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jungwooisms · 2 years

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hwarang | l.donghyuck

ACT II

pairing: lee donghyuck x female!reader genre: historical au, fluff, angst, supernatural members: moon taeil, lee taeyong, nakamoto yuta, qian kun, li yongqin (ten), jeong jaehyun, dong sicheng (winwin), wong yukhei (lucas), xiao dejun (xiaojun), na jaemin, lee jeno, osaki shotaro, jeong sungchan warnings: crass humor and language, blood, violence, mentions of suicide, alcohol, possessiveness, minor character death, war, some historical inaccuracies for the sake of plot progression word count: 24.8k it is important to read the prologue and act i first to understand the context of this! i can’t link it here but it’s on my masterlist!

ACT II – Ghosts of the Past

June 29th, 665 – The Northwestern Pass, Kingdom of Silla The wind whispers past your cheeks, its song whistling through the pines in the summer night air. Thick fog covers the mountain path, blanketing the rows of trees in front of you. The fresh scent of dew cupped on the leaves hits your nose immediately. The roads to Ungjin are still plagued with the remnants of the felled Baekje forces and pushing Silla men.

For Donghyuck this is both enemy and allied territory. In order to avoid being detected and engaging in unnecessary violence, you had no choice but to abandon your horse some weeks back and travel down a minor off-trail path. Your mind has been elsewhere, focusing on the hope that the Hwarang had arrived in Ungjin safely. Visions plague you, some in which several members hadn’t survived the onslaught at Seorabeol, and had been left to suffer alone on the battlefield as their life fades atop the cinders.

Instead of heading straight for Goguryeo territory, Donghyuck and you settled on arriving to Ungjin first to reunite you with the members of the Hwarang.

Your arms and legs are scraped by the scattering of branches sticking into the path, your eyes struggling to see through the opaque dark,

“Calm down for a moment,” Donghyuck sighs out loftily, “At this pace, you’re only going to overexert yourself well before we reach an inn.”

“I appreciate your concern,” you begin, swatting away a few gnats flying in your field of vision, “If we want to get to Ungjin as soon as possible, then we need to be quick about it.”

“Well, it isn’t going to happen simply because you will it,” his voice holds a calm resolve, “Tonight, we rest here.”

“But—!” You begin.

“Munmu has already foolishly aligned himself with the Tang.” His lips turn downwards into a frown, “It will be some time before they are prepared to stage another large-scale battle. Without a war to fight, Jinsang will have no master to give his bone, stifling his plans momentarily. So,” he looks to you, his eyes glinting in the moonlight, “quit your incessant rushing. Nothing you do now will be of any consequence later.”

He’s right. You hate to admit it but he’s right. Your feet are swollen, throbbing to the point that if you might take another step, you may topple over. You’d been aggressively jaunting through the rough, dimly-lit terrain for who knows how long.

“As luck would have it, I believe there’s an abandoned home over there. Why don’t we look inside?” He says, not asking, really. His feet carry him forward to a black mass of a building that you had only just been able to make out the outline of until you near it.

Its dilapidated exterior doesn’t bolster much to its structural integrity, but you nonetheless follow Donghyuck’s lead.

The house itself is very modest in size. A fine film of dust coats nearly every inch of it, giving you the notion that it had been vacated some time ago.

“Is it really okay for us to stay in someone’s house?” You ask tentatively as you step across the floorboards.

“Hm,” he shrugs, noting the worn interior, “I would rather call this a hut than a house. It’s austere, isn’t it? But it’s obvious that no one lives here, so surely the former occupants won’t mind.”

Although the thought of intruding on someone’s home unsettles you, you do need somewhere to rest. You can’t run the risk of dying or being caught before finding the whereabouts of your father and brother.

Donghyuck finds a room with some dingy bedding arrangements, so at least you won’t be sleeping on the floor. His eyes dart around the room before he steps toward a sunken hearth, lowering himself to take a pinch of soot between his fingers.

Being alone with him in this derelict house is nerve-wracking. Without anything to contribute to the moment, you watch him examine the fireplace in silence.

His eyes thin as he hums to himself. After a moment, he reaches his hand into his pockets, taking pieces of flint from inside of it to try and ignite a flame.

“Donghyuck?” You call out, “If you’re trying to start a fire, I can do it.”

“Just be quiet and sit back,” he says, intent on his work, “This will warm us soon enough.”

“But isn’t building a fire more difficult than that?” Back when you’d lived with the Hwarang, or even with your father, it was rare that you’d need to build a fire from scratch. More often than not, you could rely on the hospitality of neighbors to provide materials when they were unavailable.

“Yes,” he nods, “it can be quite difficult. But only a human would shy away from difficulty. It’s only in their nature.” Donghyuck holds each piece of flint in his hands, clapping them together in a swift motion to produce sparks. Once more, he reaches into his pocket, pulling out a piece of parchment to use as kindling over the small, sunken fireplace, then continuing to clap the flint.

After a few more seconds, the sparks turn to embers over the parchment. He blows air into the flame, creating a fire where one hasn’t been seen for ages.

Although he’d been the one to suggest staying in this house, he doesn’t look tired in the slightest. Perhaps, you wonder, if he’d only suggested it for your sake….

“Sit closer to the fire,” he says quietly, “Even if it’s summer, it can get quite cold at night.”

You nod, moving over to sit by him near the flames. Your hands extend, hovering over the embers licking up into the air.

A shadow twists and flicks upon his face as he gazes quietly at the hearth. You realize now that there isn’t much you know about him, let alone the history of his people or where he comes from. To you, they’re simply Demons who are ideologically and politically opposed to the Hwarang. And that, as a Demon woman, you’re their target.

This is the extent of your knowledge, as his people have enshrouded themselves in secrecy for generations, so much so that even you hadn’t known you were a Demon. All you know is that Lee Donghyuck, Xiao Dejun and Dong Sicheng are all fierce, cunning warriors. Everything else is a complete enigma to you.

“…Donghyuck? Would you mind sharing some stories with me about our people? About the Demons?”

His eyebrows raise as he glances to you, “Where did this come from?”

“If what you, Sooyoung, my father and my brother all said is true… Then I, too, am part of the Demon clan, right?” You shift, “But I can’t help but feel so disconnected from it all. I have no idea where Demons came from, how long they’ve been around, or what they even are… That’s why I want to know more about myself, and about all of you, too.”

You’re staring into his face now, watching his scarlet eyes fixate on the fireplace scornfully.

For a moment, he’s silent, until he begrudgingly turns his face to your direction.

“I’m not a historian. I don’t know how the Demons came to be, nor when they decided to settle on this land. But one thing I know for sure is… The cycle of strife and bloodshed between Demons and humans is a tale as old as this world itself.” He lets out a huff of air, mulling over his next words, “We Demons will never lose to a human if it’s a one-on-one battle. But, what humans have, that we do not, is the gift of numbers. A tiger may be the toughest hunter in the forest but there is a limit to how much prey it can hunt. Human greed, however, has no limit,” an old log within the fireplace snaps, releasing a burst of light spiraling towards the hole in the ceiling, “Thus, Demons decided to exile themselves as a measure against their destructive forces.”

Your brow furrows as he speaks, waiting patiently for him to continue.

“Some Demons chose to resist the stain of inferiority encroaching upon our lands. Their resistance proved futile. In the end, the humans exterminated them without remorse.”

“If you were ever told the legends about ‘Demons’ in the past…” You recall the stories from your childhood.

“This is where their legend bears its origin. Some of them—those that survived, at least—are still alive, living in the shadows all across this country.”

How many Demon clans have gone into hiding…? How have they coped with their fate?

Listening to him speak of his people’s history so coldly raises so many questions.

“You mentioned something about how many of the Demon clans went into isolation to disappear for human society…” You begin, “What compelled you to align yourself with Baekje-Goguryeo and oppose Silla?” It’s peculiar that he’s violating his self-imposed exile when the rest of your kind is in hiding. Re-entering human society as a force of reckoning in the middle of a heavily politicized conflict rings out as especially strange to you.

He’s expressionless, thinning his eyes slightly in reaction to your question.

“There is nowhere left to hide for us. Nowhere left to run. Nowhere untainted by the curse of humanity.”

“…What?”

“The average human knows nothing of our existence. Unlike the leaders or cultural elites, who have been well-acquainted with out people for ages… Seven centuries ago, some lords of the Samhan approached our people, successfully currying favor with those willing to share their Demon powers with mankind… One such example was your clan.”

Your lips part in surprise, unable to form a coherent exclamation of surprise.

“During the Battle of Giryeong, it was your ancestors who aided the Mahan confederacy to push back the Han.”

The Battle of Giryeong was a momentous one, still spoken about today. Had the Samhan not pushed back Han forces, the three Kingdoms now would never have taken root…. To think that your ancestors had such a hand in influencing the battle’s outcome astounds you.

“The Lee and Xiao clans realized the threat posed by the Samhan and allied with the Han. Our current allegiance with Goguryeo stems from the fall of the Han, simply a continuation of our previous arrangement. Sicheng’s clan, on the other hand, appears to be serving the remaining Baekje loyalists and their former Yamato allies with intentions that are unknown to me.”

He hums, staring at the flames once more, “However, this shall be the last time our people involve ourselves with the paltry concerns of human conflict. Goguryeo is no longer dependent on our aid, either… Their newfound numbers of Furies will most certainly absolve us of our positions.”

Your mind goes to the thought of the Hwarang, and your gaze falls to the floor. The flame continues to crackle, punctuating the silence between the two of you.

“We start early tomorrow morning. Perhaps it would be better for you to rest now.” He states, fixing his posture.

In all honesty, you want to continue talking with him a bit longer, but you know of what’s to come tomorrow. There’s still so much of the mountainous range that you have left to trudge through, so you need every minute of rest that you can get.

“You’re right,” you nod, moving to your feet. It isn’t until you walk to the bedding do you see how moldy and musty it is. “Donghyuck… do you really expect me to sleep here?”

“Excuse me?” He asks, “How many other rooms do you see?”

As you listen carefully for any sound outside the house, you realize there’s nothing. Not a single bird or insect. Seemingly, the only life in the nearest mile is Donghyuck and you. That’s right; just the two of you, alone…

“What’s wrong?” Donghyuck’s voice pulls you from your thoughts, “Haven’t you crawled off to sleep yet?”

Although both of you are Demons, and in spite of how you’re dressed, the fact remains that the two of you are sleeping under the same room like it’s nothing. Not wanting to tip him off suspiciously about your behavior… Just in case, you discreetly pull the bedding from beside his bed towards the far corner next to the hearth. No matter how sly you try to be, he catches onto it immediately, smirking mockingly at you.

“I noticed how uncomfortable your eyes had been shifting, but now, it all makes sense.” He chuckles.

“Do you have a problem with that?” You question, “I am a woman, I have to be more safe than sorry.”

Donghyuck snickers lightly at you, his eyes thinning as they dart toward your direction. He speaks sharply, just above a whisper, “Do you think I’d make a move on you?”

“Of course not!” Your face is hot, and not because of the fire.

“I’m messing with you,” he shakes his head, “You think I’m some sort of ill-mannered creep, don’t you? Demons hold tradition and decorum to a high standard. I won’t lay a finger on you until our marriage is finalized.”

“Marr—I have no intention on marry—”

“Forget it,” he interrupts, “Just get some sleep. Tomorrow will be even more grueling. It would be in your best interest to rest.” Donghyuck spits his words out at you harshly, but you know his intentions are kind. Nevertheless, you slip tentatively into the damp, mildewy bedding.

Although, it hasn’t gone without saying that you’re still skeptical of him. But for now, you have to trust that he won’t lie or take advantage of you while you’re under his watch. More than that, it’s far more pertinent that you should worry about your father and Ahro’s whereabouts. The thought of your father’s new Furies overwhelming the Hwarang with their savage hunger is terrifying. You need to do whatever it takes to stop them.

Your eyes shut uneasily, falling asleep as the fire crackles hauntingly behind you.

June 30th, 665 – The Northwestern Pass, Kingdom of Silla As you awake, you feel as if you cannot move. Every inch of your body aches, and it feels as though you’d only just closed your eyes to go to sleep. Turning, you see Donghyuck sitting where he’d been the night prior, giving you the oddest sense of time dilation.

Sunlight refracts through the window, illuminating the dust flitting through the air. A sparrow chirps brightly outside… It truly is morning.

“Good morning…” You say tentatively as you pull yourself from bed.

“So, you are awake…” Donghyuck nods, “As soon as you’re ready, we’ll leave.”

Although it feels as if you haven’t slept at all, at the very least you’d been able to recuperate from the previous day, just in time for a physically-demanding trek.

“Donghyuck?” You ask as you begin to gather the few belongings you’d brought with you, “Did you stay up the whole night?”

“Well, not the whole night…” Or so he claims, but you have another idea. It was likely he observed the fire until sunrise, stoking it quietly in anticipation of morning.

“Thank you.”

“For what? I don’t recall doing anything to deserve your gratitude,” he says as he pushes himself from the floor. “Just hurry up and get ready, you want to find Jinsang as soon as possible, right?” Donghyuck sneers as he speaks, swiftly exiting the room as he finishes speaking.

Your initial impression of him had been a curt, egotistical man who intimidated and murdered his foes without remorse but… Perhaps there’s a bit more to them than you’d realized- maybe, deep down, he has a soft heart.

Ever since you’d been separated from the Hwarang, moments like these turned out to be far and few in-between. But you find your lips curling into a soft smile ever so slightly, and your chest feels a bit warm.

Donghyuck and you traverse the mountain path, walking through the dense rows of trees stretching as far as the eye can see, at long last, you reach a milestone, the Ungwon pass at Cheonhwangbong, the tallest peak on this range. It’s a positive sign that Ungjin isn’t too far away. Yet, just as you’re about to pass by a Silla security checkpoint stationed along the path by a nearby village, a voice calls out to you.

“Hey!”

Surprised, the two of you turn and greet a familiar face.

“Dejun!” You shout out, surprised and confused all the same, “What are you doing here?”

“I am en route to deliver a confidential letter on behalf of Goguryeo to a certain… other ally.” He says quickly, “What a coincidence to run into the two of you on my way there…”

“You would do best to ignore their orders,” Donghyuck says, “Consider the current balance of power. They no longer need us to serve as couriers to help their cause.”

“I had a feeling you’d have a snarky remark,” Dejun sighs, “Yet, I am here of my own volition. I figured there to be no need to cast Goguryeo aside just yet.”

“Suit yourself, fool,” Donghyuck murmurs.

“Well, the two of you have made excellent time to Ungjin but…” His brow furrows, “Just how do you plan on passing through the check over there?”

“Ah, well… Oh.” You begin. Donghyuck had taken the lead so decisively that you had never stopped to think there would be an issue. You glance at him worryingly, but he seems unfazed, answering Dejun with a deadpan delivery.

“I have a pass. It should work, no problem.”

“I hate to be presumptive but, things have changed quite a bit since when we were given those passes.” Dejun responds, “Since those passes are valid under the condition Goguryeo hasn’t become an opposition to Silla. I am certain that, if you present your pass, they will stop you to verify your identities. And while she may be okay… You… Hm.”

