Into The Dark Night (8/?)
Title: Into the Dark Night
Author: ms_awkward
Genre: AU, Fantasy, Angst, Romance, Drama, Adventure, Fluff?
Rating: PG-13
Pairing(s): HyukHae(main), KyuMin, HanChul, KangTeuk, YunJae, ninja!YeWook
Summary: All they needed was light.
Into the Dark Night
Chapter 8
Thick leather boots splashed mercilessly against the puddles that surrounded the streets. The day was as dark as any other, gray clouds blanketing the warmth of the blue above it and the sky crying with its people.
Kibum rolled his shoulders, letting them crack once, twice, as he stepped through the city’s main gates.
“Finally.” He regarded the depressing atmosphere for a moment before throwing a look over his shoulder, “Hey fatass. We’re here.”
Shindong dragged his feet, not caring about the mud that stained his boots. “Yeah, well it’s about time. I’m starved!”
It was probably about the hundredth time (he’s not sure, he stopped counting at thirty) Kibum heard that from his plump partner, and he would’ve imploded if they hadn’t finally arrived at their destination.
But no, they’ve made it to the city and Kibum was determined not to let his effort (and patience) go to waste.
He smirked, just about ready for anything.
- - -
Jaejoong’s eyes flashed dangerously at the man before him, the lightning bouncing off his radiant orbs. His hands were tied tightly behind him and ankles on the two front legs of his chair.
“Relax, man.” Junhyung felt weird calling him that, not used to Jaejoong’s…appearance just yet. He eyed him for another while; contemplating how he looked more feminine than masculine, before shuddering away at the Lumiciant’s cold stare. “Geez. If looks could kill…”
“Why did you bring me here?” Jaejoong bit out, every word sounding like venom.
“Why? You look like a smart fellow. Try figuring it out yourself.” Yunho replied evenly, his eyes not leaving Jaejoong’s for a second.
In all honesty, this both frustrated and interested him. He’d gotten used to having it as a weapon, being avoided by the mundane, their eyes being directed elsewhere if he stared at them for more than five seconds. They felt inferior. They hated how looking at him made them feel worse about themselves.
But this guy-this guy was different, the complete opposite. Ever since Yunho had found him in the reserve, his eyes haven’t left Jaejoong. Almost as if he were memorizing every single detail about him. As if he were some kind of prize his mommy had been hiding in the cupboard too high for him to reach.
He’d even forced Junhyung to drive them back to headquarters so he could stare at him more, even let the smaller Lumiciant scurry away, only paying the boy (What was his name? Ryeowook?) a single glance.
Jaejoong was frustrated with how he couldn’t make Yunho look away. But he was more frustrated with the fact that he couldn’t do it either.
Yunho certainly wasn’t difficult to look at. He had to admit, this was about as handsome humans could get.
“Look, I’m not telling you anything.” He glared, “Just let me go.”
“Not until I show Lord Youngwoon what I’ve found.”
Yunho grinned cheekily at him, and Jaejoong couldn’t help but think it was sort-of-kind-of-just-a-little…cute.
He growled nonetheless.
It wasn’t long until Kangin decided to grace them with his presence, large doors flying open and hitting the wall with a bang in the process. He stomped his way to his desk, all three pairs of eyes staring at him widely.
But what made them stare wasn’t the way Kangin seemed to fidget every minute, but the person, or rather Lumiciant that followed elegantly behind him.
Jaejoong was the first to recover.
“Yoona?” he whispered.
She looked about as shocked as he was, her eyebrows shooting up and lips parting slightly. She took a moment to compose herself before putting back on her mask of indifference.
Junhyung wolf whistled as his eyes roamed the female, earning an elbow to the side from Yunho.
“Ow.” He muttered.
“Well, what do we have here?” Kangin’s voice boomed across the room. “I didn’t think you’d actually be able to bring one back, Yunho.”
So his name is Yunho. Jaejoong mentally took note of the name, then cursed inwardly at himself for doing so.
“You underestimate my skills, my Lord.”
“I take it Hangeng is in the dark about this?”
“Oh, I’m sure he knows.” Or will know. Yunho smiled innocently.
Kangin scoffed at that, waving his hand in dismissal before sitting down in front of Jaejoong.
“Look here, pretty boy. I’m not a very patient man so I’ll get straight to the point. Where is the Solis?”
But Jaejoong paid the Lord no attention, eyeing Yoona who shifted under his gaze. He scrutinized her, trying to make sense of her presence in the very palace they’d feared when they were both young. His eyes travelled down her arms, checking for wounds to see if she’d been forced here, or she was being experimented on. Finding nothing, he looked back at her face. She didn’t seem miserable either.
“Why are you here?” he asked, succeeding in making his tone level.
