Info:

Title: The True Order
Characters: NCT + Hansol, Kun & more
Pairings: Johnny x Ten, Mark x Haechan, Jaehyun x Ten, Taeyong x Jaehyun, Taeyong x Doyoung... (again a lot of possible pairings, I'll focus a little more on the plot)
Genre: Fantasy
Description: In a land of fantasy we have four kingdoms: Aepriseon, Grikar, Thiveles and Skaicor. In this story we'll follow the youth that will try to stop a war that seems to grow in the distance. Skaicor has been silent for too long, its bloodthirsty and greedy King haven't announced war in a long time and now the kingdom has its borders right up to Thiveles and Grikar who wouldn't be able to withstand an attack. Aepriseon; known for its army is the only reason Skaicor hasn't attacked yet or is it? Thiveles council of youth now has an idea of how they can figure out what Skaicor is planning, but it includes capable volunteers and an architect from Grikar.
Author's Note: I was just bored and wanted to test out my writing and ended up writing a lot on this! 30+ pages and the plot hasn't even really thickened yet, like we're still at the intro. Pairings hasn't really been decided except from Johnten.

Sneak Peek:

Prologue + Chapter 1.

Prologue

The waves rolled in, crashing against the stone wall of a cliff that rose high up to the sky. The clouds seemed to create a new landscape above the land that stretched its way towards the horizon where mountains separated 4 kingdoms. The very first built upon the top of the cliff, it’s castle facing the endless sea was called Aepriseon with its grey walls framing the city until it borders the city from the village that lies around its borders separated by a small forest.  

Behind mountains in a rougher terrain with a castle built into a mountain side the Grikar kingdom ruled the lands. It was known for its mines that dug deep into the grounds and it was known for building its wooden villages into stone cities, focusing on its land instead of conquering like the King of Skaicor did. After taking down the smaller Kingdoms in its neighbor lands its castle was still small and black as the night, and its soldiers known for silently killing from inside castles and out. Skaicor’s King didn’t rest until it conquered all lands and for now the other three kingdoms still stood their grounds.  

Which lead us to the last thriving kingdom called Thiveles that was known for its youth that was in on ruling, democracy being its strong point. It may have an Emperor to give the word, but its council was made of youth. It was said that a young prince from Skaicor fled to this land after denying the throne and taking over the killings that was Skaicor’s legacy. Thiveles’ castle was pale and wide and in the very middle it had a round but uprising building for when the council discussed important matters. Its spires glistened in the sun’s rays and its castle a beacon for youth all around in the other kingdoms.  

But nothing could match Aepriseon’s army that even patrolled into the other kingdoms as it was the only thing keeping Skaicor from declaring war.  

A very important meeting was held in Thiveles’ court room with its youth all up on its feet, arguing in loud voices which were very unlike them. Their emperor was sitting silently, trying to listen to all their voices but on the same time fighting off a terrible headache. 

  “Silence…” He said softly after running a hand through his blonde hair. One of the council members sitting right in front of the emperor stood up. 

  “CALM YOURSELVES!” He boomed and everyone dropped to their seats or let their voices fade into unfinished sentences. The man looked at the emperor. “This won’t do.” He said and the emperor raised a hand for the man to settle down as well. 

  “Kun is right.” He said. “This won’t do.” He looked up and around at the youthful faces that stared back at him. “I know it is upsetting, but Grikar speaks of seeing black soldiers close to their borders and Aepriseon would like to build stronger armies. Skaicor has been silent for far too long.” 

  “But we don’t have strong soldiers like Aepriseon has. We have knowledge and wisdom and ideas but not great fighters. Not in the numbers Aepriseon wishes.” A boy with auburn hair spoke, standing up from his seat, body draped in a white robe.  

  “Emperor Winwin, our chances of surviving an attack full on are slim. Even with Aepriseon’s army if they attack here first, we’re doomed.” A young youth called Jaemin spoke.  