“Enough of your riddles. Why don’t you just say whatever it is that you’re getting at?”

“I recommend that the two of you find another path,” Dejun says curtly, “Perhaps something more remote, to sneak into Ungjin.”

Donghyuck leers at Dejun irritably, visibly annoyed by his suggestion. “’Another path’? Are you seriously expecting the two of us to discover a more suitable path to enter Ungjin on this mountain?”

“Hey, I’m just trying to give you some advice. Wouldn’t want there to be any trouble for you.”

“In case you weren’t aware, Silla won their battle, I doubt there will be issues for those trying to ‘flee’ back home.”

Dejun’s arms cross, “You underestimate the humans. Just because they won, doesn’t mean they aren’t willing to make points about those who dare threaten their Kingdom. They aren’t pushovers and will not be so understanding to your reasoning.”

“Damn you,” Donghyuck’s voice lowers, “Where do you get the gall to speak to me so audaciously?!” He’s fuming, and his voice only becomes louder with each smug refutation from Dejun.

If they continue to bicker publicly, then the soldiers stationed nearby will surely notice. You need to find a way to calm him— “If the two of us have an issue entering the city, then it may arouse the suspicion of both my father and brother to our plans… Although the trip may take a bit longer, we should probably look for another route.”

Donghyuck’s lips purse momentarily, carefully thinking over what you’d said. “You make a good point. We wouldn’t want to raise either of their suspicions.” He straightens himself, “Vey well. If you feel up to the challenge, then finding another way won’t be too difficult. I don’t care how taxing the trail is, though. You’d better not whine at all, got it?”

“Yes,” you nod, “I understand.”

“Well,” Dejun speaks up, “I will be on my way. Do be careful.” Without another word, he spins on his heels and vanishes along the thick forest’s path behind you.

Taking a moment before setting off, you look to the sky above, watching a few birds circle overhead before turning to Donghyuck and nodding. The two of you walk away from the checkpoint, towards an uphill trail that is far from the well-trodden path.

“Already out of breath, are you?” He muses, “I told you this would be too much for you to handle.”

“No,” you vehemently shake your head, “I’m fine.” The steep inclines around the area are dotted with wide, thick boulders, which makes your grueling hike all the more laborious. The rocky grit underfoot isn’t much better when—

You feel yourself falling, traction lost underfoot as you nearly tumble off the side of a cliff into the valley when a hand grabs ahold of yours. It’s hard to shake off your horror upon seeing Donghyuck standing at the edge of the cliff as you hold onto his sleeve for dear life.

“Are you okay?” He asks simply, pulling you back up to steady yourself on the trail.

You’re silent for a moment, steeling your nerves from your near-death experience. The thought of him rescuing you once more stands at odds with your initial impression of him.

“Why aren’t you answering?” He looks you up and down, peering at you from every front facing angle, “Are you injured?”

“No… no, I’m fine.” You say hurriedly, “Thank you.”

“Hmm…” He says, turning on his heels, “Let’s go.” Donghyuck then begins to trudge through the woods, keeping your hand tightly clasped in his

“Uh, Donghyuck?” You query, trying your best to keep your steps in line with his, “What are you doing?”

“What do you mean?”

“Um, you’re still… Holding my hand…” As you say this, he forcibly yanks your hand as he marches forward.

“You’ve already proven a danger to yourself up here,” He notes casually, “Stick close to me, okay?”

“Okay,” you nod, slightly embarrassed at his statement, but you do as he says and weave your fingers into his. His grasp is surprisingly warm and comforting, despite his grip being firm, you almost forget that they belong to someone who can easily kill you at any given moment.

Suddenly, you remember the question that you’d wanted to ask him earlier and tug at him slightly, “Were you trying to pass through the checkpoint earlier for my sake?”

Initially, he has no response, instead just choosing to glare at you from the corner of his eye, “Female Demons are different than male Demons. Although your wounds regenerate, your stamina is only a bit higher than any normal human’s would be. It’s their resolve that’s their strength.” His hand raises to move a branch from his path before he speaks again, “The female Demons are often left behind in our villages to watch over the elderly and young while the males who ensure their survival.”

So… The natural instinct for male Demons is to guard the well-being and safety of their women. Donghyuck rarely minces his words, but his comment offers you a unique insight that explains so much of his behavior. In a way, it reminds you of the Hwarang’s imperative to keep you safe.

“This journey will be over soon enough,” he murmurs, “Be patient and keep holding my hand.”

Prior to this, you don’t think anyone could have convinced you that you’d be willingly crossing into Ungjin hand-in-hand with Donghyuck, yet, as soon as you get to the other side of the range, you’ll arrive. Are the stories true? Would your father be waiting in the underbelly of Ungjin, trying to orchestrate a war with his army of Furies? You anxiously await the future, worrying yourself about whether or not you can stop him in time.

August 1st, 665 – Ungjin, Kingdom of Silla By the end of your brutal hike though the unforgiving mountain ridge, you arrive in Ungjin safely, although it feels as if your feet are ready to fall off. It’s a stroke of good luck that neither your father or Ahro heard of your travels.

Your first order of business is reuniting with the Hwarang after weeks and weeks of separation. And so, you set off in search of their headquarters, but… The building is vacant, as all of the soldiers had seemingly embarked on a campaign for their next battle.

“The Hwarang are heading to Hanseong?” Donghyuck questions as you reunite with him at the inn you’re residing at.

“Yes,” you nod, “or at least that’s what Doctor Namekawa wrote me.” They had been tasked with guarding the territory around the city, so they mobilized their troops and marched north immediately after receiving their orders.

“How unbelievably foolish of them…” He sighs, “Their lives spared in Seorabeol, and now they’re just as eager to throw them away.”

“What?” You question, “They’re not being foolish.”

“Do tell me, then, how else should they be described?” He asks, leaning against a wooden support beam outside of the entrance, “They intend to stake out Goguryeo territory when Silla’s main army is still flushing out Goguryeo and Baekje soldiers in their own? They aren’t there to take the city, merely die as they wait for Munmu to send his men in.”

Your brow furrows, is Donghyuck actually showing concern over the well-being of the Hwarang?

“I’m in no position to judge whether or not they’re making a wise choice, but… I don’t think they’re the type of people to get hung up on the likelihoods of winning and losing.” In your experience, the Hwarang warriors are more interested in never having to compromise on their strict set of standards. It’s a lifestyle that lats beyond your scope of understanding since you aren’t actually a warrior, “All of them adhere to O Gye foremost, and this is an example. Of that, I am certain.”

He raises an eyebrow irritably to your suggestion. Just looking at him makes your stomach churn nervously, and contemplate how odd it feels to interact with someone so unapologetically cold.

“Adhere to O Gye, their principles, huh?” He taunts, “Open your eyes. They rely on instincts more than logic. What makes them any different to a wounded beast lashing out at those who maimed them?”

“Beasts?” He dismisses them to a degree that you can only describe as willful ignorance. You’d never met someone so incapable of empathy. It escapes you how he can mistake their sense of conviction as a desperate show of self-defense. However, as much as you want to argue, you chose not to say anything further.

Just as much as he’s been basing his remarks on assumptions, you realize you may as well be committing the same sin. In essence, there isn’t much of a point to arguing how other people decide to live their life.

“Forget about the Hwarang,” he sighs angrily, “I couldn’t care less at the moment. Have you been able to ascertain the whereabouts of Jinsang and Ahro?”

“Unfortunately, no,” you shake your head. You’d worded as hard as you could to get concrete details from Namekawa as well as some of your father’s old colleagues in the area yet they’d all come to dead ends.

“If they are as adamant as they claim about going through with this, then the potential war will be chaos.”

Feeding your father’s army of Furies will require a gratuitous amount of blood, which could cost the city—Silla and even Goguryeo— thousands of lives. You need to find a way to stop your father before there’s any chance of putting innocent citizens at risk.

As you embrace this resolve, Donghyuck speaks unexpectedly, “Whatever… I will see to it that both of them are removed, as well as their army of fakes. Why don’t you consider staying with the Namekawa man you spoke of earlier? Or, even stay at the Hwarang’s headquarters?”

“…What do you mean?” His question blindsides you and begs clarification. “I can deal with my father and brother myself—”

“My agreement with the Park Clan’s Princess was that I would escort you west. Nothing more, nothing less.” He states abruptly, “The deal never included a guarantee to dispose of your father or your brother with you.”

“But the entire reason we came to Ungjin was to stop them…”

“How delusional can you be if you think they will entertain any of your asinine opinions? If they’re even in this city, that is.” He says, raising a good point. Nothing you’d said upon encountering them last had gotten through to them, nor had your leads within Ungjin gotten you anywhere.

So, you ask him a question, “Do you honestly plan on killing them both?”

You may as well have been asking a ghost as your question hovers awkwardly without an answer. His silence is telling. Refusing to look you in the eye, he chooses instead to stare blankly at a passerby.

“It’s only a matter of time until they expand their army of fakes. Do not go near them. To them, you are nothing more than a bothersome fly. Got it?” He speaks in a hushed tone before, without another word, vanishing into the crowd of people bustling in Ungjin’s streets.

For all intents and purposes, your arrangement is over. This isn’t an issue, per say, but what are you to do at this point? To prevent the spread of Furies, Donghyuck has only one option. But you can’t let him do that, you need to stop him.

November 19th, 665 – Toehwa-hyeon, Kingdom of Silla After gathering your bearings in Ungjin, you realize that your father isn’t there, nor is your brother. Your days remain listless until it occurs to you that your past may reveal some future questions. Your childhood home, which had been left unattended for however long, is the last place you can visit unannounced.

You find that the trek there is easier than that of the secret paths you’d had to take with Donghyuck. As a citizen of Silla, you had no issue on the roads or security checkpoints.

A part of you clings to the naïve hope that your father awaits your arrival as you open the door to the old clinic, but all that remains is a dusty workspace. The yard is long overgrown, cobwebs hang from the ceiling and thick dust coats every surface.

During the last conversation you had with your father, he seemed set on building momentum with his army, toppling Silla and increasing his notoriety, but… Is that really what he wants to do?

A wave of nostalgia hits you as you enter your old bedroom, which remains untouched since the last you saw it. You recall the memory of your father using it as a patient room long before it had been a suitable bedroom. He’d been kind to the poor and nobility alike in his treatment, not regarding how severe their illness was, either. He was remarkably kind, giving a personalized touch to each of his patients without expecting anything in return. A cherished, well-respected member of the community.

Surely, all of this has to be some sort of misunderstanding… His impetus for creating the pimul was for giving Silla a shot at rebuking Baekje forces. In hindsight, it had been a shallow pursuit, birthing what is, arguably, one of the most heinous creatures to live. You’re beginning to grow angry about it when—

The front door creaks as it slides open. You freeze out of panic, slowly turning your head over your shoulder to sneak a quick peek.

“Is someone in here?” The voice is unmistakable.

“Father?” You call out to him, your voice shaky as you catch a silhouette slink towards you.

“Ah,” he says softly, “You’ve returned home as well, huh? I’m happy to see you safe and sound, I was worried that you may have gotten swept up in the battle, or worse…” Tiny tears begin to form behind his eyes, it’s an expression with which you’ve been familiar with. You almost convince yourself that your last conversation had taken place in a nightmare rather than reality.

However, you know better than for it to be true.

“Where’s Ahro? Has he not joined you?”

“Indeed,” he nods. “I have ordered him to complete another assignment.”

You flick your eyes back and forth, trying to sense if any Furies are nearby, but you can’t. This may be your only opportunity to speak candidly with him, and perhaps even convince him…

“Father, tell me something… Do you really plan on creating more Furies as a way of manipulating Goguryeo’s army? That can’t really be what you want, is it…? You dedicated your life to becoming a doctor in order to save innocent people from dying!”

When you were a child, your memory of your father was of his incredible work ethic; how he’d pour himself into books. He invested himself in his patients. You remember peeking into his room one night as he flipped through his books with only a lantern as company. There’s no way that level of dedication could have faded so easily.

“Unlike you, my child,” he frowns, crossing his arms, “I am not a direct descendent of the Heo Clan. My family’s bloodline has been long since diluted, making me closer to human than Demon. As a child, my life neatly succumbed to a severe illness. This is what motivated me to put forth all of my energy into practicing medicine. It was a desperate wish to save those who suffered like me.”

“So—!” It’s just as you expected, he still possesses an innate desire to care for others.

Your joy, however, is short-lived as he continues, “Yet, the funny thing is that no matter how much the medicine evolves, humans are twice as efficient at creating tools of destruction and, in my experience, are more eager to test them on their fellow man than to help him. If this vicious cycle continues, then all that will remain are poor, lonely orphans like you and Ahro. I cannot, in good conscious, allow these imbeciles to run this country into the ground so petulantly.”

The mood in the room shifts. You look on in hoor as his body begins to radiate a blinding aura as if he’s being engulfed in flames. Two sharp horns begin to poke through the flesh on his forehead, akin to some kind of beast that you had only seen illustrated on various temple walls. His eyes slowly changed from a deep brown to gold, nearly paralyzing you with their bright, ominous glow.

“Father…?”

“Witness the Demons’ true form,” he says with a smile. “As Demons interbred with humans, our people distanced themselves from reaching their full potential, and I was resigned to suffering the same fate. Thanks to my serum… my Demon blood has been reawakened from its dormancy after years of suppression.”

“You drank the pimul,” you breathe, eyes wide in horror. It’s a nightmare scenario, and suddenly whatever delusions you’d had about expecting to compromise with your father are abandoned.

Not only had he been creating Furies, he’d become one of them.

How recently he’d drank the serum is a mystery, but it’s clear that the man who raised you is gone and the one in his stead is a monster.

“Between Ahro and myself, who has also discovered the means to unlock his true Demonic potential, and an army of Furies unhindered by sunlight… No one can oppose us. With this serum at our disposal, mankind will cower and learn how futile waging a war against our people would be.”

You shake with disbelief, tears streaming down your cheeks as the realization of his crimes sink in. Your time with the Hwarang granted you lessons upon which you otherwise had no perspective. When working in such a close capacity with people from different walks of life, one understands that getting your way is challenging—compromise is key. For the Hwarang, having the Furies made this particularly difficult… For your father, however, without anyone to challenge him, there was no one to inform him of what an egregious sin he had and is committing against humanity.

“Please, father, snap out of this.” You plead, “Do you truly believe that you will be able to easily curry favor with Goguryeo and eventually usurp power in the process?”

Even the Hwarang, as strong proponents of Silla, had been at the mercy of the bureaucracy, which had only served to frustrate and disenfranchise them. It’s hard to believe that your father and Ahro will be capable of avoiding the same issue.

“If you think that Goguryeo is sitting in any position to exploit and dispense us…” He shakes his head with a smirk, “Then you are mistaken. It is they who should be afraid of us annihilating every last one of them. In fact, we certainly have the means to do so.”

His eyes beam with an electrifying, almost unrecognizable madness, “Come with us. As a pure-blooded Demon, by rearing a child with the Furies, we can guarantee your offspring will be even stronger. If that were to happen, our clan, will give birth to a new generation of Demons.”

He wears a malicious smirk as he extends his hand towards you. You look for an escape route, only then to be stopped as your father moves with heightened agility, grabbing your arm before you can even begin running.

