After such a long time, I am finally back....it felt good to be able to write again but it's been so long since I last wrote anything. I have to re-read all the chapters to refresh my memory of this story hahah. But without any delays....here is chapter 29!

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            Yoochun stood over the large puddle of water in the middle of the room which show no sign of drying. Junsu on the other hand were pacing around the room back and forth as the rain falls outside causing the window to rattle. Neither of them had said a word to one another as minutes turns into hours and yet no sign of Yunho or jaejoong returning.

“Will you stop pacing around? It’s starting to irritate me?” Yoochun spoke feeling like his trains of thoughts continues to be disrupted by the sound of Junsu’s indoor shoes against the wooden floor.

Upon his words, Junsu stopped walking before making his way over to Yoochun and stood at his side “I wonder what could have happen? It’s already been 3 hours….”

Yoochun didn’t say a word as he gazes at the puddle with a bitter and serious look on his face. He knew very well who is behind this and it’s because of this particular person that this matter is being dragged for this long. If it were any other hunters, Yunho would have taken care of them right away and be back a while ago. The more he thinks about the possible outcome, the more nervous he becomes. It’s unpredictable at this time, what kind of reaction they will see from Yunho. Will he be angry? Will he be in remorse? Bitter? Sorrow? Or a mix of everything after encountering Boa again. It is Yunho’s state of mind that really concerns him, far more then the safety of Jaejoong’s heart. Junsu could see the worrisome expression reflected on Yoochun’s face mix in with a hint of fear. He reaches out and places his hand upon Yoochun’s shoulder

“Everything will be okay….no matter who Yunho faces, he will defeat them….don’t forget….Jaejoong is also there….if worst come to worst….he will be the one who can help Yunho…”

Upon his words, Yoochun found himself relaxed a little “I know….they have pulled out of worst situations….”

Junsu turn to the puddle of water “If you are still concern, Should we go and help?”

Yoochun shook his head “No…even if we wanted to, we wouldn’t be able to…only those who possess the essence of water is able to pass through….”

“Why is that?”

“The realm this gateway leads to were created by the water dragons….a realm….a world of their own creation….a place of peace…a place pure without any sort of impurity….it’s like a place of healing…but for others, it will be the same as drowning even though you are already standing above water…”

“But…what about jaejoong?”

“He will be alright….even without water essence, he is bond to Yunho so that makes him recognizable by the magic that created the realm as the bride….”

Even though Yoochun assured him that jaejoong will be okay, Junsu can’t help but worried. What if jaejoong and Yunho are in trouble and needed help? It’s not like he or Yoochun can enter to provide assistance. At this point all they can do is wait and pray for a positive outcome.

Meanwhile in the water realm, Yunho is busy fighting against Boa without realizing who she really is. Even though she is just a hunter using a dragon scale, she was still able to stand up against him. It was as if she can read his every move, understand the way he thinks and what he wanted to do. Most hunter wouldn’t be able to use the full potential of the dragon scale, most weren’t even able to control its power but this person before him could. She use them as if the power resides deep within her…as if she herself is a water dragon. Whatever moves Yunho made, she is able to encounter it, whatever attacks he uses, she is able to block them all.

Yunho tries to attack her but she was able to reflect his attack using the dragon scales embedded into her flesh. She disappear from where she was and reappear right behind him hoping to take him by surprise. He manages to spin around in time to block against her, sending her flying as she lands on her feet sliding away. Her lips curves into a smile before placing her hand down flat against the surface of the water below them. The dragon scale glows once more as the water acts like large sharp needles trying to pierce Yunho from below who dodges each and every one of them. The last one however manages to tear a part of his clothing revealing the flesh behind it. With a swing of her arm, the water below them shook as it raise above Yunho hoping to incase him. Yunho counter it with his own attacks slicing the water in halves as he dashes toward her. They both clashes against one another fighting with the same amount of strength, power and speed. Jaejoong stood helplessly on the side line watching the fight before him unable to do anything. As long as Yunho refuses to remove this water shield, there is no way he could enter.

“This isn’t good…” thought jaejoong as he carefully observe Yunho and Boa “Yunho’s pace has become slower…. his fighting seem to have become weaker as well….”

