A/N: One chapter left =O How time flies haha. I'm moving next weekend but I will post the final chapter on schedule ;) Happy Friday everyone!!

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               Nichkhun kissed the back of Wooyoung’s neck as he finished buttoning his shirt. “I’ll see you later.” He said and ducked out of the room. Walking down the hall, his knees felt wobbly all of a sudden and he braced himself against the wall. “Mm...” Rubbing his lower back he couldn’t help but smile. “Did me too good...” He murmured and finally continued on. As he came to the foyer, he made his way down the Eastern Wing and came to the large party hall. Opening the doors, his vision was immediately graced with the coven laughing, smiling, face and neck, and above all else letting loose. Noticing Junho with Taecyeon, Chansung and Changmin, he slowly made his way over.

                “Hey, there he is!” Taecyeon cheered and looked him over. “Uh-huh, what were you up to?”

                Nichkhun shrugged and sat himself beside Junho. “None of your business, Taecyeon.” He grumbled and leaned back. His hips were burning, and the ache in his lower regions made him bite his lip.

                “Oh come on...” Taecyeon grumbled.

                Nichkhun shrugged and tugged Junho close to him. “You’re looking jealous, Junho.”

                The younger tensed and faced away from him. “No I’m not...”

                Nichkhun rubbed his back and laughed. “So, is it only the coven or are there guests as well?”

                “There are some guests. Keeping it mainly in-house tonight seeing as how the mansion is warded and protected.” Junho answered and looked over his nails. He sighed and looked back at him. “Wouldn’t you be jealous if you were in my shoes?” He asked with tense expression.

                “I would, as I have always been.” Nichkhun said honestly. Junho seemed to smile then.

                “Sorry...I don’t deserve to feel that way.”

                Nichkhun shook his head and ran his fingers through Junho’s hair. “Yes, you do. It’s alright to be angry with him when you want to be. He deserves a smack or two...”

                “Not now, not right now...” Junho said quietly. “I may not fear him as a Wolf, but I know better than to mess with his temper.”

                “Junho...you’re his Second and one of his bonds. No matter how angry he may become, he would never harm you, ever.”

                “As much as I want to believe you, you haven’t had as much experience dealing with Wolves as I have.” Junho said with a secretive smile.

                Indeed, Nichkhun didn’t know much about the mage. He wouldn’t lie that at times he was cautious around him, but that didn’t stop him from trusting him. Who knew what he and Wooyoung spoke of. He just had to put his faith in them, as he had always done. Not many could put their trust in people so blindly, but it was right to maintain an air of caution. For example, his trust in Changmin was begin tested quite frequently the past little while. Taecyeon was being uncharacteristically reserved and in fact lashed out a little more than before. The person that remained most mysterious and who he had a hard time tolerating was Chansung. “Perhaps I don’t, but even if he did make a move to harm you, can you imagine how guilty he would feel afterwards?”

                Junho leaned into him and sighed. “He’s avoiding me because he knows I know what’s happening. He’s just making himself worse, Nichkhun. He’s bonded to all of us, if he doesn’t sate them all then the madness just gets worse. Why would he avoid me and incur that?”

                Nichkhun didn’t know. He felt so helpless knowing Junho was suffering like this and angry with Wooyoung for not doing anything. He quelled it immediately however, Wooyoung must be doing it for some reason, he just wouldn’t avoid Junho like this without purpose. “Perhaps...and these are just my personal thoughts, but if by chance he was protecting you from something by avoiding you, don’t you think that would be fair reason to let the madness have it’s way?” He was thinking about it now too. Why was Wooyoung avoiding Junho? He had no doubts that he lay with Taecyeon, but why did he feel comfortable enough to do so? Looking back at the youngest, he tilted his head. Taecyeon noticed him watching and turned to him. His expression was confused and he lifted his shoulders, ‘what?’ Nichkhun shook his head.

                “It’s because...I don’t have any connection to Wolf blood.”

                Nichkhun turned back quickly. “What?”

                Junho rubbed his face and smiled to himself. “He’s always protecting me...and I’m just a whining brat, still.”

                “Junho..?”

                “Thanks, Nichkhun. I guess that just goes to show you are his First and as always my confidant.”

                “So...you think it’s due to Wolf blood..?”

                “Yes.” Junho leaned into him again and looked distraught. “He’s protecting me from something, but I can’t seem to figure out what.”