“Let go!” You cry out, trying to swat him away.

“Illuminate me,” a voice says with calmed anger from the doorway, “How do you expect to rally your people and form a new clan if you are nothing more than a bitter, senile idiot?”

A glimpse of yellow in the corner of you eye has your head whipping to gaze in the direction of the voice, “Donghyuck!” You shout, his name almost getting caught in your throat as you look towards the entrance, “What are you doing here?!”

You almost feel the need to pinch yourself to believe that it’s actually him, but he makes no secret out of his irritation when he glares at you from the corner of his eye.

“Could ask you the same question.” He tempers, “I thought I told you to stay in Ungjin, and yet here you are. Care to tell me what you think you’re doing?”

When an answer doesn’t come from you, Donghyuck dismisses you, shifting his angered gaze towards your father.

“Not only have you committed the ultimate crime in producing more fakes, but now you’ve stooped low enough to become one of them?” His hand lingers over the hilt of his sword, “It appears as though you’re practically begging for me to kill you.” With that, he unsheathes his blade, something about the sword intriguing you as it stays in the sunlight. Rather than reflecting the sun, as a blade normally does, it produces its own shimmering gleam, giving it an ethereal, blessed quality.

“Drink all the serum you wish, Jinsang,” he sneers, “but never in your wildest dreams will you be capable of measuring up to what a true warrior can be.”

Your father lets out a grunt of frustration; partly out of embarrassment of Donghyuck’s mockery, but mostly in the knowledge that he is no warrior. After a moment he grabs hold of your arm and shoves you towards where Donghyuck is standing. You brace yourself, thinking he’d move to avoid you and charge at your father.

Instead, Donghyuck catches you flying toward him, wrapping his arms securely around you as you land, “Huh?” You crack open an eye, surprised to have not hit the ground face-first.

Taking this ample opportunity, your father bolts towards the house’s back door.

“Wait!” Donghyuck shouts, letting go of you to chase after him. You chase after him, only finding yourself standing in the back alley. “He got away, huh? Should’ve guessed that rat would slip from my fingers.”

Heo Jinsang had disappeared, successfully evading Donghyuck’s brief pursuit. As the latter darts his stern eyes towards you, you find yourself staring intently at the ground.

“Thank you for saving me earlier…” you murmur as he raises the corner of his mouth flippantly.

“Your thanks are unnecessary,” he states, “Instead, I demand that you answer my earlier question. I told you not to go near them nor to pursue them. Why have you disobeyed that?”

“Because I am a member of the Heo clan,” you state, looking up at him, “If my father and brother are plotting to commit these heinous crimes, then I can’t let the burden fall on you to take care of everything, Donghyuck.”

“Were you not listening to what I told you before?” He frowns, “Female Demons pale in comparison to what the male counterparts can do in battle. Your presence benefits me none whatsoever.”

“I get that, but…” You frown, “If you were in my shoes, would you listen to yourself? Could you honestly live with passing your burden to someone else?”

The question seemingly catches him off-guard. Donghyuck looks at you inquisitively, and together you stay silent as the wind rustles some leaves atop the cold ground.

After a long pause, he speaks, “Understood… Perhaps I’m being forward, but I see in you the virtues befitting the leader of the Heo Family. All I ask, however, is that you refrain from acting so recklessly. Do not allow these rash thoughts to cloud your judgement, or else your leadership will suffer.”

You nod slowly at his words, taking them in.

“Anyone who even thinks of taking you under my watch will be punished without mercy,” it almost sounds like a promise. “Come with me, I’m sure you’ll feel better watching me peel the flesh from their bones with the swing of my sword.” Donghyuck then turns on his heels, heading back into town.

The thought of him promising to murder your father and brother still unsettles you but you suppose it is far better than being left in the dark as to where your father is or what he had been hoping to achieve. You run after Donghyuck, leaving your house behind.

By the time you find an inn to stay in, the sun has set, dipping into the orange horizon. Donghyuck had led you there, to the inn decorated with modest lighting and accessories, when lo and behold you find Xiao Dejun waiting inside for you.

“You made it back safely—What is she doing here?” He asks, surprised by your presence.

“Are you acting coy?” Donghyuck questions, “Do I have to spell it out for you, or are you going to quit playing the fool?” He shakes his head, “Enough of that, what have you uncovered?”

“There’s quite a bit to report,” Dejun says, settling himself down at a nearby table, “I hope you have the time to listen to it all.” With the way he glances at you, you’re unsure if you should listen in, but just as you’re about to leave, Donghyuck stops you.

“She has inherited Heo blood. She has the right to listen to this.” Donghyuck says as he sits across from Dejun, “It is up to her, that is, if she has the stomach for it.” In typical fashion, he’s speaking of you in a dismissive tone, but you now take it to mean that he’s respectfully acknowledging your agency in the decision to stay.

No matter what Dejun has to say, if it regards your family, you have an obligation to sojourn. So, you too take a seat at the table, “I am ready for whatever it is you have to say. Please allow me to remain here.”

Dejun nods, taking a deep breath before he begins, “In regards to Hak Ahro, he appears to be in Hanseong with warriors from Goguryeo. To make matters worse, he has a band of Jinsang’s enhanced Furies as well.”

Hanseong… If you recall correctly, then that’s where the Hwarang had been told to go. If Ahro is leading a band of Furies alongside Goguryeo forces there…

“It looks like the Hwarang is going to have their hands ties with those Furies, aren’t they?” Donghyuck asks, nearly putting your thoughts into words.

“Exactly.”

Your hands clench at your side, worry pervading through you. The Hwarang had suffered many casualties in the Baekje raid on Seorabeol and on top of that, Yongqin wouldn’t be able to join them either in is condition. Doctor Namekawa had said as much when he wrote you last.

“Negotiations between Tang and Silla are still ongoing in Ungjin,” Dejun nods slowly, “If their talks begin to grow more… intense against Goguryeo…”

“Then we’ll have a full-on war on our plate,” Donghyuck exhales out, “The perfect opportunity for Jinsang and Ahro to unleash their sick beasts onto the field.”

“I assume they will organize their Furies and march them to Hanseong as soon as possible. But then again, there aren’t too many areas there in which they could hide their army.”

“Interesting,” Donghyuck muses as he runs his index finger atop the wooden table, “For now, keep a watchful eye on their movements.”

As you listen to their conversation, an urgent feeling of panic rages within you, and you realize that you’re suddenly drenched in cold sweat. If Donghyuck’s prediction comes true, then the innocent people in both Goguryeo and Silla will be helpless against the tide of Furies, eager for the taste of blood. Everything is coming together and it horrifies you to imagine sacrificing entire towns for the purpose of feeding their insatiable hunger. It’s a violation of the world’s sacred order, and you’re running out of time.

“What of Sicheng?” Donghyuck questions, “Has he decided what to do with the remainder of the Baekje families?”

“He’s been a ghost, even on the battlefield,” Dejun explains, standing from the table and making his way to the exit, “Perhaps he’s grown tired of playing a part in this sick game.” He then leaves you with that, bowing lightly as he departs the room.

Donghyuck stays quiet for a moment before turning to you, “I am stepping out. Get some rest.”

“Okay,” you nod as he stands, “Please be careful.”

“Unless an emergency arises, do not leave this building.” He warns, “Otherwise, we may have a repeat incident of earlier today.” Donghyuck lingers a moment more, gazing into your eyes to assure himself, then quickly flies out of the door.

Once nestled in bed, you close your eyes and drift off to sleep. In your deep, dreary slumber, a dream comes to you. The setting is your childhood home, not the one in Toehwa-hyeon, but the one prior to that… Your arm is being pulled along by someone.

Through a muted, white haze, you watch smoke billow into the sky, tall flames surrounding you as you try to flee hastily.

“This way!” The shout of the boy pulling you cries out through the night.

The village burning before you evokes a strange sense of déjà vu. Beside you lay a small hill where you’d often pick flowers and the pen that housed your livestock. Those places, like the memories attached to them, are becoming reduced to ash and cinder, and in the distance, you can hear shrieks of terror.

What’s going on? Who could do such a thing? Where are your parents?

“The fire’s spread here too!” The boy shouts in anguish as flames block your path, encroaching on you slowly.

You hear a man call out to you and the boy from a way away, “Over here!” Although his identity is unclear, you understand him to be one of your relatives, “Quickly, hold onto me, the flames will catch up to us soon!”

You and the boy do as instruct, holding on tightly to his robes as he leads you into the forest at the outskirts of the village where the air is clearer.

“We’ve run far enough,” the relative speaks, “I don’t think the fire can reach us here. We should be safe.”

“Uncle,” the boy asks, “Why did this happen? Where’s dad? And mom?”

Suddenly, you recognize who the boy is. It’s Ahro.

“It was becoming too dangerous because of the fire,” your uncle grimaces, “We had no choice to leave them behind.”

And this man…

“Unforgivable,” he laments, “The humans have cruelly summoned calamity and misfortune to our people. Are they punishing us for refusing to help them aid Baekje? They destroy our homes for wanting peace?”

On that night, it isn’t your father, but a distant relative who saves you from being burned alive. He later assumes the title of ‘Father’ and raises you. Heo Jinsang.

You awake with a jolt, tears streaming down your face hysterically. For whatever reason, your mind needlessly exhumed a memory that you had unknowingly suppressed years ago. Now, it’s all coming back to you…

Humans had destroyed your home, killing dozens of your people, including your parents. In a selfish grab for power, they wiped the village from existence and attempted to absorb the land. Heo Jinsang made one thing abundantly clear… Continuing to allow humans to rule barbarically, and further their destructive tendencies, it would only produce more orphans like you and Ahro.

Although you’re opposed to the idea of using Furies, of all things, as a force to counteract mankind’s penchant for destruction… At the same time, there’s a method to their madness, and you can’t’ bear to think about how they coped with the memory of your people’s genocide.

A knock at your door snaps you from your stupor.

“Pardon me,” one of the inn’s attendants asks, “Are you awake?”

You rise to your feet, wiping away the tears on your face before you open the door, “Is something the matter?”

“I have a guest asking for you,” he says, “May I send him in?”

“Ah,” you say with bated breath, wondering who it could be, “In a moment, let me arrange my room first…”

After tidying up your quarters, the attendant opens the door and ushers in your surprise visitor.

“Oh?” they ask, sounding surprised, “Is it just you in here?”

“Sicheng!” You say, equally befuddled, “What are you doing here…?”

“Well, Dejun asked me to come so I came as quickly as I could…” He glances around the room, “But it looks like I’m a little late.”

“It would appear so.” You say, knowing that Dejun may not come back, “However, I believe Donghyuck will be returning momentarily.”

“That so?” He muses, “I suppose it wouldn’t hurt for me to stick around a while longer, then.” Sicheng studies the room meticulously and, eyeing a spot to sit, plops onto the floor quietly.

You watch nervously as he pulls his quiver from his back, inspecting the points of each arrow.

“Um…” you say, gaining his attention.

“Hm? What is it?”

“Is it true that Hanseong may be the center of the next battle soon?” You ask quickly, “I’m worried about something Donghyuck said.”

As you express your concerns, Sicheng suddenly freezes, his finger gently pressed to one of the arrow’s tips, “Well, I’d be lying if I told you there wasn’t a high chance of that happening.”

Images of your burning home are recalled to mind, if this were to happen, there wouldn’t be only two orphans left. And the friends you care for so dearly will be swept into another fray…

“Calm down,” Sicheng says, sensing your worry, “We were able to weasel the Hwarang away from Hanseong for the time being.”

“Huh?” You ask, not understanding.

“Oh?” His brow raises, “Did they not tell you? Silla has no intention of letting Hanseong fall under siege or be lit ablaze. They want that city for their own, the Hwarang are merely there to see to it that it stays intact until the Silla forces arrive in full… Not that Goguryeo will let that happen.”

Just as you’re beginning to put the pieces together, the door opens once more, “I thought I heard a familiar voice in here… Hello Sicheng.”

“Don’t look so surprised,” Sicheng says as he looks to Donghyuck, sliding the arrow back into his quiver, “You’re the reason I’m here. Let’s cut to the chase. I’m a busy man, you know?”

“There are some questions I need answering. It won’t take much of your time…” Donghyuck then goes on to recount what has happened since you last saw him in Sooyoung’s village. He mentions encountering your father, and describes in great detail Jinsang’s plot to gather blood in order to feed his army. The most crucial detail, however, is his proposition to use this army to manipulate Goguryeo into doing his bidding.

“Got it,” Sicheng nods his head solemnly.

“Well, what do you have to say?” Donghyuck questions as he sits across from him, “Do you expect them to fall prey to his little schemes?”

“As much as I want to give them the benefit of the doubt… They’re hurt,” Sicheng begins, “Their failed attack on Silla left them vulnerable and Yeon Gaesomun is crazy.”

“What do you mean ‘crazy’?” Donghyuck’s head tilts to the side.

“Other than killing his king? He is—was— undefeated in battle, and his pride is hurt. He’s bitter and will do anything he can to seek out victory. If I know him, then I don’t see him rejecting the offer to use Furies if it guarantees him victory.”

“What a circus,” Donghyuck huffs. The only thing he hates more than mankind is greed, and he makes no secret of his distain.

“Can you convince him not to use the Furies?” You plead to Sicheng. “Neither human or Demons have the means of handling them if they start outnumbering us. Even if Goguryeo wins, it’s only a matter of time until the Furies are turned on them.”

“I know,” he nods, “To be honest, the very notion of them requiring outside intervention of any kind offends me… Leave it to me.”

“Can we depend on you, Sicheng?” Donghyuck queries.

“Learn to trust your comrades, you bastard,” Sicheng frowns and then straightens himself. “That’s it then? That’s all you have to say? I suppose I’ll be on my way now.” He rises to his feet, slinging his quiver back across his back, smirking wryly as he moves towards the door. Without another word, he saunters out of the room.

A few days later you learn that the Tang-Silla talks have ended and forces are beginning to move out of Silla and into Goguryeo territory. Yet, this comes after a skirmish in Hanseong, leaving the Goguryeo forces there and the Hwarang locked into a bloody stalemate. You later learn that neither Jaehyun or Yukhei had been there. Yongqin, too, was absent as his condition worsened to the point that merely holding his sword is enough to exhaust him. Your curiosity drives you up the wall, and you want to learn more about their status, but Namekawa is away, his letters becoming fewer and far in between.

Around the time you heard news of the stalemate, rumors that Taeil had surrendered to the Hanseong forces to allow his fellow Hwarang to fall back race around Silla.

March 15th, 666 – Ungjin, Kingdom of Silla It’s a brisk, nearly springtime evening when Donghyuck quickly races into your room, urgency in his voice, “Listen carefully. Jinsang has emerged out of hiding.”

Dejun, trailing in behind him adds, “They are most likely heading to Fuyu.”

“Logic would dictate that…” Donghyuck nods, “It is the only locale near Pyongyang with a dense enough population to feed his massive army before Silla pushes even more into their Kingdom. Their foolish plan to thrust Silla into chaos hadn’t planned out as expected, and it seems as if Sicheng’s kept his word… Surely they are reaching the point of desperation.”

