part 3
He recalls the tremendous pain of his father's fist colliding with his face, the blood of his burst lip streaming down his chin along with his salty tears.
Back then he didn't understand what he had done wrong and why he was being punished; locked away in the basement and only allowed to be fed once a day by the housemaid for a week.
Baekhyun grew up being smarter and sneakier with gaining knowledge about the creatures his ancestors and parents despise so much. After five years, a week after Baekhyun turned thirteen years old, locked away in his room drawing a picture of himself with a party hat, surrounded by other children who hand him presents; does his grandmother finally find the opportunity to bribe the maids and rescue him.
His life changed completely after he moved into his grandmother's old mention, protected and hidden away by old, powerful charms. She raised him with love and tenderness, teaching him about the elves, the cruelty of his family and the importance of justice and equality in their lives.
Baekhyun's breath hitches when he remembers Kyungsoo's presence by a gentle nudge to his shoulder.
"Come on, let's grab some coffee and breakfast. We need to patch up your reckless revolution plan."
Baekhyun allows himself to be pulled off the bed and pushed into the bathroom, Kyungsoo nagging him to be clean and less smelly if they leave the house together and a gentle smile unintentionally spreads over his lips. His grandmother would have adored Kyungsoo.
⚡
It's barely eight in the morning, a look on the angry red numbers of his alarm clock assure him, when Jongdae drags his worn out sneakers through the back door of the coffee shop. Minseok has selflessly offered to open the store at six sharp instead of him; Jongdae assumes that Minseok is simply fearing for the lives of their customers because Jongdae would be on no condition to serve them their tasty, usual lattes without messing up the recipe after working the night shift the day before. Jongdae checks his phone and can not fight the hint of a smile when he sees that Baekhyun has answered his message with a picture of himself sticking his tongue out. Cute he catches himself think, biting his bottom lip and blaming it on the previous afternoon spend with Baekhyun. The other's child-like happiness appears to be contagious.
Jongdae hasn't forgotten his reason for getting closer to the mere human even if a small voice inside his head tries to tell him that he took Baekhyun out for lunch for another, almost genuine reason. Head in the game Jongdae - he lectures himself before Minseok joins him inside the kitchen.
"Morning," the huskiness of his own voice startles him and Minseok wordlessly hands him a glass of water that Jongdae empties within five seconds. He barely has time to take a bite of his sandwich when Minseok hesitantly gestures his head to the door that separates the kitchen from the cafe's common area.
"They are here, Junmyeon is all smiles as per usual but Chanyeol looks like he might burn down the store this time." the names of the two and only council members sound all too familiar to Jongdae's ears who pushes himself off the bone-white wall and onto the battlefield.
As expected does a quirky Junmyeon, dressed in a formal phantom-black suit and maroon bow tie jump to his feet as soon as he spots Jongdae walking up to their table, "My prince," he greets him in his honey-voice, bowing to him in respect even though Jongdae had asked him countless time to refrain from doing so. Junmyeon is the same age as Minseok, his black hair is styled up handsomely at the front and his sharp ears poke up at each side of his marvelous face. Unlike the other elves of their kind, is Junmyeon gifted with the blue of the oceans as his eye color. A special feature of the ones chosen for the council of the king.
Next to him sits Chanyeol, casually lunching in his seat, showing not a single ounce of respect in front of Jongdae - the living opposite of Junmyeon. His hair is dyed a fire-red and his eyes have the shade of wine. Jongdae has seen Chanyeol only twice after him, Minseok and Junmyeon fled the castle of Tonitrum together. Leaving his sick father and mother to his fate in the sake of salvaging their kind. Once upon a time Chanyeol and him used to have water fights inside the crystal everlake behind the citrus forest with Junmyeon's and Minseok's watchful eyes on them. These days were long forgotten, an extinct candle inside his memory.
"While you screwed half of Seoul, another five of our kin died." Chanyeol's statement hollers through the luckily except them empty cafe, leaving Jongdae to deal with his inner demons.
"What do you expect from me? Lead a revolution to dive right into a civil welfare?" he shoots back, which is the wrong move. The chair loudly collides with the ground, splitting into pieces when it hits the hard surface and Chanyeol's body is bursting into flames,
"I'm telling you to stop your people from dying!" he growls like an angry beast ready to jump at Jongdae's throat. Junmyeon is desperately trying to calm the furious Chanyeol down but it isn't until Minseok steps in, icy hands coming down on Chanyeol's shoulder and forcing him back into his vacant seat, that the phoenix-red flames extinguish.
Soundless, voiceless and soulless does Jongdae slid behind the counter, the mocha-colored coffee beans are peeking up at him from a mouse-grey sack that Minseok must have previously opened. Wordlessly he scoops a hand through them and drops one by one into the awaiting machine that would grind them to their bitter death.
"All we ask of you is lead your people on, give them hope and strength to raise their voices against the inequality." Junmyeon's honey voice reminds Jongdae of the babbling and burbling dragonfly-blue streams that resembled the pumping hearts of the forest back in Tonitrum. The biter-sweet sound of home.
The cafe is garbed in a death-like silence except for the rustling of leaves outside, luminous-golds falling through the thin curtains and the amber whiff of grinded coffee beans embraces them gently.
"What if they lead them into death?" a shocking quiescence washes over the store. Jongdae feels skin-seeping cold as he runs tingling fingertips over the nickel-silver counter.
⚡
Baekhyun is peering up at the conflagration-red leaves spread above his head. During autumn, when the world seems to shrink into itself, he feels strangely comforted by the awe-inspiring sight of mother nature shedding their skin to be reborn again.
The colorful leaves will soon vanish, autumn being the last stage, the last time to perform their act of dancing in their incandescent-red to lightning-gold costumes before the fragrance of monotone winter will invade the air.
Kyungsoo is wandering ahead of him, his small frame covered by a puffy, coal-black padded jacket and head drowning in a fluffy, angel-white wool scarf.
Cafe Nimbus is appearing out of the misty autumn clouds that glide through the streets like smoky shields. Today the even the paradise-green of the ivy seems pale in the cloudy weather and Baekhyun feels uneasiness cling to him like a second skin as he follows Kyungsoo inside the coffee shop.
"Drop it, Myeon. Our high and mighty prince is only interested in getting his dick sucked than his perishing kin,” a deep booming voice has them freeze in their spot in the door frame. A swirling, lion's mane of red hair framing a pair of pointed ears and penetrating red eyes greet Baekhyun as they are spotted and he has no time to progress what he's just heard before the man from earlier continuous.
"Is that your new fuckboy? Is Kyungsoo nowadays functioning as a delivery service for your whores, my prince?" the red hair sneers at Jongdae who stays starstruck in the middle of the room.
"Chanyeol, that's enough!" Baekhyun almost doesn't recognize Minseok's voice, the usual melodic and snoozy tone distorted by cheer fury. Kyungsoo's small frame steers back to life in front of Baekhyun, gaze locking with Minseok's.
"I shall take my leave, this must be a bad time for us to be present." His monotone voice runs ghost like chills over Baekhyun's skin however, he ignores Kyungsoo's previous statement and marches straight up to the rude, red head elf,
"Who are you calling a fuckboy?!" his words come out in a hiss, resembling a kitten instead of a dangerous predator he'd like to impose this moment. The redhead or Chanyeol, as Minseok had referred to him before appears to be baffled, gaping at Baekhyun like a wordless goldfish.
"Is that the boy?" a new but soothing voice pipes up, pulling Baekhyun's attention to yet another Tanitrui bouncing up to him with small, energetic hops. If he were to compare him to an animal than Baekhyun would chose the white rabbit from Alice in Wonderland.
"Leave him out of this!" Jongdae's flat, cold voice hollers from the cream walls, his feet gracefully crossing the room to stand in between the bunny-like elf and Baekhyun.
Peering around Jongdae's shoulder, Baekhyun can spot Chanyeol with his bushy eyebrow raised, Minseok next to him with his fingers massaging his temples.
"What about me?" Baekhyun takes a brave step forward, around Jongdae whose murderous gaze is now burning on the back of his head. The elf whose turquoise-blue eyes glint with tiny sparkles flicker over him with such hope that has Baekhyun's throat contracting.
"You are the boy our Kyungsoo has been guarding these part year, our small glimmer of hope," the elf breaths out, hand coming up to touch Baekhyun but Jongdae is faster, pulling Baekhyun back behind him harshly, having him wince at the force of Jongdae's grip round his thin wrist.
