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There is something severely wrong with Kim Dokja. (When is there not? But one digresses.)
It is a fact that Yoo Joonghyuk is instantly made aware of, for he is ever so attuned to the foolish man. The bastard that always makes heads turn and brings attention—along with trouble—to himself. The self sacrificial idiot that runs around with full intent on protecting those he loves in all his twisted ways.
Yoo Joonghyuk can almost understand. However, Yoo Joonghyuk is also a recipient of Kim Dokja’s twisted ‘protection’, so alas, he can not agree with it.
But back to the point—
There is something very wrong with Kim Dokja, and Yoo Joonghyuk might know what it is.
“When was your last heat?” Yoo Joonghyuk questions at breakfast.
Han Sooyoung pushes her spoon just a little too far down her throat; Jung Heewon inhales her coffee; Lee Jihye hacks up her left lung; and the constellations are in disarray.
[The constellation ‘Demon-like Judge of Fire’ is screaming.]
[The constellation ‘Prisoner of the Golden Headband’ is watching on in curiosity.]
[The constellation ‘Queen of the Darkest Spring’ is frowning.]
[The constellation ‘Secretive Plotter’ is amused with your lack of tact.]
Kim Dokja, the culprit of this mini fiasco, only frowns with a spoon in the air, pausing in the middle of feeding an injured and now disgruntled Lee Gilyoung.
“Why would you ask that?”
Because recently there’s something that smells nice around here, Yoo Joonghyuk thinks. There’s been a light miasma of old leather and paper that’s entirely Kim Dokja, Yoo Joonghyuk thinks. It‘s a homely scent that could cure the insomnia of wayward regressors, Yoo Joonghyuk thinks.
“To ensure that you won’t go into heat during a scenario,” Yoo Joonghyuk says.
[The constellation ‘Prisoner of the Golden Headband’ is laughing at your weak defense.]
It is not weak.
[The constellation ‘Secretive Plotter’ admires your foot in mouth moment.]
And damn him too.
“Well, if you really must know,” Kim Dokja begins, sounding as if he doubts that Yoo Joonghyuk is asking out of pure altruism of the heart, “then I think it might be before the scenarios.”
“But that’s a long while ago, Dokja-ssi.” Lee Seolhwa shows up around the corner, sweeping her long hair over her shoulder. There’s a concerned glint in her eye, a fellow omega’s worry. “Before the scenarios, did you get checked up?”
“I have.”
[The exclusive skill ‘Lie Detection Lvl. 6’ is activated.]
[You have confirmed that the statement is false.]
“I may have,” Kim Dokja amends. “I can’t be sure. Even if I did find the time to go get a checkup, the money would be difficult for me to handle.”
Jung Heewon recovers the quickest of all the incarnations within close distance. “That’d explain why you’re such a miser. Though I’d like to know what brought this question on.”
“You.” Han Sooyoung finally breaks out of her shocked stupor. She points a finger at Yoo Joonghyuk. “Has no one ever told you to never, ever, ask an omega that question?”
Yoo Joonghyuk, unfortunately, has never been told so.
“That’s right, Joonghyuk-ssi.” Lee Seolhwa gives an accommodating smile, playing good cop to Han Sooyoung’s bad cop. “In case you didn’t know, when an unmated alpha asks an unmated omega that question, nine out of ten times it shows the alpha’s intention to accompany the omega during their heat.”
[The constellation ‘Demon-like Judge of Fire’ is nodding her head off.]
[The constellation ‘Abyssal Black Flame Dragon’ shows a mild concern for the fellow constellation’s well-being.]
“In any case, I believe Joonghyuk-ssi has his reasons for asking.”
[The constellation ‘Demon-like Judge of Fire’ says it’s because incarnation Yoo Joonghyuk finally wishes to show the meaning of true comradeship.]
“Kim Dokja smells like he’s nearing his heat,” Yoo Joonghyuk interrupts, before the constellation gets carried away. “The scenarios are only going to get more difficult to handle from here on out.”
It goes without saying that each one of them needs to get stronger from now on. Kim Dokja has done a decent job so far of staying competent, but secondary gender characteristics may interfere with an incarnation’s abilities. Yoo Joonghyuk would know with all his inconvenient ruts.
Except, everyone glares at Yoo Joonghyuk like he owes them a kidney. Kim Dokja’s face shifts, something vulnerable there for a moment before it passes like a cloud.
(Frankly, Yoo Joonghyuk is aware of the reason for their deathly looks. However, there is a time and place for such things. Timing is of importance.)
“Don’t think too much,” Kim Dokja laughs, still appearing unbothered by the whole situation. “If something goes wrong, you’ll be the first to know.”
