When they arrived at the council meeting destination the putrid smell of rotting flesh suffocated him. Wooyoung’s fingers laced with his and he followed without hesitation. ­­As they entered the room, Nichkhun looked over the seated council members and turned his attention to the other Firsts and Seconds seated along the wall. Wooyoung released his hand and he made his way over. They gave him nods and tense smiles. They were all bothered by the events as well.

                “Please answer me why what remains of them is on the table? The stench made me regret my decision to attend.” Wooyoung grumbled as he sat himself down between Marigold and Sano.

                “Because you mindless dolt we can read signs and markings from their entrails.” The grand elder Turina snapped.

                Nichkhun couldn’t help but shake his head. Wooyoung knew better than to upset Turina. Making witty remarks knowing the gravity of the situation was the worst idea imaginable. Listening in, he watched Turina fling something into the air. It landed before Wooyoung out of his sight, but his master’s reaction surprised him the most. He backed up and hissed, “it can’t be them!”

                Nichkhun’s whole body tensed if it were possible. Then it clicked. The Hunters. The people that Wooyoung and Changmin had told him stories about, the people who hunted Immortals purely because they thought they were the epitome of evil and all that wasn’t good, the people who nearly killed Wooyoung on numerous occasions. Nichkhun closed his eyes. The Hunters were his own people...he knew at some point he would have to explain that to the others but he didn’t know how. Taecyeon and Junho he was fine with, but Chansung...he didn’t know how he would tell him. He would lose his trust even more than he already did, if he even had any.

                “The message is clear, leaders.” Nichkhun looked up and folded his arms across his chest. “The Hunters have recuperated, and we must ready for war once more – and quickly.” Harowen said with grave voice.

                “We give you three leaders this assignment: track down the Hunters and eradicate them.” Turina ordered.

                “Absolutely not...” Wooyoung said with a shake of his head.

                Nichkhun, like many others seated with him, withheld his breath and stilled.

                “You dare dismiss an order, Astrum leader?” Harowen asked, more amused than angry.

                Nichkhun wanted nothing more than to leave. He knew Wooyoung was rebellious, and his Wolf popping up probably didn’t help matters at all.

                Sano, second-in-command to Lunaris, chuckled. “She knew you would act this way.” He indicated to Seer Marigold, who had risen to her feet and grabbed Wooyoung’s wrist. “Wooyoung, I know you wish not to face them again, but no one else has more knowledge of the Hunters than you do. You were trained in their ways.”

                This was new. Nichkhun hadn’t known that.

                “You make it seems as if they would not have changed their methods.” Wooyoung argued.

                “Not by much.” Harowen snipped. Nichkhun couldn’t help but chuckle.

                “I think it is hugh time you returned to your League duties, Jang. Ever since the incident with Hwang Chansung you’re been running amuck and neglecting them.”

                Nichkhun suddenly felt sick. They were blaming Wooyoung’s lack of commitment to his mistake, his disaster. That wasn’t right.

                ~Think nothing of it, Nichkhun.~

                Nichkhun shook his head and made no reply.

                “The only reason I escaped last time was my lack of reason. I don’t think anyone wants to try and quell that, again. Besides, my clan is not ready for this.” The emphasis on the not was like a blow to his stomach. Wooyoung felt they weren’t ready.

                Sano had turned to him now, and his body language sent Nichkhun into a frenzy. He knew the Lunaris were powerful, but actually feeling his aura in person was something else. “Jang the coward, doesn’t fit you at all. Since when do you run away? You and I both know that we can fight them. Besides, I really do not think you’re doing your little darklings justice, Wooyoung. We need you in the fight. The Luna clan had been itching to kill.”

                Nichkhun shivered as Sano said the last words.

                “He terrifies me.” One of the other Firsts whispered.

                “You don’t need me! You have him, you do not need me.” Nichkhun was taken aback by Wooyoung’s outburst. They looked ready to fight to the death. It was then that Nichkhun noticed the slivers of black thread around Wooyoung. He’d never seen that before and tilted his head. The sound of running caught his ear and he turned to the door.

                “Another attack in the west!” He called after crashing onto the floor. Nichkhun’s gaze roamed over his body, littered with injuries. “Visual recognition, the Hunters are massing!”

                Everyone broke out into whispers and mutters. Nichkhun turned his attention back to Wooyoung. Sano’s hand laced deep into his hair and his gaze locked on him. Nichkhun swallowed uncomfortably. As he spoke to him, his hand drifted down to the back of Wooyoung’s neck. Nichkhun had to look away. It wasn’t obvious, or perhaps it was, but that was a very intimate touch.