                Nichkhun leaned back. If the Wolf blood was the reasoning than why was it okay with him? Was it because his memories were taken? Or was it because of his previous life as a Hunter?

                “How do you know he’s protecting you? What if he’s just hiding things as he has always done?”

                Everyone turned to Chansung, even Changmin looked shocked.

                “What’re you trying to imply, Chansung?” Taecyeon wondered, his tone more callous than Nichkhun thought necessary. Something had separated them and it was dividing them continuously.

                “I just think we should remain cautious. Wooyoung himself said he only shares so much with each of us, and he’s said it many times. Don’t you ever wonder why that is?”

                Taecyeon fell silent. He stormed off, to where Nichkhun didn’t know. "Well, it's no wonder Chansung - if you can turn your back on him this easily, it's no wonder he takes such precautions."

                "That's rich coming from you Junho. Why would words from Wooyoung's number one ease my conscience?"

                "Chansung!" Changmin reprimanded. "Take that back this instance."

                "Forget it, Changmin. If that's what he thinks of me what use is there to change his mind?" Junho too had gotten to his feet and had begun  to wander away.

                "Junho!" Nichkhun rose to his feet. What was happening? Turning back to Changmin and Chansung completely he folded his arms across his chest. “Listen, Hwang, I don’t get what your problem is but there isn’t any need for you to force your own delusions onto the others. If you have problems why not buck up the courage and say these things to Wooyoung yourself.”

                “He wouldn’t listen to me no matter what I tried. Putting that aside, why do you keep treating me this way?”

                “Chansung!” Changmin hissed. "You've already said enough tonight - this is traitorous what you're doing."

                “No, Changmin, let him speak. I’m curious.” Nichkhun caught Changmin’s apprehension. “Treating you in what way?”

                “Like you don’t know who I am!” Chansung came forward.

                Nichkhun felt his chest constrict unbearably. What was that? Shaking his head he returned his attention to Chansung. “Um, because I don’t know who you are.”

                Chansung’s expression fell. Changmin covered his face and got to his feet. “That’s enough you two, Nichkhun go find Junho. You know he isn’t supposed to drink.”

                “So what if he does? At least he can do something about the pain!” Chansung roared. “How can you not remember me?” Chansung stalked towards him, expression dark and furious.

                “I said that’s enough!” Changmin bellowed.

                “Why should I remember you?”

                Chansung gripped his shirt tightly and tugged him forwards. “Did you forget what you did to my family?” Nichkhun’s brows furrowed and he gripped Chansung’s wrist.

                “I’m telling you, I don’t know who you are.” He said through clenched teeth.

                “You ...” A bitter smile came over those lips. “I’m your unwilling First.”

                Nichkhun froze. How could that be? Shifting his gaze to Changmin, he saw a strange expression on his face. He didn’t know what to expect from him, but he didn’t expect restrained joy. It changed quickly to anger and he came between them. Turning on his heel he went in search of the offended mage. He would have to think about what happened later. When he found him, Junho was in the middle of chugging something - probably hard liquor. Sighing deeply he made to reach out but Junho glared at him. "Alright, but you know it isn't good for you." He murmured and pulled the mage close to him. "I can give you something else to focus on, Junho."

               A small groan met his ears, but the mage shook his head. "I don't think you could ease me right now."

               "That's fair, but the option is always there." Junho took another long swig from the bottle. He released it with a gasp and Nichkhun took his chance. Pressing the bottle behind him Junho groaned and tried to get it back. "No, Junho, you know what happens when you drink."

               "So what...it would just go along with all the chaos right now."

               Nichkhun cupped his cheek and tilted his head up. "Love, you're protecting us so wonderfully right now. Please restrain yourself from having more..."

               "I don't want him to protect me..." Junho said shakily, his eyes welling with tears. "He's been avoiding me for so long I feel like I've run my use..."

               Nichkhun made a mental note to throttle the hell out of Wooyoung later. He'd probably enjoy it more but he needed to knock some sense into him. That was when he realised something. Running his hand over Junho's shoulders he tugged him close and kissed his temple. "Junho, you know that isn't true." Yes, he was sure of it now. "I can understand where you're coming from...because I felt like that too, once upon a time." Junho looked up at him, his face flushed from alcohol and his eyes so bright and teary. "You're so cute..."

               "Shut up..." The mage grumbled.

               Nichkhun chuckled and brushed away his tears. "He needs to be shown, Junho, that what he's doing isn't only destroying himself. He's trying to protect us in his crazy, stupid way and it's in fact tearing us to pieces. He needs to know that, but if we - meaning you - don't say anything, he'll get away with it."