“Know when it’s too late, or will you personally alert me?”
“You’ll be alerted.”
[The exclusive skill ‘Lie Detection Lvl. 6’ is activated.]
[You have confirmed that the statement is false.]
Kim Dokja curses under his breath.
Yoo Joonghyuk wonders if he has a crow mouth or Kim Dokja is just that unlucky. For the next few days, Kim Dokja roams around with his scent steadily spreading around his general vicinity.
It’s not a suffocating feeling. If anything, Yoo Joonghyuk can feel his nerves relax just the smallest bit after catching a small whiff of the scent. At the same time, he has never smelled Kim Dokja’s scent so strongly like this, and now it’s becoming an issue with other alphas in the group.
“Dokja-ssi,” Lee Hyunsung carefully calls, as if afraid of scaring away an alleycat. “Heewon-ssi and I were just talking—”
“Keep my name out of your mouth,” Jung Heewon warns.
“—and I thought there might’ve been some issue with your… constitution as of late,” Lee Hyunsung finishes up nicely, cautiously avoiding the beta’s intimidating stare.
[The constellation ‘Demon-like Judge of Fire’ is nodding seriously.]
Kim Dokja looks up from his phone, a frown marring his delicate features. “My constitution?”
“You’ve been looking a little bit more pale, Dokja-ssi.” That’s too broad, Yoo Sangah.
“Ahjussi is always this pale though.” Lee Jihye stretches her arms, a few burnt marks lining her fingers from an unsuccessful cooking attempt. The fire crackles in the background. “But yeah, I think something’s going on. And he knows it.”
Kim Dokja sighs, as if he had seen this conversation coming from a mile away. Yoo Joonghyuk can already hear the lies before the bastard speaks.
“If you think I’m chasing some death plan, I can promise all of you, no I’m not.” Kim Dokja innocently waves his hand, pocketing his phone. “I was just thinking of the sudden influx of monsters in this area. I want to go check it out.”
“They’re coming from the northeast direction.” Han Sooyoung’s voice is slightly muffled by a lollipop. “You sure you wanna head that way?”
“Then we should head there.” Kim Dokja rises, patting the dust off his coat. “We can also pick off the ones that keep heading towards the Industrial Complex—”
“Absolutely not.” “Kim Dokja.”
Yoo Joonghyuk stares at Lee Seolhwa for a second, and she stares back, as if shocked that he spoke at the same time as her. But it didn’t matter—both of them clearly knew what was going on. Yoo Joonghyuk allows Lee Seolhwa to continue.
“You can’t go this time, Dokja-ssi. Stay home.”
Kim Dokja has this tired yet amused look on his face, showing none of the signs of awareness nor concern that he should have. But the next words from Yoo Joonghyuk wipes the smile off his face completely.
“You’re nearing your heat.” Yoo Joonghyuk doesn’t feel pleased with finally seeing that surprised look on Kim Dokja’s face. There’s a more pressing matter to be concerned with. “For the past week, your scent has lingered in the air for longer than it should’ve. You display signs of an omega nearing their heat period.”
“Joonghyuk-ssi is right.” Lee Seolhwa quickly verifies those words. “Haven’t you noticed that we sometimes have to chase off some alphas from getting too close to you? This only started last week.”
“Why would anyone want to approach me?”
“That’s not the point, please listen.” Mercy to Lee Seolhwa, for she has an uncooperative patient. “Your scent is normally muted, incredibly so that people mistake you for a beta. But with how obvious it is now, many others are made aware that you are an omega.”
“You don’t even realize it, do you?” Han Sooyoung casually points her lollipop at Kim Dokja. Yoo Joonghyuk does his best to disregard the shine of the candy. “You stick by Yoo Joonghyuk more often than usual, who is an 11/10 alpha. The kids are a source of comfort to you too. Not that it seems like they’re complaining.”
Lee Jihye quietly stalks around Kim Dokja, tilting her head curiously. “Yea, I was wondering why Ahjussi seemed to smell off recently. Normally, we can’t tell how you’re feeling, but your scent gives away everything now.”
“Really?” Kim Dokja frowns, and Yoo Joonghyuk catches the slight tinge of something sour in the omega’s scent. Yoo Joonghyuk shoots a glare at Lee Jihye, and Lee Jihye withers beneath the dark gaze.
“Don’t worry, Hyung!” Lee Gilyoung glues himself to Kim Dokja’s side automatically. “I can’t really smell anything.”
Shin Yoosung cautiously takes up Kim Dokja’s other side. “Ahjussi, it’s okay. I don’t think it’s annoying.”
[The constellation ‘Demon-like Judge of Fire’ is cooing at the children’s protectiveness of their parental figure.]