Emperor Winwin nodded. “I know. This is why I think we must come up with a new idea to find a solution to this problem.” He said and the whole room hummed as people took this in. 

Kun, Jaemin and Yuta were all standing. Kun bit his bottom lip before speaking thoughtfully. “So instead of deciding to create an army, we need to find a way for us to avoid an attack and also avoid giving away too many of our people.” 

  “We could unite with the other kingdoms.” Jaemin suggested. 

  “Too risky.” Yuta said with a shake of his head. Winwin pointed to Yuta as if agreeing. 

  “We’re being watched, this needs to be discreet.” He said and everybody seemed to be thinking hard. The emperor stood from his seat and everyone followed. “Let’s think about this and meet here again with our ideas tomorrow. Get some rest.”

Chapter 1.

Through the thick forest of large trees, you would come to an open land buzzing with people. Behind green fields lied a city on the other side of a small river that s its way through the landscape. The capitol lied far away from this village they were building. Here a new architect was checking up on the builders. A hum of singing men filled the air and the sound of metal meeting stone reached Ten as he walked on the stone path that would connect the buildings. “Good morning.” He greeted a group of men, taking off his travel cape as he did. The group of men eyed him with small smiles and he hid a smile of his own. “I am looking for your instructor.” He said and one of the men grinned eyes roaming Ten’s figure. 

  “Down that way, sweety.” He said and Ten rolled his eyes before walking away and into one of the houses that were already finished.  

  “Sweety.” He huffed and entered a room that was lit up by torches and he smiled proudly at the tall ceiling and the open and cozy atmosphere the house greeted him with. After all it was his design. He passed by a group of men that were eating lunch a few women were chatting, one of them wiping dust off her face before looking up at Ten. He gave her a smile and she blinked back at him. Ten chuckled to himself before finding a man whose clothes looked too clean for being a builder. “Hello.” He greeted him and the man spun around a pair of round glasses perched upon his nose. 

  “Oh hi, you must be Ten! The architect who has been the main designer of this new city!” He said excitedly and shook Ten’s hand. Ten chuckled and nodded. 

  “Yes, you’re right and what’s your name?” 

  “Henry.” He replied, his hair was short but styled neatly and his skin was pale. He definitely didn’t get out in the sun often. Ten looked down his golden arms and blamed it on himself because he always went out to see buildings instead of being inside and studying. He’d rather see the things that had been built than just looking at old sketches. Henry had a long straight nose and his glasses seemed to slide down when he looked down upon Ten who was rather small, but most people from the mining families had a small height. Ten though… didn’t follow his father’s steps. He pointed towards the exit and for a moment caught the expression of disliking on Henry’s face at the thought of stepping out into all the dust and smell of sweat of the working men and women. Ten admitted it was quite noisy, but it amazed him how hard the men worked to built something he had envisioned.  

  “Let’s go.” Ten beamed just to annoy the other man and Henry sighed before walking ahead. Ten followed him out into the street.  

  “As you’ve drawn the buildings are going to have a lot of detail and be built close to each other. We’re thinking of having a small castle placed on the tall hill to our west, because this place will be a beacon compared to the villages surrounding it. The town of Dustbury.” He said and then coughed when a woman threw down a dusty blanket. Ten just waved at her. Henry stopped in front of one of the buildings that were rather tall. Ten remembered drawing this. He went over to the wall to see all the details and was amazed by how well they had made it.  

He walked around Henry to go inside, stepping up the stairs and looking up at an open roof since the floors hadn’t been placed yet. A loud noise reached him and he looked up at something falling towards him.  

