Chapter 21: An Angel's Questionnaire
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Jungkook walked across the spacious dark room, the sound of the waves crashing invading most of his senses. The deep colored oak floorboards creaked a little under his weight- signifying the place hadn't been kept upto date-
Jungkook didnt mind though, he rarely visited his island-apartment anyway and he would only do so, if he had to get away from Jimin's eyes and ears (considering the demon couldnt sprout wings and fly over to an island to get his hands on Jungkook)
Unbuttoning his coat the Devil leisurely dropped it on the floor and simply pulled onto the cuffs of his white sleeves up, ruffling it around his arm.
Clutching onto the knob, he pulled open the cabinet, finding some of his favorite pure blended malt whiskey- that he had stashed away as an escapade-victory drink.
He popped open the lid and tilted the heavy glass bottle into his glass, as the golden liquor cascaded into it- ever so gracefully like the shimmering Holy Styx.
Well... it sure as hell was Jungkook's Holy Styx.
Placing the bottle aside, Jungkook took a swig of the liquor, a sign of distaste reaching his lips-
"Ice.. Ice.. Ice-" He mumbled to himself, rummaging through the double doored fridge that didn't really spark much interest with its empty racks.
Jungkook frowned.
Why the heck there is no ice?!
He clicked his tongue and shut the doors- grieving that he couldnt enjoy the drink as much as he thought he would and turned away, only to flinch- almost dropping his glass.
"Eek!!!" He screeched a little "Holy- Devil cookies..." Jungkook sighed, shaking his head
"brother can you not sneak up on me like that? Sheesh you could have given me a stroke and had me face father-" Jungkook rolled his eyes "well not literally at least, considering I'm not going up there anyway-"
Namjoon pursed his lips, clearly unamused with Jungkook's antics.
The moon blazed brighter, casting its light through the glass windows and down the oak floorboards signifying the clouds had lift up.
Although Namjoon knew Jungkook could see him perfectly in the dark without having to switch onto his powers, it didnt pay the same cause for him- so on, the moonlight really did help in letting the Angel view the raventte.
"Care for a drink?" Jungkook smiled hopefully, thinking Namjoon would let him slide this time.
"How about an explanation?" Namjoon crossed his arms.
Jungkook sighed, as he hung his head low.
"Ah that Jinhwa bastard-" the Devil clicked his tongue. "Argh! Alright. Fine I'll give you an explanation if that's what you want..."
Walking around the counter with his glass of whiskey, Jungkook slithered down to the one seater cushioned chair and beckoned the Angel to take the one opposite to him.
Jungkook leisurely leaned back crossing his legs and foreseeing quite an ear load heading his way.
Not like he could forsee events- well Jungkook wasnt a See-er but when it had something to do with Namjoon, Jungkook could already predict how the conversation would go.
Jungkook groaned inwardly.
This is bad.
"I was investigating certain things few weeks ago... certain things that caught my eye and I wasnt sure of how to deal with it, considering it has never happened. But since, Jinhwa- who handles deceased souls, has come into this same picture- and although he hasn't disclosed me any information, I can connect two and two and see what is happening here-" Namjoon paused, looking up- his brown eyes shimmering "but I'd like to hear this from you Jungkook. What did you do to Kim Taehyung?"
Jungkook sipped his liquor and hummed- seemingly amused "you make it sound like I did naughty stuff with Detective Kim, brother..."
"Jungkook" Namjoon grit his teeth a little, tired and wanting to know Jungkook's reasons.
"Why, as you say, Detective Kim- who was up on Jinhwa's list- who's supposed to be dead. Still alive and breathing? What. Did. You. Do?" Namjoon asked straight away.
Jungkook unfolded his legs and exhaled softly.
"A deal." Jungkook smirked "I made a deal with him."
Namjoon's lower jaw dropped- he had prepared himself for the worst.Yes. But this? This was way more unhinged than worst.
"You made a WHAT?!" Namjoon yelled.
"A deal brother. A classic old contract." Jungkook shrugged.