It took a while for Kangin to realize that Jaejoong wasn’t speaking to him. He blinked and looked over his shoulder at Yoona who suddenly decided the floor was extremely interesting; back to Jaejoong then back to her again. He narrowed his eyes.
“Listen to me, you rat.” Yunho frowned at Kangin’s choice of words. Jaejoong didn’t look like a rat. “Where is the Solis?” he almost shouted.
Jaejoong sighed in exasperation at the human’s noise, and finally looked at Kangin. “I don’t know what you’re talking about.”
“Don’t play dumb with me. Tell me where it is now.”
“Don’t play dumb with me either. I don’t know where our Solis is,” he felt like shouting too, “you should, though. After all, your men took him.”
Both Yunho and Junhyung were startled with the tone he used with their Lord Youngwoon. After all, he was known for flaring his temper at petty things, most especially at things like respect.
But Kangin only (visibly) winced at his words and shifted in his seat, failing miserably at masking his emotions. He was like an open book, and Jaejoong was reading every word.
“The kid.” He cleared his throat, “I meant the kid.”
So he knows where he is.
“Oh, but the ‘kid’ isn’t our Solis.” Not yet. Jaejoong smirked, “Leeteuk hyung is.”
As soon as the name passed through his lips, Kangin tensed even more.
He cleared his throat, “I don’t know where you’re getting at. This Leeteuk of yours is none of my concern.”
Jaejoong raised an eyebrow, “Oh, but he is of mine.” His voice rose, slowly gaining confidence, “So give me back our Solis, then I’ll show you where the kid is.”
Kangin balled his fists under the table, his eyes narrowing even further.
“I’m the one making deals around here.”
Yunho and Junhyung exchanged glances, both finding their Lord Youngwoon’s behavior peculiar. He should’ve exploded by now.
Jaejoong leaned back in his chair, challenging. “Then there’s no way in hell I’m going to tell you.”
Kangin stared him down. “I don’t like this one.” He was looking at Jaejoong, but directed his words at Yunho. “Take him away. Get me another one. Better yet, where’s Zhoumi? Zhoumi!”
With that, he stomped his way to the door, “Come, Yoona.” He muttered. She obediently followed and with one last look at Jaejoong, she closed the door with a resounding click.
The room was quiet except for the knocking of the rain as the three tried to absorb what just happened.
Jaejoong pressed his palms to his forehead, the gesture feeling odd since his wrists were tied up. He sighed dejectedly, “What’s my sister doing here with that monster?” He didn’t know what to think anymore, but could only hope that at least Ryeowook was able to escape safely.
Yunho, on the other hand, had never seen someone so beautiful look so…tired. He unconsciously took a step toward Jaejoong, wanting to make him angry or frustrated or bring back the dagger in his eyes; anything was better than the despair he saw in them now.
“Your sister?” Junhyung said incredulously, “Well, this is fucked up.”
Yunho elbowed him roughly. Again.
“Can you at least hit the other side?!”
- - -
Hyukjae eased Donghae gently onto the bed; smiling slightly at how his skin seemed to glow even more at night. Hyukjae’s hair was damp from the rain, droplets sliding from its darkened red ends. One fell on Donghae’s cheek, sliding down the smooth skin. He stirred a bit, but kept his eyes closed.
Hyukjae dropped on one knee beside the bed. He lifted a hand to wipe off the cold wet trail, but stopped midway, narrowing his eyes at how it slowly dried on its own. Things were definitely getting suspicious.
The clearing of clouds and rain, no matter how brief, was definitely not normal. From what the higher-ups say and what he gathers on missions, the rain hasn’t stopped for almost a hundred years now. There were rumors about warmth deep in the forests, but no one had ever gone and come back with proof.
Oh, but there was this other time, a few years ago…The rain stopped, he was sure…the memory was fuzzy though and it hurt his head.
But that wasn’t it. The rain didn’t just stop. He was positive he felt it, the warmth. He’s never seen the sun before, but he just knew it would feel like that.
His eyes shifted back to Donghae, from his nose to his closed eyes…to his lips…then his hair. The sudden blonde shade that replaced chocolate brown shocked Hyukjae, although it too hadn’t lasted long. As he carried him back to where Donghae lived, he watched as the brown he’d come to love slowly mask the bright hue that was unfamiliar to him.
That relieved him, though he couldn’t place why.
“Who knows? Maybe he’s magically back in his room like that last time-“ Sungmin’s words came to a halt as he stared wide eyed at Hyukjae who still knelt beside Donghae looking not too far from a pedophile. His grip on the doorknob tightened.
Hyukjae cursed himself for staying longer than necessary, and slowly stood up so as not to scare him away.
…
“Holy shit!” Sungmin hollered.
