KPDH AU: The Moon will Sing
Prelude Part Two (continuation of my previous post)
CW/TW: Swear words, possessive demon behavior, mentions of Shaken Baby Syndrome, and Male lactation (not explaining that last one 😈)
Sleep came quickly to Eun-Ji. Yet her mind still wandered. To her past, her present, her future. But now, her mind wandered to her strange employers, the Saja Lords.
The Saja Lords. The five highest ranked and most powerful demons of the Demon Realm. Second only to Gwi Ma himself. Old beings who commanded fear and power, who led raids that devastated hundreds of mortal lives, who could kill with for nothing.
Yet they raised a mortal child.
Eun-Ji could not wrap her mind around this. No matter how hard she tried. It made no sense.
Their relationship with Little Magpie’s varied, but it was obvious they all cared. And that they couldn’t stand Eun-Ji.
Lord Jinu attempted civility, but even his facade fell short of the truth. He was one of the more conflicted demons when it came to Little Magpie. He was initially distant with the baby. Letting Mystery and Abby care for the child. Yet something changed. Eun-Ji wasn’t sure when it happened but she was aware of the results. Lord Jinu was always watching. Maybe not as intensely as Lord Abby or Lord Mystery, but he was watching. His eyes always transfixed on Little Magpie; a tidal wave of emotions playing across his stoic face. Eun-Ji was never sure what thoughts could spark such a mixture: regret, fear, possession, loathing, jealousy, envy. All stirred to the forefront whenever he saw Little Magpie.
He soon used this wave of emotions to take action. Taking a more active role in raising the child alongside Lord Abby and Lord Mystery. More often than not, Lord Jinu ended up taking Little Magpie away directly after feedings, choosing to do all the other child rearing duties himself. Refusing to let any of the demon servants lay a hand on the baby. A look of fierce possessive often overtaking his expression during these moments. That was perhaps what Eun-Ji found most troubling about Lord Jinu, the underlying possessiveness and jealousy that would rise to the surface whenever he felt threatened. Especially whenever he saw her holding Little Magpie for the baby’s feedings.
It made no sense to her; was he jealous? Envious of the fact that she could do this and he couldn’t?! At least his actions never turned violent as compared to Lord Abby.
Lord Abby had made it clear from the beginning that he adored Little Magpie. He also made it very clear how much he despised Eun-Ji. It was like a predator stalking prey. Watching. Waiting for her to mess up. Using any excuse to threaten and snap at her. Any mistake was somehow unforgivable, meaning that Eun-Ji had to be punished. Severely. Not enough to prevent her from doing her job, but just enough that she thought twice about acting out. Eun-Ji knew the rules by now: keep her head down, speak only when spoken to, and DO NOT give Lord Abby any reason to be upset.
She honestly preferred Lord Mystery. While his quiet secretive demeanor was off-putting, he limited his hostilities to stalking and calm, quiet actions. He was always watching. Even more so than Lord Jinu or Lord Abby. But at least that is all it was. Lord Mystery kept his contempt in check and instead focused his energies on keeping Little Magpie safe and happy. He was, after all, the reason the Saja Lords initially adopted her in the first place. And was why Eun-Ji still lived even now, being the one to suggest that she would be more useful alive as their nursemaid than just being devoured and sent to Gwi Ma. She owed him her life as a result. It was clear that similar to Lord Jinu and Lord Abby that Lord Mystery greatly loved Little Magpie, and that love was used as reason enough to raise and care for the girl. Though he still manages to shock Eun-Ji time and again. His extensive knowledge of medicine and child rearing was a shock even to the other lords, but it was greatly valued as he understood what Little Magpie needed and when.
The last two lords, Lord Romance and Lord Baby were more of a conundrum.