                “Please, I need to heal!” The injured immortal cried. He was shaking from his pain. “Their weapons burn!” Nichkhun and some of the Firsts rose, but stopped short. Nichkhun winced as Sano’s blade sliced the injured man’s head clean off. He didn’t it without blinking, turned away, and retook his seat. Wooyoung didn’t even react, like he’d witnessed this before – in fact, he probably had. Some of the guards came forward and removed the body. Nichkhun slowly sat back down.

                “A decision, leaders?”

                “I will fight, and so will the Luna.” Sano answered without pause.

                “Yes, your actions tonight were more than enough answer, Sano.”

                “I will join as well.” Marigold sighed softly. “These boys wouldn’t be able to do much without me.”

                And then it hit, a deafening silence. Nichkhun had never seen people be so still. The only movement was Wooyoung lowering his head. His proud leader, sole confidant, and at-times lover, had to resign himself to someone else’s decisions. He knew Wooyoung wouldn’t like it, but what other choice did they have.

                “Fine...Astrum will fight.”

                It was as if the whole room was relieved by his statement. The meeting dismissed shortly after that and Wooyoung shared a few more words with Sano and Marigold. It didn’t last long. Soon he was marching over to him, face masked with discomfort. Nichkhun rose. Wooyoung gripped his arm and they vanished. He found them at the office in the city. Wooyoung went to his vault and opened it without a word. His silence unnerved him greatly. He moved to ask him but Wooyoung suddenly collapsed.

                “Wooyoung!” Nichkhun held him close and checked him over. “Wooyoung? What’s wrong?”

                Wooyoung shook his head and he leaned back into him. “Overwhelmed by everything...” He answered quietly.

                Nichkhun felt a little relieved it was only that, but he also knew he should know better. “Do you really believe we won’t be able to fight them?”

                Wooyoung shrugged, “I want to believe you would be able to. But...I’m scared, Nichkhun.” Never had he heard those words uttered by Wooyoung before, not in all the time they had known one another. “I...what would I do if I lost any of you?” Wooyoung was looking up at him, so vulnerable, so lost. What was he supposed to do? Wooyoung gripped his hands tightly and made to stand but Nichkhun kept him.

                “We told you we would be there to help you. You don’t have to fear alone, Wooyoung.” He said finally. He was gifted with a smile without tension or pain.

                “If only I could be assured by words...” Wooyoung teased. Nichkhun smiled and helped him up. Watching him move through the vault, Nichkhun sat down. Then he got to thinking.

                “Ne Wooyoung..?”

                “Hmm?” Wooyoung came back out and shut the door.

                “How did you know I was going to be in that alleyway that day?” He asked and slowly looked up. He found a small, gentle smile gracing those thin lips.

                “A dream...” Wooyoung said fondly.

                Nichkhun’s brows furrowed in confusion, but Wooyoung said nothing more than that. He would have to think about it, because he was sure Wooyoung had said the same thing to him before.

                “Come my beautiful prince, as much as I would rather indulge in pleasures and memories, we have some work to do.” Wooyoung held out his hand.

                It flashed before his senses, a memory. Many times, Wooyoung had held out his hand to him, many times he’d hesitated to take it. No matter what pains Nichkhun had gone through, Wooyoung pulled him up, stabled him on his feet. Reaching out, it was as if he were back ‘home’, Wooyoung grinning at him, his definition of freedom. When their hands touched, Nichkhun was tugged close to him. Was he free? Looking into Wooyoung’s eyes, he couldn’t help but smile. No. He was chained to him. Just like Junho, Chansung and Taecyeon, he was a prisoner to Wooyoung’s affections. And, he really didn’t mind it so much.

*

               As soon as they appeared in his manor, Nichkhun found himself pulled into Wooyoung’s side with such force, the wind was knocked out of him. Then it hit him like a wave, there were dozens of other auras in his manor. Wooyoung’s voice came through his mind at odd intervals. He was then forced to the ground as a Wooyoung deflected a dagger. Nichkhun looked around trying to catch a glimpse of their assailant but to no avail.

               “Come on out!” Wooyoung demanded. Slowly, they seemed to grow out of the shadows. Slowly coming to stand once more, Nichkhun had to admit he was terrified. He hadn’t even sensed them. What would have happened to him if Wooyoung wasn’t here? Wooyoung snarled in displeasure. “May I ask a civil question?” He asked once he was calm.

               A woman walked forward, her gaze upon them narrowed and focused intently on Wooyoung. “What leech?”

               Nichkhun reeled back as their energy surrounded them.