               "Stop making sense..." Junho grumbled.

               "One of us has to...especially if you're nearly incapacitated due to booze."

               Junho groaned and collapsed against him. "Stop trying to help me when I know he hurts you too sometimes." He murmured against his chest.

               "He just..." Nichkhun  leaned against the counter and brushed back Junho's hair. "Junho, how will he ever know if you don't say anything. That goes for life, how will anyone ever know if you don't say anything."

               "Because I'm scared of what will come after-

               "But you can't control that, and it's unwise to think you - you - above all people would fear something like that. If you're scared he will abandon you, it's impossible."

               "Then what's happening with Chansung..?"

               Nichkhun looked back at the insulting man and sneered. "I don't care, and I don't know, but whatever is happening Wooyoung must have an idea and he's taking extreme precautions."

               "See...the fact that you talk about him that way unnerves me so much. Like...nevermind." Junho gripped his coat tight and sighed. "Seeing how everything is unfolding is scaring me."

               "At least one of us can do it. Now, go find Wooyoung, and Taecyeon if possible. I worry for him too..."

               Junho's ears tipped red and he grumbled something under his breath.

               "What?"

               "I don't want to find Taecyeon." He murmured kiddishly.

               Nichkhun pinched his cheeks and brought him closer. "How on earth did you two bond anyway..?" He wondered.

              Junho looked at him like he said something forbidden.

              Nichkhun couldn't help but laugh. "Seriously, was it really an accident?"

              "I am not going to talk about this!" Junho managed to grab the bottle back, drank some, gave it back and stormed off. Well, now Nichkhun was even more curious. Thinking about the two sent a pleasant, warm sensation throughout his body. Yes, they were a good match, they just had yet to see it themselves he supposed. He went around to socialise with the rest of the clan. It had been a long time since he had spoken with them so he needed to take the chance while he had it. They hugged him, smiled, told him all their news. The happy atmosphere was shred to pieces when he felt a burst of energy. It was Wooyoung. He apologised to the clan and rushed off. It was the same energy he felt when Wooyoung transformed. Bursting into the foyer, he could hear Junho and Taecyeon’s concerned voices. Rushing into the study, what he found startled him. Wooyoung was half transformed. Taecyeon was trying to keep him steady but he was having difficulties. The wind whipped around them as Wooyoung’s power became even more unstable. Taecyeon’s cry of pain brought him out of his reverie, but Junho was already on the move. Junho stabilised him with some sort of spell, unfortunately Taecyeon was locked in Wooyoung’s grip.

                “Why is he acting this way?” Junho cried and managed to get Taecyeon free. A flare of energy went around them and the spell broke. A loud howl berated against their ears. Wooyoung slashed at the air causing cuts along their skin. Nichkhun had to take a risk. He stood between them and Wooyoung. His master seemed to sniff at the air and then came towards him. “Nichkhun..?”

                “Shh, calm down. Just be calm, alright?” He reached up. “It’s me...it’s your prince, remember?” He looked over the half transformed face and slowly reached up. “Junho, come here.” He motioned for him to come forwards. “I want you to check for spells or anything unusual.”

                “Okay...” Junho murmured. “Remind me never to drink again...”

                “Sure...” Nichkhun said and the warm skin slowly came into contact with his palm. “That’s it.”

                “Odd...” Junho said and looked over his charms. “He’s locked in a dreamscape of some kind. It’s the same presence that has been around my wards.”

                “Is it friendly?”

                Junho nodded. “His Wolf...this is the same thing that happened when he brought you back. I mean, he has the same aura, that’s why he won’t hurt you.” Junho collapsed to his knees.

                “Junho?” Taecyeon came to his side. “What’s wrong?”

                Nichkhun looked down for only a second. Junho was still upset. Taking a deep breath, he tensed as Wooyoung began to kneel. “J-Junho...” A clawed hand reached out and brushed away his tears.

                “Come back to me, okay?” Junho sobbed and gripped his hand. “Come back to us...”

                Wooyoung collapsed and his Wolf vanished.

                “What’s going on?” Changmin demanded as he rushed into the room. “Wooyoung?!”

                Nichkhun rolled Wooyoung onto his back and picked him up. “Where to Changmin?”

