*Re-edited version 12/15/12*

Yay! Another update. I would've had it posted sooner but my laptop kept lagging and have the need to reload so many times. Anyway, so many comments! (Well, more than I usually get from any of my stories.) I feel so loved and inspired. T^T I cry tears of joy. You guys have so many thoughts running in your mind (and in your comments) but let's see what happens, eh? I swear the story is going to have more suspense and action soon. Anyway, should I re-edit my foreword? I want your guys opinion before I do anything. Sorry for mistakes or confusion and I hope I didn't forget something. Thank for for subscriptions and comments! Love you~!

Green equals Japanese.

Disclaimer: I don't own pics/gifs. Especially akfslaljasgkjdlajfgsjd Kim Jongin.

(Alaina's POV)

Taemin wasn't the only one who cried in my arms.

Key and Jonghyun basically squeezed me and Taemin in a rib-fracturing death hug, my umma repeating to never EVER scare him like that again. Onew looked incredibly relieved, sinking onto the floor by the bed. He reached up and patted my hand to convey he was happy I was back. Minho was clutching at his chest, glad he found the magical orb in time. Between the tears and sniffling, I peered over Jonghyun's shoulder to survey Exo-K's welfare.

Lips pressed to his soulmate's temple, Chanyeol had his lanky, muscular arms wrapped around Baekhyun, whose bare hands and arms were bandaged in some areas. Both were beaming at the heartfelt scene, the scare they had withdrawing as they saw me truly awake. D.O. and Suho had weary but relieved smiles as well. Sehun was trying to hide the fact he was crying, looking away and rubbing his face - D.O. handed him a bunch of tissues to blow his nose. And Kai, he was leaning slouched against the back wall, subdued, but he was more than elated that I was alive, my eyes the deep chocolate orbs he remembered. He locked gazes with me and I swore the warmth he possessed transferred to me, warming me as if I was sitting next to a fireplace or laying under the sun. My face felt flushed. The way he stared at me...it reminded me of Taemin. My overwhelmed heart thumped irregularly. I looked away, breaking our intense gaze-lock.

"What happened?" Minho finally asked me as we settled down from all the crying and bone-crushing hugs. SHINee and I were clustered near the bed whilst Exo-K on the floor or available chairs. I was squished between Taemin and Key, my arm pressed against Taemin's, my legs bent close to my chest as if I was huddling from cold. Key insisted on keeping a blanket wrapped around me. I looked worn and feeble, like a zombie, only because I'd tired myself out both mentally and physically. Believe it or not, I could use a nap.

I took a deep breath, deciding to tell them what I remembered. "While everyone was doing their tasks over the past week, I'd been trying to practice with my dreams. It didn't work too well during the first few days - I kept...wandering in different directions. But after focusing a bit more, I began to hear voices and feel the presence of the person I wished to see."

"And who was it?" inquired Suho.

I swallowed. "Oh - um - Zelo." I ignored the miffed expressions I saw in the corner of my vision (namely from Taemin and Kai).

"Why him?" Onew prompted, not judging.

"I wanted to see if he was okay," I confessed honestly. "But I felt something had to be...off. So today, I'd decided to practice again, and suddenly I found myself subconsciously in the borders of the dream world. Then an image appeared below me much like how Key-umma sees images in mirrors. I was pulled into the scene and realized it was B.A.P. gathered in their hideout - it was a scene of what was happening currently. They were having an..." Words and voices echoed in my mind; I tried to filter it out. I didn't know how to describe the heated tension and low blow of words. "...important meeting." I inhaled. "About capturing me. I don't know how, but it's happening soon - very soon. You have to be wary for Zelo and Youngjae, they've been assigned to begin the mission."

The guardians tensed.

"Youngjae and Zelo?" repeated Jonghyun lowly. "The two trickiest of all of them? Aish... This will be hard to counter." He ruffled his hair agitatedly.

"Did they talk about anything else?" pressed Chanyeol.

I pondered. "Block B can't join up with them because...something about they can't escape their hideout to team up with them."

They all exchanged speculative glances.

"Maybe because if Block B moved from their spot, they risk being noticed by a guardian - by any of us," D.O. deducted.

"Most likely," agreed Suho. "That's mean Block B is near an area stationed with guardians, and perhaps close to here where they keep contact with B.A.P."

"I think they may be hiding in Incheon or near it where Super Junior is," Kai perceived in a sure voice. "Think about all the demon sightings that have been giving Suju trouble."

"It does make sense," agreed Sehun, bobbing his head once. "Block B and Suju still hate each other and love messing with each other."

"Should we tell them Block B is nearby?" Baekhyun asked aloud.