               “My, my, you’re all so young!” Wooyoung taunted, his aura was completely different. “All...thirty-three of you.”

               Her blade rose.

               Wooyoung raised his hands in mock-defence. Nichkhun looked behind them. “Now, now miss Hunter. I have some questions for you.”

               “You only said one.”

               “Fair...”

               Wooyoung had been stalling for something. Nichkhun suddenly felt a burst of energy and looked around once more.

               “But, I don’t think you’ll be moving anytime soon. Beloved, turn on the lights.”

               Nichkhun nodded and did so. As the lights came alive, they were completely unveiled. They wore uniforms of silver and black. He could see the strain on their faces in attempts to break Wooyoung’s freezing.

               “Oh, I remember when your uniforms were blue, the red ones were particular ghastly.” Wooyoung chuckled.

               Nichkhun maintained his alertness.

               “Undo your evil magic, leech!” The woman demanded.

               “I think not. I feel quite safe over here with you all frozen over there.” Nichkhun made his way back to stand beside him. He wanted nothing more than to retreat into the safety that was Wooyoung’s mansion. At least there they would be with the rest of the clan. He mentally berated himself. Now he knew why Wooyoung had been so adamant about them not participating. If his fear was anything to go by, Nichkhun realised in that instance they really were not ready. “How did you find this manor?”

               “We were ordered to come here.” She hissed.

               “By who?” Wooyoung’s tone became less patient.

               “That, leech, is none of your business.”

               Nichkhun wished to do nothing more than slit . Wooyoung ignored the insults and continued. “Is he an immortal?” She didn’t reply, but the answer was clear. “Hm, I see. Are you the cause behind the Blood Moon?”

               “It’s the Red Hunter’s Moon, you insignificant heresy!”

               “Alright, alright,” Wooyoung waved her off. “I apologise. So, Blood Moon, you are behind it then?” Nichkhun couldn’t help but smirk. Let no one tell him Wooyoung wasn’t saucy.

               “Who else?” She said with a confident smirk. It unnerved him a little. “There are hundreds of us this time.”

               Wooyoung rolled his shoulders and flexed his hands, “good, we need a bit of a challenge this time ‘round.”

               “Who are you?” A man called from the back.

               Nichkhun could feel more approaching now. “Aren’t they educating you on the Vampires, Wolves, and other assorted beings you will be fighting? If not, you’re severely unprepared...”

               “Wooyoung...” He murmured.

               “Yes I know...” Wooyoung said quietly.

               “We don’t know what you are, but we have been educated.”

               Nichkhun shook his head.

               “They’ve never told you horror stories about me then.” Wooyoung turned to him briefly and said, “I’ll only be a minute.” Nichkhun watched him walk forward. The spell broke as soon as he took his first step. He watched him weave through the Hunter’s, striking them down as if they were nothing but hollow dolls. But, Nichkhun realised then that he was the weak link, if they descended upon them, Wooyoung wouldn’t stand a chance because there were too many, and Nichkhun wasn’t prepared enough to counter their weapons yet. When the final Hunter fell, Wooyoung turned to him and motioned for him to come. As he made to walk forward, a large weapon crashed through the wall separating them. Nichkhun fell back and immediately flipped out of the way.

               Using his energy at max, he managed to deflect the weapon. Observing how the man moved, he began to formulate his own strategy. Wooyoung was running towards them. He managed to grab one of the ornamental swords on the wall and blocked two of the enemy. “We need to leave!” Wooyoung called out to him as he ripped through two bodies.

               “Right!” He noticed the black threads around Wooyoung becoming thicker and thicker. He focused again on a figure clad in purple behind him. Removing her hood, she grinned something feral and before he could react, a red blur came whirring towards him. When the pain struck him, he was already sailing back. He could hear her laughter, and feel the chill creeping into his bones.

                *I’ve got you.*

                Everything seemed to fall silent, and then he heard it. A howl, so loud the floorboards underneath him shook.

                “W-Wooyoung...” He managed, the chill becoming stronger and stronger. Then he saw two, glowing amber eyes, framed with fur. Tears flooded his eyes and he reached up. Feeling himself being lifted, he curled into the warm body.

                *You’re such a good host, Nichkhun Horvejkul.*

                Who are you?

                *The person who is going to take your freedom away.* She cackled.

                Nichkhun tried to grip Wooyoung but instead, regrettably, the urge to cave to darkness was greater. “Wooyoung...don’t...bring me there...everyone’s in danger.” He managed to say, but it was lost to a howl. It was the only sound he heard as he succumb to the pain.