Hyukjae mentally sighed, and tried to keep his voice calm. “It’s not what you think.”
In moments, Kyuhyun was bounding down the stairs. “What is it?” he shouted excitedly, “did the mouse traps work?”
“What? No! Holy shit, Kyu! There’s a creepy redhead molesting our baby in here! And he’s in black! Baaaaaad people are in black! Black clothes just scream ‘I know how to kick your ass and get you out of the way so don’t mess with me’! Get away from Donghae right now, or I swear I’ll…I’ll… you lunatic!”
Hyukjae rolled his eyes. “You must be Sungmin.”
“Holy shit holy shit! He knows my name, Kyu! He knows my name! Hurry up and get here! I’m not lying this time, I swear! The creepy redhead pedophile knows my name! Cho Kyuhyun, you better get down here right this instant before he-oh my god! He’s coming closer!”
“Relax. I just want to talk.”
“Min, what is it this time-“ Kyuhyun stopped behind Sungmin, his eyes darting between Donghae and Hyukjae before narrowing. “Who are you?”
Hyukjae sighed in relief, Finally. A sensible one. “I’m…a friend.” He smiled a fraction, remembering how Donghae had always shouted that they were friends, “My mission is not to hurt you. I’ve come to bring Donghae home. He is safe now, so I’ll be going.”
Not waiting for a reply, he left the hideout in a blur that reminded the two Lumici of someone they’d encountered not long ago.
Sungmin gulped loudly. Kyuhyun chuckled before slinging an arm around his partner’s shoulder. “Well, that was interesting.”
“Interesting? You call that interesting? I embarrassed the hell out of myself!”
Kyuhyun gave him a look that said ‘what’s new?’ before shrugging,
“I mean, who else gets visited by two Rife? Though that other one was an ass. What was his name? Sean?”
“Siwon.”
“Yeah, whatever. He’s an ass, and he means trouble.” Kyuhyun frowned.
Wind and rain banged against their windows.
“Kyu, I’m worried.” Sungmin whimpered.
Their eyes trailed to the sleeping brunette.
“I know. Me too.”
- - -
Hyukjae sped through the streets. He hadn’t bothered telling Donghae’s guardians about what happened with him. He’d been trained not to disclose information, only collect it. Plus, that other one called Sungmin talked too much for his liking.
In truth, he could have left without an explanation, but they were Donghae’s guardians. It wouldn’t do well if he they feared him.
After all, Hyukjae already promised himself he’d protect Donghae at all costs. His pain didn’t sit well with Hyukjae, it made him uncomfortable. Almost angry.
He looked up briefly at the night sky, his eyes widening as he noticed a faint circular glow above the towers and amongst the stars.
The moon.
The moon wasn’t supposed to be there, they’ve lit their nights solely dependent on artificial light and the occasional stars. It had long disappeared with the sun. Something was definitely going on here and Hyukjae needed answers.
He skidded to a stop, catching sight of a large amount of troops marching down the streets. They entered buildings without permission, poked around with their flashlights in hand before leaving looking somewhat disgruntled. Hyukjae frowned as he watched the unusually large search party.
“It seems that Kangin has gotten impatient with us.” A voice came from beside him.
“Or rather, impatient with you. They’re looking for the Solis, are they not? My orders come directly from the boss, not Kangin.” Hyukjae replied.
“You’re one to talk.” Siwon frowned at his words, “You haven’t found your target either. In fact, I imagine you’ve been slacking off. I told you to focus.”
“What I do is none of your business, Siwon. We’re not a team, so you focus on your mission, and I on mine.” Hyukjae hissed as he turned around to leave.
“Don’t slack off, Eunhyuk. Remember what you’re here for.”
Hyukjae curled his fingers into a fist, annoyed with his fellow Rife’s words for reasons that were beyond him.
“Leave me alone.” He almost growled, speeding off.
- - -
Ryeowook’s breath came in heavy gasps for air as he ducked into an alley he considered safe and hidden. He leaned on the wall, wishing for the hundredth time that he had been given the gift of speed when he was first spawned. But a Lumiciant can’t have everything, can he?
He looked around and seeing that the coast was clear, he sat down on the pavement, not caring if his pants got soaked. He tried to calm his beating heart, but Ryeowook couldn’t help but feel guilty about leaving Jaejoong with the humans.
Sure, the older had told him-no, ordered him-to run, and find the other Lumici he’d escaped with, but that didn’t stop him from feeling like a coward. Especially since it was his fault they’d gotten caught it in the first place.
Damn stupid, annoying squeaking. He mentally bitchslapped himself.
He really couldn’t help it, though.
Yesung had been the kindest human he’d ever met, looking as if the experiments he were being forced to do hurt him and not Ryeowook. He’d even tried helping him escape, thus his current house arrest at the Reserve, forbidden to so much as look at the Lumici and get assigned to other locations.