Namjoon blinked, trying to assimilate his thoughts but none of it made sense.
Kim Taehyung made a deal with the Devil.
So Kim Taehyung knows, Jungkook is the Devil?
And everything is alright?
And so if, saving his life from death was his end of the contract- why hasnt Jungkook made a move yet?
What is even happening?
Namjoon was beyond confused.
"Ah... there's so much confusion in the air-" Jungkook shook his head, sighing "to help you ease your thoughts, well- Detective Kim doesnt know I'm the Devil."
"What?" Namjoon looked up, his eyebrows scrunched up.
"Detective Kim doesnt know.. I'm the Devil." Jungkook repeated, blinking innocently.
"And if he doesnt know about it, then how in the first place did he summon you? And why is that he was saved from death?!" Namjoon poured out his thoughts, unable to confine them.
"Ah- about that..." Jungkook chuckled at the distinct memory "he summoned me accidently, well.. that's what I think. Considering he doesnt acknowledge me as the Devil at all. And Oh- it was actually interesting. Did you know one could summon me with a sandwich?! A Sandwich!" Jungkook laughed amused with his own words "Bloody hell- I had never known a mortal could summon me with a sandwich and a bloody pricked finger. It was literally mindblowing-" Jungkook continued rambling, while Namjoon watched with disbelief.
"He summoned you... accidently-" Namjoon paused, then burst all the way through "AND IF YOU KNEW THAT THEN WHY DID YOY ACCEPT IT YOU IDIOT?!"
"WELL THAT'S BECAUSE I WAS AMAZED ALRIGHT?! ITS NOT LIKE EVERYDAY A MORTAL SUMMONS ME WITH A FUCKING SANDWICH!" Jungkook replied, throwing the same childish tantrum.
Namjoon sighed, pressing the bridge of his nose- Jungkook will definitely kill him one day.
"Alright.. alright.. so, you're telling me- the Detective summoned you unknowingly, and you accepted it, even granted his side of the deal- to end up being striked off from Jinhwa's list of deceased souls?" Namjoon asked calmly, regaining his composure and taming his frustration. "Kim Taehyung asked you... to save his life and you did so, without reconsidering you were banished to do so?"
"I mean... it was a deal. I can't break deals now can I?" Jungkook answered, skillfully avoiding the real question.
Namjoon's eyes glinted, sparking a golden flare.
"Did. Kim Taehyung. Ask. You. To. Save. His. Life?" Namjoon repeated, seeing right through Jungkook's sneak reply.
The Devil sighed.
Namjoon knew him just way too well.
It was a nuisance.
"Well... no." Jungkook paused but quickly added with a sheepish grin "but, I considered that- as his side of the contract"
Jungkook averted his gaze from Namjoon's flaring golden ones-
Ah. This is bad.
"Well what do you suppose I should have done then?! Detective Kim was bleeding on the floor with two bullets down his chest. Not to mention he was passed out- I cant wake up an unconscious man and ask him to speak, now can I? So yeah... I saved him, granted him his life- not like he asked me to, but considering Detective Kim- he very much wanted to live, so it's pretty much like an unsaid wish to be saved, and I granted it as his part of the deal!!!!"
Namjoon sat stunned in his seat.
Jungkook pursed his lips shut.
"For the sake of the Devil, brother say something-"
"If he didnt ask for it, then it doesnt reside as his wish for the contract. You saved him- on your own accord!" Namjoon yelled, curling his fists. "You can still dissolve this contract and I can have this case considered as a mishap and you-"
"Dissolve? I'm not dissolving this contract Namjoon." Jungkook grit his teeth.
"What the hell do you mean by that?! This is your chance. You didnt grant him his wish, therefore the deal isnt sealed yet and everything will eventually fall back to its natural order! You can go about your life, the Detective can go about his without having anything to do with us and forget all about it as his mercy-bread. So. Yes, you are going to dissolve this contract and have it done as if it never existed in the first place and Jungkook I will not-" Namjoon paused, noticing the specks of red flare up in Jungkook's eyes.