Lord Romance initially wanted nothing to do with the baby. Refusing to go near it, refusing to help, and even begging the other lords to give the child to the Chirch as had been their initial intention. Yet, slowly, he had grown to care for the girl in his own way. He still refused to participate in any of the child rearing and care activities, but his hostility had dissipated and he was more willing to entertain and play with Little Magpie when called for. Eun-Ji had caught him more than once even singing to the baby! Often in a silly voice meant to get the girl to laugh. Though Eun-Ji knew if she commented on any of this, he would have her tongue. That small amount of kindness was for Little Magpie and Little Magpie only. Eun-Ji was just the failed Hunter turned servant. One he would gladly be rid of once it is possible.
Lord Baby still chose hostilities. Or, at least, made the appearance of doing so. Out of all of the lords, Lord Baby was vehemently against keeping the child. He would have preferred if they had devoured her soul along with her birth mother’s instead of Lord Mystery choosing to try and help the poor girl give birth. He was also banned from holding Little Magpie after he had shaken her. His attempt to get her to stop crying. He still refuses to help, yet he doesn’t absolutely loathe the baby’s presence anymore. He could be seen watching the baby, often when she slept. He was almost always the first one to forcefully yank Eun-Ji out of sleep if he believes that something is wrong with Little Magpie. He is also the first person to report to Lord Abby if he believed Eun-Ji was doing something that could harm the baby. Often taking joy in the pain Eun-Ji had to endure as a result. Out of all of the lords, he truly was the most demonic.
But who was Eun-Ji to complain? Little Magpie was spared and she herself was spared. For now.
A shiver ran through her body. Eun-Ji knew that once Little Magpie was weaned, that once her services were no longer needed, the Saja Lords would be rid of her. Letting her live was too much of a liability. As far as they were concerned, Eun-Ji would attempt to return to the Hunters. She would reveal their location. She would have them sent back to Gwi-Ma. And Little Magpie’s fate would be left unknown. They had no guarantee that Eun-Ji or the Hunters would take the baby in. Or have her killed.
Eun-Ji knew the Hunters wouldn’t harm a child. Especially one so young, but demons did not. Eun-Ji was useful until she was a liability. Then, she would be removed. Her soul stolen and eventually devoured by Gwi Ma. Erased and consumed from existence. One less hunter, one less threat to their dominion.
Suddenly, violently, Eun-Ji was thrust from her thoughts. In fact, she was completely removed from her sleep entirely. Clawed hands dug into her arm flesh and forced her into a standing position. Eun-Ji desperately tried to fight sleep. Rapidly blinking away the last vestiges and clung to her mind, her limbs, her eyes.
“Well what do we have here?”
The snarl that accompanied the question snapped away any sleep her body might have had. Eun-Ji whipped her head towards the sound. A large fang-filled mouth was just inches from her face.
The Saja Lords had returned.
Eun-Ji fought down the quake of fear spreading through her entire body. She bowed her head to the best of her ability. Attempting to maintain some semblance of dignity.
“M-my lords! You have returned so soon?”
“Soon? It’s already night!”
Eun-Ji turned her head over the the demon that spoke, Baby. That couldn’t be right? Could it? Lord Mystery said he would wake her when it was time for the next feeding? He wouldn’t have lied. Would he?
Lord Abby yanked her out of her room into the courtyard. Faint lantern light painting it in a dim warmth. One Eun-Ji couldn’t enjoy. For the lords were right. Night had fallen.
The crying finally reached Eun-Ji’s ears. She whipped her head around, trying to find its source. Her eyes eventually found Lord Mystery. His expression was blank, yet…
The smallest of smirks ghosted his lips. Dread settled in the pit of her stomach. He-he did this on purpose? He purposely didn’t wake her in time for Little Magpie’s feedings. He wanted her to be punished.
Little Magpie’s cries caught Eun-Jo’s attention. The baby was a fussy mess. Her swaddle having come completely undone as she kicked and squirmed in Lord Mystery’s arms. He made little effort to comfort her, instead choosing to look down on Eun-Ji. As if she was an unsightly blemish.
“I had sent multiple servants out to fetch you. But you never arrived. Poor Little Magpie has been neglected because of you.”
Eun-Ji felt cold dread mixed with spiraling anxiety filter through her body. Was he blaming her? Was Lord Mystery claiming that Little Magpie suffered because of her.
