“What?!” KyuJong’s eyes widened in surprise, entirely distracted by HyungJoon’s revelation. And in that frame of distraction, the spell lost its power and there was nothing to protect KyuJong from the demon’s onslaught.
KyuJong flew backwards, slamming hard against the wall, a scream tearing out of his lips as he slowly sagged to the ground.
Once the ankou had been knocked back, the demon pulled his power back into JungMin's body, the human sinking back to the ground as his eyes closed.
It took only a second to spread throughout the body he had chosen, embedding himself so deeply it would be impossible for the ankou to even attempt forcing him out without killing his human master at the same time.
HyungJoon swallowed, casting about with his power to see the hunters had all gone. "KyuJong sshi?" he called hesitantly.
KyuJong had lost consciousness for a moment, but now he shook himself out of his stupor at the call, and his eyes shot over to HyungJoon before they settled on JungMin.
In his full form, he could see JungMin’s prone body pulsing with power. Power that was now entwined so tightly with the human’s life force that if KyuJong were even to try to pull it out, it would cost JungMin his life.
Wincing, he tried to get up, only to fall back onto the ground - two of his wings had snapped with the collision to the wall, and at the moment he was too focused on JungMin to heal them.
Crawling forward, KyuJong reached JungMin’s side, curling his hand into the human’s as he slowly reverted back into his human form. Tears of apology flowed from his eyes as he slowly lay his head down on JungMin’s chest, whispering words of healing and strength in hopes of making it easier for JungMin to cope with the intruder in his body.
Sensing it was safe to look now, HyungJoon slowly lowered his hands and took in the scene around him, anti-hunters scattered throughout, some conscious and some not. Some were missing altogether, making sure the hunters left the area.
Then his gaze went back to the 'hunter' pair, and he bit his lower lip before shakily standing. His shoulder was bleeding badly, but a few spells soon had it healing and he was free to walk to where KyuJong was curled up next to JungMin. He sank down to his knees beside them, ears falling into his face as he looked down at the human.
"I'm sorry," he murmured. "I was trying to send the demon back where he came from...he just wasn't that willing to go." And now that he had found a body, it would be even harder to return the demon to the darker plane.
KyuJong sniffled, looking up for a moment, before shaking his head. “It’s not your fault…I should have been paying more attention…I’m supposed to protect him, not only as my master but also… but also…”
Unable to complete his sentence, KyuJong squeezed JungMin’s hand, his entire body trembling with fear and guilt.
HyungJoon watched the ankou sadly, not sure what he could say to help. "We'll figure out a way to get the demon out of him," he murmured. "It...It could be worse. This demon is relatively mild, just horribly stubborn when it comes to getting back to the proper plane. I'll see what I can do to fix this."
"But..." he shifted uncomfortably. "I have little say as to what happens until then. The next time he wakes up...only then will we know the extent of the damage. You know he might not be...himself anymore."
KyuJong’s hand tightened further, and the only reply that HyungJoon got was a whispered “I know”, before the ankou curled around JungMin closer than ever, his eyes shut, his mouth moving in the whisper of a prayer.
"..." HyungJoon rubbed his hair slightly. "We should head back to HQ. Come on. Whatever you both were doing with the hunters will have to wait." A demon possession was far more important, and explosive. A wrong move could cost JungMin his life, as well as destroy a large chunk of the city.
He stood up, checking his shoulder before looking over at the others present, making sure they were all right too.
KyuJong swallowed, nodding wordlessly, and gathering himself, he slowly gathered the unconscious human into his arms, cradling him softly.
HyungJoon gathered the remaining anti-hunters together. "I have enough energy left to cast a blanket invisibility spell until we're clear of the area," he said quietly. "Don't move too far from me." The White Rabbit glanced towards KyuJong before murmuring a few words under his breath, the group flickering out of sight.
KyuJong had heard HyungJoon and he hovered close to the group. They were already in trouble, and KyuJong didn’t want any more mistakes. Walking silently, he kissed JungMin softly on the lips as if in promise and hope.
‘Come back to me, Min…please…’
***************
"...Of all things to happen..."
Mithra sighed as he looked down at the human lying motionless on the bed, having remained unconscious the entire way back to the anti-hunter headquarters. The demon's energy had been hidden somewhat by the possession, but even the power they could sense sent shivers through those present in the room.
"There is very little any of us are capable of doing, I'm afraid. We can reason with the demon, but how well that goes depends entirely on how much he decides to cooperate. If he decides to take over JungMin's body completely...things could get very messy." Possessions generally didn't go over well, and JungMin's own lack of spiritual energy made it all the easier for the demon to do whatever he wanted with the body.