The Demon’s stare flickers to you, “Since this directly concerns you as a Heo, do you intend on accompanying us?” His gaze looks impertinent, almost as if he’s testing you.

Your mind is already set, “I am going.”

He squints at you in response, staring blankly at you for a brief moment before relenting, “Very well.” His curt response is all you need.

The last you and Donghyuck spoke about matters concerning Jinsang, he’d been dead set on prohibiting you form getting involved, yet now, as Silla pushes further into Goguryeo territory, you aren’t as worried at the fear of all-out war breaking out. If Furies can no longer be used as leverage, then maybe Jinsang can see the error in his ways once he realizes how little Goguryeo values his experiments. You wrestle with these thoughts as Donghyuck continues.

“I assume he’s matching half of his Furies to Fuyu as we speak,” He muses.

“Sicheng should already be there with a group of soldiers.” Dejun says.

“Then we will reconvene with him as soon as our business with Heo is concluded.”

Ungjin is blessed with a quiet calm as its residents sleep peacefully in the dead of night. The three of you wind carefully through the city, making your way to the northern gate to head towards Hanseong.

March 30th, 666 – Girin Residence, Hanseong, Kingdom of Silla “Have they already left?” Donghyuck’s question rings through the nighttime sky, “I don’t detect anyone nearby…”

During your travels north, Hanseong was readily captured by the Silla forces moving towards the capital of Goguryeo, allowing you easy access into the city. It had been difficult to track down the whereabouts of where Heo Jinsang had been holing up the Furies, but Dejun had gotten a lead towards this one particular residence on the outskirts of the city.

“Oh!” You say, your eye catching something moving atop the roof before hopping down to greet the three of you.

“It’s been a while,” Hak Ahro smiles, “I’ve been waiting patiently for you, sister.”

“Ahro—” you begin before he speaks over you.

“I’ve already spoken with Jinsang. He informed me that he had generously offered you the chance to join us, but…” His gaze flickers to Donghyuck, “He got in the way of that, or something. Don’t you think it rude to interrupt an emotional reunion between a father and daughter?

Donghyuck says nothing, keeping his guard raised as he glares at Ahro without humoring his sarcasm.

“So?” Ahro asks, “Why are all of you here? If you’ve brought these two as your bodyguards, it can’t mean anything good.

You know that speaking with your father had proved futile, but with their hope dwindling, maybe, maybe, you can get through to them.

“Donghyuck,” you whisper to him, “please give me one more chance.”

Without moving his head, he shifts his line of sight to stare at you begrudgingly, taking his time to decide, “As you wish…”

You feel a huge pang of relief, and after thanking him, you turn to face Ahro, “I want you and father to hear me out before this goes any further.”

Ahro gazes at you coldly, pursing his lips, “I see… I think I have an idea of what you’re going to say. Why don’t you all come inside? Jinsang’s been expecting you.”

The three of you follow him inside cautiously to a main room where Heo Jinsang stands.

“At last,” he smiles, “you’ve come.”

Although you’ve made yourself aware of all the horrible things he’d done over the past few years, every time that Heo Jinsang greets you with his jovial smile, it shatters you into a thousand pieces, “… Father.”

Even if you aren’t related by blood, he’d dedicated his life to raising you like a daughter. As the guilt trickles in, you have to snap yourself out of it, straightening your back as you speak to them.

“I dreamt of something. It wasn’t much, but it was a memory from my childhood…” You begin slowly, recollecting the memory, “I witnessed a vision of our village burning, and I recalled how the humans destroyed our way of life. Both of you were there to rescue me, and together we escaped the fire by fleeing into the forest.”

“I can only imagine,” your father winces, “how painful it must have been to remember such atrocities.”

You shake your head at him, “It’s not about me. I know the two of you have been mulling this trauma over for far longer than I have. After all that’s happened, I can’t blame either of you for holding onto your grudge against humanity for as long as you have.”

“Then…” Ahro’s voice perks up at his attempt to interject, you can swear you see his expression begin to soften.

“Keeping all of this in mind, however, I implore the two of you not to unleash your Fury army.” As you as you mention the last part, both Ahro and Jinsang freeze in shock. “We were able to avoid the terrors of war in Ungjin… Why do either of you seek to inflict pain on others? Haven’t they suffered enough? I’m sure neither of you want to impose the same nightmarish fate that we’ve had to endure, do you?”

A forlorn expression covers Jinsang’s face, Ahro, on the other hand, is less sympathetic to the point you’re trying to make.

“Don’t break your foot getting off of that high horse.” He frowns, “Must be nice living a privileged life, isn’t it? Do you know what I had to struggle with after our village burned down? About how I was treated with the Hak clan? Because I cannot bear children, they treated me like I was less than the shit they scraped from their boots. I was lucky they kept me alive…”

Bitterness erodes his voice, “They broke me again and again and again until I was nothing. A one point I…” He pauses, shaking his head, “Thanks to them, I realized humans and Demons are no different. Power corrupts all.”

Listening to him makes your heart sink. All that time you lived peacefully in Toehwa-hyeon… Just what had Ahro been subjected to? A life with no love or compassion, it explains so much.

“Then what is it that you want, Ahro?” You ask, “Do you want the Furies to rebuild the Heo clan? Is that what you really want?”

“Isn’t it obvious?” He spits out, “It’s my duty… I cannot let our parents down by letting our name hang in disgrace! I refuse to let those imbeciles destroy our legacy without putting up a fight! The Hak clan abused me, and the Demons in the south and north turned a blind eye to our suffering, letting our people scatter with the wind. How do you expect me to forgive them for spitting on us when we begged for their help?! Doesn’t that insult what it means to be a Demon?”

Each word he speaks breaks off another piece of your heart as his festering resentment comes to light. Maybe you had judged him incorrectly and the only thing that can soothe his soul is… if he exacted revenge on every person that had ever harmed or wronged him in the past. Perhaps, there is no other way…

Donghyuck steps in front of you all of a sudden, not even looking at you as he speaks, “Step back”

“Donghyuck…” Just as you had feared, their time of reckoning has come. “Donghyuck I—”

“I told you to step back,” he barks at you sternly, and you can’t help but move. His hand reaches for the hilt of his sword, drawing it in one swift motion. Donghyuck holds it comfortably in his palm as if it’s an extension of his own arm, and like a phantom, it glows, illuminating the room.

“Hwangun’s Demonslayer, hm?” Ahro muses as his eyes track the blade. “Since that weapon was forged to kill Demons, it must mean you’re really going for us, aren’t you?”

“Of course.” Donghyuck declares.

“Then,” Ahro smirks, “I suppose I’ll have to return the favor.” His hand slips into his pocket, procuring a crystalline vial.

“The dishonored bastard of a Demon clan has to forfeit his life in order to become a fake, is that it?” Donghyuck’s eyes watch the red liquid swirl around the glass, “Here, I thought you could stoop no lower.”

“It appears we disagree on what constitutes honor,” Ahro’s fingers toy with the opening, “No matter what happens, I cannot allow you to kill me here!”

“Ahro, no!” Taking a split second to decide, you sprint towards him to snatch away the serum.

As you near, he shouts out, “Don’t touch me!” And he shoves your attempt at saving him away, causing you to fall to the floor.

You’re too late, as he’s uncapped the vial and placing the vial to his lips, drinking the contents quickly. Ahro grips his chest, moaning in anguish. He lets the glass slip from his hand, it shattering on the floor as it lands. And then, just as Jinsang had done, his eyes begin to glow gold. His hair turns pale white and two horns emerge from his forehead.

Your brother has become a Fury.

“See?” He smirks, “Now it’s a fair fight, isn’t it, Lee Donghyuck?”

“You are lost, boy.” Donghyuck murmurs coolly. All of a sudden, an aura emanates from him as his own body morphs, his hair turning white, his eyes gold and the horns emerging from his own head. Both of them radiate spheres of energy, glowing white hot as they charge one another.

The thunderous clang of their blades echoes deafeningly around the room. Their agility is superhuman, making it difficult to track the paths of their swords as they rapidly trade a flurry of unrelenting attacks.

“You’re not quick enough for me!” Ahro laughs maniacally, “At this rate I will crush you in minutes!”

Sparks fly as their swords crack into one another, neither one willing to let up steam.

“Jinsang,” Dejun calls out, “You’re mine.”

“There’s no need to rush things,” Jinsang leers, “In fact, since we’re all together, perhaps you would be better off warming up with my beloved children.” He places two fingers to his mouth and whistles.

From behind you, you hear the ominous creak of doors opening. Within seconds, your worst fears are realized. You find yourself surrounded by a bevy of red eyes, Furies calling out for blood.

Dejun is the first to reach, unsheathing his sword, swinging fast slashes at the Furies funneling into the room. Yet… Not even Dejun’s skill with a blade can subdue the incoming Furies, they close in without flinching.

“Bastards!” Dejun cries out, releasing another volley of strikes. He has the advantage of battle-worn experience and superior strength but these Furies are different. His attacks do little to stunt their fervor, and soon, dozens of Furies have you cornered.

“Dejun! Donghyuck!” You cry out, reaching for the blade at your hip to join them in the fight. Suddenly, you’re grabbed from behind.

“Let’s leave while we can,” Jinsang murmurs to you, “No matter what anyone else claims, you are a descendent of the Heo clan. Your parents would have wanted you to join us more than anything.”

“No!” You struggle under his grip, “Let me go!” It’s impossible to slip from his grasp.

“Demons from the west and Demons from the east… Two species that have never been acquainted will now come together as one,” he says, “It will create the strongest Demon ever to exist. This is your destiny.”

His words paralyze you with fear, and at first nothing he says registers. Is this what he had planned for you all along?

If all goes according to his plan, then the causalities wouldn’t be limited to the Kingdoms alone. This affliction can potentially spread around the world, devastating countless lives. You can’t bear to let your life amount to this, nor can you stand to let yourself be attached to such a crime against humanity…

Your eyes flick down to your waist, and you struggle in your father’s arms to grab your blade.

“What are you doing?!” Jinsang shouts, “Don’t do anything reckless!” He attempts to pry the blade from you, but finds it difficult as you jostle yourself in his arms.

“Let her go, Jinsang,” Donghyuck says as he saunters towards the two of you.

“What?” Jinsang exclaims, “How are you here so soon…? Don’t tell me Ahro lost to the likes of you.”

“Are you deaf, old man? I said, ‘Let her go’.”

Your father snickers, continuing to ignore the command. Donghyuck shifts his eyes at you momentarily, looking at you intently as he motions with his lips. It’s almost as if he’s expressing his desire to kill your father, whether or not you approve.

At this point, it seems inevitable. You had spilled your heart out, and still he refused to listen. At some point, you have to accept the truth. Your paths had diverged some time ago, and it’s unlikely that you would ever see eye to eye about the atrocities he threatens to commit. Unfortunately, it leaves you with no other choice.

You look Donghyuck in the eye and without another second to hesitate, nod firmly.

Judging by his wry smile, it seems as if Donghyuck’s understood anything.

“Death is a messy affair, and this is certainly no exception.” Donghyuck raises his sword, “Shut your eyes.”

You appreciate his sentiment, but shake your head, “I am a Demon of the Heo Family,” you say, “The least I can do is dignify him with the honor of watching his final moments.”

“You’ve got a stronger heart than I thought. Don’t blame me if this haunts you forever,” His attention then turns to your father, “Okay, Jinsang. Have you made peace with yourself? Luckily for you, I am merciful. I promise this won’t hurt; well, not too much.”

He raises his sword high above your father’s head, stopping within inches of his face. Panic suddenly set in for Jinsang, realizing there would be no escape from his execution until— His eyes begin to glow menacingly, focusing his Fury powers within himself, causing the ground underfoot to rumble.

Jinsang breaks away from you to rush at Donghyuck. But it’s no use. Their difference in power is palpable. Donghyuck effortlessly swings his sword at the oncoming Jinsang, and in an instant, a deep, wide gash appears on your father’s sunken chest.

A splash of crimson blood cascades in the air as your father cries out in agony. He falls, lifeless to the floor, limp and dead. Donghyuck flicks his sword downward, sending an arc of blood droplets flying, before sheathing his blade as if to make a conclusive statement.

You run to your father’s corpse when something peculiar occurs. After the color leaves his face, his flesh begins to smolder, similar to the burning logs of a fire, and slowly, he turns to ash before you. As he disintegrates, what remains of his body floats away with the breeze, leaving behind nothing in its wake.

At long last, Heo Jinsang is dead. The man for whom you had spent years searching for had, once again, exited your life without a word.

Although you had accepted the possibility of his death long ago, your body feels suddenly light, perhaps feeling his empty weight in your broken heart. You cannot understand how it had come to this.

Reflecting on those circumstances sends you into a defeated slump, and without saying a word, Donghyuck draws you into his embrace, your tears staining his robes.

“Donghyuck,” you murmur, unable to look up at him. Whatever he has to say on the matter is an enigma to you, but for now you take solace in the comfort of his arms. You don’t think you can stand even if you want to.

“What happened to Ahro? Did you…?” What do you want to say? ‘Kill him’? The words are unable to form.

“I injured him, but he escaped.” Donghyuck says quietly, “However since it was a wound inflicted by my blade, it will take some time to heal.” The tone of his voice gives you the impression that he’s trying to put you at ease, but you doubt Ahro would completely heal from an injury Donghyuck would’ve given him. Yet the fact that he’s attempting to show you kindness makes all the difference in this moment.

“Father was a wonderful man… He was…” Your heart feels so heavy that you barely notice the tears streaming from your eyes. “He cared so much for his patients I just—I don’t understand… I was proud to call him my father.” The bittersweet memory of your childhood come flooding back to you, which seems to only exacerbate your tears.

“I wonder what caused him to change so drastically?”

“If your village hadn’t been burned to the ground, then perhaps there would have been some hope of saving the man he used to be,” Donghyuck says lowly, “At the end of the day, humans are to blame.”

There’s a resentful undertone lurking in his hushed voice. Donghyuck is unashamedly proud to be a Demon. Eventually, this pride morphed into hatred a potent discontent for everyone he considers beneath him. You can only imagine how difficult it must have been to murder one of his own kin.

“I understand…” Although humans had been responsible for the death of your people, which led to them following this path of bitter revenge… Your family chose to let it consume them to the point of no return. However, it’s easier to conceptualize than it is to accept.

“I’m just so heartbroken,” you sob so hard that your eyes begin to burn. Donghyuck, sensing your pain, holds you just a bit tighter. “I know what you mean, though… Some humans are unmistakably evil, but others are okay…” Tears drip into your mouth as you speak, their saltiness stinging. “There are so many though who commit their lives to pursuits other than power.”

In your experience, the Hwarang had been a prime example of this, you want nothing more than to learn of their fate. You need to find them, wherever they are. Now that you’ve lost your father, there aren’t many other convictions worth seeing to their end.

After a few more moments, you pull away from Donghyuck and he turns to Dejun, “I believe the fighting will soon stop in Fuyu.”

“Even though they’re fighting Furies, I doubt Sicheng will have much trouble. Perhaps we should come to his aid,” Dejun suggests.

“Indeed,” Donghyuck nods before turning to face you. “Return to the inn.”