  “Watch out!” A deep voice yelled and Ten was grabbed by the wrist and dragged away from where he had been standing. He dropped his cape in shock, flying right into the broad chest of a tall man.  He heard a loud noise behind him and a cloud of dust rose from the ground. The shirt his nose was buried in smelled of sweat and grass but Ten still hid his face in the other’s shirt when the dust embraced them. The man had an arm around his waist and Ten pulled away as soon as the dust started to settle down. He looked up to see the heart-shaped face of a young man, he wasn’t dark skinned but had a yellow glow to his skin and his eyes turned into crescent moons when he smiled. Ten noticed that his hair was long and pulled up into a bun while bangs framed his face, parted in the right side. His hair was light brown and he looked very handsome. Ten quickly stepped backwards, but that was where a bag of wood had dropped and he stumbled over it, reaching out to hold onto something and catching onto the front of the tall man’s shirt. The man’s eyes widened and he fell forwards. Ten’s eyes grew wide as he realized they were both falling. But he felt an arm around him and the man spun them around so that he landed first and Ten fell onto him. Ten felt so flustered, it was unlike him to be so clumsy. He pushed himself up, looking down at the man who wore a pained expression. 

  “Are you okay?!” He asked and the other smiled. 

  “As long as you are.” He said smoothly and Ten grimaced at the cheesy answer. The men and women who were working above them all cheered and the man beneath Ten chuckled, before getting up. Ten worriedly dusted off his back watching the other’s movements to make sure he wasn’t lying about any injuries. The other noticed this and smiled at Ten who pouted. “I’m Johnny.” He said and Ten smiled. 

  “I’m T-” 

  “TEN!” Henry’s voice shrieked as he stepped in over the fallen wood and immediately dragged Ten up to his feet. Johnny got up slowly, taking in the scene of Henry dusting off Ten who looked wide eyed as the building instructor seemed to not think about private places. Johnny chuckled and Ten noticed it, squirming away from the instructor who was talking frantically. 

  “I am okay.” Ten said and reached down for his travel cape. Johnny crossed his arms over his chest, biceps flexing beneath his skin and Ten gulped. “Just wanted to see the inside of the building.” He said and looked down. 

Henry looked like he was about to rant. “I could’ve told you that it was dangerous inside the buildings, but you went in so quickly. We have rules on the working site that-” 

  “Breathe, Henry.” Johnny said with a chuckle and Henry eyed him.  

  “You focus on doing your job right and don’t bring the main architect in more danger!” He snapped and stormed out of the building with his hands protectively raised above his head. Johnny looked at Ten, something had changed in his face. 

  “You’re the architect?” He asked looking impressed. 

Ten felt his cheeks heat up and he avoided looking at Johnny. “Well, yes.” He smiled and nodded, turning away from the taller to look at the wall. 

  “You drew this building?” Johnny asked and Ten was surprised by Johnny’s interest. He nodded in reply and Johnny’s jaw dropped in awe. “This is such a well structured building. The design keeps it looking beautiful but it is also practical in being small but still having room enough for families to live in here.” He said arms moving along when he spoke and Ten’s brows lifted. 

  “Thank you.” He smiled and Johnny scratched his neck. 

  “You’re welcome, I guess.” Johnny said with a lop-sided smile and Ten couldn’t help but chuckle, watching the sun’s rays fall upon the taller and Ten thought the other’s eyes shone. 

Ten was going to sleep in one of the taverns in the nearby village and was accompanied by Henry who chased away a group of drunk workers who eyed Ten. 

Ten sighed. His face was very uncommon in this land. Their features were rough, many said they looked like they were carved out of stone, features rough and sharp, quite similar to Skaicor’s. Except Skaicor was tall and thin and Grikar’s features were known for being muscular and broad shouldered. Those who worked in the mines were pale and those who worked out in the sun tan. Ten had been told he looked like someone from Thiveles because their features were very soft and delicate. Ten didn’t know his mother and his father had never told where she had been from. So Ten couldn’t help but wonder if she was from Thiveles.  

  “What are you thinking of?”  

Ten stumbled and felt fingers curl around his upper right arm to keep him standing. He looked up at the owner of the voice to see Johnny walk beside him. The other looked a bit guilty.  