[The constellation ‘Queen of the Darkest Spring’ is smiling.]
“Enough, both of you.” Kim Dokja looks like he’s two seconds away from burying himself, cheeks flushing and ears turning red. He hides his face as the kids start a glaring contest amongst themselves.
“On top of that, Dokja-ssi.” Lee Seolhwa awkwardly clears her throat, eyes looking at anywhere but her patient. Instead, they finally land on Yoo Joonghyuk with a look that can’t be anything other than accusing. “An alpha in our group has been kind enough to scent you with any given opportunity, ensuring that unwanted individuals keep away from you.”
“Oh, he has?” Jung Heewon and Yoo Sangah glance over with a look that’s anything but casual, varying degrees of curiosity in their expressions.
“Ahem, please, can we get back to the fact that I’m close to my heat?”
“Hang on.” Lee Seolhwa spares no mercy for Kim Dokja’s dignity. “Joonghyuk-ssi is only preparing a protective measure for Dokja-ssi, taking care of an omega’s distressed nature. Unfortunately by doing so, it also serves as a dangerous trigger Dokja-ssi’s irregular heat.”
“Oh, so it’s your fault.” Kim Dokja stares at Yoo Joonghyuk, unimpressed. Yoo Joonghyuk meets the stare head on.
[The constellation ‘Secretive Plotter’ is equally unimpressed.]
“So please, Dokja-ssi.” Lee Seolhwa sighs, bringing everything to a close. “For the next few days, or week, please stay at the base. The rest of us can handle the monsters just fine. We’ll leave behind a few who can tend to your needs, if it ever arises.”
“I hope Lee Hyunsung and Yoo Joonghyuk won’t be left behind.” Yoo Sangah cautiously glances at the two alphas; Lee Hyunsung nods seriously, keeping his shield close to his side. Yoo Joonghyuk scoffs and glances away from Kim Dokja.
“Of course not. They’ll find themselves of better use out here.” Han Sooyoung gives Yoo Joonghyuk the stink eye. “I’d also prefer to keep homebase PG-13.”
[The constellation ‘Demon-like Judge of Fire’ complains that incarnation Han Sooyoung is a spoilsport.]
[The constellation ‘Abyssal Black Flame Dragon’ thanks incarnations Han Sooyoung and Lee Seolhwa for keeping the channel PG-13.]
“Can you agree with this, Yoo Joonghyuk?”
The question comes from Kim Dokja, who has not looked away from the regressor ever since Lee Seolhwa spoke again. Yoo Joonghyuk finds himself meeting the man’s gaze—it’s like gazing into a boundless abyss, accommodating towards whatever is thrown at him.
Of course he can’t agree, Yoo Joonghyuk wants to say. The idea of leaving the omega alone to suffer is too much. Kim Dokja, curled up in pain, desperate for comfort in particularly painful moments. Especially if it’s an irregular heat, then an omega would need an alpha’s scent or presence, just to take off that edge. Yoo Joonghyuk wants to be there for him.
Kim Dokja, Yoo Joonghyuk wants to say, you can’t go through this alone.
“Do what you want.” Yoo Joonghyuk turns away. “It makes no difference to me either way.”
At night, Yoo Joonghyuk shows exactly how it makes no difference to him by sneaking to Kim Dokja’s side while switching nightly watch shifts. Fortunately, the rest of the company were dead asleep, so nobody could catch the two idiots fussing over their current situation;
“Yoo Joonghyuk!” Kim Dokja frantically whisper-shouts, twisting in Yoo Joonghyuk’s hold. “What are you doing— hey, if you’re going to do… that again, all you have to do is kinda touch it, or something, I don’t know just not this—”
“Shut up, Kim Dokja.”
[The constellation ‘Demon-like Judge of Fire’ is screeching at this turn of events.]
[1000 coins have been sponsored.]
[The constellation ‘Abyssal Black Flame Dragon’ threatens to leave the channel if things take a weird turn.]
Yoo Joonghyuk tugs Kim Dokja into his lap. Before the latter can squirm his way out like the slick bastard he thinks is, Yoo Joonghyuk tightens his hold around him. Kim Dokja keeps trying to elbow Yoo Joonghyuk’s abdomen, and one of Yoo Joonghyuk’s hands grab Kim Dokja’s bicep, holding his arm in place. There’s the scent of a distressed omega, steadily going stronger.
Yoo Joonghyuk has to fix this. He holds Kim Dokja still, before carefully drawing his face closer to the omega’s nape. Kim Dokja freezes up involuntarily.
[The constellation ‘Demon-like Judge of Fire’ has gone deathly silent.] Well that’s surprising.