“Your lucky Mystery was here.”
Eun-Ji’s head snapped back to Lord Abby’s.
“If he hadn’t found a makeshift solution, you would be dead.”
“What-what was your solution Lord Mystery?”
“I simply used some water and a damp cloth to temporarily sate her hunger. It would have been better if she had been properly fed, but what do you expect from a Hunter?”
Eun-Ji was a Hunter. A blemish on their seemingly perfect life. She was useful, but not wanted. They just needed an excuse to be rid of her. Plus, by ridding themselves of her, they would be ridding Gwi Ma of another hunter. One less hunter means one less voice. One less voice means a far more weakened Honmoon and more souls to feast upon. More souls for their false king. This was never about Little Magpie. This was about trying to find justifiable reasons to be rid of her for good.
“Where-where is Lord Jinu?”
“He had important business to attend to.”
“You mean servicing Gwi Ma?”
“What. Come on Romance, we all knew what Gwi Ma meant when he wanted Jinu to stay!”
“You don’t have to say it like that…”
“It’s the truth Mystery. After all, we all have to do it. No point in dancing around the fact.”
“Don’t have to be so vulgar about it…”
Eun-Ji tuned out their conversation as it no longer mattered to her. The potential only other person to defend her wasn’t there. And the first person used her. She was all alone…
“Would someone please calm her down!”
Eun-Ji tilted her head towards the sound of the voice. Romance had his ears covered along with an incredibly distressed look upon his face. Matching the one Little Magpie was making. Mystery was attempting to resettle the baby, trying to reswaddle her while rocking her at the same time. It was not working.
“Thank you Baby. Your commentary is SO helpful!”
“Oh? Would you rather I hold the baby-“
The three other lords glared daggers into Lord Baby. Lord Baby simply shrugged, he knew he wasn’t allowed to hold Little Magpie. He just wanted to annoy the others.
“Why don’t YOU hold her Abby?”
Lord Abby froze. His pupils widening from shock. He turned his head slowly towards Lord Baby.
“I said. Why don’t YOU hold her?”
“Oh come on Abby! Mystery is failing, Romance can’t handle her screams, and I’m not allowed to hold her. Remember?”
Lord Abby was gobsmacked. He couldn’t argue with that. Eun-Ji saw the opportunity and took it.
“Perhaps I could redeem myself and aid in settling down-“
“NO! After everything you’ve done you’re not going anywhere near her! I’ll settle her down myself!”
Lord Abby threw Eun-Ji to the ground. Twisting her arm violently as he did so. She winced, cradling her arm. Hopefully it wasn’t broken.
Lord Abby stormed over to Lord Mystery, exaggerating his movements. His attempt to appear more confident than he actually was. Eun-Ji noticed the way he clenched his fingers. Lord Abby had never held Little Magpie. He was afraid. Afraid he would hurt her because he wasn’t careful. Afraid that he was too aggressive. Too cruel. Too much of a demon to hold her.
Lord Mystey handed the squirming bundle to Lord Abby.
“Simply cradle her head, mind your talons… Careful… Careful! Easy Abby you won’t hurt her.”
Lord Mystery did his best to calm Lord Abby’s nerves, but it was clear to Eun-Ji that it had little effect. Lord Abby’s movements were stiff and jerky. Like a broken puppet still forced to perform. He was so afraid to hurt Little Magpie.
He held her slightly away from his body, as if to reject the child. But Little Magpie didn’t seem to mind. Her cries finally started to quiet down and her squirming partially subsided.
Emboldened by this development, Lord Abby slowly and gingerly moved her closer to his body. Cautiously bringing her up to his face as a result. Little Magpie’s cries turned into curios babbling; no longer squirming as she chose to instead paw at the strange new individual holding her. Lord Abby froze at her idle curiosity. Fear etched clearly across his face. Uncertain on what to do in this situation.
“Calm yourself Abby. You won’t hurt her.”