“What?” You shake your head, “I can’t just let you two handle this alone…”

“Don’t flatter yourself. What good do you expect to do? You look dreadful,” he says, furrowing his brow. “Hurry up and return to the inn. Get some rest… Got it?”

You’re concerned about the outcome of Fuyu, but you trust Donghyuck to take care of things, and you’re comforted by the fact that he’s looking out for you.

April 8th, 666 – Hanseong, Kingdom of Silla After days of waiting, Donghyuck finally returns, slinking into the inn with a reserved expression.

“Sicheng performed his duty and destroyed all of the Heo’s monsters,” Donghyuck reports, “If you sincerely wish to reunite with the Hwarang, then prepare your things at once.” He speaks curtly, leaving you with that as he exits your room.

You quickly rummage to gather your things, your thoughts lingering on your father as you find one of his old books tucked away in your bag. Although, your attention is turned to the door once again as Donghyuck steps inside, sporting a whole new wardrobe.

It takes you a moment to recognize him as he’s wearing Tang styled clothing. It clings to the dimensions of his body so nicely that you can’t help but feel your face warm at how… nice he looks. You look away to keep from staring at him.

“What’s with your face?” He asks, “Do you want a uniform like this?”

“O-oh, no, that’s not it.” You shake your head, shoving things into your bag. “They just look a little uncomfortable.”

“Not at all,” he muses, flexing out his arms, “To tell you the truth, they’re a bit easier to maneuver in than my typical clothes. Perhaps I will have a set made for you one day, look forward to it.”

“I couldn’t—” you say quickly.

“I’m trying to show you kindness, it’s a gift.” He sighs out, “Quit wallowing in your self-pity for once. Now, there are people waiting on us. Let’s go.”

“People…?” You ask, following him outside. “Oh, hello Sicheng… Are you the person waiting for us?”

Although you had clearly addressed him, he ignores you, making you think that you’re imagining his visage. After a moment, he stares at you intently.

“Did something happen?” You ask with a tilt of your head.

Yet again, he doesn’t respond, choosing instead to chew on his lips as he picks out his word carefully, “Do you remember the Hwarang captain Jaehyun?”

“Of course,” you nod, “He was one of the kindest people I met when I lived with the Hwarang.” Why is Sicheng mentioning Jaehyun now? As you consider the possibilities, it hits you. It feels as if one of Sicheng’s arrows has hit your chest, and you’re finding it difficult to breathe.

No… It can’t be.

“Jaehyun passed away. He lost his life battling the Furies in Fuyu…”

“What?!” You cry out. Even though you had braced yourself for the possibility, nothing can soften the blow of the truth. “Wh- Why would he…?”

Because Namekawa had mentioned something about how Jaehyun wasn’t traveling with the Hwarang anymore, you had assumed he would’ve gone elsewhere other than the front lines.

“While investigating the movement of Jinsang’s Furies, he and I crossed paths,” Sicheng explains, “After briefing him of our situation, he and I struck up something of an alliance… All of a sudden, he began repeating how much he’d wanted to battle beside me. Maybe it’s me. Maybe I’m just back luck, since everyone I fight alongside ends up dead soon after.”

Although you’re watching his lips move, you mind instinctively mutes everything else that falls from his moth. You try your best to focus on your image of Jaehyun. There’s nothing of worth you can contribute so you simply stand there, demoralized and numb.

Jaehyun… Although he seemed rough around the edges to others, you remember him more as a gentle, courageous soul. How could someone so beautiful die so young…?

“No time for tears,” Donghyuck says, “You still want to find them, don’t you?”

You nod silently, hoping that Jaehyun’s death is the epilogue to your harrowing journey… Although you’re unsure if that’s the case now.

May 19th, 666 – Fuyu, Kingdom of Goguryeo By the time you reach Fuyu, spring is in full bloom. You find the town has already succumbed to Silla as their forces begin to encircle Pyongyang. The town itself is still in disarray from the battle, its ravaged exterior telling you everything you need to know.

“I have bad news,” Donghyuck murmurs to you as you walk along the streets of the town, not noticing that he had joined you some time along your stroll.

“Donghyuck…” Your heart still reeling from Sicheng’s revelation of Jaehyun, you’re unsure of how much more you can take. “Please, go on.”

As soon as you answer, he tilts his head down and speaks quietly, “In retaliation for their capture of Fuyu, Taeil was tried and beheaded by the Goguryeo forces.”

A paragon of benevolence and leadership… Taeil had been denied an honorable death and it breaks your heart to hear that he’d been decapitated like some criminal. For a moment you remain silent, softly turning your thoughts over in your head as Donghyuck looks away.

“You can decide whether or not you believe it.”

“No,” you shake your head, “I believe you.”

When Namekawa had notified you of Taeil’s surrender, you considered this to be the worst-case scenario. You buried the thought somewhere, clinging to the hope that he could be rescued, or maybe they would show him mercy for his character. But hearing Donghyuck say it, having it become real through his curt, impersonal words, is a devastating blow at a time when you’re reaching your limit.

“What does that mean for the Hwarang now?” You question.

Taeil had proudly served as the Hwarang’s Chief, and without him, you wonder how they would adapt to his absence.

“I hear they’ve begun to march onto Geumji to continue fighting in their late Chief’s honor.” He says simply, “Where does that leave you?” His question seems less interrogative and more interested in your feelings, which you appreciate.

However, you figure he’s intuitive enough to know that your opinion on the matter is unchanged, and you answer him resolutely, “I’m going to Geumji too. I’m going to wherever the Hwarang men are.”

September 5th, 666 – The Road to Geumji, Kingdom of Goguryeo After a long and encompassing journey, Donghyuck and you set foot in a small town some days away from Pyongyang, gazing at the peripheral view of its vast landscape. Tension boils in the air around the upcoming battles, particularly in the small villages in the area, just like the one you’re in now.

It’s here that Xiao Dejun meets you, giving you valuable information.

“The Hwarang were fighting in Naemihol until mid-June,” He relays, “They held the area until Silla forces could successfully take over entire control… But they lost many men in the conflict.”

“Just as I thought…” Donghyuck murmurs, “Cannon fodder.”

After being dealt another crushing wave of causalities, Dejun mentions something that piques your interest. “They’re heading to Namhansanseong. To my knowledge, their plan is to fortify the fortress and hold it for as long as they can until Silla once again comes to their aid.”

“Namhansanseong… Then that’s where we need to go, isn’t it?” You say quickly.

“One would assume…” Donghyuck nods, “Is that what you want?”

Chasing the Hwarang is trying to catch smoke with your hands, they’re just out of reach every time. Would your reunion ever happen? Or would each of the succumb to a fate similar to Taeil’s or Jaehyun’s before this war ever ends?

Fear and anxiety prompts you to speak, “I want to go.”

“I’m unamused by your poor attempt at humor,” Donghyuck frowns, “If you’re being serious, then I’m even less amused.” Sensing your resolve, he speaks bitterly, “Are you stupid or have you been living under a rock while they run themselves into the ground? Namhansanseong will be attacked relentlessly before Silla even sets foot into the area, are you sure that your Hwarang will be there when we arrive?”

“I understand,” you mirror his frown, “but that’s the only lead we have about their whereabouts. I’ve missed them a handful of times now and I don’t know if I could stomach never seeing them again.” You stop yourself, biting your tongue from contemplating the worst.

Donghyuck’s expression, however, is as aloof as it’s always been, “Let’s suppose they are, in fact, at Namhansanseong. What the hell do you expect you’re going to do if you make it there? Waltz on in?”

“Well—” You start before Donghyuck stops you.

“You would be killed. You’re an idiot if you think otherwise.”

“I am not going to do anything once I get there!” You don’t need his sharp criticism; not do you expect to come and rescue the Hwarang. You just need him to understand how you feel. “I just… I want to see everyone while I still can.” trying to steady your breath, you continue, “I don’t know if I could bear the thought of never seeing them again before something happens to them like Taeil or Jaehyun…”

“What?” He says bluntly, “You’re willing to get yourself killed for the mere possibility of seeing them?”

“I’m not going to let them kill me…”

“Mind telling me what you know that I don’t?” Voice piquing, “In case you were unaware, Moon Taeil has been executed, and his head is currently on display at Dosal Castle. Then there’s Jeong Jaehyun, who was ripped to shreds in Fuyu. No one’s patting him on the back for dying like a wounded animal. I’ve told you all this before—they will be a footnote in history.”

He makes sense, if the fortress is going to come under siege it would be foolish for you to go. The Hwarang would die and be written off as some common foot soldiers, warping the truth and their meaning as a while…

“I’ll remember them,” you state, “It doesn’t matter if people mischaracterize the Hwarang from who they really were…. I will honor their memory, and you can make damn sure that I’ll never forget it.”

You can almost hear Donghyuck gnashing his teeth as he glares at you, “I knew women were whimsied by delusion, but you are sitting at the top of the pile. Very well. Do what makes you happy.”

An awkward tension lingers in the space of your conversation, making you unsure if Donghyuck’s upset or just frustrated at your unwillingness to cooperate. His eyes are like daggers, sinking into you.

“Let’s simmer down, you two,” Dejun steps in, looking to the other man, “What’s the point in arguing? And you, Donghyuck, you normally keep your cool around women.”

He scoffs, “Maybe I’d keep my ‘cool’ if she wasn’t being such an idiot. This discussion is pointless. I have other things that require my attention, I’m taking my leave.” Donghyuck’s biting tone leaves you feeling uncomfortable as he spins on his heels and walks away.

You contemplate calling his name to clear the air but Dejun stops you.

“You should go after him.” Noting your confused expression, he continues, “Donghyuck is a real grouch, but he’s not the type of man that would let something frustrate him enough to walk off like that… I understand that you’re racing against the clock to see your friends right now, but it’s not like you’re in any position to get to Namhansanseong by yourself. You know that, right?”

“Yes…”

“Besides, it’s like you said. We have no idea or guarantee that the Hwarang will be there. I’ll do what I can to investigate their whereabouts for the time being… For now, why don’t you speak to Donghyuck?”

“Thank you, Dejun,” you say quickly, beginning to walk after Donghyuck.

“No need,” he shakes his head with a small smile, “I’m simply doing my duty.”

By the time you find Donghyuck, the sun is beginning to set into a warm pool on the horizon.

“Donghyuck…” You timidly call out to him.

He turns his head to gaze at you, but pays you no mind after and continues to walk at the same pace.

“Where… Where are you going?”

“If you insist on joining me, then shut your mouth and keep up. You’ll understand when we arrive.”

You sprint up to try and further the conversation, but he seems unwilling to entertain such things. You peek as him confusedly, and you’re struck with the most peculiar feeling of déjà vu.

“Huh?” Time seems to shift for a moment, things moving slowly as you look to a row of trees looming over the forested path. Its neat arrangement reminds you of a welcoming ceremony. Nose tingling with the most familiar scents; a fragrant patch of flowers dotting a lush meadow, dew clinging onto their petals…

Your body is trying to tell you something, consuming you with a vague sense of yearning. It all feels so surreal, and you can’t place your finger on it. An ambient energy imbues you, a serene grace that puts your tired heart at ease.

“Here we are…” Before you have an opportunity to voice how strange you feel, Donghyuck stops walking.

“This place…” you can hardly form the words as you realize. Your eyes scanning the environment, hitting you with a blast of nostalgia that nearly topples you. Beside you lay a charred hut with fallen supports, your mind immediately pictures what it once had been. This had been a village, and in the middle of it lays a decayed well, encircled by overgrown weeds.

Remnants of old life remains scattered here, an old bucket lay broken, an old doll lay weathered in the grass near your feet. There’s no mistaking where you are.

“Is this the village where I was born?” You look to Donghyuck, who neglects to answer you and shuts his eyes softly.

“Hm…” Something catches his attention, his eyes shooting open and he darts up a small hill to see what it is. To your surprise, you see Hak Ahro.

He’s collapsed in a bed of flowers, your heart dropping as you near. On the side of his ribcage is gauze that had been completely soaked in blood. You’re under the impression that he’d attempted to treat his injury inflicted by Donghyuck yet… It doesn’t surprise you that he would flee here in anticipation of death’s embrace, left to suffer his last, bitter moments alone.

“He’s been long dead…” Donghyuck ascertains by the stiffness of the body.

You take comfort in that, in the fact that his expression seems rather peaceful. Part of you believes that, after the evening passes, he’ll wake up to greet the morning and you could talk about everything that happened.

A new memory begins to uncloud itself as you look on to your deceased brother’s body… It had been years ago, back when this village was populated and full of life. You’d asked Ahro to take to see flowers… To see these flowers, even though your parents hadn’t allowed it. He’d offered to take you in secret, claiming that he’d protect you from anything outside.

“I just remembered something important,” you say, feeling a hot, sticky tear begin to roll down your cheek.

“Important?” Donghyuck questions.

You nod softly, “I was… loved. There were many people who protected and cared for me; most of all, it was Jinsang and Ahro...”

“I see…” Donghyuck doesn’t press the matter further. The two of you listen to the gentle hum of the wind passing through the bones of the village, grazing against the burned wood and worn stone. “Your brother deserves to be buried, a grave befitting the head of the Heo Family.”

Together, you hike to the peak of the hill that overlooks the village, and it is there that you bury Ahro’s remains. Donghyuck keeps his eyes fixated on the grave for a few minutes after you had finished padding the dirt down. He sighs and reaches for the canteen on the side of his belt, pouring the contents gently atop the grave.

The gokaju reflects in the moonlight as it falls from the bottle, seeping deep into the soil. Donghyuck is expressionless, watching the alcohol drip out as the container empties. His eyes glow with melancholy, and you wonder if he’s regretful about how things had transpired between the two of them.

“If it weren’t for the humans, then I am certain that your brother would have made a fine leader.” His sentiment heavy, seeming as if the two of you are learning to navigate the nuances of your grief together.

‘If it weren’t for the humans…’ It’s a lofty question, one that you will likely ponder for the remainder of your life. Things could have manifested so differently for Ahro and your father… At the very least, they could have made an impact on their people, unburdened by the curse of vengeance that unfairly plagued the rest of their short lives.

Ahro originally mentioned something about wanting to use the Furies to build back the Heo Clan, but in the end, you believe it all to have been a mask to hide the trauma inflicted by the wicked humans. In essence, he had wanted to preserve the picture of this village and everything it stood for.

Maybe—just maybe—he’d wanted to reclaim some of those memories that were viciously stripped from him. He was a boy whose every step was met with misfortune, tragically so. He died as he lived—alone. It’s the only way you’re able to think of him without slumping into a dark depression.

You wish and hope that his last moments were painless, that he’d been able to reconcile his hatred as he laid in the meadow of the one place he cared for.

“Donghyuck…” you call out his name once more as you leave the hill slowly.

“What?”

“I know that my father and Ahro committed unforgivable crimes against humanity and our people… Do you think it would be okay for me to remember them as gentle, kind people…?” Jinsang’s serum had been catastrophic, responsible for countless deaths. For them to violate the natural order of Demonhood, and all that encompasses your sacred existence, is a mark of condemnation to Donghyuck and his kin.

“You are free to do as you please,” he says quietly. “The Demon’s Code has no bearing on matters of the heart. Regardless of the sins they have committed, they are still your family.”