Ryeowook hadn’t seen him in months and the mere mention of his name made the wimp-he declared himself one long ago-squeak. He sighed, feeling guilty again.
Nonetheless, it was true he needed to tell the others about Donghae.
Ryeowook himself had been pleasantly surprised to know that he was alive and well. After all, he had been the one ‘guarding’ Donghae during his days of confinement, being the main perpetrator for the heir’s occasional escapades. He loved Donghae dearly and would help him escape anytime.
With a heavy heart, Ryeowook started to walk in search of his companions but stopped mid-step as a familiar sound reached his ears.
I know that voice…
His eyes widened as he spotted two men, one clad in black, the other in a familiar cloak.
He had his hood down.
Is that… "Heechul hyung?”
- - -
“Get out of my way.” Eunhyuk pinched the bridge of his nose, not bothering to look at the person blocking the road. “I’ve work to do, Siwon. Isn’t that what you wanted?”
He’d decided to follow his only lead and was on his way to the police department, hoping to meet their head officer. Hangeng, was it? It was faint but he was certain the chief’s records overlapped with his target’s a few years back.
“I’d rather you not call me anything but my beautiful name.”
Eunhyuk’s eyes snapped open as the stranger slowly removed his hood.
In that split second, the man found himself pinned against the wall face-first and his arm twisted painfully behind him.
“Why do you show yourself?” Eunhyuk asked cautiously in his ear, “Kim Heechul.”
“I see you like to cut to the chase. But I’d rather not have my face shoved against the wall.” Heechul’s eyes glinted dangerously, “it’s hard to talk and it damages my skin.”
With a roll of eyes, Eunhyuk released him and backed up just enough to hold him at gunpoint.
“Now, talk.” His target had been doing a very good job of escaping then suddenly he shows himself? To say that Eunhyuk was suspicious was an understatement.
Heechul looked him over from head to toe, as if contemplating. “You’re pretty hot, gotta give you that.”
Eunhyuk nudged him with the gun, “Talk before I take you back to the Corporation right now, and get this mission over with.”
“Is that what you really want though?” He challenged, “To ‘get this mission over with’?”
The redhead’s eyes narrowed dangerously. “I am here to accomplish my mission, nothing more.”
Heechul laughed loudly, seemingly amused with Eunhyuk. “Not how I see it. Looks to me like you’re enjoying it here a bit too much.” He sneered.
“I don’t know what you’re talking about.” He kept his face straight.
“Oh?” Heechul looked him straight in the eye, “Well, if you’re so bent on finishing this ‘mission’ of yours,” he held out his wrists, “then by all means. Take me away.”
Eunhyuk hesitated for one second before bounding his thin wrists with cuffs that glowed bright, custom made for Lumici.
“You hesitated.” Heechul smirked.
Eunhyuk ignored the comment as he dragged him down the street, Heechul hissing at the slight electric shock the handcuffs give if he didn’t comply.
“Is this what you really want?”
No response.
“You’ll probably never come back here.”
Still none.
“Do you really think Rife as prestigious as you would have taken so long to find me? Maybe you didn’t want to find me just yet. Maybe you actually enjoy it here.”
Heechul was beginning to feel frustrated, almost as if his own words were directed at himself.
“You have nothing to say? Nothing you feel?”
…
“I guess that’s all there is to you-a mindless dog following his master’s orders.”
Eunhyuk finally snapped. “You know nothing.” He growled.
It wasn’t that he had nothing to say, wasn’t that he felt nothing. He had not been given the permission to say anything; he was not allowed to feel. He was a tool from the start, devoid of emotion and forbidden to make a choice. Amidst the beatings he received from training as a child, he believed he had no other purpose in this world than to become the weapon he was supposed to be.
And taking Kim Heechul back to headquarters as ordered was what a weapon was expected to do. Take him, complete his mission, await the next, and leave this place, leave…
“He’s going to miss you.”
His words were few but spoke hundreds-He likes you. He wants to be with you. He’s lost without you. He’s happy with you. He loves you.
Eunhyuk stopped in his tracks, his heart hammering his chest.
“I don’t know who you’re-“
“With you gone, he’ll probably last a day, three at most.”
Eunhyuk eyes widened.
"See that huge search party? That's for him."
What?
“Donghae’s not just a Lumici, Eunhyuk.” Heechul’s eyes met his, speaking volumes.
Then suddenly, it all made sense-the clearing of rain, his dry hair, the moon, the sun’s warmth, his warmth.
How could he have been so blind?
“He’s the Solis.”
Eunhyuk felt as if the ground collapsed beneath him.