  “Don’t fall again.” He said with a sheepish smile and Ten nodded, feeling the warm hand on his arm slide down and let go.  

  “You again?!” Henry shrieked and Johnny looked at the other with obvious disliking.  

  “It’s okay, Henry.” Ten assured the other and he wondered if his father had written a specified letter to Henry because it seemed like Henry was acting over protective on someone’s order. Ten groaned, of course it was. His father was probably worried about Ten travelling so far away from the capitol alone and wanted someone to keep Ten safe. Ever since that guy in the street went all in on Ten with his father in ear-shot Ten’s father had been outraged to hear that people talk like that to Ten. Well, Ten felt bad for the women too, they must be experiencing the same treatment. 

  “Which tavern?” Johnny asked leaning a little closer as he spoke. Ten exhaled into the cool air, the sun was setting in the west, casting its last rays up upon the sky.  

  “Dustville Inn.” He said and pointed to a large wooden building that faced the river and what would become Dustbury soon. Johnny smiled. 

  “Me too.” He said with a grin and Ten couldn’t help but smile back. Henry seemed to squirm around beside them, not sure of what to say when Ten also showed interest. Ten and Johnny walked in comfortable silence and with Johnny beside him, Ten noticed that people just passed him without having to leave comments. Ten smiled to himself, focusing on the crunching of gravel beneath their feet. They crossed a wooden bridge, which would also have to be rebuilt and then entered the tavern. Loud voices reached Ten and it reeked of alcohol but Ten didn’t mind, clearly remembering the days of him and his friends in the tavern close to their college. He pulled out the key with an attached leather strip where a number had been burnt into it. Johnny did the same and Henry was about to excuse himself, poking Ten’s shoulder to bid him goodnight when the door to the tavern was slammed open, knocking against the wall and leaving a small tremble in the building. Everybody looked towards the entrance. Ten and Johnny spun around to see a tall man clad in black, his cape made of  bear fur and a scar dragging its way down his right cheek. Ten frowned not having seen a guy like that before. Johnny stepped in front of Ten and Ten looked up at the back of Johnny’s head in confusion, but then the guy who entered spoke. 

  “Good evening everybody!” His voice rung and Ten took himself in curling his fingers around the belt straps going over Johnny’s shoulders. Johnny obviously knew who that guy was and he shielded Ten for a reason. Henry beside them hiccupped, glasses sliding down his nose as he stared at the guy entering with wide eyes. “Ah, so many new faces because of the glory that is the upcoming town called Dustbury! There should be a pretty one among ye right?” He asked and stepped forwards, Ten tightened his grip around Johnny’s belt strap. He was one of those. They were called Wolves because they came into the sheep farm and took the prettiest with them. Girls and boys. No matter what their status were the Wolves didn’t care. They didn’t mind killing people that tried to defend the one being taken. What happened to the one being taken was only a mystery, but you could guess. Few returned alive.  

Ten took himself in pressing his face into Johnny’s shirt. The Wolves only got to the small towns far away from the capitol so he had never been in danger. Now he was screwed, absolutely screwed. Ten turned to look at the man in the bar and their eyes connected. The bartender gasped and he gestured for Ten to come and hide behind the bar. Ten nodded and as a small murmur spread amongst the people in the tavern Ten dragged Johnny backwards towards the door leading into the bar. Johnny followed and Ten ducked down crawling in and finding a corner to hide in. Johnny leaned over the counter to talk with the bartender.  

  “Do they come here often?” He asked and the bartender shook his head. 

  “Once a year.” He said. “But then they also stay three days.”  

Ten whispered a series of curses, he had to stay there for exactly three days. Maybe he should cut his travel short?  

There was a small yelp from a girl and Ten saw Johnny look up with a frown. Ten knew he was going to try and defend her, he just knew. So he crawled towards the small door and pushed it open, reaching around the bar to grab onto Johnny’s ankle to keep him there. Johnny looked down at him. Ten looked into the other’s eyes pleadingly. “Don’t.” He mouthed as they heard the girl beg for them not to take her.  