Lord Mystery comforted his fellow Saja Lord, putting his hand on Lord Abby’s shoulders as a sign of support. Lord Abby took comfort in Lord Mystery’s words and steadied his breathing. Temporarily closing his eyes to help.
When he reopened them, he returned his attention to Little Magpie. She pawed and babbled at him. Pure innocent curiosity overtook her expression. Lord Abby chuckled lightly at this behavior. She did not fear him. She loved him. Of course she did, for he loved her and had done everything to protect her. And he would always do so.
As much as Eun-Ji hated them, even she could see the pure joy and bliss etched into Lord Abby’s expression at finally being able to hold his child. If only that kindness could have been extended to her. For she knew that her time was up. She had failed in her eyes and would soon be rid of her.
“Finally! She’s quiet. Now. What to do about-“
Everyone abruptly turned their heads towards Lord Abby. His stance had changed, no longer was he relaxed. His stance had become tense, shoulders hunched, curved inward to cover Little Magpie. His lips were pulled back, baring his fangs as a low but threatening growl escaped him.
His slit pupils became even more narrow, to the point that little could be seen.
Lord Romance attempted to call his fellow lord, but his attempt fell on deaf ears. Lord Abby barely acknowledged him before swinging his left hand at him with a snarl. His right still being used to keep Little Magpie securely against his chest.
“I don’t think he’s in there right now.”
“Thank you Baby that was SO VERY HELPFUL!!”
“Argh! Abby! What the fuck?!”
Lord Abby had taken a swing at Lord Baby unprovoked. His eye’s flittered across everyone with wild hostility. They had all become threats in his mind. With a final growl and swing, Lord Abby dashed across the courtyard into the main familial wing of the house. Slamming the door behind him as he did so. Sounds of continued growling and screams mixed with falling furniture and chaos could be heard coming from inside. The rest of the lords and Eun-Ji could only stare dumbfounded at what had transpired. Except…
“Ah. I guess this was bound to happen…”
Lord Mystery knew what has happening.
“I didn’t think it would be so sudden though. Ah well. Live and learn.”
“Abby has always been possessive of her. That doesn’t explain this!”
“His possessiveness has finally manifested as a need to protect. It’s rare, but this can cause our instincts to act up. Hence, the growling, scratching and nesting.”
“What did you think that sound was?”
The lords, minus Eun-Ji ran inside. The halls were a mess. Ripped doors, curtains, and furniture were strewn about the hallways. Every room appeared as if a hurricane had bolted through them. The demon servants were frantically trying to clean and reorganize, but it was clear many of them were still in shock. After all, a high ranked demon lord suddenly becoming feral and tearing apart his own home was NOT a typical occurrence. Even for demons.
The other lords were finally able to locate Lord Abby and Little Magpie. A side room used primarily for storing the winter blankets. What they found was…
The once rather simple yet organized room was a complete mess. Blankets spilled from every cupboard. Sheets, ripped curtains, and other fabrics joined the mess that had coalesced in the middle of the room. Said mess was still being built upon by Lord Abby when they arrived. He was completely oblivious to the other lords presence. Too busy building his best to notice. Lord Abby meticulously sorted through every blanket, judging them on some criteria only he knew. If he was satisfied, it went into the nest, the perfect spot determined for the perfect fabric. If he wasn’t, he threw it violently away from him, as if it had personally offended him.
Little Magpie was still contently by his side; he had torn through his own outer robe into a makeshift sling to hold the tiny baby. He would occasionally stop his nesting process to look at her, make sure she was still secure, readjust if needed, and then return to nesting.
Lord Romance could only blink at the odd seen in front of him. For no words could describe the oddity before him. Though he did try.
“Ahem. Well, at least we know he can hold her now.”
“That doesn’t fix our fucking problem though.”
“And what would that be Baby?”
“Little Magpie’s nurse is shit! I told you we should have killed her!”
“Sigh. You’re right. That girl is completely useless…one job and she couldn’t even do that…”
“Yeah. Which means we’ll have to find a new one.”
“Exactly. Jinu is gonna be such a pain over this.”
