*

                Wooyoung greatly appreciated the extra day of rest. He didn’t know what would have happened to Victor or Zahi in the time he’d been gone, but he really had needed it. He was able to make more sense of his notes now and the creation behind the two rituals. When he was finally prepared, he noticed all the sprites had completely coated Chansung’s shoulders. He couldn’t help but smile. It truly looked adorable.

                “They don’t want you to leave.”

                “I made sure to stock them with berries...even though I know they aren’t really real, they feel like it.” He said as he looked over them. “I wish I was powerful enough to remove the second wolf on my own...I’ve never been particularly good with Wolf blood so I don’t want to risk it.”

                “D-Did I do something-

                “No, I just know it isn’t comfortable. She’s not even my real mother and she pisses me off.”

                Wooyoung couldn’t help but blush as he came to stand before him. “Is that why I’ve been like this..?”

                “A little,” he said as he got to his feet. “Even if she isn’t my real mother, she thinks she is, and I’m counting on that to ensure she’ll listen to me.”

                Wooyoung took his hand and allowed himself to be pulled in close. “Are you going to miss it here?”

                “Yes, I will.” He said and looked around. “I’m glad I got to share it at least a little with you. And, I’m glad I got to show you just a little of who we really are. ”

                Wooyoung smiled, “yes, I appreciate that.”

                “Ready?”

                Wooyoung inhaled deeply. He wasn’t, but that didn’t matter now. He nodded.

                “Hold onto me.”

                He did so and closed his eyes tightly. Feeling the energy shift around them, Wooyoung gripped the back of his clothes and waited until they were settled. Opening his eyes, he found them in the massive throne room of the Lunaris castle. He slowly relieved himself from Chansung’s hold and noticed the Queen peering at them, speechless.

                “As I promised...” Wooyoung said and looked up at Chansung and found a smile. He returned it and looked back at the queen. “As I promised, your highness, I’ve returned with the prince.”

                “Chansung...”

                She came down the steps of her throne, looking over him.

                “A-Arrest him!” She pointed at Wooyoung.

                “Oi!” Wooyoung shouted but found himself pressed tightly into Chansung’s side.

                “Wooyoung did as promised, he convinced me to return.” He said, voice cold. “You know how important he is to me, and you wish to arrest him in my presence, dear mother?”

                She straightened up. “I never approved of this union.”

                “It doesn’t matter.” He dismissed. “So, imagine my feelings when I discover you’ve subjected him to another Wolf?”

                She paled considerably.

                “Remove it.”

                “And why should I? He’s caused nothing but grief for us and Baxkos. It would be better to hand him over to Helios.”

                “Give the enemy exactly what they want? Are you mad? Have you completely and utterly lost your nerve? Remove the Wolf and then we can talk.” Chansung said more firmly.

                The Queen said nothing more and walked towards them. She sneered at Wooyoung but pressed her fingers against his chest. Wooyoung felt like a part of him was being ripped away. Then he was keeling over and throwing up, staining the throne room floor with blood. As he collapsed to his knees, Chansung knelt beside him and rubbed his back. “There, I have done as you requested.”

                Finally gaining his bearings, and feeling like a weight has been lifted off his shoulders, Wooyoung allowed himself to be picked up. “Where to now, Wooyoung?”

                Resting against him he said quietly, “Z-Zahi’s encampment.”

                “I’ll return, your highness.” Chansung said.

                “Do not stay away for long this time.”

                Chansung bowed his head. Again, they burst into threads, and Wooyoung found himself amongst the tents of Zahi’s camp. Many of the soldiers had jumped away from them. Chansung set him on his feet but Wooyoung had to lean against him as they walked. When they came to Zahi’s tent, the disgruntled leader looked at them in disbelief.

                “Satisfied?” Wooyoung asked.

                Zahi hesitated but his brows rose and he nodded. “I was going to put up a fuss if you’d actually managed it, but there’s no point when he’s clearer before me. Consider me a member of your forces, Jang Wooyoung.”

                “I think it best everyone return to Lunaris. We should regroup there.” Chansung suggested. “I can’t jump more than four.”

                “I’ll inform the men that we’ll be moving out and tell them to head to the Capital. I’m sure we’ll plan there?”