Compare to how Yunho had always fought, Jaejoong concluded that this water dragon has yet to recover from the fight that took place the other day. In fact, now that he thinks about it, from day one up to this point they have yet to have some times to rest and recover. It was one problem after another with Yunho on the fighting end, using his strength and power to protect him. This situation is no differ, he is once again being shielded and protected while Yunho is fighting for his sake even though he himself hasn’t fully recover. Jaejoong who had once praised himself as being strong and unbeatable couldn’t help but be angry of himself, of the weakness that he had come to realize, unable to do anything. He clenched his hand into a tight fist as he could feel it deep inside him, the faint energy of Yunho that was once overwhelming. If this fight doesn’t end soon, he fears that Yunho will be on the losing side and once that happen, who knows what will become of them both. He switch his gaze from Yunho to Boa, there were too many questions surrounding her that he can’t figure it out. Is she a ghost? Is she really dead? Or is she actually alive? If so, how? At this time and ages, Boa shouldn’t have existed, she should have perished long ago and yet here she is. By the way she fights, how she is able to touch Yunho, have a reflection and control the water….there is no doubt in Jaejoong’s mind that she is probably more alive than dead.

“Yunho!” he shouted as he bangs on the water shield once again causing a few droplets of water to splash upon him “Remove this water barrier and let me in!”

Like before, Yunho ignored him as if he doesn’t exist, he didn’t even as much as turn to look at him. This only make Jaejoong even angrier.

“Yah! I know you can hear me!” he shouted as he bangs on the barrier feeling a bit more desperate than usual to get Yunho’s attention. He continues to shout and bangs with his hand but Yunho was a pro at ignoring him. Boa however watched in amusement as her lips curves into a sinister smile.

“Why don’t you let him fight? I heard he is quite the wild one….it’ll be interesting to see what he is capable of…” said Boa as her fist clashed with Yunho’s hand.

Yunho only scowls at her before speaking “Never….”

He spun around to kick her as she jumps out of the way but quickly dashed back toward him to continue the fight “I don’t understand why you will choose him as your bride…..you are probably looking to end your bloodline….why not find a nice beautiful woman who can actually bare your fruit…gives hope to the future…”

Yunho manages to grab her by the hand, spun her around and pin her arms behind her back “Who I choose to be my bride has nothing to do with you…”

Boa couldn’t help but felt a pinch at her heart as she remain silent. Yunho reached for the hood over her head to find out her identity when a soft chuckle from her caused him to pause. The chuckle was filled with bitterness as Boa’s lip curved into a smile.

“Nothing to do with me you say…?” she spoke softly as she had a flash back of the time she spent with Yunho, how he made her the happiest woman alive only to tear her apart at the end “you have no idea….”

With her free hand she controlled the water below them as a long sharp needle burst out attempting to stab Yunho. He had no choice but let go of her and jumped back a few steps trying to avoid the attack. Just as he manages to regain his composure, she appears right before him and spun around to kick him. Yunho raises his arm up in time to block her attack. Something about her have changed. Her speed have increased as well as her fighting abilities. It has become harder for him to keep up with her as she constantly disappear and reappear, using water to blind side him, distract him as she pulls her next move. In his view it was as if she had gone crazy unleashing everything she got.

Before he could do anything, he felt something pierced him from behind. Droplets of redness fell into the water below as it mixed in with the water and faded away. Boa’s smile grew wider as she stood up straight. Jaejoong’s eyes widen in shock to see a sharp needle made of water pierced through Yunho’s right leg causing him to fall to his knee.

“YUNHO!!” he shouted

Another needle made of water pierced Yunho once again on his left shoulder causing him to groan in pain. He lifts up his gaze and glares at her with utmost hatred.

“You…your true aim wasn’t Jaejoong was it? It was me you wanted…” he spoke

“Why would you think that? Everyone is after the golden heart after all….so why wouldn’t I be after him?”

“If you were after him…if your main target was him….you wouldn’t be wasting your time on me…you already knew I’m not at my full power….you could have defeated me earlier but instead spent the time to fight against me….your attention was always on me….you never once attempted to go after him…”

Boa was quiet for a moment before speaking “even though you made a poor choice of a bride….you are still very smart….indeed….my main target here is you…”

“Then let him go…”

“even though my target is you…there is someone else who will very much want to have his golden heart…..so I can’t let either of you go…”

Yunho attempted to get up but suddenly the water like needle that pierced his leg started to spin filling his body with a great amount of pain. He ends up falling back to his knee and groan

“Yunho!!...Yah Yunho!!” Jaejoong shouted desperately.