“And if you leave him, he’s going to die.” - ♦
- - -
previous | next
Author: ms_awkward
Genre: AU, Fantasy, Angst, Romance, Drama, Adventure, Fluff?
Rating: PG-13
Pairing(s): HyukHae(main), KyuMin, HanChul, KangTeuk, YunJae, ninja!YeWook
Summary: All they needed was light.
Into the Dark Night
Chapter 8
Thick leather boots splashed mercilessly against the puddles that surrounded the streets. The day was as dark as any other, gray clouds blanketing the warmth of the blue above it and the sky crying with its people.
Kibum rolled his shoulders, letting them crack once, twice, as he stepped through the city’s main gates.
“Finally.” He regarded the depressing atmosphere for a moment before throwing a look over his shoulder, “Hey fatass. We’re here.”
Shindong dragged his feet, not caring about the mud that stained his boots. “Yeah, well it’s about time. I’m starved!”
It was probably about the hundredth time (he’s not sure, he stopped counting at thirty) Kibum heard that from his plump partner, and he would’ve imploded if they hadn’t finally arrived at their destination.
But no, they’ve made it to the city and Kibum was determined not to let his effort (and patience) go to waste.
He smirked, just about ready for anything.
- - -
Jaejoong’s eyes flashed dangerously at the man before him, the lightning bouncing off his radiant orbs. His hands were tied tightly behind him and ankles on the two front legs of his chair.
“Relax, man.” Junhyung felt weird calling him that, not used to Jaejoong’s…appearance just yet. He eyed him for another while; contemplating how he looked more feminine than masculine, before shuddering away at the Lumiciant’s cold stare. “Geez. If looks could kill…”
“Why did you bring me here?” Jaejoong bit out, every word sounding like venom.
“Why? You look like a smart fellow. Try figuring it out yourself.” Yunho replied evenly, his eyes not leaving Jaejoong’s for a second.
In all honesty, this both frustrated and interested him. He’d gotten used to having it as a weapon, being avoided by the mundane, their eyes being directed elsewhere if he stared at them for more than five seconds. They felt inferior. They hated how looking at him made them feel worse about themselves.
But this guy-this guy was different, the complete opposite. Ever since Yunho had found him in the reserve, his eyes haven’t left Jaejoong. Almost as if he were memorizing every single detail about him. As if he were some kind of prize his mommy had been hiding in the cupboard too high for him to reach.
He’d even forced Junhyung to drive them back to headquarters so he could stare at him more, even let the smaller Lumiciant scurry away, only paying the boy (What was his name? Ryeowook?) a single glance.
Jaejoong was frustrated with how he couldn’t make Yunho look away. But he was more frustrated with the fact that he couldn’t do it either.
Yunho certainly wasn’t difficult to look at. He had to admit, this was about as handsome humans could get.
“Look, I’m not telling you anything.” He glared, “Just let me go.”
“Not until I show Lord Youngwoon what I’ve found.”
Yunho grinned cheekily at him, and Jaejoong couldn’t help but think it was sort-of-kind-of-just-a-little…cute.
He growled nonetheless.
It wasn’t long until Kangin decided to grace them with his presence, large doors flying open and hitting the wall with a bang in the process. He stomped his way to his desk, all three pairs of eyes staring at him widely.
But what made them stare wasn’t the way Kangin seemed to fidget every minute, but the person, or rather Lumiciant that followed elegantly behind him.
Jaejoong was the first to recover.
“Yoona?” he whispered.
She looked about as shocked as he was, her eyebrows shooting up and lips parting slightly. She took a moment to compose herself before putting back on her mask of indifference.
Junhyung wolf whistled as his eyes roamed the female, earning an elbow to the side from Yunho.
“Ow.” He muttered.
“Well, what do we have here?” Kangin’s voice boomed across the room. “I didn’t think you’d actually be able to bring one back, Yunho.”
So his name is Yunho. Jaejoong mentally took note of the name, then cursed inwardly at himself for doing so.
“You underestimate my skills, my Lord.”
“I take it Hangeng is in the dark about this?”
“Oh, I’m sure he knows.” Or will know. Yunho smiled innocently.
Kangin scoffed at that, waving his hand in dismissal before sitting down in front of Jaejoong.
“Look here, pretty boy. I’m not a very patient man so I’ll get straight to the point. Where is the Solis?”
But Jaejoong paid the Lord no attention, eyeing Yoona who shifted under his gaze. He scrutinized her, trying to make sense of her presence in the very palace they’d feared when they were both young. His eyes travelled down her arms, checking for wounds to see if she’d been forced here, or she was being experimented on. Finding nothing, he looked back at her face. She didn’t seem miserable either.
“Why are you here?” he asked, succeeding in making his tone level.