                “This way...” Changmin motioned for him to follow. They walked down the South Wing and to Wooyoung’s private rooms. Nichkhun had been in here only a few times. Wooyoung himself hardly slept down here, he was usually with Taecyeon, Chansung or Junho, whenever he wanted away from the mansion he was with him. He lay him down and Junho was back to checking him over with Changmin. “He should be alright for now. We can’t do anything until he wakes up.” Taecyeon sat beside him and gripped Wooyoung’s hand.

                It was quiet, but Nichkhun heard softly, “what’s happening to us?”

                He wished he knew the answer. Changmin had left, leaving the three with Wooyoung. Nichkhun waited a few minutes before heading to the door and looking around. Shutting it he locked it and turned to the others. “We need to talk about this...”

                Both looked up at him concerned. “About what? There’s a ton of things going on and no answers...” Taecyeon growled and lay down beside Wooyoung.

                “It had to have started before I was attacked at my mansion. You guys said that Wooyoung had taken to vanishing for long periods of time, right?”

                Both nodded.

                “His sanity broke when I was hit with that dagger. As far as I understand, when a Wolf feels that it’s mate or mates are in harm, they lose control and go ballistic.” Nichkhun explained. “Maybe that’s what the enemy was counting on. I saw a woman that night, she’s the one that hit me with the dagger. I don’t know much about what happened after, but for a long time I felt extremely cold.”

                Taecyeon and Junho shared a look. “That...we saw a stranger in the mansion before the meeting with Harowen. We don’t know who it was but they wore purple. And...I felt so cold after...” Junho said.

                “When...I collapsed that night, it was chilling what I felt, pain and cold. Maybe she got in when Wooyoung brought you back.” Taecyeon kept his voice low. “Chansung had begun to act strange the day you woke up, it was almost as if he was a different person.”

                “So...a woman made it into the mansion and has been creating problems ever since. If that’s true I would have sensed her at some point.” Junho grumbled.

                “Not if you were focused on something else...or someone - we've all been pretty overwhelmed with everything. Besides, she made it in before your wards went up and everyone’s aura was coded into the ward, right?” Junho nodded. Nichkhun rubbed his temples. “This is insane...and why on the eve of the Blood Moon?”

                “I wonder if that’s even what it is...” Junho huffed. “Everything has been spinning us in circles and whatever that woman did it worked. What if...what if she’s the one that made you want to lose your memories?” Junho said and sat up. “So far we haven’t gotten any leeway whatsoever. It can’t have just been her...”

                “Are you suggesting there’s a traitor amongst us?” Taecyeon asked.

                It fell quiet around them.

                Nichkhun shifted so that he was seated closer to Wooyoung. “While I don’t want to agree, I think Junho is right. From now on, we stay in pairs. I’ve already been affected by this personally so I don’t care what happens to me now. She probably already succeeded with whatever she needed to do with me. I want you both to stay together. Do not trust anyone with what we have spoken about today. We’ll have to wait until Wooyoung wakes up.” He was given two nods. “Go sober up, Junho. I’ll come and get you both when he’s awake.”

                Junho got up reluctantly.

                “Just, one more thing.” Nichkhun said and looked at them both. “What happened between me and Chansung?”

                Both looked at one another and sighed.

                “We don’t really know.” Taecyeon said.

                “From what I understand you attacked him and his family. Throughout the years you have had a very rocky and troubled relationship. It isn’t even clear if you are his master. Usually a First cannot be without blood from their sire for very long. It makes me curious about Chansung’s lineage because Wooyoung doesn’t talk about it at all. Since your memories are gone, none of us really know.”

                “But...they aren’t really gone, are they? Did Wooyoung put them somewhere?” Nichkhun wondered, knowing full well that Wooyoung would not have discarded them if he suspected suspicious things were going on.

                “Most likely...if he himself suspects something I have no doubts he would have hidden your memories instead of destroying them. Who knows Nichkhun, maybe you won’t want them back. You seem a lot better and healthier without them.” Taecyeon offered and pat him on the shoulder.

                “I agree with Taecyeon. Despite how things might have happened for the two of you, maybe this is your chance to reconnect. It sounds stupid, but there are always possibilities.”

                “Thanks you two.” He said with a smile. They turned to leave. “And, Junho..?”

                “Yes?” The mage looked back at him.

                “He really does love us all.” Nichkhun assured with a smile. And, he knew he could say that with confidence. “He wants to protect us for whatever reason. We both know it takes him some time to admit he’s afraid.”

                Junho smiled fondly. “I know...”

