CW: Violence, blood & gore, graphic descriptions of wounds/burns, mentions of hanging.
There are twenty-odd guards encircling the intruder with their swords drawn, gold lions embossed upon their chest plates flaring with every minute shift of their poised forms.
The intruder at their centre is more ghoul than man with tattered clothes and ghastly wounds that blister across his exposed flesh. He effuses the stench of inferno and death. Izayomaโs hand tightly winds around his form, stifling the very life from his phosphorous red eye.
Smoke soaked hair, matted and curled, falls over his impassive face. It does little to obscure the power of his glare. His figure is hunched and shivering, every muscle taut and flexed. When he slowly draws an arc with his head, the guards flinch and waver at what they see.
A glimpse of the grotesque wounds marring the manโs visage. A melted eye socket holding nothing more than a mangled hollow. The gory sight continues on, a chasm of charred flesh, cracked and seared, sprawled over his neck and chest. His brand is treacherous, nauseating, pulling the blood from more than a few faces.
Rasping breaths respond to the guardsโ urgent questions, their blades hovering from uncertainty. This intruder seems to be on his last legs, yet the savagery of his glare sends their instincts shrieking. All of them feel as though they are on the precipice of death itself and to engage would mean taking a step off that sheer cliff.
The circle immediately opens to allow Lee to step through. He casts his furrowed gaze at the wounded figure, clammy hand resting on the hilt of his sword. โYou are trespassing on the Governorโs property,โ he says loudly, slowing down his speech in case the madman might not understand. โDo you know where you are? Are you aware?โ
When that single crimson eye latches onto his, the guardโs insides are doused in ice water.
โ…Rin?โ
โYou know this intruder?โ a burly guard to Leeโs left growls. His eyes narrow as he adjusts the grip on his sword.
โI do,โ Lee says, faintly.
An inhuman grin splits Rinโs face like an ugly gash, exposing bloodied teeth. โLee,โ he rasps gratingly, head tilting to the side. That hollow pit where his right eye should be stares blindly at the guard. โIt has been a while.โ
The guard frowns, loosening his grip on his weapon. โWe saw each other just this morning,โ he says, warily. โRin. What happened to you?โ He steps forwards — only to falter and reel back, hand clapping over his nose. The fetor is so pungent that his eyes sting, as if hit by a cloud of smoke. โThereโs a fire?โ
โDasom is dead,โ the youth says, impassively. โI tried to save her, but it was far too late.โ
The guard freezes. โDasom isโฆ?โ Pale lips push tightly together, hiding the sudden trembling. โWhere is she now?โ
โShe is dead. Where do you think she is?โ
โWhat happened? How could she just die–โ
โIt was Kahin,โ Rin says, crimson eye slicing in half. He sways slightly as if on the verge of collapse.
Lee instinctively moves closer, hands hovering in the air. But he dare not touch him. He doesnโt know why.
โShe took her from me,โ Rin continues, staring blankly into the ether. Itโs clear here. Peaceful. Like the past few hours hadnโt even occurred. โShe always said she would. And she did.โ
โWhy did you come here? You should have gone to Iris.โ Lee swallows the hard lump in his throat. He struggles to keep his emotions in check, though his breath and pulse are unsteady. โThis is not a good place for you to be. Not right now.โ
Rin lurches at the guard, snatching him by the collar with two raw hands. The circle at once seizes and the flash of blades are like small fireworks popping off around him.
โDo you think I want to be here?โ Rin hisses, drilling his glare into the guardโs skull. The latter stares back, silent and sombre. โDo you think I enjoy crawling to that snakeโs spawn? I loathe the fact that this beats for him, a Hwan.โ He beats his own chest, ignoring the blinding pain writhing through his wounded body. โYou must ensure this stupid boy does not die. Do you understand?โ His curt words crack the air like a lashing whip, causing the guard to flinch.
How strange. This voice…it’s so unlike Rin. And yet incredibly familiar. โNot here. The Lord may arrest you for what you stole–โ
โLISTEN TO ME!โ Rin bellows into the manโs face, rattling him with immense strength. His grisly features are contorted, his psyche on the very threshold of obliteration. โIf he dies, all of you are lost! If he diesโฆโ Ragged breaths heave his shaking form. That one eye bulges, sclera peeking with a maddened glint. โI will kill you myself.โ
Movement in his periphery. The Rat shoves Lee and skirts back himself, a rogue blade whistling through the air between them.
