The warmth of the water calmed his soul as the light peaked through the windows made him new again. It was better because his feet were being messaged by his lover. Kyungsoo felt like he was in heaven. Why was he so blessed? 

Jongin had a long day dealing with the city's need. He came into their room with nothing more than a tired expression and a call for help. Kyungsoo felt guilty because all he did all day was sleep in the reassurance Jongin had given him. He suggested they take a bath together and his alpha agreed. 

But instead of relaxing, Jongin was taking care of him. Kyungsoo hated being spoiled. Often times he felt he didn't deserve it. All he did was about the small and Jongin just took it in, never raised his voice. Now, here he was massaging his feet when it should be the other way around.

Kyungsoo played with the bubbles of the water. "My archery classes start tomorrow. I'm really excited to learn more about the sport."

Jongin continued to bring comfort into his toes. "Oh really? How long will the classes be?"

"Just an hour."

His husband smiled. "I'm glad you can do what pleases you."

Kyungsoo lips went down. "Baby, you don't have to rub my feet. I'm the one that needs to message yours. You work so hard and I just sit here."

Jongin shrugged. "Aren't you interested in archery? That's your daily activity. You don't sit at home all the time. You do what you can," He reassured. "When I need you by my side, you're always there. That's more than I could ask for. Also, you were raised poor. You worked your whole life. Just let me give you a stress less life, my love."

Kyungsoo pouted. "I still don't like the fact  that you work so hard."

"You don't like a lot of things." 

-

Kyungsoo found out Jongdae was loud and annoying. He didn't stop. He  expressed how excited he was to have his majesty near him and Kyungsoo appreciated it but it got unbearable. Chanyeol tried to calm him down but that too was ignored. However, Kyungsoo continued to deal with him with grace. The council told him he's supposed to construct himself with class because he's married to the king. 

It was no secret that Baekhyun hated Jongdae. They had only been together for two hours but the servant found it the worst two hours of his life. Perhaps it was jealousy. The praise Jongdae was giving Kyungsoo was pissing him off. He should be the one doing that. Baekhyun didn't know when he became so pathetic.

"Thank god we haven't crossed paths with the Cumals." Chanyeol interrupted Jongdae from his constant praise.

"I'm surprised honestly. Me and Baekhyun always come across one. We've almost died countless times." Kyungsoo managed to say.

"What?!" Jongdae screamed. "My majesty, I can't believe you were in danger. I have to get you back to safety. I don't even know you but I feel it's my duty to protect you. I could only imagine what the king alpha is going through."

Kyungsoo smiled bitterly. "You have no obligation to protect me. I can protect myself. Thank you though." 

Baekhyun noticed the difference when Kyungsoo was being the alpha's mate and  being Kyungsoo. As himself, he would have gotten pissed for the assumption that he needs Jongin. However, he's with one of his husband's followers; he must present himself well. Kyungsoo was good at this. 

Jongdae smiled. "Our king is so strong. I wonder what plan he's preparing to destroy the Cumals. I can't wait to see it and be by his side."

"It's sad you live in fantasy world," Baekhyun commented. "Jongin isn't a god or a superhero. He's just a king."

Jongdae wasn't pleased. "Don't disrespect my king. He's an inspiration to all the people of his country. He inspires me. I will gladly fight by his side if he ever needs the help."

"Why?" Kyungsoo asked out of curiosity. Jongin was good to his people but he hadn't known he made that good of an impression. 

Jongdae lips went up. "Because my loyalty lies with him. I would lay my life to protect him and you. Because you're something special to the king so I feel it's my duty to protect the kings love when he isn't present."

Kyungsoo didn't know words from strangers could touch his heart. That idiot Jongin sure is a great king, he thought. "I'm glad my husband has people like you to follow him."

"I don't understand the hype of your husband," Chanyeol commented. "But for whatever reason, I feel the same as Jongdae."

Kyungsoo smiled sweetly, a blush touching his cheeks. "Thank you."

The village was quiet but still lively considering the state the world was in.  There was small grocery story with apples and pies displayed behind the window. Majority of the houses were made of wood while some were made of bricks. The comfort in the air touched Kyungsoo's discomfort.

He gripped onto his robe, his hood falling down. A child stared at him in amazement through a window as they followed Jongdae. Kyungsoo smiled at the child and it earned him the sight of a missing tooth and happiness. He wanted children badly; a daughter preferably. He was only 26 but he couldn't help but feel times were flying quicker than usual. But Kyungsoo loved his future child so much that he could never bring a her or him into such a cruel world. Not now.

"You can sleep in our house, my majesty." Jongdae said. 

"Thank you."

