fear captured
'Displaced through and through, love never found home in his arms.'
All his life- which had been more than what humans could comprehend due to the immortal curse that was upon him- Jimin had never thought of company in this lonely barren land. There was nothing here, nothing that made anyone stay if the fear hadn't already gripped their senses. He needs he wasn't the most pleasing thing to look at. The jet black darkness that loomed over him at all times, the piercing null eyes and dead pale skin was never inviting for anything. The only being that stayed with him was that bird which shared resemblance to his own.
But, here was Jung Hoseok.
Hoseok, who was surprisingly pleased to be here. Sure, he was scared of the happenings outside, but not of Jimin. If anything, he crawled closer to Jimin to seek some sort of protection that a being of this strength could provide. He didn't like humans given the tales that spun around him, and their little closeted perspective of the world. But, Hoseok was different. He held something too magical to be called human.
Jung Hoseok, despite having only seen for few hours, had engraved his spot in Jimin's dead heart.
"Stay here. I'll get a few things."
Jimin muttered, leaning down to Hoseok as the raven on his shoulder hoped off to find it's space on Hoseok's lap.
Jimin quickly rounded up the things he needed, while getting his spells ready to be cast on his humble home. He hoped that it would be enough to keep them away until the moon shone fully without the clouds. A few curses that the old books held together, some pots that clanged noisily and his beloved pendant that had history were all gathered to be brought to the main room where Hoseok sat. He seemed rather unfazed for a human despite the devious sounds that echoed outside along with the trembling thunders from the skies above.
Jimin even lent a few blankets he had, hoping the next seven days pass by quickly without any casualties.
Something that he feared, for the human was now his to be protected.
He has seen at least three of these occurrences in his life. Ones where the three eyed, rotten corpse-like demons awaken from the wet and dirty mud. Ones where the rabid, decaying hollow bones rattle with the sounds of the wind. Ones where the crawling, limbless beady-eyed monsters clutched onto anything that could breathe.
Those were also the times when his power was at its lowest. He had gotten hurt badly once and that was because he had let the window open for this bird that was cozily nestled under Hoseok's palms now. He had to stay in for the next month as the wounds took too long to heal. That was also the first time he saw the blood that bled through him. It was black in colour just like everything about him and it only made him more sick to look at it. He had retched out everything he had in the past month.
From that day on, he despised his own existence more than ever.
For his blood was a colour that reeked of bad omens.
Jimin spent the next two days, sitting at a comfortable distance away from Hoseok. He made sure to feed the human, but other than that he kept to himself and his books. And when he got sick of that, he turned to his crocheting devices. It was one of the only things that he still carried from his human ancestors. And given how he was bored out of his mind at times, this proved to be a great distraction.
"What are you making?"
Hoseok asked loudly, given the constant pitter-patter from outside had continued well into the third day of being here.
"A little nest for the bird. It seems to like the feel of the wool."
Jimin answered timidly, processing the fact that the other seemed to be interested in what he was doing.
But to be fair, if he was stuck with a stranger with nothing to do, it was likely that he too would be curious about the seemingly closed off person. Or in this case, a supernatural being with magic in his dark veins.
"Aw, that's cute. It's been asleep for a long time?"
Hoseok commented, staring at the black bird.
Jimin looked on as Hoseok's gentle fingers caressed the bird's feathers. It seemed to enjoy that as it snuggled closer.
And suddenly, he was struck that the bird that has been with him for so long, never had a name.
Or better yet, not given one to go by.
"It's best that way. At least, won't have to listen to the horrible noises."
Jimin said, mentally nothing to search for a fit name for the birdie.
"These noises are the closest I'll get to hell. Or so i hope."
Hoseok chuckled quietly, staring away at the window which was covered by dark curtains.
The implication of him going to heaven after death wasn't lost. And Jimin was sure for a human like him who had cracked that boundary of doubt upon meeting this creature of himself, there was decorated space designated for him.
"Better that. It will be warm, unlike this shell of a body."
Jimin chuckled, as his fingers moved rapidly to get the needle in and out.
He didn't receive a reply and instead saw Hoseok crawling across the space between them.
"I'm nowhere close to hell, but I hope this is enough."
Hoseok murmured, as he pulled up the blanket given to him across Jimin's shoulders and sat close enough for their bodies to touch.
The warmth of another body wasn't lost to Jimin either. His heart cluttered at the innocent gesture that Hoseok had done in his favour. He hadn't expected for Hoseok to willful sit beside him like this when he commented with respect to the bad shivers he had gotten. The powers within him were diminishing slowly as the spell around the cottage needed constant upkeep at the expense of Jimin's own. And with how the rabid noises hadn't decreased by the slightest or even shown any signs of going down, Jimin would have to let the spell stay for a long time.