                Wooyoung nodded, and he felt the aftermath of losing the Wolf in that instance. Gasping for breath, he collapsed to his knees and tried to calm his breathing. After a drink of water and something to settle his stomach, he sat more relaxed with Chansung at his side. They watched the people dismantle the camp and begin to load wagons. Wooyoung’s attention catches onto Zahi and Sano as they make their way towards them.

                “Alright, are we ready?”

                “How long will it take them to reach the Capital?” Wooyoung asked.

                “Two days at most, and one day to march on Baxkos from Lunaris.”

                “Alright...” Wooyoung said and Chansung helped him to his feet. If they needed to stall three days that was fine.

                “Sometimes I can’t get over how alike you and your brother are. It’s like I’m having déjà vu...” Zahi said as he looked over them.

                “You look a bit healthier now, Jang.” Sano observed.

                Wooyoung smiled. “Well, things are beginning to look up a little.”

                “For your sake I hope so.” Sano said. “We have news from Victor. Nichkhun’s health is deteriorating and the Auction is coming up very soon. They’ve kept changing the date, but I’ve got word it is happening now in two days. If you go, you’ll be able to see Horvejkul there, and find out who bids on your Mage.”

                Wooyoung nodded, that was at least two days to plan, and then only one to stall while the Revolutionary army marched on Baxkos, and the way to gather everyone to dismantle the dream. “Well, I think I know where we’re going in two days’ time, Chansung.” He said.

                “Yes...” Chansung said and pulled him close.

                “Before we depart, I’d like to speak about something with the both of you. Chansung...I don’t think we can trust the queen.”

                His lover shrugged, “you know my feelings wouldn’t be hurt over that.”

                Wooyoung sighed and gripped his arms. “No, but some people will not understand why.”

                “Yes, some of us might think you’ve been bewitched by the dear villain, Jang Wooyoung.” Sano said as he took a seat on a log.

                Chansung rolled his eyes and retracted himself from his body.

                “Why don’t you think you can trust the queen?” Zahi asked.

                “A hunch...” Wooyoung answered. “As for next steps, I have a pretty good idea on how I might infiltrate the Auction. All I want to do is find out where Junho is going, make contact with Horvejkul, and well…I haven’t thought past that. If I do this right, he might be willing to come to our side.”

                “Why Horvejkul?”

                Wooyoung crossed his arms. “Because, he’s the key to ending this war.”

                “How?” Sano asked.

                “That I can’t tell you yet, not until I speak with him.” Wooyoung said and pressed closer to Chansung, who looped his arm around his waist.

                “And you agree, Chansung?” Zahi asked.

                “Yes.”

                “And how do we know you aren’t leading us all into a trap-

                “He was already led into a trap, and none of you believed him. I’m not letting that happen to him again. If we had the reinforcements we required last time, we wouldn’t be in this situation.” Chansung intervened, making both Zahi and Sano fluster at the strong accusation.

                Wooyoung looked up at him appreciatively.

                “Alright, that’s fair.” Zahi admitted and backed down. “Now why don’t you tell us what’s really going on, the thing you wish to tell us and not the Queen of Lunaris, Jang.”

                His jaw tightened and he looked at the ground.

                “You can tell them if you want to, Wooyoung.” Chansung said. “I leave that decision in your hands.”

                He nodded and removed the tome from his body. He looked over the covers and took a deep breath. “Helios has trapped us in an endless dream ritual.”

                Two disbelieving gazes stilled on him.

                “You...you won’t believe what I’ve gone through...the past two thousand years. I can’t tell you everything, but I can tell you I’ve faced Helios numerous times, and it wasn’t in this dream, but the one I have come from.”

                Both Zahi and Sano looked upon one another and then took several moments to collect themselves. If they made him anymore nervous with their lack of response, he knew he was going to suffer from a major bout of anxiety.

                “You’re telling me that...all of this,” Sano motioned with his arms, “everything around us, is a fabrication.”

                “Yes...” Wooyoung answered.

                “You’re saying that not only is this world we are in right now a dream, but there is another dream surrounding this one?” Zahi asked.

                Wooyoung nodded.

                “And you really believe this, Chansung? How can you? You’re the prince of-

                “No, I am not a prince of Lunaris.” Chansung interrupted. “Yes, I do believe it. I’ve had a longer time to digest this, more than you have, but I hope you understand the urgency we are under. Ask your questions if you need to, or confide in us what you think.”

                “I...have noticed lapses in my memories.” Zahi admitted and looked between them. “But...a dream within a dream is...it is not possible, Jang.”