"Ani," objected Taemin, speaking up for once. "We shouldn't have Super Junior mixed up in this. It'll get out of control."

"But what happens when Block B and B.A.P. get the chance to team up?" asked Key worriedly. "They'll probably confront us head on and snatch Alaina like they'd originally wanted."

"It always circles back to you, huh?" Chanyeol remarked, looking at me imploringly. "What's so important that they would make this much of a hassle to capture you?"

I shrugged lightly, uncertain myself. But something rang in my head like a reminder and I found myself looking at Onew deeply. He noticed and stared back but more curiously.

"I have a spell on me?" I asked him quietly.

All of them shifted uneasily in some ways. Onew frowned and nodded reluctantly. "Ne, you do."

My heart dropped, so that meant... "If I were to learn more, be more consciously aware of myself...the spell fades?"

Onew nodded again, apologetic. "It's meant to protect you, but it grows weaker since you insist on learning. I tried keeping you as unknowledgeable as possible."

"Then I'll stop with my Inhuman studies," I said softly. "That way it fades slowly and you won't have to worry."

Onew's brows rose. "Jinja? Hm...I should've asked you earlier."

"I was warned by...someone about it," I confided. "I was told my powers would be...unfit to be utilized in the human world while I am poorly untrained. I guess I have to lay off using my powers, too."

"So what happened when you tried to...wander in the dream world?" asked Minho, tone careful.

I tried to think and then winced when my head throbbed like a brick had hit me. So many voices...

"Alaina?" Taemin said, alarmed at my pained expression. Everyone was uneasy again.

"Someone was yelling at me," I breathed shakily. "They were so violent, wanting to take revenge on me. An evil presence. He choked me with his Essence in the form of blackness. He wanted me to stay trapped with the sliver of consciousness he had." I shuddered delicately. "It was so scary. It was like there was an underwater earthquake in the dream world. Disorienting and chaotic." I sagged my shoulders, breathless as I remembered the void of darkness, the flashing reflection of the water, the frosty, thundering voice resonating in my head. My head pounded and I clutched at it. I murmured weakly, "I heard you guys...above me while I was trying to fight back...I was scared I might not wake up...and see you guys again..."

And say 'I love you' for the last time, I added quietly in my head, heart wrenching at the memory as I peeked up at my soulmate.

Taemin hugged me close, my face buried in the crook of his neck. He mumbled in my hair, "Me, too, yeobo. I was scared, too."

"It was a good thing Onew-hyung had some magical items in his office," murmured Minho. "The orb we used to free you from the nightmare had a petal from a dispelling flower with drops of sacred water. A type of purifier. It warded off the evil lurking inside your head."

"The orb helped me more than that," I said in a small voice, not looking up from Taemin's collarbone. "Another presence - another voice - was able to slip in when you inserted the orb in me. A woman's voice...she and the evil one were arguing. They were arguing over me. Then she brought me into a different part of the dream world where it was all white. She was sorry and warned me to be careful with dreams." I was puzzled again when I recalled her implying that 'Taemin had some competition about who loved me'. I kicked that distracting thought out of my mind. "She told me that everything will be revealed soon."

"Well, that's news," sighed Jonghyun. "We need some answers for once."

Onew and Suho nodded. "Then we can finally end this madness," agreed Suho.

I raised my hand to observe it. My hand was slightly cold and shaking. "My ES...can you see your ES? Like distinguish a color?"

"Not really," answered D.O. "ES is almost a...spiritual thing that surrounds and lingers within living things. It's not bodily or tangible."

"I saw my ES, though," I said soberly. "Shaped like wisps or tendrils. Not like emission, but I kinda summoned it. Mine was this sapphire-blue color with hints of white. I kinda called for my ES to burn away the black tendrils that choked me."

"Ah, so that's why your ES was burning," realized Baekhyun. "You know, when I tried to calm you down, you burned me." He held up his bandaged hands for proof.

"Mianhae!" I blurted out, feeling really guilty. "I had no other way to defend myself!"

"It's okay," he assured. "I'm used to the heat." He nudged his soulmate to prove his point. The fire lover grinned coyly.

"I guess we have to be alert for intruders or a surprise attack," mumbled Onew, running his fingers through his long, straight tresses.

"Should we set up patrols?" asked Sehun.

"And what about searching for B.A.P.'s hideout?" added Kai, a crease denting his forehead.

"I think we should stay close to Alaina," cut in Taemin firmly. "It's like no matter what we do, something happens unexpectedly. My prognostication powers are badly undeveloped that I can't even predict what happens until it's too late."

