Author's Note:

This is update 3/?

Enjoy!

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"Do you think you're ready now?" Detective Lee asked, watching as Chaeyoung leaned against a tree for support before taking a big inhale and then exhale. Chaeyoung nodded, her eyes never leaving the hospital entrance just in case one of her friends happened to exit at the same time she wanted to enter. She had been allowed to attend the memorial service on the condition that Detective Lee had to attend as well to forbid her from interacting with others and that the driver would be on standby to keep an eye on them. They had left since seven in the morning and had arrived a little over seven in the afternoon, which meant that the place she was locked up in was approximately twelve hours away from Seoul by vehicle. She had feigned uninterest in the world while in the car but she was actually memorizing the heck out of every twist and turn as well as the times for each stop since leaving her massive prison.

Once she had the opportunity, she was planning on relaying the information to anyone she could come in contact with in hopes of having them memorize the information too. She would have written everything down but if she was caught then it would be too risky and the car would have been turned back around. Detective Lee snapped her out of her intense master plan by lowering the hat on her head so that the veil could really cover all of her face. He then lowered his own hat, which was a big black one that made it difficult for people to see his features. "Come on then, we are on a schedule and have to be back soon. You only have half an hour at most before we have to go back." Chaeyoung frowned at his words but nodded in understanding, she had stooped extremely low to get where she was and she was not going to waste this opportunity.

She took another deep breath before finally moving away from the tree and closer to the front entrance. Before she could even so much as set foot on the pavement leading up to the glass doors of the hospital, some smoke and some shouts stopped her in her tracks. She was instantly held behind Detective Lee who was protecting her from some old women who had been triggered by Chaeyoung's presence. "HOW DARE YOU BRING SUCH A CURSED CHILD INTO A PLACE FILLED WITH SICK AND INNOCENT PEOPLE?!" One of them shouted, throwing some more smoke in their direction. "GET HER OUT OF HERE! SHE REEKS OF DARK ENERGY AND DEATH!" "NO HOPE FOR HER! NO HOPE! SHE'LL TAINT THE AREA! SHE MUST BE EXILED!" Chaeyoung was shaking uncontrollably, tears in her eyes from both the smoke surrounding them and fear. She yelped in pain when a rough object collided against one of her legs. She then felt another and another all over and she could hear Detective Lee groan in pain too. She looked down with her blurry eyes only to see rocks with sharp edges land all around her. She could still hear the shouts of the angry women as well as shouts from security that were trying to get them to stop.

"LEAVE! YOU AREN'T WELCOME HERE, DEMON CHILD!" All of a sudden everything around her became cold. She could hear her pants clearly but everyone else had become absolutely silent. She slowly looked up, air leaving her lungs when she came face to face with a familiar distorted smile. It brought one of its hands and cupped Chaeyoung's cheeks tightly with its fingers, making her hat fall of from the rough movement. Chaeyoung's breath hitched, mouth becoming forcefully opened as she stared at the massive pile of sharp teeth that had now opened up to form a large 'O'. She couldn't move or say anything as a large fountain of black smoke left the demon's mouth and forced its way into her body, making her insides shrivel. She closed her eyes, hoping that someone would make it all stop; that someone would save her.

Then, the world just suddenly seemed to unfreeze. The shouts, the rocks, the smell of smoke, it all came back but the demon had vanished. All that remained was the ashy taste of smoke in her mouth and the feeling of her organs suffocating. Chaeyoung's eyes watered, she could feel her damaged body being pulled away. All she wanted was to see her friends one last time. To see him one last time. To maybe relay the information she had proudly gathered to someone so they could come and save her, but it was all going to hell once again. Park Chaeyoung just couldn't be saved. "PARK CHAEYOUNG!" she turned when she heard the powerful shout, the desperation in the voice. She wondered who could possibly be calling her name and as soon as her eyes met his she felt her heart flutter. "P-Park Jimin..." was all she could say before she was shoved back into the car she had come from and they were on their way; Park Jimin disappearing from her sight along with her hopes of getting rescued.