"Junmyeon this is your last warning," the taut sound has Baekhyun fear the man in front of him for the first time, but there is no time to be afraid, not if Baekhyun's ears have not played tricks on him before. Questions are swirling around inside his head like a swarm of young birds hectically deciding on the direction to take. Everything becomes too much, too overwhelming and Baekhyun glues his stare to the plain floor in order to avoid the sudden outburst of voices. He drowns them out, somewhere he thinks to filter out Kyungsoo's concerned mumbling calling out for him. He doesn't want to hear it, ignores it. During the past years his life involved around the life and history of the Tanitrui, his search for their council and silent prayers shot to the star filled sky for the prince to be alive.
He's been searching all over Seoul, reading through every ancient book he could dig up inside the library to find anything, a hint that would lead him to them.
Only to discover that the one who claimed to be his best friend who he spend talking to till early in the mornings, shared food and booze with for the past three years had known the forgotten council all along. Baekhyun never doubted that Kyungsoo at least knew about his interest in the council and fighting for elve rights but never did Baekhyun imagine that his so called best friend had been his watch-dog. Did Kyungsoo ever see him as a friend or just a measly human boy, the council had made him babysit. But for what reason? Did they fear him for his family background?
Impossible - the blue-eyed elf had looked at him with such fondness that spoke for a different to Baekhyun yet unknown reason. A numbness washes over Baekhyun, his nails digging into the whitening flesh of his palm. Only now remembering the unique feature of the council members: their special, mystic eye colors resembling their powers.
And what about the redhead calling Jongdae - a prince? It couldn't be. From all what Baekhyun had seen and learned about the elf was that he had a bad temper, big ego and flirtatious nature. Nothing prince like. It couldn't be. The prince would never be this irresponsible and waste time inside a club, dancing and getting shit faced when his people are in great danger. Right? Small puzzle pieces are added one after another, inside his brain, a clear image is forming but Baekhyun shakes his head violently. A weak attempt to fight the reality that is spread out in front of him like a sacrificed lamb ready to be swallowed as whole. The pleasant afternoon spent with Jongdae from the other day is replaced by doubt and anger.
"Liar," Baekhyun hears himself whisper and the loud, uncoordinated mess of yells die down instantly, all attention lying on him. Baekhyun whips around with so much force that Kyungsoo sways a few steps backwards as if he is fearing the other's undeniable wrath.
"L-let me explain, Baek," Kyungsoo is almost begging, his sad eyes searching for Baekhyun's who only sees the years of betrayal. Anger takes over boarding on absurdity when Baekhyun releases a lunatic laughter startling the rest of his present company,
"One hour ago you made me feel like shit for keeping things for you and now.” He pokes a finger against Kyungsoo's chest, once, twice. "It turns out it was you who hid his real face from me all along? Did you enjoy playing with me? Did you pity me for being so lost and desperately trying to be someone who could change this shithole we live in?" He sees Kyungsoo's face distorting with pain but Baekhyun is too far gone to pay proper attention to it, now turning around to point his finger at the elves standing around them in a circle,
"And you guys are fucking telling me that these two laughable figures," his finger points from Chanyeol to Junmyeon, " are the mighty, wise council of the Tanitrui, while this-" his finger accusingly stops pointing at Jongdae's emotionless face, "-is your last living prince? Please tell me this is a fucking nightmare so I can force myself to wake up!" His voice breaks, throat dry and breath coming out in fast puffs of air, chest rising and sinking frequently. All he sees is red, Kyungsoo is reaching for his hand but Baekhyun yanks it away, fierce glare having Kyungsoo stumble backwards, arms limply falling to his sides.
"Don't touch me." he spits, heart clamping and chest constricting as his inside turns darker than the night sky.
"Listen to us explain. There is more to it then it might appear now.” It's Minseok's voice of reason but Baekhyun isn't in the mood to have any of that. Out of these five people he's been the only clueless one. The only tool that has been tossed around after their whims.
"Leave him be, what would a Byun know anyway." Jongdae's devaluing words pierce him like the sharpest arrows or keenest claws he has ever faced. The statement has his previous fighting spirit falter, his small fists unclenching and feet lurching backwards. Looks like Jongdae had only toyed with him after all, judging by him knowing Baekhyun's last name even on purpose to hurt him.
"You knew who I was?" he finds himself whispering, a complete contrast to his strong front a few seconds ago. Something flickers through Jongdae's eyes but then he sends Baekhyun a nasty sneer. “For what other reasons would I have shown interest in a boring human like you?"
"Jongdae cut the crap!" Minseok furiously barks, grabbing his younger cousin by the collar which sets a panicking Junmyeon into action, desperately trying to separate the two, "L-let's all sit down and talk over a cup of coffee, please?" he squeaks out, signalizing a dismissive Chanyeol to come to his aid but is ignored by the red head.
"I fucking hate that brew, go choke on it!" Baekhyun yells, shoving Jongdae out of his way, their equally hateful yet wounded gazes locking for a mere second before Baekhyun can't bear it anymore, he whips around, and leaves the coffee shop by slamming the door shut with an obnoxious loud bang. To the hell with everything and everyone.
⚡
"Well that was a disaster," Minseok sighs, falling into one of the more comfortable arm chairs at the back of the coffee shop, Junmyeon sitting down across of him, handing him a steaming cup of camomile tea.
Jongdae is sprawled out on the floor, surrounded by blue clippers that seem to be performing a gracious ballet to cheer up their young prince.
Chanyeol had wordlessly taken the spot on the floor next to Jongdae after he had curled into himself. With his eyes closed the world momentarily disappears from his sight so does his worries and he can only focus on the snoozy sound of fluttering wings.
"Would you pull your head out of your ass already," Chanyeol has never minced matters; they have been friends for too long, seen and experiences too much together to stick to conservative formalities.
Jongdae remains with his eyes closed but he is listening, his friend's gravelly voice rough but clear hammering its way into his brain.
"You used to climb every tree, aimed higher than any other elf, recklessly threw yourself into new adventures and dragging us along, fearlessly. Where did my old friend go who was never afraid of anyone and anything?"
"He grew up," Jongdae finds himself breath out his answer, the interior of the room swimming back into his vision. The hurtful expressions on Baekhyun's face remains inside his brain, has his heart clench and gut twist in guilt. Minseok is sipping on his coffee, conversing with Junmyeon who is gushing over the cafe's newest chocolate chips recipe as if nothing has ever happened. As if they weren't facing the beginning of the end.
"That's bullshit Dae, you somehow locked that brave boy that you once were away and let insecurity eat you alive." A small, sun-orange flame appears in Chanyeol's palm, its flicker weak and soon extinguish when Chanyeol's hand forms a fist.
"I have no idea what your relation is to the kid who might as well be goddess Flora's son.” He turns his head and Jongdae mimics him. “But judging from the pouring rain and angry roar of the sky, your heart might want to look for him."
Jongdae didn't even notice the darkness the rat-grey clouds had caused. Only now does he catch the sound of angry raindrops drumming on the roof as if they were trying to break their way through the brick-stone. Light comes in form of an eel like flash, meandering through the pregnant clouds resembling a hungry snake.
"I hope Baek has returned to our dorms, he easily catches colds." All heads turn to a dejected Kyungsoo who has withdrawn to the outer corner of the cafe, wordlessly watching the whizzing of the sky.
"Soo, he'll understand if you explain it to him, sure. It all started because of your status as a messenger but you have developed a friendship over the years. He'd be a fool to deny that." Minseok's voice has always felt like a safety jacket that keeps people from drowning and Jongdae witnesses once again when Kyungsoo swallows his tears and replaces it with a hopeful smile, that Minseok should have been the next king and not him.
"Stop thinking, that was never your forte," a finger pokes Jongdae's cheek who sends an annoyed glare to his mischievously smirking friend.
The tar-black sky sends another roar to earth and for a moment Jongdae is worried its force will cause a blackout. He tries to calm his erratic heartbeat, shifting into a sitting position before he gracefully raises to his feet, "Why are we friends again?" he stares down onto Chanyeol whose bangs are messily falling into his face,
"Obviously because I'm the only one who can punch some sense back into you." The curtain of rain is dinging furiously of the roof however, the storm inside of Jongdae's heart is slowly creasing. Rain drops, as they fall seem to unlock the locks to the chest Jongdae has kept hidden away all these years.
One hand runs through his silky hair, gaze fixed on the window. "I'll go look for him," he announces to the room and even though he doesn't receive a proper answer - he does catch the satisfied grin on both Chanyeol's and Minseok's faces.