โNo! Do not attack!โ Lee shouts, drawing his own blade to counter another slashing towards the Rat. โHeโs wounded, you fools!โ
โWe all heard him, Lee,โ Burly grunts, lunging towards his target.
A delirious giggle bursts from Rinโs lips as he avoids multiple incoming attacks, his movements lithe and fluid. Every slash, hack, and thrust is met with a flowing arc of the body, limbs moving like drifting water.
Leeโs hold on his weapon goes slack. The tip digs into the soil. He watches this man dodge and weave through the steel forest, eyes widening with every move he recognises.
Rin snatches a blade by the hand, near severing his fingers, and dispatches its owner with a snap of the pommel.
His defence slips seamlessly into an attack.
The sword spins like a pinwheel, an alabaster blur as he sweeps the blade around his body. He churns the darkness, bloody froth clinging to the steel.
Bright blood sprays like geysers bursting from severed flesh. Several guards stagger back with pained grunts and cries, clutching at the myriad of gruesome wounds littering their flesh.
A red mist envelops the scene, drenching all within.
We’re sorry for MTLers or people who like using reading mode, but our translations keep getting stolen by aggregators so we’re going to bring back the copy protection. If you need to MTL please retype the gibberish parts.
โMizudori,โ Lee mutters, sheer awe spread across his face. โBut howโฆ?โ
Pc atf fcv, atf ybvs ojiafgr.
Elcโr obgalolmjalbc mgjmxr jcv rtjaafgr. Obk rkfiir bo qjlc ugbk klat lcmgfjrlcu ofgnbeg. Qjnfr rtjgqfc, ujlc fvufr jcv qblcar. Olutaclcu hjqr atgbeut fnfgs ogjhhifv cfgnf, ygjcmtfr kfivlcu jcv rflhlcu ecali byilnljalbc.
Lf rajuufgr jcv vgbqr ab j xcff, ifjclcu tfjnlis bc tlr rabifc rkbgv. Ktf yijvf vlur vffq lcab atf rbli jr tf rjur, tjgrt qjcar qertfv atgbeut tlr ecibmxfv pjk.
The earth lurches at a sickening angle.
He feels cold steel dig into his throat from every direction – a deadly fanged collar.
โYouโre not just an intruder, are you?โ Burly growls, stepping into Rinโs vision. The barrel chested man flicks his hand and the collar disperses. A single tag remains, tapping under his chin to raise his head. Burlyโs eyes shrink upon sighting the younger manโs visage, upper lip curling in disdain. โDisgusting.โ
Rin smiles coolly, sanguine glare like the core of Solaris in the gloam. โSilversword. How does it feel to turn your blade on your own people?โ
Burly huffs through his nose. โYouโre not my people.โ
โYou are wrong.โ Mirth bubbles on his blood-stained lips. โI can see the Slums in your eyes. When you sold your blade to a Hwan, you too relinquished your soul.โ
The steel point pierces his skin, freeing a thin red rivulet. โStop talking nonsense,โ the big man grunts, sinews in his neck popping as he tenses. โYouโre nothing but a petty thief. At least I made something of myself.โ
โYes. You made yourself a traitor.โ
That meaty hand turns white on the hilt. He rears back his blade to plunge into flesh — when the raven drops bonelessly onto his back, hooks his ankles around the manโs, and pulls himself through Burlyโs legs. A sea of grimy locks trails after like ink from a fume brush.
Thereโs no time to register.
The raven follows through like the sweeping current, form rippling as he pushes himself upwards with just his shanks. He reaches behind, grabs Burlyโs collar, and gives a savage yank, choking off his windpipe. The manโs weight is crushing against his back, but he simply tips his own weight forward, encouraged by the panicked gurgles and contracting muscles.
By the way Rinโs gasping for air, itโs like heโs taking the breaths his victim cannot. His legs tremble but remain firmly planted on the ground. Crimson glows with fractal light. Teeth bare in exertion.
Restless bodies converge and scatter before converging again, unable to find an opening without endangering their comrade.
Burly begins to flail. His limbs beating the air and soil as his cheeks turn an ugly shade of purple.
Rin tightens his grip and leans. Heโs without expression.
