Chapter Text
The ripple hadn’t moved in a while.
Jinu sat cross-legged in the infinite space, the strange light pooling around him like liquid moonlight. In the space, it was almost as if there was no ground. It was transparent and still; infinitely endless.
Abby stood several paces away, his back turned. Even in the surreal space, his presence was sharp– claws gleaming faintly as if waiting for an attack. His aura was heavy and bitter.
“You’re an idiot.” Abby said flatly.
Jinu exhaled slowly. “You’ve been saying that since I got here.”
Abby spun around, golden eyes flashing. “And I’ll keep saying it until you get it through your thick skull. I don’t know what you were thinking.”
Jinu met his glare. “I was thinking that Rumi didn’t deserve to die.”
Abby let out a sharp laugh– bitter, broken. “Didn’t deserve to die? What about us, huh? What about me? You were supposed to lead us out of this mess, not throw yourself to Gwi-Ma like you were nothing!”
Jinu’s expression softened, but there was still strength behind his eyes. “You think I wanted to die? Abby, you know what would’ve happened if I didn’t act. She would’ve been devoured– body, soul, and everything. And then what? I would’ve lived the rest of my pathetic life with another regret.”
Abby’s jaws clenched. “You think saving her will save us? What about the promise we all made? She’s a hunter, Jinu. She’s probably out there right now hunting the rest of us down. And you–” his voice cracked, sharp with betrayal. “You gave her your soul.”
Jinu stayed silent, letting the words hang between them.
“You didn’t just throw your life away.” Abby snarled, “You abandoned us when we all promised otherwise.”
Jinu froze.
“You remember, don't you?” Abby continued. “When you came to look for us– told us about your crazy plan and how we’d be able to get rid of the memories. What happened to not leaving each other behind?”
“Abby, I–”
Abby shook his head, now pacing, exhaustion clear in every movement. “Save it, Jinu. I’d rather not hear any more empty promises from you.”
Jinu looked away, his jaw tight, his fists trembling. “I’m sorry.”
Silence stretched between them, heavy and bitter.
Before Abby could tell him that it was ok, that he forgave him; that he was an idiot for scaring them all like that, a low hum reverberated through the ripple– faint at first, then stronger. It was almost like an earthquake was hitting the empty space. The light around them began to fracture, splitting like a shattered mirror.
Jinu frantically looked around, “What’s happening!?”
The space had become violent, a strong gravitational pull pulling them both towards a hostile tear.
Abby quickly made his way over towards Jinu, his fangs bared, before placing himself in front– shielding him.
The ripple convulsed, the pull growing more violent, “Jinu!” Abby yelled. “Don’t let go! It’s going to suck us in!”
The light swallowed them whole before Jinu could answer.
-
Rumi stood in the center of a wide, dust-filled living room, her sword gripped tightly. A faint circle of black smoke circled her feet like a serpent.
“Fine then,” she said. “Let’s talk… just what is the price I have to pay?”
Romance, who had anticipated her question, smiled, sharp and knowing.
“The price?” he drawled, dragging one claw lazily across his chest and towards his heart. “Already paid.”
Rumi blinked, startled. “What do you mean?”
Mystery stepped forward, his presence like a shadow next to Romance. “The exchange has been completed,” he said quietly. “We’ve already brought them back.”
Something in Rumi’s chest stuttered, “You– what?”
Baby pouted from where he leaned on Romance’s shoulder, his voice playful. “You should be thanking us. We gave up pieces of ourselves for this little miracle.” He tapped his temple with a bratty grin, though there was an edge in his eyes that betrayed how serious it was.
Zoey’s breath caught, “You… sacrificed your own memories?”
Romance shrugged, “It’s alright little hunter. Most of our memories weren’t good ones anyways. Besides, someone had to pay the price to get them out of that magic barrier of yours. You should be grateful that it was us and not your little self-sacrificial friend over there.”
Rumi stiffened at the brief call out. Mira scoffed and stepped in front of her, her grip on her Gok-Do tight. “Why would you do that? What are you gaining from all of this?”
“Maybe we just wanted our family back.” Mystery murmured.
Romance let out a low chuckle, his gaze locking onto the group. “We don't expect you to understand. To you all we're merely some pathetic demons who made it out of Gwi-Ma's grasp for the meantime. We may be demons, but we still have people we hold dear.”
And then the air shifted.
A faint, warm ripple rolled through the room. The honmoon flickered as a tear was made. Rumi felt it deep in her bones– a pull she knew all too well.
Before she could react the room blazed with light. Then, as suddenly as it had started, the light faded and two figures fell through the honmoon.
Rumi’s sword dropped from her hands in agonized shock, “Jinu…?”
Jinu blinked, taking in the sight of her. She looked the same. Her lavender hair was still braided in that beautiful hairstyle he loved, her eyes were just as vibrant. She looked beautiful. Yet, at the same time, he could see signs of her suffering. The way her hair was messy from certain angles, the eyebags that adorned the bottom of her eyes. His chest tightened, every suppressed emotion rushing in. “Rumi…” His voice cracked, low and desperate.
In an instant, she ran forward. Closing the distance between them in quick strides, and pressed herself against him in a hug. The world faded around them, leaving only their feelings in place. Her hands gripped his shoulders, trembling, as if he’d disappear should her hold be weak. His arms wrapped around her tightly, as if he could protect her from all the pain of the past.
