pureprofanelove24

[pureprofanelove24]

The price of worship

Chapter 10: The Last Night of Humanity's Peace and the Prelude to the Honmoon's Fall

[Summary] [Prologue] [Chapter 1] [Chapter 2] [Chapter 3] [Chapter 4] [Chapter 5] [Chapter 6] [Chapter 7] [Chapter 8] [Chapter 9] [Chapter 10] [...]

The disappearances were, at first, just whispered news, then alarming headlines. Entire buses, subway cars, concert crowds — people simply vanished. It was the direct result of the fans' adoration for the Saja Boys, a force that nourished demonic magic and tore the fabric of the Honmoon, allowing demons to infiltrate the mortal world to drag bodies and souls into the underworld. Urban legends about "phantom thieves" began to spread, feeding fear and, unbeknownst to anyone, the demons' energy. People started walking with fear, their looks suspicious, their courage diminishing. The safety they felt on the streets of Seoul, a nation's pride, was fading into a generalized anxiety that spread like a disease. The panic of an invisible threat was becoming the new normal, and the joy that fueled the Honmoon, once unshakable, wavered.

You were sitting on your bed, looking at your reflection in the full-length mirror. The girl returned by the glass seemed on the verge of exhaustion, but a strange, out-of-focus glint, almost like a veil, covered your eyes. Your fingers brushed a dark mark on your arm, one of the several bruises you noticed after your dates with Baby. He had held you tightly, but in a way that seemed affectionate, but your memories were pleasant, almost a reverie, and you didn't remember feeling pain. A knock on the door pulled you out of your trance. Rin entered, her blue eyes wide with concern.

"Are you sure you want to go out? You don't look very well," she said, but her voice was low and insecure. Luka came right behind, her arms crossed and her brow deeply furrowed. "You look more tired than ever," Luka commented, her voice serious. "And these bruises... they're not normal." She pointed to a new bruise on your neck, which was almost purple. "Doesn't it bother you? Why don't you remember how they appeared?"

You just smiled, a smile that didn't reach your eyes. "It's just tiredness, girls. I'm sure Baby will make me feel better." You got up, but your legs felt a little weak, and you stumbled for a moment, only for Rin and Luka to hold you tighter. They exchanged glances, a silent concern passing between them. "Be careful," Rin whispered, her voice laden with a worry you couldn't perceive in your state of stupor.

The date was at the top of an ancient temple, at dusk. The cold stones and the air, heavy with the scent of incense and aged wood, contrasted with the warmth that Baby exuded beside you. The sky, tinged with orange and purple, seemed like a perfect invitation to your dreamlike world, where everything with Baby felt like a dream. As he talked about music and the future of his band, a shiver ran through him. He wasn't looking at you, but at the temple courtyard below, his golden eyes — had his eyes always been golden? — narrowed, shifting from your face and focused on two distinct figures against the twilight. There, Baby saw Jinu and Rumi. He felt a knot in his throat, a mix of fury and betrayal bubbling in his chest. He needed to hear the conversation, but he couldn't leave you conscious so as not to risk you seeing them too, or worse, being seen.With a gentle movement and a sweet laugh, Baby hugged you. "You're so tense. Let me take care of you."

The hug was warm and comforting, and you felt a wave of drowsiness. He whispered a low melody and, without you noticing, a spell was cast, not enough to put you in an eternal sleep, but enough to make you limp and pass out in his arms. He delicately arranged you on a stone bench, laying you down as if you were just sleeping. With the certainty that you were safe and unconscious in the isolated and hidden spot where he placed you, he hid in the shadows, moving with supernatural agility to spy on the two sworn enemies — a demon and a huntress — who shouldn't be meeting so amicably.

Rumi's voice echoed in the night. "Jinu, the Honmoon can be your freedom. It will destroy my marks, I know it will," the hybrid said before continuing almost frantically, as if clinging to this possibility was the only thing keeping her sane. "When the golden Honmoon manifests, I'm sure you'll be freed, you're a good person who just made a mistake, the Honmoon will let you live on the surface, let you stay with me."

The proposal was clear and dangerous. Rumi was willing to join forces with a demon to ensure a golden Honmoon, clinging to promises of impossible salvation, believing it would be enough to save herself and the demon who was once a man she loved too much. Jinu, who was turned away from Baby, hesitated, his relaxed posture stiffening. Time seemed to stop and Baby saw, for a moment, his ally falter. Jinu's response was in a tone Baby had never heard before, calmer and more sincere, promising the hybrid a victory that wasn't his to give. Baby's non-existent heart — which had stopped centuries ago when he submitted to Gwi-Ma — trembled in hatred and betrayal.

After waiting an hour to make sure the two had left, Baby returned to where he had left you and woke you with a gentle touch, his voice full of a forced sweetness. "Oh, you fell asleep, baepil. You must be exhausted. I'll take you home." You woke up dazed, with the feeling of having had a pleasant dream, but without remembering what it was. After dropping you off at your apartment, Baby used his powers — he still didn't understand how to use the strange shiny human objects, the only thing they were good for was hearing your voice through calls and videos — he sent an urgent message to the other Saja Boys, summoning them to the temple.

He needed to confront them in that exact place, where the smell of betrayal was still in the air and Jinu wouldn't dare show up so soon. The revelation was a shock. Abby, the most impetuous, was the first to shout. "How can he betray us? After everything we've been through together? He's a scoundrel betraying his own kind for an abomination!" His face was contorted with hatred. Romance, always the most dramatic, shook his head in disbelief, his eyes full of theatrical horror. "It can't be. Jinu would never do that. Jinu wouldn't be willing to fail knowing that means the annihilation of our entire race!" His incredulity was a shield against the harsh reality. Mystery's tense silence was more disturbing than any shout. He leaned against a pillar, his eyes — hidden by his bangs yet still shining golden — fixed on the horizon, his mind working at a frightening speed, his fury cold and silent. Baby clenched his fists, his face expressionless, but the aura of rage surrounding him was palpable. Jinu's betrayal, whom they considered one of their own, a brother-in-arms, was a direct blow to their plan and the group's trust.

It was then that Mystery, with his cold and calm voice, intervened. "Silence." The chaos gave way to a tense silence. "If we confront him now, he'll abandon us and to win the Idol Awards tomorrow, we need him. We need all of us." Mystery's logic was cruel, but irrefutable. "The best thing to do is to act like we don't know anything, we'll give him the benefit of the doubt. If he doesn't betray us, we act like nothing happened. If he does betray us... then we'll be ready for it." The decision was made. They would pretend. For now. Their unity was forged in a fire of ambition and sin, but it was a unity, and they would protect themselves, even if it meant swallowing betrayal for a while.

Meanwhile, on a moving subway line, chaos reigned. The Honmoon, weakened, seemed to be torn from the underworld by a spectral portal. Dozens of smaller demons writhed out, crawling into the cars. The Huntrix were in the middle of a desperate battle, but they weren't ready for this massive number of enemies and, even worse, internal tension was gnawing at them. "Why are you questioning us, Rumi?" Mira shouted, bathing her weapon in spiritual fire. "You seem uncertain about everything now! About what we are, what we do!" Rumi's voice was tense. "I'm not questioning the order of huntresses!! Not everything is about your insecurity!" The argument was a fatal moment of hesitation.

The instant Rumi hesitated, the demons advanced. They grabbed the passengers, dragging them through black portals that opened on the floor. Mira, her eyes filled with panic, shouted a banishing spell, striking the ground with her weapon. The demons disintegrated into black smoke, but not before the passengers completely disappeared. The portal closed, leaving only the echo of their screams. The subway car, once full of life, was now silent. The air smelled of sulfur and fear. On the floor, the Huntrix saw only the passengers' belongings – an open book, a headset, a fallen coffee cup. And blood, a lot of blood. They had failed. The failure was an overwhelming guilt. The news of the subway disappearance was a headline in all the newspapers, scaring the population and feeding the fear that strengthened the demons.

Days passed. On the last night before the big Idol Awards competition, Rumi and Jinu met again at the temple. They didn't know that, hidden in the shadows, the other Saja Boys were watching them, waiting for confirmation. Jinu, with a conflicted expression, looked at Rumi and, finally, accepted her proposal. He would help her. Next, they sang together, a soft and hopeful melody that filled the air, the reaction of the Saja Boys was immediate. Hatred boiled in Abby and Romance's hearts, Baby's look was one of pure betrayal and Mystery silently assessed the scene. They heard Jinu whisper: "I'm going to sabotage them. So that your Honmoon can be conjured and you can be free." The promise was the final proof. Before they could be noticed, the Saja Boys left, with a plan in mind.

his room, Baby had a destructive rage fit. Hatred and fury were like a fire devouring his soul. He threw chairs, shattered the glass table into a thousand shiny shards, and tore up the posters with a brutal rage. The only thing intact was your plush doll, sitting in a corner, untouched, a sanctuary of sanity amidst the destruction. It was then that Gwi-Ma's whispering voice resonated in his mind. "Jinu betrayed us. The plan will fail. The Honmoon will ascend... and what will become of your ae-in?" The evil voice planted the seed of fear. "The Huntrix will not hesitate. The hunt will be brutal. They will destroy her, just as they hunted others, without mercy." Gwi-Ma projected a brutal and vivid illusion into Baby's eyes. He saw the image of his beloved, terrified, kneeling on a marble floor. The Huntrix's spiritual weapons, shining with a cold light, repeatedly pierced her body. The sound of screams of pain echoed in Baby's mind. Your illusionary version extended her hand towards him, her eyes full of tears of pain and covered in her own blood. "Baby, help me! Please, help me! Save me! Save me!"

Terror overcame Baby's fury. He fell to his knees, holding the plush doll with trembling hands. His obsessive love for you, which he had justified as protection, escalated into a desperate need. What Gwi-Ma had said was true. If he lost, you would be in danger. The Huntrix would come after you. He pressed the doll against his chest, his face contorted in a mix of fury and despair. If you were in danger, he would need to win, no matter the cost. Anything for his ae-in. Absolutely anything.

NOTES: The Saja Boys finally discovered Jinu's encounters with Rumi and began planning countermeasures

In the next chapter we will have the Idol Awards and how everything will become a fiasco and the ruin of humanity, I am very excited for you to see how the ending will be different from the movie and what will happen to the Vocaloids

I will also make a chapter or two after the "end" showing what happens to humanity and how normal humans react to the revelation of the supernatural

Until the next chapter

In Korean, "ae-in" (애인) translates to "sweetheart" or "lover". It's a term of endearment used to refer to a romantic partner. While it can be used for either boyfriend or girlfriend, it's often used in a more general sense to describe someone you have strong affection for in a romantic relationship

TAG LIST: @ph1lo-s0ph1a, @scara-simp69, @venommie, @snowy-violet, @mysteris-things, @airwolf92, @katzline, @azzberry, @minkyungseokie, @ratchetprime211, @momentomoribitch, @blackstar-gazer, @your-sleeparalysisdem0n, @satansdaughter123

[pureprofanelove24]

The price of worship

Chapter 9: Melodies of Fury and the Relentless Ascent

[Summary] [Prologue] [Chapter 1] [Chapter 2] [Chapter 3] [Chapter 4] [Chapter 5] [Chapter 6] [Chapter 7] [Chapter 8] [Chapter 9] [Chapter 10]

The Huntrix's recording studio was suffocating, not from heat, but from the dense tension hanging in the air. Crumpled lyric sheets littered the floor, scribbled scores lay on the keyboard, and the clock on the wall seemed to mock them, ticking relentlessly. The Idol Awards were approaching, and the pressure to deliver a flawless performance was overwhelming, especially with the shadow of Vocaloid and the Saja Boys looming over them.

Rumi ran her hands through her hair, exasperated, while Mira impatiently tapped the microphone, each tap an echo of her contained rage. "Nothing! Nothing's coming out!" Mira vociferated, kicking a trash can. "How can we compose when all we feel is... this?" She gestured to the emptiness, to the feeling of being trapped.

Zoey, with deep circles under her eyes, was slumped in her chair, eyes closed. "We need something strong. Something that shows what we're going through. The fury, the injustice..." Her voice was a hoarse whisper.

Suddenly, Rumi slammed her hand on the keyboard. A dark melody, laden with latent violence, filled the room. It was heavy, almost menacing. The three exchanged glances, a flicker of recognition in their eyes. This was it. The repressed emotions, the despair, the determination, and the rage found their voice in the music. "Your calm demeanor is a trick to disguise...", Zoey began to sing, words flowing, a visceral lyric about pain and struggle. Mira continued, "What you are and what you do no longer holds up...", Rumi continued, "It smells of darkness," humming before coughing, her voice failing, their voices blending in a harmony that was, without them realizing, lethal, a primal scream that could break the Honmoon with its violent intensity. The melody was a distorted reflection of their souls, a promise of retribution that energized them, even as it fed a growing darkness.

Weeks followed, a blur of red carpet events, camera flashes, and rehearsed smiles. Award season was in full swing. On the grand stage of the Golden Disk Awards, the name of the Saja Boys echoed, calling them to receive the Album of the Year award. The screams from the audience were deafening. They ascended the stage with their characteristic grace, perfect smiles and polished acceptance speeches, each embodying their deadly sin. Baby thanked the fans with the sweetness that made him irresistible, but his golden eyes, as they swept over you and the other Vocaloids in the audience, held a deep satisfaction. They had won.

The Huntrix, seated in their chairs, maintained fixed, expressionless smiles, their bodies tense. The contrast between the Saja Boys' celebration and the Huntrix's contained fury was palpable. With each applause, each word of gratitude from the demons, Rumi, Mira, and Zoey felt the sting of defeat and powerlessness. Their eyes shifted to the Vocaloids, who, seated a few rows ahead, applauded politely. You, Luka, and Rin smiled, a little tired but content with a successful night for everyone. None of you understood the intensity of the rivalry the Huntrix projected onto you, but a sense of discomfort began to settle. The atmosphere between the groups was heavy, and the tension was almost physical, leaving them with a strange feeling in their stomachs.

In the same row as the Vocaloids, Luka and Rin exchanged worried glances. You looked more exhausted than usual, and there was a faint purplish tint under your eyes. "Miku, are you okay?" Luka whispered, also noticing a faint, almost imperceptible mark on your arm, which looked like a bruise. "What's that on your arm?

"You looked at the spot, confused. "Um... I don't know. I think I hit myself somewhere and didn't even notice. I've been a little... out of it lately." You scratched your head, a gesture Luka and Rin recognized as a sign of your confusion. "It must be tiredness." The answer didn't convince them. Your minds seemed cloudier than usual, and the memory of the past few days was a slightly confusing blur, as if part of it was hazy.

With each passing day, the reality of the Huntrix grew darker. The demons seemed to multiply, crawling through the weakened barrier of the Honmoon at an alarming frequency. Nights that should have been for rest were transformed into frantic battles against hordes of creatures that had never before manifested in such numbers. The Huntrix were exhausted, their bodies aching, their powers subtly but perceptibly declining. Rumi had difficulty conjuring her weapon on one occasion, the blade flickering before solidifying, a frightening sign of her diminishing strength. They were barely coping.

The fatigue translated into absences from important events. Contracts were canceled, TV appearances were missed, and the excuse of "health issues" or "scheduling conflicts" began to sound hollow. The media, fueled by the narratives planted by the Saja Boys, quickly labeled them as unprofessional, arrogant, and disinterested in their fans. The image of strong, relentless huntresses disintegrated in favor of a perception of weakness and irresponsibility, further weakening their connection to the Honmoon.

At the MAMA Awards, the tension was palpable. The "Best Female Group" category was about to be announced. Vocaloid, Huntrix, and other groups were in the front row. The envelope was opened, and the name of the Vocaloid was proclaimed. A wave of relief and excitement swept through the audience, and the Vocaloid ascended the stage, their faces lit by genuine smiles.

In the midst of the crowd, Baby felt an almost ecstatic satisfaction. He couldn't take his eyes off you, Miku, on the podium, your figure glowing under the spotlights. His golden eyes fixed on your victorious smile, on your green hair swaying with your movements. It was everything he wanted. Your success. Your joy. Every applause you received was an echo of his own conquest, proof that the energy he coveted so much was blooming. He felt a pleasant warmth spread in his chest, a pure and possessive contentment. The world was aligning, and you were right at its center.

At another gala event, at the Melon Music Awards, the name of the Huntrix was unexpectedly called for the "Best Dance Performance" award. A shockwave rippled through the auditorium. The Huntrix, surprised, ascended the stage with a mix of triumph and distrust. A buzz began to spread through the audience. "Is it fair? The main presenter is a close friend of Rumi's aunt, he even helped with their debut...", "Nepotism!", malicious whispers spread, but the cameras, focused on the victorious faces, didn't capture the audience's distrust. The Saja Boys, seated in the front row, sported "gracious" smiles for the cameras, applauding politely, but with disguised intensity. Jinu nodded at Rumi, a gesture that seemed like recognition, but which Baby observed with narrowed eyes.

His eyes were fixed on you, Miku, who applauded the Huntrix with a genuine smile. However, Baby noticed the fleeting glint of sadness in your eyes when the award didn't go to Vocaloid, and the slight pang of disappointment you tried to conceal. But what hit him harder was the venomous look the Huntrix cast in your direction, even on the stage of their victory. That gratuitous contempt directed at you, the way you subtly flinched, made Baby's heart swell with pure, cold resentment. How dare these huntresses, these tired and mediocre mortals, steal a smile, an award, from his Miku, and still poison you with their gazes? He clenched his teeth, anger rising, a burning fury he could barely contain. Your loss was the same as his loss, his hand tightened on the armrest, his fingers digging into the cushion. That would not stand.