Hoseok had simply chosen to wile away his time here. There was nothing of interest in Jimin's humble home. He couldn't bake his delicious bread nor create patterns on the fabric he owned. It was quite boring and for someone like him who thrives on movement, this was restrictive. Despite the fear gripping his heart, he wouldn't lie that this was a mildly anxious situation of being holed up. Oh, well a highly anxious situation, if you will. In a place that wasn't his own and with the threat of being devoured to the bones by the ravenous creatures outside. He didn't love his life in the village but that didn't mean he would give it up like this.
He loved living with its numerous wonders that nature offered. So yes, that was good enough reason.
And to his pleasure, there was Jimin who was an interesting character to say the least. It was evident that he had a past he couldn't escape; something that haunted every step he took. But he also didn't seem like that dangerous Raven that everyone raved about in the village. The Raven he had heard of had horns with wicked eyes and bloodthirsty looks. But this man here wasn't all that. Sure, he had soulless eyes, longer vampires-like teeth, and a black skin tight clothing that morphed into his skin until it was untraceable. Though, Jimin was also the one with soft smiles, awkward energy and an overall skittish nature.
And with him picking the crochet needles, Hoseok was left wondering about the unlikeliest of pastimes for this night creature of sorts.
"How do you get the wool? Did you shear sheep for this?"
"Of course not, silly. I'm a person with magic pulsating through my blood. I can perform a few miracles here and there."
Hoseok was left mesmerized by the rumbly rough chuckle that Jimin gave in response. It was addictive as his mind tried to capture that familiar sound.
"Oh, how did you pick this one? I mean you could've picked many other things."
"I saw illustrations in the books that were left from my ancestors. I saw humans there wearing beautiful pieces of clothing. All I've known through my life is this. It binds me too hard but I know this is what I was born with. There are times though, when I wish to be like those people in the book. So, I picked up crocheting."
Jimin answered, fiddling his fingers with his eyes cast away from Hoseok.
Hoseok honestly didn't know how to react to that. He felt sorry for the cursed being. It wasn't his fault and yet to hold the recuperations of the old was a horrible situation to live with. Especially if the said person was an immortal whose whole life had been scorned by others who didn't wish to know him. Hoseok was there to hear all the claims of being devoured by the Raven and the accusations of him being this devious monster who trampled anyone who dared to step into the forest.
He also knew that Jimin wasn't unaware of the rumors. Though, he didn't let it show, it was evident that his knowledge that existed was from beyond the dark forest's boundaries and into the unsuspecting lives of villagers like him. But all that knowledge also brought a loneliness that Jimin's uncovered eyes reflected. It was evident in how Jimin tried to make his little home as human as possible with appliances that wasn't ever needed in his life as The Raven.
"How long does this last usually?"
Hoseok asked as Jimin slumped against the walls, after renewing the spells.
Jimin would routinely wind up across the place every ten hours or so to strengthen the protective curse around his cottage. It also made it invisible for the demons' sight.
"Seven days usually. It peaks at around the full moon. One time, it did take longer up to 10. That was also the first time I had to fight them physically."
Jimin mumbled, taking in deep breaths periodically.
Hoseok could feel the nerves which hadn't made their existence known till now, bring a chill down his spine. There was something else in Jimin's voice that made it sound too real.
Sure, his life wasn't exciting or fulfilling in the village, but that would never warrant himself getting killed by savage monsters that have an unquenchable thirst for blood.
But his mind was at crossroads at not getting eaten (a given) but not leaving this place as the company was far better than the village that mocked his interests. Jimin was better than them for the slithering tongued Raven only terrorised the creatures he was wary about. And apparently that didn't include Hoseok now.
"You couldn't have chosen a worse time than now to appear here."
Jimin muttered with a shake of his head.
"I know you're missing home. I'll make sure you reach safely."
Jimin spoke after a few moments, in hopes to soothe Hoseok. He could sense the other's trickling thoughts despite the soundless environment inside the cottage.
"What's there to miss?"
Hoseok replied instead, leaning his head against the wooden beam.
"Hm?"
"I mean, I'm there only to work and help around. I'm not that important for them to miss me. Not that it was place good enough for me to remember it."
"Your family aren't..."
Jimin asked as the question lay heavy with the understanding.
"Mhmm...grown used to it. The ones who cared have left and even their care was questionable at times."
Hoseok answered, remembering how his father's love seemed too conditional at times.
"Mine died before I turned 7. Dropped like flies with no reason to find. I was too young to understand why they had disappeared especially with no one to explain what had happened. I feel like they're with me in spirit, alas I can never experience that."