“I thought…” Rumi whispered, tears streaking her face, “I thought I lost you forever.”
“I thought I lost you too,” Jinu admitted, his forehead resting against hers. “Every second I was gone, I couldn’t help but think of you.”
The soft bitter laughter Abby let out behind them drew Rumi’s gaze towards the other side of the room. Golden eyes met hers– fierce, cautious, yet filled with relief. Romance leaned casually beside him, his usual cocky grin gone, instead replaced with a softer one.
“You’re alive. It worked.” He murmured, almost more to himself than Abby.
Abby’s jaw relaxed as he set his eyes on Romance, and he let a small almost fond smirk. “Wasn’t sure I’d see you again either,” he said, voice soft.
Romance stepped closer, the tension between them a fragile string ready to snap. Their gazes locked, and there was something unspoken– a shared understanding between them. For a small fleeting moment, the room felt suspended, as if holding its breath.
Mira stood a few steps away, quietly observing. Her grip on her Gok-Do remained firm, but there was a softness in her eyes. She could see the bond, the love and loyalty that wove them together.
Zoey exhaled shakily, stepping forward. “So… you’re all back huh?” she asked, her voice a mix of awe and confusion.
“Yes,” Jinu whispered, resting his forehead against Rumi’s once more. Rumi pressed a hand against his cheek, lingering as she tried to memorize his face all over again. “I’m glad you’re back.”
Jinu smiled faintly, the corners of his eyes crinkling with sorrow and joy; faintly revealing his dimples. “Good. Because I… I almost didn’t get the chance to say goodbye last time.”
Rumi and Jinu lingered in their embrace a moment longer before parting. At the same time, Romance and Abby exchanged some quiet words with Mystery and Baby. The honmoon pulsed gently among everyone in the house, the light now calm.
Zoey let out a cough, breaking the silence. “So… what do we do now? We can’t just let them roam free, it’d be dangerous for the fans.”
Mira let out a sigh before she stepped forward, “Well then, I think it’s time we set up some ground rules.”
The room went quiet for a moment after Mira spoke, the weight of her words pressing on everyone.
Romance was the first to break it, throwing his head back with a soft laugh. “Ground rules,” he said, drawing the words out. “Cute, what are you going to make us do? Sign a contract?”
Mira didn’t blink. “Yes.”
Romance froze mid-smirk, “Wait, actually…?”
Zoey snorted from the corner, unable to keep herself quiet. “Oh, I like this already.”
Baby perked up, interest fully present on his face. “Are there any snacks involved? Because I’ll gladly sign if there’s snacks.”
Abby sighed and pinched the bridge of his nose. “Baby, this is serious.”
“It’s always serious with you guys.” Baby muttered, flopping dramatically onto one of the old couches. “I gave up a chunk of my memories for this, you know. I think I deserve a break and preferably some snacks along with it.”
Mystery, who had been quiet until now, let out the smallest exhale– something between a sigh and a laugh. His gaze flickered between Baby and Zoey, as though he was amused despite himself.
Zoey caught it and arched her brow. “What? You think it’s funny too?”
Mystery smirked, his expression cocky for a moment before he softly said, “Perhaps.”
Zoey blinked, caught off guard by his smile. She blushed hard before letting out a soft, “Oh.”
Mira cleared her throat, dragging everyone back to the point. “Rule one. No feeding on civilians. At all. No excuses. I don’t care if any one of you is starving. Tell one of us first and we’ll figure it out from there.”
Romance put a hand over his chest in mock offense, “What do you think we are? Demons?”
“Yes.” Zoey said flatly.
Baby laughed, kicking his feet on the couch. “Oh she’s feisty. I really do like her.”
“Rule two,” Mira continued ignoring him. “No usage of your demon powers for now. You want us to trust you? Give us a reason.”
Abby’s golden eyes narrowed slightly but he nodded nonetheless. “Fine.”
Romance smirked, “You’re lucky he’s agreeing to this, you know. Abby hates rules.”
Abby shot him a look, though he could tell it had no bite behind it. “Don’t push it.”
Rumi stepped in before things could escalate, her voice calm but carrying a note of warning. “Rule three– no secrets. After this whole ordeal we want to try and help you. You all lost a huge chunk of your memories, and after what you did for Jinu and Abby we’re not sure you all are as rotten as you seem.” she paused. “So, for all of our sakes. No more lies.”
For a brief moment the room went silent. Before a soft sigh brought everyone back, “Very well.” Abby agreed. “We’ll behave.”
A groan was then heard from the couch nearby, “Ugh, this is so boring and sentimental. Can’t we just go to your penthouse or wherever rich people live nowadays?”
“No.” Mira said sharply.
“Aww, come on love. We’re all tired.” Romance said, grinning at her. “You, me, and Abby could all share a bed if you want,” he teased.
“Absolutely not!” Mira repeated, her face flushed as she glared at him.
Zoey bit back a laugh, “Well this is going to be interesting.”
“Absolutely it will.” Baby said as he snuck a hand over her back, having quickly teleported from the couch to her side.
“What the–” Zoey blushed as she tried her best to pull away.
Rumi, holding Jinu’s hand, exhaled slowly. “We’ll make it work,” she said, more to herself than anyone else.
Jinu sensing her stress, took her hand in his and squeezed it.
The honmoon pulsed once, warm and slow, like the beat of a heart. It wasn’t peace, not yet– they still had to deal with the living arrangements and Celine’s reaction but for now it was a start.