Boa slightly turn to look at Jaejoong “How admirable….even after seeing you defeated…he isn’t scare but wants to come help you….I can tell from the look of his eyes that he has no fear….or more like…he is already accepting death….no longer fearing it….” she turn her gaze to Yunho who is glaring at her “You wanted to protect him….but at the end….like usual…you will fail….”

“Only cowards will decide to attack when the opponent was already weaken….” Yunho spoke between deep painful breaths.

“The only coward I see here is you my dear….”

He didn’t say anything as she continues “You run and hide after your entire race were annihilated…..rather than revenge….rather than finding justices for their death….You disappeared….fearing for your own destruction….you lock yourself away where no one could find you…where you will forever be safe….that is what you call a coward….”

Yunho kept quiet as a feeling of familiarity suddenly arises. The more he listens to her speak, the familiar her voice becomes. The way she talks to him almost felt like someone who knew his past very well. It was as if he had heard this voice before as an image flashes before his eyes of a girl smiling at him. Upon this image, he felt his heart suddenly sink. Meanwhile Jaejoong still continues to yell and pound at the water shield fearing for Yunho’s safety. Seeing the amount of blood oozing out of those two wounds made him extremely worried. But no matter what he does, he couldn’t get through.

“You stated earlier that who you chooses as your bride has nothing to do with me….but my dear Yunho….how you end up here with him as your bride….was the outcome of what I did….if that night didn’t take place…if your people didn’t get attacked…you wouldn’t have went into hiding…you wouldn’t have been able to meet him….you wouldn’t be here risking your life to protect him….Everything…started with me…”

Boa took a few steps closer to Yunho as she leans forward toward him. Her hand reaches out and touches his cheek as his eyes is open as wide as it could in complete shock.

“It….can’t be……” he uttered these words in total disbelief

Yunho couldn’t get a clear look at her face before but now that face he has been wanting to see is looking down at him. Those full pink lips is smiling from cheek to cheek. Those big brown eyes gazing at him with such darkness and hatred. Strands of her long brown hair falls to the side of her face, lightly brushing against his own flesh. The sweet smell of fresh roses filled his nose. It was as if he is stuck in a trance, unable to move, unable to speak. He couldn’t break his gaze away from those piercing brown eyes that he had once gaze upon with deep affection. The pain he was feeling earlier suddenly disappear as if anesthetic has been injected into him to numb the pain.

“It’s been a while haven’t it Yunho?...” she asked with a wide smile “You have no idea how long I have been waiting for this union….”

Meanwhile, Changmin was walking down the hallway deep in thought. He couldn’t forget what had happen before, to have another person killed himself right before his eyes was frightening. Even though he was calm when YongHwa and the others returned, inside he was trembling. He places his hand over his chest where the dragon scale is located. He remembers how he was able to tap into the other man’s mind, hear his thoughts….understand his true intention. With this power, changmin felt like he can finally move forward with his plan. Even though he will most likely lose his life once everything is over, he was content with the fact that Jaejoong will no longer have to be hunted down. His life was a small sacrifice for the happiness and wellbeing of the person he loved. Unlike Yunho who is powerful and strong, this was the only thing he could do for Jaejoong’s sake. Changmin was still deep in thoughts when he suddenly spotted YongHwa ahead of him. He quickly put his hand down and tried to act normal. The last thing he wants is for others to realize what kind of power he has in his possession.

“Changmin shhi…” YongHwa calls to him

“What is it?”

“Are you alright? You don’t look well?” YongHwa asked upon noticing the strange look on his face

“I’m fine…”

YongHwa on the other hand didn’t believe him but none the less he let it go “There is a family meeting tonight….I just want to remind you that your presence is require”

“Meeting?” Changmin raises one of his eyebrow unsure who had called for a meeting when he himself did not request for one. But he can already guess what this meeting will be about. After what happen the other day with the shadow dragons, there were a lot of media coverages that has made its connection to the Shim family. At this point every branches of the shim family is reckless wondering who should take the blame. Even though Changmin dislike the fact that others were courageous enough to put together a meeting without his approval, he still think this meeting might be the best opportunity to use this new found power he obtained to pluck out the weeds.