Ignoring the influx of notifications from the other constellations, Yoo Joonghyuk carefully blows air on the ivory pale nape, curious to see how the omega would react. Kim Dokja lets out a small noise that sounds like a gasp, but he doesn’t reject it. The sour scent is still there, just muted.
Yoo Joonghyuk cautiously presses his forehead against the scent gland. Taking in a deep breath, he catches that familiar scent of sewn leather books and something else sweeter, a very light aromatic scent of what may be old bark. His eyes shut on their own, just allowing himself to bask in the smell that is for him alone.
[The constellation ‘Secretive Plotter’ accuses you of being a pervert.]
Yoo Joonghyuk would like to see how exactly the Secretive Plotter would try to stop him then. As if in provocation, he presses a tender kiss to the scent gland, teeth accidentally (read: intentionally) grazing the skin.
That gets Kim Dokja panicking all over again, and Yoo Joonghyuk resorts to this one step forward, one step back tango of sorts, easing Kim Dokja into comfort. By the time Kim Dokja’s relaxed and almost purring, the omega has finally fallen asleep in Yoo Joonghyuk’s arms. His head leans back on Yoo Joonghyuk’s shoulder, in an uncomfortable angle with his face facing the sky.
[The constellation ‘Abyssal Black Flame Dragon’ snickers at how ugly incarnation Kim Dokja looks when he’s asleep.]
Yoo Joonghyuk turns Kim Dokja’s head inwards, long lashes tickling the regressor’s skin.
[The constellation ‘Abyssal Black Flame Dragon’ retches.]
[The constellation ‘Prisoner of the Golden Headband’ laughs at the fellow constellation’s reaction.]
[300 coins have been sponsored.]
[The constellation ‘Secretive Plotter’ scolds you for not knowing how to take care of an omega.]
[1 coin has been sponsored.]
As if that decrepit thing would know any better.
[The constellation ‘Demon-like Judge of Fire resumes screaming.]
[5,000 coins have been sponsored.]
For the next few days, Kim Dokja strays ever closer to Yoo Joonghyuk, whether the omega was aware of it or not. Yoo Joonghyuk is always there, slowing his steps so Kim Dokja can catch up. They walk side by side with their scents faintly mingling, knuckles brushing against each other’s, silence held for eternity in between.
It’s silent moments like these that Yoo Joonghyuk can treasure, held in his chest like liquid gold. It invades his veins, hands numb and throat left dry. The scent of an uneasy omega is so close by, and said omega is right next to him, but he can’t do anything about it.
Kim Dokja, seeming to recognize Yoo Joonghyuk’s helplessness and frustration, bares his neck the tiniest bit. It’s an invitation for Yoo Joonghyuk to scent him, ease the man’s mounting temper.
It earns Kim Dokja a whack over the head.
“What’s wrong with you—”
“You shouldn’t go around baring your neck to unmated alphas like that.”
Kim Dokja blinks. “Huh?” he intelligently utters.
“If you’re not smart enough, they can bite you.” Yoo Joonghyuk casually taps Kim Dokja’s scent gland. The latter freezes up. “Right here.”
Kim Dokja shivers, stepping away. “G-good to know then.”
Yoo Joonghyuk steps closer. Seeing Kim Dokja about to step away again, he wraps an arm around the other’s waist.
“It’s alright,” Kim Dokja chuckles, smile strained, “you don’t have to if you don’t want to—”
“Hold still. Stop fussing.”
As Yoo Joonghyuk starts scenting the shivering fool all over again, Uriel tosses out coins as if her financial reserves were a bottomless pit.
[200,000 coins have been sponsored.]
It’s strange, the power of an obsessed constellation.
“Yoo Joonghyuk, would it kill you to stop glaring in the direction of the Industrial Complex? It’s already been a whole day.”
[The constellation ‘Demon-like Judge of Fire’ mourns the lost opportunity for incarnations Yoo Joonghyuk and Kim Dokja to build comradeship.]
“He’s only worried,” Yoo Sangah comments, playing mediator to the company. For today, they’ve left Lee Jihye and the kids at home to spare them from the larger trek towards the monsters’ spawning district. Lee Jihye protested the ‘unfair treatment’, until Yoo Joonghyuk settled down the final verdict for her to protect Kim Dokja.
“Unfortunately, we can’t go back right now.” Lee Hyunsung sighs, glancing at Yoo Joonghyuk. “We’re already a fair distance from the Industrial Complex.”
[The constellation ‘Demon-like Judge of Fire’ explains that love transcends distance.]
“Don’t worry about it, Joonghyuk-ssi.” Lee Seolhwa comforts the frustrated alpha, voice soothing and calm. “I calculated the time of his heat; when we get back, there will still be a few more days till his heat arrives. At that time, we can take care of him to the best of our abilities.”
