Five in the morning is just too early.

A loud knocking on the front door was persistent on being answered as it kept on and on. Sungyeol groaned and rolled out of bed, wondering why Mr. light-sleeper Woohyun wasn’t answering the door yet. He walked down the short hall just as Woohyun was stumbling out of his room. According to the tiredness apparent on his face, he had been sleeping quite deeply as well. “Open up!” A male voice yelled from the door. Sungyeol raised an eyebrow at Woohyun who just shrugged in reply. There wasn’t a landlord or cranky neighbor the boys had to deal with, nor did Tane have a very useful police force. So what could be so important this early in the day? Sungyeol unlocked the door with his thumbprint on a scanner and he and Woohyun squinted at the three faces that were revealed.

A short male, probably about twenty, with a happy face, stood in the back on the left. To the right was a slightly taller male, seemingly younger, who had dark hair and sharp eyes; the likes of which were blinking tiredly at Sungyeol. ‘Yeah..I know the feeling, buddy.’ He thought. The third guy had a stern face with one eyebrow raised; he looked to be the oldest. His clothes were nicer than Sungyeol had seen in a while and his eyes were so squinted that the thought of if he actually had them open crossed Sungyeol’s mind.

“My name is Kim Sunggyu; I am a knight and advisor who hails from Bagaron.” the one in the middle said. “This is Lee Howon, or Hoya, from Pilan-” he said, pointing to his right. “ -and L from Windham.” He finished the sentence at his left before pointing straight at Sungyeol and Woohyun. “First off: show me your hands.” Sungyeol and Woohyun just blinked at the so called knight. Sunggyu waved his hand impatiently. “Now!” he yelled. The boys both jumped slightly in surprise, lifting their hands up, palms out.

“Look, Mr.… adversary..” Sungyeol started.

“Advisor.” He grunted back, grabbing one of Sungyeol’s hands quickly. “But that’s hardly important right now because…you do have L’anello.” He nearly whispered, lightly touching and staring at the ring Sungyeol accidentally left on his finger last night. He pulled his hand back, feeling awkward with Sunggyu staring at it like that. “L’anello? Yes, I found this. Actually, it was thrown at me.” Sunggyu walked in without permission and plopped onto the couch. “Why is it important?” Sungyeol asked aloud, feeling confused. L also sat on the couch but Hoya, apparently realizing there was only one more seat, continued standing out of courtesy. Woohyun apparently looked at him weird because he immediately sat down after making eye contact. The remaining two boys sat on the light up screen floor in front of the ‘guests’ with wisps of light traveling around them on the ground.

“First of all, I need you to try something.” Sunggyu started, looking at Sungyeol.

“Oh- okay. What?” ‘This is way too much to take in for so early; I can’t even focus properly.’ He thought, rubbing his eyes tiredly.

“Try to take off the ring.” Sungyeol looked over his cupped hands and raised an eyebrow at him, but attempted to pull it off anyway. Nothing. No movement at all. It was like it was stuck with glue all the way around his finger or was holding on deeply with claws; it actually hurt. “Aghh! What is this?” Now he was feeling completely alert, and he looked wide eyed at Sunggyu.

“Damn. I was afraid of this. The ring has finally decided.” Sunggyu rubbed his eyes tiredly.

“Decided?” Woohyun finally spoke up, his face mirroring Sungyeol’s. “Decided on what?” Sungyeol continued to attempt pulling it off, but the pain only grew.

“No, don’t do that! S- something.. bad will happen!” Sunggyu was yelling again, looking wide-eyed and unsure.

“Oh yeah? What can a glued on ring do to me other than scrape my skin?” Sungyeol yelled back. Sunggyu just looked desperately at L, who spoke for the first time.

“It would probably tear off a piece of your soul.” He said, expressionless. “You’d become a vegetable or even worse.”

“W- Wait, what? How is that possible?” Sungyeol looked incredulously at the boy on the couch.

 “It has mended your soul. Well, more specifically it’s joined its soul with your soul. You’re connected with this ring now. You’ve been…chosen.” L said dully before yawning. Sungyeol stopped pulling and dropped his hand, defeated, into his lap. It was silent for a few seconds as things calmed down once again. Sunggyu rubbed the back of his neck a few times then clasped his hands before speaking once more.

“We have been gathered, from different areas of Aarde, to return this ring from whence it came. We are to fulfill the prophecy that has been forseen and we are to follow the plan that has been laid out for us.” Sungyeol’s hands were now ringing through his hair as he was attempting to comprehend the sudden situation. Woohyun scooted closer and patted his back lightly in attempt to comfort him.

“What exactly does that mean?” Sungyeol dropped his hands and looked up at Sunggyu.

“He means that we have a long trip ahead of us..” The third boy, Hoya, said, looking somewhat solemn. 

“So I’m going on some trip with all of you?”

“Well, you can bring your friend if you’d like.” Sunggyu mentioned as if it would make everything seem better. “You know.. for moral support.”