"I said. I will not Dissolve this Contract and have Detective Kim forgetting all about me." Jungkook replied, his tone deeper and threatening.
Namjoon reeled his anger in, not wanting to appear hostile towards the Devil, not even accidentally- knowing things would go south if he'd tick off Jungkook's timer.
"So then are you gonna keep toying with him? And then what if he finds out and doesnt take it well? What then? What will you do Jungkook?" Namjoon asked carefully, his gaze unwavering.
"Yes. I will continue toying with him for as long as I can and you dont have to worry about what would happen, if Detective Kim were to realise my true nature." Jungkook tilt his head, a lazy smile on his lips- but that made him look even more insane with his blazing red orbs.
"As the protector of souls- Jungkook... it is my duty to worry what would happen to mortals- Kim Taehyung, included." Namjoon grit his teeth.
"Well consider Detective Kim off of that list of yours- what happens to him, is none of your concern as I will be looking after him from now. You can go ahead and protect other souls. I'm not interested in any of them eitherway"
"Interested?" Namjoon quirked up, not letting his defense down.
"Yes, I'm very much interested in Detective Kim as of now and I would like to know more about him. I would also like him acknowledging me, as I am- so that must answer your reasoning of why I dont want to dissolve this contract, and have him forgetting about me and have all of my efforts go to ruins..." Jungkook said, standing up and Namjoon followed suit.
"You're toying with a living mortal soul Jungkook. You are forbidden to do so." Namjoon replied sternly, his hands behind his back- just in case.
Jungkook chuckled darkly throwing his head back and pressing the heel of his palm in his eyes.
"Have you even been listening to me brother?" Jungkook asked, malice laced with his tone.
"I am evil as I am, and I and my kind are damned to perish..." Jungkook mumbled with an evil glint in his tone, making Namjoon's skin crawl.
Jungkook lowered his head removing the hand off of his face, revealing the whites of his eyes, consumed by darkness as two blazing deep red orbs swirled in it.
"You're talking to the Devil, brother... you might wanna reconsider what your next words will be-" Jungkook chuckled, taking his fingers through his raven locks.
Namjoon sighed in defeat, but then looked up, not wanting to give up on his banished brother to go ahead and do something reckless.
"as your brother and as the protector of mortal souls- I want you to refrain yourself from walking on this path. Let Kim Taehyung be. Dissolve this contract Jungkook. Let Kim Taehyung live." Namjoon stood his ground, his hands pressing deeper into his back.
The Devil laughed airily.
"Live? Let him live? You think I'm gonna hurt him?"
"Isn't that's what you're gonna end up doing if the deal is sealed? If the Detective ends up learning about your true nature and demands his wish from the contract, aren't you gonna reap his soul from your side of the deal? Isn't that's what you are after?"
Jungkook smirked a little, as he kept his glass aside.
"Initially, that's what I had hoped for. Yes, I wanted to reap his soul out of pure curiosity because I was very much intrigued by him... but now, I've changed my mind.... as delicious his soul would probably taste and as enticing it would feel, I dont want to do it. I want the Detective to live, I want to keep seeing him for as long as I can, I want him to acknowledge me."
"You want him to know your true nature and you're expecting him to take it all well?" Namjoon frowned.
"More or less..." Jungkook shrugged, a lop sided smile on his lips as his eyes constantly blazed amidst the hollow blackness of his eyes.
"It won't work Jungkook. You may be powerful- but if the Detective is to demand a wish, you cannot deny him of it- and if that were to happen, nor can you escape your thirst of reaping his soul. Despite knowing that, you wan-" Namjoon couldnt even complete his sentence, as he pulled out his hidden swords, saving his neck at a split second.
The Angel huffed, his face centimeteres apart from the Devil's- who grinned maniacally.
"Dang... I thought I got you this time" Jungkook sneered on his face, his claws wrapped around Namjoon's blades perfectly, as blood began seeping down with a sizzling steam raising off the blade. It wasn't suprising, as the Angel's blade was a Heavenly forged weapon that could slice up all Divine and Unholy beings.