                It was a couple hours before Wooyoung showed signs of waking. Changmin had joined him, making sure he was okay. By the time Wooyoung had  shown signs of waking it was so awkward between the two of them, Nichkhun didn't know what to say or talk about. Wooyoung had thankfully begun to shift on the bed, and sweat broke out over his skin. He didn’t look like he was in pain, in fact he looked...aroused. “Don’t...please...” Nichkhun couldn’t help but blush.

                “Ah...Changmin...do you think we should leave?” Nichkhun wondered.

                Changmin shrugged and looked just as helpless.

                Wooyoung’s breathing came faster and he clenched the bed clothes; definitely a sensual dreamscape then. “Zahi...” Nichkhun snapped to attention. Zahi..? Zahi as in the Luna Clan leader? He looked at Changmin who tried to look innocent. “Please...slow down...” If Nichkhun thought his face was hot before, he was burning now.

                “I always wondered if he had wet dreams.” Nichkhun chuckled.

                “Nichkhun!” Changmin gasped.

                “This won’t be enough...”

                Nichkhun almost giggled, almost. Noticing that Wooyoung was waking he leaned over and tried his best not to smile. This was a dire situation after all - he should take it seriously! Wooyoung’s eyes flickered open and he clenched his teeth together. He covered his eyes and slumped against the bed. “Nichkhun, paper and a pen, please?” He panted.

                Yeah, he was definitely aroused. Nichkhun knew that expression.

                “Right away,” he said as he left the bedside. He stole a glance at Wooyoung as he brought himself to release. He looked both irritated and relieved. How that was possible he wasn’t sure.

                “Damnit, why can I never stop him?”

                Nichkhun had never seen him like this before. He was flushed with embarrassment. He sat himself up and looked at Changmin who shrugged. “Oh shut up...”

                “If any of your little minions knew who invaded your ‘dreams’ I can’t really fathom who they would be more jealous of, him or you.”

                Nichkhun cleared his throat but it went unnoticed. He wanted to know if they truly were talking about the Luna leader.

                “Where is everyone?”

                “Junho is fast becoming restless. I would recommend you tend to him.” He said and offered Wooyoung the parchment and pen. “Have you really been neglecting them again?” He had to ask it for them, to make Wooyoung aware of what he was doing.

                Wooyoung scribbled down a few scattered words. “I’ve been neglectful of a lot of things the past 300 years.” At least he was admitting it.

                Gathering up the nerve, he had to bring up the incident with Chansung. He had to know if there was any truth to it. “So...I spoke to Chansung yesterday.” He sat beside him, and readied himself for whatever Wooyoung might say. “Was he really my First?”

                Wooyoung’s eyes fell shut. Then he looked like he wanted to kill someone. He seemed to manage a quiet, angry tone. “What do you want the answer to be?”

                “Why did I want to forget about him?” While they had their theories, he wondered if Wooyoung would say anything in front of Changmin.

                “He hurt you.” Wooyoung said honestly. However, the few words conveyed enough resounding confirmation Wooyoung would not speak about the matter in-depth in Changmin’s presence. He would have to wait for that.

                “Did I hurt him?”

                “In the beginning, yes, but you more than made up for everything...and he still hurt you.” That hesitation near the end made him curious. Perhaps Wooyoung didn’t know if Chansung knew what happened or not. That would mean the answer may be in his memories.

                “But you keep him beside you...”

                Wooyoung shrugged, “I thought that maybe at some point his feelings might change.” He seemed to be reading over the words he had written. Yes, they would have to talk about this in more depth later on. “I don’t want to get between the two of you.”

                When he turned to Wooyoung without much reaction he seemed to sigh in relief. He almost smiled. “That’s awfully considerate of you.”

                Wooyoung seemed to collapse from exhaustion. “I’m used to people leaving. If he left I wouldn’t have stopped him.”

                Again, Wooyoung was showing his fears in plain sight. Nichkhun was finally beginning to understand him, at least a little. “You...really think we’ll all leave, don’t you?”

                Wooyoung sighed, and seemed a little irritated. Well, he would just have to tolerate this. Whenever Nichkhun asked Wooyoung that question, ‘why are you here?’ Wooyoung always answered the same, ‘I’m here to give you freedom.’ So, why was it so hard for Wooyoung to accept that they wouldn’t leave? He couldn’t help but smile. Wooyoung really, really was too cute sometimes, and, Nichkhun was foolish for thinking he didn’t have similar insecurities. “Please, bring everyone in here. Before I have another episode there were some things I want to explain before we leave the estate.”