Junmyeon is happily chewing on a cookie, trying to dump it into a glass of milk and whining when it doesn't fit through the opening, "Be safe my prince," he looks up, cookie crumbles all over his face, "and make sure to find the young boy, he might be the key to our success and survival."
Jongdae doesn’t like the sound of that for a yet to him unknown reason. Doesn't entertain the idea of Baekhyun being a mere object to his kin’s survival even though they have all the right to be selfish.
For a split second Jongdae wonders why his mother chose Junmyeon to be in charge of the council, he has always been a little bit of an airhead and too kind for his own good. However, whenever there had been decisions to make, Junmyeon had proved himself to be worthy of his position. The day when the disease had crawled over the confines of their holy land did Jongdae recall Junmyeon kneeling in front of his mother - the queen and advising her to send Jongdae over the vault-still ocean. Remembers the sad yet understanding sapphire-blue eyes of his mother when she had entered his chambers, her blossom soft lips pressed to his forehead when she asked him to pack his bags. Jongdae remembers the white, lacy dress she had worn that night, the melody of the song she's been singing and lastly the promise he made with her, "Never forget who you are Jongdae. You are the last prince of Tonitrum, our people's pride and only hope."
That night, when he hadn't allowed a single tear to slip off his long, dark eyelashes when he bowed to his parents respectfully for the last time, does he remember the appealing warmth of Junmyeon's determined hand around his. As well as Minseok's trembling fingers adjusting the hood of Jongdae's wool-thick, blue cape when they boarded the ship that would carry them over the sea into an unknown future. A new land, a new culture - far away from home. Junmyeon asking the mighty Neptune for their safe passing of his territory. There was also small, shaking Chanyeol pressed to his side, their arms hooked together as if they were attached by the hip, two pairs of frightened eyes staring straight into the descending sun on the horizon mirroring in the navy-blue of the unforgiving ocean.
Many years have past since Jongdae had left the nutritious eden green lands of Tonitrum, with their crystal lakes and fruit-rich forests. Today his childhood seems nothing more than a lost dream. He never saw his parents again, but the song, that his mother had sang for him that night before he left, accompanies him as Jongdae opens the door of Cafe Nimbus and sprints outside into the spitting rain to find the boy who made him feel somewhat at home again.
⚡
It's the wrong kind of place and time to think about you, Baekhyun thinks as hot tears mix with the cool raindrops, caressing his cold face as if they were trying to comfort him. Baekhyun has lost his rimmed glasses somewhere on the way, vision blurry as he had found cover on the stairs of a random fire escape. His body is trembling from the undying cold, Jongdae’s harsh words are replaying his his thoughts over and over again, causing him to frustratedly scream at thin air. No one is here to listen, no one is here to care about his voice breaking, replaced by choked up sobs muffled by the relentless sissing rain smashing onto the rough asphalt.
Baekhyun should have known that the past week had been to good to be true. Why would the heavens suddenly decide to let him off the hook and allow him a normal, carefree life?
“It’s not fair.” His bottom lips trembles and he lowers his head on top of his arms that have wrapped around his pulled up knees. Baekhyun isn’t sure if he is trying to shield himself from the cold spreading to his bones or the growing loneliness that claws at his heart.
He should have not let his guard down, not have harbored some hope for a guy like Jongdae. The two of them born to be enemies, as much as Baekhyun wants to deny it he can not replace his family's blood and wash away their sins. He’ll always be the son of a bloody murderer family.
Baekhyun loses track of time, the rain has sneaked through his clothes but he doesn’t feel the cold anymore. Instead he senses an old but strong flame of pure hatred towards his family awakening inside of him. If he cannot be reborn as a new person, if he has to endure the heavy guilt of all the lost lives that his cruel family had caused then maybe the only way to free his heart is to destroy the seed of evil for once and for all. What sense does it make to drown in self-pity? Tears won't change who he is or what he must do to grand his grandmother’s last wish: Peace and equality between humans and elves. Baekhyun pulls his phone out of his back pocket of his jeans, empty eyes staring at the red phone icon of five missed calls from Kyungsoo. He isn’t an idiot, well aware that he might have overreacted earlier, if Kyungsoo had his reason to hide his true identity from Baekhyun then he’ll forgive him. Not tonight though. Tonight he must gather the rest of his strength and build on the strong emotions that pump through his veins, to cross the gates of the place he once called home.
Everybody lies and everybody has their own untold secrets and past that they cannot simply reveal to just anyone. Jongdae has probably his own story to tell, hidden behind those sinful green eyes in which Baekhyun had always spotted the same sadness and forsakenness that have directed Baekhyun’s every day life up until now.
Crying had at least lifted some if the weight on his shoulders and Baekhyun carefully pushes himself of the staircase, heading back to his and Kyungsoo’s dorm room for a new change of clothes and maybe a hot shower.
Luckily, Kyungsoo hasn’t returned to their place yet, giving him the privacy and space he needs right now. To prevent a cold he quickly jumps under the shower, the hot stream brushing over his body soothingly, filling him with new energy and determination. Baekhyun hurriedly slips into a black hoodie and some tight pants he spots lying next to his bed. Black sneakers on his feet and a small bag with his wallet and aerosol cans stored inside he throws a final look at their shared room, a sad smile curls over his face. Wondering if he’d be able to return to this place after tonight.
The door behind him clicks shut and Baekhyun’s shaking hands wrap around the strap of his tiny backpack when he walks down the streets to the next bus stop. It is still raining, but the thunder has died down in the distance. Baekhyun wonders if Jongdae’s inner storm has calmed down as well. Being stuck on the ground Baekhyun often dreams of being able to fly, far, far away from here.
The bus ride takes around an hour since his parent’s old, tacky mansion is located at the outer part of Seoul. His mother used to claim that the air out here was cleaner than the one in the heart of the city. Baekhyun finds himself snorting at the memory of her high-pitched voice.
The wind bends the trees to his will when Baekhyun exits the bus and follows the path he used to know by heart. Fear and anxiety clash and have his heart thumping faster inside his chest. The memory of Jongdae’s warm lips on his cheek have his slim fingers trailing over the spot absentmindedly. What if? His mind starts but Baekhyun stops any further train of thoughts. Now, is not the time to go over what and ifs. At this very moment Baekhyun has to come up with a spontaneous plan to smear graffiti all over that cursed mansion and set it on fire before anyone notices his presence. It’s reckless and suicidal but what does he have to lose?
At this moment, there is no place for a broken heart - not if Baekhyun wants to prove that he is different than the rest of his ancestors. The wind is encouragingly pressing against his back, urging him to take another step forward - to have faith and Baekhyun obliges. There is nothing stopping him and only death might change his mind now.
It's been years since Baekhyun had last stepped through the old, golden gates of his family's residence. During the night, when even the leaf-green grass appeared dust-grey did the spacious fore yard resemble a graveyard instead of a welcoming passage leading up to white marble stairs that break through the darkness like headlights. Even from outside can Baekhyun hear the faint sound of creaking floorboards, make out the screeching of single branches scratching against the windows. A tremor shakes his body and he trips over his own feet stumbling forward but catching himself before the sharp pebbles can slip through his jeans.
The two doberman alphas should be fed inside right now, Baekhyun checks his watch, that gives him about thirty minutes to smear over the walls and blow up the garage. His trembling fingers are tightening around his backpack string, teeth sinking into his bottom lip. His feet seem to grow heavier with each step he takes as if an iron ball was tied around his thin ankle.
Baekhyun keeps his head low, hood drawn deeper into his face, as he tries to become one with the growing shadows that trace his steps. There are no lights on the front side of the mansion which has Baekhyun guess that his parents are currently eating dinner in the dining room. The jarring scream of a falcon has Baekhyun fall fled onto his stomach, hissing at the pain of shark teeth like stones ripping through the sensitive skin of his palms that cushioned his fall. A string of curse words leave his mouth, sharp bullets directed at the source of his sudden fright.
An invisible clock is ticking inside of his head, urging him to rob forwards behind bushes and trees, only there does he feel safe enough to straighten back up. He dusts off his clothes, grabbing for his backpack and pulling out two personal cans. The fancy, snow-white garage lies in silence when Baekhyun walks up to one of the places that used to be his prison. Without a single window, a single crack in the wall that would allow some light to fall inside, thick walls blocking every sound, every movement from the outside, leaving only a young Baekhyun and a few curious rats inside. His grip around his cans tightens, ignoring the pain that shoots through him like an arrow, fingers numb to the pain only shaking at the memory of his younger self crying, small fists banging against the door asking for his mother to save him. She never came for him, not that night, not the next day. A woman that had always been nothing more than a shadow of his cruel father. Soulless, heartless, careless and mindless.