Night, for the Huntrix, was synonymous with battle. A week later, in a dark alley in Seoul, they faced a viscous abomination with multiple eyes, a creature that vomited acid and writhed with treacherous agility. The stench of sulfur was nauseating, and the demon's scream was deafening. They were losing ground, their bodies barely responding, their movements slow and uncoordinated.At the height of the combat, a small letter sealed with a strange symbol slid near Rumi's foot, tossed from a nearby shadow. It was a secret invitation. She recognized the handwriting, the same she saw in previous invitations and letters she had been receiving through the spiritual blue tiger.Looking at the letter and then at the dark shadow from where it came, Rumi felt a shiver. She knew it was Jinu. The trap was tempting, a chance to perhaps understand what was happening, but she was exhausted and in the midst of a fight for her life. With a grimace of despair, she kicked the letter away, the paper mixing with the pool of demonic blood. There was no time for games. Not when the Honmoon was at stake.

The artificial light of the rented hall for the autograph session bathed the Huntrix in a warm glow. They were animatedly seated, forced smiles on their lips, but with a clear objective: to strengthen their fans' faith and, consequently, the Honmoon. Bob, their manager, bounced back and forth, gesturing enthusiastically. "Come on, girls! Big smiles! Be kind! Every autograph is a point for us!"

Outside, a queue stretching around the corner snaked down the sidewalk, and at the front, covered by sleeping bags disguised as makeshift bundles, were the Saja Boys. Like the most dedicated fans, they had spent the night there, securing the best spots for their private show.

As the doors opened and the crowd began to flow in, the Saja Boys revealed themselves. The audience's attention split, with murmurs of surprise and excitement. Many thought it was a double autograph session, an unexpected gift. Internally, Baby reveled in the incredulous and enraged expressions of the Huntrix. Their professional smiles twisted into grimaces of pure anger. Rumi frowned, while Mira and Zoey gripped the pens they were holding with such force that the plastic snapped, breaking in their hands. This visceral reaction was promptly recorded by dozens of cell phones, ensuring that the embarrassment would be immortalized on the internet. Unaware of the true nature of his own feelings, Baby reveled in a kind of personal revenge for the Huntrix's victory over you in the last competition. It was a bitter taste of their own medicine, a retribution for the sadness he saw in your eyes.

Rumi, pragmatic amidst the chaos, whispered to Zoey and Mira: "We can't let the fans split up. Suggest they sit with us." Bob, excitedly, agreed once the idea was passed on to him. Within minutes, the Saja Boys were seated side-by-side with the Huntrix. Mira was squeezed between Romance and Abby, while Zoey sat between Baby and Mystery. Rumi, for her part, was next to Jinu. The crowd murmured, shocked and excited by the groups' proximity.The session resumed. Rumi's pen scratched on the paper, but her eyes were fixed on Jinu. "What do you think you're doing?" she whispered, her voice sharp but controlled enough not to be heard by the fans. Jinu merely smiled, an enigmatic smile that made Rumi huff. Unconsciously, she stretched her foot under the table and nudged Jinu's ankle hard, a discreet kick that a nearby fan's camera caught. To the public, who watched every interaction intently, the gesture seemed like an "unprofessional" flirtation, an intimate joke between rivals. "Look at Rumi flirting with Jinu! How daring!", social media was already buzzing. She repeated the gesture a few times, her face furrowed with irritation, but the image that reached the fans was that of an aggressive and inconvenient woman, "affectionately" kicking a colleague. Accusations that she was unprofessional for "flirting" in public would soon appear.

Next to her, Mira was in her own battle of nerves. A fan with a cast on his leg approached, asking for autographs. "Please, Mira-ssi! Can I have yours first?" he asked, extending his leg. Mira took the pen, but Romance and Abby, with innocent smiles, extended their own pens, trying to sign first. "Oh, let me sign her cast first, Mira-ssi!" Romance said, and Abby added, "She's a fan of the Saja Boys too!" Mira growled, pulling the pen back and glaring furiously at the two. "Don't interfere!", she aggressively whispered, her ill-tempered words easily caught by directed microphones. To the fans, the scene was clear: Mira was being selfish and rude, refusing to share the spotlight and "attacking" her male colleagues for an opportunity. Cameras loved the drama, and the image of Mira, the strong and confident huntress, crumbled into a jealous and irrational woman.

On the other side, Zoey sat between Baby and Mystery. She tried to maintain her composure, but her eyes, from time to time, drifted to Mystery, a demon who exuded a dark charm. There was a slight tilt of her head towards him, a smile too subtle to be professional, but visible to fans who waited for any slip-up. Baby, beside her, took advantage of the situation. He leaned slightly, an angelic smile on his lips, and occasionally, discreetly, made a mysterious and elegant gesture. Fans found Baby absolutely adorable, the personification of purity and professionalism. In contrast, comments began to circulate that Zoey wasn't so cute, that it was time for her to "grow up" and behave more maturely. The misogyny of the pop industry was cruel: men, like Baby, were praised for their charm and professionalism, while women, like Zoey, were criticized for the same behavior, seen as "not cute" or "inappropriate" for a slight display of emotion.

In a moment of sudden distraction, fans presented the Saja Boys with huge bouquets of flowers, flowers that the demons accepted with impeccable smiles. Jinu, with a quick glance at Rumi, who looked exhausted and frustrated, suddenly announced: "Well, everyone, it was a pleasure! But the Saja Boys have other commitments now. It's time to go!" The announcement was unexpected and abrupt. The other Saja Boys, though surprised, followed Jinu, noticing his strange behavior towards Rumi. They exchanged glances, a hint of suspicion, but no time to question.

Back in the hall, as the crowd began to disperse, Bob approached the Huntrix, the tablet in his hands trembling. "Girls, this... this is a disaster!" He showed them the screen: the internet was buzzing. There were photos of their angry grimaces when the Saja Boys arrived, montages with the caption "Huntrix: The Envious Ones," and the viral video of Rumi nudging Jinu's foot, with malicious captions about "flirting on duty." The comments were overwhelming: "Unprofessional," "They don't deserve the fame," "All they know how to do is fight, not sing." The Huntrix had just dug their own hole deeper.

Sorry for the delay in updating, this week I had to present a group project so I didn't have much time to write

We're already halfway through the movie so maybe the fanfic will end in 5 or more chapters, I haven't written everything yet but I have the basic ideas ready

I hope you enjoyed it and don't forget to report any grammatical or translation errors. By the way, if the lyrics of the lethal song are different, it might be because I used the lyrics translated from my language and not the original lyrics from the movie.

TAG LIST: @ph1lo-s0ph1a, @scara-simp69, @venommie, @snowy-violet, @mysteris-things, @airwolf92, @katzline, @azzberry, @minkyungseokie, @ratchetprime211, @momentomoribitch, @blackstar-gazer, @your-sleeparalysisdem0n

[pureprofanelove24]

The price of worship

Chapter 8: The Taste of Possession and the Strings of Manipulation

[Summary] [Prologue] [Chapter 1] [Chapter 2] [Chapter 3] [Chapter 4] [Chapter 5] [Chapter 6] [Chapter 7] [Chapter 8] [Chapter 9] [Chapter 10]

The apartment was buzzing with the routine of an idol group about to leave. You spun in front of the mirror, your heart racing with anticipation, the summer dress – since it was a hot night – a light, flowing pastel fabric, seemed to dance with every movement. You opted for subtle makeup, just enhancing the natural sparkle of your eyes. Your green hair, usually tied in your iconic twintails, was loose, framing your face with an ethereal aura. It was a date, your first real date with Baby without cameras or people to supervise! The anticipation was almost unbearable, an electric tingling that ran through every fiber of your being. You were dazzling, unaware that the aura of innocence around you was what most attracted the hungry eyes of your predator.

Meanwhile, Baby prepared with a calculated coolness. In the mirror's reflection, his golden eyes gleamed with an intensity no one would see on stage. He chose a soft knit sweater over a casual shirt, a relaxed appearance that contrasted with his internal tension. The Vocaloid microphone keychain was discreetly on his backpack's zipper, and the chibi plushie lay on his bed, at which he cast a final glance before leaving, as if it were a silent guardian of his room. "I'm leaving," he murmured to the doll, a new and almost unconscious habit. He mentally reviewed the night's "script": the discreet location, the right questions, the precise compliments. It wasn't a romantic date; it was data collection, a vital step in his strategy for complete acquisition. He needed to understand all angles of the barrier, and what better way to do that than to walk through it with you?

The café Baby chose was a tranquil refuge in a less busy neighborhood of Seoul, illuminated by paper lanterns that cast soft shadows. He was already sitting at a corner table, with his back to the wall and a clear view of the entrance, when you arrived. His golden eyes glowed for a second as they registered every detail: the way the light kissed your hair, the shy smile that appeared on your lips when you saw him, the slight blush on your cheeks. You were the personification of the energy he so craved; you represented the sun and freedom that he and the other demons were denied by right, and seeing you, knowing that soon everything – the sun and you – would be his, sent a cold shiver of satisfaction down his spine.

"You look stunning," Baby said, rising with a charming smile, pulling out a chair for you. His eyes followed you as you sat, and he noticed the slight tremor in your hands as you picked up the menu. It was cute. It was vulnerable. Perfect. The conversation flowed easily, about shows, fans, future dreams. Baby was attentive, a perfect listener, asking the right questions to encourage you to talk about yourself. "You're so talented, baepil," he complimented, leaning slightly. "Your voice... it has such pure power. It's almost... hypnotizing." His eyes lingered on yours for a moment longer than usual, an almost imperceptible glow pulsating within them. You felt a pleasant warmth invade your chest, unaware of the subtle hypnotic suggestion in his voice, an echo of his demonic nature manifesting on an unconscious level, even the strange, archaic term that could have been a clue that something was wrong went unnoticed by you.

As you talked, a clumsy waiter passed by, almost bumping into you. Before you could react, Baby's hand appeared, firm and quick, gripping your arm to pull you closer to him, out of the way. "Careful, baepil," he whispered, his voice low, almost an imperceptible growl. His touch remained on your arm a moment longer than necessary, a squeeze that, for him, was a possessive claim. You just smiled, grateful for his quick reflex and his apparent concern. Later, he guided you gently through the busy street, his hand on your lower back, a light touch that, to you, was protection, but to Baby, was the symbol of his possession, ensuring you would remain by his side.

As the night progressed, under the soft glow of the stars, the conversation became more intimate. Baby spoke about the pressure of fame, the sacrifices. From your perspective, he opened up in a way you never imagined, and you felt a deep connection, a growing empathy for him. You found yourselves on an isolated bench in a small park; the atmosphere was perfect, the kind of scene you see in dramas, and it was when your eyes met his that Baby leaned in.

The first kiss began sweet, his lips soft and hesitant, as if tasting something new and delicious. You sighed into the kiss, feeling enveloped by a wave of affection, but then, Baby's true nature began to manifest. His arms tightened around your waist with a possessive force, pulling you closer, almost crushing you against him. His lips became more demanding, the kiss deepening with an intensity that seemed to devour your soul, even as your lungs wheezed from lack of air. You felt a dizziness, a slight haze in your mind, as Baby's demonic power, unconscious and fueled by the love and surrender he absorbed from you, tried to hypnotize you, to bind you to him in a deeper way.

Unfortunately, passion obscured your perception; in your mind, it was the intensity of the first kiss, emotion overflowing. Held – trapped – between his shoulders and arms, the strength of his grip left subtle bruises, almost imperceptible in the dim light, but which would be visible by morning. Baby, in his demonic fervor, had completely forgotten about human fragility – his human – and how delicate this species is. He was savoring the energy, claiming what he felt was his by right.

Back in Baby's room, long after the date and the festival performance, he found himself replaying the night in his mind. Not as a romantic memory – that's what he told himself – but as a mission report. You were so... malleable. The information he extracted from you was valuable, revealing the small cracks in your perfect facade, your insecurities, your dreams. He slid his finger over the Vocaloid microphone keychain – your idol persona – now hanging beside his bedside lamp, next to a new item — an acrylic pin with the Vocaloid logo that he "found" near the park. The collection was growing, filling the void of his possessiveness.

He looked at the chibi plushie, now nestled on his pillow, as if waiting for him. He picked it up, its soft texture in his palm. A shiver. Not the shiver of a demon thirsty for flesh, but something more complex. It was the feeling of possession: you are his. The way his power had reacted during the kiss, the sensation of your body almost yielding in his arms, confirmed how deeply you were bound to him. Baby smiled, a cold, satisfied smile; the "boredom" from before had transformed into a dangerous fascination; he had tasted power, and he wanted more. The Honmoon was falling, and he would be the final catalyst.

Days turned into weeks, and the relentless pace of the K-Pop industry became a battleground for the Vocaloid, Huntrix, and Saja Boys. Variety shows, photoshoots, interviews, and music concerts followed in a whirlwind of spotlights and microphones; the competition was fierce. For the Saja Boys, every Vocaloid victory was, paradoxically, a victory for them, as the Vocaloids' rise diverted public attention and energy from the Huntrix, who consequently couldn't strengthen the Honmoon due to misguided faith. The only rule, for the demons, was that the Huntrix could not win.

On stage, the Saja Boys were masters of their craft. Romance shamelessly flirted with the cameras and the public, his golden eyes promising lust and fame, absorbing adoration like nectar. Jinu exhibited a charismatic laziness, smooth movements and smiles that invited complacency, hypnotizing fans to feel safe and carefree in his presence. Abby, with his impetuous energy and disguised impatience, channeled a rage that was mistaken for passion, his sharp shouts inflaming the crowd. Mystery, enveloped in his silent aura, radiated subtle envy, his eyes observing everyone in the crowd, weaving threads of dissatisfaction among them, poisoning minds to desire what others had. And Baby, with his attitude that varied from adorable to proud, with a rap – which amplified by his romantic feelings – hypnotized the masses. The Saja Boys were impeccable, always surrounded by a sea of fans and camera flashes, making them untouchable for the Huntrix; it was impossible to hunt them when human life intervened.

In the midst of this media frenzy, Baby's obsession with you manifested in small, yet significant, details. During competitions and joint appearances, he observed you with discreet intensity. If you stumbled in a game, a muscle in his jaw would imperceptibly clench. If you laughed at another idol's joke, a flash of possessiveness crossed his eyes. He didn't openly root for you, of course, but in his mind, he wanted the Vocaloid to win, for you to shine. For him, your every success was a testament to the power he would one day absorb. Exchanges of glances occurred, quick and discreet, just enough to momentarily quench the void your absence brought. Often, he would catch himself watching you without you noticing, his eyes fixed on the curve of your smile, on how you gestured when excited, fueling his demonic soul's insatiable hunger for you.

For the Huntrix, life became a constant battle, not just against demons, but against a reputation war that seemed impossible to win. They knew the Saja Boys were demons, but that was a truth they couldn't reveal. Admitting they allowed such a large tear in the Honmoon to open, that demons passed through humanity's defenses in the heart of the Honmoon – Korea, the center of the barrier – without them noticing, would be a testament to weakness and incompetence for the Order of huntresses. There was no other option; they would have to fight the sabotages alone, but it was so difficult with sabotages coming from all sides.

Small "accidents" on their film sets, inexplicable technical failures in their shows, and, most insidiously of all, the media poison – a manipulation so subtle they didn't realize they had fallen, they wouldn't perceive the truth until it was too late. The Saja Boys, with their masterful manipulation, began leaving subtle "clues," veiled rumors, and false information that the Vocaloid were, in fact, their allies. Suggestions that the Vocaloid were working with the demons in exchange for promises of wealth and fame were subtly planted as evidence for the Huntrix as the only justification for their rivals' tremendous success; after all, if not with demonic help, how could a group of three normal humans compete with them, huntresses with magical voices!?

It was just the natural course that the Huntrix, already exhausted and frustrated, absorbed these "clues" as truth. They watched the Vocaloid gain popularity and assumed it was the result of a dark pact. When they encountered the Vocaloid — you, Luka, or Rin — in the studio corridors, their faces contorted into expressions of contempt and rage.

"You're selling yourselves to them, aren't you?" Rumi spat, her eyes burning with barely contained fury. She approached you, who were confused, merely holding a bouquet of flowers from a fan. "To those demons disguised as idols? What did they promise you? Eternal life? The power to charm the masses with dark magic?"

"What are you talking about, Rumi-san? Dark magic? Demons?" you asked, your eyes wide with surprise and a hint of fear. Your hands trembled, and the bouquet of flowers tilted dangerously. "That makes no sense at all!"

"Don't play innocent!" Mira roared, stepping forward, her voice a low growl. "We know exactly what you're doing, conspiring with darkness to steal our light! You're dancing to their tune, aren't you? Using dirty tricks to rise!"

Zoey, with a frigid look of contempt, added: "Your energy is tainted by their influence. Do you think we don't smell the corruption? That's why you're rising so fast, in the wake of the disgrace they bring!"

The Vocaloid, oblivious to the existence of demons and the supernatural, were completely lost. The Huntrix's accusations seemed to come from a feverish delirium. To them, the Huntrix were acting irrationally, motivated by excessive professional jealousy, but the words about "dark magic" and "smell of corruption" were eerily strange.

"Abomination? Who are you talking about? And what's this about us selling ourselves to... darkness?" Luka retorted, her voice filled with frustration, taking a protective step in front of you and Rin. Her eyes widened in disbelief. "We work hard for everything we've achieved! This is... insane!"

Rin, a little behind Luka, looked at the Huntrix with a mixture of fear and confusion. "You... what are you accusing us of? Magic? We don't do any of that! Why are you being so... scary?" Her voice slightly faltered, and she flinched.

"Scary?" Rumi scoffed, crossing her arms. "We're the scary ones? You're the ones conspiring with evil to destroy everything pure! That's why you're rising, isn't it? In the wake of our disgrace and the Honmoon that's falling apart!"

You felt a lump in your throat. Their words made no sense, but the anger in their eyes was palpable, and the mention of the "Honmoon" seemed to come from a parallel reality. "I... I don't know what you're talking about! Evil? Honmoon? We would never do such a thing! This is a terrible misunderstanding!" Your hands clenched the bouquet, crushing some petals.

The Huntrix merely growled in response, turning their backs and walking away, leaving the Vocaloid there, bewildered, frightened, and hurt by the baseless accusations. The chasm between the two groups, manipulated by the Saja Boys, grew wider each day.