                Nichkhun gripped his hand as comfortingly as he could before leaving. Strolling down the hall, he came to the foyer. Taecyeon was seated on the stairs, chin in his hands. Junho was completely passed out against him. Idiots. How did he know they didn’t go to a room?

                “Taecyeon, Junho, where’s Chansung?”

                “I’m right here.” The tall, mysterious man was leaning against the stairs on the opposing side.

                “Wooyoung is up, let’s go.”

                “I still don’t know how you can just blindly trust him.” Chansung muttered as he begun to follow them.

                Nichkhun turned back and walked straight up to him. “Listen, I really don’t know who the hell you are or what your problem is. I’m sure you’ve been around long enough that your petty little accusations are quite empty on the rest of us.” Chansung’s mouth fell shut. “I’ve had it with you. History be damned, no wonder I wanted my memories gone.”

                He ignored Junho and Taecyeon’s shocked expressions. But, he reminded himself of what they spoke of earlier. Still, they knew Chansung. No matter what he said to Chansung, it would still surprise them.

                “How can you...be so heartless? You’re just like him!”

                “Are you saying you have one, a heart?” Nichkhun shot back. “You’ve been pining after Wooyoung for all these years, your behaviour now shocks me. Makes me suspicious of you, Chansung.”

                “Nichkhun!” Junho sighed. He came up to him and whispered, “wait until we’re within better company...”

                Nichkhun scoffed and continued to lead the way. He knocked. Junho bounded in first as soon as Changmin opened the door. Nichkhun followed and took a seat. “You! Do you know how much you scared me?!” Nichkhun jerked up as the sound of a smack resounded throughout the room. “I’m sick of this! We need to know what the hell is happening to you!” He didn't think Junho would actually do it. He was torn between encouraging him and remaining seated. He supposed the latter would be best.

                Wooyoung held his jaw and nodded, surprisingly. Although, if a furious mage was directing his anger towards him he’d probably just resign himself as well. Wooyoung looked over both Junho and Taecyeon concerned. He slowly reached up and cupped Junho’s neck. “Did I do this?”

                “I’ve seen you fight before, so I wasn’t too smart...plus I was intoxicated.” It was amazing how one touch and Junho was calm and complacent. Wooyoung really needed to do something about that. Junho shrugged sheepishly. “You nearly ripped off Taecyeon’s arm.”

                Nevermind. The mage was heartless. Never had he wanted to face-palm so badly. Why was Junho trying to make him guilt-trip?!

                Taecyeon nodded! “But I have to admit, I’ve gotten stronger if I hold you down!” Taecyeon winked. “But the strength of your wolf is no joke.”

                He kept his silence, as did Chansung. Wooyoung seemed to notice that. Changmin waved his hand as if to start. Wooyoung looked nervous as he began. He wasn’t surprised when he said Changmin knew the most, after all, he didn’t know his vampiric life without him. What surprised him was the fact that this, whatever this situation was, was already underway 400 years ago.

                “Does this relate to the doppelganger too?” Junho asked.

                Wooyoung’s answer wasn’t all that clear, however, when he mentioned that his master had been researching – and the doppelganger Victor was the clue – he became unsettled. So his master had been behind that incident as well. “Junho, have you ever come across the name Helios?” For some reason that name was familiar to him. He didn’t know why, he just knew it from somewhere.

                “Once or twice, interesting theories. He’s able to make doubles and...well, beings and immortals such as yourself.”

                “Yes, but not alone. He’s not powerful enough to make things like me on his own...unless he gained the power to do so in the past 300 years – which I doubt.” Wooyoung shrunk back. “When I saw Victor and gave him his name, he reawakened my memories. The ones I had sealed away after the last battle with the Hunters. I remember the woods, black bark. My life began in the night, the stars overhead. The memories of a ritual is always ingrained into your body and your blood. Well, I was ‘born’ that night, I can’t really explain – but I remember the glyph, it was green. They made offerings because you cannot create life without giving it; both humans and immortals were sacrificed. I remember cries, laughter, and then darkness. I remember being in the dark for so long.” Nichkhun’s mind immediately went back to his own confinement, the one whereby his parents enslaved him in and the memory of he and Wooyoung in the mansion cells. Why was he put there? He couldn’t remember now. He guessed it was because of the incident with Chansung, nothing else would have gotten him so severe a punishment. “See...on the night I was created, I was taken by my ‘master’, away from the others. I didn’t see them or hear about my mother until much later.”