Jimin continued, spiking Hoseok's interest.
"I'm sorry"
"What are you sorry for? They died and that's that. Nothing either of us could do even if we knew."
Jimin's voice seemed too far away into some place no one could follow him.
Hoseok didn't know what he could say or do that would make the other feel better. The loud thundering claps outside seemed to drown out any thoughts formation. That was until Jimin spoke up again.
"I just wish I could get that rest too."
"Huh?"
"Death. I wish for death. I'm tired of this life, one where I can neither live nor love. There's nothing that bounds me here. There's nothing that completely kills me. So yes, I do wish for death to consume me whole. None to spare for any to pick on."
"These monsters, they can't kill me. More like won't. They're here for the magic I hold. That thrumming music in my veins is what they seek, that's the very reason they crowd at my doors. Despite my immortality and contrasting wish for death, I will never want it to be taken away by their hands."
Jimin exhaled shakily, watching at the dark outside through the peeking curtain.
"So you hold on. Protect that magic in you while simultaneously not letting these creatures creep out of the dark forest."
Hoseok continued for the other, finally letting the words sit in.
"Well, that's the name. I'm supposed to keep up with that, don't I?"
Jimin said, with an easy smile.
And Hoseok's lungs were suddenly too tight to breathe.
It was the fourth day of Hoseok hiding away in Jimin's cottage with the other idly doing his crocheting as the raven fluttered around, looking over at the window.
Hopeful that the clouds would clear soon and its wings could feel the breeze yet again.
It was on that day that Hoseok finally came face to face with the gravity of the situation. Everything had begun off normal but the winds outside had changed, unbeknownst to them. Humongous beasts had uprooted the remaining threads of the forest and brought out the true dark of their nature.
A crackle too loud for anyone not to notice and a splitting second of absolute silence, only to be followed by ear piercing screech.
He could see how Jimin's energy lowered slowly as his shoulders sagged slightly and his eyes drooped low enough to be considered asleep. It was a split second change and Hoseok wasn't sure what he should be doing, considering this was totally not under his expertise.
"...c-close..."
A whisper from Jimin and Hoseok couldn't help but lean forward to support the other who tumbled further.
The voices roared outside, louder and clearer as if a barrier was broken between them. The screeches had him flinching as if burned to crisp by it all. Hoseok tried covering his ears with his own hands, only for the Raven to come to his rescue with his own palms. Jimin's bloodshot eyes opened up at that, causing a little flutter in Hoseok's dumb heart.
"Y- you hurt?"
Allowing himself to be pulled by the other's feeble yet frantic hands, Hoseok stared at Jimin's form. Something had changed with how Jimin's leather embedded skin contracted and expanded with each breath taken. His sullen face had the look of someone zapped out of the last bits of their energy.
The powers were fading and it would just get worse.
Hoseok supported the other as he fell down, crashing his knees to the ground. And suddenly, all of his focus was on Jimin, laser focused to each sound made and each movement occurred. The breaths were shallow and the pain as painted on the other's face was getting bad. The lines on the Raven's forehead pinched and pulled.
All too quick, there was clawing at the door.
Horrible, vicious, disgusting claws scraping at the wood.
Impatience ebbing even through the blockade and Hoseok just closed his eyes, trying to run through his head for anything to protect themselves.
"Potions, under there."
Jimin's voice came in, as if he had read Hoseok's mind.
Pale eyes looked up with sunken cheeks. A hand pointing to the room where the cauldron was placed. Everything from Jimin's posture to the slight sickness under the skin showed that this greatly feared creature in the village was rapidly draining of his powers. One to indicate that the holding barrier of protection was weakening.
As if JImin was to stumble hard this time. Nothing to protect the forest from this ravaging souls of the dark.
"I'll get it."
Quickly scrambling up, Hoseok rushed to get the supplies. Jimin gave a small smile as he brought it back, juggling with all the containers. Hoseok's heart eased softly, as if the world won't be crashing today. As if everything was safe and Jimin would be here.
Jimin took to it and drank a few of the liquids, eyes squeezing at the supposed bitter taste. But soon enough, colour returned to his skin. Pink flushed across his cheeks as if blood had flowed underneath with a vigour unknown. There was a shine, a new sparkle from within.
But the promise of it not lasting long also hung in the air.
A promise that would be kept no matter what.
"Thank you."
Jimin breathed out and Hoseok couldn't help but reach out in their crouched position to brush his fingers against Jimin's rather glowy skin.
"The effects won't last, but I hope we can make through the next few days."
The howling had faded and their little bird had nestled down, calm under the hay. The monsters seem to have taken a break. Hoseok just stared at Jimin, thinking about everything that must have led them here.
"Don't worry, I'll not let them harm you."