“Changmin?”

“Alright….thank you for letting me know…I’ll make sure to be there and have a full scale discussion on our next moves…”

With that being said he walks toward YongHwa and places his hand upon YongHwa’s shoulder “thank you YongHwa for always being there for me….without you…I don’t know what I will do…”

Rather than feeling joy for being praised, YongHwa felt something was off. This wasn’t something he expected from changmin. Something about that smile and this sudden friendly gestures made him wonder what this young master is planning.

“It was my pleasure…I was put in charge of you by your grandfather so it is only right for me to watch over you….” he smiled

“Can I always count on your loyalty? If the entire shim family turn against me….will your loyalty remain the same…will you continue to fight and stand at my side?”

“Of course…” YongHwa smile widely

“Never….”

Changmin was quiet for a bit before his lip curves into a smile but this time YongHwa felt a chill upon seeing his smile. There were something about it that made him uncomfortable “I hope…you will not regret this decision…”

Before YongHwa could say another word, Changmin had already remove his hand from his shoulder and walked forward “I’m heading out for a bit….don’t call me…don’t look for me….I’ll make sure to return for the meeting later…”

Once changmin is out of sight, YongHwa enters an empty room and took out his phone before dialing a number. He moves toward the large window as the phone rings waiting for the other party to pick up. Byungchal who was busy playing a friendly chess game against MinSeok in the dimly lit room answered his phone

“What is it YongHwa? Didn’t I tell you to only call me if there is something important to inform me?”

“The young master has left the estate…”

Byungchal narrowed his brow as if to say this piece of information isn’t important enough to disturb his chess game “and?”

“Well….he seems kind of different….the air around him didn’t feel like the same….It’s hard to put my finger on it but it gives me a chill….”

ByungChal smiled “Just because the young master change a little and you became scare? I didn’t know you were that weak?”

YongHwa look out the window and see changmin get into a car and drove off into the distance “I guarantee you…something about him isn’t right…….how to explain it….the air around him….it seems…darker….”

Byungchal glance at Minseok who moved one of his white chess piece over a black chess piece on the board before taking the black chess piece off of the board.

“Should I follow him?” YongHwa asked

Minseok could hear his voice over the phone as he spoke in place of ByungChal “let him be…even if he changed a little…it’s nothing to worried about…..as long as our plan is moving forward without any problem that is all that matters….”

Byungchal on the other hand disagree, he wanted YongHwa to follow changmin to see where he is going and what he is up to. But a part of him didn’t want to go against MinSeok.

“Remain where you are and inform me when he comes back” said Byungchal as he hangs up the phone and move his black chess piece before speaking “Why aren’t you interested in chasing after the young master?”

MinSeok moves his white chess piece before going over another black chess piece as he reaches for it and held it in his hand “I have no interest in what the young master is doing….whatever plans he is making doesn’t matter to me….he is after all one person….there isn’t anything he can do that will jeopardize what we hope to achieve…. Besides, the bond that was created rather by chance or by faith is about to be tested so why stand in its way….just let everything go it’s course….only when old love join the battle will the heart of those involve will waver…this is where separation and unity will take place….a key outcome that will bring me the blue dragon and you…the bridal heart….”

“How exactly is this supposed to get me the bridal heart….?”

MinSeok chuckles a little “I’m guess you have never been in love Byungchal”

He seems to hit the mark on this but Byungchal wasn’t offended nor angered. Yes, his marriage was loveless…an arranged marriage made by his parent so of course there was no love. He neither care for it or object against it. He and his wife had no affection for one another, even after the birth of his child, the amount of affection was still the same. They both did agreed on the marriage base on power and influence after all. Byungchal was calm as he make his move on the chess board “To me, love is a worthless thing….I don’t find the joy in it nor will it get me what I desire….”

MinSeok smiled “Boa was Yunho’s first love….the first woman to have ever moved his heart…to have ever shown him what love truly is….even though their love bears no fruit….it’s hard for Yunho to completely forget her….”