It took a while for Kangin to realize that Jaejoong wasn’t speaking to him. He blinked and looked over his shoulder at Yoona who suddenly decided the floor was extremely interesting; back to Jaejoong then back to her again. He narrowed his eyes.
“Listen to me, you rat.” Yunho frowned at Kangin’s choice of words. Jaejoong didn’t look like a rat. “Where is the Solis?” he almost shouted.
Jaejoong sighed in exasperation at the human’s noise, and finally looked at Kangin. “I don’t know what you’re talking about.”
“Don’t play dumb with me. Tell me where it is now.”
“Don’t play dumb with me either. I don’t know where our Solis is,” he felt like shouting too, “you should, though. After all, your men took him.”
Both Yunho and Junhyung were startled with the tone he used with their Lord Youngwoon. After all, he was known for flaring his temper at petty things, most especially at things like respect.
But Kangin only (visibly) winced at his words and shifted in his seat, failing miserably at masking his emotions. He was like an open book, and Jaejoong was reading every word.
“The kid.” He cleared his throat, “I meant the kid.”
So he knows where he is.
“Oh, but the ‘kid’ isn’t our Solis.” Not yet. Jaejoong smirked, “Leeteuk hyung is.”
As soon as the name passed through his lips, Kangin tensed even more.
He cleared his throat, “I don’t know where you’re getting at. This Leeteuk of yours is none of my concern.”
Jaejoong raised an eyebrow, “Oh, but he is of mine.” His voice rose, slowly gaining confidence, “So give me back our Solis, then I’ll show you where the kid is.”
Kangin balled his fists under the table, his eyes narrowing even further.
“I’m the one making deals around here.”
Yunho and Junhyung exchanged glances, both finding their Lord Youngwoon’s behavior peculiar. He should’ve exploded by now.
Jaejoong leaned back in his chair, challenging. “Then there’s no way in hell I’m going to tell you.”
Kangin stared him down. “I don’t like this one.” He was looking at Jaejoong, but directed his words at Yunho. “Take him away. Get me another one. Better yet, where’s Zhoumi? Zhoumi!”
With that, he stomped his way to the door, “Come, Yoona.” He muttered. She obediently followed and with one last look at Jaejoong, she closed the door with a resounding click.
The room was quiet except for the knocking of the rain as the three tried to absorb what just happened.
Jaejoong pressed his palms to his forehead, the gesture feeling odd since his wrists were tied up. He sighed dejectedly, “What’s my sister doing here with that monster?” He didn’t know what to think anymore, but could only hope that at least Ryeowook was able to escape safely.
Yunho, on the other hand, had never seen someone so beautiful look so…tired. He unconsciously took a step toward Jaejoong, wanting to make him angry or frustrated or bring back the dagger in his eyes; anything was better than the despair he saw in them now.
“Your sister?” Junhyung said incredulously, “Well, this is fucked up.”
Yunho elbowed him roughly. Again.
“Can you at least hit the other side?!”
- - -
Hyukjae eased Donghae gently onto the bed; smiling slightly at how his skin seemed to glow even more at night. Hyukjae’s hair was damp from the rain, droplets sliding from its darkened red ends. One fell on Donghae’s cheek, sliding down the smooth skin. He stirred a bit, but kept his eyes closed.
Hyukjae dropped on one knee beside the bed. He lifted a hand to wipe off the cold wet trail, but stopped midway, narrowing his eyes at how it slowly dried on its own. Things were definitely getting suspicious.
The clearing of clouds and rain, no matter how brief, was definitely not normal. From what the higher-ups say and what he gathers on missions, the rain hasn’t stopped for almost a hundred years now. There were rumors about warmth deep in the forests, but no one had ever gone and come back with proof.
Oh, but there was this other time, a few years ago…The rain stopped, he was sure…the memory was fuzzy though and it hurt his head.
But that wasn’t it. The rain didn’t just stop. He was positive he felt it, the warmth. He’s never seen the sun before, but he just knew it would feel like that.
His eyes shifted back to Donghae, from his nose to his closed eyes…to his lips…then his hair. The sudden blonde shade that replaced chocolate brown shocked Hyukjae, although it too hadn’t lasted long. As he carried him back to where Donghae lived, he watched as the brown he’d come to love slowly mask the bright hue that was unfamiliar to him.
That relieved him, though he couldn’t place why.
“Who knows? Maybe he’s magically back in his room like that last time-“ Sungmin’s words came to a halt as he stared wide eyed at Hyukjae who still knelt beside Donghae looking not too far from a pedophile. His grip on the doorknob tightened.
Hyukjae cursed himself for staying longer than necessary, and slowly stood up so as not to scare him away.
…
“Holy shit!” Sungmin hollered.
