cw: abuse, forced captivity

January 1887 — The Menagerie

Things seemed to have happened quickly. He had been trying to find a warm place to sleep for the night but had ended up attacked which had resulted in the curse activating. His assailants had run off and Ki-Se had retreated, still in his more bestial form. He had found a spot outside a pub and turned back to normal as the soft music being sung inside soothed his pained soul. Then a man had appeared, who had seen but did not seem afraid.

He spoke of a warm bed every night, warm food in his belly and people who would be his friend. The most delicious temptation of all: the man promised they would find a way to break his curse if only he would come with him. This was the first time Ki-Se had met someone who was even aware that it was a curse.

But then the man had kept making Ki-Se uncomfortable and Ki-Se kept biting him as a response. What happened next had been a whirlwind of pain and he had woken up inside a large cage. There was a chain attached to something a shackle on one of his ankles that wouldn't budge no matter how Ki-Se tried. Long, matted, dark hair hung over Ki-Se's face as he took in his surroundings outside the cage.

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The following 2 users Like Ki-Se Jeong's post:2 users Like Ki-Se Jeong's post
   Eun-Ho Rang, Seojin Jeong

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italics means he's speaking Korean

graphics by fox!

Jin wasn’t sure how many more misfits Abeoji was planning on taking in but the house was starting to feel even more crowded and asphyxiating than before. Where it had been an adjustment when Ahn-Bo moved in and then Taesu-ah, now there was also Jae-Hyun (who Jin still couldn’t get much of a read on) and… Ki-Se. Darling, dreadful, perfect little Ki-Se. (Or so Abeoji liked to say.)

Jin had only seen him come in a few days ago. He didn’t make a habit of poking around in Abeoji’s business affaires, especially when he had reason to flinch every time he was approached about them. But this had been more overt. This had been in the light of day like a sack of grain being dumped into a cellar. Jin felt for the new arrival perhaps more than he had some of the others. Or in a different way at least. That didn’t mean he wanted to be the one to bring him meals though.

Forcing himself over the threshold to a dark hanok on the furthest side of the Jeong compound, Jin approached a large cage. There was some curiosity behind the exhaustion and weariness in his gaze as he hedged closer to the restless looking mass. He looked almost more animal than human. Jin set the tray down on the outside of the bars. He wasn’t sure exactly how to pass food through and the boy - Ki-Se - he had to keep reminding himself, looked… feral. Did he even know how to use chopsticks?

“Annyeonghaseyo,” Jin greeted, voice low and soft even in the stillness. “I’ve brought your meal.” He nudged it a bit closer. A part of him wanted to offer help but Jin knew better than to get involved. He’d be sooner flayed if he unlocked that cage and tried to tidy the other up. Besides, Ki-Se didn’t exactly look like he’d appreciate it either.

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Ki-Se Jeong & muse song

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* Jin takes potions and enchantments at times to give his voice a persuasive quality.
His performances, or even a simple conversation, can sometimes suggest thoughts
and ideas to his audiences.