Johnny looked at him in disbelief. “We can’t let them take her.” He whispered. “What if it was you?” 

Ten blinked, would Johnny defend him if he was taken? Ten couldn’t have anyone dying for him. “Please.” He pleaded Johnny and the taller looked troubled as the girl struggled and Ten heard the Wolf leader laugh. 

  “Is this the prettiest one?” He asked. “I was sure I heard someone talk about a pretty boy that came from the capitol?” 

Ten’s blood ran cold. Johnny seemed to stiffen but Ten felt the bartender kick his leg and he slowly crawled back into the corner he hid in first. Johnny shook his head. “I don’t think he sleeps here.” He said and Ten covered his mouth to stop himself from telling Johnny to shut up. “He could be sleeping in the tavern that is almost finished in Dustbury.” He suggested. The Wolf hummed in his deep voice. Ten heard Henry mutter panicked words but he didn’t say anything. “We have two more taverns in this village as well.” He suggested.  

The Wolf laughed. “Are you hiding something?” He asked and Ten cursed to himself, no matter how confident Johnny had sounded he saw right through him. “Someone?” 

The girl who had cried out before suddenly spoke. “He’s here. The boy’s here!” She said and Ten gasped. Did she just give him away to the Wolves? Ten didn’t know what to do, he couldn’t really blame her for trying to save herself. Still it was so cruel of her to sell Ten out. Johnny pretended to be surprised by these news but Ten knew he was caught and he felt tears press on as fear grasped his whole being.  

Then Henry spoke. “Y-you need to leave!” He said to the man. “This boy you speak of is the main architect of Dustbury and is very well known in the capitol. They will not let you go if you as much as touch him!” He stuttered in a squeaky voice and Ten feared that somebody would get hurt if they couldn’t find him. 

  “Touch him?” The man repeated. “Well that’s what I was thinking of doing.” He chuckled and the laughter spread amongst the other Wolves. Ten looked up at the bartender that seemed to take a step back as steps neared them. Ten looked at the wall behind him, the Wolf was standing right there. Ten heard the others walk around and knew they were looking for him, then the Wolf stepped around the bar pushing Johnny aside and stopping in front of the entrance towards the bar. Ten felt like screaming but he didn’t say a word. The small door was pushed open and Ten looked up at the Wolf that entered, his black hair was messy and he had a braid down one side of his face, his eyes were such a cold blue and Ten was paralyzed when they met his. 

A smile curled the other’s lips upwards and the bartender tried to jump forwards to defend Ten but he was pushed away so roughly that he knocked into the wall. Ten screamed when the man curled his hands around his ankles tugging him towards him. He was pulled up onto his feet, wrists caught in the man’s fists. The man looked at Ten as if he was food, a treat. Ten was trembling but he couldn’t stop himself from feeling such hatred and without another thought he spat the man in the face. Ten felt himself being lifted up from the ground and he cried out as he was thrown over the bar and to the floor. Johnny shouted his name and Ten pushed himself up, watching the Wolf being stopped by Johnny who stepped in the way. Ten sprang forwards wrapping his arms around Johnny’s waist and tugging him down, before a blade could find its place in Johnny’s body. Johnny fell to the floor and Ten covered him with his own when the Wolf raised the blade. 

  “How dare he get in my way. Is he your lover?” He asked and Ten reached out a palm. 

  “Please spare him!” He cried. Johnny sat up, holding around Ten who found himself wanting to just flee into the other’s embrace but he knew it would anger the Wolf. There was a flash of yellow and Ten felt Johnny’s grip around his waist tighten as they saw Henry throw down a torch upon the Wolf. “Henry!” Ten screamed as fire  at the bear cape and the Wolf roared before he spun around slicing Henry’s throat open and throwing off his cape. People screamed and ran out of the tavern as the torch’s fire ate at the dry wood of the building. Johnny seized the chance to get up and drag Ten with him towards one of the halls before the Wolf could take Ten. Ten watched Henry’s body on the floor, the cape behind it burning bright. Henry’s eyes reflected the fire that spread around his body and that was the only life left in them. 