Lee snaps out of his stupor and draws his sword, heart vaulting madly in his chest. โRin!โ he shouts, tone turning urgent when he sees Burlyโs movements turn sluggish. โRelease him! Youโre killing him!โ
That sanguine glare glances off the encroaching guard. โThat I am, Lee,โ he snarls. โAll traitors must die.โ
โI donโt want to hurt you.โ A wretched expression descends upon the manโs face. Heโs but a foot away, sword raised but hovering. โLet him go. Please.โ
โAh. So all those years serving Hwan Sun has corrupted you. No matter,โ Rin barks a laugh, jerking his hands lower over his shoulder. The flailing limbs go limp. โI knew you would turn traitor anyway. Just not this soon.โ
Lee furrows his brows. โWhat are you–โ
โRINNIE!โ
The raven jolts and raises his head.
From over the verdant ridge appears a regal man, tall and strong, with shock wide eyes that are lumine in Lunaโs light.
Little lord.
As if struck through with a sword, Rin releases the unconscious Burly, letting him crumple to the ground. Sanguine fades to a listless pitch, dulling his gaze. He staggers forth.
Junโs sharp voice lashes the air, freezing the oncoming rush from behind.
Every step increasingly drags, movements turn sluggish. Cold sweat drips from every pore as the last of Lunaโs defence falters and crumbles. Heโs left to the barrage of agonies, too excruciating to comprehend.
Someone moves from his path. Itโs now clear. And insurmountable.
But the little lord quickly strides towards him, long legs carrying him down the slope and onto the blossoming grounds.
They meet at the pagoda tree, white blooms swaying like clusters of soft stars in the gloom.
Jun holds out his arms. To the exhausted, pain-addled Rat, itโs a relief that almost washes away his suffering. With a fragile smile upon his lips, he collapses into the lordโs embrace, senses failing as the world swings into oblivion.
***
Over the next two weeks, he comes to understand pain quite intimately. He comes to know of its nuances. The different types and intensities. The kinds that he can withstand, if not welcome, and the kind that drives him to the edge of sanity. The worst kind of pain is the one outside of his control. When itโs so sudden and shattering that it leaves him no time to breathe, let alone prepare himself. The kind that leaves him screaming mindlessly like a tortured beast and all he can do is remove himself from his own body.
The best kind of pain is the one he expects. He endures this kind now, sitting quietly and obediently as Jun carefully cleans his wounds.
He has been healing well under the steady care of Healer Wu and the little lord, though there would be irreparable scars permanently marring his visage. The most grievous of which is his right eye, which had melted in its socket, leaving behind a cavity which is now filled with sterile packing. Burns extends down his right cheek and covers a vast section of his neck and chest, the once porcelain smooth skin now angry and puckered. He also has scarring elsewhere on his body in large swatches, but those are mild due to his clothes acting as a protective layer.
Rin hasnโt yet seen himself in the mirror. Itโs not so much his sense of vanity as it is the stark reminder of what had transpired. His memories of that day are murky at best and any attempt to probe deeper invites a debilitating sense of fear.
Junโs face fills his vision as he carefully repacks his eye socket, brows furrowed deeply in focus.
A flinch in Rinโs cheek startles the lord, concern stark in his goldens. โApologies, Rinnie. Iโฆโ He pulls in a short breath. โI will be more careful.โ Locking his jaw, the crease between his brows deepens. True to his word, his touch is near featherlight, as if he were handling the most fragile glass.
โHow does it look today?โ Rin asks, voice still hoarse from sleep. His syllables are a little stiff as he tries to avoid moving his jaw too much, lest he aggravate his wounds. โDisgusting, right?โ He hums a laugh, shoulders lurching.
A profound sadness fills Junโs face, as if Rin had lamented heartache rather than made a callous joke. โNot at all,โ he says softly, taping down a gauze pad to cover the socket. โYou are healing remarkably well. I think we can leave your face uncovered at least and let your wounds breathe.โ
โ…Do you think thatโs a good idea?โ Rin purses his lips, doubt flickering in his eye.