Yoo Joonghyuk doesn’t budge. Lee Seolhwa sighs.
“I’m a doctor. Please trust me.”
Well, even a doctor has nothing against Kim Dokja’s antics, even those that he can’t control.
… [Many constellations are shocked by this turn of events!]
Yoo Joonghyuk looks up at the stars with a frown. They’re doing nothing except fighting off a small horde, and they haven’t been doing anything else for the past three days. Looking back at the rest of the company, they seem equally confused by the constellations’ notifications.
“Wait Joonghyuk-ssi, watch out for the—!”
Yoo Joonghyuk swings his sword to the side. Something screams and falls.
“… claws,” Lee Hyunsung finishes.
[The constellation ‘Demon-like Judge of Fire’ cries out in terror.]
[The constellation ‘Abyssal Black Flame Dragon’ admires the bloody carnage.]
[The constellation ‘Prisoner of the Golden Headband’ is telling the other members of the nebula Kim Dokja’s Company to head back to the Industrial Complex.]
[The constellation ‘Maritime War God’ is telling the members to return as fast as possible.]
If even Lee Jihye’s constellation speaks up, then it can’t be anything good.
[The constellation ‘Queen of the Darkest Night’ gnashes her teeth in indignity.]
[The constellation ‘Bald General of Justice’ curses the dokkaebi for their lowly tricks.]
[The constellation ‘Secretive Plotter’ looks at the incarnation Yoo Joonghyuk.]
“Those bastards couldn’t have started a sub-scenario at the base, could they…?” Jung Heewon quickly rises from where she squats, a dawning horror visible in her expression.
“It’s going to take us another two days to get back!”
Han Sooyoung scowls, kicking at the dust. “Shitty bastards. We’re going now!”
And then—
[The constellation ‘Secretive Plotter’ is telling the nebula Kim Dokja’s Company that it’s too late.]
[The constellation ‘Secretive Plotter’ warns that the constellation Demon King of Salvation has gone into heat.]
[Sub Scenario — Hellsent Guardian Angel]
Category: Sub
Difficulty: Unknown
Clear Conditions: Protect the heart of the Industrial Complex and the young incarnations within.
Time Limit: 72 hours
Compensation: 10,000 coins
Failure: Death
Trust those bastards to stir things up when a majority of the company has left.
[The constellation ‘Secretive Plotter’ is silently watching the situation unfold.]
[The constellation ‘Demon-like Judge of Fire’ resents the one who commissioned the scenario.]
[The constellation ‘Bald General of Justice’ demands to know who calls for such an impossible scenario.]
[The constellation ‘Prisoner of the Golden Headband’ points fingers at the dokkaebi.]
[The constellation ‘Queen of the Darkest Spring’ cries out for bloodshed and justice.]
[Many constellations are startled by the sudden development!]
“Ahjussi—!”
“I know, Lee Jihye.” Kim Dokja grunts, clutching his stomach carefully. The early heat cramps had finally settled in, but this was only the beginning. “Go and bring all the citizens of the Industrial Complex inside their places. The monsters have already broken past the gates, save as many people as possible.”
“But you, will you be alright?”
“Why won’t I?” Kim Dokja smiles at her, ensuring that his smile looks natural and not forced. A multitude of screams rise near the corner of the building, and they hear the crunch of bone in teeth like heel to gravel. “There’s still you around to help me out. The kids will also do their best, won’t you three?”
Yoo Mia huffs, in perfect imitation of her brother. Lee Gilyoung and Shin Yoosung eagerly nod.
“Go on.”
Kim Dokja watches the four incarnations take off in separate directions; Lee Jihye as a temporary guardian, Shin Yoosung and Lee Gilyoung to call out their respective beasts and critters out, while Yoo Mia went to grab the company members’ articles of clothing to aid Kim Dokja’s heat.
Heavily leaning against the wall, Kim Dokja slides down, slightly panting and in pain. He really forgot how intense his heats come on.
“Baat!” Biyoo appears out of thin air, nuzzling Kim Dokja’s cheek and scent gland. Though it’s barely of any comfort, Kim Dokja pats her with a small word of gratitude.
[The constellation ‘Secretive Plotter’ is looking at you.]
This guy again. Kim Dokja blearily looks at the notification.
[The constellation ‘Secretive Plotter’ is telling you to hold out as long as possible.]
[The constellation ‘Secretive Plotter’ says that the company has been alerted.]
[500 coins have been sponsored.]
“… Thank you.”
And still, there wasn’t enough time.