"I'm going to be under house arrest for a long time, aren't I?" I grumbled, sarcasm underlining my sour tone.

Some of them sighed. "Yeah, looks like it," said Jonghyun.

I plopped my head on Taemin's shoulder exasperatedly. I was more than exhausted, I was a dying flame trapped in a seal-tight room while all the oxygen was slowly and gradually being absorbed.

Key touched my hair. "Are you hungry? Tired?"

"I think I need fresh air," I sighed. "I'm not hungry, just...out of it."

"Don't stay outside for too long," cautioned Minho. "Like you said, B.A.P. are going to act very soon."

Kai stood up. "Don't worry, we'll protect her."

Sehun jumped to his feet. "Yeah! They have to go through us to get to her!"

I smiled sincerely. "Thank you, my knights in shining armor."

We all relaxed a bit and left my room (I felt scared to fall asleep in there now). Taemin personally carried me downstairs then outside as Kai and Sehun hovered by his flanks. Even Chanyeol and Baekhyun accompanied us, sitting on the outdoor lounge swing. Taemin settled me on the soft, puffy grass, then laid down, his head pillowed on my lap. He was extremely worried; his heart had not stopped thudding frightfully ever since he had that terrifying premonition. Kai and Sehun sprawled on the grass near us, staring up blankly at the afternoon sun. It was quiet, but not entirely peaceful. Not at all. None of the boys were hyperactive or playful - they weren't like themselves.

I poked Taemin's cheek, peering over him. He blinked open his usually bright eyes, but they were dimmer today, and stared back at me curiously.

"Oi, can you do me a favor?" I asked him.

"What kind of favor?" he asked, puzzled but my tiny smile.

"Can you spar with Chanyeol? Last time, he said he wanted to fight with you, but you weren't here, so he ended up having a tie with Suho."

"Jinja?"

"You bet I do!" Chanyeol hollered from the swing. The Happy Virus was re-energized.

Sehun perked up when he overheard the conversation, sitting up abruptly like he was a rising zombie. "Ooh, yeah! That was pretty cool!"

"You had a match and didn't tell me?" Kai whined, sitting up and pouting when he realized he missed a good fight.

Now those were the animated expressions and personalities of the guardians I cared about. I nodded. "So can you?" I pleaded gently at Taemin. "If Onew-oppa or Suho want to scold you, they have to go through me."

"I'm more worried about Key-umma tearing off my head," Taemin admitted, but his lips curved into a joking smile.

"I'm his precious daughter, are I not?" I pointed out with a playful wink. "He wouldn't hurt me."

Chanyeol jumped off of the swing and bounded to the middle of the backyard eagerly. He beckoned at Taemin who stood up, pecked my forehead, and ran over to square off with his opponent.

"Have you ever seen Taemin in a real battle?" Kai asked me with a grin.

I crossed my legs and shook my head, eyes intent on the view before me. "Ani, but Jonghyun-appa told me about it."

"Seeing it is way better."

"Go for it, Yeollie!" cheered Baekhyun for his soulmate.

"Ganbatte, Taemin-kun! Ike!" I decided to cheer in Japanese for fun. Taemin smiled sunnily when he heard me, but his eyes never strayed from his target.

"Ha!" Chanyeol spun and swung out his arm to release a large wave of converging fire, but Taemin was quick and agile, using his prognostication powers to read his opponent. He took one step forward, lept over the wave of fire fluidly (and as the fire went on, Sehun used a blast of wind to extinguish it), and landed crouched on the ground like a lion preparing to pounce. Suddenly Taemin was glowing in this brilliant cosmic light and sprung forward like a shooting star. Fast and swift.

Neither Jonghyun or Kai weren't kidding about how Taemin fought. It was mesmerizing and amazing. Taemin was smart for utilizing his powers and its components. He was certainly better as a combatant than a Mentalist.

Chanyeol blasted a roar of fire at the quick advancement of Taemin but the latter foresaw it to spring upwards, flip mid-air above the fire-user, and produce a rod of blazing light and energy in his hand. Taemin utilized gravity and momentum to allow his lithe body to hurtle downward as he brought the rod down to attack Chanyeol. Chanyeol raised his hands to rocket a massive amount of fire to block Taemin. It slowed the younger one down, the column of fire being forced to split apart by the rod of energy as he pressed on. My soulmate decided not to stay mid-air for long and flashed to the ground where he once stood before. Unscathed.

Chanyeol grinned a hundred-watt grin, unrepentant and exuberant. His eyes were shining with vigor. "This is awesome~!"

Taemin laughed - a merry sound. The rod of light in his hand dissipated. "I forgot what it's like to have a nice challenge."