โI do,โ is the firm response from the lord. He sets down the bowl of used packing and picks up a simple black eyepatch. This, he presents to his friend with a warm smile. โThis is for you. I know I could have picked one up from the Clinic, but Iโฆโ A tender blush kisses his cheeks. โI wished to make you one myself. I hope it is to your liking.โ
Arching his brow, Rin takes the eyepatch, lifting it in both hands to study it closely. The material is silken and cool to the touch, and thereโs a tiny silver rat embroidered into the upper corner of the patch. Itโs done rather skillfully and with evident care.
He feels his own cheeks inexplicably burn as he gingerly tugs it over his head. It feels good on his face, like itโs keeping that foreign emptiness at bay. โItโs…nice,โ he mutters, brushing his fingertips over the smooth fabric. โI didnโt know you could make things like this.โ
The lordโs face brightens at Rinโs obvious pleasure. He hums his affirmation and begins packing away his Healerโs bag. โI learned how to sew from Mira. She says that one can never know when one will need to darn a sock, especially during combat.โ
โShe…wants you to sew during combat?โ Rin blinks and for a gut churning moment, heโs hyper aware of his missing eye. Grimacing, he presses his palm against the patch.
โA soldierโs feet are incredibly important when in battle. A good pair of socks are necessary to protect them against the environment.โ Jun clicks the leather bag shut and sets it upon the bedside table. He turns back to Rin, face falling when he sees his grimace. โAre you in pain?โ
โNo,โ the raven huffs, dropping his hand. He switches his grimace for a wry smile. A weak reassurance for the worried lord. โIโm fine. I just find it strange sometimes. Like…Iโm missing half of myself.โ
A deep ache squeezes Junโs chest. He reaches out and cups Rinโs uninjured cheek with his palm, thumb sweeping gently beneath his eye. His other hand comes to rest on the other side, pressing lightly against his ear. โDo you feel this? You may have lost your sight, but you are still whole. You are still entirely you.โ
Having his face held so delicately within those rough hands brings a heat like no other. Rin finds himself suddenly unable to speak, his eye growing twofold when they meet those honeyed pools. โI-I know that, moron,โ he manages to push out, averting his gaze with a half-hearted scowl. โObviously Iโm still me. Who else would I be?โ
Jun stares intently, trepidation growing like a toxic bloom. Heโs reminded of what Lee had reported after Rin trespassed onto the estate. The youth had apparently acted as if he were a completely different person and displayed great agility with the blade. As far as Jun knows, Rin has had little to no experience with swords. Could this be Luna? Jun absently tucks a stray sable lock behind Rinโs ear. Now that I think about it, we know so little about this ostensible god.
โAh.โ Rin squirms under the lordโs stare, his bandaged hands tugging at the front of his own robes. โSo when am I supposed to meet your old man?โ
Jun releases him and strides over to the window. The raven feels a twist of regret. He touches the sides of his face, trying to capture the lordโs lingering warmth.
โTomorrow,โ Jun says stiffly, pulling the window open. The late spring air carries with it the scent of ripe blooms. He leans his hands upon the frame, pulling in a deep invigorating breath. โHe has agreed to let you stay in the guest house until you recover, mostly for your part in exposing Father Blossom. However, he wishes to test you.โ
Rin swings his legs over the side of the bed, wincing when he accidentally pulls the wounds on his torso. โTest me? On what?โ
โYour character. Your intent. And ultimately, how useful you are to him.โ Jun turns to lean against the frame, folding his arms. An austere look hardens his features. โLee and I managed to talk him down from hanging you, Rinnie. However, this compromise comes at a price. You must appear useful to him or he may still consider you for the gallows.โ He locks his jaw, oaken lashes casting long shadows in his gaze. โThat is the kind of man my father is. I hope you do not take this to heart.โ
The Rat clicks his tongue in irritation. โWell, itโs not the first time Iโve met a guy like him. In a way, this is easier for me. I donโt know much about character or intent or whatever, but I do know transactions. Token for service. Same thing, right?โ He laughs, grin forced crooked to preserve his injured cheek. โIโm impressed, little lord. You actually stood up to him?โ
โNot as much as Iโd hoped,โ Jun says, smiling faintly. โIt was mostly Lee who convinced my father. I find it difficult to have him hear me.โ
โWhat, has he no ears?โ
โHe tends to disregard me.โ The lord rubs the side of his neck and tilts his head, exposing a rather forlorn profile. โMy brothers never lived up to my fatherโs expectations. They fled down their own paths, which I find admirable. In a way, I am my fatherโs last hope. His sole heir, so to speak. Thus, the expectations for me are higher. Heavier. And…much like my brothers, I am not meeting them.โ The corners of his mouth curves into a rather vicious smile. So unbefitting the lord. His eyes are hooded and cold. โI will never meet his expectations, Rinnie. Because what he truly wants is himself. And I cannot possibly be the kind of man he is.โ
โWhat kind of man do you think he is?โ Rin pushes himself from the bed, finding himself drawn towards the other. The compulsion is profound and impossible to ignore.