                “I thought so too.” He said with all the honesty he could muster. He couldn’t hold back now. He needed them to believe him. “I know this is hard to accept. I know you may never, but this is my plan to stop Helios. I...I will dissolve the dreams, and with the experience, the magic, and the knowledge I have accumulated, I will vanquish him from existence.”

                A silence fell over them once more. Chansung’s grip on his side was so tight, it made Wooyoung sadden. He knew Chansung had not yet accepted his decision, and it was taking everything within him not to falter, but having Chansung believe him so strongly was the only thing keeping him standing and not running away.

                “So...you want us to support you, believe all this, and you’ll ‘wake’ us up?” Sano asked.

                Wooyoung nodded.

                “Do you have proof?”

                The faces of his dear ones, his precious loves, flashed through his mind, and the memories he’d had so far, and the happiness he’d seen, he smiled. “Can I show you? Blood never lies…”

                They both gave nods and Wooyoung walked over to them. He offered both his wrists. He flinched as their fangs sunk into his skin, and he fought to quell his anxiety as the memories of their lives together flashed through his mind, what they went through after Wooyoung separated from Zahi, and what brought them to this moment. Not being able to take it anymore, Wooyoung stumbled back. His stomach twisted in horrible knots and he almost couldn’t return to looking upon them. But when he did, he was surprised.

                Zahi stared at him in awe, but he said nothing, he didn’t need to.

                “Well...” Sano said. “Wow...”

                “I want to erase it all.” Wooyoung said, voice shaking. “I want...to destroy him. I want him gone from our lives forever. I need to end this...” He gripped Chansung’s hand tightly. “I need to make it right.” He needed them to believe him, to help him, especially Zahi. Even if he wasn’t the man he’d known his whole life, he was just as important as Junho, Chansung, Nichkhun and Taecyeon.

                “Alright...” Zahi said. “Whatever you need, Wooyoung. I...feel I can call you that now.”

                “We need the Queen of Lunaris on our side, in some way. I don’t care if it’s just being a neutral party.” Wooyoung said, although even he wasn’t convinced on how to do it.

                Zahi exhaled deeply. “I don’t know if that’ll happen. You know what she’s like, Chansung.”

                He shrugged, “I guess.”

                Wooyoung leaned forward and held his head in his hands. He felt light-headed and a cold sweat broke out over his skin. He began to shake and he pressed his palms into his eyes. The only thought that was running through his mind, was the fact that Zahi had no relation whatsoever to Helios. He had no worry over it, unless it was embedded deep within him.

                “Wooyoung, I feel I can call you that with a bit of intimacy now as well. It’s not easy to carry this weight on your own, and I know you’re going to try and fix this by yourself, but we can see the effect this is having on you.” Sano said.

                Wooyoung couldn’t help but smile at him. “You were always the voice of reason for me...”

                “Well, let me be now. You have my support, in...in this dream you did as well. There are many things that don’t make sense, but I think what is most important is stopping Helios. If we can be of any help, I know we’ll be there.”

                Wooyoung nodded, “and I thank you for it.”

                “We should prepare to leave then, Wooyoung.” Chansung suggested and he held him closer. Are you going to be alright?

                Wooyoung smiled at him and kissed his shoulder. “Yes...”

                Chansung stood up and Zahi and Sano followed suit. “Are you both all set?”

                “Yes, I think so.”

                “Not going to feel sick am I?” Zahi asked.

                “Perhaps, I don’t know.” Chansung said and he held out his hands. “Hold onto me.”

                Wooyoung wrapped his arms about Chansung, and Zahi and Sano grabbed his hands. They were engulfed in the black threads and they found themselves back in the throne room. Wooyoung watched as Zahi turned away from them and nearly wretched onto the floor.

                They turned to the Queen who was one more surprised by their entrance.

                “There, I’m back already.” Chansung said and he folded his arms across his chest. Wooyoung couldn’t help but preen at the sight of him.

                “Sano, Zahi, it is good to see you both again.” The Queen greeted.

                “Your majesty.” They said as they bowed.

                “You surprise me yet again, Jang. Not only have you brought my son to me, but now the leaders of the rebellion are all present before me. I did not expect you to accomplish this.” She said and looked over them.

                “And yet I can see the dissatisfaction upon your face clear as day. I wonder if you’d find me more suitable if I were woman, or a real citizen of Lunaris.” He didn’t need to be so petty, but he couldn’t help himself.