“Ahjussi, you should go back!” Lee Jihye gasps, voice ragged and face bloody, spitting out what may possibly be a tooth. The scent of something bitter permeates the air heavily. “You’re about to enter your actual heat, it’s too difficult to fight while you’re—”
“I can still run around and fight.” Kim Dokja follows closely behind her, sword out and cleaning up whatever she left behind. Damn Ahjussi, doesn’t he know that he’s at his most troubling state right now? Master will have her head for this. Kim Dokja doesn’t even seem to be aware of Lee Jihye’s plight, running around and swinging his sword.
The man’s steps have become sluggish, Lee Jihye notes. He moves slower than usual, and he doesn’t look like his usual confident self. The aroma of sweetness lingers in the air, and Lee Jihye growls at the sudden distraction.
“No, don’t—”
Lee Jihye goes still as large jaws suddenly clench around her left shoulder. Time stops on the edge, and her ears seem to be filled with cotton—the large teeth, like a tiger’s, press ever deeper into her skin. It sinks in steadily, bones cracking and organs feeling like they got punctured. One by one her senses start returning.
First comes the shock, the smells, the sounds of Lee Gilyoung and Shin Yoosung calling out for Kim Dokja. Kim Dokja calling out to her.
Then comes the pain. Thunderous, grueling pain that hits all at once.
Lee Jihye screams.
It hurts so much, burning like acid coursing through her blood, lighting up her senses inside out. She convulses, her sword dropped to the side, body flung around in the monster’s jaws. When released, she goes skidding across the ground. It’s like her skin’s on fire.
“Unnie, look up!” “Noona be careful—!”
Lee Jihye sees the shadow of it move before the body does. It’s too fast, her body’s almost ripped in half, and her sword—
She won’t make it—
Then another figure leaps out at the monster.
For the first time, Lee Jihye gets to admire the beauty of the Demon King Transformation—the inky black wings tearing from the back between the scapula, the horns breaking out on the head. The coat was dyed with demonic energy settling on it, except there was something off.
There was a familiar fur cloak growing in as well. It takes Lee Jihye a moment to realize that it was from the older Shin Yoosung, in the Disaster of Floods scenario. It creeps up along the black coat, like thin lightning strands streaking along the night sky. White markings curl around the back of the man’s neck, stretching to his hands.
With a single snap, the monster’s head falls off.
She didn’t even see him move.
“… Ahjussi?”
Kim Dokja’s claws twitches, his sword forgotten on the ground. He turns to Lee Jihye, slowly, predator-like. Lee Gilyoung and Shin Yoosung watch from afar, before stumbling over to reach the man who looks more beast than human.
Lee Jihye forgets to breathe.
The Demon King Transformation and the Beast King’s Sensitivity settle into a single deformed mixture, blood dripping from white fur and pristine claws alike. One of Kim Dokja’s horns is broken, blood spilling from the corner of his mouth. He steadily walks over to Lee Jihye.
And suddenly, Lee Jihye remembers something that she should’ve remembered in biology. Something about omegas in heats.
During their heat, an omega usually has two instincts. One is the desire to mate with any alpha in their general vicinity, unless said alpha is mated and/or unwilling.
The other instinct occurs when there is no (potential) mate, then they would be propelled by the instinct to take care and protect their children. As long as the omega identifies the child in question as their own, the omega can alleviate the heat by looking after the child(ren).
Lee Jihye blinks, and suddenly a pair of arms pick her up. They’re strong and unwavering, a protective strength lining the limbs. In that strength is an undeniable fury.
Two consecutive notifications sound. She turns her head.
[The constellation ‘Queen of the Darkest Spring’ asks that you trust the constellation ‘Demon King of Salvation’.]
[The constellation ‘Secretive Plotter’ looks forward to the constellation ‘Demon King of Salvation’s’ ruthless slaughter.]
“I can see the gates—!”
Yoo Joonghyuk dashes forward, a blade slicing through another set of grotesque arms reaching out towards him. Lee Seolhwa follows closely behind as he carves out a clear path towards their base in the Industrial Complex.
“That’s Gilyoung’s cricket!” Han Sooyoung yells out from behind, seeing a building-sized critter snap and crush its way through the many remains left strewn across stone paths. Yoo Joonghyuk’s boots sink into the dirt with each rapid step, soft squelches like rain puddles seeping into his shoes. He doesn’t think much of it, not until the miasma of blood hits him.
“Lee Jihye did a number on these bunch, didn’t she?” Jung Heewon kicks an arm away.
“This isn’t her doing.” Yoo Sangah’s breaths come out in unsteady gasps, the scene of bloody carnage making her ill. “It looks like they were ripped apart… completely.”