Kai scoffed. "You're not that good!"

I chuckled at their playful bantering. "I say Taemin will get the upper-hand."

"I say Chanyeol-hyung!" chirped Sehun.

"I'm with my Yeollie~!" sang Baekhyun.

Kai mused, "I'll guess I'll root for Taeminnie-hyung this time."

"You should respect me more!" accused Taemin at Kai, jabbing a finger. Not even looking, Taemin disappeared in a flash from his spot as Chanyeol shot a torpedo of flames at him.

"Watch where you aim!" shouted Sehun, shooting his own torpedo of pressurized wind to block the raging fire. Chanyeol may be a talented fighter, but he didn't absolutely put one-hundred percent control on his powers.

I continued to watch my soulmate battle sportingly against his fire-crazy friend. Laughing mixed with the swoosh of slashed air and the flare of fire mingled in the air. It was an easing climate, something I needed.

Sometimes I questioned how peace could be found amidst chaos - like finding the eye of the storm.
 

...

After dinner, I went to find Onew, in dire need to talk to him about something that was bothering me. Taemin and Chanyeol were scolded by Key for making a mess in the backyard, so they had to clean it up. The others were talking over defenses and protection details while I snuck over to Onew's office. Of course he was in his office. Where else would he bury himself besides the music room?

I knocked on the door and waited.

"Come in," he called from the other side. When I entered quietly, I saw he was shuffling through a box full of trinkets and unfamiliar objects that I could not name. He blinked when he saw me and set the box aside on his desk. "What are you doing here, Alaina? Did you finally eat something?"

The corner of my lips twitched. "Ne, Key-umma nearly had to force-feed me. I wasn't really hungry."

"It'll show tomorrow," said Onew and inclined me to sit and I did, across from him. "So what's up?"

I bit my lip. "Eto, you see...there are some things I couldn't say about what happened in my...nightmare while everyone was there. I thought I could speak it over with you - I trust you very much about my...findings."

"I hope it's nothing serious," Onew said cautiously.

"Depending, I'm not sure myself," I admitted and cleared my throat. "Araso, is it possible for one person to take up a demon's offer but not as an individual?"

Onew's brows furrowed, he clasped his hands before him. "What do you mean?"

"During B.A.P.'s meeting, Zelo had kinda snapped at one of the more temperamental demons. He hinted that he was the one to make the decision. He was the one who changed them. But his hyung-deul snapped back, saying they have all accepted a life that they didn't choose."

"I've never heard of an offering that required one person to allow a demon to take other souls," Onew murmured, intrigued. "I wonder what coerced Zelo to choose."

I sighed. "It must've been hard on him, knowing he carries the burden of damning his friends' lives."

"Is that what was troubling you? Zelo?" Onew asked, concerned.

"Oh - I..." I searched for what words to say. "I think B.A.P. and Block B aren't just working on their own."

Onew frowned at my words. "Wae? Like-"

"-like they're more demons who are plotting with them," I clarified for him. "But they're not here on Earth, but in the Reversed World. I heard the leader, Yongguk, refer to these demons as 'sunbae-deul'. And..." I tilted my head curiously. "How do you prepare a portal?"

Onew's crescent eyes widened, taken back. "This isn't good. Their numbers are higher than we've previously thought. And about how to prepare a portal, for a demon, you need someone who specializes in ES control and has learned the components about dimensions, from ripples to warps. It's very dangerous for a demon, it causes disruptions in the dimensions. It's easier for us Inhumans who've invented technology for the job, but we have protocols, which takes a bit of time."

I was beginning to feel dizzy from the rush of information in my head, but I plowed on with the subject, saying softly, "They'll...open up a portal when they capture me. They plan to take me to the Reversed World, aren't they? Where else would they go?"

"I absolutely don't know why when we all assumed they would either kill you or force you to become a demon," stressed Onew. "But somehow I think they would want to be on their home turf. Demonland, or Demonica, is on the outskirts or darkest parts of the Reversed World. Once you reach the utter darkness, you're into the shadows and find yourself in the Doomworld were they dwell."

I shuddered at the inclination. "I don't want to go there."

Onew reached out to pat my arm. "Ani, we don't want that. For now, we have to pray that doesn't happen."

"I'm kinda curious," I mumbled sulkily, "who do Inhumans pray to since they're not exactly into the religion on Earth? But I shouldn't be learning more, should I?"

"Someday, there will be a time where I get to tell you everything you want to know, but for now, be safe and stay close to us, araso?"

I inhaled a large breath and nodded, the dizziness subsiding slowly. I stood up. "Ne. I'm going now. Thanks for listening."