It was exactly the news KyuJong expected to hear, but didn’t want to. And he could only continue to gaze hopefully at JungMin.
Part of him wanted JungMin to wake up, and yet another part didn’t. The latter was the part that feared that JungMin would no longer be there even if his body moved.
Tablo sighed, rubbing his face. In his mind, he was silently cursing - ‘First HyunJoong, now this. Fate really doesn’t do things in halves, does she?’ But outwardly, he only patted KyuJong on the back, not knowing what else he could say.
HyungJoon leaned against the wall, chewing on his lip as he thought. "Okay...what's worst case scenario?"
"Worst case scenario is the demon has full control and JungMin's soul has been lost, in which case we'll have no choice but to carry out a full exorcism regardless of what the consequences may be," Mithra replied. It was useless saving JungMin's body if his soul was missing.
"Best case?" HyungJoon asked, starting to pace as he thought.
"Best case is the demon is cooperative and leaves on his own, but from how he reacted earlier, the best case scenario right now is that he remains simply a passenger and doesn't interfere in anything JungMin does." It was too optimistic to be true. A demon that powerful wouldn't be content to remain in the back seat for long.
KyuJong shrunk closer and closer to JungMin the more they spoke. He knew they were only speaking the truth, but the truth was painful, and in such a situation, he’d choose unrealistic outcomes anytime.
He wished he could do something - anything. Anything at all. All he wanted was his master and lover back.
"Perhaps we should set up a binding spell...just in case," Mithra started, but HyungJoon started shaking his head.
"We don't want to annoy him...that would be extremely counterproductive right now. Let me try talking to him-"
A slight movement drew their attention to the bed. JungMin's fingers twitched slightly, the human drawing in a shaky breath.
KyuJong immediately sat up, hopeful look in his eyes as he peered at the human, trying to discern who was in charge. “Min…?”
Tablo on the other hand, tensed, his hand going to his gun by instinct. There was more than a 50% chance that the one who would greet them would be a grumpy, disgruntled demon. And although a gun wouldn’t be much use, at least he could say that he tried.
A soft noise escaped JungMin before his eyes opened. His irises were an ordinary black at first glance, and with a red tinge upon closer inspection.
The gaze he focused on KyuJong after a moment was sleepy and more than a little confused. "Hey. Where are we?"
HyungJoon stared. The human was actually in control of his own body? Or the demon was just an excellent actor.
“Min…?” KyuJong hesitated, peering into the human’s eyes. They were JungMin’s black, but there was a tinge of red and power there that made him uneasy. And gently, he touched JungMin’s arm. “Is that really you?”
JungMin blinked at him, seeming entirely confused about what in the world KyuJong was talking about, and it was clear he was wondering if the ankou had hit his head a little too hard. "Er, yeah? Who else would I be?"
KyuJong nearly collapsed into tears of relief, wrapping his hands around JungMin and burying his face against the human’s chest. “Oh…thank God!”
“…” Tablo was more skeptical though, and his sharp eyes gazed at JungMin. “Do you know what happened to you?”
Eyes widening slightly at KyuJong's reaction, JungMin awkwardly ran his hand along the ankou's back, trying to comfort him even though he hadn't a clue what was wrong.
He looked up at Tablo's question, and paused. "We were...trying to stall the hunters from interrupting whatever it was he was doing," he said, motioning at HyungJoon with his free arm. "It seemed to work for a while."
"And after that?" Mithra pressed.
"After..." the human trailed off, frowning. "I don't know. I don't remember anything."
Tablo exchanged a look with Mithra. So this was really JungMin then…but then what had happened to the demon? Surely he must be somewhere…
The agent bit his lip, wondering what to do. On one hand, they needed to find out more about the demon. And on the other, with JungMin still intact, it might prove fatal if they decided to prod the demon into talking with them. And there was still the unknown of how the possession had affected JungMin in general…
Running his fingers through KyuJong's hair, JungMin looked at them all. "How did we get here? What happened?" He winced. "Did we blow our cover already?" Not even a day in...
HyungJoon looked over at Tablo, frowning. He wasn't even aware he wasn't alone in his body anymore? What was the demon up to? Even a human should be aware something wasn't right...
“We haven’t yet.” KyuJong answered, his voice a mere whisper as he slowly sat up, hair untangling out of the human’s fingers.
He looked into those familiar eyes and bit his lip, hoping he was doing the right thing. “But Min…something went wrong with the moving of the demon…and he…possessed you.”