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"Thank you for taking the time out of your busy schedule to come and give your condolences, Detective Song. I appreciate everything that you have done for me and eomma. Thank you for everything." Jimin shook the man's hand in a firm grip as he looked him in the eyes. Detective Song shook his head and gave him a small smile, which was unusual coming from such a cold-hearted man. He patted Jimin's shoulder gently and turned to look at Jihyo's portrait on the alter. He moved away from Jimin and bowed twice to the woman before turning back to her son.

"I actually wanted to talk to you. I know it's been hard and you've given us some information already but things just don't add up. I know there is something you aren't telling us and while this is not the time nor place for anything, I would like you to come tomorrow to my office so we can talk. I want the truth and nothing but the truth. I also want you to tell me all that you know regarding Park Chaeyoung. If there is any chance in finding her then I need to be told the truth, Jimin-ssi." The detective's voice was serious and Jimin could detect the frustration radiating from it.

He had been let off easy during the past few days due to the preparation involving his mother's funeral. He had managed to evade questioning from both police officers and the detective himself by stating that he wasn't in the right state of mind to answer anything properly. He wasn't completely lying whenever he was saying that as part of it was true. Yet the other part was that he didn't know how to explain that a demon chasing Park Chaeyoung was the reason for everything that was happening without making the detective and his staff think he was insane. He had been asked about Chaeyoung and had only answered basic things like when they met, how long ago, and stuff like that.

The detective and the police were getting absolutely nowhere with any of that information even with the extra information Jin and Seulgi had provided. Without Park Chaeyoung, they couldn't solve Park Jihyo's case so it was of top priority for her to be found. They were tired of waiting and they wanted answers immediately. Jimin knew they could only be nice for so long so having Detective Song show up at his mother's memorial service proved to him that they were on the last straw. Whether they believed him or thought him crazy, he was going to have to tell them the truth and nothing but the truth.

He was just about to respond to the detective when a loud commotion outside interrupted the peace and quiet of the hospital. Both men turned around, seeing people running down the hallway and in the direction of the hospital entrance. Jimin was supposed to stay where he was but he didn't want whatever was happening outside to be dangerous to the people currently mourning for his mother so he said he would go check it out. Both him and Detective Song left the mourning area in a hurry and squeezed around the people that had piled up at the front entrance. "LEAVE! YOU AREN'T WELCOME HERE, DEMON CHILD!" He could hear the multiple shouts of angry old women but that last phrase made his whole body shiver. He didn't know why and he didn't want to be correct but he felt like that phrase was being dedicated to someone he knew.

Someone who had gone missing for five days now, which meant that there was no way that person was currently there now. So near yet far out of reach at the same time. His body bulldozed through the horde of people along with Detective Song who was surprised at Jimin's sudden strength. Once both men were out of the fury of people, Song could spot how a female figure dressed in all black was being dragged away by a male figure also dressed in fully black. His instinct was to run after them but a sudden shout coming from besides him made him freeze in his tracks. "PARK CHAEYOUNG!"

As soon as the sound reached the female's ears, Song was left in absolute shock. Not only had he finally seen Park Chaeyoung in the flesh after she had gone missing five days ago. He had also made eye contact with the person who had once been his partner and the older brother of his deceased wife. "L-Lee Dongwook...." he whispered, eyes drifting to the girl next to him. He could feel himself something in him break when he gazed at the girl. There stood Park Chaeyoung, or the shell of Park Chaeyoung, the spitting image of his dead wife at the moment of breaking point.

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Once the long ride back to hell was over, Chaeyoung could feel as someone pulled her out of the car and carried her. She couldn't be bothered to open her eyes as she didn't want to see the faces of the people that took her away from the only good she had in her life. She was too mentally, physically, and emotionally exhausted to deal with anything at the moment. She just felt a bit empty inside, even the injuries she had acquired earlier on had completely stopped hurting. It didn't matter if she had heard Detective Lee cursing out loud about how badly those rocks pierced her skin.