"Thanks for giving me a heads up." Onew tried to smile but it was forced. "Get some rest and be careful when you sleep."

I nodded numbly and left his office, leaving him to stare after me in concern.

Walking down the hallway, I heard Jongkey and Baekyeol conversing in the kitchen, their voices echoing in the spacious corridors of the house. Passing a window, I saw Minho outside, practicing his gravitational powers a bit. I heard D.O. and Suho in the music room, singing wonderfully yet half-heartedly. I think Kai and Sehun were in the game room, playing with video games to relax and be the boys they should be. Yeah, it wasn't like they were waiting for some type of alarm or breach that would suddenly snap them into action. The situation reminded me of a firehouse, where firefighters proceeded with their normal lives as they waited for the red alarms to blare.

I trudged into Taemin's bedroom since I couldn't bare going into mine all alone. I heard the sound of running water from the locked bathroom and knew he was taking a shower. I decided to curl up in his bed. I was so tired...I closed my eyes to rest...a tune luring me into oblivion...

I didn't know how long I had slept, because it felt all too soon when warm fingers touched my pallid cheek, an angel seeking me out. "Alaina?"

"Hm?" My sleep-encrusted eyes fluttered, my vision blurred then focused. Taemin was staring down at me, a knit between his brows. But he looked more assured when I smiled blearily at him.

"How long was I asleep?" I asked in a whisper.

Taemin laid next to me, slipping his arm under my head like a pillow. "I don't know. When did you come in?"

"You just started your shower I think," I yawned as we stared at each other, our faces only a few inches apart. Even after all the time we spent together, I blushed at the loving look he gave me. No, a century might pass in a blink of an eye and I would still feel like we had just fallen in love.

"About fifteen minutes or so," he amended. I just noticed how his mop of caramel brown hair was dried and he was wearing comfortable drabs of garments. He smelt really good, better than the shampoo, fresh and clean. His velvet voice dropped low, "You know, I was scared when I saw you sleeping, and you were so still, but realized you were sleeping normally."

"Mianhae," I apologized remorsefully. No one was ever going to forget that. Even I was traumatized and extremely tuckered out. I didn't bother taking a shower - I could do that tomorrow morning.

"It scared me when I saw you being tormented in your dream," confessed Taemin softly, but very brokenly. It was hard for him to admit his greatest weakness, his greatest fear. "I couldn't believe it was really happening for something that wasn't in the physical world. I'm so glad that you didn't leave me." His nimble hands cupped my face, assuring himself I was real and alive, feeling the heat from my flushed cheeks.

"Can you believe it's only been about two months since we met each other?" I whispered to him, feeling both nostalgic and lethargic. "It felt like we knew each since forever but-"

"-but only spent so little time together," he finished, knowing my train of thought. "Ne, it was fun and sweet and heart-wrenching all at once. I think I could've gotten five heart attacks since I met you." A tiny grin laced his lips. "Although...I remember some of my favorite moments with you."

"Like what?" But I think I had a clue.

"Oh, you know, like when I first saved you that night, or when the bond activated and the tables turned." He leaned closer and ran a thumb over my full lips. That action made butterflies tickle my stomach, and Taemin grinned knowingly. His voice was lower - a cooing whisper. "How about the first time we slept together in the same bed? Or maybe when...I kissed you."

"You took my first kiss," I accused but felt like laughing.

"You had mine, too," he teased. "Hmm...our first date was so fun. School was a drag, but I didn't care as long as you were with me." His eyes softened. "I'm still sorry I got mad when you told me you were an orphan."

"But I'm not anymore," I reminded him gently.

He smiled lightly. "Right. But even then, when it seemed hopeless to save you, it was like I had no future without you - that we couldn't have anymore memories together. That I didn't wake up everyday with you in my arms." Taemin hugged me close to his chest. "Or I couldn't hear your laugh." He nuzzled my cheek affectionately, eliciting a giggle from me; I felt him smile at my neck. His voice was soft in my ears. "Or I couldn't kiss you anymore."

Lips pressed against mine and I forgot about whatever was troubling me, his touch easing the tension rigid in my body. I kissed him back, my arms circling his neck, his arms wrapping around my abdomen. Deprived from sleep and air, I broke the intense kiss, very breathless and light-headed. I got one more kiss - on the forehead.

"Got to sleep," Taemin murmured, tucking the blankets around me. "My yeobo needs her rest."

"You, too," I whispered back, my head resting on his chest. "I'll be here when you wake up."

"Hopefully, forever," I heard him say very lightly like a breath. My eyes closed, enjoying the presence of my beloved soulmate.

That night, I dreamt of the times we had together.
 

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