No one will ever be locked inside this prison ever again. He vows silently.
Led by anger and rage of his past, his hands move over the white wall, a red string of color exploding over the rough surface, painting the prison with the red, forgotten tears of a banished child.
Baekhyun's chest his heaving, a light breeze is ruffling through his hair and it's only then when he notices the wet streaks that trail down his cheek to his chin, wet drops clinging onto his skin before falling and disappearing in the night.
The wind howls, louder than a pack of wolves, pulling Baekhyun out of his memories and into the presence. Then he hears it, the faint sound of a door being opened. Baekhyun reacts quickly, pulling the small bottle of gasoline out of his backpack, hands fumbling for the lighter, he drops it, his heart beating so fast that he frets it to jump out of his throat. His ears are ringing, cold sweat is running down his spine when he crouches down, fingers searching for his red lighter beneath pebbles and dirt.
The light of flashlights skim over the grass, Baekhyun covers his mouth, holds his breath, his heart hammering against his chest. His sweaty palms find the lightener and presses it against his chest. He counts inside his head, one, two - at three he jumps to his feet, throwing his whole weight against the small door that leads inside the garage. A loud thud echoes but the wood doesn't break. Baekhyun tries again, swallowing the yelp that wants to break free when his elbow collides with the hard material. Loud barking has Baekhyun speed up, feet desperately kicking at the door and finally, finally his sneakers break through, creating the perfect hole. Within seconds does Baekhyun splash the gasoline inside the opening, trailing a small trace a few feet away from the garage. The barking grows louder, angrier and Baekhyun is aware that if he doesn't start running then he'll be the beasts' dessert.
He spares the garage connected to the mansion one last, icy look before he the sun-orange light of the lightener breaks through the darkness and Baekhyun drops it into the wetness in front of his speed, turns around and takes off in a sprint. The explosion shakes the ground, the pressure hits Baekhyun from behind, causing him to fall over, rolling through the wet grass, rocks slid through his jeans, Baekhyun groans, the world around him is spinning. His body is arching and he can feel something hot running down his left cheek. One second there is a death-like silence than then there are screams, footsteps and dangerous growls piercing the night air. Baekhyun has no time to catch his breath, lava like flames swallowing the garage easily, greedily eyeing the main mansion and Baekhyun watches with an odd feeling of satisfaction as his parents followed by servants break through the entrance door, coughing and cheer terror written all over their faces.
Baekhyun pushes his stiff muscles to move, the dogs will have caught his scent by now, he can hear their paws digging through the mud. They are close, growls and snarls only sounding a heartbeat away from him. The gate is so close, Baekhyun just has to push himself a little more, run a little faster. His vision is blurring, the adrenaline vanishing from his system, slowing down his steps. Come on, just a little bit more Baekhyun tries to push himself, pounding heart about to leap out of his chest. His palms slam against the brick wall close to the gate but it's too late, two pitch-black doberman are already cornering him, snarling at him. Shit, shit, shit! their bone white fangs reflect the moonlight, their growls resembling the fury of nature, while Baekhyun's past is burning to ashes right behind them.
That's it. he concludes, back pressing closer against the cold wall. Never did he think that his life would be ended by the dogs who he used to play with as a kid. Innocent puppies who were turned into monsters over the years. Vicious, brutal training had transformed them into brainless killing machine circling in on Baekhyun. He is swallowing, limbs trembling and heart about to explode within his ribcage.
I don't want it to end like this, not without punching that arrogant elf into his smug face, he thinks bitterly, fingers curling into fists, his body is tensing and his eyes are squeezing shut when the beasts prepare to pounce on him. His ears are ringing, lights mixing together and for a moment he imagines blue wings fluttering in front of his closed lids. He chuckles, maybe his mind has gone mad, now he is even fantasizing. However, then a sudden cloud of light rushes through his body, Baekhyun's eyes flew open in time to witness a huge cloud of sparkling fairydust being howled at the startled dogs. Again Baekhyun doesn't receive time to ponder on what has occurred, the tiny blue clipper gently knocks against his forehead, wings fluttering hectically telling him to follow. Baekhyun does.
He flies over the ground to the gates, in the distance the sound of screams and shouts are steadily growing mixing with the serens of the approaching firetruck.
Baekhyun doesn't look back, his feet scrambling after the small blue dot guiding him through the dark night. A thin aura of glimmering light is surrounding the butterfly and Baekhyun wonders for the first time if there is more to the small friend who has saved his life for a second time.
The streets grow narrow, a sign that they have reached the busier outskirts of Seoul, Baekhyun's breath is coming out short, his body shaking and the cuts from his previous fall burning him as if he was lit up by flames.
Just when he thinks that they reached a safe distance, away from the beasts and ruthless henchman from his family does he hear footsteps behind him, there are flashlights - at least a dozen and a blood-curdling howl rents the air. They are trailing him.
Baekhyun is running out of energy to push on, he has been on his feet since early morning and his slight injuries cause him to trip and stumble constantly.
Where to hide? he gazes up at the butterfly, circling over his head beneath the stars. Hoping for his small friend to know the right way, he continues to follow, deeper into the unknown, dirty alleys.
Every little sound and creek or reflection of light stimulates Baekhyun's senses, have him pick up his steps and suddenly crashing into a bunch of trash cans, rusty metal colliding with the hard asphalt. Baekhyun winces, quickly pulling himself back up when suddenly an iron grip wraps around his wrist, he wants to scream for help but a hand pushes over his mouth blocking his every sound. The man who is holding him is stronger than him, effortlessly dragging him into a seemingly abandoned house.
Baekhyun is shaking, sweat dropping from his temples and sweaty palms coming to rest over his assaulter's forearm. Maybe if he aims his elbow at his attackers lever, he'll be able to get away. Better than to die in vain without anyone noticing.
He is about to turn his thoughts into action when he velvet voice whispers into his ear, "Stay still, stop struggling or you'll get the both of us killed!"
Baekhyun’s mind goes blank for a second, unable to figure out how to feel. Sure, he is relieved that none of his father’s henchman had caught up to him but Jongdae’s words from earlier are still too present, wounds still too deep to be filled with pure happiness to be in the other’s presence.
“I don’t need your help!” Baekhyun hisses when Jongdae’s hand has removed itself from his mouth. He hears Jongdae release a low, disagreeing grunt in the back of his throat before Baekhyun is suddenly whipped around, face pressed flushed in the crook of Jongdae’s neck with the elf’s one arm around his back and the other keeping Baekhyun’s head in place.
“Silence!” Jongdae snaps at him.
Baekhyun is about to vocalize his obvious discomfort when he sees the flashlights dancing through the broken window glass. Heavy footsteps resound from the dull walls. Baekhyun unintentionally grabs a fist of Jongdae’s coat burying his face deeper in the crook of the elf’s neck. Jongdae doesn’t appear to mind, gentle fingers soothingly running through Baekhyun’s hair as if to calm him down. Stop his body from trembling.
Nothing happens for a while, it’s only Baekhyun listening to Jongdae’s steady heart beat, nose brushing over Jongdae’s pale neck. They wait, ears searching for every single sound, any creek or paws of a dog. The wind mewls and keens through the cracks of the door, minutes tick by, Baekhyun inhales Jongdae’s spicy scent of cinnamon, heart beats slowly falling into their normal rhythm.
His forehead rests against Jongdae’s shoulder, he is sleepy, exhaustion fully washing over his every limb, consuming him as a whole. Jongdae is shifting, soft palms cupping Baekhyun’s face, examining it for injuries. Jongdae’s green eyes narrow, thumb swiping over a second cut that has been added to the one from the previous week. Baekhyun winces at sudden shot of pain, flinching away from the touch and trains his gaze onto the dirt covered ground. He spots a dead rat, a vile smell rising up from it causing Baekhyun to cover his mouth to not gag at the sight.
“Let’s get out of here,” Jongdae’s voice is steady but his face is twisted in disgust mirroring Baekhyun’s own reaction. This place resembles the one right of those horror movies, Kyungsoo enjoys watching and torturing Baekhyun with. He shudders, ready to leave this nightmare once and for all. His body is moving on its own, ignoring Jongdae's hand around his wrist pulling him behind.