Far away, hidden in a monitoring room with security camera feeds, Baby and the other Saja Boys watched the scene unfold in real time. Baby's golden eyes were fixed on you, his normally serene expression twisting into a mask of restrained fury. "What a deplorable scene," Romance commented with a disguised yawn, but his eyes fixed on the screen. "They are really losing control."

"And the public will love this performance," Mystery murmured, appreciating the manipulation he had helped orchestrate. "Their hatred for these 'little angels' is palpable."

Abby let out a short, cruel laugh. "Serving them on a silver platter for us."

But Baby didn't laugh; his jaw was tense, his fists clenched. He saw you, shrinking, your eyes wide and scared, your voice failing. He saw how the Huntrix attacked you with words you obviously didn't understand, leaving you confused and hurt. A wave of possessive rage washed over him; it wasn't the calculated rage he felt for the enemies of the Honmoon, but something more visceral. How dare they make you, his source of power and fascination, feel so cornered?

"These filthy huntresses..." Baby hissed, his voice low and dangerous, the air in the room seemed to chill a few degrees. He wanted to go there, in the middle of that corridor, and tear out the Huntrix's tongues for daring to make you whimper like that; your innocence and purity were his to consume, not to be stained by false accusations and gratuitous aggression. He was the only one who had the right to touch you, to control you, even if it was with the invisible bonds of desire; the sight of your face contorted with confusion and fear ignited a protective fire in his empty chest, a primordial instinct of claim. You were his, and no one would hurt you, except himself, if necessary. His demonic eyes glowed golden with uncontrollable fury, his gaze shifted from the screen – from your hurt expression – for mere seconds to peek at Jinu's reaction to the hybrid falling into an obvious trap. As Baby thought, Jinu watched in silence with longing eyes at the hybrid. There was no gloating or approval in his expression, just thoughtful silence as he watched the huntress dance, unaware, on the stage of manipulations the demons had created. Baby felt an even sharper pang of distrust; Jinu's reaction was disturbing. He seemed uncomfortable, almost concerned about Rumi's situation, something Baby couldn't understand and that completely deviated from their plan. What was Jinu plotting? This divided loyalty was an unacceptable flaw.

The reputation war escalated. The Saja Boys and demons didn't "sabotage" the Vocaloid in reality; they subtly assisted them. "Accidents" – opportunities – and "indecent" incidents – staged moments of vulnerability – occurred during the Vocaloid's appearances, always resulting in moments of heroism or exposed innocence. Once, an "uncontrolled" fan tried to grab you, and Baby "heroically" protected you, his strong arm around you, a grip that you felt as security, but which he used to feel the energy of your love radiate and feed him. Another time, a piece of scenery "fell" near Rin, and Luka pulled her to safety, while the cameras focused on the aggressive grimaces of the Huntrix, who were nearby and seemed "irritated" by the incident, interpreted by the public as jealousy.

Rapidly, the public began creating hashtags and trends: #ProtectVocaloid, #VocaloidArePure, #QueensOfResilience. The contrast was stark, the Vocaloid were the pure victims, the innocents who prospered despite "sabotage," while the Huntrix were portrayed as the aggressive, jealous, and irrational villains. Loyal Huntrix fans tried to defend them, but were drowned out by a wave of haters who supported the Vocaloid. The controversies dominated headlines, and the Huntrix's music, once acclaimed, lost new fans' immersion.

All this stress and the reputation war began to drain the Huntrix. Mental and emotional exhaustion translated into a subtle weakening of their powers. The Honmoon, which depended on human faith and purity to remain strong, was cracking not only due to demonic influence but also due to the discord and negativity generated by humanity itself. Protecting the Honmoon became more difficult each day, a desperate race against an invisible enemy and an increasingly manipulated society. The Huntrix, alone and overwhelmed, were in a downward spiral that would not stop anytime soon, if at all.

Backstage at the Saja Boys' complex, a silent tension began to settle among the members. Jinu – recognized as the group's leader and the mastermind behind the plan – had started disappearing on several nights, his exits inexplicable and his return without the slightest trace of blood or the smell of a hunt.

"Where have you been going, Jinu?" Romance asked one night, his voice drawn out, but with a rare tone of curiosity.

Jinu merely smiled, an enigmatic smile that didn't reach his eyes. "Personal matters. You wouldn't concern yourselves with it."

Abby growled. "Personal matters that make you disappear in the middle of the night? There's no smell of blood, so what are you doing, Jinu? Demonic business we can't know about?"

"Perhaps I'm just enjoying myself," Jinu retorted, a playful glint in his eyes, avoiding Baby's gaze, who was watching him from a corner. "A demon needs leisure too, right?"

Baby frowned. He had noticed Jinu's absences, and more than that, he had noticed how Jinu's eyes lingered on Rumi during public appearances, an interest that seemed to go beyond rivalry. The memory of the blue stripes on Rumi's arm, and Jinu's unexpected gesture to cover them, came back to haunt him. He didn't trust Jinu. Secrets were a weakness, and Jinu, with his mysterious new agenda, was becoming a risk. The seed of distrust, planted in that onsen, was growing.

NOTES: 배필 (baepil): This term refers to a spouse or life partner, and was used to indicate the person one was destined to marry. It can be considered as the closest thing to "fiancée" or "fiancée" in the sense of "future spouse."

(if the translation or meaning is wrong let me know)

FINALLY ANOTHER CHAPTER!!! Sorry for the delay, the chapter isn't edited since I gave up on correcting the grammar, which the proofreader insists on changing, so if there's anything confusing, let me know

The initial idea for this chapter was to show Baby jealous, but I discarded it and preferred to show their first kiss. Note that although Baby and Miku (you) are already in some kind of romantic relationship, Baby never takes the first step to "officialize" the proposal. This happens because for him, you're already his. In his mind, it's already decided that you're his fiancée, and it would be a waste of time to start a courtship process, especially since they're so close to the fall of Honmoon (and also because after years living as a demon, some customs have been lost to him).

In the previous chapter, we saw the Huntrix fight in the onsen. Initially, it was supposed to be another media trap, but I realized that this would be a shot in the demons' foot because setting them up to be caught red-handed for assault would definitely attract the attention of the demons. Other hunters, it's easier to deal with the Huntrix alone. They don't realize that isolating themselves and not asking for help makes them easy prey.

The Saja Boys are starting to get suspicious about Jinu's absences (meetings with Rumi), and that's important. I'm thinking about adding bonus chapters with scenes left out of the movie (Rumi and Jinu's meeting at the aquarium, that idol competition/Olympics, etc.). What do you think? I also wanted to write one-shots about the characters, so if you want to send me requests, feel free.

This chapter didn't cover much of the movie, but the next one will cover the autograph scene and how it differs from canon. You've probably noticed that I don't write many Huntrix scenes, and that's because the focus is on Miku (you) and Baby, but know that the events of the movie are happening.

TAG LIST: @ph1lo-s0ph1a, @scara-simp69, @venommie, @snowy-violet, @mysteris-things, @airwolf92, @katzline, @azzberry, @minkyungseokie, @ratchetprime211, @momentomoribitch, @blackstar-gazer, @your-sleeparalysisdem0n, @satansdaughter123

[pureprofanelove24]

I should have posted the update on Saturday but I had some problems, don't worry I will post the chapter without fail on Monday probably after work

👍🏼👍🏼👍🏼👍🏼👍🏼

[pureprofanelove24]

The price of worship

Chapter 7: Horror Show and a Growing Collection

[Summary] [Prologue] [Chapter 1] [Chapter 2] [Chapter 3] [Chapter 4] [Chapter 5] [Chapter 6] [Chapter 7] [Chapter 8] [Chapter 9] [Chapter 10]

The air in the TV studio was electric, the bright white backdrop contrasting with the audience's buzz. Center stage, the Saja Boys sat on high chairs, pink bibs tied around their necks, an absurdly childish scene. The host, with a plastified smile, enthusiastically narrated the challenge: "And now, ladies and gentlemen, the ultimate test of courage! Who can handle more spice in a baby bottle?" Beside him, the co-host, cheeks already swollen and red, challenged the idols with a look of amused suffering.

Backstage, the Huntrix watched, their bodies tense, muscles coiled beneath their leather outfits. Their weapons, previously concealed, were ready to be summoned. Their eyes moved in sync, tracking the Saja Boys. The plan was simple: as soon as they were out of camera range, the hunt would begin. The frustration of the canceled show and the public humiliations fueled a burning fire in their hearts.

Abby was the first to succumb, a choked sound escaping his lips before he hunched over, red-faced from the spice. Mystery, his fringe covering his eyes, silently teared up, a single tear tracing a path down his pale cheek. Romance dramatically burped a flaming heart before tumbling over; the audience applauded, convinced it was an impressive special effect, while the Huntrix rolled their eyes at the demonic illusion. Jinu, with a theatrical sigh of surrender, threw in the towel. The dispute was now between the co-host, whose tears flowed freely, and Baby. Baby drank the spicy baby bottle with disturbing naturalness, as if it were water. The co-host couldn't take it anymore, his mouth opening in a silent scream of agony. Baby, victorious, threw the empty bottle to the floor and exclaimed, to the audience's delight: "Goo goo ga ga!" The studio erupted in applause and hysterical laughter.

As the hosts prepared for the wrap-up, Jinu's golden eyes, previously fixed on the celebration, shifted to the top of the set. He noticed. The Huntrix were there, lurking, their leather silhouettes betraying their presence. In a flash, the spotlights turned to them. In an instant, the Huntrix, caught by surprise, had to change their expressions from murderous fury to forced smiles, their weapons dissipating into the air. The audience roared with excitement. Their presence there was unexpected, but welcome.

Rumi, with impressive speed, was the first to react, her smile tense but convincing. "We're here to congratulate the Saja Boys on another overwhelming victory!" Her voice, recovered from its previous falter, echoed with false sweetness. Jinu, seizing the public pressure and the situation, smiled gently — maliciously — at the cameras. "Oh, Huntrix! What a pleasant surprise! Why don't you join us? Come down here and play a little!" Before they could refuse, a rainbow-colored inflatable slide that ended in a plastic ball pit was pushed forward by the other Saja Boys. The Huntrix exchanged disbelieving glances. Under the public's pressure, the Huntrix — Rumi, Zoey, and Mira — slid down the slide, the grating squeak of their battle leather against the childish plastic of the slide sounding like a piercing scream, tearing through the air and the audience's momentary silence. Some fans in the front row winced, exchanging confused glances. These weren't the Huntrix they knew, not with that kind of... harsh aura.

On stage, the Saja Boys greeted them with rehearsed smiles. "It's an honor to share the stage with the talented Huntrix," Jinu declared, his eyes fixed on the huntresses, a glint of malice that only they could decipher. "A true pleasure." The Huntrix returned the formalities, praising the Saja Boys' performance, while the audience applauded the "respect" and "camaraderie" between the groups. The scene was a perfect farce of courtesy, the tension between the two groups almost palpable for the demons, but invisible to humans.

The curtains closed, and as darkness swallowed them, their smiles vanished. The Saja Boys ran, luring the Huntrix into a carefully planned trap. They followed through dimly lit corridors, their swift steps leading them to the onsen district — a male onsen — the smell of sulfur and hot steam filled the air, mingling with the demonic aura. The bathing pools were full. Not with humans, but with aquatic demons, their viscous forms and glowing eyes emerging from the water. They were outnumbered and noticeably stronger than the usual demons the Huntrix were accustomed to fighting.

The fight began. The Huntrix, dressed in their battle leather, confronted the aquatic demons. The monsters tried to attack them with brute force, their sharp claws tearing through the air, but also attempted to drag them into the steaming tubs, to drown and devour them. The water boiled with the energy of the battle, splashing onto their faces, and with each blow, each demonic roar, the Honmoon groaned, weakening. Small red tears, like open wounds, began to appear in the onsen itself, and through them, more demons crawled, the horde growing, the rift deepening.

In the midst of the chaos, Rumi separated from Zoey and Mira, her eyes fixed on Jinu, who was moving away with the other Saja Boys, observing the carnage. She pursued him down a side corridor, the fury in her heart propelling her. They met in an empty break room, the fierce battle echoing in the distance. Jinu smiled, an ironic flirtation in his golden eyes. "Hey! Watch out, you almost hit my face, I need it to steal your fans." Jinu provoked, dodging Rumi's swift kick."You know very well why I'm here, demon," Rumi growled, her voice laden with anger, unleashing a series of blows.Jinu blocked easily, a mocking smile on his lips. "Oh, yes. The old song of justice. So... boring." He grinned, a dangerous glint in his eyes. "The canceled showcase was a shame, don't you think?" In a swift and unexpected move, Jinu managed to cut Rumi's arm. Red blood welled up, but along with it, something else was revealed: thin blue stripes that pulsed beneath her skin. Jinu's smile froze, and his eyes widened slightly, a spark of genuine surprise and something deeper, almost a recognition. How was this possible? A hybrid? The irony vanished from his voice. "Interesting," he murmured, the word carrying a new weight.

Jinu didn't attack. Instead, his expression shifted to a mixture of surprise and something deeper, almost curiosity. He leaned in, tore a piece of cloth from his own idol outfit, and with a strange delicacy, covered the tear in Rumi's sleeve, hiding the blue stripes. "See you around, hybrid," he whispered, a new glint in his eyes, before turning and disappearing down the corridor, leaving Rumi perplexed, though she didn't have much time to think before returning to the battle to support Zoey and Mira.

Baby, who had been observing Rumi and Jinu's fight from a distance, saw what happened. Jinu's act of covering Rumi's secret, instead of exposing her, triggered a confused alarm in his mind. He frowned, slightly irritated. What was Jinu doing? Why would he help her? This new "curiosity" of Jinu's about Rumi didn't fit the plan; he felt a pang of doubt and confusion, a seed of distrust planted. Failure was not an option, and any deviation, any secret among his own members, was a threat.

While the battle unfolded in the onsen and the Saja Boys prepared for their next moves, you, Luka, and Rin were comfortably in the living room of your apartment, watching the rerun of the "Play Games with Us" show since you missed the live broadcast due to a photoshoot. You were relaxed, laughing at the Saja Boys' antics while cuddling with each other, sharing greasy popcorn and snacks that would make your manager hysterical.

"Oh, Abby is so funny!" Rin squealed, clutching a pillow to her chest as Abby made faces of pain. "They're so good at these challenges! It doesn't even look like they're eating real chili!"Luka chuckled, a soft sound. "They have incredible charisma, and Baby's performance was impeccable, as always. That 'goo goo ga ga' is going to become a meme!" She smiled, grabbing a bottle of sugary, dyed soda. "The Huntrix should learn from them. They didn't have to cancel their show like that." Luka murmured, still thinking about the controversy. "It was a huge disrespect to the fans."

You, sitting between them, were mesmerized by the screen, your eyes fixed on Baby. He was so... perfect, the way he drank the chili without flinching, his victorious smile. Your heart raced. "He's amazing," you whispered, more to yourself than to your sisters. "He's always so strong and... charismatic."

"Yes, they're all very talented," Luka agreed, not noticing the depth of your gaze. "We're lucky to work with such professional groups."Rin turned to you, her eyes sparkling. "You should try the chili someday! You'd be so funny!", Rin squealed as she attacked you with a soft pillow. You just laughed, your mind still on Baby. The concern about the Huntrix, the fans' fury, everything seemed distant, only Baby's image on screen filled your thoughts, a sweet haze of first love obscuring any sign of danger.

Later — after the fight with the Huntrix, if that could even be called a fight since despite being outnumbered, the aquatic demons still lost, it wasn't expected for them to win, but even so, the defeat left a bitter taste in his mouth — in his room, Baby found himself with a new addition to his growing collection. On his bed, y chibi plushie you had migrated from the drawer to the bed, the plushie's cute eyes seeming to follow his movements, he didn't even remember moving it.

The next day, after getting the unwanted gift from Abby, almost unconsciously, Baby found himself buying a small themed keychain of you at a souvenir shop, one that mimicked your characteristic microphone, and then, a set of your chibi stickers. He didn't even notice his own fixation; he just felt an "emptiness" when you weren't around, and filling it with these objects was... satisfying. Baby can't leave the plushie — you — alone, he rationalized to himself, with a distorted logic that masked an increasingly deep obsession. He found himself, without realizing it, always watching you from afar, feeling longing for your presence even when you were nearby, your image, real or in miniature, becoming a fixed point in his demonic existence. It's funny how possessiveness can manifest, he thought. It was just control, of course.

Small items about you were added to the growing collection, all about you — there was only a Luka and Rin plushie to his disgust, he knows how much you like those bags of flesh, the plushie you would probably feel the same way, even so, the two plushies were right on the bed on top of the cabinet in "your line of sight" — and your idol persona. He would never admit it, but he also bought a Baby plushie to put next to yours when he was away, "so she wouldn't feel lonely," he thought, with a slight blush he quickly attributed to the room's heat.

Still that night, with the new Miku -you - sticker discreetly placed on the back cover of his tablet, Baby felt a sudden boredom mixed with a curious need; he picked up his phone and dialed your number. After a few rings, your voice — soft from having just woken up, was your voice always so lovely? He hadn't noticed before — answered, sounding a little surprised by the late call."Baby? Is something wrong?" You asked with concern.

"No, nothing. I was just... thinking," he said, his voice melodious, choosing his words carefully. "The night has been a bit monotonous, the day was quite boring, full of exhausting routines. Idol boredom, you know..." He forced a small charming laugh even though you couldn't see him on the other end of the line. "I miss our conversations. How about we meet up? We could... go to a discreet cafe or maybe take a walk, like normal people."There was a short pause on the other end of the line. "Oh, sure, Baby. That would be great. I'm a little tired today, but... a date with you always brightens me up. Where?" Your voice was soft and welcoming, and Baby felt a cold satisfaction, almost a thrill. "Perfect. I'll text you the location. See you, darling." He hung up, a small satisfied smile on his lips. The "boredom" was a convenient excuse.