Namjoon further narrowed his eyes at the raventte, who gripped onto the blades even more harshly.
It was a last minute save and Namjoon knew if he hadn't switched into his angelic form and pulled out his swords in that one split second, he would have probably been on the floor writhing with brutal wounds in his body- provided that few of his organs would definitely be missing.
Although Namjoon knew, Jungkook didn't aim his claws at any of the Angel's fatal spots, signifying that he was simply playing with him- but oh well- few missing organs definitely hurt.
Angel or not.
"Jungkook..." Namjoon hissed in anger.
And the Devil smirked in return.
"You better level up brother, I'm catching up to you." Jungkook cocked his head, letting go of the blades and stepping back.
Namjoon grit his teeth at the response.
Although Namjoon had to switch to his semi-original form- Jungkook necessarily didnt have to. Sure, Namjoon was elite at swordfights, but then again he couldn't do much against Jungkook's raw strength.
For more than a million reasons why the Heavens, let Jungkook go about his own way- wasnt only because they couldnt control him-
No- because most of them... feared him.
They feared, the Devil's true nature.
They feared to anger the Devil, as much as they feared to anger their Father.
Jungkook was the living walking embodiment of pure evil- and the thought wasnt lost on any of them, certainly not to those- who had seen the bits of what he could do.
Namjoon, as an elite warrior certainly could win a fair fight against Jungkook. But if fairness had to be implied and if they were to fight in their true forms, Namjoon knew- he knew.... he would be ripped to shreds in minutes.
And for that- Namjoon as much as he hated the Demon kind- as much as ironic it sounded, he wanted to save his desolated, banished brother.
To save him from his rigged damned prophecy.
Because the Jungkook he knew- was kind. Kinder than mortals. Kinder than the rest of his siblings.
Despite being the Devil, Jungkook has never lied, nor has he taken the breath of any living mortal.
Sure, the whole deal-contract-soul-reaping thing seemed controversial... but then again, Jungkook isn't to be blamed, if a mortal, himself is to dip his hands into darkness.
To summon the Devil, and its tailing consequences, are just a mere payment to their deeds- more like on the same context as, 'he reaps, what he sows.'
And if a mortal were to summon the Devil himself, he is already doomed and lost his right to see the Silver Gates. That being said, it wouldn't make much difference, if the Devil would demand their souls, now would it?
Still.. it was frowned upon. Its unethical, to let mortals have their way with the Devil's shadow. And all the more reason, as to why the Angels didn't want Jungkook helping out mortals with their dreadful demands.
But Namjoon was still lost.
Taehyung hadnt made any- Jungkook could still cancel the deal- everything would fall back to places- so why?
Why was Jungkook adamant on not letting go?
Why did he save the Detective on his own accord?
Why is it only the Detective?
What is it that Jungkook wants from the Detective?
His soul? Recognition? Friendship?- No.
Namjoon looked up at the male, a single thought jabbing his entire being. The only thought that raised his suspicions. The only thought that connected the Detective with the Devil himself.
"Dont think much Namjoon... whatever is it that you're thinking, all you have to know is I'm not gonna lose it. I'm not gonna lose my control." Jungkook sighed, his eyes already returned to it's normal state, as he blew air on the deep cuts in his palm that sizzled and hissed.
"And you know me better than anyone brother, I may be the Devil, but I dont take the living. That is one rule I respect-" Jungkook scoffed looking at the clouds through the window.
"Yeah here that well old man?! One rule. One rule only!" Jungkook yelled at the sky, chuckling at himself.
Namjoon sighed, burying his thought deep into his mind.
Not this time. He should wait. He should wait for some more time.
"You make me work overtime Jungkook." The Angel sighed again.
Jungkook smiled, shrugging a bit as if the two hadn't almost killed each other few minutes ago.
