Archive of Our Own ^beta

Chapter Text

     Jinu stood before Gwi-ma under very different...strange circumstances. For centuries, Gwi-ma was in his true demon form that was beyond this world. Jinu heard rumors about a time where Gwi-ma had humanized his form, some completely human in appearance, like he becomes in Saja Boys. Then he had his human for with the usual demon patters about his body; though of course even that stood out differently. While most demons had a purple hue about their skin and demon patterns, Gwi-ma was more grey with crimson and black patterns. His markings at times almost looked like writings in a different language, a language no one else seemed to understand. 

     Gwi-ma also never left the underworld where all the demons resided, trapped under the Honmoon. He had sent his demons out to do his bidding; that was always how its been. No one knew what happened to those who would return from the world empty handed and Jinu was almost relieved to never find out. 

     So this new setting was strange to say the least. Jinu stood in his demon form waiting for Gwi-ma in an office, or more like a study given its size inside this estate. Jinu had no idea what was going through Gwi-ma's mind. Why the sudden change in appearance, why the move to the real world, why the deal with Celine for Rumi. 

     Rumi....

     He hadn't forgotten. Which is confusing. Gwi-ma held his end of the bargain and erased his memories the moment the Huntrix were over. But why is his thoughts of Rumi still there? 

     He didn't understand why it was troubling him. His past identity is gone. Even standing in the luxurious study wasn't bothering him nor Gwi-ma's victory, though for just a moment...he had hoped Gwi-ma would fail.  

     However, they were successful. The Huntrix had a public break up. But what was supposed to happen didn't happen. The world would have been darker, drearier, broken, filled with people at the end of their ropes and being pushed to do unthinkable things. Instead, as Jinu looks out the window to see a bright sky, people living their lives however they choose. He couldn't care less. 

     "Jinu. What do you think of the new humble abode?" Gwi-ma entered, smiling as he glided over towards Jinu. 

     "It's surprisingly human." Jinu turned to look at him. It interested Jinu just a bit to see he still stood taller than human Gwi-ma. Pleasant change he'll happily accept. 

     "Isn't it? I do have to say there are some exquisite tasteful things about this world that I should have been a little more open minded to. I think I've been doing it wrong. Not always wrong but maybe I should have adapted to some changes."

     "What do you mean?"

     Still grinning like an evil Cheshire cat, Gwi-ma walked over to the desk, seating himself on the long black throne of a chair almost taking in the moment of it before he answered. "In the few days of being on this side, we have collected quite the souls. It's easier this way some how. Especially easy if you have the power they can actually see! I'm building myself an empire here. Its childish, I know but I think I feel inspired by the fall of those damn hunters."

     "What about the other two?" 

     "They're useless. When I feel up to it, I'll take their souls. Right now, they no longer are the main priorities. They're not even on the list any longer. Not that way have the one who led their little army.  They are NOTHING without her. Even if they find another voice, it won't equate to the power she has. Interesting enough, I don't even think Rumi herself is aware of the power she controls." 

     "What are your plans for her?" Jinu had no sense of emotion in his voice. It amused Gwi-ma. 

     "Well, what do you think I should do? After all, you worked close with her, I'm sure you may have developed some kind of feeling?" 

      "Of course. She was the first woman I really spoke to in hundreds of years. Call it the weakness of man. But now...my head is clear. I feel nothing." 

      Gwi-ma seemed to study him as he spoke. "Interesting. What then would you recommend?"

      "I honestly don't know. Put her out of her misery maybe. I'm sure she won't be useful to us anymore, not that she'll even embrace her inner demon. She won't ever be compliant so unless you just plan on torturing her, just kill her."

      It almost shocked Jinu as the words came out but he didn't mean it as Gwi-ma took it. Gwi-ma was practically on cloud 9 with what Jinu was saying. Jinu however would rather her dead than with whatever horrible cruel fate Gwi-ma actually had in store. Hes heard stories of Gwi-ma's tortures. He even felt it himself before but not to the full extent of what Gwi-ma was capable of. 

     "Well, I'm not going to kill her. Not now anyways. Thats too easy. However you have given me a lot to consider. You've exceeded my expectations. I have some planning to do. Now you, what would you like to do?"

     Jinu looked confused again. "With what?"

     "Well this is the world of the living. They know you as Saja Boys. Do you wish to continue that?" 

     Jinu didn't hesitate. He shook his head. "No. It was just a cover."

    "Thats okay. In that case I offer you a position with me. I'm gonna need someone I can trust to keep things going smoothly. Maybe you have to collect a soul here or there, or maybe you have to be human and attend a meeting in my stead. I want an Empire Jinu. If it means playing human for a while fine but I want you as my right hand. Even if you have to kill." 

    Jinu knew he said it as an offer, however he also knew you don't refuse Gwi-ma's offers. So he nodded. "Thank you sir."

    Gwi-ma's eyes glistened crimson for a moment as he smiled. "Wonderful. For the time being, take a break. You earned it. Now leave."

      Jinu found himself walking in her direction. He knew where she was kept and due to his attitude towards with Gwi-ma, he knew no one would be bothering him about it. Gwi-ma moved into a large estate home but Jinu was granted permission to have his own dwellings wherever he chose. He was beyond thankful for that whether he was working with or against Gwi-ma. Just behind the estate was another small building used as a makeshift prison. It was meant for those who disobeyed or gwi-ma's kill list. However where Rumi was being held was specially made for her after she demonstrated just a drop of her power she didn't understand. 