On the other end of the line, the phone still warm in your hand, you threw yourself onto the bed with a contented sigh, and your green hair, loose and tangled, formed a soft halo around your head as you sank into the pillows, smelling the sweet scent of your shampoo. Your hand, almost unconsciously, rested on your chest, right over your heart, feeling the accelerated beat. Baby's voice still echoed in your ears, and the simple idea of seeing him again sent a wave of warmth through your entire body. It was an unexpected invitation, but so welcome, a genuine and foolish smile blossomed on your lips.

You imagined the possible scenarios for this meeting. A cozy cafe, away from curious glances, a discreet walk through a park illuminated by the night. Anywhere, as long as it was with him. The joy made you roll on the bed, hugging a pillow tightly, the tension of the past few days, with the expectations of the team and fans and the concern about Vocaloid's reputation, vanished like smoke. All that mattered now was the promise of seeing him. Excitedly, you picked up your phone, your fingers quickly typing a message to Luka and Rin. "Baby just asked me out tonight! We'll meet tomorrow, I promise I'll tell you everything!" Rin's reply came almost immediately, full of heart and star emojis. Luka sent a thumbs-up emoji and a "Have fun!" You smiled, your heart light, put your phone away, jumping up to shower and get ready, your thoughts floating in dreams of laughter and exchanged glances with Baby.

NOTES: Hey, another chapter. I'm so sorry for the delay, college has me busy. Today's chapter was shorter, but I'll make up for it by writing a longer one.

I didn't write the scenes exactly like the ones in the movie because that would have been a lot of work, but I made it as close as possible. I hope you like it.

The chapter was not reviewed, so please let me know about any errors or parts that have confusing grammar.

TAG LIST: @ph1lo-s0ph1a, @scara-simp69, @venommie, @snowy-violet, @mysteris-things, @airwolf92, @katzline, @azzberry, @minkyungseokie, @ratchetprime211, @momentomoribitch, @blackstar-gazer, @your-sleeparalysisdem0n, @haru-ka09

[pureprofanelove24]

The Price of Worship

Chapter 6: Open Wounds and an Unexpected Gift

[Summary] [Prologue] [Chapter 1] [Chapter 2] [Chapter 3][Chapter 4] [Chapter 5] [Chapter 6] [Chapter 7] [Chapter 8] [Chapter 9] [Chapter 10]

The revelation at the Asia Music Festival had been a seismic shock for the Huntrix. The polished smiles and overwhelming charisma of the Saja Boys were now a thin shell barely concealing the abomination beneath, backstage, while the adrenaline of the performance still vibrated in the air, Rumi felt the tears. Not just in her heart, but in the very fabric of the Honmoon that covered Seoul, before, the demons operated on the fringes, in smaller cities, dispersing their attacks to avoid concentrating the tension,but now, right there, in the capital, portals were opening with alarming frequency, and the wounds on the Honmoon were like pulsating red veins, visible to their trained eyes, radiating a palpable corruption.

They couldn't simply attack. The stage, the festival corridors, every corner was filled with humans like managers, security guards, other idols, and, above all, fans. The mist of human ignorance was an insurmountable barrier, if the Huntrix drew their blades amidst the crowd, if their powers manifested without discretion, they would be seen as lunatics, attacking beloved public figures with weapons in hand. There would be no judgment, only chaos, imprisonment, and their truth would be buried under accusations of madness, despair was a bitter fireball in their stomachs.

The only option was to divert. To divert the demons' attention, to make their "meals" less accessible, the solution came in the form of their own art: music. With renewed urgency, they plunged into the release of their new single, "Golden." It was a vibrant song, full of energy and an unforgettable chorus, an anthem of strength disguised as bubblegum pop. The strategy worked. "Golden" was a resounding success, sweeping the charts and reigniting the fever for the Huntrix, to capitalize on the moment, a special showcase was scheduled, a free event for fans, a stage to channel the city's energy and, they hoped, distract the predators.

But at the last rehearsal, exhaustion took its toll. Rumi's voice, which was the melodic anchor of the Huntrix, began to falter., first, a trembling note, then, an audible effort and soon, the powerful voice that guided their songs was off-key, varying from a high, sharp sound to a whisper, panic froze her veins, the staff was in a frenzy. There was no way to continue and the only alternative was to cancel the show last minute, with only a vague statement about "unexpected health problems." The public's reaction was a tsunami, social media exploded with fury. "Unbelievable! No warning?", "What disrespect!", "They're not professionals! The Saja Boys would never do that!", "Another stain on their reputation." The late cancellation, without clear explanations, felt like a betrayal to thousands of fans who had planned their nights, some traveling long distances. Frustration quickly turned into anger, and the Huntrix's reputation, already shaken by the misinterpretation at the festival, plummeted even further.

In the oppressive silence of the shared apartment, the public's fury echoed on their phones, but the true storm brewed within each Huntrix, guilt was a heavy burden, a persistent whisper that fed their deepest insecurities.

Rumi was in the living room, her phone on her lap, the screen still displaying the angry comments. Her shoulders were slumped, an aura of deep fatigue enveloped her, the door opened, and Celine entered, her expression tense. Celine, the last of the sunlight sisters - huntresses from the previous generation and Rumi's strict mentor - was not one for half measures. "You're feeling them, aren't you? The tears are everywhere, and they're laughing at us." She didn't wait for an answer. "It's your fault, Rumi, it's this side of you. This failure is because of that." Celine was referring to Rumi's hybrid nature, a secret that tormented them. "You have to fix this. You're the strongest. Your voice... you know what it means to the Honmoon. This cannot happen again." Every word from Celine was a dagger, sinking into Rumi's already fragile soul. She felt the overwhelming responsibility, the shame of her "imperfection." In her heart, she already knew: the failure was hers. She was the weak link, her mouth opened to argue, but no words came out and only a lump in her throat remained.

At the other end of the city, in a traditional Korean house with a curved roof and meticulously manicured gardens, Zoey was kneeling on a jigyo, her posture rigid, hands resting on her thighs. The air in the room was thick with incense and the icy reprimand of her grandmother, the matriarch, with her impeccable white hair and a dark silk hanbok, was the personification of tradition and contempt. A bitter elderly woman who had never accepted her son's marriage, Zoey's father, to a foreigner, nor his departure from the clan to America, for her, lineage was everything, and Zoey's "impurity" was a stain.

"I knew it. I knew this would happen," the grandmother's voice was a cutting whisper. "Your father, with his modern ideas, breaking with the blood and now, you. A half-American huntress, without the discipline of our arts, without the purity of our essence. How could the Honmoon stand firm with someone like you, contaminated by Western customs, by fleeting fads?" She made a gesture of contempt. "The Vocaloid, see how they are. Well-behaved, without controversies, ideal. But you, the Huntrix... scandals, cancellations. The failure is yours, Zoey, your failure to keep the Honmoon strong is the failure of our lineage. You don't know what it means to bear this burden, the destruction of the Honmoon will come because of you." The grandmother's words were blades, cutting deep into Zoey's insecurities about her identity and her place. She was the reason for the failure, the betrayer of her heritage. The wooden floor seemed to sink beneath her.

Meanwhile, in the Huntrix's shared apartment, Mira listened to her mother's shrill voice through the speakerphone, thrown onto the kitchen table. "I told you! I told you your temper would shame us! If you were more like the others, more... feminine, more acceptable, maybe we wouldn't have lost the chance to be the best! That's why the Vocaloid are on top, and you're down there, with your reputation stained!" Mira's mother, a woman with eyes full of envy of a life she never had, always resented not being chosen by the Honmoon. She had watched her cousin receive the legacy she longed for, Mira's father, from a different clan, also held a silent resentment that his son could not inherit the family's magic, only women could.

Since she was little, when Mira's powers manifested at six years old – much earlier than expected – her family tried to repress them, seeing her not as a blessing, but as the personification of their own envy and failure, they never taught her traditional martial arts, the magical instruction that was vital for a huntress, because of this, Mira fought with savage brute force, lacking Zoey's precise technique or Rumi's blend of technique and strength. This repression had molded her rebellious and explosive personality. "You are proof that this generation is weak!", her mother's voice echoed. "Your impulsive ways will ruin everything!" Mira clenched her fists, tasting the familiar bitter taste of injustice. It was always her fault. Always.

After the calls, each Huntrix retreated into her own particular hell of guilt and doubt. Rumi felt the Honmoon tear more with each breath, her wounded voice echoing her internal failure, Zoey saw the contempt in every gesture of her grandmother, the shadow of her "Americanization" hanging over the imminent destruction, Mira felt her mother's words like punches, each one reaffirming her inadequacy and her raw anger. They were huntresses, protectors, but their personal flaws seemed greater than ever, magnified by their failure to stop the demons, insecurity was a slow fire, consuming them from within.

But from this slow fire, something more began to emerge: a cold, calculating determination. Guilt transformed into fuel, a burning desire to prove them wrong, they could no longer afford to be idols, the war had begun and they needed to be ready. In the silence of their rooms, the Huntrix began to prepare. The clean idol makeup was replaced by heavy, defiant strokes, dark shadows outlining eyes that now gleamed with a dark fury. Tight, dark, practical leather clothes replaced colorful costumes, embracing their forms and the promise of unrestricted movement, fingerless gloves, metallic buckles, subtle chains – each piece a reminder that they were warriors, not performers. Their magical weapons, invisible blades, energy whips, daggers, were summoned with a menacing glint. They were huntresses, and the hunt was about to get bloody. Their show would be deadly.

In the opulent and isolated comfort of their penthouse in central Seoul, far from the curious eyes of fans and staff, the Saja Boys relaxed after another day of rehearsals and engagements. The facade of perfect and adorable idols faded, revealing the predatory nature that simmered beneath the surface, Baby, in particular, was engrossed in his own thoughts, the conversation with Gwi-Ma in the Underworld echoing in his mind, the promise of having Miku as his, a prize for ensuring the plan's success, was a powerful incentive. His feelings for her were still a confusing enigma – a mix of gratitude for the source of power, territorial possessiveness, and something that, he was reluctant to admit, perhaps approached a distorted form of affection. The important thing now was the final goal, the fall of the Honmoon was imminent, and he would play his part until the end.

Jinu, elegantly reclined on a leather sofa, distractedly flipped through a fashion magazine, his golden eyes scanning the pages without truly seeing the content. "These humans... they're so predictable," he murmured, a razor-sharp smile playing on his lips. "Their emotions, their desires... everything so superficial and easy to manipulate. Do they really believe pop songs can stop the inevitable?" He closed the magazine with a dry snap, the boredom of centuries showing in his sigh.

Romance, lazily stretched out on a cushion on the floor, watched the city lights twinkle through the large panoramic window, manipulating small bluish flames with his fingers. "Their flesh tastes so... different when consumed in sunlight," he sighed with a sinister nostalgia. "The sensation of warmth on our skin again, the open fear in their eyes... it's an experience this masked existence can never replicate. The irony is delicious, using their own human vanity against them. Turning their 'idols' into their tormentors." He let out a low, guttural laugh. "I remember times when we didn't need subterfuge. Just the shadow of the night, the caressing warmth of the sun, and the taste of fear."

Abby paced back and forth, impatience bubbling beneath his idol facade. "This disguise... it's suffocating. I long for the sun on my skin again, for the genuine scream under my claws, not these empty sighs of adoration." He clenched his fists, his nails briefly lengthening into sharp points. "The longer we're stuck to this plan, the greater the risk. The Huntrix... they know." Despite the words of concern, it was undeniable that he longed for a real fight, something that would satisfy him before the final feast, the Huntrix would be amusing adversaries, his first fight in centuries.

Mystery, as always, lingered in the shadows, absorbed in his own dark thoughts, his fringe covering his eyes like an impenetrable curtain. His aversion to humanity was palpable, a silent hatred simmering beneath his apparent calm. "Their perception doesn't matter if they can't prove it. The mist is thick, and human credulity is our greatest ally." His voice was a cold whisper, but there was a hint of concern. "However, we cannot underestimate them. The lineage of the huntresses is resilient." For him, humans were not just food, but a plague, and the idea of a world free from the Honmoon was the promise of eternal silence, of an emptiness where human fragility would no longer echo.

Baby, who had been observing the discussion in silence, finally spoke, his voice laden with a cold determination that the others rarely heard. "The plan continues, the Huntrix are an obstacle that will be removed, if necessary, our true natures being revealed doesn't matter, what matters is that the Honmoon falls, our freedom depends on it. The taste of human flesh under the sun... is a right that has been stolen from us for too long." His eyes gleamed with a dark intensity. "Failure is not an option or the golden Honmoon will consume us all." He thought of the Master's promise, of you, his most valuable possession and what awaited him if everything went perfectly.

The Saja Boys exchanged glances, the atmosphere becoming mockingly amused, Baby's growing interest in Miku was intriguing, but as long as he remained focused on the plan, his peculiarities were tolerable. They saw humans as mere means to an end, pawns in their game of liberation. Freedom was close, and soon, the world would be theirs again to savor.

That night, while Baby was distracted, Abby slyly emerged from his room and entered the common living area where everyone was, a wide, childlike smile on his face. He tossed a small box wrapped in hot pink paper to Baby, inside, nestled in tissue paper, was a chibi Miku plush doll, an official Vocaloid product, with her iconic green hair and a miniature stage dress. Abby chuckled, a mischievous sound. "I found this at the convenience store, I had to fight five frantic fans to get it! I thought you'd like to have your girlfriend around all the time!"

Baby's face contorted into a grimace of pure disgust. The idea of such a sentimental and childish object, even more so a commercial product, was repulsive. "What is this ridiculous abomination?" he hissed, picking up the doll with two fingers, as if it were a dead insect. The other Saja Boys burst into laughter.

"Come on, Baby," provoked Romance, "don't be so ungrateful. It's a symbol of your human 'love'! You can cuddle her at night!" He winked, savoring Baby's discomfort.

Annoyed, Baby simply chose to leave the room; it was time for him to find some fresh meat anyway. To his surprise that same morning - after a susceptible and bloody hunt - the noxious item was on his bed. Baby rolled his eyes, about to throw the ridiculous plush away but suddenly hesitated, there was something about the clumsy representation of you, that stitched smile and cute eyes that inexplicably made him hesitate. With a sigh of resignation, he put the plush in the back of a drawer, out of sight, an embarrassing secret amidst the darkness of the room.

"It's... a reminder," he murmured to himself in the silence of the room, his voice laden with a strange intensity. "A reminder of what's at stake." As ridiculous as he found the object, there was something about it – the tangible representation of his source of power, the symbol of his possession – that he couldn't completely discard. He would keep it close, a strange and silent trophy of his growing control.

Meanwhile, in the depths of the Underworld, Gwi-Ma's palace pulsed with growing energy. Demons of all castes prostrated themselves before his flaming form, bringing news and offerings. In the center of the altar, Gwi-Ma listened to the reports with a satisfied smile dancing on his fiery lips.

"The seals in China are cracking, Master," reported a skeletal demon, its eye sockets glowing with a red light. "The Honmoon's influence has significantly weakened since the increased energy flow from Korea."

"In Europe, the huntresses are disoriented, their powers faltering," hissed a serpentine figure, its scaly skin gleaming in the infernal light. "The disturbance at the center resonates throughout the world."

"The Americas are more resilient, but discord among the lineages is growing," informed a burly demon, his voice a hoarse thunder. "The division sown centuries ago is flourishing."

Gwi-Ma nodded, his molten gold eyes fixed on a pulsating energy globe that floated before him, representing the Honmoon. The red cracks that plagued Korea extended like spiderwebs across the globe, weakening its golden glow. "Excellent," his voice echoed through the hall. "The more the center bleeds, the easier it will be to break the other barriers. Let the hungry demons spread, infiltrate, sow discord. Every corrupted soul, every act of violence, is a nail in the coffin of that golden prison."

An aristocratic-looking demon approached, bowing deeply. "Master, preparations for the final ritual are almost complete. The energy convergence points have been identified. As soon as Korea's Honmoon is weak enough, the veil will tear."

Gwi-Ma smiled, a glimpse of his ancient glory and power. "Soon, we will walk under the sun again. The surface will be ours again as was our right, and those who oppose us... will be reduced to ashes." His gaze turned to a pale, ethereal image of you, Luka, and Rin that floated in a dark orb. "And you, my dear Miku... my dear Luka and Rin will have a special role in our new kingdom. The power of your voices will be the melody of our victory."

NOTES: Another chapter. I should have posted it yesterday, but I ran out of time. I think I'll be able to finish the series this weekend. Without further ado, let's get to the explanations.

I focused this chapter solely on the Huntrix and the Saja Boys because I wanted more depth in their personalities and worldbuilding, and to show their worries and fears.

I've mentioned before that there are several Huntress clans from different cultures, and I wanted to give this a little more attention. The first Huntresses from each country (but remember that those from Korea were the first to emerge) eventually had descendants. These descendants were divided into clans and family branches, carefully monitored to avoid inbreeding or extinction of the branch. This happens because Huntresses can only arise from the lineage of a Huntress. That is, no matter how distant the kinship, all the Huntresses chosen by Honmoon have the blood of at least one of the original Huntresses.

Another important thing is that they have bloodlines linked to the country they inhabit, for example. A Huntress with Korean bloodlines can only sing and recharge the Korean Honmoon. Imagine the Honmoon as a tapestry divided into sections, each with its own embroidery and traditional culture. If someone with a completely different sewing style tried to sew on a section from a country they're unfamiliar with, they'd inevitably end up messing things up and making that section of the embroidery more fragile. That's why Huntresses can't sing in countries other than their bloodline's origins.

I also gave the Huntrix families original stories. I hope you liked them. I did this because I wanted to give the characters more depth.

Baby also got a mini-miku. How long do you think it will be before she migrates from the drawer to the bed?

By the way, can you send me gifs and images from the movie? I can't find any of the Huntrix getting all dolled up with that dark makeup and leather outfits. I wish I had included one like that in this chapter.