                “My mother died during the ritual, but, I was told she was really beautiful.” He smiled faintly. It vanished quickly. “I was an experiment that was successful – an immortal born from a human, with three different bloodlines flowing through my veins.” His claws burrowed into his skin. Junho’s hands had rose but did not move forward. “I let you all be as free as you wanted to be, never wanting to restrain your curiosity...because of that dreadful place in the dark. I can remember the shackles...that darkness, the cold.” Nichkhun instantly felt tears in his eyes. He knew this pain so well. He couldn’t imagine the courage Wooyoung had to work up to tell them this. He knew it had happened to him before, he had seen some of the events during that captivity. He wanted to do nothing more than hold him close and tell him they were here. “They all pegged me for a monster, all those years ago, the Council, the Hunters, humans. I hated everything.” Nichkhun shut his eyes tight and covered them.

                “So many years after the ritual, my master and I began to travel with this caravan. I still don’t know why, but it was during that time I was finally able to escape from him. One of my other master’s also joined after some time, and he’s the reason I was able to get away. One night...the caravan was celebrating. Everyone was drunk and high off of human blood...dancing, immune to the looming threat coming. Junho and Nichkhun witnessed that night in a dream...” Nichkhun finally looked up and nodded tensely. The screams returned and he suddenly felt sick. “It was the following morning I discovered the remains of the Caravan. I found their carcasses piled up outside. This is also the first time IU had ever seen them, the Hunter’s. I noticed them out in the distance. When they caught me, I was so weak. They brought me to their prison, but after they were assured I wasn’t a vampire or whatever, they decided to teach me in their ways. They threw me in a tent and there I found someone I thought was dead.”

                “Zahi...” Nichkhun said quietly. Zahi had truly saved Wooyoung from his master as he had promised. He had a newfound respect for the man who led Luna. Not to mention he was curious about his and Wooyoung’s relationship. He already knew they were intimate, but just how much he wouldn’t know until he met him.

                 Wooyoung nodded to him. “We were both prisoners for the Hunters. See, they kept him alive because he was a Wolf prince. At the time they didn’t know how to deal with a Wolf. The Blood Moon only worked on vampires, and not only that, they couldn’t kill him left they want the packs to topple onto them, and he put up a fuss if they made him do any work.” Wooyoung’s laughter was so carefree. Nichkhun didn’t know how he knew, but he was sure Wooyoung still had strong feelings for the Luna leader. “I made a vow I would never go back into the dark. I didn’t have to. I didn’t have the same weaknesses as others.”

                 Nichkhun smiled once more. There was that fire, that confidence he had been shown in his earlier years.

                 “So, they trained you?” Taecyeon asked.

                 “Yes...and...it was after the incidents with the Hunters that I finally gained enough strength to stand on my own.” Wooyoung’s gaze turned to him. “I also had a dream of my First...”

                 How long ago was it? If this was closer to when Wooyoung has just been released, it would have been a long, long time ago. Suddenly, those precious memories of them meeting and talking...

                “Someone who had been looking for you for a long time...

                 I dreamed of you, for so long. I’ve wanted to meet you for ages...”

                 ...seemed so, so much more important than he realised. “Me..?” He whispered, almost on the verge of tears once again. That depth he had witnessed all those decades ago was finally beginning to make sense. He didn’t even notice everyone was looking at him.

                 Wooyoung nodded. I told you...Nichkhun. I had been wanting to meet you for a long time. “There are centuries of stories I could tell you about my many lives...But, I can only tell you particular ones for now. These episodes relate to my lineage. All my bloodlines compete sometimes. I’d like to think I’m strong now...but, I still can’t maintain consciousness during an episode.” His voice shook and he gripped Junho’s hand tightly. “I still hurt the people I care about.”

                 Nichkhun fought the urge now to get to his feet. He would wait until they were completely finished. Things were becoming more and more clear for him now.

                 “Is it because the three bloodlines are trying to fight for dominance or something?” Junho wondered.

                 “Yes and no...” Nichkhun leaned back in his chair. That was a possibility he hadn’t considered in its entirety. However, he was sure it had more to do with the bonds like Junho had suggested. “They’re alright in unison...it’s...” Wooyoung had looked to Changmin who nodded. “It’s...me, well a part of me. It’s because...like I tell you, I’m a creation. My origins aren’t happy ones...I developed traits to survive.” Nichkhun knew that all too well. He had done the same thing to deal with his own parents. “Like the person Junho and Nichkhun saw being tortured by Helios.” It was like Wooyoung wasn’t even talking about himself, but someone else. It was true. In times when Nichkhun felt stressed, he pretended it wasn’t him. He was somewhere else. Sometimes it was all he could do to get through the day.