⚡
( part 4 )
Back then he didn't understand what he had done wrong and why he was being punished; locked away in the basement and only allowed to be fed once a day by the housemaid for a week.
Baekhyun grew up being smarter and sneakier with gaining knowledge about the creatures his ancestors and parents despise so much. After five years, a week after Baekhyun turned thirteen years old, locked away in his room drawing a picture of himself with a party hat, surrounded by other children who hand him presents; does his grandmother finally find the opportunity to bribe the maids and rescue him.
His life changed completely after he moved into his grandmother's old mention, protected and hidden away by old, powerful charms. She raised him with love and tenderness, teaching him about the elves, the cruelty of his family and the importance of justice and equality in their lives.
Baekhyun's breath hitches when he remembers Kyungsoo's presence by a gentle nudge to his shoulder.
"Come on, let's grab some coffee and breakfast. We need to patch up your reckless revolution plan."
Baekhyun allows himself to be pulled off the bed and pushed into the bathroom, Kyungsoo nagging him to be clean and less smelly if they leave the house together and a gentle smile unintentionally spreads over his lips. His grandmother would have adored Kyungsoo.
⚡
It's barely eight in the morning, a look on the angry red numbers of his alarm clock assure him, when Jongdae drags his worn out sneakers through the back door of the coffee shop. Minseok has selflessly offered to open the store at six sharp instead of him; Jongdae assumes that Minseok is simply fearing for the lives of their customers because Jongdae would be on no condition to serve them their tasty, usual lattes without messing up the recipe after working the night shift the day before. Jongdae checks his phone and can not fight the hint of a smile when he sees that Baekhyun has answered his message with a picture of himself sticking his tongue out. Cute he catches himself think, biting his bottom lip and blaming it on the previous afternoon spend with Baekhyun. The other's child-like happiness appears to be contagious.
Jongdae hasn't forgotten his reason for getting closer to the mere human even if a small voice inside his head tries to tell him that he took Baekhyun out for lunch for another, almost genuine reason. Head in the game Jongdae - he lectures himself before Minseok joins him inside the kitchen.
"Morning," the huskiness of his own voice startles him and Minseok wordlessly hands him a glass of water that Jongdae empties within five seconds. He barely has time to take a bite of his sandwich when Minseok hesitantly gestures his head to the door that separates the kitchen from the cafe's common area.
"They are here, Junmyeon is all smiles as per usual but Chanyeol looks like he might burn down the store this time." the names of the two and only council members sound all too familiar to Jongdae's ears who pushes himself off the bone-white wall and onto the battlefield.
As expected does a quirky Junmyeon, dressed in a formal phantom-black suit and maroon bow tie jump to his feet as soon as he spots Jongdae walking up to their table, "My prince," he greets him in his honey-voice, bowing to him in respect even though Jongdae had asked him countless time to refrain from doing so. Junmyeon is the same age as Minseok, his black hair is styled up handsomely at the front and his sharp ears poke up at each side of his marvelous face. Unlike the other elves of their kind, is Junmyeon gifted with the blue of the oceans as his eye color. A special feature of the ones chosen for the council of the king.
Next to him sits Chanyeol, casually lunching in his seat, showing not a single ounce of respect in front of Jongdae - the living opposite of Junmyeon. His hair is dyed a fire-red and his eyes have the shade of wine. Jongdae has seen Chanyeol only twice after him, Minseok and Junmyeon fled the castle of Tonitrum together. Leaving his sick father and mother to his fate in the sake of salvaging their kind. Once upon a time Chanyeol and him used to have water fights inside the crystal everlake behind the citrus forest with Junmyeon's and Minseok's watchful eyes on them. These days were long forgotten, an extinct candle inside his memory.
"While you screwed half of Seoul, another five of our kin died." Chanyeol's statement hollers through the luckily except them empty cafe, leaving Jongdae to deal with his inner demons.
"What do you expect from me? Lead a revolution to dive right into a civil welfare?" he shoots back, which is the wrong move. The chair loudly collides with the ground, splitting into pieces when it hits the hard surface and Chanyeol's body is bursting into flames,
"I'm telling you to stop your people from dying!" he growls like an angry beast ready to jump at Jongdae's throat. Junmyeon is desperately trying to calm the furious Chanyeol down but it isn't until Minseok steps in, icy hands coming down on Chanyeol's shoulder and forcing him back into his vacant seat, that the phoenix-red flames extinguish.
Soundless, voiceless and soulless does Jongdae slid behind the counter, the mocha-colored coffee beans are peeking up at him from a mouse-grey sack that Minseok must have previously opened. Wordlessly he scoops a hand through them and drops one by one into the awaiting machine that would grind them to their bitter death.
"All we ask of you is lead your people on, give them hope and strength to raise their voices against the inequality." Junmyeon's honey voice reminds Jongdae of the babbling and burbling dragonfly-blue streams that resembled the pumping hearts of the forest back in Tonitrum. The biter-sweet sound of home.
The cafe is garbed in a death-like silence except for the rustling of leaves outside, luminous-golds falling through the thin curtains and the amber whiff of grinded coffee beans embraces them gently.
"What if they lead them into death?" a shocking quiescence washes over the store. Jongdae feels skin-seeping cold as he runs tingling fingertips over the nickel-silver counter.
⚡
Baekhyun is peering up at the conflagration-red leaves spread above his head. During autumn, when the world seems to shrink into itself, he feels strangely comforted by the awe-inspiring sight of mother nature shedding their skin to be reborn again.
The colorful leaves will soon vanish, autumn being the last stage, the last time to perform their act of dancing in their incandescent-red to lightning-gold costumes before the fragrance of monotone winter will invade the air.
Kyungsoo is wandering ahead of him, his small frame covered by a puffy, coal-black padded jacket and head drowning in a fluffy, angel-white wool scarf.
Cafe Nimbus is appearing out of the misty autumn clouds that glide through the streets like smoky shields. Today the even the paradise-green of the ivy seems pale in the cloudy weather and Baekhyun feels uneasiness cling to him like a second skin as he follows Kyungsoo inside the coffee shop.
"Drop it, Myeon. Our high and mighty prince is only interested in getting his dick sucked than his perishing kin,” a deep booming voice has them freeze in their spot in the door frame. A swirling, lion's mane of red hair framing a pair of pointed ears and penetrating red eyes greet Baekhyun as they are spotted and he has no time to progress what he's just heard before the man from earlier continuous.
"Is that your new fuckboy? Is Kyungsoo nowadays functioning as a delivery service for your whores, my prince?" the red hair sneers at Jongdae who stays starstruck in the middle of the room.
"Chanyeol, that's enough!" Baekhyun almost doesn't recognize Minseok's voice, the usual melodic and snoozy tone distorted by cheer fury. Kyungsoo's small frame steers back to life in front of Baekhyun, gaze locking with Minseok's.
"I shall take my leave, this must be a bad time for us to be present." His monotone voice runs ghost like chills over Baekhyun's skin however, he ignores Kyungsoo's previous statement and marches straight up to the rude, red head elf,
"Who are you calling a fuckboy?!" his words come out in a hiss, resembling a kitten instead of a dangerous predator he'd like to impose this moment. The redhead or Chanyeol, as Minseok had referred to him before appears to be baffled, gaping at Baekhyun like a wordless goldfish.
"Is that the boy?" a new but soothing voice pipes up, pulling Baekhyun's attention to yet another Tanitrui bouncing up to him with small, energetic hops. If he were to compare him to an animal than Baekhyun would chose the white rabbit from Alice in Wonderland.
"Leave him out of this!" Jongdae's flat, cold voice hollers from the cream walls, his feet gracefully crossing the room to stand in between the bunny-like elf and Baekhyun.
Peering around Jongdae's shoulder, Baekhyun can spot Chanyeol with his bushy eyebrow raised, Minseok next to him with his fingers massaging his temples.
"What about me?" Baekhyun takes a brave step forward, around Jongdae whose murderous gaze is now burning on the back of his head. The elf whose turquoise-blue eyes glint with tiny sparkles flicker over him with such hope that has Baekhyun's throat contracting.
"You are the boy our Kyungsoo has been guarding these part year, our small glimmer of hope," the elf breaths out, hand coming up to touch Baekhyun but Jongdae is faster, pulling Baekhyun back behind him harshly, having him wince at the force of Jongdae's grip round his thin wrist.