TAG LIST: @ph1lo-s0ph1a, @scara-simp69, @venommie, @snowy-violet, @mysteris-things, @airwolf92, @katzline, @azzberry, @minkyungseokie, @ratchetprime211, @momentomoribitch, @blackstar-gazer, @your-sleeparalysisdem0n

[pureprofanelove24]

Look at this SUPER CUTE Chopper pillow!!!

My parents gave it to me as a surprise gift after I mentioned I liked it. Isn't it adorable? 😍😍😍

It's handmade and super soft, the picture is terrible but the pillow is super cute in real life

[pureprofanelove24]

Do you guys know any good free translators? When I reread the chapter, I noticed that there was a missing piece of my writing, my translator had a problem again

series I hate how sometimes he changes the grammar, adds periods to my paragraphs, etc.

I seriously hate how sometimes he changes the grammar, adds periods to my paragraphs, etc. It's so bad that when I try to paste what I wrote translated into English on Tumblr to post the paragraphs, they all come together and I have to put emojis at the end of each paragraph to know where they end (that's why sometimes an emoji randomly appears in the middle of the text)

any recommendations for a free translator? By the way, I also recommend that you guys read the chapter again to see the part that was cut, it adds a bit of personality to the Saja Boys

[pureprofanelove24]

The Price of Worship

Chapter 5: The Mask's Fall and the Promise of the Underworld

[Summary] [Prologue] [Chapter 1] [Chapter 2] [Chapter 3] [Chapter 4] [Chapter 5] [Chapter 6] [Chapter 7] [Chapter 8] [Chapter 9] [Chapter 10]

The months flew by, weaving another year of frantic schedules and the meteoric rise of the Saja Boys, the reflector incident was not just a springboard for their popularity, but also the ignition of a forbidden flame between you and Baby, behind the rehearsed smiles and carefully choreographed public interactions, a secret relationship began to bloom, fueled by furtive meetings and messages exchanged in the dead of night.

For you, these moments were the highlight of your exhausting days. He was your confidant, your safe haven amidst the madness of idol life, meetings disguised as "work meetings" or "extra recording sessions" happened in studios, others, bolder ones, were meetings disguised as normal civilians in more isolated places or in discreet cafes after hours. In these private moments, the initial gratitude you felt for Baby had deepened into a naive and profound love — your first love. You opened up to him, allowing yourself to be vulnerable, telling him about your fears and dreams, and he listened to you with almost devoted attention, his eyes fixed on you, it was a different kind of attention than you received from Luka and Rin.

You loved Luka and Rin more than anything — they are your sisters — but sometimes, a little voice of insecurity whispered, asking if you really fit in with them, wondering if your place truly was on the podium with them. Luka is so beautiful and mature, like a reliable and always calm older sister, a pillar of strength, Rin is so lively and energetic, like a vibrant younger sister, overflowing with charisma and you? You are just you, neither as calm as Luka, nor as energetic as Rin.

You felt caught in the middle, a link between two magnetic poles, they are everything you cherish most and the idea of not being necessary to them terrified you. Deep down, you felt a profound fear of being replaced, that if you became boring or uninteresting, they would leave you behind and that's why you strove your hardest to make everything perfect, so that the Vocaloid would be impeccable, always seeking validation, always trying to fill a space that perhaps only existed in your head.

But being with Baby was different. You didn't feel that suffocating fear of being replaced, of being judged. With him, you could be less amiable, even a little spoiled and stubborn, without the pang of panic of being pushed away or deemed unnecessary. It was a space where you didn't need to strive for perfection, your relationship with Baby was a balm, an antidote to your insecurities with him always affirming and calming your fears, assuring you, with every look and every word, that you were enough for him, exactly as you were. You were the center of his universe, or so it seemed.

For Baby, the surprise of the Honmoon weakening with every passionate beat of your heart was a true revelation. He never imagined that human affection could be such a potent fuel, his power, once stagnant from years of imprisonment and hunger, now grew exponentially - faster and more potent than any human flesh could provide him - a silent testament to the pure love that nourished him.

This new force altered his own perception of his loyalty, the possessive "loyalty" he felt for you - initially the same loyalty someone would feel for a persistent stray animal that insisted on following him - began to transform into a distorted version of reciprocal love. It was not love as humans understood it, but an intense gratitude for this inexhaustible source of power, and an ardent desire to possess and control what brought him so much benefit, he even began to see you as something capable of thinking and not just stupid, expendable cattle.

Baby began to display behaviors that you interpreted as romantic gestures of affection. He would appear with small, carefully chosen "gifts" – not expensive ones, but always something he "remembered" you had liked or briefly mentioned wanting: a specific mochi flavor you wanted to try, a small amulet she admired in a store. "I thought of you when I saw this," he whispered, a tender smile on his face that you found irresistible. His gentle touches became more frequent and intentional: a hand on your lower back to guide you down a hallway, an arm around your waist in "discreet" moments away from the team's eyes, a quick, soft kiss on your forehead or hand when no one was looking, accompanied by an enigmatic gaze that made your heart race. "I miss you when we're not together, darling. No one understands me like you," he said, his melodic voice, "My energy... it's more vibrant when you're around. It's as if we were made for each other." This possessiveness was disguised as an intense and exclusive love, making you feel like the most special person in the world, you clung to every word, every touch, interpreting them as proof of his love, the reason for your most sincere smile.

His dark humor intensified and he openly shared it with you, like an intimate secret that only the two of you knew. "It's funny how they worry so much about things so... transitory," he commented during a call to you, watching the crowd excite backstage at the packed show that was about to begin, observing the crowd. "All this rushing for something so ephemeral that will soon be dust." He spoke of the futility of fame, the superficiality of fans, or the fragility of human life, always with a smile that you interpreted as "charming" or "profound," a sign of his intellect and mystery, you felt you were seeing the "true" Baby, the side he hid from the world, and that only increased your attraction, love really is something that blinds people and destroys empires.

The culmination of a year of collaborations and success would come at the Asia Music Festival, one of the largest music events on the continent. The Vocaloid, the Saja Boys, and the Huntrix were the main attractions, promising an unforgettable spectacle. Backstage, the energy was buzzing, the Vocaloid, professional and animated, were preparing, while the HUNTRIX were tense and alert and the Saja Boys were excited, well aware of what was about to be revealed. With each passing minute, the feeling of something imminent grew stronger, an energetic anomaly that the Huntrix - Zoey with her sharp senses, Mira with her latent instincts, and Rumi with her secret hybrid demon nature - with their keen hunter senses could barely ignore.

Due to audience voltage, the Saja Boys were the first to perform, the crowd roared. Strobe lights cut through the darkness as the intro to their new song, "Soda Pop," exploded through the loudspeakers. The boys emerged on stage, figures of perfection, their radiant smiles and sharp choreography, however, for the HUNTRIX, seeing them up close for the first time, the sight was a real-time nightmare.

Rumi felt it first, a chilling shiver that wasn't from the air conditioning, but from a malignant presence. Her eyes, trained to see beyond the veil, fixed on the stage. With each beat of the music, the crowd's energy pulsed, and Mira felt the Honmoon groan in response, weakening. That's when it happened.

As the song reached its climax, and the Saja Boys moved with inhuman precision, a wave of shock coursed through the Huntrix. It wasn't a camera illusion or special effects, but the clear and undeniable vision of the truth. For brief and terrifying milliseconds, the aura of power they emanated caused their masks to fall, as if the very intensity of the spectacle ripped through the veil of reality. Jinu, with his leader's smile, blinked, and his eyes for an instant became golden slits, like incandescent embers, reflecting cold sadism. Romance with magic created small hearts sending them towards the audience who were blinded by the mist seeing them as special effects but to the eyes of trained Huntrix hunters they perceived the truth of these “special effects.” Abby's nails, as he made a sudden movement, seemed to lengthen into sharp claws, ready to tear. Mystery's skin seemed to stretch for a second, revealing an almost bluish hue and subtle colored stripes under the stage lights and Baby, in the center of the stage, as he sang a high note that reverberated in the soul, his eyes glowed with molten gold and a loving - predatory - smile distorted his lips, an abyssal hunger hidden in his angelic face.

The demonic auras were felt as a cold and repulsive shock that invaded the trained senses of the Huntrix, a smell of sulfur and burnt metal that only they could perceive.

Rumi's, Zoey's, and Mira's faces contorted in pure shock, disgust, and rage. Their eyes widened in horror, their mouths opened in a silent scream that never reached their lips, the realization hit them like a bomb, crushing them with a brutal truth: they were demons. They were the monsters responsible for the weakening of the Honmoon, the parasites who feasted on human energy, all their success, all the adoration of the fans, was a ritual to drain the world, a mass sacrifice disguised as entertainment.

A primal impulse to attack seized them, their hands trembled, wanting to summon the hunting weapons they carried and could summon with their powers, the sharp objects that were their only defense and the audience's, but the stage was crowded with staff, other idols, cameras, and right in front of them was the audience. The mist, the same that blinded the crowd, enveloped them too, if they attacked, they would be seen as crazy, three insane women attacking their rival idols with knives on a crowded stage. They would be arrested, imprisoned, and the world would never believe their truth. Impotence was a poison that choked them, they were paralyzed, forced to watch the horror unfold, their own bodies betraying them with the inability to act.

This visceral reaction was captured by the backstage cameras, which quickly cut to them. The festival's host, seeing the Huntrix's expressions, quickly tried to smooth over the situation with a forced laugh. "It seems the Huntrix are impressed with the Saja Boys' overwhelming performance, aren't they? Or perhaps a little... envious of their energy? Haha! A little healthy rivalry is always good in the K-pop world!" Comments on social media exploded in real-time: "Huntrix jealous?", "Zero professionalism!", "What ugly faces!". The Huntrix's rage, shock, and aversion were completely misinterpreted, shifting blame and negativity onto them, further undermining the Honmoon's credibility and solidifying the narrative that they were just jealous idols.

Meanwhile, backstage, you, Luka, and Rin Vocaloid vibrated with the energy of the show. "They're incredible!" Rin exclaimed, her eyes shining. Luka nodded, smiling. "What a powerful performance." The mist blinded them to the truth, you on the other hand were completely mesmerized by Baby's performance, it wasn't just the mist that blinded you, your pure feelings of first love also had a great weight on your own lack of perception of the cruel reality. The three of you felt the "positive energy" of the crowd, unaware that the Honmoon was being drained and were completely oblivious to the horror that your protectors had just witnessed.

After the performance, in the tumult of the festival's backstage, the Saja Boys wasted no time in seizing the opportunity to confront the Huntrix, knowing they had been "seen." They would play mind games, revealing that they were aware the Huntrix knew the truth and would revel in their despair and helplessness.

The Saja Boys approached the Huntrix with their perfect idol smiles, sweat glistening on their faces, but their eyes hid an ancient malice. The tension was palpable, invisible to the humans around them.

"What interesting faces you made on stage," Jinu began, his voice soft but with a deadly coldness. He studied the Huntrix's tense faces. "It looked like you saw a ghost... or something worse. Is something wrong, Huntresses?" His tone was pure derision.

Romance, with his seductive charm, approached Mira, almost brushing her arm. "You look tired, Mira-ssi. The burden of protecting this pathetic world must be heavy. Or perhaps... your Honmoon is failing you? A force so ancient, so fragile..." She felt a chilling chill in his touch, like the tip of an invisible blade.

Mystery, silently and with a listless voice and a cold gaze—which was invisible due to his bangs completely covering his eyes—stopped in front of Zoey. "The energy here today is great. So... full of life. It's a shame some can't harness it, isn't it? All this adoration, all this power... it's not for everyone." He eyed Zoey with a hungry glint, like a predator sizing up its prey.

Abby towered over the Huntrix, amused, eager for a real fight with them. Ordinary humans weren't capable of fighting just as a meal, but the Huntrix would be able to give him a real fight, something that would satisfy him before the feast. He didn't exchange words with the Huntrix, but his eyes made his thoughts clear.And Baby, with her most angelic smile, approached Mira, Zoey, and Rumi, with a hint of false concern. "You seem tense. Is it the pressure of the industry? Or do you feel like the world is... changing? Perhaps the balance you cherish so much is crumbling, crumbling in our hands?" His eyes, for a second, glanced past the Huntrix in the direction he knew the Vocaloids' dressing room was located, and displayed—for a moment—the possessiveness and growing protectiveness of you, whom he saw as his, a source of power for him. The idea of any of the Huntrix near you displeased him immensely—whether it was the feeling of a jealous lover or an owner guarding a valuable object against potential thieves—he still didn't fully know or care to separate. He brushed one of their arms—he really didn't care to know or differentiate which one—as he passed through the hallway to leave with the other Saja Boys. "The truth is so... disappointing, sometimes. Don't you think?"

The Huntrix felt the truth confirmed in every word. Their initial shock gave way to helpless rage. They realized the Saja Boys knew they'd been discovered and were reveling in it. With each mockery, they felt the Honmoon weaken even further under the impact of the demonic presence and the pulverized fandom. The fear of what was to come became an overwhelming reality. They couldn't fight back, not here, not now. They were trapped.

After the entertaining encounter with the Huntrix, Baby found himself alone in the shared apartment - the other Saja Boys had gone out to attend to their personal affairs that didn't involve the other members - the atmosphere suddenly became icy and dense. Baby, who was laughing while reading hateful comments about the Huntrix's performance and reaction - the way humans so totally criticized their protectors was deliciously ironic - felt a different shiver run down his spine. An invisible and irresistible force pulled him, cracks of dark energy opened in the air, forming a crackling portal right in front of him. He tried to resist for an instant, but it was useless and without warning, he was violently pulled inside.

Baby found himself in a familiar oppressive environment, the Underworld, a realm of eternal shadows, distorted landscapes of his demonic memories, colossal structures that stretched across a stormy purple sky that spoke of a time of glory that the arrival of the first huntresses ended. Gwi-Ma's aura was overwhelming, weighing down the very air - now well-fed and full of a splendor not seen since before the Honmoon - and Baby felt his demonic form instinctively bow before the ancestral presence.

Gwi-Ma stood there, colossal and ancient, emanating pure power. Now that power returned to her as more souls were brought to him, Gwi-Ma could manipulate himself into a fiery semi-human form - a hypnotically beautiful form with hair of flames that shone mercilessly with eyes that were bottomless pools of molten gold, and a slow, cruel smile that spread across his deceptively young face - the appearance was not like the deformed, extra-limbed low-level demons, if not for the color and lines on his skin and the fiery hair he could have passed for the most beautiful and tall man anyone could have the pleasure or misfortune of meeting.

He was not irritated, but with a cold satisfaction. "You have proven... interesting, Baby," the stage name was said with playful irony that made his opinion on how pathetic and amusing the name was very clear. "Your ability to feed on the human's devotion has exceeded my expectations. The Honmoon bleeds, and you are the most effective poison."

Gwi-Ma extended a pale hand, with claws that seemed carved from ebony, in a gesture that encompassed the very air of the Underworld. "Continue thus, and when the world is mine again, when it is ours, when the Honmoon is a mere memory... the girl, Miku... she will be yours. A companion. A wife. A servant. Eternally bound to you, body and soul, to do your will. A prize no other demon has ever dreamed of possessing." He paused, his gaze fixed on Baby. "Her voice, so melodic to humans, will be an even more powerful instrument in our new kingdom. She will be molded to serve a grand purpose, under your vigilance. A power for chaos, not for harmony."

Baby, despite his cold nature, felt a pang of something akin to possessive satisfaction and what could very well be hope. Having you as his "eternal companion" – his inexhaustible source of power and his most valuable possession – was a reward that perfectly aligned with the strange desire he had to nurture and protect - to keep for himself, to grasp and not let go - that he had begun to feel for you. He did not love you as a human, but he loved you as a demon, and that was enough. He knelt, acceptance etched in his eyes.

"Yes, Master," Baby replied, his voice a satisfied growl. "I guarantee. No one will interfere. She will be mine."

NOTES: Finally, the revelations have happened, so we can begin the film's plot with some differences that diverged from the ending

In this chapter, we see that you (Miku) have some insecurities. Well, I decided it would be interesting to explore the character's self-perception. Despite being the face of the band (let's be honest, the first thing we think of or think of when we talk about Vocaloid is Miku), she feels very insecure about whether she's truly seen by her friends. It's a normal insecurity that everyone feels when they're part of a trio. Just know that in reality, Luka and Rin love and feel insecure in the same way Miku does. Each girl is trying their best to be "enough" and not fail the other two. It's a terrible communication about problems, but let's move on

The Huntrix in the film are very expressive. Someone taking a picture of them at the wrong moment would be very easy. Like in the movie, did you see how they made faces and got angry that the Saja Boys were stealing their fans?! And that was seconds before they realized they were demons. A hater taking a picture and distorting the situation wouldn't be too difficult

There was also an unembellished proposal from Gwi-Ma. This will be very important in the future, but it will be handled a little differently than Baby is imagining.

That's all, see you in the next chapter (which I'm already writing).

(This has nothing to do with the chapter, but guess who messed up ALL the ao3 commands like a grandma and managed to mess up the entire order of the chapters... that's right THIS GIRL HERE, seriously I was almost screaming in frustration, just reading is much easier than posting)

chapter edited again because the translator had "eaten" an entire part of the fanfic, it was the part that showed a little more about the Saja Boys' personality (jerks), I've already fixed it but I suggest that the chapter be read again if you've seen the first version

TAG LIST: @ph1lo-s0ph1a, @scara-simp69, @venommie, @snowy-violet, @mysteris-things, @airwolf92, @katzline, @azzberry, @minkyungseokie, @ratchetprime211, @momentomoribitch, @blackstar-gazer, @your-sleeparalysisdem0n

[pureprofanelove24]

I'll try to finish this fanfic by Monday, so over the weekend I'll try to release 3 or 4 chapters (depending on how my mind works)

I already have the next chapters in mind mainly because we are already getting to the plot of the film, then I will write some one shots

I was thinking of something like Gwi-Ma x Huntress Reader or something like that, if you guys want to send ideas I'd be happy to write

[pureprofanelove24]

The Price of Worship

Chapter 4: The Poisoned Embrace and the Dark Ascent

[ Resumo ] [ Prólogo ] [ Capítulo 1 ] [ Capítulo 2 ] [ Capítulo 3 ] [Chapter 4] [Chapter 5] [Chapter 6] [Chapter 7] [Chapter 8] [Chapter 9] [Chapter 10]

The weeks following the reflector incident were a whirlwind, the video of Baby saving you instantly went viral, catapulting the Saja Boys to a new level of popularity. Baby's heroism, combined with his innocent and charismatic aura, was a magnet for attention. The record label, secretly controlled by infiltrated demons, saw the perfect opportunity to pulverize the Honmoon's energy. Crossover events between Vocaloid and Saja Boys were carefully orchestrated, disguised as opportunities to "strengthen friendship between groups" and create engaging content for fans, but their true purpose was far more sinister.