Tablo’s eyes widened at KyuJong’s sudden action - what was the ankou thinking?
JungMin stared at KyuJong for a moment, not comprehending. "Huh?" Then his eyes widened in shock. "He what?!"
Watching with worry, HyungJoon stepped forward quickly when the sudden panic seemed to draw a reaction from the demon, the energy that had taken root under JungMin's skin shifting. "KyuJong, calm him down." The knowledge of what had happened had forced the human to become aware of his passenger, and it wasn't going over too well with either of the body's occupants as the red in JungMin's eyes deepened.
KyuJong had seen the panic too, and he quickly wrapped his arms around JungMin, “Shh…calm down…it’s alright. You’re still here. You survived…”
Shaking fingers curled into the fabric of KyuJong's shirt, JungMin burying his face in the ankou's shoulder and drawing in a shaky breath. Slowly, the energy that had flared up eased away again, HyungJoon's gaze thoughtful as he watched.
"W...What now?" JungMin asked, voice shaking. Even he knew what possession meant. He also knew he was powerless to stop anything that might happen.
"Well, the fact that you're in control now is a good sign," HyungJoon said slowly. "It means the demon is willing to cooperate at least a little." It was pointless to pretend that JungMin would still be talking to them like this if the demon had the notion to take over completely. "We also know your life energies are linked, and I think it's safe to say emotions as well at this point. For anything more than that...we might have to speak to the demon directly."
JungMin stiffened in KyuJong's arms.
“Sssh…” KyuJong pulled JungMin even closer as he whispered reassurances. “It’d be better to hear the demon out and find out what he wants. We can’t help it now - he’s linked with you…and if we only push him away, it might prove worse in the long run.”
He kissed JungMin’s cheek, a look of trust in his eyes. “Besides, you’re still with me aren’t you? I’m sure you’ll be able to come back.”
The other man held on to KyuJong tightly, clearly not liking this whole idea. JungMin could stand up to many different things without even appearing nervous, but not being in control of his own body wasn't one of those things.
Drawing in a shaky breath, JungMin slowly pulled back so that he wasn't smushed against the ankou, kissing him lightly and straightening. "...All right." He swallowed nervously. "What do I have to do?"
HyungJoon watched them, lips pursed slightly in thought. "Theoretically, you shouldn't have to do anything. The demon should be able to hear all this just as well as you can, and it is up to him whether he wants to come forward or not," he stated.
Tablo nodded in agreement, but then again, JungMin was one of the first few he’d seen come out of a possession entirely in charge. Who knew what was different about this possession.
KyuJong on the other hand, gently took JungMin’s hand, and lightly traced symbols in the skin that had meanings to the demons that they meant him no harm.
JungMin glanced down at the hand KyuJong was playing with, a little confused as he waited for something to happen.
After a moment, HyungJoon groaned. "Oh, we're being rude. After I got his name and everything...” He rubbed his temples. "His name was...Thaestae."
Mithra's lips quirked upwards. "Well, I wouldn't fancy being referred to as 'the demon' either...” He trailed off as the energy in the air changed, growing. JungMin's faint spiritual energy seemed to all but disappear as the human's eyes shifted into a deep red.
"...” HyungJoon smiled a little nervously. "Welcome back, Thaestae."
KyuJong blinked at the name before he slowly put his hand down out of respect for the demon. The body might be JungMin’s, but he did not know the consciousness that possessed him now.
“Thaestae…” Tablo rolled the name in his mouth before bowing to the otherworldly being. “I’m sorry for bothering you, but we need to talk.”
Deep red eyes rose to meet those of the agent, JungMin's expression neutral. There was something else in his eyes though, and it was like someone else was looking out from inside him...which was essentially the case.
"So I heard." It was JungMin's voice too, but with an accent the human had never possessed, the accent of someone accustomed to the demon language. "I'm listening." There was no dancing around the point, and at the same time Thaestae never stated whether he would cooperate with their wishes or not.
“Why have you possessed this man?” Tablo asked gently and respectfully. “What are your intentions? Do you really wish not to return to the demon plane?”
"No I do not," was the flat answer, the demon obviously disgruntled at the very idea. "Nor will I allow those humans you call hunters to use my power as they wish. This human's lack of spiritual energy both makes him unable to use me, and hides my own energy signature in the process."
“Why?” KyuJong piped up before Tablo could, and the ankou looked up with eyes just tinged with silver, a solemnity in them not usually seen. “Why do you not wish to return?”