"Junmyeon this is your last warning," the taut sound has Baekhyun fear the man in front of him for the first time, but there is no time to be afraid, not if Baekhyun's ears have not played tricks on him before. Questions are swirling around inside his head like a swarm of young birds hectically deciding on the direction to take. Everything becomes too much, too overwhelming and Baekhyun glues his stare to the plain floor in order to avoid the sudden outburst of voices. He drowns them out, somewhere he thinks to filter out Kyungsoo's concerned mumbling calling out for him. He doesn't want to hear it, ignores it. During the past years his life involved around the life and history of the Tanitrui, his search for their council and silent prayers shot to the star filled sky for the prince to be alive.
He's been searching all over Seoul, reading through every ancient book he could dig up inside the library to find anything, a hint that would lead him to them.
Only to discover that the one who claimed to be his best friend who he spend talking to till early in the mornings, shared food and booze with for the past three years had known the forgotten council all along. Baekhyun never doubted that Kyungsoo at least knew about his interest in the council and fighting for elve rights but never did Baekhyun imagine that his so called best friend had been his watch-dog. Did Kyungsoo ever see him as a friend or just a measly human boy, the council had made him babysit. But for what reason? Did they fear him for his family background?
Impossible - the blue-eyed elf had looked at him with such fondness that spoke for a different to Baekhyun yet unknown reason. A numbness washes over Baekhyun, his nails digging into the whitening flesh of his palm. Only now remembering the unique feature of the council members: their special, mystic eye colors resembling their powers.
And what about the redhead calling Jongdae - a prince? It couldn't be. From all what Baekhyun had seen and learned about the elf was that he had a bad temper, big ego and flirtatious nature. Nothing prince like. It couldn't be. The prince would never be this irresponsible and waste time inside a club, dancing and getting shit faced when his people are in great danger. Right? Small puzzle pieces are added one after another, inside his brain, a clear image is forming but Baekhyun shakes his head violently. A weak attempt to fight the reality that is spread out in front of him like a sacrificed lamb ready to be swallowed as whole. The pleasant afternoon spent with Jongdae from the other day is replaced by doubt and anger.
"Liar," Baekhyun hears himself whisper and the loud, uncoordinated mess of yells die down instantly, all attention lying on him. Baekhyun whips around with so much force that Kyungsoo sways a few steps backwards as if he is fearing the other's undeniable wrath.
"L-let me explain, Baek," Kyungsoo is almost begging, his sad eyes searching for Baekhyun's who only sees the years of betrayal. Anger takes over boarding on absurdity when Baekhyun releases a lunatic laughter startling the rest of his present company,
"One hour ago you made me feel like shit for keeping things for you and now.” He pokes a finger against Kyungsoo's chest, once, twice. "It turns out it was you who hid his real face from me all along? Did you enjoy playing with me? Did you pity me for being so lost and desperately trying to be someone who could change this shithole we live in?" He sees Kyungsoo's face distorting with pain but Baekhyun is too far gone to pay proper attention to it, now turning around to point his finger at the elves standing around them in a circle,
"And you guys are fucking telling me that these two laughable figures," his finger points from Chanyeol to Junmyeon, " are the mighty, wise council of the Tanitrui, while this-" his finger accusingly stops pointing at Jongdae's emotionless face, "-is your last living prince? Please tell me this is a fucking nightmare so I can force myself to wake up!" His voice breaks, throat dry and breath coming out in fast puffs of air, chest rising and sinking frequently. All he sees is red, Kyungsoo is reaching for his hand but Baekhyun yanks it away, fierce glare having Kyungsoo stumble backwards, arms limply falling to his sides.
"Don't touch me." he spits, heart clamping and chest constricting as his inside turns darker than the night sky.
"Listen to us explain. There is more to it then it might appear now.” It's Minseok's voice of reason but Baekhyun isn't in the mood to have any of that. Out of these five people he's been the only clueless one. The only tool that has been tossed around after their whims.
"Leave him be, what would a Byun know anyway." Jongdae's devaluing words pierce him like the sharpest arrows or keenest claws he has ever faced. The statement has his previous fighting spirit falter, his small fists unclenching and feet lurching backwards. Looks like Jongdae had only toyed with him after all, judging by him knowing Baekhyun's last name even on purpose to hurt him.
"You knew who I was?" he finds himself whispering, a complete contrast to his strong front a few seconds ago. Something flickers through Jongdae's eyes but then he sends Baekhyun a nasty sneer. “For what other reasons would I have shown interest in a boring human like you?"
"Jongdae cut the crap!" Minseok furiously barks, grabbing his younger cousin by the collar which sets a panicking Junmyeon into action, desperately trying to separate the two, "L-let's all sit down and talk over a cup of coffee, please?" he squeaks out, signalizing a dismissive Chanyeol to come to his aid but is ignored by the red head.
"I fucking hate that brew, go choke on it!" Baekhyun yells, shoving Jongdae out of his way, their equally hateful yet wounded gazes locking for a mere second before Baekhyun can't bear it anymore, he whips around, and leaves the coffee shop by slamming the door shut with an obnoxious loud bang. To the hell with everything and everyone.
⚡
"Well that was a disaster," Minseok sighs, falling into one of the more comfortable arm chairs at the back of the coffee shop, Junmyeon sitting down across of him, handing him a steaming cup of camomile tea.
Jongdae is sprawled out on the floor, surrounded by blue clippers that seem to be performing a gracious ballet to cheer up their young prince.
Chanyeol had wordlessly taken the spot on the floor next to Jongdae after he had curled into himself. With his eyes closed the world momentarily disappears from his sight so does his worries and he can only focus on the snoozy sound of fluttering wings.
"Would you pull your head out of your ass already," Chanyeol has never minced matters; they have been friends for too long, seen and experiences too much together to stick to conservative formalities.
Jongdae remains with his eyes closed but he is listening, his friend's gravelly voice rough but clear hammering its way into his brain.
"You used to climb every tree, aimed higher than any other elf, recklessly threw yourself into new adventures and dragging us along, fearlessly. Where did my old friend go who was never afraid of anyone and anything?"
"He grew up," Jongdae finds himself breath out his answer, the interior of the room swimming back into his vision. The hurtful expressions on Baekhyun's face remains inside his brain, has his heart clench and gut twist in guilt. Minseok is sipping on his coffee, conversing with Junmyeon who is gushing over the cafe's newest chocolate chips recipe as if nothing has ever happened. As if they weren't facing the beginning of the end.
"That's bullshit Dae, you somehow locked that brave boy that you once were away and let insecurity eat you alive." A small, sun-orange flame appears in Chanyeol's palm, its flicker weak and soon extinguish when Chanyeol's hand forms a fist.
"I have no idea what your relation is to the kid who might as well be goddess Flora's son.” He turns his head and Jongdae mimics him. “But judging from the pouring rain and angry roar of the sky, your heart might want to look for him."
Jongdae didn't even notice the darkness the rat-grey clouds had caused. Only now does he catch the sound of angry raindrops drumming on the roof as if they were trying to break their way through the brick-stone. Light comes in form of an eel like flash, meandering through the pregnant clouds resembling a hungry snake.
"I hope Baek has returned to our dorms, he easily catches colds." All heads turn to a dejected Kyungsoo who has withdrawn to the outer corner of the cafe, wordlessly watching the whizzing of the sky.
"Soo, he'll understand if you explain it to him, sure. It all started because of your status as a messenger but you have developed a friendship over the years. He'd be a fool to deny that." Minseok's voice has always felt like a safety jacket that keeps people from drowning and Jongdae witnesses once again when Kyungsoo swallows his tears and replaces it with a hopeful smile, that Minseok should have been the next king and not him.
"Stop thinking, that was never your forte," a finger pokes Jongdae's cheek who sends an annoyed glare to his mischievously smirking friend.
The tar-black sky sends another roar to earth and for a moment Jongdae is worried its force will cause a blackout. He tries to calm his erratic heartbeat, shifting into a sitting position before he gracefully raises to his feet, "Why are we friends again?" he stares down onto Chanyeol whose bangs are messily falling into his face,
"Obviously because I'm the only one who can punch some sense back into you." The curtain of rain is dinging furiously of the roof however, the storm inside of Jongdae's heart is slowly creasing. Rain drops, as they fall seem to unlock the locks to the chest Jongdae has kept hidden away all these years.
One hand runs through his silky hair, gaze fixed on the window. "I'll go look for him," he announces to the room and even though he doesn't receive a proper answer - he does catch the satisfied grin on both Chanyeol's and Minseok's faces.