For you, these encounters were a balm, initial gratitude transformed into a growing curiosity for Baby. He was gentle, attentive, and you saw him as your protector, an unexpected friend in such a competitive world, the first "encounters" were always in public, disguised as leisure activities "among friends," but carefully photographed and filmed by management teams for public consumption.

One of these crossovers led them to a futuristic aquarium in Seoul, a labyrinth of giant tanks and glass tunnels where colorful shoals of fish swam over their heads. The team encouraged them to interact naturally, as the cameras rolled, you found yourself next to Baby in front of a vast tank of pulsating jellyfish. The blue-green light illuminated his face, and you watched him with fascination as he pointed to a shimmering shoal of silver fish, darting past. "Look how fragile they are, Miku. So tiny, yet they move as one. Fascinating, don't you think?", he murmured, his voice soft, a tender smile on his face, but with an almost unattainable gleam in his eyes, as if he were seeing something far beyond the fish. You simply nodded, feeling a pleasant shiver by your side.

Later, at the complex's cinema, during a cliché romantic comedy film that the team chose to "promote a light atmosphere," he whispered funny and slightly cynical comments about the plot's predictability. "Humans cling to such simple stories, don't they? Always the same happy ending...", he mocked, his voice low, almost a purr in your ear, as he lightly rested his head on your shoulder in a gesture that seemed like false intimacy to him, but for you was a sign of comfort and closeness. You just chuckled softly, finding him witty and refreshing in his honesty.

The exhausting idol routine you three face daily — endless photo shoots for fashion magazines, consecutive interviews for variety shows, exhausting rehearsals for new choreographies, and advertising campaigns that kept them constantly moving. Even so, between one recording and another, every time your eyes met Baby's, you felt a pang of something new growing in your chest, a slight and pleasant anxiety. It was as if with each interaction, no matter how subtle, an invisible thread was weaving between you.

Meanwhile, Luka and Rin also interacted with the other Saja Boys. At an arcade game station — chosen for the fun, friendly atmosphere perfect for a friendly environment without the risk of photos having a romantic vibe that would enrage the public — Rin, always competitive and energetic, challenged Abby to a game of Dance Dance Revolution. "Do you think you can keep up, oppa?", she provoked, laughing. Abby, with his protective aura, accepted with a confident smile. "Let's see who's the king of the dance floor, brat." The match was electrifying, with Abby displaying impressive coordination that made Rin grunt in frustration and admiration, as the two laughed and teased each other with contagious energy.

Luka, for her part, found herself in a quieter conversation with Jinu and Romance near a chic café — an ideal setting to convey the professionalism and maturity that the photos required — while Mystery observed them from afar, immersed in his own world, occasionally casting a curious glance. Jinu, with his timeless beauty and "ideal boyfriend" aura, was the charismatic leader everyone expected. "It's a pleasure working with you, Vocaloid. Your music truly inspires," he told Luka, with a polished smile. Romance, with his seductive charm, winked at Luka. "Your voice is mesmerizing, Luka. So soft, almost a fairy tale melody." Luka simply smiled, returning the compliments with her usual calm. "You guys are very talented too. The Saja Boys have brought a new energy to K-pop." She was genuinely happy with the possibility of new friendships in the industry.

After the long photo and video sessions, in the safety of your shared apartment, Luka and Rin celebrated their new friendship with the Saja Boys. "He's so cute, Miku! You're lucky to have a friend like him, especially after what happened," Rin commented once, her eyes sparkling at the image of Baby. Luka just smiled calmly, happy to see you so animated and distracted from the pressure of work. In their bubble of optimism and the agency's controlled atmosphere, the idea that anything could be wrong with the charming Saja Boys was unthinkable.

Months dragged on, and the groups' schedules intertwined with impressive frequency, between the Saja Boys' overwhelming comeback successes and the Vocaloid's return from a sold-out tour — the tour was a success, in every country you visited the region's Honmoon weakened — your moments alone with Baby became more frequent, though still under the watchful eyes of the demonic managers. You found yourself thinking about Baby all the time, feeling your heart race with every message notification from him, a silly smile appearing on your lips. He was the first thought upon waking and the last before sleeping, it was a pure and idealized love, born from an act of heroism and fueled by a connection that seemed, to you, unique and predestined.

You yearned for moments alone with him, even if it was just for a quick coffee break between tight schedules, where he always insisted on paying, "After all, I'm your gentleman," he'd joke, and you'd blush.

It was in these encounters that Baby's mask began to crack, almost imperceptibly. As your feelings for him deepened and you saw him as your love, Baby began to feel a force growing within him, something neither he nor the other Saja Boys had anticipated with such intensity. It wasn't just the natural increase in his powers, but a dizzying acceleration that surprised him. Every sigh of affection from you, every loving thought, every passionate smile you directed at him, translated into a torrent of pure demonic energy that nourished him overwhelmingly. He noticed his manipulations became easier, his presence more imposing, his influence more subtle over others, he was becoming immensely stronger, and the source, to his astonishment, was that human's devotion.

With the surprise and realization of this new power, a new and distorted form of affection began to develop in Baby. It wasn't pure human love, but the version of possessive and utilitarian love of a demon who lived in a past dynasty: you were his. A precious possession that granted him unparalleled power, a vital tool for the greater goal.

He began to reciprocate Miku's "love" with a subtle, yet growing, toxicity. His "compliments" became more specific about how you were perfect for him. "Your voice is the most beautiful I've ever heard. It's as if it were made only for my ears," he'd whisper, his eyes fixed on yours, with a tone of ownership. He'd show "jealousy" disguised as care, questioning the time you spent with Luka and Rin, or with other idols. "I missed you today, Miku. Were you so busy with the girls? I feel calmer when I know you're near me," he'd say, with an angelic smile, while his eyes, for a split second, showed a cold gleam of control.

His dark humor, previously sporadic, became more frequent, revealing his indifference to human life, but always with a charm you interpreted as "authenticity." "It's funny how they worry so much about such... transient things," he'd comment, observing the crowd at an event, a proud smile you found fascinating, a sign that he was deep and complex. You, in your innocence and immersed in the bubble of your first love, saw this as a sign that he felt safe to be "himself" with you, that he loved you enough to show his deepest and most complex side. Every possessive act, every subtly controlling comment, was for you the proof of an intense and protective love, a cliché fairy tale where the "prince" is a little eccentric, but loves you above all else.

Away from the spotlights, the Saja Boys' facade of perfection crumbled. In the opulent comfort of their dormitory, each one's true demonic nature revealed itself in all its rawness. Every night, the lust for blood and chaos became more unbearable.

"So, little Baby is becoming the strongest among us," commented Romance, with a lazy and cruel smile, as he watched Baby subtly manipulate the shadows in the room, testing his newly amplified power. "Who'd have thought human 'love' would be such a nourishing feast? Pathetic, really, how easily they surrender their energy."

Baby laughed, a dry, cold sound that would never be allowed on any fancam. "Yes. Their fragility is our gain. She barely perceives the golden chain that binds her to me. The more she 'loves,' the stronger I become. It's an easy game. And more efficient than I expected. Too bad their love is so... ineffective for general use." His eyes, which once glowed with innocence on stage, now gleamed with an ancient hunger and cunning, the desire for control evident.

Abby, impatient, snorted. "I prefer flesh. This wait for the Honmoon tires me. I want blood, I want to feel life drain away. All this daily charade exhausts me. When can we feast freely, Jinu?" He flexed his muscles, the aura of his true demonic form barely contained, the skin of his neck seemingly stretching too far, revealing dark veins for a second.

Mystery, silent in his corner, observed the Honmoon reinforcement ritual that Jinu led. The barrier was rapidly giving way, the invisible cracks becoming increasingly permeable. The nights became the stage for their true purposes. With the Honmoon so weakened, the rifts between realms opened more easily, allowing them to hunt.

Every night off, the Saja Boys transformed, abandoning their human forms. Their skin took on macabre shades, ranging from pale gray to a cadaverous blue with pulsating veins and dark stripes; their nails became sharp claws, capable of tearing flesh and bone with ease; and their eyes burned with a centuries-old hunger, golden like embers, or a molten gold, reflecting the darkness and cruelty of their souls.

They moved through the shadows of Seoul's less illuminated streets, stalking their victims with supernatural swiftness, a scent for fear and vulnerability. It wasn't just for fun, but out of visceral necessity. Love and adoration were useless as they weren't strengthened by them like the huntresses were, the most unfeasible fact for demons is that flesh is primal fuel just as souls are fuel to keep Gwi-ma's fire burning, to sate a hunger that had tormented them for ages it was necessary to hunt and consume and with the Honmoon approaching its weakest state there's no better time than now to do it.

In a dark alley, Abby cornered a young man walking home late at night. The demon's shadow grew over him, and the human's scream was abruptly cut short as Abby's claws pierced his chest. "So easy," he growled, the sound of tearing flesh echoing in the night's silence, as the victim's soul was sucked out of his body in an ephemeral glow. Romance, in another neighborhood, used his soft, seductive voice to lure a solitary woman into a dead-end alley. His eyes became red slits, and a predatory smile appeared. "Don't worry, dear. It will be quick, and you'll feel a final ecstasy," he promised, before a sharp pain and darkness consumed her.

Mystery, more discreet, slinked through windows, invading sleeping homes. He preferred silent terror. His fangs gleamed as he feasted on his victims' panic, before pulling them into the rifts.

Baby, with his newfound strength, participated with enthusiasm. He delighted in whispering empty, almost sweet promises, as his claws tore, slowly draining life, stealing the soul to consume it, and dragging the mangled bodies to the underworld through temporary rifts, where the macabre feast continued in a ritual of darkness and satiety. "So delicious," he'd whisper, his dark humor in his voice, as he watched life drain from a victim's glazed eyes, the body convulsing before falling limp. "They don't even realize what they are to us. Mere meals."

Jinu watched everything from afar, from a high rooftop in Seoul, with cold calculation. He felt the barrier vibrate, about to collapse completely. Every soul consumed, every act of demonic violence in the human realm, tore a little more at the Honmoon.

For the HUNTRIX, the meteoric rise of the Saja Boys and the growing fervor around Baby wasn't just chart competition; it was a disturbing anomaly. They observed the constant media coverage of the "friendship" between the Vocaloid and the Saja Boys, and the overwhelming success of the newcomers, which seemed almost supernatural, defying all industry logic, their new song, released with so much effort, had been swept under the rug by the wave of news about the "hero" Baby.

Rumi felt the weight of the legacy more than ever. The Honmoon was weakening at an alarming rate, small flaws in their own powers becoming more frequent and worrying: a hunting song that didn't resonate as strongly in their hearts, a protective spell that seemed less potent against the lengthening shadows, or the feeling that something was constantly watching them. "They're growing too fast," she murmured, her eyes fixed on a news report showing the Saja Boys celebrating another award, their smiles appearing strangely empty. "It's almost... unnatural."

Zoey, though striving to maintain determination, felt frustration bubbling, mixed with a fear she tried to suppress. "We've trained our whole lives for this. We fight to protect the world. And now, these... these rookies just appear out of nowhere and steal all the attention? What are we doing wrong? It feels like we're fighting thin air!" Her voice was a mix of anger and despair, her fists clenched.

Mira, quieter and more observant, was the first to feel the pang that something was deeply wrong. It wasn't just the competition, there was a strange energy around the Saja Boys, something that didn't fit the pattern of human idols, she started to notice the image distortion that happened on cameras - mere milliseconds - whenever the Saja Boys appeared. The way the Vocaloid were constantly paired with the Saja Boys, and Miku's almost blind enthusiasm for Baby, began to sound a deafening alarm within her. "It's not just a passing trend,... " Mira muttered, "There's something... wrong. I feel a presence, a darkness that's spreading. I can't identify it, but something is moving in the shadows, and it's getting stronger. We have to investigate."

Their concern transformed into a grim determination, they didn't know what, but the HUNTRIX felt that the threat was greater than anything they had faced before. The HUNTRIX needed to find out what was happening, before it was too late for the Honmoon.

NOTES: HELLO, another chapter, sorry for the delay.

The first encounters between Baby and Miku (you) come through band crossovers arranged by demons to overshadow the Huntrix. Miku's love is a mix of extreme gratitude for his saving her and that feeling of first love.

You may have noticed that I wrote about her love strengthening him. Well, that's because I want to use that cliché of "true love" strengthening and becoming a power, but I'd like to use this cliché for Evil, showing what it would be like for a villain to be the target of this kind of love's affection.

Baby still doesn't reciprocate Miku's feelings, but he feels possessive of her since he realized she's the source of his new power and finally:

The Huntrix finally realize something isn't right. Stay tuned for the next chapters, where we'll delve into the film's plot to see what changes.

TAG LIST: @ph1lo-s0ph1a, @scara-simp69, @venommie, @snowy-violet, @mysteris-things, @airwolf92, @katzline, @azzberry, @minkyungseokie, @ratchetprime211, @momentomoribitch, @your-sleeparalysisdem0n,

[pureprofanelove24]

The next chapter tomorrow is almost all written, just a few details are missing, like editing and correcting some things

If I have time, maybe I can do a double update BUT it's just a possibility, see you tomorrow

[pureprofanelove24]

Hii! I was wondering if you could maybe add a “read more” feature to your chapters? It just gets a little hard to scroll all the way down when I want to reread previous ones. Additionally, do you have a masterlist? Thank you so much, and I really love your work! <33

This is a GREAT idea!!!

I don't have a masterlist but I'm going to create one now to make your reading more organized, thank you very much for your suggestion.

Feel free to make more suggestions and requests in the future, I'm always open to making my blog better

Thank you very much for reading my work, I'm very happy that you're enjoying it, it's comments like yours that keep me motivated.

[pureprofanelove24]

Master list

KPOP Demon Hunters:

series:

The Price of Worship - Baby X female reader (on going)

[Summary] [Prologue] [Chapter 1] [Chapter 2] [Chapter 3] [Chapter 4] [Chapter 5] [Chapter 6] [Chapter 7] [Chapter 8] [Chapter 9] [Chapter 10]

One shots:

Nothing for now

[pureprofanelove24]

The Price of Worship

Chapter 3: The Third Force, The K-Pop Earthquake, and a Fateful Encounte

[Summary] [Prologue] [Chapter 1] [Chapter 2] [Chapter 3] [Chapter 4] [Chapter 5] [Chapter 6] [Chapter 7] [Chapter 8] [Chapter 9] [Chapter 10]

The rumors began as whispers on online forums and small news articles in regional media. A new male group, Saja Boys, was emerging in Busan, promising to shake up the foundations of K-pop. At first, they were just another debut in a saturated market. But the teasers and leaked photos showed something different: a raw charisma, a beauty that ranged from cute to intensely seductive, and a promise of undeniable talent. It didn't take long for whispers to turn into shouts, and all of Korea to turn its eyes to the phenomenon being born. In a few weeks, their songs dominated the charts, and their faces graced magazine covers.

In an elegant office in downtown Busan, the same demon Samyong, with his now permanently satisfied smile, gestured to five young men who barely contained their demonic auras under their human disguises. "The doors are open, my brothers, and the stage is set," he boomed, his voice vibrating with contagious enthusiasm. He didn't need to sell them the idea; they had known Jinu's plan for decades. Still, the pantomime of the "irresistible offer" was necessary for the few humans in the agency, for before the eagerly awaited Honmoon fracture, only a tiny, negligible number of capable demons had managed to escape and infiltrate the human world an agency composed solely of demons, besides being unfeasible, would be immediately discovered; the best and most sensible option was for the demons to occupy the highest and executive positions, subtly manipulating the situation while the remaining workers were composed of humans.

The launch of their first single was a tsunami. With each new song, each appearance on variety shows, each sold-out concert in Busan and, later, in Seoul – always being careful not to interact directly with HUNTRIX – the popularity of the Saja Boys skyrocketed. The cute Maknae, BABY, dominated social media with his calculated innocence and sharp raps. ABBY, the older brother with apparent muscles, set the stage on fire with his protective presence and seductive fan service. MYSTERY, the silent observer, kept fans speculating about his secrets, creating an obsession to unravel what lay behind his bangs. ROMANCE, the flirty boy, broke hearts and inspired fantasies with every wink and charming rogue smile and Jinu, the leader with his timeless beauty and "ideal boyfriend" aura, personified the image of perfection and stability that the public yearned for.

The K-pop fandoms, previously polarized between HUNTRIX and Vocaloid, began to fragment drastically. "My heart is now tripartite!" some commented. "I never thought a male group would do this to me, but Saja Boys are everything!" others wrote, shifting their loyalty or, at the very least, dividing it with growing fervor. The attention, adoration, and, crucially, the positive energy of the fans were pulverized in three directions, for Samyong and his colleagues, every new chart the Saja Boys dominated was a victory, another step towards the anarchy they craved. Distraction and division were a slow but effective poison for the barrier that held the Honmoon standing.

"Did you see Saja Boys' new song? Isn't it so catchy?" Luka asked, her voice soft and calm demeanor characteristic, as you and Rin stretched in the dressing room before a showcase. The damp towel on your neck was a relief after rehearsal, but Luka's excitement was palpable. Rin, always energetic, jumped into a sitting position, her eyes sparkling. "I loved their choreography! My favorite is Mystery, but Baby is really cool too, right, Miku?"