“Moral su- .. listen, you must have the wrong guy. I’ve never been chosen for anything. I’ve never even been out of Tane! How is it that I’m lucky enough to find a nice ring and it turns out to be part of some prophecy?”

The room was silent, since no one had the right answers. Even if they did, they didn’t feel like voicing them at that time; probably for the better, anyway. The silence went on for a few seconds when Sunggyu spoke up once more. “So..are you coming along?” Sungyeol stared up at the man, to find only seriousness upon his face. Without a word, Sungyeol nodded his reply. Woohyun stared incredulously at his roommate, apparently not expecting him to say yes.

“Great.” A smile finally cracked from the ‘leader’ as he spoke. Hoya was smiling too, though L’s face never seemed to change from his blankness.  “The next step is to get a flying ship.” Both of the Tane boys looked at Sunggyu with confusion then Woohyun spoke their thoughts aloud. “You don’t have an airship? How did you get here?”

“Are you kidding?” Sunggyu looked amused and nearly laughed at them. “We don’t have airships in Bagaron!” With the way he was talking, there was something wrong with airships in Sunggyu’s point of view. “That’s mainly a Tane thing.” He nodded, standing up from the couch and the other four followed suit. “We arrived here by AutoBug. Don’t worry though; I have been given the funds and coordinates of a shop here to get an airship.” Sunggyu headed towards the door while the other two boys followed him out. “You two should pack your bags with clothes and any essentials. We’ll be leaving in around 2 hours. But please, pack light.” He shut the front door quickly and loudly. Other than the sounds of the automatic coffee brewer heating its water, the area was silent. The two friends looked at each other as if to say ‘Did that really just happen?’

~~

“Yah! Wait up!”

“This idiot is going to kill me..” Sunggyu groaned, his back turned away as the bright pink-headed and largely smiling boy followed him through the door of the auto shop.

“Who you calling an idiot, hamster?” he replied with a playful smirk. Hoya quickly grabbed the leaders arm before he could launch towards the other. Sunggyu glared at Hoya before pulling his arm out and walking away.

“I cannot believe I let you join in on our mission.” He grumbled, without turning around.

“Well it’s your fault you chose a ship that only I can drive.”

“You said you did not own anything faster!”

“Then.. perhaps you’re right.” The dino-looking male froze and looked down in mock-apology before chuckling, as if he couldn’t help it. “No, yeah, it’s still your fault.”

Hoya grabbed onto Sunggyu’s arm once more to prevent any possible fights, but he couldn’t help but laugh as well. “Yeah, you’re going to be a great addition.” He mentioned, smiling. Sunggyu turned to stare at Hoya incredulously and Hoya simply smiled back and shrugged in reply.

~

Sungyeol and Woohyun were finishing up packing -and Sungyeol had just pulled his grown out hair up into a back head ponytail-  when they heard voices down the hall. They had left the door open, expecting the three other guys to be back any time now.

“Seriously though... you still want to come along even though you have no idea what we’re doing or where we’re going?”

“Well, sure! You’ll eventually clue me in and it’s not like I have anything to do with my life anyways; except watch the shop.”

“Wonderful! Then you should go and watch over your shop!”

“Nah it’s fine.. my buddy is gonna watch it for me while I’m gone.”

An annoyed groan was heard from Sunggyu, before they finally turned into the apartment.

“Are you both ready to go?” The leader spoke as the other three males filed in behind him.

“Who’s that?” Woohyun spoke up as he threw his backpack over his shoulder.

“This is Dongwoo…” Sunggyu sighed. Said male smiled largely, and waved at the two boys. “He will be accompanying us on our mission acting as pilot for our new ship.” Dongwoo opened his mouth as if to say something but Hoya looked hard at him as if to say ‘Take caution in what you say… otherwise leader-si may punch you in the face.’, and Dongwoo kept quiet.

“Okay then. Yeah, I suppose we’re ready.” Woohyun nodded, and eyed Sungyeol who was very zoned out as he slid his own backpack on.

“Then let’s depart.” Hoya spoke up with a light, comforting smile on his face.

Not another word was said as they all filed out of the apartment. Sungyeol took one last lingering look at his home before locking the door and walking away.

Sungyeol never would have known at that moment how much his life would change.

~~

The airship was…somewhat smaller than Sungyeol expected. He had seen many airships in his day, but they were always very large; being built for lightning collecting and needing to have large barracks for holding the collections. This ship seemed to be built simply for speed. It looked similar to an old ‘pirate ship’, though the sails actually stood out to the side, creating an airplane effect. The sails also, rather than being white, took on a blue spider-web-like glow that moved back and forth, weaving with the wind. Sungyeol didn’t know the purpose of it, but figured he find out later. It had a top deck, but was normally steered from below behind a large protective glass window. In this room is where they currently stayed; a few of them on the couches and armchairs that were spread about but Sunggyu stood by the glass next to Dongwoo while he steered the ship.