His words bring a weight from your shoulders, “Can I ask you one more question? Demons far surpass humans in strength and ability, right? How can you explain what happened to my people? How were humans able to do,” you look to the barren village, “this?”

Donghyuck tilts his head, staring into your eyes inquisitively. Perhaps he’s testing you to see if you can handle the true; to be honest, you’re unsure if you are, but the question needs an answer.

“Goguryeo asked for aid in stopping the preliminary attacks on Baekje almost twenty years ago, they needed more help than my or Dejun’s families could afford to give them, so they went east… It was then they asked the Heo clan.” Donghyuck pauses for a moment, “Your people, however, were unenthused about the idea of participating in human affairs, particularly in regards to warfare, and supposedly declined to help…”

Because the expressed no interest, you’re sure that the King of Goguryeo saw that as an affront to his authority…

“That’s why my people were killed? That was their justification?” You cry out in defeat and Donghyuck turns to look at the remnants of the village. It’s futile. The past cannot be changed.

“Do you now feel their hatred?” He asks simply before uttering his words of advice, “Remain in the shadows, out of their affairs. This is where Demons belong. Of all the clans, yours is the one who put the dignity of its people first by refusing. The humans had no right to attack your people, and were blinded by their lust for power and control.”

You direct your gaze to the forest floor as he speaks once more, his voice barely above a whisper, “It was never my intention to reveal the history of the Heo Clan to you, but… I suppose, because we are here, it is unavoidable.”

As you look to him, he asks, “Do you not resent the humans for what they’ve done?”

You mull for a moment, “There’s a part of me that thinks about how I should hate them… But there’s something overriding that angry voice and instead I just feel… heartbroken. I’m just filled with sorrow for what could have been.”

“Sorrow?” He asks and you nod.

When you first learned of what compelled your father and Ahro to embark on this path of revenge, all you felt was sorrow. Grief has taken you entirely now. You’d been reminded of the family you used to know as well as the parents you will never know.

“My real father and mother… And everyone else… Do you know how they died?”

Donghyuck shakes his head, “I haven’t the faintest idea. My only knowledge is that none of them put up a fight, and were complicit in the humans’ rampage. It was an admirable effort, holding onto their convictions as Demons by refusing to fight the humans, even at the cost of their own lives.”

As you and Donghyuck walk through the village, you kneel down to rest your hand to lay upon one of the fallen pillars that had greeted you upon your arrival. Had you touched this pillar as a child? Now it lays as a lifeless and forgotten artifact.

“Is there no way for us to live in a world where everyone can coexist peacefully?”

Why is the pursuit of peace so entrenched in the deaths of innocent lives?

“The Hwarang exposed me to so many different walks of life… A range of motivations, ideologies and ambitions.” When two opposing parties are unwilling to compromise, then it usually leads to war, yet… “All anyone should be concerned about is helping out their fellow man. It just breaks my heart to see that people are so willing to inflict pain on others.”

“I can see how hurt you are…” Donghyuck takes this moment to console you, not refute, and nods quietly. There’s a kind twinkle in his eyes, which you notice to be uncharacteristically placid as you look at him. “Perhaps there will be a day when we will no longer need our swords to speak for us.”

Eventually, you fall quiet, naturally running out of things to say. After a moment, he mutters to himself, “Humans are hopeless. They are, without exception, drawn to conflict like a moth to a lantern. This is why Demons have forsaken them, my desire to aid in their war wanes with each day. And of course, so should yours.”

“Donghyuck…” You had no intention of being near this war, but there’s so much you need to do; namely, learn the fate of the Hwarang. Understandably, they are still deeply entrenched in the war and whatever outcome that awaits them.

“Don’t think that I’m unaware of your concern for the Hwarang men’s safety,” he says abruptly. “If you want to see them so badly, then it is pertinent for you to exercise patience. If you become restless and enter conflict too hastily, then you’ll die before you get a chance to reunite with them. Impatience is unbecoming and I believe your ancestors wouldn’t wish that upon you.”

“You’re right…” You murmur, coming to realize what he’s been saying. Donghyuck is often blunt, if not outright rude. But he’s speaking honestly, and you can tell he’s genuinely worried for your well-being. That, you know for sure. “Thank you for looking out for me.”

“Well, with your penchant for recklessness, it is a necessity.” He hums.

“Recklessness?!”

“How else could I describe it?” A grin grows on his lips. “You have no means of reaching Namhansanseong by yourself.” Although he’s chiding you once again, you find his delivery endearing, his words snaking their way into your heart.

“Dejun said the same thing that you did, Donghyuck.” You say slowly, “he said that we have no way of knowing whether or not the Hwarang men will still be there by the time we arrive, so I should wait. I suppose will have to until we know for sure…”

His eyes scan you, thinning with satisfaction, “Glad to see you’ve wisened up by taking my advice to heart. Obedience is a good look on you, you’re well on your way to becoming a good wife.”

“Way to miss the point!” You huff, cheeks warming as you speak again, “Besides, I’m not your wife.”

After scoffing at his suggestion, you tun to get one last glimpse of the scenery around you. All you want is to reunite with the Hwarang, but now you can’t bear the thought of letting the deaths of your paternal parents, Jinsang and Ahro be in vain by wasting your life so wantonly. You have to make absolutely sure to pick and choose your battles.

As you leave the village, you put the image of the charred ruins behind you, instead carrying the resolve to honor your people and their sacrifice.

December 15th, 666 – Geumji, Kingdom of Goguryeo After staying in the village on the route to Namhansanseong for a while, it’s found out that the Hwarang have made it to Namhansanseong in record time. Yet, the battle had been short lived, Goguryeo surrendered swiftly, wanting to save their men for the final affront from Silla on their own doorstep. You’re now unsure of the Hwarang’s whereabouts, only waiting anxiously as you and Donghyuck spot Dejun walking down the well-worn path towards you.

“I have discovered their location,” he says quietly. He takes a deep breath and speaks somberly, “Allegedly, Li Yongqin, has passed away from illness in Sabi. As for Nakamoto Yuta, he was last seen leading a battalion of men at Wangnam Pass, and has been missing in action. We can only assume the worst…”

Your stomach sinks like a stone into the ocean. Suddenly, your breaths are shallow and staggered, they were… gone. Two of the most talented warriors in the Hwarang are now nothing more than just a faint memory, fading against the tide of time.

“Wong Yukhei, who had been reported to have left the Hwarang, is also missing in action.” You bite your lip. Is he safe? Are any of them safe? “Lee Taeyong and Na Jaemin, both of whom led the Fury Corps under the Hwarang, were killed in combat in Cholsan fighting Goguryeo soldiers.”

“Taeyong and Jaemin too?!” You cry out.

“The Goguryeo army was likely briefed of their use of the Furies and their weaknesses by Jinsang…” Donghyuck sighs.

Their deaths are difficult to take in as you swirl already in a pit of despair. They’d willingly gave up their humanity to become Furies, and not even that could save them.

“What about the others?” You ask, looking to Dejun.

“Thankfully for you, Qian Kun lives and is en route to Pyongyang with his remaining men. They’re actually leaving from the port here later today…”

“Today?!” Your eyes shoot open, looking towards the hill that leads down to the docks brimming along the town’s waterfront.

“Did I hear correctly?” Donghyuck questions, “Even with his men gone? That little dog still has some bite, huh?” He’d always been first in line to scorn the Hwarang’s actions, but this is different. His tone leads you to believe the he’s impressed by Kun, which is a little strange.

“So, everyone’s still putting up a fight?” Life for the Hwarang following the Battle of Seorabeol is nothing but one continuous adjustment to loss and victory. Yet, they continue to push forward with their heads high.

“What reasons have they scraped together to justify continuing on?” Donghyuck murmurs, “As I recall, the Crown has never taken favorably to them. I cannot fathom any reason to risk their lives so needlessly. Yet, here they are…”

“I’m unsure too,” you nod. Yet, you do know one thing. You celebrate internally, knowing their spirits are unbroken in the light of loss.

“Speaking as an outsider,” Donghyuck adds, “All they’re doing is hopping from one burial ground to the next. Can you honestly tell me that this is the future they envisioned for themselves?”

“Yes…” Their steadfast dedication on the battlefield is a monument to the courage and principles of their fallen comrades.

“Do you plan on following them to Pyongyang as well?” Dejun questions.

“Yes,” you nod, “The Commander may be unaware of the news that some of the captains have passed away…”

With Yongqin having died in Sabi and Jaehyun in Fuyu, it’s unclear to you if word of their passing has reached him. It’s your duty to honor their memory by telling Kun yourself.

Your eyes shift to Donghyuck, “I want to travel to Pyongyang and meet up with whoever’s left.” Before you continue, you take a moment to calculate what you wish to say, “Would it be too much to ask if you’d join me?”

“Me?” His eyes widen in surprise, “Go along with you?”

“Yes,” you nod somberly, “Even if it will be a victory for Silla, I have a gut feeling that this is the end for the Hwarang.” No battlefields had been left untouched by the vicious torrents of the war, and Pyongyang stands as the decisive scene in your Kingdom’s most tumultuous chapter. “I, um, I guess that’s even more of a reason why I… I want to travel together, Donghyuck. I want you with me when I witness the end of the Hwarang.”

It’s surreal, if not strangely appropriate, of you to ask such a thing of him. Yet, because Donghyuck’s been involved in so many duels with them over the years, you want him to bear witness to what could possibly be the Hwarang’s final, intimate moments.

He listens intently, and when you finish speaking, his lips curl into a smug grin, “The ‘end’ for them, you say…? What an enticing offer.”

“Thank you,” you’re flushed with relief at his acceptance. It’s felt like ages since anyone has been able to coax a sincere smile from you.

“I suppose that means we’ll be off…” Donghyuck says, waving a short goodbye to Dejun. “It will be faster to sail there than to walk…”

“Thank you, Dejun, I hope to see you again soon,” you say, beginning to turn around before he stops you.

“Hold on, there’s someone here who wants to speak with you.”

Turning back around, you’re met with both the visages of Xiao Dejun and Dong Sicheng.

“It looks like you’ve made it in one piece,” Sicheng notes with a smile.

“Sicheng!” You call out, “What are you doing here?”

“I just came to bring you something,” he says, reaching for a sword on his waist. You have trouble looking at it properly until he holds the sheathed metal out to you, and you can finally read the inscription on the sheath.

“Is that… Jaehyun’s?” You ask, reaching out for the leather holster.

“It is,” he nods slowly, “I was unable to reach the Hwarang in time. If he had lived, I believe he’d still be here fighting by everyone’s side. He was tenacious.”

Grabbing hold of the memento, you securely strap the sheathe onto you, letting it rest next to your own blade. The added weight feels as if you’re carrying along his legacy with you.

“You’re an ally of Goguryeo, are you not?” Donghyuck asks Sicheng.

“Like hell I am,” he scoffs, “I only answer to Baekje. Human history is only written by the victors, and everyone else is cast into the dirt. So, far be it from me to let their history speak for me.”

“Smells like bullshit to me,” Donghyuck hums.

Sicheng grimaces playfully at the other, then turns to face you, “You still plan on following after those Hwarang of yours, right?”

“I hope to,” you nod.

“Tell them that Jeong was one of the bravest, most ferocious warriors I’ve ever met,” Sicheng says with a smile.

“Sicheng…” Praising humans isn’t exactly one of his habits, especially to the degree he’s described Jaehyun. Imagining what he must have witnessed with Jaehyun moves you almost as much as it must have moved him, a bittersweet warmth swells in your chest.

“Understood, I’ll pass on the word.”

Donghyuck sighs, “Don’t bother. Isn’t this just another worm you’ve let crawl into your insipid heart?”

“Well, look who’s talking. Who was it exactly that you came all the way here for?” Sicheng pokes, “I bet you’re just as curious in seeing what’s going to happen to the Hwarang.”

“Hardly. I am but a passenger of circumstance, which has taken me on the same path as them.” He shakes his head, “Enough wasting time, we have a ship to catch.”

“Okay,” you nod and turn to the other Demons. “Sicheng, Dejun, please take care of yourselves.”

As you bid the two of them farewell, Donghyuck and you see yourselves out to port. Once arriving, you find the harbor to be eerily quiet.

“Have they already left?” You wonder aloud, not seeing many people bustling around.

“It appears as though the boat has already left the harbor…” Donghyuck looks to the western ocean, “I believe we just missed them. They couldn’t have gotten far, so we may be able to see their boat. Do you want to try?”

“Of course. Let’s go.”

Donghyuck and you ascend a nearby beach bluff where you hope to get a clearer view. A cascade of maroon ripples across the vast sea in a reflection of the wide sunset, and in the distance, you watch the shadow of a boat on the horizon.

“Do you think that’s them?” You ask Donghyuck as you squint from the light on the water.

“I believe so.”

You had traveled two Kingdoms searching for them. Now, once again, you have just barely missed them, left in the dust. A sharp pang shoots up through your nose and suddenly you find yourself fighting back a wave of tears. Your teeth dig into your lower lip, hoping to not let this deluge of self-pity come to the surface.

“If you want to cry so badly, why don’t you?” Donghyuck asks.

“No…” You shake your head, the tears still welling up in your eyes. “Only because I can imagine how much pain they’re in right now… I have no right to shed tears when it’s not me who’s fighting out there.”

Donghyuck sighs out of frustration and closes his eyes, pausing as he shifts back and forth, “You know, just because you’re not good with a sword doesn’t mean you’re not fighting. Although your methods are quite different from the Hwarang’s, you’ve had your own demons to fight. Even I’ve noticed it.”

It feels warm to hear his gentle words acknowledging how much you’ve been through.

After seeing your father’s death, your lukewarm reunion with Ahro and visiting the village of your birth. Then your revelation of what had occurred to your friends. A tempest of grief gathered its winds in your heart, continuing to swirl with fervor as you try now not to collapse.

You can’t cry… If you do, then you’ll blur your sight of the ship that houses the remainder of your friends in the Hwarang.

“I’ll turn around if you’d like. Cry as much as you wish.” Donghyuck points his nose towards the ocean, which glows with hues of orange and gold under the glimmer of the late afternoon.

In this moment, the levee holding back your tears bursts. Your forehead presses against Donghyuck’s back, hands grabbing hold as well. Wailing as quietly as you can, you lament them once again slipping through your fingers. The ship begins to vanish beyond the horizon, sailing into the ocean’s furthest tendrils. Soon, it disappears from sight. You listen to the roar of the ocean for a moment before Donghyuck speaks,

“I promise you… I will take you to them.” His voice low, yet urging, “Just be patient… okay?”

Donghyuck, who previously seemed hell bent on abducting you at any cost from the Hwarang…. Now the shoe is on the other foot, and he’s promised to keep you safe on this last journey. Although, you’re unsure of when it’d actually happen.

February 11th, 667 – Geumji, Kingdom of Silla Your initial attempts to leave the harbor, to chase after the Hwarang, proved fruitless. Negotiating with ship captains to allow to random strangers, who for all intents and purposes where no more than stowaways, is aa difficult sell. And finding a captain to go northward in the winter months is a harder find.