Boa stood before a speechless Yunho who has yet to move or even utter a word “You really disappointed me…” she spoke “….I thought you will be powerful like before….I was actually excited to have to fight against you….instead you have become weak…I trained hard for this moment, to be equal to you…to be able to stand at the same level as you….and yet….I am faced with great disappointment……You are the last of your kind….the last of the most powerful dragon race….the only one left with royal blood running through your veins….and yet….you choose to end it with you….no heir to continue the bloodline…..no power to show you might…..where is your dignity….where is your pride….” she chuckled “Your parent must be watching you in disappointment….you cause the destruction of your home….had many killed….disappeared for centuries like a coward leaving the throne empty…..only to return by choosing a man as a bride….and half the strength you once had….what is it that you wish to accomplish by returning Yunho shhi….there isn’t anything here for you anymore….nothing for you to achieve….nothing here that belongs to you…”

Yunho’s past flashed before his eyes, he could still remember those cries for help when the hunters attacked. The smell of blood and burnt flesh still lingers, the scene of corpses both dragon and human remain in the back of his head.

Boa leans closer to Yunho as their faces are only an inch apart “You couldn’t protect your friends….your own family…..what makes you think you can protect your bride? His heart will be dug out…and you….You will live in misery…failing once more to protect those close to you….”

“Yunho!” Jaejoong shouted loudly “What do you think you are doing?! Free yourself! Don’t just sit there and allow her to win….if you don’t want to fight…then remove this shield and let me take my turn at kicking her !!”

Where he was standing was a bit further away as he ran around the shield to the side closer to the Boa and Yunho. He once again bang on the shield loudly and continues to call out to Yunho who didn’t respond to him what so ever. Boa turn to jaejoong with a disgusted look on her face “Just look at him….he is rough all around….His personality is horrible…. someone who will never meet the requirement of a dragon bride…..You must be very dumb to choose someone like him….he doesn’t match you at all….” She turn slightly turn to Yunho and smile sinisterly “but….regardless….you are smitten by him…correct?”

Yunho didn’t answer her, he didn’t deny nor did he confirm it. In fact, he is conflicted on his true feeling toward his bride. Was he just acting out solely on responsibilities or was there more to the reason that he couldn’t leave jaejoong alone? Jaejoong could see her looking at him once again as he get this chill run up his spine. Something about her eyes gives him an uneasy feeling. It’s like he is facing an angry and jealous girlfriend who is confronting the person her lover is having an affair with. None the less he pound on the water shield once more, shouting for Yunho to remove it.

“Such annoyance….how could we have a proper conversation with this monkey shouting and pounding….” She spoke before raising her arms toward jaejoong. With a smile, the dragon scale glowed.

“…….Jaejoong on the other hand….is a life he saved out of a whim….their bond though strong is still fragile and breakable….they are connected in heart and life….but their true feelings has yet to be confirmed…..”

Jaejoong immediately felt something was off. The water around him begin to shake creating little waves. He turn toward Yunho who seems to be deep in thoughts unaware of what is happening.

“Yunho!...” he shouted when suddenly the water below him him inside.

He quickly tried to swim back up into the surface but he couldn’t. It was as if the surface of the water has become ice, not allowing him to break through. He quickly covered his mouth hoping to prevent any more air from leaving his body. Opening his eyes was hard as the water made his vision blurry. He could however make out the silhouette of Boa and Yunho above the water not too far away.

“Yunho….You idiot…..what the hell are you doing?!!” Thought jaejoong as he struggles within the body of the water being reminded of his fear. The memories of him drowning in the deep ocean flashed before his eyes as his body started to shake, his heart rate increased and the warmth of his body being wrapped in a cold wet blanket.

Through the blurriness of his vision, he could see Boa bending down toward Yunho and wrap her arms around his body. As this took place, Yunho didn’t do anything. He didn’t move, he didn’t push her away or say a word. Upon the thought of him still harboring some feeling for Boa caused Jaejoong’s chest to tighten as he felt a pinch in his heart. If a person truly no longer desire that person, he or she will not hesitate to reject the other party. But if a person, no matter the hate still have some feelings left will hesitate to push the other person aside. Does this mean that Yunho will be able to see pass her betrayal? Does he still love her? If so, if he still loves her then what is he to Yunho?