The two ran down the hall and Johnny whipped out his key, unlocking a door and hurrying inside. He started grabbing his clothes and packing it. “Your bag?” He asked Ten. 

Ten gasped, all his work and belongings where in his room upstairs. Johnny swung his bag onto his shoulder before the two ran towards the staircase. As soon as they turned to run up the Wolf appeared in the door. Ten shrieked and fled the other’s touch.  

The Wolf growled and stormed up the stairs after Ten and Johnny. “A little bit of fire can’t separate us!” He boomed and Ten ran in front of Johnny as they fled down the hall to their left, and then Ten fumbled with his key to unlock his door. Johnny kicked out after the Wolf before he could near Ten. The Wolf laughed. “I knew you were protecting someone.” He laughed and pulled out his dagger that was still red with Henry’s blood. Ten unlocked the door trying not to replay the sight of Henry’s throat being cut open, blood painting his neck and shirt ruby red. Johnny avoided the other’s dagger as Ten hurried inside to grab his stuff that he luckily hadn’t unpacked. They could hear the fire crackle as it ate the building and Ten looked out upon the darkening sky and the glistening water that was right beneath his window. He pushed it open noticed a bit of dry ground. He dropped his stuff down and saw it land on the grass. If he jumped far out he would land in the water. Ten turned to look back and saw Johnny lift up a broom to avoid the dagger. He stabbed forwards with the broom and the Wolf avoided it. Ten knew Johnny wouldn’t last long. It was getting unbearably hot inside the building and Ten saw the water reflect the rising flames. “Johnny!” Ten called out and Johnny looked at him, the small moment of distraction was enough for the Wolf to strike and Johnny tried to avoid the dagger but it still still pierced his abdomen. He cried out in pain but still pulled away and ran into the room dropping the broom and Ten sprang out hearing Johnny follow him. The cold wind slapped against Ten’s forehead blowing away his bangs until he hit the water. He was embraced by the cold darkness before swimming up to the surface. He looked up and saw the Wolf look at him. 

  “I will get you!” He laughed and then he vanished from the window. Ten heard Johnny resurface with a loud gasp, and Ten swam towards the ground where his things were. He grabbed them taking them on his back and helping Johnny out of the water. Then they ran along the shore towards the stables where Ten’s horse stood. The fire lit up the darkening world and Ten could hear the wolves howl as they started their search for them. Johnny was grabbing his side and Ten knew he was hurt. He didn’t know if it was bad, but the pain displayed on Johnny’s features was enough for Ten to know. Ten and Johnny crossed the street just fast enough to avoid the Wolves as they and their horses sped past them. Johnny collapsed as they hid behind one house, shadows hiding them from being seen.  

  “Johnny we need to go.” Ten cried out, lifting up in Johnny who groaned. “Please come with me, don’t give up.”  

Johnny chuckled. “I didn’t expect this to happen when I first saw you.” He said weakly and Ten was afraid the other was in some kind of shock.  

  “Hey.” He said softly, taking Johnny’s face in his hands, Johnny’s hair stuck to his face and Ten brushed it away, blinking as water dripped from his own bangs. Johnny’s eyes caught the light of the burning tavern. Ten felt his stomach flutter, Johnny left him breathless. “We are together now, okay? You can’t give up now. I need you to come with me.” 

Johnny looked into Ten’s eyes, for a moment just looking at him before he nodded in Ten’s hands. “If you need me.” He muttered. 

  “I do.” Ten replied immediately. “Let’s go!” He then said and pulled up in Johnny’s left arm, taking it over his shoulders and going for the stable. 

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