      Jinu walked down the dark crimson tiled floor passing numerous holding rooms until he got to the very end of the hall. A guard, which was a demon in human form sat outside the door idly browsing his phone. He almost jumped out of his skin when he glanced up at Jinu.

     "Oh! Jinu sir! My apologies sir!" 

    "You're lucky it was just me. She would have killed you." He placed his hand over the right side of the door, a purple hue of smoke forming until it activated the door. He knew only 4 can access this door. Gwi-ma, he and 2 muscle demons in charge of moving her if needed. It was only activated through a demon but not the minor minions used. Especially not the useless guard. 

       The door lit up bright before the handle appeared allowing Jinu to open it. He stepped in and wasn't surprised to see she was in the exact same spot she was left in. Not that she had any other choice.

       Her arms were suspended high with thick metal cuffs that swallowed both her hands together above her head. She was held so painful high she was nearly on her tiptoes.  Her head was dropped in shame. Her patterns somehow seemed to be a tint darker than he remembered but it could just be the light in the cell, or lack there of.  

      "'I don't know what he has planned for you. Its not death. Not now at least." 

       Her head remained low.

      "I know you don't want to believe me. But I had no choice. Nothing we could have done would have made a difference. So if he offers you anything, to join him or whatever keeps you alive just do it. Because things can be worse."

      She remained silent. 

      "I guess its useless to tell you that right now is it?"

      She refused to move but he knew she was awake and listening. He didn't know what else to say. But he couldn't walk away. Instead his hand reached out to touch her face, just so he can see those eyes once more. He didn't realize how much he wanted to see them.  But as soon as his fingers touched her skin she snapped.

      "Don't touch me! DON'T FUCKING TOU-" as her voice raised, a muzzle suddenly appeared with purple smoke around her face, completely covering her mouth and muffling her anger. Her patterns that slowly started glow immediately diminished. Jinu knew Gwi-ma would have found a way to control her voice while in the cell. He was informed about it. It did only work on its own in that cell. Any other time it would have to be done manually or just with their powers. 

       Rumi was furious and shook and pulled at her restraints, until she tired herself and just dropped, grunting at Jinu."

      "I don't blame you for hating me. Just do what I say. Don't resist. Don't fight. Its just gonna make it harder on you. Don't you want a break Rumi?"

       She looked up at him, the eyes he wanted to look at filled with rage and tears she fought viciously to keep from falling. It surprised him. He didn't think she'd have anything left after everything. Though it wasn't much it was something. Had the gag not activated she could have managed to escape most likely. Not that she would have gotten far. 

      "That will come off when you calm down."

      With out any other word. Jinu turned. Rumi watched as he placed his hand on the door, activating the handle to appear. He hesitated for a moment before he turned the handle and left, the handle disappearing the moment it closed. 

       It took a few hours before the gag finally disappeared. She wished the chains would do the same but of course nothing came easy. She didn't care about whatever he had to say. The fact he had the nerve to even show his face to her was cruel. Then he just expects her to cooperate? She wasn't ready to give up. Not yet at least. 

      Little does he know she had been focusing on her escape. She knew very little about her demon powers. But she knew they were there and maybe they can help her if she concentrated enough. On what she should be concentrating on, she didn't know. She was winging it but what did she even have to lose for trying? Plus she also didn't care about whatever the plans for her were. She didn't care if it was death or torture but she was NOT joining them under any circumstances. So throughout her captivity she had been secretly plotting and working on her power, being very careful not to activate anything in the room or alert any guards so using her voice was a no. 

     She meditated, thinking about the restraints on her hands, trying to figure it out like a mental puzzle box. She lost track of time. She knew its been days at least. She denied talking to anyone who tried to feed her. She also refused to eat which she was sure would have some effect at some point worse than it already did. But she didn't trust eating or drinking anything they offered her. She'd rather starve.  

     Suddenly, her body dropped to the ground with a painful thud. She hadn't even realized it, but she broke the restraint. She bit her lip fighting the loud cry she nearly let out as she instantly felt pain shooting to her shoulders. Her arms were sore from being held for so long. But she shook it off as quick as she could, ignoring her body's aching pleas for rest and nourishment. It was logical to have accepted any food, she could have used that strength. But she wasn't in a logical thinking mind right now. It was just feral survival. 

     She struggled to get to her feet but once she stood, she almost for a second felt like her old self. But that could just be she hasn't been untied in days. She walked over to the door, bracing herself for a new puzzle. 

     "Demon activated right?" She whispered. Too afraid of using her voice. 

     With a trembling hand, she placed it close to the side of the door Jinu did. She closed her eyes, allowing the demon side of her blood to work a moment before she saw the bright light. Then the handle. 

    It was surprisingly easy. She opened the door and her sword appeared at her will, slicing the very distracted demon in half as she quickly ran to the end of the hall. She reached the door and opened it, feeling the night cool sky touch her skin. She looked around and saw some demons patrolling the area. No one saw her shadow as she leapt up to the roof and over the gate that contained her prison. Once her feet landed on the concrete she put her sword away and took off running.