Han Sooyoung grunts. “The wounds, it almost looks like some prehistoric horror ransacked the place—”
Yoo Joonghyuk curses under his breath, reaching the familiar path to the base. Lee Seolhwa nearly trips over a carcass left lying in the doorway. The body has been split apart a few meters, only connected by an organ that Yoo Joonghyuk barely identifies as its liver.
Lee Seolhwa freezes before chasing after Yoo Joonghyuk. The regressor’s heart sinks deeper down his stomach, pulse racing, the interior and floors soaked with organs and decapitated corpses. Something warm and wet gushes up beneath his toes. Fabric sticks to his feet like a second skin.
Yoo Joonghyuk comes to a stop at Kim Dokja’s door, hand freezing on the slippery knob. Why did he stop? Was he afraid of what he might see? The children were nowhere to be found, and the smell of the distressed omega was right here. Did they get hurt?
Was Yoo Mia—
[The constellation ‘Secretive Plotter’ scoffs at your lack of trust in your companion.]
Yoo Joonghyuk pushes the door open. The blade of a sword sings.
He dodges the blade that flies in his direction, the tip burying itself in the wall. Had he been any slower, he would’ve said goodbye to this regression turn.
But he would then miss the sight that is this living hell of a room;
The smell of metal and old books hit Yoo Joonghyuk seconds too late—the view of the room came to him first. The white walls and ceiling have blood dripping down from them, the entrails of torn carcasses littering the ground along with some of the company’s clothing. There’s one of Yoo Sangah’s coats there, Jung Heewon’s tie elsewhere.
And in the center is the man responsible for this, kneeling on the ground, four incarnations caught in his embrace.
When the light falls upon Kim Dokja, he snarls at Lee Seolhwa and Yoo Joonghyuk. Four wings hover low over his shoulders, something desperate in the way Kim Dokja uses them to press the trembling children to his chest. The whites of his eyes are dyed black, pupils encased by a golden ring.
The omega bares his teeth. Blood drips from his canines.
Something churns in Yoo Joonghyuk’s stomach.
“Seolhwa… unnie…” Lee Jihye shifts a messily bandaged shoulder, gritting her teeth as a cry of pain escapes. Kim Dokja responds with a sound akin to that of a wounded animal, a black wing brushing over her figure as it cradles her tenderly. When a few feathers brush her face, Lee Jihye turns her head away, blood on her cheek.
Lee Gilyoung has passed out completely, his ankle bandaged and head wrapped up. When he slips from Kim Dokja’s embrace, the man instantly nudges him back into the makeshift nest. Yoo Joonghyuk sees the claws, the dried blood staining Lee Gilyoung’s neck.
Had Kim Dokja exerted any more force, Yoo Joonghyuk supposes, he would easily crush the boy’s head.
“Unnie.” That was Shin Yoosung, holding onto one of Kim Dokja’s wings. Yoo Mia clutches onto another, a few injuries scattered here and there. A scratch lines her forehead and her hands show signs of scarring, but other than that, she’s the most unharmed of them five.
“Mia.” Yoo Joonghyuk finally breathes out, a sigh caught in his throat. He had been holding it for so long. “Come here.”
Yoo Mia rises. Kim Dokja snaps at her. She sits back down.
“No.” Yoo Mia holds onto Kim Dokja’s arm. There’s no fear to be found in her face. “I can’t leave. Ahjussi will only be agitated and cry.”
Yoo Joonghyuk looks at the ever ferocious expression on Kim Dokja’s face. The omega appears very far from crying.
If Yoo Mia snuggles in closer to Kim Dokja’s wing and grips onto the feathers tightly, then it’s nobody’s business but her own and her biological brother’s. Kim Dokja seems pleased by this turn of events—not sparing any attention to Yoo Joonghyuk, Kim Dokja brings his wing even closer to Yoo Mia, wrapping her in a bloody cocoon.
Yoo Joonghyuk’s torn between betrayal and contentment.
“Can you… tell Kim Dokja to clean up?” Lee Seolhwa cautiously approaches the other omega, lowering herself to his eye level. Kim Dokja doesn’t even glance at her, his eyes fixed on Yoo Joonghyuk with nothing but wariness.
Yoo Joonghyuk’s heart sours in his throat. Kim Dokja blinks, before suddenly reacting with a low growl. He hisses something barely coherent.
“Your scent.” Shin Yoosung hurriedly runs her small hand through clotted feathers, soothing and slow, fingers pulling away with red caught beneath her nails. “Ahjussi’s angry.”
Yoo Joonghyuk steps back. Kim Dokja’s wings remain as tense as ever.
“He’s glaring at you.”
“Mn.”
“You should… probably leave.”
“… wait and see what happens.”