“You’re right. He isn’t going to like this…”
“I’m not going to like WHAT exactly?”
Three of the five Saja Lords jolted at the sudden voice. Lord Romance, Baby, and Mystery all turned their heads towards the sound. Lord Jinu was standing it what was left of the ruined hallway. Eun-Ji, still injured with head bowed, was behind him.
Lord Jinu looked past the other lords at the situation in the room. His eyes widened and his eyebrows shot up in shock. He stepped closer to the now disheveled room. Lord Abby finally took notice of the others, cocking his head slightly upwards while still in a rather hunched stance. A low and threatening growl escaped him lips as his stance shifted from one of patience to that of a predator. His right claws clung possessively around Little Magpie while his left claws came up as a threat display. His lips were once more parted baring his fangs, daring anyone to come near him and the baby.
Lord Jinu took in the strange situation, an injured nursemaid, a destroyed house, and a nesting Abby. He turned his head towards Lord Mystery.
“Wait. Wtf? You know about this?!”
Lord Jinu cocked his head over his left shoulder to look at Lord Baby. A light shade of pink crept up his face.
“It wasn’t as bad as this-“
“It’s not important right now-“
“Tf?! When did this happen?”
Everyone’s eyes turned to Lord Mystery. Who was trying, and failing, to hide the obvious smirk on his face.
“Though. In your defense Hyung, you weren’t nearly as destructive.”
All eyes returned once more to Lord Abby. Reminding them of what was happening.
“And you could at least be reasoned with.”
Lord Jinu sighed, Lord Abby was clearly being driven by instinct and was in no clear position to be reached.
Lord Jinu stepped through the threshold of the room. Lord Abby growled in response, his pupils narrowing to feint lines. Lord Jinu got on his hands and knees, lowered his head, bearing his neck, while also lifting his hands up in surrender. Lord Abby’s growl stopped abruptly, surveying the sudden change in power. Lord Jinu took the opportunity to bring his hands up to his outer robe and pull it down.
Lord Baby threw Lord Mystery a miffed look, but agreed to let Lord Jinu continue.
Lord Jinu continued. His outer robe fell to the floor with little flourish. He moved into his other robes. Slowly and meticulously removing each one until his chest was exposed. Strange runes surrounded each areola. Lord Jinu passed his hands over his left breast, causing the runes to light up momentarily. Milk started to dribble out from the nipple.
Lord Jinu did not respond to Lord Baby’s outburst. He instead focused his gaze on Lord Abby. Lord Abby had been watching him with a shifting gaze. Going from predatory, to cautious, to intrigued. He sniffed the air confused. The sudden change in pheromones was off-putting but…
Suddenly, Lord Abby leapt out towards Lord Jinu, using his free left hand to grab him and yank him inside the nest. A small yelp escaped Lord Jinu’s lips as he stumbled into the nest. He was aggressively pulled against Lord Abby’s chest; wrapping his left hand around Lord Jinu’s waist, locking him in place. Lord Jinu simply chuckled at this behavior, as if this was a completely normal thing for Lord Abby to do. His eyes locked in on Little Magpie, who had become fussy once more. Both from hunger and at having her sleep disturbed. He reached for her, pulling her gently out of Lord Abby’s makeshift sling. He gently cradled her, cooing softly to quiet her cries. Moving cautiously, he nudged her against his chest, testing to see if she would latch.
Little Magpie hesitated for just a second, perhaps confused by this turn of events, but quickly latched on. Eating greedily as she finally got her fill.
Lord Jinu’s shoulders sagged slightly from relief. The joy evident on his face at this turn of events. Lord Abby was quite pleased as well, sliding his right arm around Lord Jinu’s waist. Having him sit completely upon Lord Abby’s waist. Lord Abby nudged his head against Lord Jinu’s shoulder, cooing and purring at Little Magpie from his new position.
The three remaining lords finally relaxed, Little Magpie was fed, Abby had stopped rampaging, and Jinu had solved the problem.
Lord Romance and Lord Baby turned towards Lord Mystery, shocked by his sudden outburst.