                Junho seemed to perk up with shock. “Helios is...”

                Wooyoung nodded. “That’s right...”

                “Wait...the exiled Council member?” Chansung asked.

                Nichkhun gripped his chair handles. Now he knew where he saw the name before. It was one of the ones etched into the Council of Elder’s wall. It was scratched out. Looking up, a rage bellowed within him.

                “That very one.”

                Nichkhun couldn’t hold it in anymore. The Council knew who had done all of this to Wooyoung and who had continually hunted him, why hadn’t they done anything! “When did they find out it was him who created you?” His voice rose. “Why haven’t they tried to catch him?!”

                “Shh, calm down. Helios...isn’t normal.”

                “Obviously!” Junho snapped. “How...how long did you endure that?”

                Nichkhun almost didn’t want to know the answer.

                “Don’t be sad for me, Junho. I’ve done my fair share of bad things-

                “Yeah because that bastard raised you!” Taecyeon roared. “Imagine if you had been with someone else-

                “They would have used me.” Wooyoung said dismissively. He had probably thought the same thing once upon a time. But, Nichkhun couldn’t help but wonder what would have happened to Wooyoung if he had been in Zahi’s care for longer. “There are a lot of people who want to use me, or take my powers...”

                “The reason why Helios originally kept Wooyoung away from the Council was because they wanted to make other invincible immortals, specifically themselves.” Nichkhun couldn’t believe it. Talk about self-preservation. “Harowen and Turina were the only ones against the idea. Can you imagine a legion of immortals like Wooyoung?” While Nichkhun appreciated the sentiment, he didn’t like Changmin’s tone. Now that he could observe him, with a more scrutinising eye, he was beginning to notice more and more odd behaviours.

                “Helios was leading the Council to the decision to make more immortals who were like me.” Wooyoung began to explain, seemingly aware of their confusion and dislike of Changmin’s vague explanation.  “And...it was only by chance I got away when I did. Turina and Harowen worked out a deal with Zahi. If he got me free he would gain standing in the Council. By doing that he would have gotten enough power and allies to go against Helios. After I was separated from him, well, actually it was later that I stopped seeing a ‘friendly’ Helios – after I performed the ritual with Junho, and then, it was Helios who killed Taecyeon’s family back in 1959 – that was when he became violent. He kept calling me a fool for letting Chansung be the way he was. Despite being an he cared...somewhat...in a weird way.” He laughed nervously. “I probably shouldn’t defend him...” Nichkhun shook his head angrily. “Anyway, after being trained by the Hunters and then escaping him, I started a new life. I studied all the different forms of magic, mythical animals, other types of immortals, and like I said...I dreamt of all of you.”

               “Oooh...” Changmin sobbed. “This story always touches me!”

                Wooyoung threw a pillow at him. “Shut up!”

               Nichkhun couldn’t help but chuckle.

               “Now I know why you don’t like being apart from us.” Taecyeon said. Indeed, many things began to make sense.

               “Do you know how stressed out I got when I let him,” Wooyoung shoved Junho, “wander out there?”

               Junho smiled and hugged him tight. “But you let me...”

               “There, now you know more about me, at least a tad more than before. If you still have questions...I might answer, but I feel drained enough.” Wooyoung lay back. He looked exhausted, well he looked it before but now he just looked...beyond fatiqued.

               “Why do you need Zahi’s blood?” Chansung asked. “It seems odd...”

               This was the moment of truth. Nichkhun wanted to know if they did indeed have a relationship.

               “I’m bonded to him...” Wooyoung murmured.

               He wanted to scream, ‘I knew it!’ But then, the shock settled over him.

               “Please...I really just want to rest.” Wooyoung sighed and curled under the blankets.

               “We’ll be back, Wooyoung.” Junho said and kissed his temple. Nichkhun noticed a faint yellow glow descend from Junho’s palm and Wooyoung was asleep. He didn’t want to leave him so unprotected. There was no guarantee that any of them were safe at this point, but at least if they were together, he knew they were alright. His mind was spinning with the amount of information Wooyoung revealed to them. Something indeed was going on, and Nichkhun was sure now they had every right to be suspicious.