Donghyuck had sensed that your search would require more time than originally thought, an so he rented out a nearby mansion in the city center for the time being.

Funnily enough, you’re becoming used to your cozy life in Geumji.

Word reaches you that the siege of Pyongyang is under way. And your want to reach the Hwarang grows by the day.

Sitting in your room, you find yourself becoming too distracted to continue sewing, heaving a small sigh to yourself in the comfort of the mansion. Almost two months have passed since you heard about the report of the massive invasion now taking place in Pyongyang. But, even as the threat of conflict looms in a nearby city, leads for a means to reach Pyongyang are elusive.

Your circumstance had become particularly dire when Goguryeo forces began to attack ships sailing in from the south. Thanks to increased tensions, locating a suitable ship for a civilian like yourself is near impossible.

It’s been so long since your separation from the Hwarang, which only worsens your anxiety about realistically being able to find them. Would you ever be able reunite with them?

It isn’t that Donghyuck’s promise of safely reaching them is wearing thin with you, but each day without progress is making you impatient.

Each day, Donghyuck and Dejun flit around every market and tavern, eavesdropping on conversations to gather intelligence and leads for transport to Pyongyang. For yourself, you’d been tasked with keeping the homestead tidy, taking time each day to prepare meals and mend clothes.

The sound of the door opening makes your ears perk up; you straighten yourself reflexively.

“…I’m back.” Donghyuck says as he saunters into the room, settling down at the table in the center of the main room.

“Welcome back,” you say, quickly moving onto your question, “Did you hear any leads about ships departing…?”

His silence is deafening; no such luck today. He seems especially aggrieved, given his slumped body language.

“Did something happen?” You ask tentatively. “I feel like you’re keeping something from me…”

Silence.

“Donghyuck?”

His mannerisms in his foulest moods are uncannily cat-like: dismissive to a spiteful degree. You know that sitting idly by only gives him time to let his attitude fester.

“Regardless,” you say with a smile, “Thank you for searching for our sake. I’m going to start dinner so please, make yourself comfortable. Or would you rather I wait a while and let you rest?”

“Neither.” He says shortly, “My throat is rather dry, I desire a cup of gokaju before dinner. Fetch me a bottle at once.”

“Sure,” you nod, complying with him, “Although I’m only going to grab you one as drinking too much isn’t good for your health.”

“Hmph. I bring death to those who threaten to waste my precious time and you worry about my health?” He asks, “Besides, gokaju is more of a medicine than a poison, and as you’ve noticed, I’m sick. Make it three bottles.”

“Hey,” you frown, “Don’t take your frustrations out on me. Also, it’s only a ‘medicine’ when you drink it in moderation—not when you’re piss drunk. Haven’t you heard the phrase, ‘The last drop makes the cup run over’?”

He glares at you repugnantly, no doubt incensed by your brevity in challenging him. Yet, after have spending nearly every moment of the last two years together, you’re beginning to peel back the layers, making his behaviors a bit easier to decode. Your intense stares go on for a few more moments, pressure bubbling to the surface like sulfur.

As tension reaches a breaking point, the two of you break the silence at the exact same time.

“Fine… Two will do.”

“Oh, very well… I’ll get two for you.”

You laugh at this, finding yourself more comfortable with his petulant veneer. It gives you the confidence to assert yourself more and more.

“How playfully cavalier of you,” he notes, “So far, neither a vessel nor the location of one has been ascertained. Doesn’t this bother you?”

“I can’t help my anxiousness over it but… To tell you the truth, I’m grateful of all that you and Dejun have done for me recently.” You’re not speaking of just their diligence in Geumji. Many times, you could have fallen prey to a bevy of dangers while outside of the Hwarang’s custody, but Donghyuck has repeatedly saved your life during your time together. “If I had to deal with all of this alone, then there’s no telling where I’d be at this point.”

You pause for a moment, “You know, I was intimidated by you at first. But now, I have to admit that I owe much to you. So, from the bottom of my heat… Thank you.” With every ounce of appreciation you can muster, you admit to him your sincere debt of gratitude.

“That’s more like it,” he smirks. “Humility is a more attractive color on you. From now on, feel free to humble yourself by complimenting me however much you deem fit.”

“Oh please,” you nearly groan, “I just did. Don’t make me regret it already…” Throwing a petty fit, you pout your lips as Donghyuck chuckles to himself.

Suddenly, his expression drops and he appears stern without missing a beat, “Earlier, you had a question. I have a response.”

“Oh?” Your heart seems keen on bursting from your chest, wondering if he had in fact located a ship.

“Actually, this would be a better discussion for after we’ve eaten. Prepare yourself in the meantime.”

Your meal is shared in silence, you have trouble finding room for your last piece of fish, so you stand to collect the dishes. After cleaning the plates and utensils, you stand in front of Donghyuck calmly, waiting for him to share any possible information about a ship.

“So, in regards to leaving for Goguryeo… Their army has graciously offered us permission to board their ship.”

“Really?!” You exclaim.

“Of course. In what world would lying about that benefit me?”

“Thank you!” you cry out, “At long last… I can finally reunite with the Hwarang.” Euphoric tears form behind your eyelids, and once more you thank Donghyuck.

As in usual custom, he bears no immediate reaction, his expression unchanged.

“Donghyuck?”

“I cannot guarantee that either of us will find them, however.” He closes his eyes momentarily, “In all honesty, the chances are slim to none.”

“What…?” Somehow, the message behind his words fails to register, and you fall silent. “Wh-Why not? We’re still going to take our chances and board that ship, aren’t we?”

A sneaking suspicion that things are about to change spurns the furious pounding of your heart. His words had been spoken eerily, worming their way into your heart like a haunting premonition.

“The Hwarang were some of the first men that breached the walls of Pyongyang, and while the city is almost in Silla’s favor… Well… Not many men survive the initial attacks. Their fate has spoken, we just aren’t privy to it yet.”

You hold your breath, predicting the worst. Years of blood, toil and sweat, spent in countless battlefields over the corpses of friends and foes… They can’t be gone yet… They can’t. By the time you set sail for Pyongyang, there might not be anyone alive to greet you.

Just as you’re on the brink of collapsing, Donghyuck reaches out his hand to steady you. “Stand. You committed yourself to witnessing their end firsthand. Or were those all hollow gestures?”

“I… wasn’t lying.” His words slap you across the face. Donghyuck has a habit of provoking your insecurities, as if he takes pleasure from seeing you panic. For some reason, this is different as he strikes a potent nerve.

“So, if you were being truthful, then it must be clear to you. Their sense of pride. The journey they’ve traveled, and how you are woven into their myth.” He says, grip tightening on you, “Your tenure together may have been brief, remember them as they were; remember how they honored their code. This duty is yours alone… Should you survive, then you will be the sole keeper of their memory.”

Now, unlike any moment prior, is the moment that you realize how fiercely Donghyuck’s crimson eyes burn, how they can spark inspiration within you to do anything.

“Okay…” All you can muster is a nod in response. It’s still too soon for you to accept grief, let alone wallow in a pool of sorrow, “But, we’re still able to board the ship, right?”

“Yes…”

“Okay, then let’s leave for Pyongyang. To see the Hwarang, whatever state they’re in.”

Upon hearing your response, Donghyuck’s mouth turns into a grin, and you swear you see a twinkle in his eye, “Very well, I shall take you there. Besides I vowed to do so. You can always count on a Demon to be true to their word…”

“Thank you.” You take a deep gulp of air, letting yourself process the weight of the undertaking you’d just accepted.

Thinking back on it, your father and brother… In fact, almost every warrior you’d ever met imparted something significant to you before passing on. Your heart is keenly aware that another memory, as Donghyuck had described, would be waiting for you in Pyongyang. It’s the end of a long, long war.

You’re sure that your journey with the Hwarang, too, will succumb at this war’s culmination, and nothing you say or do will ever fully prepare you.

February 27th, 667 – Nampo Bay The scents of rust and salt greet you as you board the small trading vessel, and you think of the strings Donghyuck and Dejun must have pulled to make this happen. Your initial impression of them had been heartless monsters set on destroying the Hwarang… But here you are, finding yourself thanking them repeatedly. No matter how many times you say it, it never captures how indebted you feel to their kindness.

“Shall we?” Donghyuck asks, holding out his hand to help you step onto the deck.

“Yes,” you say, taking his hand and jumping aboard, “Let’s go.”

A faint smile curls onto his lips as his hand leaves yours.

As day turns to night, you sit atop the ship’s deck, letting the cold air whip by your cheeks. Beyond this stretch of water are the remaining members of the Hwarang… You’d been so close to Pyongyang earlier last year; you find it funny now that you’ll be approaching it from the opposite side.

As you find yourself lost in thought, you’re startled by Donghyuck’s presence next to you.

“We should arrive no later than tomorrow,” he says coolly, “Have you given any more consideration to your aim in witnessing their final moments?”

Your gaze falls to the deck, you think that you’re ready for it, but the more you inch towards Pyongyang, the more hesitant you become. The reality is that the number of men who fought and sacrificed their lives is a mystery to you, and you’ve been oblivious to it for some time. For all you know, them men whom you so desperately pine to see could be long gone, their bodies ravaged in unspeakable ways.

Taeil, Taeyong, Yongqin, Yuta, Jaemin, Jaehyun… Over the past two years, news of their deaths had traveled to you while tending to your own business with Donghyuck. You fooled yourself into thinking that, somehow, not bearing firsthand witness to their deaths means there’s a chance that they’re still alive but…

“I need to see it for myself.” You state firmly, looking out over the water, “I want to see their frit, their conviction, and I want to be there for them… when it all comes to a close. Since we keep their memory, we must witness every second of it for the sake of its truth.

Donghyuck keeps his gaze fixed on the northern star, which softly flickers above the ocean. It takes him a moment to speak, “I hate the cold. Let’s return inside.”

You follow shortly after him, hearing the waves crash against the side of the ship as you go below deck.

February 28h, 667 – Nampo Bay Just as Donghyuck had predicted, the ship arrives on the outskirts of Goguryeo the very next day. In order to travel upriver to Pyongyang, you move to a smaller ship, dropping anchor before hastily boarding.

As you travel upstream, the sounds of fighting and the smell of smoke pervades through the air.

“We’re sailing right into the thick of it…” Donghyuck murmurs as your heart drops, realizing that the Hwarang are likely fighting for their lives right now. In your anxious haste, you seem ready to sprint from the small ship as it docks at a port outside of Pyongyang before Donghyuck calls out to you.

“Donghyuck…?” He wraps his arms around your shoulders from behind, your body going warm in his tender embrace. The suddenness of his gesture throws you off, entirely. “Is something wrong?”

He offers no immediate answer, the boat gently rocking underfoot. In fact, you’re totally in the dark as to why he’s acting the was that he is, given you cannot see his expression. Instead, you can only rely on the tight warmth of his embrace.

“Nothing can stop you from going, can it?” He murmurs, but it almost sounds like a request. “There is still a chance of saving yourself from the pain of watching their demise unfold.”

Contrary to your initial discussion, Donghyuck seems less concerned with the fact that you want to go, the focus now being on your well-being. It begs an answer, one that still needs forming.

A lump forms in your throat as you question yourself, moments from now, whether or not you had adequately prepared yourself for it… You may encounter the corpses of friends you care for deeply. Will you be able to cope with it? Can you, like the rest of the Hwarang, grapple with loss, conquer it, and come out all the stronger?

“Yes,” you grit your teeth, you can’t have any doubts, “I’ll go. To where everyone’s fighting… But I do have one request.”

“What is it?” His breath tickles your ear.

You rest your hands softly on his that still lay coiled around your body, “Will you stay with me… until the bitter end? If I were to stand witness to the Hwarang’s demise, and it becomes difficult for me to keep my composure, let alone stand… Would you be there to lift me back up?”

Under his embrace, you can feel his muscles tense, and a small exhalation of air from him is enough to tell you that he’s smiling. It takes him a beat to conjure a reply, “How stupid of you to ask… Do you take me for a man who does back on his word? I will follow you, no matter the distance.”

A part of you had expected him to respond as such, but hearing those words fall so comfortably from his mouth evokes a warm feeling in your stomach. Although his response is rather arrogant, its delivery is muted by the way his arms pin you next to his beating heart, and through this intimate expression, he lays bare his truthful self.

“Thank you…” You’re beginning to lose count of how many times you had thanked him during your time together. Because of him, you’re alive today, ready to brace whatever comes next.

After disembarking the small boat, Donghyuck and you make your cautious approach towards the city, unsure of who or what could be lurking in the surrounding forest.

“Wait.” Donghyuck’s voice stops you in your tracks, “Do you hear that? The fight’s stopped.”

“Now that you mention it…” The silence is far more eerie than the score of shouts that were roaring moments earlier.

“Do you think the city’s been captured?” You ask tentatively.

“Maybe… Perhaps fate is telling us something, something we won’t know until we reach their headquarters. Let’s move.”

His body language is suggestive enough for you to assume what may have occurred, but there’s no way in knowing for sure. Each step closer to the city unsettles your nerves. There’s nothing to do but push forward, readying yourself for whatever may await you.

March 1st, 667 – Pyongyang, Kingdom of Silla The Kingdom of Goguryeo is no longer. After weeks of resistance, their terms of surrender lay crumpled in the wind as the Tang and Silla forces finished their chokehold on the city. Over two years removed from the Battle of Seorabeol, the war had drawn to a close. Your arrival within the city is met with a group of familiar faces, in bittersweet celebration of the victory.

“Jeno! Shotaro!” You cry out as you see the two Hwarang standing in front of a dilapidated building you assume used to be their headquarters, “I can’t believe you’re safe!”

“Ah—” Shotaro looks as if he’s seeing a ghost, “Since when have you been in Pyongyang?”

“Our ship docked just the other day. It’s been so long… There’s so much I have to tell you all.” You say quickly, unable to get the words out quickly enough.

“Wait a minute,” Jeno shakes his head, “Just because you had something to tell us… You came all the way out here?! You’re crazy! What if a stray arrow were to hit you, and you got seriously hurt?! The hell were you thinking?!”

“Enough of your whining,” Donghyuck stops him, “As long as she’s under my protection, there will be no such threats to her safety, especially ones as harmless s you describe.”

“Hey! You’re—!” Jeno exclaims.

“Aren’t you the Lord of a Demon Clan?” Shotaro asks gruffly, “What is your business with her?”

“Actually,” you interrupt, “Donghyuck was my escort here.”

“Are you sure about that?” Jeno asks worriedly, “You don’t have to lie for his sake. He’s not keeping you hostage, is he?”

It’s natural for them to have aroused suspicions regarding Donghyuck, considering he had plagued the Hwarang for years in Seorabeol. The two Hwarang look at one another with puzzled expressions.

“So… Are the men here what remains of the Hwarang?” You ask gently, “What happened to the Commander and Sungchan…?”

Jeno’s shoulders slump, his teeth biting into his lip. Your stomach sinks in anticipation, noting his souring body language.

“Sungchan didn’t make it… We lost him at Namhansanseong…” You grimace at his words, nothing softening the blow of someone notifying you that a friend has passed away. No matter how many times you’re given news of someone’s death, it absolutely shatters you.

“And the Commander…?”