"Mm forgive me. But really- do not worry about me. I'll be careful with the Detective and no, I'm not gonna take his soul- so leash up Jinhwa cause if I see that poodle again I will beat the sh-"
"Fine fine. I'll ask him to stay down." Namjoon groaned, and then looked up.
"Jungkook, please... make this as your last contract. Its tiring for me clean up after you."
Jungkook gasped a little dramatically "you make it sound like I am the one going around and knocking the mortals' doors and demanding their souls"
"Jungkook. The last time you accepted a contract- the man burned down the country." Namjoon pursed his lips.
"Well now he's burning in hell so it's all alright." Jungkook replied, with the same amused, unashamed tone.
"Whoop- look at that time. Its 2am. I think I better go, Jimin is probably rummaging the streets now..." Jungkook chuckled nervously, looking at the Rolex on his wrist.
Jungkook swiftly grabbed his glass and downed the rest of the liquor in a single go and then proceeded to pick up his jacket from the floor.
"Oh and- Namjoon?" Jungkook paused at the door, a grin on his lips.
"If you want to live, dont see me for a while... Jimin's not gonna take these cuts lightly. Toodles!"
And with a blink of an eye, the raventte had disappeared.
Namjoon let out another defeated sigh.
Jungkook was a handful.
The Angel looked up at the sky, signs of worry on his face.
"What should I do Father? Why have you set me on this path?" He whispered tiredly and then looked down, his eyes blazing golden to catch hold of the red strings Jungkook had left behind.
One, which was thicker and stronger- one that belonged to the Devil and his loyal gaurd.
And another, which was no longer as faint as it once used to be- it was now stronger, maybe not as strong as the red string between Jungkook and Jimin, but still strong enough.
Namjoon frowned, not sure what to feel.
He wondered, if it is his place to worry that a mere mortal was pouring his entire trust into the Devil himself, or if he should worry that this... trust, that Jungkook had equally entrusted onto the Detective, end up becoming his own fatal undoing.
For a prophecy has never lied-
And for Jungkook who is prophesied for the upbringing of Chaos-
Namjoon couldn't help but worry.
Maybe this decade was going to be the worst of all-
Maybe.
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Jungkook sighed, wanting to close his eyes and drift off to sleep- but because a certain pink haired demon who was yelling his ass off- Jungkook really couldnt focus.
"-AND THEN YOU COME BACK WITH THESE BURNS. WHAT IN THE NAME OF HELL WERE YOU THINKING?!"
Jungkook sighed again.
Getting cuts, and threatening the Angel that Jimin would kill him for it, definitely worked, considering the male hadn't showed up at his apartment yet.
But Jungkook didnt think through that he would have to deal with a very piseed Jimin as a consequence.
"I am fine Jimin! See? Fine!" Jungkook retorted, clenching his fist to show the wounds dont hurt (they did.)
"No you're not fine. I'm supposed to be protecting you. Why the hell did you run off and- and that longfacebird man- tell him he's dead. The next time I see him. He's dead. Dead!" Jimin snarled, stomping his feet.
"Jimin it's fine, we were having a quarrel and then we were just playing around. You dont have to fight him" Jungkook groaned into his palm.
"What do you mean by I dont have to? He cut you!" Jimin retorted, waving his knife around.
"Yes but as long as I'm breathing it's fine!" Jungkook shook his head
"As your protector-"
"Argh Jimin!" Jungkook yelled "stop being so overbearing okay? I get it. You're worried. But I can take care of myself just fine. You can go out and have fun instead of sticking to me. It's no fun if you're here acting like the nagging mother I never had, like seriously, go have fun. You dont have to stay here"
Jimin bit back his words- no, it crashed down his throat.
Seething.
Fuck.
Angry.
Fuck.
Hurt.
Fuck.
Dont fucking cry now. Jimin hissed inwardly at himself.
"FINE!" The pink haired demon yelled.
"I dont want to stay with you either. You're nothing but an annoying piece of work!" Jimin added, turning on his heels and walking off.
"Hey- Hey- where are you going?!" Jungkook followed up, caught offgaurd.