Junmyeon is happily chewing on a cookie, trying to dump it into a glass of milk and whining when it doesn't fit through the opening, "Be safe my prince," he looks up, cookie crumbles all over his face, "and make sure to find the young boy, he might be the key to our success and survival."
Jongdae doesn’t like the sound of that for a yet to him unknown reason. Doesn't entertain the idea of Baekhyun being a mere object to his kin’s survival even though they have all the right to be selfish.
For a split second Jongdae wonders why his mother chose Junmyeon to be in charge of the council, he has always been a little bit of an airhead and too kind for his own good. However, whenever there had been decisions to make, Junmyeon had proved himself to be worthy of his position. The day when the disease had crawled over the confines of their holy land did Jongdae recall Junmyeon kneeling in front of his mother - the queen and advising her to send Jongdae over the vault-still ocean. Remembers the sad yet understanding sapphire-blue eyes of his mother when she had entered his chambers, her blossom soft lips pressed to his forehead when she asked him to pack his bags. Jongdae remembers the white, lacy dress she had worn that night, the melody of the song she's been singing and lastly the promise he made with her, "Never forget who you are Jongdae. You are the last prince of Tonitrum, our people's pride and only hope."
That night, when he hadn't allowed a single tear to slip off his long, dark eyelashes when he bowed to his parents respectfully for the last time, does he remember the appealing warmth of Junmyeon's determined hand around his. As well as Minseok's trembling fingers adjusting the hood of Jongdae's wool-thick, blue cape when they boarded the ship that would carry them over the sea into an unknown future. A new land, a new culture - far away from home. Junmyeon asking the mighty Neptune for their safe passing of his territory. There was also small, shaking Chanyeol pressed to his side, their arms hooked together as if they were attached by the hip, two pairs of frightened eyes staring straight into the descending sun on the horizon mirroring in the navy-blue of the unforgiving ocean.
Many years have past since Jongdae had left the nutritious eden green lands of Tonitrum, with their crystal lakes and fruit-rich forests. Today his childhood seems nothing more than a lost dream. He never saw his parents again, but the song, that his mother had sang for him that night before he left, accompanies him as Jongdae opens the door of Cafe Nimbus and sprints outside into the spitting rain to find the boy who made him feel somewhat at home again.
⚡
It's the wrong kind of place and time to think about you, Baekhyun thinks as hot tears mix with the cool raindrops, caressing his cold face as if they were trying to comfort him. Baekhyun has lost his rimmed glasses somewhere on the way, vision blurry as he had found cover on the stairs of a random fire escape. His body is trembling from the undying cold, Jongdae’s harsh words are replaying his his thoughts over and over again, causing him to frustratedly scream at thin air. No one is here to listen, no one is here to care about his voice breaking, replaced by choked up sobs muffled by the relentless sissing rain smashing onto the rough asphalt.
Baekhyun should have known that the past week had been to good to be true. Why would the heavens suddenly decide to let him off the hook and allow him a normal, carefree life?
“It’s not fair.” His bottom lips trembles and he lowers his head on top of his arms that have wrapped around his pulled up knees. Baekhyun isn’t sure if he is trying to shield himself from the cold spreading to his bones or the growing loneliness that claws at his heart.
He should have not let his guard down, not have harbored some hope for a guy like Jongdae. The two of them born to be enemies, as much as Baekhyun wants to deny it he can not replace his family's blood and wash away their sins. He’ll always be the son of a bloody murderer family.
Baekhyun loses track of time, the rain has sneaked through his clothes but he doesn’t feel the cold anymore. Instead he senses an old but strong flame of pure hatred towards his family awakening inside of him. If he cannot be reborn as a new person, if he has to endure the heavy guilt of all the lost lives that his cruel family had caused then maybe the only way to free his heart is to destroy the seed of evil for once and for all. What sense does it make to drown in self-pity? Tears won't change who he is or what he must do to grand his grandmother’s last wish: Peace and equality between humans and elves. Baekhyun pulls his phone out of his back pocket of his jeans, empty eyes staring at the red phone icon of five missed calls from Kyungsoo. He isn’t an idiot, well aware that he might have overreacted earlier, if Kyungsoo had his reason to hide his true identity from Baekhyun then he’ll forgive him. Not tonight though. Tonight he must gather the rest of his strength and build on the strong emotions that pump through his veins, to cross the gates of the place he once called home.
Everybody lies and everybody has their own untold secrets and past that they cannot simply reveal to just anyone. Jongdae has probably his own story to tell, hidden behind those sinful green eyes in which Baekhyun had always spotted the same sadness and forsakenness that have directed Baekhyun’s every day life up until now.
Crying had at least lifted some if the weight on his shoulders and Baekhyun carefully pushes himself of the staircase, heading back to his and Kyungsoo’s dorm room for a new change of clothes and maybe a hot shower.
Luckily, Kyungsoo hasn’t returned to their place yet, giving him the privacy and space he needs right now. To prevent a cold he quickly jumps under the shower, the hot stream brushing over his body soothingly, filling him with new energy and determination. Baekhyun hurriedly slips into a black hoodie and some tight pants he spots lying next to his bed. Black sneakers on his feet and a small bag with his wallet and aerosol cans stored inside he throws a final look at their shared room, a sad smile curls over his face. Wondering if he’d be able to return to this place after tonight.
The door behind him clicks shut and Baekhyun’s shaking hands wrap around the strap of his tiny backpack when he walks down the streets to the next bus stop. It is still raining, but the thunder has died down in the distance. Baekhyun wonders if Jongdae’s inner storm has calmed down as well. Being stuck on the ground Baekhyun often dreams of being able to fly, far, far away from here.
The bus ride takes around an hour since his parent’s old, tacky mansion is located at the outer part of Seoul. His mother used to claim that the air out here was cleaner than the one in the heart of the city. Baekhyun finds himself snorting at the memory of her high-pitched voice.
The wind bends the trees to his will when Baekhyun exits the bus and follows the path he used to know by heart. Fear and anxiety clash and have his heart thumping faster inside his chest. The memory of Jongdae’s warm lips on his cheek have his slim fingers trailing over the spot absentmindedly. What if? His mind starts but Baekhyun stops any further train of thoughts. Now, is not the time to go over what and ifs. At this very moment Baekhyun has to come up with a spontaneous plan to smear graffiti all over that cursed mansion and set it on fire before anyone notices his presence. It’s reckless and suicidal but what does he have to lose?
At this moment, there is no place for a broken heart - not if Baekhyun wants to prove that he is different than the rest of his ancestors. The wind is encouragingly pressing against his back, urging him to take another step forward - to have faith and Baekhyun obliges. There is nothing stopping him and only death might change his mind now.
It's been years since Baekhyun had last stepped through the old, golden gates of his family's residence. During the night, when even the leaf-green grass appeared dust-grey did the spacious fore yard resemble a graveyard instead of a welcoming passage leading up to white marble stairs that break through the darkness like headlights. Even from outside can Baekhyun hear the faint sound of creaking floorboards, make out the screeching of single branches scratching against the windows. A tremor shakes his body and he trips over his own feet stumbling forward but catching himself before the sharp pebbles can slip through his jeans.
The two doberman alphas should be fed inside right now, Baekhyun checks his watch, that gives him about thirty minutes to smear over the walls and blow up the garage. His trembling fingers are tightening around his backpack string, teeth sinking into his bottom lip. His feet seem to grow heavier with each step he takes as if an iron ball was tied around his thin ankle.
Baekhyun keeps his head low, hood drawn deeper into his face, as he tries to become one with the growing shadows that trace his steps. There are no lights on the front side of the mansion which has Baekhyun guess that his parents are currently eating dinner in the dining room. The jarring scream of a falcon has Baekhyun fall fled onto his stomach, hissing at the pain of shark teeth like stones ripping through the sensitive skin of his palms that cushioned his fall. A string of curse words leave his mouth, sharp bullets directed at the source of his sudden fright.
An invisible clock is ticking inside of his head, urging him to rob forwards behind bushes and trees, only there does he feel safe enough to straighten back up. He dusts off his clothes, grabbing for his backpack and pulling out two personal cans. The fancy, snow-white garage lies in silence when Baekhyun walks up to one of the places that used to be his prison. Without a single window, a single crack in the wall that would allow some light to fall inside, thick walls blocking every sound, every movement from the outside, leaving only a young Baekhyun and a few curious rats inside. His grip around his cans tightens, ignoring the pain that shoots through him like an arrow, fingers numb to the pain only shaking at the memory of his younger self crying, small fists banging against the door asking for his mother to save him. She never came for him, not that night, not the next day. A woman that had always been nothing more than a shadow of his cruel father. Soulless, heartless, careless and mindless.