You nodded, a smile on your lips. "Yes, they're very talented. It's good to see more amazing groups in K-pop." There was no envy in your voices, just genuine curiosity and recognition of talent. For you, Luka, and Rin, the idol world was a stage where music reigned, and the love for music should be shared. Competition was just an incentive to work harder, to perfect every note and every move, and to give your best to the audience. When the Saja Boys began to receive the same, if not greater, attention, your management team, diligently controlled by infiltrated demons, ensured that the "bubble of protection" around you remained intact, for after all, you three had to be kept happy and healthy, both physically and mentally, to continue singing and, consequently, weakening the Honmoon.

A curious, unexpected event for the demons on Vocaloid's team was that, though fundamentally apathetic to human life, it would be undeniable to admit that constant coexistence led them to develop a peculiar attachment to you three. For three years, they had invested time, energy, and cunning to cultivate Vocaloid's talent, protecting them from industry predators and molding them into perfect weapons against the Honmoon. It was a pragmatic, almost possessive attachment, like a chef who cares for a rare and precious ingredient that shouldn't be consumed despite the exquisite promise of flavor. Some—the younger ones or those who spent more time directly with you—could even feel a slight and uncomfortable desire to "spare them" when the Honmoon finally fell, a remnant of human empathy they hated, but which you, in your purity, inadvertently managed to awaken.

They were efficient at filtering out negative news, softening criticism, and building an impeccable narrative for Vocaloid. "This is normal in the industry, girls," your manager assured them with a warm smile, deflecting the few barbs from the media and comparing them to the "toxicity" that HUNTRIX faced. "It's healthy to have competition, but your talent and authenticity are unquestionable. Focus on our music, and the fans will stay with us, loyal."

They were right; your fans' adoration remained fervent, shielded from the greatest toxicities. You continued to release hits, pack arenas, and inspire joy. The world outside might have been fragmenting, but within your bubble of passion and harmony, music was all that mattered, and for Vocaloid, success was a sweet melody, and the growing popularity of the Saja Boys, just another song added to the vibrant soundtrack of the industry.

As you three remained comfortable in the bubble of protection created by your demonically diligent team, the demons leading the Saja Boys' agency, seeking to solidify their position in the music industry and, more importantly, to ensure a "cordial" relationship with Vocaloid—since you three had proven to be a powerful weapon against the Honmoon—decided that securing a "friendship" would be essential to arrange joint events that would increase public attention and overshadow HUNTRIX. With this in mind, a meeting between the two groups was scheduled on a popular interactive variety show, where different idol groups participated in challenges and live interviews. The atmosphere on set was electric, with cameras focused on every interaction. Towards the end of the show, you, Luka, and Rin were preparing for the final performance alongside the Saja Boys, the audience applauding the rare union of talents when suddenly, a loud crack reverberated in the studio, and above your head, one of the giant spotlights, held by worn cables—and, of course, demonically manipulated to detach at the perfect moment—broke free with a metallic screech, plummeting towards you.

Time seemed to freeze in a distorted frame; you saw the mass of metal and glass, the size of a small car, hurtling towards you with terrifying speed, your mind locking in pure shock, unable to move a muscle or even scream. It was an immense weight, gravity accelerating, the shrill sound of metal detaching echoing in your ears like the ominous herald of something fatal. Your feet were glued to the floor, eyes wide, breath caught in your throat, all you could do was stare at the deadly gleam of the falling object, but before the spotlight's shadow could engulf you, an agile and unexpectedly strong figure leaped forward; it was BABY, the maknae of the Saja Boys.

In a swift and almost impossible movement for a normal human—so fast that for the cameras it was as if he had teleported from one side of the stage to the other in a matter of seconds—he violently pulled you aside, spinning his body to shield yours. You felt his impact against you, his arm wrapping around your waist and his body covering you almost entirely, despite him being smaller than you. In the next instant, the spotlight smashed onto the floor with a deafening thud, a metallic crash that made the studio tremble, shards of glass and incandescent sparks flying dangerously, mere inches from where you had been moments before, and the heat of the freshly impacted metal emanated from the crash site. An overhead camera recorded everything, focusing on the accident spot and then on both of you on the ground.

The audience, at home and in the studio, let out a collective scream of horror that quickly transformed into a murmur of shock, and then, into euphoric and thunderous applause as they realized the danger had been averted. The maknae of the Saja Boys, still covering your body with his on the floor, lifted his head and his eyes, previously slightly dark with the tension—in reality, annoyance—of the rescue, softened almost instantly into his public persona, full of concerned and cute gentleness. "Are you alright?" he asked, his voice low and surprisingly soft, with a touch of "genuine" relief—at least that's how it seemed to the camera and the people present—you and he were still lying in each other's arms. "Are you hurt?" His voice and gaze were so gentle that it made you want to cry.

Luka and Rin, who were a few meters from you, screamed hysterically upon seeing the spotlight fall and BABY throw himself on top of you. In a flash, they were by your side, their faces contorted in panic. "Miku! Are you okay?! Are you hurt?" Luka exclaimed, her hands trembling uncontrollably as she hugged you tightly, checking every part of your body for any serious visible injuries beyond small, shallow cuts and scratches. "Baby, are you okay too? Oh my god, that was... that was terrible!" Rin said, her voice choked with tearful shock and fright; after making sure you weren't hurt, she seemed to remember that Baby had also been in danger saving you, and even with her gaze turned towards him, she, like Luka, still continued to embrace you. Both were pale, eyes wide and filled with tears of relief and terror. A production crew and on-set medics were already rushing to the scene, checking for damage, collecting shards, and ensuring that the small injuries caused by the fall and glass fragments were treated. The "hero" BABY had "injured" himself from the fall and fragments, having used his body as a shield for yours; luckily, they were just small scratches and minor cuts that wouldn't leave scars. Your demonic staff acted with cold efficiency, already starting to manage the narrative for the media, directing cameras and controlling information.

You were in shock, your body still trembling, your mind processing how close you had come to tragedy and how courageous and quick Baby had been. Luka and Rin's protective hugs were your safe haven amidst the chaos; they held you firmly, repeating words of relief and affection as the medical team examined you. Still in a state of fear, you could barely respond, only mumbling thanks. The fright was so immense that you just wanted to feel the security of your friends' arms and go home to sleep.

Backstage, after the emergency team confirmed that no one had been seriously injured and that both the front-row audience, you, and Baby had only suffered minor cuts, it was decided that the incident would be investigated as a "regrettable technical failure." The Vocaloid CEO, with a smile almost as maniacal as Samyong's, assured that everything was under control. "It was a scare, but fortunately, young BABY was a hero," he told you, despite showing satisfaction -at the plan's success - his eyes now holding a softer, more careful gaze directed at you and the tearful Luka and Rin

Still slightly shaky but with adrenaline subsiding, you looked for BABY. You found him in a less crowded corner, already back in his sweet and slightly embarrassed persona, your eyes observing him, filled with an almost childlike admiration. It was the first time you had seen someone so genuinely altruistic, so quick and selfless in protecting you.

An overwhelming wave of gratitude washed over you. "Thank you so much," you said, your voice a little hoarse with emotion, eyes welling up. "You... you saved me. I don't even know how to thank you... you were so brave, so fast." He just smiled, his eyes shining with a captivating innocence that seemed to fill the room. "It was nothing! I'm just glad you're okay. Anyone would do that." Feeling a deep connection and a need to reciprocate his kindness, you took out your phone. "Please, take my number. If you need anything, or if you want to talk... I really want to thank you properly." BABY accepted the phone, his fingers lightly brushing yours, and for a fleeting millisecond, you noticed a different glimmer in his eyes—a hint of something colder—but before you could understand what it was, his adorable maknae persona returned in full force.

The incident became the main topic of conversation in Korea—and around the world, as Vocaloid is so popular—for weeks. The video of BABY's rescue went viral, flooding news channels, gossip blogs, and social media. "BABY: The K-Pop Hero!", "Vocaloid's Guardian Angel!". In parallel, HUNTRIX's new song, which had been released on the same day as the accident, was completely overshadowed by the wave of popularity and heroism of the Saja Boys' maknae, overshadowing HUNTRIX's new music.

Far from the spotlights, in the privacy of their opulent dorm, the Saja Boys' star masks fell. BABY, formerly the shy and adorable maknae, now laughed with cruel amusement, rubbing his shoulder that had barely been grazed by the incident, but which he would use to attract public sympathy. "The human almost turned into a stain on the floor; it would have been a waste of flesh," he scoffed, rolling his eyes at ROMANCE. Baby's innate pride prevented him from even considering your own true fragility; he only saw you as another piece in his game. "So fragile. I almost had to exert myself to prevent her from staining me with her fear."

ROMANCE, sprawled lazily on the couch, his smile, which once promised love, now revealed a cold disdain; his lust wasn't for love, but for adoration and control. "And she even gave you her number. How pathetic," he sneered, his voice laced, but without passion. "These humans crave any crumb of connection, any fantasy of proximity, even with someone they barely know."

ABBY, the latent rage in his muscles, snorted, fists clenched. "All this for a mere spotlight. They are so fragile, it gets on my nerves. I can't wait to really crush something, something that actually resists. All this theater tires me." He ran a hand through his hair, impatience overflowing.

MYSTERY, seated in the darkest corner, observed in silence, his envy of human freedom manifesting as a cold, calculating curiosity about their behaviors. "Their desperation is our strength," he said, his voice almost a whisper. "The more they believe in 'connections' and 'heroes,' the more vulnerable they become. Her adoration for Baby will now connect her to us, without her realizing the web we are weaving." His lilac eyes, hidden beneath his bangs, gleamed with a cold, relentless analysis of the human psyche.

Jinu, the leader, watched his brothers-in-arms with an almost unreadable expression. The melancholic laziness he felt wasn't physical laziness, but a moral apathy, an existential weariness with the futility of human existence, too tormented by memories of the past to care about anything but his objective. He didn't participate in the mockery. "Focus. The objective is the barrier, not individual crushing; they are our allies for the barrier's fall, we shouldn't sabotage or alienate them. We must ensure a good professional relationship is the best alternative," he said, his voice calm and controlled, but with a hint of veiled irritation at their lack of professionalism. "Maintain your personas. We can't give them reasons to suspect; humanity is a resource, not an obstacle to be wasted. The show must go on, so the barrier can fall. Every interaction with Vocaloid is crucial." His dark eyes fixed on a distant point, reflecting a cold intelligence and a patience that transcended centuries.

For Rumi, Zoey, and Mira, the arrival of the Saja Boys was not an exciting novelty, but another overwhelming weight on their already bowed shoulders. They watched the news on their tablets, their eyes dark with fatigue and frustration. "They are everywhere," Zoey murmured, dropping the device onto the coffee table in the dorm. "It seems like every day they release something new, and the public... they are going crazy."

Rumi massaged her temples, her expression tense. The legacy of her mother—and of generations of previous huntresses—hung over her like a heavy crown, and with each new defeat to Vocaloid, and now to Saja Boys, she felt that she was failing not only herself but an entire lineage of huntresses. "We are the huntresses," she said, her voice choked, more to herself than to the others. "We should be able to handle this. We cannot be the weak link." Mira, her fists clenched on her knees, nodded. "The Honmoon is... strange," she confessed, her voice low, the barrier's "hunger" more intense each day. "I feel as if it's pulling me, as if it's starving. And this division of fans... it's as if the energy is being sucked somewhere else, and what's left for us is... contaminated."

The media's toxicity hit them brutally. Rumi's "nepo baby" accusations, Zoey's "Americanization," and Mira's "privilege" were amplified, contrasted with the "purity" and "humility" of the newcomers; the divided fandom was a direct blow to the source of their magic. They saw the online comments, the incessant fights between the fans of the three groups, and felt the purity of adoration disintegrate into anger and disunity. With each fandom fight, the Honmoon seemed to let out an imperceptible moan, a crack deepening.

Bob, their normal human and friendly manager, though concerned about the drop in the charts, desperately tried to console them, completely unaware of the real gravity of the situation. "Girls, calm down," Bob said, forcing a nervous smile. "It's a phase. Saja Boys are the novelty, it's normal, but you're still HUNTRIX! You're one of the biggest, if not the biggest, K-pop groups, and no one has the fan base you have in history! This is just a passing trend. Focus on delivering impeccable performances, and the public will return. This is just another industry challenge." His words, spoken with genuine intent to calm, sounded empty to HUNTRIX's ears; ironically, the same was said about Vocaloid, at first it was said they would be a passing trend, and now they are the main competitor of the huntresses. Who could say the situation wouldn't be the same with Saja Boys? And worse, what would they do if the situation repeated itself and Saja Boys weren't just a temporary trend? HUNTRIX now felt the dark truth of the Honmoon weakening in their own bodies.

And the live TV incident with Vocaloid and BABY... it was the last straw—a strategic blow that left them reeling—not that they knew it yet, as they hadn't even noticed the demons' manipulations, although they were beginning to suspect something was wrong with Vocaloid. Up until now, everything seemed like an accident that occurred at the worst possible moment. "Our song, which we released with so much effort, wasn't even mentioned," Zoey vented, her voice full of sad bitterness as the video of BABY saving the main vocalist played on loop on all news and entertainment screens. "It's like we're being erased. Our effort doesn't matter anymore... What do we do?" Her voice faded as insecurity crept into her tone. Mira silently watched Zoey try to merge with the sofa cushion while she herself sat at the low table, pondering all possible ways to reverse the situation, her sharp tongue and rebellious behavior silenced by the seriousness of the situation.

The fear of failure was a constant shadow, but determination was a flame that, though flickering, refused to die out. "We can't give up," Rumi declared, raising her head, eyes flashing. "We are HUNTRIX. Previous generations faced terrible things. No matter how difficult it gets, we will find a way. We need to find a way." Each of their gazes met, a silent pact of resilience. HUNTRIX were stressed, bruised by the industry and the weakening of their power source, but hope, that stubborn and unshakeable hope, still pulsed in their hearts. They knew the Honmoon depended on them, and that responsibility, however daunting, propelled them forward. The battle had only just begun, and they refused to lose.

NOTES: Hello!!! Another chapter released, and here are the chapter explanations:

The Saja Boys debuted. Unlike the movie, where they debut 5 years after the Huntrix, when they're already established in the music world and on the verge of exterminating the demons with the Golden Honmoon, in my fanfic, they debuted 2 years earlier.

Basically, the timeline is like this: almost two decades before Rumi was born, the demons hatch a plan. Five years before the movie begins, the Huntrix debut, and the Vocaloids debut in the same year. For three years, the two bands compete fiercely, and the Saja Boys debut in ANOTHER city where the Huntrix don't live.

I made this change for two reasons:

1. The movie's pacing is too rushed; in two weeks, they manage to become more popular than the Huntrix with ONE song.

2. Jinu's original plan was good and could have worked IF the Saja Boys had Had they not been IMMEDIATELY revealed as demons using their powers in front of the Huntrix after choosing to debut in the MOST protected city in Korea, if they had chosen another city they could have played stupid games, undermining the reach and loyalty of the Huntrix fans, who, let's face it, weren't that loyal since they became obsessed with the Saja Boys within days.

In the chapter, there's a comment about meat. Well, that's also a macabre change I made. In the film, although they only steal souls, people's bodies also disappear, and I wanted to justify the reason for this in the fanfic: the demons steal souls to feed Gwi-ma, who uses his energy to keep the demons alive. BUT they also need to feed on human flesh to strengthen themselves or to satisfy their hunger.In the film, when souls are stolen, the bodies remain and are classified as mysterious deaths or sudden illnesses. In the fanfic, as Honmoon weakens, the demons begin to drag the bodies to the underworld to eat and grow stronger

Demons can't starve to death, but they do wither and weaken, which is why it was so easy for hunters from previous generations to kill them and think they were all weak because they were weak from 400 years of imprisonment and starvation. This is a subtle change, but one I'll work on a lot in the future.

For now that's all for these notes. Tell me what you thought of the chapter, and don't forget that I'm open to any requests, comments, opinions, etc.

TAG LIST: @ph1lo-s0ph1a, @scara-simp69, @venommie, @snowy-violet, @mysteris-things, @airwolf92, @katzline, @azzberry, @minkyungseokie, @ratchetprime211, @momentomoribitch

[pureprofanelove24]

The Price of Worship

Chapter 2: Three Years of Competition and the Arrival of five Mysterious Strangers

[Summary] [Prologue] [Chapter 1] [Chapter 2] [Chapter 3] [Chapter 4] [Chapter 5] [Chapter 6] [Chapter 7] [Chapter 8] [Chapter 9] [Chapter 10]

Three years had passed since the frenetic debut of HUNTRIX and the rise of Vocaloid. The air backstage at the stadium, once a whirlwind of promises and nervousness, now carried the dense weight of fulfilled expectations and unseen traps. For the HUNTRIX – Rumi, Zoey, and Mira – life was an exhaustive symphony of shows, public appearances, and increasingly frantic battles against small hordes of demons. Each day was a performance; each performance, a battle. The Honmoon barrier, the magical legacy that had been perfectly preserved for generations, now strangely flickered. The magic, fed by the huntresses' voices and the fans' adoration, shimmered with a newfound fragility. They felt the barrier's "hunger" after each show and after each defeat to Vocaloid, an exhaustion that went beyond the physical, a whisper from the barrier that, unlike the previous generation – where love and adoration were exclusive to the huntresses, resulting in more than ample sustenance – was now slowly starving.

Fame, a banquet and a poison, brought with it a storm of toxicity intrinsic to the K-pop world, much differently for the current generation of Honmoon protectors. But unlike previous generations who faced the industry's natural challenges, this storm was meticulously fed by malicious, invisible hands. This trap – unlike anything any previous generation had faced – was silently laid in management offices, entertainment newsrooms, and even production studios, where discreet figures – cunning creatures, masters of manipulation and illusion – observed and silently orchestrated.