It didn't matter when the bumpy road made her injured skin graze against the hard surface of the car door. None of that mattered because the only thing she was feeling right now was numb. She was numb all over, whether it be emotionally or physically. Seeing Park Jimin again after a long time made her heartbeat accelerate like it hadn't done in a while, but then there was nothing. As soon as she got shoved back into the sleek black car that had brought her over, the little bit of life in her got sucked out. She couldn't cry, she couldn't scream, she couldn't fight, she just couldn't do anything.

She could feel her body lower onto a soft cushioned surface and memories of when she first got there filled her mind. Back then she still had some fight in her. Back then she had expressed so many emotions that she couldn't possibly attempt to do now. She wanted to be worried over her lack of anything at all but she just didn't care. It was as if her insides were melting and every breath she would take was not her own. Where was Park Chaeyoung? When did she lose all hope? Why was she being this way all of a sudden? Then she thought back to the demon appearing in front of her. Demon. Black smoke. Ashy taste. Was it all just her imagination? Was she going insane from being far away from those she loved? So many questions that immediately left as soon as they popped up. She just couldn't even be bothered to think anymore. Maybe after some sleep I'll be back to normal. she thought to herself, the sound of shouting and hurried footsteps becoming more and more distant with each breath. After just a few minutes, Chaeyoung had completely fallen asleep while Park Jinwoo and Park Haeun fussing over her injured body.

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"I'M TELLING YOU THE TRUTH!" Jimin shouted, fingers frustratingly running through his hair in order to calm himself down. He was currently sitting in front of Detective Song in his interrogation room. The older man sighed and shook his head, trying to take in all that Park Jimin had told him. Jimin had told the detective absolutely everything from beginning to the current present. He knew it was possible for no one to believe him as he had found it hard to believe everything himself at one point. However, a part of him had hope that Detective Song would be different. For some reason, Jimin believed that the older man had lived many strange occurrences and a demon was just another to add to his list.

Unfortunately, Detective Song had taken Jimin's words as things youngsters say during serious situations. "Listen, Park Jimin-ssi. I know you've gone through a hard time but I told you I needed you to be honest with me. I don't want to hear all of this demon bullshit. This isn't some game. Your eomoni was murdered and Park Chaeyoung has been kidnapped. I. Need. The. Truth. Now." The detective's voice sounded serious yet a bit defeated. As if the whole thing was affecting him in a different way than it should have. Jimin felt like crying, he was so frustrated that he wished he could just get up and kick the man in front of him right now.

Jimin bit his lip, glaring at the older man in front of him who silently challenged him to mention the word 'demon' one more time. Then, he remembered a very important piece of evidence that the detective himself had handed to him while they were at the hospital; his mother's letter. After seeing Chaeyoung for the first time in a few days, everything had moved extremely fast. Detective Song had dashed out to try and catch the vehicle that left with her inside but he was too late to even catch a glimpse of the license plate. Both males had gone inside and Jimin had to take a few minutes to finally tell Jin, Seulgi, and Jungkook what had happened. All three had different reactions but they all shared one thing in common, they were all glad that at least she was alive. His mother's memorial ended and it was followed by taking his mother's urn and placing it in a beautiful crystal case that was decorated by little knickknacks, pictures, and flowers just for her. He had chosen to keep his mother in a small cemetery outside of Seoul that was not commonly visited but was surrounded by all sorts of flowers and nature.

Once they were out of the cemetery, Detective Song had let them all know that he wanted to speak to them first thing in the morning. It was understandable that they were going to be interrogated so soon since he had already been warned and now that Chaeyoung had appeared the detective as well as them were more anxious than ever. Everyone had just gone directly to Jin's place to stay the night and after some freshening up the next morning they were all sitting outside the detective's office awaiting their turn to get questioned. Although, during the time that everyone was sleeping, Jimin hadn't been able to rest well and his thoughts had fallen on his mother's letter.