Lee Seolhwa clicks her tongue, a rare show of annoyance. “You— Dokja-ssi!”
Yoo Joonghyuk stands still as Kim Dokja cautiously approaches him. The hostility has not yet faded completely, but it’s less on edge and more cautionary.
Yoo Joonghyuk stares back. Kim Dokja blinks. He then says the first coherent word in a long while.
“Coat.”
“What?” Yoo Joonghyuk frowns, stepping back as bloodied claws reach out for him. It gives him a peculiar feeling of deja vu, like those campy horror shows.
“Coat.” Kim Dokja turns his palm upwards. Yoo Joonghyuk doesn’t need to be told twice, shrugging his coat off and dropping it into the man’s hand.
Kim Dokja holds it, staring as if he’s assessing its worth. Yoo Joonghyuk has never wanted anyone’s approval this badly.
Kim Dokja nods, satisfied. He turns back to his bloody nest, one wing to cradle each child. The coat drops onto Yoo Mia’s head. She shakes it off, hair messy as she innocently looks back at her silently distressed brother.
The omega huffs. “Get out.”
The uninvited guests are shown their way out. Kim Dokja’s eyes are significantly warmer than when they first saw him.
But it’s still no less threatening.
The door shuts on them.
[Many constellations cannot believe their eyes.]
…
[10,000 coins have been sponsored.]
[The constellation ‘Secretive Plotter’ swirls his wine.]
[The constellation ‘Demon-like Judge of Fire’ asks what the constellation ‘Secretive Plotter’ is doing.]
[The constellation ‘Secretive Plotter’ says that he is celebrating.]
Bonus:
“—Jihye noona was about to be attacked, and then Hyung flew in like a superhero—”
“I did not fly in,” Kim Dokja defensively sniffs. He feeds a slightly bigger child this time, handing Lee Jihye a napkin. “Quickly eat.”
Someone yelps in the background. A thud echoes from behind Kim Dokja’s seat.
“Kim Dokja.” Jung Heewon plasters on a smile as she rises from the ground. “Can you tuck in your wings or something? You know, like birds do.”
Kim Dokja sheepishly smiles, murmuring a soft apology as he tries to curl up into a ball of feathers and fur. It’s not working. Yoo Mia sneezes as she walks by.
“Kim Dokja.” Yoo Joonghyuk ignores the rest of the company’s not-quite-secretive glances. “Has your heat finished yet?”
“There will be another wave in 12 hours.” Checking with Lee Seolhwa for confirmation, Kim Dokja continues. “But it’s slightly better, I’ll just stay in my nest and sleep it off. Don’t worry, I won’t make things inconvenient for you. You’ll get your coat back.”
There’s a collective groan and angry notifications from Uriel. Yoo Joonghyuk makes a point of not looking away from Kim Dokja. Was he serious right now?
Unfortunately, Kim Dokja was being very serious. Yoo Joonghyuk concedes on this lost case.
“I never thought we’d get to see this type of mutation.” Han Sooyoung lifts up a wing, now sleek and wet from a heavy shower. The blood has been more or less fully cleaned out. “Beast King and Demon King in one? You’re basically invincible.”
“Considering his heats were already irregular to begin with, I can’t imagine how much worse the next one would be.” Yoo Sangah passes a cup of coffee to Jung Heewon.
[The constellation ‘Prisoner of the Golden Headband’ proposes that you set up an opponent for the constellation ‘Demon King of Salvation’ to fight next time.]
[The constellation ‘Abyssal Black Flame Dragon’ seconds this proposal.]
“Easier said than done,” Lee Jihye mumbles around a mouthful of food. Kim Dokja quietly chides her for table manners. “I’m serious, have you seen how Ahjussi’s claws literally ripped through those burly things? The next mutated transformation would create a universal earthquake or something.”
[The constellation ‘Secretive Plotter’ suggests that they find someone that can keep up with the constellation ‘Demon King of Salvation’.]
[The constellation ‘Secretive Plotter’ proposes the incarnation Yoo Joonghyuk.]
Yoo Joonghyuk glares up at the ceiling. What’s with him meddling again?
[The constellation ‘Demon-like Judge of Fire’ disagrees.]
[The constellation ‘Demon-like Judge of Fire’ suggests that they settle the constellation ‘Demon King of Salvation’s’ heats the safer and fun way.]
No need to ask what that means.
“No.” “If necessary.”
The look of violence and fear on Kim Dokja’s face is intense. Han Sooyoung dies somewhere in the background.
Yoo Joonghyuk thinks he should prepare himself before he goes against Kim Dokja’s new form.
[The constellation ‘Demon-like Judge of Fire’ laughs victoriously.]
[100,000 coins have been sponsored.]