He comes to stand toe to toe with Jun and he impulsively wraps his arms around the bigger manโs waist, pressing himself into his body. When he raises his face to the lord, heโs met with a heated look that melts the ice in those goldens.
โFirst Lord Hwan Sun is the kind of man who speaks face to face with the Mother.โ Jun dips his head, resting his forehead upon Rinโs. Lashes flutter upon his waterlines. His breath is steady. His touch secure. โHe is the kind of man who sees people as nothing more than pawns. A man so fixated on the Four Territories and the Unknown Lands, that he has lost sight of Hanjuyang.โ
Rin raises himself on his tiptoes to press a kiss on the lordโs clenched jaw. โSounds like a dick,โ he hums, hellebore glinting with affection. โMaybe we should grease him up with some drink. Pay for a Rose to lie with him. Do you think he wouldnโt be such an asshole then?โ
โRinnie.โ Junโs brows knit together, clearly disturbed by the idea of his father โlyingโ with anyone. โYou must not underestimate him. Remember, he has the power to send you to the gallows. Even if Lee and I were to protest, it is uncertain whether he would be swayed for a second time. I should not like to take chances with your life.โ
โI know,โ Rin sighs, plopping his chin upon the otherโs broad shoulder. He feels Jun’s arms wrap loosely around his form, minding his wounds. โBut Iโll be fine. I can talk myself out of anything, so convincing a dipshit lord of my value is nothing for me.โ
A low rumble hums in the base of Junโs throat. An idle hand rises to play with the ravenโs hair, winding silken strands around calloused digits. โI know you will do well.โ
The Rat relaxes from the lordโs gentle ministrations. His eyes flutter close and he feels himself drift. Warm spring currents brush against his exposed face, tickling the sensitive young skin. This life might not be too bad, he dazes. If itโs just us…it might not be too bad…
โI visited the Guildmaster yesterday,โ Jun says softly, sounding as if heโs on the verge of sleep himself.
โOh?โ Rin murmurs, lazily. โWhy didnโt you say anything? I would have come with you.โ
โI know. Which is why I did not say anything. You should be resting, Rinnie.โ
โHm. Resting is boring.โ Rin stifles a yawn and lolls his head to the side, peeking at Junโs relaxed profile. โHowโs Bucky? Have the Roses said anything yet?โ
โBucky has recovered well. It appears as though she may be joining the Hunterโs Guild. As for the Roses…a Healer from the Clinic who specialises in the mind has been consulting with the Guildmaster. It may yet take some time before the Roses have recovered enough to be coherent. Many of them have also suffered physical injuries to the brain, which can hinder communication.โ
Rin wrinkles his nose in irritation. He squeezes his eye shut again. โI canโt believe we still havenโt caught Blossom. Heโs just gonna start up another Church somewhere. Especially if the Mother is behind him. Do you think he might contact Kahin?โ
โThe Guildmaster has placed the Rose Palace under watch with rotating teams of Hunters. So far there have been no reports of Blossom attempting contact. And vice versa.โ
โWhatโs Kahin been doing?โ
โThe Rose Palace reopened to the public the day after you…well, trespassed.โ
Sable lashes quiver. A faint crease digs between Rinโs brows.
The lordโs hand splays flat against his back, rubbing soothing circles.
โWhat about the Slums?โ Rin raises his head, too restless now to doze. โIsโฆโ The rest of his words dry up in his mouth. His heart knocks painfully into his ribs.
Jun glances down at him, his gaze dark and sympathetic. โNuwa and the Guildmaster had arranged for your mother to be buried in the cemetery. From what I heard…it was a rather…intimate send off. Your house is…it is unsalvageable.โ
โIntimate.โ Rin says flatly. โYou mean no-one showed up.โ
โRinnieโฆโ
โOf course no-one did. Not even her son was there. Why would anyone else bother?โ He laughs wryly and pulls away from the lord.