“……..and then there is the young master….he cherished Jaejoong very much…adores him…treasured him….willing to turn himself into a villain as a way to protect him….he is even willing to destroyed his family line to ensure that jaejoong will no longer be hunted….but him to jaejoong is merely a dear and irreplaceable friend……”

Changmin pulls his car to the parking lot of the hospital as he made his way toward his grandfather’s room. Standing outside the door are two people he had placed there to watch over the room to insure no suspicious people enters the room and cause more harm. Upon seeing changmin, they both greeted him with respect and bow to him. He nodded his head toward them to acknowledge this presences before entering the room. It has been a few days since he last visited his grandfather. Compare to the noise of annoying relatives chattering and bickering, he very much prefer the sound of machines hooked up to his grandfather to keep him alive. This is probably the only place left he could come to for a peace of mind. Back then, he use to go to Jaejoong’s apartment. Even though Jaejoong dislike his constant visiting, he never chased him out and even went as far as offer him drinks and a full meal. Jaejoong may look fierce and cold, a hard person to approach but Changmin knows he is kind and caring.

He approached the bed and place the vase of flowers onto the table next to the twin size bed. He smile at his grandfather before sitting down.

“Hello grandfather…sorry I haven’t been visiting recently….everything has become quite hectic without you around….being a leader isn’t as easy as I thought….I don’t know how you can keep so many people in check…”

He became quiet but no response came from his grandfather who is still in a coma “If you knew what kind of event had happen, you will probably scolded me….we even appear on the news too along with visual of the shadow dragon and water dragon….this issue will not be easy to suppress and avoid….if it was You….what will you do?”

Once again there was no response as changmin felt his chest become even tighter feeling like there isn’t anyone else in his life whom he could vent to and talk to about his problem. Everyone who was once at his side have suddenly disappeared. First it was his grandfather….Jaejoong….and then Junsu as well. He placed his hand over his chest where the dragon scale now lies.

“At first I didn’t have the ability to do anything….but now I do….You probably won’t even believe what is now embedded into my flesh….as a youngster….you use to tell me tails about the shadow dragon….and now….I have one of its scale as part of me….I can use its power to accomplish my wish….to protect myself, to protect you…and to protect Jaejoong….It may be nothing compare to Yunho…but it’s something that I can use to protect Jaejoong’s future…..”

Changmin was quiet for a bit before speaking once more “To do that ….I will have to put an end to the lineage that you grew up protecting….I will have to destroy everything that you and my ancestor built with their blood and sweats….You will be angry….you will hate me….you will call me a fool for destroying my own family over a one sided love but….this is what I want to do….so please….until everything is over…keep dreaming…continue to sleep….it may sound cruel but…I don’t want you to witness the downfall nor do I want to witness the disappointed look on your face….”

“……the question here is who will end up with the person they love…and who will end up in despair….that is where the interesting part lies…” said MinSeok

“So you are basically saying that the best thing here is to separate the bride and the dragon?”

MinSeok nodded his head “When together they are strong….but when they are apart…the bond is breakable….at that weaken state…we will have the opportunity to cut it where it is weakest driving them both in separate direction….”

“Even without the water dragon…there is still the fire dragon that we need to worried about”

“You don’t need to worry about him ….the main thing here is will Yunho let his guard down enough for us to put our plan into action?”

Byungchal was quiet for a bit before speaking “You….said it as if it’s something you aren’t sure about….but in truth…you already know the answers correct?”

MinSeok didn’t answer but instead smile before moving his chess piece and look at ByungChal “Checkmate...”

As Boa wraps her arm around Yunho, she could feel the warmth of his body against her. It has been so long since she last had him in her arm. To be able to embrace him once more almost unboxed all her emotions from with. None the less she controlled herself proceeding to the next step. He reaches into the sleeve of her shirt and pulls out a thin long silver syringe. Inside is a deep black liquid as she smiles positioning it near Yunho’s neck. She leans in to whisper to his ear

“The throne….awaits for its king….”

Changmin and Junsu who was watching over the large puddle of water suddenly noticed the ripples. Just a few seconds ago, the puddle was very still and now ripples are being created out of nowhere.

“What is going on?” Junsu asked

“This isn’t good….something must have happen…the balance of the water realm is being disturbed…..”

“What does that mean?”

Yoochun didn’t even turn to face Junsu as his expression darkens “It means….the water realm has been tainted with blood….the purity of the realm is being threaten…”

“But…by whose blood is threatening the purity?” Junsu questioned