He had gotten up, rummaging through the few belongings he had until he came across the familiar envelope. He figured that with all that was happening and after everyone's support he was finally strong enough to read the letter. He had taken a few deep breaths before finally ripping the envelope open as quietly as he could and taking the folded paper into his shivering hands. His eyes carefully moved onto each and every word written in his mother's handwriting, eyes watering at the letter's contents. If he told Detective Song everything and he didn't believe him then maybe his mother's letter will do the trick. With that in mind, Jimin placed the letter back into its envelope and then proceeded to cry himself to sleep while clutching the letter in his arms.

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Chaeyoung wasn't sure if she was currently dreaming or not but she could feel a gentle hand caress her hair while a soft voice hummed a melancholic melody. She instinctively curled into the body beside her, sighing contently as the relaxing actions continued. Chaeyoung wanted it to go on forever but the humming came to an end and the voice didn't continue, making her open her eyes slowly and look up. She could feel some tears well up when her tired eyes came in contact with Jihyo's warm smile. "E-eomoni..." she whispered, making the ghostly form in front of her pull her closer in a comforting embrace.

"Shh, it's okay, sweetie. No need to cry so hard, my sweet child. You'll just tire yourself out." Jihyo pulled a sobbing Chaeyoung away from her slowly, gently wiping a few tears with one hand while the other traced her face. "Oh, just look at you. Have they been feeding you? Have you refused to eat? You've lost so much weight and your eyes...why are your eyes so dark, Chaeyoung-ah?" Jihyo frowned as she stared at the girl.

Chaeyoung couldn't reply to anything as she stared at the warm eyes of the woman on the bed with her. When had she gotten into the bed? She had no clue. She was pretty sure it was probably the afternoon currently as they had arrived in the morning and she felt like she had slept a couple of hours after they arrived. All that sleep didn't matter though as she still felt dead tired. Like her eyes would close if only Jihyo wasn't keeping her entertained. After a couple of minutes Chaeyoung decided to finally speak up, her voice barely above a whisper as she hadn't used it for long periods of time.

"H-have you seen J-Jimin?" she asked her, grateful that she had gotten a visit as she was finally feeling something other than numbness. Jihyo shook her head, going back to caressing her hair. "I want to go see him but I feel like he's not ready for me yet. I want to give him some time before I show up. He's been through a lot so suddenly. He's experiencing things he hadn't been so I want to give him some space." Chaeyoung nodded at her words but a question still remained. "W-why visit me?" She was genuinely curious as they had spent some good moments together but they weren't that close and it was partially her fault that the older woman had died. She lowered her eyes, biting her bottom lip roughly to prevent her sobs from escaping. Why would anyone want to see her after that?

Jihyo could sense that Chaeyoung's soul darkening and she couldn't help but feel worried. She had come after gathering the courage to do so to warn the poor girl. She had to tell her what was after her. The wrath he possessed. The evil within. He wasn't a normal demon. His thirst wouldn't be quenched and Chaeyoung's dark demeanor would work as its vessel if she wasn't too careful. She could sense something deep within her and she was afraid. It was now or never. The older woman placed some gentle fingers on Chaeyoung's chin and raised her face. Chaeyoung could see how the woman's face had turned dead serious but there was still a warmness in her eyes. "Chaeyoung-ah...I-I don't know how to say this but I came here with a warning. I-I know who the demon is an-"

As soon as Jihyo mentioned the demon, the taste of smoke returned and she felt like her insides were melting. Everything had gone blurry and her body became extremely heavy. She could hear herself screech but she really wasn't aware she was doing it. In a matter of seconds, her right hand was tightly gripping onto Jihyo's frail neck. Chaeyoung was breathing hard, black smoke radiating off of her skin and burning Jihyo's neck as she tightened her grip. The older woman stared back at the girl whose face held a wicked smile and eyes had gone completely black. Maybe I am too late. she thought as her ghostly body began to flicker in and out of existence.