                “How dare you insult me.”

                “Oh dear mother, I would appreciate if you take care in how you address him.”

                A shiver flew down Wooyoung’s arms and his back. At least he now knew where Chansung was taking his stress out upon. He didn’t feel sorry for her.

                “Not all of us are smitten with this exile, Chansung.” The Queen hissed. “If you could look past the haze of lust he’s cast over you, you’d see things our way.”

                Wooyoung closed his eyes as he was drawn closer to Chansung’s body. He could feel the anger reeling off of him. If she wasn’t important they wouldn’t even need to be doing this.

                “I had to be convinced to come back here. You never would have found me without him, and I wouldn’t have returned without what he told me. I believe him, as the strong leader he is, because even felled by a memory curse, he still came and found me – even with a second wolf.”

                She paled considerably and looked away from them.

                “He did as you wanted and brought me before you. Yes, I love him, but that isn’t reason to disregard my judgment. So are you going to support us this time or not?”

                His mother gave him a hard look. “What are you planning this time?”

                “In order to fell Helios, I need Lee Junho and Nichkhun Horvejkul. I would like your assistance in getting closer to Helios.” Wooyoung said as honestly as he could muster.

                “And how would that benefit me? We are in the middle of a tense truce with Baxkos, but under constant threat of war and reminders of what they are trying to do to my Clans.”

                “I understand that. I really do. But if you want to stop Helios, and rid your kingdom of his tyranny, I encourage you to consider what I am about to tell you.”

                She waved her hand for him to continue.

                “Helios is seeking a very powerful individual. Before I was able to ascertain who and why, I was felled by a memory curse. Have you ever heard of the ultimate form?”

                She shook her head.

                Wooyoung swallowed hard. Well, this allowed him to say whatever he wished. “There was a very powerful people once, an old bloodline that had roots to some of the most ancient cities – and they were connected to the deeper magic. Helios seeks this bloodline so that he may take their power into himself. I have been working to stop him, because if he manages to get this power he will stop at nothing to conquer the world. He’s going to destroy this kingdom and everything else if he manages to get it. We did not anticipate that it was actually Helios who was behind the scenes and committing treacherous crimes against Lunaris. I am pleading with you,” he went down on one knee, “I wish to make this right, and to make sure he vanishes from our lives forever. I’m doing this so we do not have this madness around us anymore.”     

                Wooyoung remained rooted in place. He did not dare look upon her, or make any sound. The Queen would be able to get them into the castle and open up negotiations for either conflict resolutions or even a different truce to stop assault on the clans permanently.

                “Are you asking me to put myself at risk, Jang Wooyoung?”

                “Only to the extent you are willing to.” He answered carefully.

                “I have little faith in your abilities, especially in what you have demonstrated to me thus far.” She said and sighed deeply, “however, I’m willing to lend my support,” the Queen said softly. “I believe Helios is capable of monstrous things, but if my son is willing to stand with you, and seeing what you have overcome to redeem yourself...I think I would be a fool to not consider assisting you. While I am leaning towards this, I ask that you allow me to think it over...”

                He knew that this was the best they were going to get with what little he actually revealed to her, but they had to move quickly regardless. “If you need to think, we cannot wait more than a day. Whether you will help us or not, I cannot force you to do anything. We will go on without you. We do not have the luxury of waiting any longer.” Wooyoung said and nodded to Chansung. “Zahi, Sano, shall we discuss next steps?”

                “Chansung?” The Queen interrupted.

                “Yes?”

                “You truly mean to help him?”

                Chansung nodded.

                She stared at him for a long time, but then dismissed them.

                Zahi and Sano walked with them to the exit. As they began to leave, Wooyoung noticed that Chansung had stopped. “Let me speak with her.”

                Wooyoung hesitated. “Chansung-

                “Depend on me just a little than you’re used to, yes?” Chansung said gently and kissed his temple.

                Wooyoung watched the doors close and rested his hands against his neck.

                 “I knew our odds for convincing her weren’t that good, but that was not encouraging...” Zahi murmured.

                “What made you really believe me?” Wooyoung asked them both.

                “Well, because of Sano.”

                They turned their attention to him.

                “Tell him, Sano.”

                “There was a Marigold in your dream world, correct?”

                Wooyoung turned to him completely. “Yes.”