"And what about you?"
The counter question was unexpected in Jimin's book, if they were to go by the slightly widened eyes and parted lips.
"I'll be okay. Yeah, I'll be just okay."
Hoseok didn't know what had changed but, he didn't want Jimin to be just okay. He wanted him to be happy, enjoying the golden sun rays breath life into him. He wanted to hold the other's hands as he experienced the warm sea water under his delicate feet. He wanted Jimin to close his eyes and live the life he had seen in his books, rather than worry about this decaying hellhole.
Hoseok wanted to make sure Jimin was living his best life.
An awful realisation to have about a stranger, much less in between a apocalyptic destruction of everything, where their lives at line wasn't guaranteed to see the next day.
An awful realisation to have for someone like Hoseok.
"Think some more and I'll be able to see your eyes pop out."
"Rest those gears, human."
Jimin's cheery tone was in absolute contradiction to the pale creature on his knees, a few minutes ago. Like he wasn't vanishing bit by bit if not for those purple and pink potions.
Hoseok let his hand fall into his lap, tearing his gaze away to the ground that seemed more interesting by the minute. He didn't know what to do with this sudden realisation and the best course of action was to let that thought marinate.
When Jimin was young, his aunt had taken him to her chambers where paintings stood at large. Ones with royal jewellery around their necks, ones with robes made of silk and muslin, ones with swords and horses, ones with riches far more than his fingers could count, ones with porcelain skin and ones with smiles, timid and intimidating.
Those larger than life paintings had been etched into his little mind, ever since he was 5.
"Sweetling, I don't know if you'll live long enough to have paintings of your own, decorated on these walls. But, if you do, promise me you'll make a presence enough to be painted by all."
Jimin hadn't understood all of it, but he had made sure to nod reverently. There was something underneath, a sadness too palpable and he just hoped that his little fingers that wiped his aunt's teary face softly had been enough.
(It wasn't, but his aunt had a rush of fondness that overflowed enough to hold him against her chest and press the gentlest kiss against the apple of his cheeks.)
Now though, he wasn't sure if he would get out of here.
The monsters were rabid, as if the presence of the human in his cottage was evident. A lure for them to get their hands on him, on them. He had almost lost the holdings on the barrier but luckily Hoseok was there.
Jimin wasn't sure what to name that gnawing feeling in the chest. It came in waves and had the strength of crushing it out on him. Something that indicated it would go wrong, something that meant he would be losing this, something that meant danger in forms unseen. But he hoped that he was wrong.
His leather covered hand smoothened across his crotched piece of cloth, feeling it through the black material, wishing once again if he was a real boy.
One that could feel and touch the world around him. One that could feel the warmth of the sun nourishing his worn out soul. One that allowed the rush of feelings beyond terror-invoking fear and brooding sadness.
"Thirsty?"
Jimin muttered quietly, petting the back of his now-pet bird with his fingers.
Pulling away from the scene of Hoseok sleeping soundly, despite the relentless rain outside Jimin walked towards his supplies for some clean water to be put in a bowl. Chirping softly, the bird hobbled along to take in sips as Jimin reached to the cupboard to see if he could make more of the potions.
Alas, luck wasn't on his side.
The crucial ingredients were dwindling down and it could only be enough to make one potion and he had to be careful in making that choice. A life-saving one was better than one that would increase his powers and opening his books carefully, he set on making it before the earth rotated once more.
"Do they hurt you?"
Hoseok's soft rumble pulled Jimin out of his concentrated gaze on the dancing words.
"Hmm?"
"The pulling taut skin. The leather stretched over like it was one with you. The black veins running along your neck. The thorns against your shoulder. Do they hurt?"
"I wouldn't know. They have been with me for as long as I can remember. Only gets worse during the season of dread with thunderstorms rolling down and moon in its full glory."
Jimin had shrugged along as he could still feel the human's eyes trained on each of his movement.
But truth be told, his shoulders had resorted to hunching again, a habit he had been trained out of by his mother. His fingers felt numb to any temperature which made it difficult for him to feel around, only having to rely on texture. His torso felt incredibly cold like his non-existent heart had been ripped off without a care in the world (he wasn't so sure if his body worked the way humans' work, after all he was an immortal curse.)
He couldn't tell that to a stranger, to Hoseok for reasons apart from his kind, for he was a human that Jimin cared a little too much about.
And that meant, he didn't want the baker boy to worry further, especially stuck in the eye of the disaster around.
The feeling in Jimin's chest grew, ugly and raw and all he hoped was it wasn't true.
'Pray for all the deeds to be undone and yet the world moves against you. For you, my child carry the curse of the ones before you. This forest shall be your graveyard before it becomes your home.'