Jongdae looked north and pointed. "Right up ahead." It didn't even take a minute to reach their destination. Jongdae's and Chanyeol's house was made wood, smaller than the houses they had passed. "It's not much," he opened the door to a tiny table and one bed. "But it's all I have. All I can afford, unfortunately. I know you're used to fancy-"

"There's no need to be embarrassed," Kyungsoo interrupted him. "I once lived in poverty. I will never forget. I am not too good to live under these circumstances."

Jongdae teeth were the only thing Kyungsoo saw. "You're so understanding, my-my Queen!"

"I'm a man, not a woman. I don't think it works that way." Kyungsoo chuckled.

"But you're so worthy of a higher name! I don't know what to call you."

"Just call me Kyungsoo."

Chanyeol rolled his eyes. "God you're such kiss ," He announced. "Come in." He guided the visitors into the small house. "Are you too hungry?"

Baekhyun nodded "We haven't eaten since last night."

"Well you're lucky because me and Jongdae have plenty of food to share." Chanyeol pulled out items from a bag lied in the corner, placing everything on the tiny table. Apples, rounds of dark bread, cheese, honeycomb. Kyungsoo felt his mouth water. It wasn't much but to him, it was everything.

"Eat up." Jongdae threw an apple at Baekhyun with a wink. "We have a lot to talk about."

They all sat in silence as they ate, comfortable it was. Kyungsoo was just too focused to acknowledge that this situation could have been awkward. Even though Jongdae was a bit much, he was still a good man with a good heart. He didn't have to bring them in but he did anyway. Kyungsoo didn't think enough thank you's could truly show his gratitude.

The omega was on a honey comb before he was interrupted. "So...what do you guys think of everything that's been happening?" Jongdae asked, eyes more serious than they had ever been.

Kyungsoo continued to eat. "There's nothing to think. Joseph hates us and wants us gone."

"No, do you think there's any way to kill them?"

Kyungsoo frowned. "Of course not. They're too big to kill."

"But they're slow."

That caught everyone's attention. Jongdae continued, "Have anyone else noticed it? We're too scared to even attempt to kill them which is why we haven't noticed our advantage and their disadvantage."

Jongdae was right. Now that Kyungsoo remembered, the giants never ran which is why Baekhyun and him were able to run from the murderers. "But still...that doesn't give us the answer."

"But it's a start."

Kyungsoo remembered those words when he snuck out the house. Night had fallen on them but Kyungsoo took advantage of the rest being asleep; he was going to the red pond. 

Kyungsoo could feel the tears forming in his eyes. He would be able to talk to Jongin after so many months of complete silence. He prayed that his alpha wasn't dead. But Kyungsoo knew his prayers were unnecessary because he was too connected to his mate. If he was gone, his heart would have felt it. Jongin is still alive. 

On the outside of the village, the red pond settled beneath the moonlight. Kyungsoo ripped off his clothes, his body exposed to the coldness of the night. He wiped his tears away and took cautious steps into the red water. He swirled in the warmth, a smile of happiness forming on his.

Kyungsoo opened his hands, fingers far apart. "Crato zerow axk." He whispered. His body lit itself up with white lights, the color tracing itself up his arms. His body looked as though it was covered with tattoos but they were a glowing white instead of a hidden black.

Kyungsoo brought his hands to his ears. "Jongin, do you hear me?" He could feel powers take a toll on him as his head burned in pain. He waited but there was no response. "J-Jongin, can you hear me? Say something." His tears were back because he feared this would be a failed mission. 

Kyungsoo screamed in pain as he felt his powers creep away. No, he thought. His body was still too weak to use his powers. 

"Baby?"

Kyungsoo eyes widen and a smile grew. Jongin heard him. "Jongin!"

"How the-how the hell are you in my head," He asked but realized that was redundant. "Baby, where are you?!" 

Kyungsoo head throbbed at the shooting pain. "I'm at the village near Lydia. J-Jongin, I miss you so much." He silent tears had turned into a sobbing mess. "I'm so scared."

"I'll come get you! Stay right there! My love, please-"

Kyungsoo cries grew worse as he realized Jongin was gone. His powers died on him. He didn't realize how much he missed his husband until now. All he wanted was to be held by his mate but Jongin was miles away. Why was life so cruel?

"Jongin..." Kyungsoo cried with the name repeatedly slipping from his lips. He was an emotional wreck. 

He felt himself wanting to stay in the pond for the rest of the night until he saw the water bouncing. Kyungsoo heard the steps getting louder and closer...Before he could react, a Cumal stood 50 feet in the sky right in front him, with a smile plastered on its black lips.

a/n: enjoy! this story is starting off sloppy but ill try to clean in up. please comment!