Hyukjae mentally sighed, and tried to keep his voice calm. “It’s not what you think.”
In moments, Kyuhyun was bounding down the stairs. “What is it?” he shouted excitedly, “did the mouse traps work?”
“What? No! Holy shit, Kyu! There’s a creepy redhead molesting our baby in here! And he’s in black! Baaaaaad people are in black! Black clothes just scream ‘I know how to kick your ass and get you out of the way so don’t mess with me’! Get away from Donghae right now, or I swear I’ll…I’ll… you lunatic!”
Hyukjae rolled his eyes. “You must be Sungmin.”
“Holy shit holy shit! He knows my name, Kyu! He knows my name! Hurry up and get here! I’m not lying this time, I swear! The creepy redhead pedophile knows my name! Cho Kyuhyun, you better get down here right this instant before he-oh my god! He’s coming closer!”
“Relax. I just want to talk.”
“Min, what is it this time-“ Kyuhyun stopped behind Sungmin, his eyes darting between Donghae and Hyukjae before narrowing. “Who are you?”
Hyukjae sighed in relief, Finally. A sensible one. “I’m…a friend.” He smiled a fraction, remembering how Donghae had always shouted that they were friends, “My mission is not to hurt you. I’ve come to bring Donghae home. He is safe now, so I’ll be going.”
Not waiting for a reply, he left the hideout in a blur that reminded the two Lumici of someone they’d encountered not long ago.
Sungmin gulped loudly. Kyuhyun chuckled before slinging an arm around his partner’s shoulder. “Well, that was interesting.”
“Interesting? You call that interesting? I embarrassed the hell out of myself!”
Kyuhyun gave him a look that said ‘what’s new?’ before shrugging,
“I mean, who else gets visited by two Rife? Though that other one was an ass. What was his name? Sean?”
“Siwon.”
“Yeah, whatever. He’s an ass, and he means trouble.” Kyuhyun frowned.
Wind and rain banged against their windows.
“Kyu, I’m worried.” Sungmin whimpered.
Their eyes trailed to the sleeping brunette.
“I know. Me too.”
- - -
Hyukjae sped through the streets. He hadn’t bothered telling Donghae’s guardians about what happened with him. He’d been trained not to disclose information, only collect it. Plus, that other one called Sungmin talked too much for his liking.
In truth, he could have left without an explanation, but they were Donghae’s guardians. It wouldn’t do well if he they feared him.
After all, Hyukjae already promised himself he’d protect Donghae at all costs. His pain didn’t sit well with Hyukjae, it made him uncomfortable. Almost angry.
He looked up briefly at the night sky, his eyes widening as he noticed a faint circular glow above the towers and amongst the stars.
The moon.
The moon wasn’t supposed to be there, they’ve lit their nights solely dependent on artificial light and the occasional stars. It had long disappeared with the sun. Something was definitely going on here and Hyukjae needed answers.
He skidded to a stop, catching sight of a large amount of troops marching down the streets. They entered buildings without permission, poked around with their flashlights in hand before leaving looking somewhat disgruntled. Hyukjae frowned as he watched the unusually large search party.
“It seems that Kangin has gotten impatient with us.” A voice came from beside him.
“Or rather, impatient with you. They’re looking for the Solis, are they not? My orders come directly from the boss, not Kangin.” Hyukjae replied.
“You’re one to talk.” Siwon frowned at his words, “You haven’t found your target either. In fact, I imagine you’ve been slacking off. I told you to focus.”
“What I do is none of your business, Siwon. We’re not a team, so you focus on your mission, and I on mine.” Hyukjae hissed as he turned around to leave.
“Don’t slack off, Eunhyuk. Remember what you’re here for.”
Hyukjae curled his fingers into a fist, annoyed with his fellow Rife’s words for reasons that were beyond him.
“Leave me alone.” He almost growled, speeding off.
- - -
Ryeowook’s breath came in heavy gasps for air as he ducked into an alley he considered safe and hidden. He leaned on the wall, wishing for the hundredth time that he had been given the gift of speed when he was first spawned. But a Lumiciant can’t have everything, can he?
He looked around and seeing that the coast was clear, he sat down on the pavement, not caring if his pants got soaked. He tried to calm his beating heart, but Ryeowook couldn’t help but feel guilty about leaving Jaejoong with the humans.
Sure, the older had told him-no, ordered him-to run, and find the other Lumici he’d escaped with, but that didn’t stop him from feeling like a coward. Especially since it was his fault they’d gotten caught it in the first place.
Damn stupid, annoying squeaking. He mentally bitchslapped himself.
He really couldn’t help it, though.
Yesung had been the kindest human he’d ever met, looking as if the experiments he were being forced to do hurt him and not Ryeowook. He’d even tried helping him escape, thus his current house arrest at the Reserve, forbidden to so much as look at the Lumici and get assigned to other locations.