"Anywhere. But not here!" Jimin barked back, beyond annoyed.
"Ooh- But you've got nowhere else to go. I'm the only friend you've got here Jimin" Jungkook croaked out, laughing.
"Well that's where you are wrong. I- have.... I have other friends!" Jimin blurted out, his cheeks heating up a little being unfamiliar with calling any other being a 'friend'
"Ah.. I see- are they imaginary?!" Jungkook laughed, buckling over making Jimin even more mad.
"No! They're real. And they're better than you so fuck you! I hope you trip over the window ledge and fall face first into the traffic!" Jimin snarled, throwing his middle finger up.
"Oh and the suit that came in this morning? That is ugly as fuck. So is your hair. And your face? Ugliest fucking thing in the planet. And Fuck you, you little bastard!" Jimin panted, feeling a little relieved from getting few things off of his chest, as he stepped into the elevator and turned to face the raventte.
Jungkook gasped a little, feigning the hurt expression "what's with all the personal attacks?"
"You deserve it. I'm done living off of you. I hope you get some other lapdog while I'm away-" Jimin snapped "and oh, about the friends thing Jungkook? It's not me. It's you. I am the only friend you've got so guess who's a real loner here?"
And with that the doors slid close, leaving Jungkook to his thoughts.
Silence greeting him as he slowly turned away, a little surprised with the words.
Who's a real loner here.... huh?
********
Jimin averted his gaze, looking at the pastel cream wall. One of his hands wrapped over the handles of his luggage while the other rubbed his nape, awkwardly.
Ugh.
What was he thinking?
It wasnt like he had any other choice.
If Jungkook was being a jerk and completely unreasonable, Jimin figured out he had no other way but let the Devil have a taste if his own medicine.
"Just because I said we could be good friends last night. It doesn't mean we are friends."
"I KNO-" Jimin pursed his lips shut "I know."
Breathe in. Breathe out.
Don't kill him.
Its alright.
"Just for few days, I'll even pay for half of the rent." Jimin looked up, noticing the male, in a Tshirt and sweatpants. With arms crossed, the figure leaned on the doorframe.
Jimin racked his brain.
This isnt going to work.
The Demon sighed.
"Please. Let me stay here for a while- atleast until I can shake off Jungkook's massive.. monstrous... annoying ego." Jimin grumbled, but then slowly looked up with sincerity gleaming in his eyes and watched a smirk crawl up the man's lips.
"Well... if that's the case, I cant really kick you out." Taehyung grinned, shrugging a little as he stepped aside.
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Author's Note:
So... about why I updated. Well... I wasnt supposed to write a chapter- but lol I got my periods and then I couldnt focus on any of my studies, so I got down to write this instead :')
Send candies pls :///
Jsjsjs this is def the last update until the next month, so dont expect any more sudden updates from me.
I hope this chapter answers your questions as to regards to the "deal"
And if you didnt, well; the DEAL/CONTRACT is simply an agreement between a mortal and the Devil. A mortal can demand for anything off of the deal (there are limits tho- like you cant ask for immortality, nor can you ask to see someone who's deceased and well- emotion-related stuff are off-limits and you definitely cannot ask the Devil to be your slave. There are other limitations too, but these are main four things)
And the Devil can take (reap) their soul, as his parting agreement (it's not like the Devil has to kill them, they're doomed eitherways so after their deaths they go straight to the pots of oils)- so the bottom line is dont go around making Deals with the Devil, cause you'll end up in hell.
And about the "Dissolve" the contract, so if incase, the Devil has accepted a contract (he has the choice to choose it, and if he does and regrets it- then he can end it on his own accord) but the mortal hasnt pulled up any demands, the Devil can still withdraw the deal- but as a consequence, the mortal would end up forgetting about the entire ordeal he had with the Devil. (That mortal wouldnt necessarily end up in hell- not if he has committed any other serious crime)
So... yeah. That's pretty much of it I guess.
Anygay... thanks for all the votes and lovely comments.
I love you.
Stay safe from rona♡
Love,
Jaye.