No one will ever be locked inside this prison ever again. He vows silently.
Led by anger and rage of his past, his hands move over the white wall, a red string of color exploding over the rough surface, painting the prison with the red, forgotten tears of a banished child.
Baekhyun's chest his heaving, a light breeze is ruffling through his hair and it's only then when he notices the wet streaks that trail down his cheek to his chin, wet drops clinging onto his skin before falling and disappearing in the night.
The wind howls, louder than a pack of wolves, pulling Baekhyun out of his memories and into the presence. Then he hears it, the faint sound of a door being opened. Baekhyun reacts quickly, pulling the small bottle of gasoline out of his backpack, hands fumbling for the lighter, he drops it, his heart beating so fast that he frets it to jump out of his throat. His ears are ringing, cold sweat is running down his spine when he crouches down, fingers searching for his red lighter beneath pebbles and dirt.
The light of flashlights skim over the grass, Baekhyun covers his mouth, holds his breath, his heart hammering against his chest. His sweaty palms find the lightener and presses it against his chest. He counts inside his head, one, two - at three he jumps to his feet, throwing his whole weight against the small door that leads inside the garage. A loud thud echoes but the wood doesn't break. Baekhyun tries again, swallowing the yelp that wants to break free when his elbow collides with the hard material. Loud barking has Baekhyun speed up, feet desperately kicking at the door and finally, finally his sneakers break through, creating the perfect hole. Within seconds does Baekhyun splash the gasoline inside the opening, trailing a small trace a few feet away from the garage. The barking grows louder, angrier and Baekhyun is aware that if he doesn't start running then he'll be the beasts' dessert.
He spares the garage connected to the mansion one last, icy look before he the sun-orange light of the lightener breaks through the darkness and Baekhyun drops it into the wetness in front of his speed, turns around and takes off in a sprint. The explosion shakes the ground, the pressure hits Baekhyun from behind, causing him to fall over, rolling through the wet grass, rocks slid through his jeans, Baekhyun groans, the world around him is spinning. His body is arching and he can feel something hot running down his left cheek. One second there is a death-like silence than then there are screams, footsteps and dangerous growls piercing the night air. Baekhyun has no time to catch his breath, lava like flames swallowing the garage easily, greedily eyeing the main mansion and Baekhyun watches with an odd feeling of satisfaction as his parents followed by servants break through the entrance door, coughing and cheer terror written all over their faces.
Baekhyun pushes his stiff muscles to move, the dogs will have caught his scent by now, he can hear their paws digging through the mud. They are close, growls and snarls only sounding a heartbeat away from him. The gate is so close, Baekhyun just has to push himself a little more, run a little faster. His vision is blurring, the adrenaline vanishing from his system, slowing down his steps. Come on, just a little bit more Baekhyun tries to push himself, pounding heart about to leap out of his chest. His palms slam against the brick wall close to the gate but it's too late, two pitch-black doberman are already cornering him, snarling at him. Shit, shit, shit! their bone white fangs reflect the moonlight, their growls resembling the fury of nature, while Baekhyun's past is burning to ashes right behind them.
That's it. he concludes, back pressing closer against the cold wall. Never did he think that his life would be ended by the dogs who he used to play with as a kid. Innocent puppies who were turned into monsters over the years. Vicious, brutal training had transformed them into brainless killing machine circling in on Baekhyun. He is swallowing, limbs trembling and heart about to explode within his ribcage.
I don't want it to end like this, not without punching that arrogant elf into his smug face, he thinks bitterly, fingers curling into fists, his body is tensing and his eyes are squeezing shut when the beasts prepare to pounce on him. His ears are ringing, lights mixing together and for a moment he imagines blue wings fluttering in front of his closed lids. He chuckles, maybe his mind has gone mad, now he is even fantasizing. However, then a sudden cloud of light rushes through his body, Baekhyun's eyes flew open in time to witness a huge cloud of sparkling fairydust being howled at the startled dogs. Again Baekhyun doesn't receive time to ponder on what has occurred, the tiny blue clipper gently knocks against his forehead, wings fluttering hectically telling him to follow. Baekhyun does.
He flies over the ground to the gates, in the distance the sound of screams and shouts are steadily growing mixing with the serens of the approaching firetruck.
Baekhyun doesn't look back, his feet scrambling after the small blue dot guiding him through the dark night. A thin aura of glimmering light is surrounding the butterfly and Baekhyun wonders for the first time if there is more to the small friend who has saved his life for a second time.
The streets grow narrow, a sign that they have reached the busier outskirts of Seoul, Baekhyun's breath is coming out short, his body shaking and the cuts from his previous fall burning him as if he was lit up by flames.
Just when he thinks that they reached a safe distance, away from the beasts and ruthless henchman from his family does he hear footsteps behind him, there are flashlights - at least a dozen and a blood-curdling howl rents the air. They are trailing him.
Baekhyun is running out of energy to push on, he has been on his feet since early morning and his slight injuries cause him to trip and stumble constantly.
Where to hide? he gazes up at the butterfly, circling over his head beneath the stars. Hoping for his small friend to know the right way, he continues to follow, deeper into the unknown, dirty alleys.
Every little sound and creek or reflection of light stimulates Baekhyun's senses, have him pick up his steps and suddenly crashing into a bunch of trash cans, rusty metal colliding with the hard asphalt. Baekhyun winces, quickly pulling himself back up when suddenly an iron grip wraps around his wrist, he wants to scream for help but a hand pushes over his mouth blocking his every sound. The man who is holding him is stronger than him, effortlessly dragging him into a seemingly abandoned house.
Baekhyun is shaking, sweat dropping from his temples and sweaty palms coming to rest over his assaulter's forearm. Maybe if he aims his elbow at his attackers lever, he'll be able to get away. Better than to die in vain without anyone noticing.
He is about to turn his thoughts into action when he velvet voice whispers into his ear, "Stay still, stop struggling or you'll get the both of us killed!"
Baekhyun’s mind goes blank for a second, unable to figure out how to feel. Sure, he is relieved that none of his father’s henchman had caught up to him but Jongdae’s words from earlier are still too present, wounds still too deep to be filled with pure happiness to be in the other’s presence.
“I don’t need your help!” Baekhyun hisses when Jongdae’s hand has removed itself from his mouth. He hears Jongdae release a low, disagreeing grunt in the back of his throat before Baekhyun is suddenly whipped around, face pressed flushed in the crook of Jongdae’s neck with the elf’s one arm around his back and the other keeping Baekhyun’s head in place.
“Silence!” Jongdae snaps at him.
Baekhyun is about to vocalize his obvious discomfort when he sees the flashlights dancing through the broken window glass. Heavy footsteps resound from the dull walls. Baekhyun unintentionally grabs a fist of Jongdae’s coat burying his face deeper in the crook of the elf’s neck. Jongdae doesn’t appear to mind, gentle fingers soothingly running through Baekhyun’s hair as if to calm him down. Stop his body from trembling.
Nothing happens for a while, it’s only Baekhyun listening to Jongdae’s steady heart beat, nose brushing over Jongdae’s pale neck. They wait, ears searching for every single sound, any creek or paws of a dog. The wind mewls and keens through the cracks of the door, minutes tick by, Baekhyun inhales Jongdae’s spicy scent of cinnamon, heart beats slowly falling into their normal rhythm.
His forehead rests against Jongdae’s shoulder, he is sleepy, exhaustion fully washing over his every limb, consuming him as a whole. Jongdae is shifting, soft palms cupping Baekhyun’s face, examining it for injuries. Jongdae’s green eyes narrow, thumb swiping over a second cut that has been added to the one from the previous week. Baekhyun winces at sudden shot of pain, flinching away from the touch and trains his gaze onto the dirt covered ground. He spots a dead rat, a vile smell rising up from it causing Baekhyun to cover his mouth to not gag at the sight.
“Let’s get out of here,” Jongdae’s voice is steady but his face is twisted in disgust mirroring Baekhyun’s own reaction. This place resembles the one right of those horror movies, Kyungsoo enjoys watching and torturing Baekhyun with. He shudders, ready to leave this nightmare once and for all. His body is moving on its own, ignoring Jongdae's hand around his wrist pulling him behind.
⚡
( part 4 )