They recognized them; it was impossible not to identify the HUNTRIX as the new generation of huntresses. That magical glow of purity and power enveloped them as their voices propagated and collected the love and adoration necessary for the Honmoon's maintenance. The plan proposed by Jinu almost two decades ago was finally blossoming and bearing fruit. Sabotages so subtle that they would be embedded within the industry's toxic landscape were orchestrated to subtly create an invisible barrier between them and their fans.

The media, manipulated by invisible strings, incessantly questioned the HUNTRIX's talent. Rumi, the "pop princess" and daughter of one of the previous generation's greatest singers, was the favorite target: "Rumi: Innate talent or just a nepo baby?", "Is her voice as magical as her inherited bank account?". Adoration for her legacy mixed with a growing wave of resentment that poisoned the Honmoon's purity and sanctity. Rumi’s voice, in encores filmed and doctored by sound engineers – ironically not all possessed, money truly commands people's morals – was made to sound off-key, and her performances were criticized as "soulless" or "predictable."

Zoey, the most lively of the trio, felt the weight of "Americanization" accusations. Her strong vocals and sharp rap, once praised for their versatility mixing English with Korean, were now labeled "aggressive" and "unfeminine" by Korean standards. "She's de-characterizing K-pop with so much Western influence," anonymous commentators murmured, a key phrase planted by demons seeking to instill cultural divisions by inflaming public xenophobia. Fans, instead of seeing innovation and originality, began to see a "disconnection" from the genre's roots.

And Mira, the impeccable choreographer, saw her image as a "rich, rebellious girl" solidify. Her dance, once celebrated for its strength and original expression, was now viewed with suspicion. "Is she really that talented or just privileged?" haters asked. Small "accidental" lighting failures during crucial moments of her choreography, maliciously orchestrated – by both demons and humans – reinforced the narrative that she was "distracted," "unprofessional," or "didn't care enough." Her family's wealth and surname were used against her: "She's never faced hardship, what reason does she have to be rebellious?", "Her biggest childhood trauma was probably not getting a diamond necklace for getting a B on a math test; she's never suffered like us." Her rebelliousness, once seen as charisma and an original personality, was now interpreted as arrogance and a spoiled demeanor.

These small aggressions undermined the HUNTRIX’s security; each defeat and insufficient recharge eroded the HUNTRIX’s sense of capability, creating a tense situation where each girl internally blamed herself for the predicament. All carefully concealed their insecurity, for as huntresses, their weaknesses could never be seen or felt. Behind their smiles, it was undeniable that a fear of being insufficient – smaller, weaker, incapable, the fragile link in the chain of an entire generation – festered in comparison to the previous generation.

Meanwhile, as the HUNTRIX began to develop their own internal demons, miles away, one of Korea's largest stadiums buzzed with the euphoric energy of a sold-out show. Confetti still floated in the air, mixing with the joyful screams of fans as you and your friends humbly thanked them before leaving the stage; you, Luka, and Rin exchanged tired but radiant hugs, perceiving that the concert had once again been a triumph. Every note, every movement had been perfectly executed, the love you feel for singing was clearly visible, and the crowd's response was a roar of frantic adoration.

If you three were huntresses, all this energy would have been used as a powerful recharge for the Honmoon. But tragically – for the world that would soon learn the irony of the situation – you three were not. Being just normal humans, you were not only unable to see the energy but also unable to redirect it to the barrier, making all the fans' adoration a useless mist – which, despite causing a great feeling for people – was useless for the barrier's maintenance. On the contrary, with each fan who became less loyal to the HUNTRIX, the barrier weakened, lacking the positive energies it fed on.

As soon as you three arrived in the inner part of the stadium reserved only for the staff, you were warmly welcomed by the employees, especially by the CEO, who personally attended the show. “You were magnificent!” exclaimed the agency’s CEO, a man always well-dressed in tailored suits with overly deep-set eyes due to long nights of work; an overly joyful – almost maniacal – smile adorned his bright eyes as he took a moment to praise each of you before receiving a call that left him frantically happy and late for a mysterious commitment, hopefully some fun event booking for all the fans, perhaps an idol collaboration with other groups?

The entire staff echoed laughter and praise with an almost religious fervor – not that you fully noticed it, so exhausted from the long hours of performance – which only increased as these individuals saw the subtle red aura corrupting the Honmoon grow. Human eyes couldn't see it, but the eyes of these beings perceived every distinct detail of the tear in the barrier widening. The atmosphere was one of victory, resulting in something far more ironic and malicious than just another triumphant concert.

The dynamic between Vocaloid and HUNTRIX had stabilized into a fierce competition. There was no longer the initial disadvantage; you three, with your talents exuding potential and the agency's astute management, competed directly as "equals" with Rumi, Mira, and Zoey. One week, HUNTRIX would win the "Song of the Year" award; the next week, they would be overshadowed by Vocaloid's new song or entertaining appearance on a popular TV show. The fandoms were divided, loyal to their respective groups with fanatic passion. This division acted as a slow poison for the pure barrier that was the Honmoon. In more distant and less guarded corners of Korea, flaws and small – but growing – tears now appeared, as if the very fabric of reality was yielding and fraying.

On the upper floor of a penthouse, a tall, dark-haired woman with already visible white strands looked with concern at the view below. The blue barrier, once healthy and strong, now showed red flaws, tears that weren't there before – shouldn't exist under any circumstances – now appearing more frequently. The elegant woman was not just an ordinary human; she was a former pop star, the leader of the previous generation's huntresses, and the aunt of the current huntresses' leader – Rumi – and she fearfully perceived the alarming oscillation of the magical barrier. Her innate sensitivity to magic, though dormant from years of inactivity, was awakening with a terrible urgency as she watched news about Vocaloid's latest success with a grim frown. If this continued, the woman – Celine – knew it wouldn't be long before the huntress clans scattered across the world noticed the weakening of the Honmoon's core – located in Korea, the place where it was created by the first huntresses and the center of the magic that kept the threads uniting the Honmoon with all corners of the world – and its growing cracks.

Should such weakness be perceived, an investigation would inevitably begin, and the truth about the abominable lineage – the demonic blood running in the veins of the daughter of the woman Celine loved as a sister – would be exposed, sealing Rumi's fate with a summary execution by the ancient laws of the huntresses. Desperate to protect Rumi, Celine decided to act, justifying that the greater good of global security was more important than the career or reputation of three girls. With the reluctant support of some of her contacts from her time as a pop star – a huntress – she prepared. These contacts didn't understand the magnitude of the situation, but out of affection and weakness to the temptation of money, they began a discreet sabotage campaign against Vocaloid.

Rumors of inappropriate behavior, fabricated scandals about internal rivalry, and dubious plagiarism allegations began to circulate in the corners of the internet and less scrupulous publications. However, every attempt to tarnish Vocaloid's image was quickly and fervently – a mix of protection for the key to freedom from the dark and a love felt for three beloved puppies – refuted and debunked by the agency's demonically efficient team and the demons infiltrated in other sectors of the artistic industry. Equally damaging rumors and scandals about HUNTRIX – now spread more directly, aggressively, and less discreetly than before when sabotages were spread organically – gossip about internal disagreements, allegations of arrogant behavior, and even more overtly fabricated incidents – in Celine's eyes – to tarnish HUNTRIX's performance reputation were planted in the media, fueling the division and further undermining the unified adoration needed to maintain the Honmoon.

The culmination of this cold war of reputations happened three years after the debut of both groups during an important and prestigious awards ceremony. The anticipation was palpable; victory on that stage would mean almost complete industry dominance for the following year. Vocaloid's performance was mesmerizing, a perfect blend of ethereal vocals, energetic choreography, and contagious charisma that swept the arena; HUNTRIX's performance was powerful, a mix of strong vocals, sharp choreography, and an enveloping aura of confidence. When the results were announced, the delirium in Vocaloid's section was deafening; you had won, the aura of harmless purity won against sharp confidence.

The defeat was a harsh and devastating blow for HUNTRIX; you three – just normal humans with no magic or special abilities – had snatched an honor that for generations was considered almost a right of the huntresses. As the crowd erupted in applause and camera flashes illuminated your pure smiles as you, Luka, and Rin embraced, your joyful tears looked like shining pearls due to the light angles, making your appearance even more adorable from the public's and photos' perspective. Unfortunately, these photos also captured the incredulous and shocked, almost offended expressions of HUNTRIX – as if they expected the announcer to correct themselves and declare they had made a mistake by announcing the wrong winner – the girls were always very expressive about their feelings, and in the world of K-pop, that was a weakness. This time, the demons didn't even need to get involved, as the media and gossip channels themselves took it upon themselves to dissect and criticize every micro-expression and reaction of HUNTRIX to the defeat.

The massive wave of adoration and joy directed at Vocaloid – the energy that the demons had so skillfully cultivated and redirected away from the Honmoon – struck the barrier like a cruel stab. It wasn't hatred, but the diverted adoration acted as a poison for the barrier, already weakened by the negativity of the fandom, which couldn't resist. A fissure opened, not a sudden tear, but a fault large enough to allow more powerful demons to pass unnoticed.

In the darkness of the underworld, a wave of power spread, and Gwi-Ma’s flames, which had previously flickered, now danced with renewed intensity after the invisible chains of his prison were suddenly loosened. A roar of triumph echoed through the ruins, answered with a joyful frenzy by the monstrous subjects orbiting the light of their flames, feeling the tear that had formed in the imprisoning barrier surrounding them. All were excited at the prospect of the second phase beginning now.

In the human world, in discreet offices and abandoned warehouses beneath Korea's second most populous city, the demons who had been embedded in human society for years, those who had paved the way with years of manipulation, were in the final phase of their preparations. Printers hummed incessantly, producing stacks of forged documents – identity cards, driver's licenses, school records, etc. – all meticulously fabricated to create convincing human lives for those about to arrive. Passing through an opening in the barrier, five male figures appeared in the room. Their forms still carried their bestial underworld traits: blue skin with stripes tracing across their bodies, sharp claws, prominent fangs, and eyes shining with a predatory gleam; the five figures were received with reverence. They were not like the lesser, shapeless demons; they were imposing even in their semi-human forms that barely contained their auras.

First, with youthful beauty and an air of innate arrogance, the smallest one radiated a perfection that seemed to almost overshadow the gloomy environment. His eyes, though now human due to magical disguise, carried an almost palpable gleam of pride. This was the cute, most lovable member, the one who would attract reactions and feelings of protection and pampering from fans; the desire to protect something fragile and innocent would be what he inspired from the public.

Beside him, an imposing figure whose taut muscles barely contained themselves beneath his skin, exuded a contained rage, a palpable impatience. He was the tallest and most muscular of the group, with dark pink hair and a body with sensual muscles; his fists seemed ready to crush anything that stood in his way. He would be in charge of the group's main fan service, attracting feelings of desire and admiration for his body.

The third was a well of observant silence; his penetrating eyes, absorbing every detail of the environment, were hidden beneath the fringe of light pastel lilac hair. An aura of latent envy – of life under the sun with human freedom – as if he were constantly calculating and comparing everything around him, ready to steal all that they possessed. He would be the mysterious one of the world, the spy, the observer.

The fourth was a whirlwind of seductive charisma and a smile that promised everything and nothing. His movements were fluid and graceful, but there was a current of lust in his gaze, an insatiable desire for attention and adoration; he was beautiful with pastel pink hair styled in heart shapes. He would be the group's romantic personality, the one whose beauty and charming rogue personality would make fans fantasize about being the ones who would make him fall in love and leave his commitment-free life.

The last, and the one who displayed undeniable traditional Korean beauty, had hair as black as the deepest night and a face whose lines seemed sculpted by perfection. He radiated an unreal aura of calm and subtle confidence, like a born leader and an ideal boyfriend, capable of anchoring any turbulence. However, beneath this magnetic facade, there was an almost melancholic laziness, a thoughtful quietness that seemed to lurk beneath the surface. It wasn't mere indolence, but a heavy serenity, as if the weight of time and choices fell upon him in a way the other demons, in their fury and ambition, did not comprehend.

In front of them stood Samyang, the demon infiltrated in the agency, with a satisfied smile. “The doors are open, my brothers, it’s a pleasure to see that the Honmoon has broken enough to allow your passage!” Excitedly, he gestured to the holographic screen showing images of male idols. “We need identities and names for you, as well as stage names that resonate with the public.”

“You will be the cute Maknae,” Samyong said to the smallest, and proudest, demon in the group. “Talented, with an aura of innocence and adorability, but who transforms in moments when rapping. Your innocent appearance and behavior will be your greatest weapon; fans will fiercely protect you from any other idol who might be a threat to your ‘fragility.’ We will use this weapon against HUNTRIX in the future.” Samyong continued speaking, despite the demon’s scornful gaze. His eyes examined the newly produced identity card; it had a human name written on it that he promptly ignored, but the stage name was impossible to overlook. “Your stage name will be BABY.” The newly named demon raised an eyebrow in disgust. “‘Baby?!’ Seriously?! That’s pathetic.” His demonic pride resented the infantilization.

Undeterred, Samyong continued the nominations. “You will be the reliable older brother,” he said, pointing to the larger demon. “The one who will subtly act protectively towards the band members. You will demonstrate your demonic strength and resilience, which will be mistaken by the public for dedication. Your body will be desired, and you will take advantage of that—a friendly personality with an attractive physique.” Without being deterred by the look that regarded him as a tiny insect, he continued. The larger demon picked up his documents, his eyes fixed on the human name fate imposed upon him before settling on the stage name. “Your stage name will be ABBY.” The newly named Abby growled, frowning. “What a stupid name!” The only thing that calmed him was the promise that with all this humiliation, the Honmoon would fall.

The third moved silently, so subtly that Samyong only noticed when the demon was already beside him, picking up the documents from the table without a word. He read the name on his card and, next to it, the stage name: MYSTERY. He stared at the word with a mix of resignation and a slight hint of irony dancing in his hidden eyes beneath the lilac fringe. “Ideal…” he murmured, the name fitting perfectly with his observant and enigmatic nature.

Recovering from his surprise, Samyong narrated what was expected of Mystery. “You will have the perfect, silent, and observant visual. Humans will envy and adore your beauty; they will desire to know what lies beneath your fringe. This curiosity will attract them like flies to honey, with the fantasy of being the only ones to know such a tempting secret.” Mystery blinked slowly—not that it would be visible since his eyes were hidden beneath the lilac fringe—the idea of being revered for something as simple as appearance amused him.

The fourth also took the initiative, approaching the table with the documents instead of waiting for Samyong to approach and narrate his lamentable human name. He read the name on his identity and, below it, the stage name: ROMANCE. “How… direct. Couldn’t it have been a bit more subtle, don’t you think?” irony dripped from his seductive voice. Undeterred by the comment, Samyong continued speaking. “Your personality will be that of a flirty boy, one who will make women sigh and fall madly in love. They will desire to change you and make you see them as unique; you must feed this foolish fantasy that you can be domesticated and taught to love, make every fan fantasize about being the only one who can achieve a different outcome, that she alone will be your beloved.”

Finally, the last member, Jinu, the only one who would still carry his own name, picked up his documents. He would continue to be called by the name he bore in his human life, both as a regular name and a stage name. “Ideal,” Jinu said with a clarity that, to the other demons, sounded like disinterest, but was in fact a pragmatic, almost resigned acceptance. “Certainly the best option for my part.” Undeterred by his obvious disinterest, Samyong took a breath to narrate about the last member. “You, Jinu, are the charismatic leader, the Prince Charming, the ‘ideal boyfriend’ every woman wants to date, the ideal lover and husband, and the one to whom all responsibilities can be confidently entrusted. Fans must dream of a domestic life with you; feed this longing for the perfect relationship.”

Now, gesturing animatedly to all the charts, he explained what each member would have to do and what patterns and stereotypes they would have to fit into. As the Saja Boys familiarized themselves with their human selves, Gwi-Ma’s light stretched under the underworld in response to the Honmoon’s weakening; the demonic force was ready to act. The promise of the end made two decades ago, initiated by a musical dream, was drawing ever closer.

NOTES: HELLO!!! I should have posted this chapter on Friday but I was tired due to theoretical driving lessons, work and college so sorry for the delay, you must have noticed that I always use the notes to give some explanations about the chapter so here we go:

I would like to explain that I do not hate the Huntrix at all, I am just writing what it would be like if they were real and had to deal with the toxicity of the Idol world, especially if this toxicity was being fueled by a greater force. They are the first generation of Huntresses to have to deal with a situation like this since the demons had never organized themselves into a long-term, cunning plan instead of just fighting in a disorganized way with brute force

Since the movie doesn't work much on information about the hunters and demons, I'm writing some headcanons in the fanfic. Now, there isn't just one Honmoon, there are several, like a tapestry of magic that covers the world. There are also several clans of hunters from various cultures and ethnicities spread throughout the world responsible for maintaining each part of the Honmoon that is in the respective territory in which these hunters inhabit. Hunters are rare and can only be women. There are stronger or weaker hunters and this directly influences the maintenance of their part of the Honmoon, since weaker hunters with fewer fans mean less stability and strength in the barrier.

I'm also developing the demons more by creating types and classifications of strength and race among them, for example I gave traits of deadly sins to each Saja boy (I hope you liked it)

PLEASE you can and should ask and write what you think about my fanfic, it makes me totally motivated and happy my ask box is always open and I was also thinking about writing one shot about the Saja Boys while I write the fanfic and I wouldn't mind accepting requests and I would do my best to write satisfactorily, thank you for reading

TAG LIST: @ph1lo-s0ph1a , @scara-simp69 , @venommie , @snowy-violet , @mysteris-things , @airwolf92 , @katzline , @azzberry

[pureprofanelove24]

Should I name the Saja boys (except Jinu)? In chapter 4 they should be given human names and fake identities, the names would not be used again after the chapter and would be more of a symbolic thing showing that only Jinu carries his own human identity from the past and that the others don't care about pretending

but a comment in the chapter, before I realized it was the draft chapter, talking about how he preferred fanfic without naming reminded me that I also don't like when characters are randomly named (unless they are original), I'm in doubt about what would be better