"..." Thaestae's smile quirked up the edges of JungMin's lips. "Have you ever lived in such crushing negativity and anger it hurts just to breathe? For century after century? This world is different from the one I came from, and I have no desire to return there anytime soon...despite all attempts to the contrary," he said wryly, red eyes going to HyungJoon, who shifted nervously.
“But the man you are possessing now. He has a life as well, how would you feel if someone took control over your being and you were helpless to stop it?” KyuJong said quietly, and Tablo, standing near, took an involuntary step back. There was a sense of deep restraint in that quiet voice.
"I have no intention to take that life away from him," Thaestae replied firmly. "As you have noticed, he is perfectly in control of his own body. But without a body of my own in this world, I cannot hide my energy and am constantly bombarded by both humans and non-humans. What I have seen since entering his body interests me, and I will continue to observe how your world works until I am ready to return to my own." There was a sense of finality in his voice.
KyuJong stared steadily at Thaestae before he asked quietly, and Tablo nearly staggered back at the sentence filled with power. “Do you promise that you will not control him against his will unless necessary? That you will not hurt him?”
It wasn’t just a question, but a question that held a binding in its words. And if Thaestae agreed to it, he would not be able to break it without dire consequences.
Thaestae's eyes...JungMin's eyes...narrowed slightly. It was obvious he could sense the bind in the other man's words. "You insist on playing these games with me, ankou? Residing in your domain may give you the power to bind me, but you might need reminding of what would happen to this body if you were to force a penalty on me." The demon matched power with power, the energy contained under JungMin's skin strengthening.
"I have said before, I have no intention to cause him harm. I will interfere if I deem it necessary, or if he wishes for me to interfere."
KyuJong lips quirked as he looked down away from those eyes. “I’m not playing games, only trying to protect the one I love. Surely you can’t blame me for that.”
“But fine. I would not like it if I were put into a situation where I was out of control as well.” KyuJong looked up, his eyes shifting between a cold power and a soft plea. “I will hold you to your promise then…please, don’t hurt him.”
"I gave my word," Thaestae replied simply.
"...I'm still thinking of one other problem," HyungJoon said slowly. "Thaestae sshi, is JungMin aware of any of this?"
"Not at the moment. He doesn't have the experience to remain conscious while not in control of his body."
"Good, I don't think I want him to hear this," the rabbit winced. "I'm not sure if any of you thought of this yet...but a human's body can only contain so much energy. Meruses are the rare exceptions. Containing a spirit as powerful as yours, a completely separate entity to boot..."
‘And even Meruses have a hard time containing their own power.’ Tablo thought of HyunJoong, but didn’t say it out loud. He could see KyuJong already trembling at HyungJoon’s statement, realizing it true.
"Then I'm afraid you can't be left in JungMin's body like this, Thaestae sshi," Mithra said firmly. "You just promised not to harm him, and yet if you stay where you are..."
It would tear JungMin apart from the inside out.
"I don't think it's that simple," HyungJoon said, frowning. "I can see your life energies...You were hasty in securing yourself to him, weren't you, Thaestae sshi? Is it even possible to remove yourself without killing him?"
KyuJong’s hands fisted in his lap, looking down so that he could keep the look of fear and fury away from Thaestae. No…he couldn’t let JungMin die like this…but…what could he do?
"It would be difficult," the demon admitted.
"So until we find a safe way to get you out of him, we'll have no choice but to watch and minimize any damage the best we can," Mithra said firmly. "HyungJoon, odd spells are your specialty, can we count on you to find something?" The White Rabbit nodded.
“I’ll do up research on it as well.” Tablo chipped in, and although KyuJong knew they were doing their best to help, it just wasn’t enough for him.
Getting up abruptly, he stalked out of the room, not wanting anyone to see the hot tears that rolled down his cheeks.
HyungJoon jumped, watching with wide eyes as KyuJong left. "Oh dear...” Swallowing, he looked between them all before following the ankou out.
Mithra fixed his gaze on Thaestae, eyes shifted into the color of sand. "Once we find the proper method, I hope you will honor your word," the sand demon said, the barest hint of anger in his level voice.
Thaestae's response was to close his eyes, the demon's aura fading slightly as JungMin's body went limp again, the human collapsing onto the bed.
Tablo sighed, moving forward to shift JungMin so he would rest more comfortably on the bed. “Ah…what a mess…”
***********************
KyuJong didn’t know how long he walked, only that suddenly he didn’t have the strength to walk anymore. And he slumped against the wall, his hand covering his face, trying to shield the fact that he was crying from the world.