“In a last-ditch effort, the remaining Goguryeo forces attacked our supplies outside of the city, the Commander left to lead the reinforcements… We received word that he, too, was killed in action during the skirmish.”

Even Kun… The fearless leader of the Hwarang, who picked up the pieces after the execution of his beloved predecessor, hadn’t been spared from this war.

“We have yet, mind you, to discover his remains.” Shotaro says, “All we have not is some information we coaxed from a Goguryeo soldier who encountered the Commander.”

By virtue of his unstoppable rage, Kun had lifted the Hwarang by the scruff of its neck and led the frontline proudly. The remnants of the group are preserved in honor of the memory of his last stand.

“Jeno, was it?” Donghyuck says, “Word is that you’re responsible for tendering the Hwarang now that you’ve been promoted to Chief. What compelled you to accept something like that? You’ve barely any men to lead. Surely it must scare you to take up such a threshold.”

“The burden of responsibility was there for the taking, and someone needed to step up. Someone needs to rebuild, laying the foundation of a new Hwarang with the same resolve that the Commander and Chief stove for,” Jeno says resolutely.

Donghyuck smirks at this, “Just what they need—another fool who can’t think two steps ahead, huh? Look alive, kid. The war’s over. The way you’re doing things, you might as well etch a line on your neck so the next enemy of Silla knows where to swing.”

“What’s that supposed to mean?!”

“Jeno!” You try and calm him, “He doesn’t mean any harm by that!”

“Your allies will be sweeping the city soon… It’s best we leave,” Donghyuck says, turning on his heels and swiftly walking away.

“You should go with him,” Shotaro says quietly, “I’m not sure if anyone recognized him as an ally of Goguryeo… If they were to rope you into that… I’m not sure what may happen.”

“Well then, Jeno, Shotaro,” you smile at them softly, “Please take care of yourselves.”

“You too,” Shotaro returns your smile.

“For all we know, this may be the last we see of each other,” Jeno says quietly, “but, be safe. We’ll see each other in the next life.”

They send you off warmly, waving as you trek after Donghyuck. You know the path ahead of them won’t be an easy one. The Hwarang had been all but decimated, regaining their numbers or even getting approval from the Crown to regroup would be a difficult task. They’re holding onto an inspiring devotion in the name of the Hwarang, and what they stand for.

April 25th, 667 – Pyongyang, Kingdom of Silla Nearly two months have passed since your arrival to the city. In the throes of spring, you find your nerves calmed by the gentle winds blowing in from the coast. After separating from Jeno and Shotaro, you track Kun’s journey to the storehouses where he’d last been seen, hoping to uncover the whereabouts of his remains.

“Donghyuck,” you turn to look at your companion, “You mentioned something to me about how humans only wage wars for wealth and power, but… Do you… honestly still believe that?”

Prior to your time here, you’re sure he would’ve nodded without giving it a second though. But recently there’s been a noticeable shift in his attitude. After killing both Jinsang and Ahro, and witnessing the end of the Hwarang, seeing all they had died for… Perhaps he’s had an epiphany of sorts, or at least, is more receptive to notions that he once viewed as foreign, if not beneath him.

“This experience has been enlightening,” he admits, “The men who gave their lives in Pyongyang are certainly exceptions to that belief. My views were upheld by the atrocities we saw back in Seorabeol, but Kun was no fool, not did he suffer any delusions of grandeur. He fought, like any man should, to his death.”

“That’s a good point…” You aren’t sure what sore of magic the Hwarang had conjured to keep hold of their strength in the face of certain death. As Donghyuck had described, they knew their odds, of their position, yet somehow were steadfast in their convictions against Goguryeo.

“Take a long look at everything around you…” He says, motioning to the carnage of war, “This place is no more than a graveyard, but to you and the people who mattered, it is a memorial to the will and testament of the Hwarang’s character.”

“Even then…” you murmur, noting silently that they had been rudely disbanded in the face of victory.

“They failed. Some of them held a notion that their idealistic worldview would stand up to scrutiny, and that notion was proven false,” Donghyuck sighs loftily, “They are fools for believing otherwise, and so the world went, spinning without them.”

As painful as it is to listen, you understand why Donghyuck may feel this way. Yet, you totally disagree with him,

“They were warriors…” You push, “It’s not like they couldn’t keep up with what was going on. It’s that they refused diverging their path out of principle. I’m certain they had a good reason for staying true to their convictions.”

“It never ceases to amaze me how hastily you jump to conclusions,” he smiles, “Listen back to what I said. I hadn’t labeled them fools out of spite… But, chasing such an elusive dream of honor… is impossible. Demons don’t often value upholding personal convictions, however temporal they may be.” He speaks vaguely, but it’s likely the greatest compliment that he can ever give to anyone, much more in reference to the Hwarang.

In a way, you detect a hint of envy in his statement, as if he wishes there were opportunities to out his needs before the collective needs of his kin.

A long silence stretches between you, broken only by your timid musing, “Where do you plan on going from here?”

“Before engaging in the bane that is human affairs, we Demons lived a peaceful, secluded life. I pine, quite dearly, to return to it,” He says simply, wistfully, “I tire of participating in the frivolous squabbles.”

“I see…” You had never thought to consider him a transplant in this world. How does he cope with strife? With the pettiness of human conflict?” The risk, of course, is losing touch with his concept of ‘home’ in these destitute conditions.

“I have a lingering suspicion that it’s only a matter of time before the remnants of Goguryeo call on me just as Baekje did Sicheng…” He hums, “Heading back to my clan is my utmost concern, so that I may prepare my people to head into hiding where they will be out of the humans’ grasp.”

“Back to your clan…” This means that your journey with him has ended, and that it’s time for you to part ways. Your time together these past two years…There’s a part of yourself that had slid into some fantasy that the two of you would travel together indefinitely.

“What about you…?” He asks, causing you to think.

Each of your affairs had been concluded. In a way, you’re without direction or purpose, “I haven’t decided yet. I do think, however, that I’ll stick around here for the time being… I don’t want this memory to fade. I’m not ready to relinquish the resting place of the Hwarang.”

While you speak, Donghyuck brings his fingernails close to his eye level, gazing at them with disinterest, “You know, in the beginning, I only expressed interest in you because you were a Demon, and a female at that… But fate brought me closer to you, and by extension, the Hwarang as well… You overcame the tragic loss of your father and brother with unexpected maturity, proving that there is more than meets the eye with you.”

This is the first time he’s complimented you outright. In all honesty, it leaves you a bit perplexed on how to respond, “I didn’t really have a choice… Father, Ahro, and the Hwarang… I just dealt with losses as they came, as there wasn’t any use dwelling on the past.”

“No need to be modest,” he smiles and lowers his hand, “If I had never embarked on this quest to locate the members of the Hwarang with you, then I would have likely never become aware of their real selves. Heh, who would’ve guessed you were capable of teaching me something?”

His words confuse you, having become so familiar with his sardonic remarks you’re unsure if these are genuine. All of a sudden, he outstretches his arms toward you.

By the time you realize what’s occurring, his face, stunningly handsome in spite of his intimidating expression, is merely inches from yours. Taken aback, your heart flutters as his hand moves to cup the back of your head, pulling you in ever so slightly until your lips are pressed together. Numbness trickles from the top of your head, your lips remaining shut and vexed.

Although… You don’t mind this. Donghyuck flicks his tongue gently over your lips, and before you know it, you’re locked within an intimate throe. There’s an inexorable draw to him, an energy that tingles your face just from the touch of his lips. All of your deep longings awoken by the heat of this sensuous kiss, it makes you unable to focus on anything else.

And just when you think your heart’s ready to burst—he relinquishes you, just as quickly as he’d pulled you into his embrace.

For a moment, you’re entirely speechless, perhaps wide-eyed enough to elicit a smile from Donghyuck, “Let this kiss stand proof that I do not consider you a stranger”

“Where did that come from…?” You somehow manage to escape your stupor long enough to ask him a singular question.

“As soon as you are ready, come find me.”

“Wait, so you mean…” Why is he behaving so cryptically? All of this feels so unclear, and you’re still reeling from the kiss…

Donghyuck, however, is unconcerned with your incoherent ramblings, continuing on without bringing to attention your flustered demeanor, “And if you don’t, well,” he grins, “then I’ll come for you.”

Although you had accomplished everything you set out to do in Pyongyang… It seems as if Donghyuck has his own unfinished business to attend to. Granted, you aren’t totally unopposed to the idea… As you bookend one chapter of your lives, it’s time to start anew. And for the first time in years, you’re ready for whatever life has to throw at you. You can shed your skin and blossom with nothing to tether you down. November 16, 667 – Toehwa-hyeon, Kingdom of Silla You stand alone outside of your childhood home, cold vapors escape your mouth with each breath as you bundle yourself in a blanket. Your restlessness is further spurred by the incessant urge to clean the aging home. So, you enter the chilly yard, gathering the dead leaves scattered along the walkway into a neat pile with a broom.

The season brings in winter festivals, keeping the small-town buzzing, you can see people hustling up and down the street at nearly all times of the day. After returning to Toehwa-hyeon your first order of business had been to write Doctor Namekawa a heartfelt letter. He replied almost immediately, expressing sincere relief after having been notified of your safety. He made a point of iterating that if I never needed aid, you can reach out to him, which had warmed your heart.

Your second order of business was writing to Sooyoung. She insisted that you stay with her in her village. And although you appreciated her generous offer, you refused. It’s because—

Doctor Heo,” an older woman smiles gratefully, “You have no idea how thankful I am for your help. Do you remember me? You inspected my child’s cold.”

All of a sudden, you’re approached by your next-door neighbor, who sings you words of praise.

“It was really no issue,” you shake your head, “How is he doing?”

“Wonderfully!” She beams, “Back when Jinsang closed his clinic, and I was told that you left for Seorabeol, I was so worried about you… But seeing you here safe brings a tear to my eye.” Noticing your silence, she continues, “Enough about that… You aren’t spending the winter here alone, are you?”

“Ah, yes… Sadly, my father passed away, so I’ll have to make do…”

“But, living alone as a woman is so dangerous,” she says with ample worry, “The war may be over, but evil always lurks when you least expect it to… So, what’s next for you, then? Do you still plan on running the clinic from this house?”

“That’s something I have yet to figure out myself,” you chuckle.

“Whatever you do, it can’t be easy to do it alone, can it?” She hums, “Say, I have an idea! Why don’t I find a nice man to introduce you to? Couldn’t hurt!”

“Huh? Um, well…”

“You see,” she speaks quickly, “Right around the corner from Seongji bridge, there’s a quaint, little medicine shop there. One of the clerks is…”

“Oh sure!” You say to interrupt her, “I’ll be sure to check it out when I have the chance…”

“Are you sure?” She asks, “The two of you would be perfect! Same age, I think, too… Ah, well, a pretty girl like you should have no problem finding suitors, so please let me know whenever you’re ready, and I’d be happy to help!” Your neighbor flashes a bright grin, nodding her head politely before waving you goodbye.

You can’t help but sigh after she’s gone. It’s kind of her to express an interest in your well-being but…

“Finding a suitor…” You hum, “Maybe it is time for me to start thinking about settling down…” Although, you still have some wounds to lick, finding yourself too preoccupied to think about it just yet. If you had to marry someone, though…

It’s almost as if you can feel the ghost of Donghyuck’s lips atop yours, you have to shake your head to rid yourself of the thought.

Donghyuck had been so patient with you during your separation from the Hwarang. And when you lost Ahro and your father, he had been a shoulder to cry on, offering you words of comfort. He’d even gone to witness the end of the Hwarang with you.

Even if you were to meet another man, you’re unsure if the memories made with Donghyuck could ever be bested by another, but that’s assuming anyone else could understand what you’d gone through. Although Donghyuck said he’d come for you when your heart is ready, so much time has passed that you’re beginning to wonder if he really meant it.

Just as you’re thinking of him, continuing to sweep the stones in front of your home, you nearly brush over the feet of a passerby.

“Oh, I’m—” You look up to apologize and nearly choke on your works. The yellow embroidery should’ve given it away… Are you hallucinating right now? You rub your eyes incredulously, finding that Lee Donghyuck remains in front of you. Like a specter from an ethereal mist, he’s here.

“I’ve come back for you,” he says simply.

As soon as you hear his familiar, arrogant tone, the hairs along your neck stand up and you find that the broom that had once been in your hand is now falling onto the ground.

“What’s with that look?” Donghyuck questions with a slight frown, “This is the warmest welcome you can muster after being deprived of my presence for months?”

There’s no mistaking that this is him. Almost eight months have passed since you last spoke, yet he is still his usual, callous self. Honestly, you can’t expect any less from him.

“So, you really did come back…” Tears prick at the corners of your eyes.

“Hadn’t I mentioned that Demons always keep their word? Or, do you still doubt me?”

“Whether or not I believe you is one thing, but you can’t blame me for starting to worry,” you begin, “I mean, I’ve received no correspondence from you in the time we’ve been apart… Nothing… Not a letter or messenger…” Your eyes shift away from him, and you rush to wipe the tears from your puffy, swollen eyes. You had been your only friend throughout this period, save for the encroaching winter.

“You can just say how much you missed me,” he teases with a smile.

“I- I never said that!” You know there’s no hiding that, though. You had missed him. But, he’s so frustratingly smug about it, as if had been his intention all along to keep you waiting.

Just as you’re about to offer your own snarky response, he stops you with an outstretched arm. He draws you in close, pressing his lips against yours. Instinctively, your head jerks backwards.

“What do you think you’re doing?!”

“I told you I’d be back for you,” he murmurs as a well of emotions stirs tirelessly in your stomach, glancing back and forth between euphoric joy and trepidation. Your heart is being pulled in a thousand directions. “Just so you know, I’ve begun to make arrangements to migrate the Lee clan to a new home. A place which, if everything goes as planned, would be out of reach from any of the Kingdom’s squabbles. A safe place.”

He hums softly and you can feel the vibrations in his chest, “You are the last piece of the puzzle. You will come with me, won’t you?”

“Hold on a minute! I can’t just up and leave everything so suddenly,”

“Sudden?” He asks, “What’s sudden about it? I’m not here to play games. You kept me waiting for eight months. Actually, not just eight... If you add up all the time I wasted while you were in the Hwarang’s custody, it’s even longer.”

You thought that your last interaction would have changed things, but he’s as pompous as ever. You’re so aghast with embarrassment that you have nothing to say, not that he would listen to it.

Yet, as the world seemed to spiral out of control, Donghyuck had remained constant, unbending and unbroken, and always by your side.

“Well?” He asks once more, “Are you coming with me, or not?”

As you search for the right words to say, it leaves an awkward space to which Donghyuck thins his scarlet eyes gleefully, “There was no need to bother with asking, was there?”

You shake your head and he slowly closes the distance between the two of you once more. From the moment you parted in Pyongyang, your heart yearned for his embrace once more. It’s a feeling you’re sure to cherish for the rest of your life.

Donghyuck may be a pain, but he’s your pain, and you’re all the better for it.

#haechan x reader #haechan angst #haechan fluff #nct imagines #nct angst #nct fluff #nct 127 angst #nct 127 fluff #nct dream angst #nct dream imagines

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