Hoya was currently chatting on a couch with L who didn’t seem to be talking back much but was listening intently all the same. The remaining two males sat on the ground, across the way from them. Woohyun eyed Sungyeol who was leaning on a pillar. The lanky boy eyed the wall of the ship, with golden gears scattered upon it, turning in synergy. It was extremely hard to tell what he was thinking or feeling just by looking at facial expression; at least for Woohyun. Woohyun had always been a very understanding guy, but he was never very empathetic. He would always try his best in helping Sungyeol during a hard time, but it often ended up awkwardly since Woohyun never could actually understand how his best friend was feeling. It was the same at this moment as it had been since they’ve known each other; pretty much forever. For a long while, he looked on and contemplated whether or not to talk to the blank faced boy, but was eventually interrupted from thought as Hoya sat next to them on the floor.

“You guys alright?” He asked, and Woohyun watched as Sungyeol was also pulled out of his thoughts. He looked over at Hoya, who was smiling lightly as he waited for an answer.

“Yeah, just fine I suppose. Personally, I’m just really confused as to the details of the ring and…well, the whole trip and everything.” He said with a nod towards the Pilan male.

“How about you, Sungyeol?” Hoya moved his gaze to the other boy who just nodded once, his expression not changing.

“Same..” he answered shortly. Woohyun couldn’t help but feel concerned towards his best friend he had been so protective over for nearly nine years. It was an odd relationship they had always had. In the beginning, Sungyeol was very happy-go-lucky and upbeat all of the time. He really helped Woohyun find the fun in life when he felt he had none. It was after Woohyun got over all of his family troubles and went to school that Sungyeol began to show depression. Woohyun immediately realized it wasn’t because of him, but because of how much had changed in the last decade. Yet, his entire life, he had been not the best at cheering people up or even being sensitive of their feelings. This often presented a problem, not matter how much he wished Sungyeol to be happy again. Hoya seemed to sense a tension in the air.

“Well.. I’ll just tell you more about it when we’re all gathered. For now, I suggest to try and get rest since we woke you up early and it will make the trip seem shorter anyways.” And with that, he stood up and swiftly walked towards the two eldest males by the windows. Woohyun raised an eyebrow as he walked off. ‘There’s something odd about that guy..’  he thought to himself before shrugging. Woohyun looked once more at Sungyeol hoping to talk for a little while but stopped short as Sungyeol had stood up, and was now walking to the nearest couch, lying down, and closing his eyes. Woohyun stopped short in surprise and his eyebrows knitted together in concern yet again. He sighed in defeat, and ruffled his hair, before standing up and taking the free love seat next to the other couch; on which L was now asleep on. 

~

It’s too bright.

The light hurts my eyes.

Who is that?

In the distance there was a female figure, her white dress and long ebony hair flowing around beautifully. Sungyeol’s eyebrows knitted together as he held his hand up, looking at it in confusion. He felt no breeze upon it. He saw nothing but the woman and light surrounding her. Everything else was white. Feeling that he must walk towards her, because there was nothing else here anyways, Sungyeol took a step, finding that he was feeling weightless and calm. Now, only a few feet in front of the woman, he took in her features. She had sharp eyes that seemed to give off an icy stare that seemed as if they would normally make people feel unsure, though Sungyeol felt entirely serene in her presence.  He gazed into her eyes and she returned the visual contact. Suddenly, she smiled largely, her features lighting up and making her look positively approachable; nearly 180 from what she seemed before.

“Hello.” She spoke, her voice light and velvety. It seemed like a whisper and yet, at the same time, quite loud. What’s going on?

“Hello.” Sungyeol replied easily as his eyebrows knitted together. “Where am I?”

“You are with me, Sungyeol.” She tilted her head, still smiling. Sungyeol blinked once. Normally he would become defensive and angry at such an answer; and at someone unfamiliar who knew his name already. He then would keep on asking until there was a more sufficient and acceptable reply. However, he found himself not caring much this time.

“And.. who are you?”

“I am myself.” She said, with one short nod, her hair continuing to flow somehow in the on-existent breeze. At the sight of Sungyeol’s small frown, she chuckled lightly, her voice tinkling like bells, then continued. “I am.. your completion.”

It was his turn to tilt his head. “My completion? What, are we married?”

She chuckled again. “In a way, yes. Your soul was broken and so I joined it with my own. I helped you. You also are my completion. I am your…wife.”

“I see..” He slowly nodded once. “And I am your husband? I was help to you as well?”

“Very much so. I have been looking for you for a while now. You are exactly what I need.”

“Am I now?” There was no answer from her, and so Sungyeol decided to just gaze upon her beautiful features as she smiled at him. The silence was far from awkward and was in fact, strangely comfortable instead. What seemed a long while later, the woman’s soft smile suddenly turned into a frown. “You are waking up.” Was all she said before it all turned black and everything disappeared.