Ryeowook hadn’t seen him in months and the mere mention of his name made the wimp-he declared himself one long ago-squeak. He sighed, feeling guilty again.
Nonetheless, it was true he needed to tell the others about Donghae.
Ryeowook himself had been pleasantly surprised to know that he was alive and well. After all, he had been the one ‘guarding’ Donghae during his days of confinement, being the main perpetrator for the heir’s occasional escapades. He loved Donghae dearly and would help him escape anytime.
With a heavy heart, Ryeowook started to walk in search of his companions but stopped mid-step as a familiar sound reached his ears.
I know that voice…
His eyes widened as he spotted two men, one clad in black, the other in a familiar cloak.
He had his hood down.
Is that… "Heechul hyung?”
- - -
“Get out of my way.” Eunhyuk pinched the bridge of his nose, not bothering to look at the person blocking the road. “I’ve work to do, Siwon. Isn’t that what you wanted?”
He’d decided to follow his only lead and was on his way to the police department, hoping to meet their head officer. Hangeng, was it? It was faint but he was certain the chief’s records overlapped with his target’s a few years back.
“I’d rather you not call me anything but my beautiful name.”
Eunhyuk’s eyes snapped open as the stranger slowly removed his hood.
In that split second, the man found himself pinned against the wall face-first and his arm twisted painfully behind him.
“Why do you show yourself?” Eunhyuk asked cautiously in his ear, “Kim Heechul.”
“I see you like to cut to the chase. But I’d rather not have my face shoved against the wall.” Heechul’s eyes glinted dangerously, “it’s hard to talk and it damages my skin.”
With a roll of eyes, Eunhyuk released him and backed up just enough to hold him at gunpoint.
“Now, talk.” His target had been doing a very good job of escaping then suddenly he shows himself? To say that Eunhyuk was suspicious was an understatement.
Heechul looked him over from head to toe, as if contemplating. “You’re pretty hot, gotta give you that.”
Eunhyuk nudged him with the gun, “Talk before I take you back to the Corporation right now, and get this mission over with.”
“Is that what you really want though?” He challenged, “To ‘get this mission over with’?”
The redhead’s eyes narrowed dangerously. “I am here to accomplish my mission, nothing more.”
Heechul laughed loudly, seemingly amused with Eunhyuk. “Not how I see it. Looks to me like you’re enjoying it here a bit too much.” He sneered.
“I don’t know what you’re talking about.” He kept his face straight.
“Oh?” Heechul looked him straight in the eye, “Well, if you’re so bent on finishing this ‘mission’ of yours,” he held out his wrists, “then by all means. Take me away.”
Eunhyuk hesitated for one second before bounding his thin wrists with cuffs that glowed bright, custom made for Lumici.
“You hesitated.” Heechul smirked.
Eunhyuk ignored the comment as he dragged him down the street, Heechul hissing at the slight electric shock the handcuffs give if he didn’t comply.
“Is this what you really want?”
No response.
“You’ll probably never come back here.”
Still none.
“Do you really think Rife as prestigious as you would have taken so long to find me? Maybe you didn’t want to find me just yet. Maybe you actually enjoy it here.”
Heechul was beginning to feel frustrated, almost as if his own words were directed at himself.
“You have nothing to say? Nothing you feel?”
…
“I guess that’s all there is to you-a mindless dog following his master’s orders.”
Eunhyuk finally snapped. “You know nothing.” He growled.
It wasn’t that he had nothing to say, wasn’t that he felt nothing. He had not been given the permission to say anything; he was not allowed to feel. He was a tool from the start, devoid of emotion and forbidden to make a choice. Amidst the beatings he received from training as a child, he believed he had no other purpose in this world than to become the weapon he was supposed to be.
And taking Kim Heechul back to headquarters as ordered was what a weapon was expected to do. Take him, complete his mission, await the next, and leave this place, leave…
“He’s going to miss you.”
His words were few but spoke hundreds-He likes you. He wants to be with you. He’s lost without you. He’s happy with you. He loves you.
Eunhyuk stopped in his tracks, his heart hammering his chest.
“I don’t know who you’re-“
“With you gone, he’ll probably last a day, three at most.”
Eunhyuk eyes widened.
"See that huge search party? That's for him."
What?
“Donghae’s not just a Lumici, Eunhyuk.” Heechul’s eyes met his, speaking volumes.
Then suddenly, it all made sense-the clearing of rain, his dry hair, the moon, the sun’s warmth, his warmth.
How could he have been so blind?
“He’s the Solis.”
Eunhyuk felt as if the ground collapsed beneath him.
“And if you leave him, he’s going to die.” - ♦
- - -
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