Jun reluctantly releases him. When Rin steps away, a chill quickly enters his body. An unpleasant reminder of the sudden absence. โWhen you have recovered, we will visit her together. Say our proper farewells.โ
โHave you heard anything about Bellow?โ Rin asks abruptly, slowly lowering himself back into bed. He winces and bites his bottom lip as sharp pain arcs from the wound on his left rib cage. โLast I heard, he was having a tough time without me.โ
The lord rubs his nape, unhappy about the sudden diversion in conversation. He responds nonetheless as prompted. โAccording to Small, the situation is deteriorating in the Slums. A man by the name of Marquis has seized control of the district. This is particularly concerning, Rinnie. I am wondering if I should ask my father to send some Silverswords–โ
โNo,โ Rin says, curtly. He shoots a cold glare at the lord, eye narrowing. โYou think the Silverswords are there to help us?โ
โBut of course. Silverswords are vowed to protect all citizens of Hanjuyang and the Eastern Territory under–โ
โSilverswords are man-shaped guard dogs, little lord,โ Rin scoffs, gingerly tugging the comforter over his legs. โThey only exist to protect the High District. Slummers are nothing but pests they need to get rid of. If you order them into the Slums, who knows what theyโll do.โ
โBut this Marquis person–โ
โIf he wants the Slums, he can have it.โ Rinโs complexion turns wan at the mere mention of the Marquis. He gazes down at his trembling hands, chewing on his cheeks. โNothing will change. The Slums will always be a shithole no matter whoโs running it. The Mother, the Governor, or the Marquis. Nothing ever changes.โ
A soft sigh sounds before footsteps follow. The mattress dips under the lordโs weight. Warm, rough hands cover his own, stilling them.
He glances up at Jun, feeling rather apathetic. โI donโt want to talk about it.โ
Sombre eyes pour over the ravenโs grey countenance. โRinnie, what you had to go through…it never should have happened–โ
โYeah, it shouldnโt have. But it did. So thereโs no point talking about it.โ
Those large hands squeeze gently. An unbearable ache crawls from his chest to his throat, clenching the muscles there.
โIt may help to talk–โ
โI donโt want to!โ Rin snarls, ripping his hands free to give Jun a brutal shove. โAhh–!โ He gasps and hunches over, clutching his middle as jagged glass bites his flesh. He trembles ever so slightly, face creased in suffering. โI canโt, Junโฆโ His voice wavers and cracks, as if he were on the brink of tears. โDonโt make me talk about it. Please.โ
Jun clenches his fists, nails digging deep into his palms. The ravenโs suffering echoes in his own expression, as if he too feels his pain. โ…My apologies. I will not push you on this matter.โ
Rin covers his single eye with his palm, keeping his head lowered. The silent shaking of his shoulders is the only response Jun receives.
***
That night, Rin dreams of a woman standing over his bed.
Her long, wispy hair tickles his face as she stares down at him. Her face is soaked in shadows, but he can feel her smiling. Cold hands caress his face. Linger upon his wounds.
He knows itโs not Dasom, though for a fleeting moment he thinks it’s her. Maybe even hopes.
This woman is too alien. Her aura is unfamiliar. Her smile, however, reminds him of the little lordโs. A generous mouth with a dimple as emphasis.
When he wakes with the dawn, his robes are soaked through with sweat. His pain is the worst kind. Sudden and shattering, leaving him no time to breathe.
He loses control.
He was possessed but by who?? Luna?
And daaamn Lee knew Dasom?? Wtf is going ooooon
๐ญ Maybe you will find out soon~~Thank you for reading cloozed <3333
Oh no… are those the legendary onion cutting ninjas?? What are they doing here?? I’m scared wuwuwu
Thank you for the chapter!! โค๏ธโค๏ธ
LMAOOO kick those ninjas in the nads!!!! Thank you for reading dondonn<333
โIf he dies, all of you are lost! If he diesโฆโ Ragged breaths heave his shaking form. That one eye bulges, sclera peeking with a maddened glint. โI will kill you myself.โ – Ahh!!! I’ve got the chills! This was such an epic chapter!
waaahhh!! Thank you for reading curiooo TT—TT <33333