How could she not have felt his presence in her? How could she have been such a fool? When did he make his way in her? How did he conceal his presence? What would he make the poor girl do? All the questions that popped into her head were slowly becoming nothing but mush as she couldn't even feel herself think anymore. She could hear Chaeyoung laughing hysterically, a mixture between extreme delight and extreme sadness. Park Chaeyoung was fighting in there. Fighting meant no complete control. Maybe I'm not too late after all.

"C-Chaeyoung, please. T-this is not you. D-don't let yourself be consumed...p-please." Jihyo's voice was small and quiet but it seemed to work. The lights in the room began to flash and the windows exploded one by one, but after a few minutes Park Chaeyoung was back. She immediately released Jihyo, jumping out of the bed and running to the furthest corner in the room. Her bare feet had stepped on tons of broken glass but she couldn't care less. Chaeyoung had lost complete control of herself. It was as if she had blanked out and someone had taken control of her body. She crouched down, her hands pulling at her already messed up hair. She could feel herself on the verge of a panic attack as her breaths became heavier and heavier and her eyes darted from the bed where Jihyo remained to the broken glass now stained with blood on the floor.

Jihyo could see her internal dilemma and after finally gaining enough strength to stop flickering and maintain her existence, she attempted to approach the poor girl. "C-Chaeyoung..." she started but Chaeyoung shook her head as she clutched onto herself tightly. Her teeth were chattering as if she were cold but it was all out of nerves. "G-g-go away...please. I-I don't want to h-hurt you again." Heavy sobs came out of her frail body and she tucked herself further into the corner. Jihyo paid no mind and continued to approach her, a hand reaching out to the girl whose head had lowered down.

"I said GO AWAY!" Chaeyoung's voice was loud and a bit broken but strong enough to be afraid of. However, that didn't scare Jihyo away as she finally touched Chaeyoung's shoulder. Chaeyoung flinched, the taste of smoke returning once again. She raised her head and looked at Jihyo's worried eyes with her empty black ones. "WhAt PaRt Of Go AwAy DiDn'T yOu UnDeRsTaNd?!" Chaeyoung's voice was distorted and her face had become dark with the sinister smile playing on her lips. Jihyo let out a gasp before moving away from her immediately. Chaeyoung chuckled darkly, standing up and then cracking her neck. She looked at Jihyo, her smile getting wider. "BoO~"and with that Jihyo immediately disappeared, making Chaeyoung collapse to the ground after regaining control.

Her breathing was heavy and she felt extremely sleepy but with the only strength she had left she managed to get up and make her way into the bathroom. She leaned against the sink, taking a few deep breaths before finally looking at her reflection in the mirror. A mess. She was a total mess. Her face was sunken into nothing, just skin attached to bone. She was not even remotely similar to the once cute girl with lively chubby cheeks. Now, she looked like she was on the brink of death. Her hair was disheveled and straw-like, lips were chapped and peeling off, she had intense dark circles, her pupils were dull and lifeless. She leaned closer to the mirror, blinking when she saw something black coming from her lips along with a bitter taste. Her mouth whipped open as if by force, letting out all of the smoke within her body and making it hard for her to breathe. She wheezed before it all made its way back into her body, leaving her practically breathless with the taste of smoke in her mouth and her lungs desperate for fresh air.

She had a hard time processing what had happened, trying to recall where she had seen the smoke before. Once her mind finally realized what the smoke was associated with she looked at her reflection in fear. She saw something flicker behind her and her body became weak as she saw the haunting smile appear, releasing more dense smoke before disappearing away. Chaeyoung screamed at the top of her lungs, a fist furiously colliding against the mirror, breaking it into multiple shards that dug their way into her skin. She could hear distant footsteps and worried voices coming from outside but she didn't remain awake long enough to see who it was. Instead, her legs gave out and she landed on the bathroom floor that was covered in glass, eyes becoming heavy before everything went black.

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