“Those are fertility runes upon your chest Hyung?”
“Yes, a gift from Gwi-Ma. He figured out that I wanted to be more involved in our baby’s life, so he gifted me these runes. Plus, he even showed me how to draw them in case I alone can’t feed her.”
“So we could all get boobs and make milk if needed?”
“Sigh. Don’t worry Baby, no one expects you or Romance to partake in this knowing how uncomfortable it makes you both.”
“Thank Gwi Ma, I was not gonna do that!”
“Ahem! Well now that thats been taken care of, what should we do about the OLD nursemaid?”
Eun-Ji’s body went completely still. During these events the lords had all but forgotten her presence. She had hoped, rather naively, that she could slip past and leave thanks to the commotion. But it was not to be. Lord Jinu found her immediately after he returned home, and then dragged her with him through the ruined corridors to where the rest of the lords were busy watching Lord Abby busily building his nest.
She wasn’t needed anymore.
Lord Jinu or even the other lords could do the nursing just as well as she had.
She wasn’t useful anymore.
Eun-Ji risked raising her eyes from her kowtowed position. All the lords eyes were on her. A nasty blemish on their “perfect” lives. One they had to keep because of necessity. She wasn’t necessary anymore. Sick satisfaction danced across all their eyes at this turn of events.
Eun-Ji dropped to her knees and smacked her head to the floor. Causing small cuts and bleeding occur. Eun-Ji didn’t care. She was fighting for survival.
“My-my lords! Puh-please reconsider this course of action. I can still be of use to you! Any other job would suffice. I-I could take out the waist, wash the linens, or even do work at the furthest corners of the estate! You’d never have to see me-“
“Yeah…no. Better to take your soul and be rid of you.”
“Lord Jinu! Lord Mystery please! You must realize that I could still be of use. That I’m better off living correct?”
Lord Jinu only gave Eun-Ji a passing glance before returning his gaze completely to Little Magpie. Ignoring Eun-Ji’s pleas for mercy. Lord Mystery turned his head towards her, a strained tension appearing across his lips. Perhaps conflict? Perhaps he really would help her? Perhaps he did care! Perhaps-
“Baby please get rid of it. It serves no purpose and its cries will disturb Little Magpie.”
Eun-Ji couldn’t fight back, her body too beaten to stand and her will too broken to feel. She only numbly noticed her body being aggressively hoisted off the ground. She only numbly noticed Lord Baby unhinging his jaw. She only numbly noticed the feint blue light leaving her body, glowing brighter as it headed towards Lord Baby’s waiting maw. Only numbly felt her body grow colder, her vision blurrier, her life being drained from her.
What she did notice were her thoughts. She thought back to the last conversation she had with her parents. How they scolded and cursed her for being so foolish. For throwing everything away for frivolous dreams and whims. Oh how they would laugh if they could see her now.
She thought to the Western Continents. A land of opportunity. Where anyone can be anything. She would never get to see it.
And finally, she thought about herself. She truly was foolish. She thought she could break away from the Hunters. That she could pursue her own path. That she could be free. She was never free. Be it the Hunter’s legacy or demonic demands, her life existed at the whims of others.
And now it would be ended at the whims of others.
Kim Eun-Ji’s name wouldn’t be remembered. By hunter or demon. The Hunters would remember her as simply a hunter taken too soon. No story, no identity. Just a few lines of text in the history of their practice. The Saja Lords won’t even bother. Simply a dismissive statement from time to time, but completely forgotten nonetheless.
Kim Eun-Ji’s life was of no consequence as far as history was concerned.
The five Saja Lords nestled together in the makeshift nest. Lord Abby finally let them in now that the threat had passed. Lord Romance had called the nearest servant, instructing them to begin cleaning and clearing out the halls and corridors. Also instructing the servants to bring their meals to this room for the time being. He had a feeling that none of them would be leaving that room for a while.
Not that any of the lords mind.
Cool silvery moonlight feel into the small space, painting it in a calming light. The lords huddled together. Happy now that their family was finally protected and at peace.