                “Was she conscious of the dream?”

                Wooyoung shook his head. “But she foretold this dream ritual...” Well, foretold or just hinted at the real world, Wooyoung wasn’t sure. The more he thought about Marigold the more confused he became.

                “I met her...and you, in a dream funnily enough.” Sano said. “She told me that your person here would not remember anything of this dream, but will know of another world. You said you would be able to free us from Helios, and now it’s coming true.”

                “You really saw her?”

                Sano nodded.

                “I still don’t understand her role in all of this. My mother told me Marigold helped her find us at the original dream ritual location in the real world. But, she was present in the first dream world. Now you tell me that...it makes me curious about her power.”

                “She could have tapped into Helios’ psyche.” Zahi said.

                “But wouldn’t that put her at risk?”

                “It could...but there would be no way Helios would know she’s there.” Wooyoung explained, “especially from the real world, and no one really knows her powers.”

                “It gives her a very intimate connection to the way the dreams unfold. She was conscious then, she was warning you about what would happen here, and also spoke to me about you.” Sano explained. “But...why wouldn’t she be able to dismantle the dream rituals then, if she did connect with Helios?”

                “It’s just a theory, but if she knew what this dream would entail, then perhaps she planned something as well. It would be easier to assault Helios in…in a second dream because he would have less control over several variables.” Zahi answered. “But that would be only if she knew.”

                “Helios may have discovered her, which is why she was the same as the rest of us in the previous dream. Somehow she managed to blend in and I’m worried about why she wouldn’t have been able to warn us. She took a huge risk entering the dream in that way. When you connect to someone who is already in a dream, you run the risk of being lost to the cosmos. She could get lost in his mind forever, because her conscience went into his to connect with us. The Deep Magic has rules...and interfering with something this big would be tedious for one person. Everything about her confuses me…” Wooyoung explained further. “Our next step is to find out what will happen to Junho and to try and connect with Nichkhun. If I know him, he’s with Taecyeon somehow. We just need to stall time until your forces arrive and then capture the necessary people. Only then can we proceed in proper to put my plan into action, it’s just getting to the point of actually being able to do that.”

                “Alright, I guess you’ll be headed to Baxkos then. Victor should have met up with the individual who got the passes for the auction. You’ll get the passes from him.”

                Wooyoung nodded. “Thank you Zahi, Sano.”

                They both bowed. “You have all my confidence now, Wooyoung.” Zahi assured. “Whatever you need, I’ll supply it the best I can.”

                He nodded and thanked him again.

                “Just...because I would like to make sure we are completely prepared, I think it would be a good idea to begin monitoring Baxkos palace. I’ll have what forces we have stationed there already begin surveillance.” Sano said. “At least then we’ll be prepared for when the main forces appear.”

                “That would be great.” Wooyoung said.

                “We should make haste in that matter then.” Zahi said.

                “Will you be alright here, Wooyoung?”

                “Yes, I’ll be fine.” He assured.

                They both turned and made their way down the hall. Wooyoung could feel a dread welling up inside of him. As the minutes wore on, he found himself walking back and forth before the doors. When they finally opened, he was surprised to find Chansung walking alongside the Queen. She looked over him quietly, her gaze much less cold.

                “Alright, Jang, I’ll do whatever is required of me.” She said.

                Wooyoung nearly fainted from relief. “I deeply, deeply appreciate it, your highness.”

                She smiled tensely. “I will open negotiations with Baxkos, but that is all. If they make one move towards violence, I pull out.”

                Wooyoung gave her a curt nod.

                She turned to Chansung once again, touched his arm, and then walked back inside.

                Wooyoung pressed a hand to his chest and collapsed back against the wall once they were alone. He felt mentally and emotionally drained. “I never would’ve been able to do that without you.”

                “Shh, it’s alright.” Chansung soothed and knelt down in front of him.

                Slowly but surely, Wooyoung made his way into his arms and closed his eyes tightly. “What if I can’t save Junho?”

                Chansung kissed his forehead, “you’ll get him back, Wooyoung.”

                “I’m worried about all of them. They’re all behind enemy lines, near that bastard.”

                Chansung chuckled, “you have infected all of us with this relentless need to survive, Wooyoung. I’m sure they’re fine.”

                Wooyoung nodded and held him closer. “That’s what I’m holding onto.”

***

Next Chapter...Lady Hwang (will be in Nichkhun's POV)