HyungJoon paused a little farther back, hesitant. Opening and closing his mouth for a moment, he finally sighed and walked up to KyuJong quietly. "KyuJong sshi...?" he tried, taking in the frazzled energy the ankou had.
KyuJong jumped at the call of his name, and wild eyes took in HyungJoon’s cautious form, before he turned away, furiously wiping away tears. “Yeah…?”
"...” The rabbit watched KyuJong for a moment before stepping closer, placing a hand lightly on the older man's shoulder.
"You know it's not your fault, right?" he asked, voice soft.
KyuJong jerked slightly at the touch, before he calmed down, biting his lip as he slowly put his arms around himself, hugging himself lightly. “There’s a lot of things that I know, but don’t like or agree with, HyungJoon sshi…”
HyungJoon gave a sad smile. "Sometimes things are out of our control. I think it hurts most to have power, and to still be unable to do anything...” He tried to get KyuJong to look at him. "But it's not over yet. We can still change this, there is always a way. We just have to find it."
KyuJong slumped lower against the wall, his hold on himself tightening. He was silent for the longest time, before a gasp for air stole out of his lips, and he lifted tear-filled eyes. “There must be something I can do…I’m sovereign over death…surely I can…”
He broke off then, knowing the answer to his own question - power over death he did, but only once could he exercise that power over a person.
Meeting his gaze, HyungJoon bit at his lower lip lightly. "Even if you could stop him from dying...it wouldn't change the fact that his body wasn't made to hold two souls." It was pointless to avoid the truth.
"KyuJong sshi...there is still time to fix this. If Thaestae sshi is careful to limit how much energy he uses, and keeps a low profile, JungMin sshi's body will be able to take the strain longer. He will be able to hold out until we can fix this. Have faith in your master, and in yourself. You're not completely powerless either."
KyuJong looked up in surprise at the reassurance, and the words swirled in his mind as he unwittingly smiled. “I guess…you’re right. It’s quite pathetic isn’t it? Me crying like this. It’s not like there’s nothing I can do at all…”
"It's not pathetic," HyungJoon shook his head. "I actually might have been more worried if you weren't crying. But don't let yourself be crushed before we can even start making this better, okay?" He gave the ankou a half-hug around the shoulders.
Turning the corner, JungMin looked around for KyuJong and paused when he found him, with HyungJoon. More than a little confused when he'd woken up, the first question out of his mouth had been where KyuJong had run off to.
"Kyu?"
KyuJong had smiled a little at the comfort, and had even begun to return the gesture when a familiar voice caught his ears.
Startled, KyuJong looked up to see JungMin staring at them in utter confusion. “…Min?"
Biting his lower lip, JungMin looked between them for a moment before his gaze settled on KyuJong, the human walking closer. "Why did you run off?" he asked, confused. He'd obviously missed out on the whole conversation.
HyungJoon smiled and let go of KyuJong, clasping his hands behind his back.
It was when HyungJoon let go of him that KyuJong realized what that had looked like. Walking forward, he tried to reassure JungMin. “Ah…no…I was just upset about something earlier and HyungJoon-sshi was just trying to cheer me up.”
JungMin nodded slowly, glancing at HyungJoon before looking back at KyuJong. Noting the watery quality to the other man's eyes, he frowned. "What's wrong?" he asked, putting the scene he'd walked in on aside for the moment as he reached out, fingers brushing the ankou's cheek.
KyuJong leaned into the touch, cradling JungMin’s hand. He looked up at JungMin before shaking his head slowly. “It’s nothing.”
Clearly not convinced, JungMin wrapped his free arm around KyuJong's waist. "It doesn't look like nothing. What...how did the conversation go?" he asked slowly, still uncomfortable about this whole thing.
“Thaestae… was willing to cooperate us. But it’s a little… difficult for him to move out of your body as of now.” KyuJong said cautiously. “We’re… going to research on how to make his transfer easier. But we will…for sure!”
Nodding, the tension left JungMin's shoulders, the human more than a little relieved that at least the demon was cooperative.
"That's good at least," he sighed, completely unaware of the rest of the conversation as he drew KyuJong into a proper hug, resting his forehead against the ankou's shoulder.
HyungJoon smiled sadly before taking his leave. Between Thaestae and HyunJoong, he had the feeling he wasn't going to be getting much sleep for a long while.
KyuJong closed his eyes, tightening his hold around JungMin.
He would get that demon out of JungMin. He would.
And then things could go back to the way they were.