-Zelo’s POV-

By the time camp was completely set up and everyone was settled it was dark. Everyone sat around the campfire Himchan made and chatted joyfully around the campfire. “Oh! Oh! You guys! I have a riddle.” Tae jumped giggling to himself. “Hit us with it Tae. I bet we can solve it.” Kris challenged jokingly.

Tae cleared his voice before speaking, “I am the end of before and the beginning of the end.” Tae said. “What am I?” the hybrid said. Everyone thought thinking about what the younger just said. “I know~.” Youngjae said, of course being the first to figure it out. “No! Jae you can’t answer. Not you, Himchan, or Jayde.” Tae quickly said. Youngjae pouted, but nodded in understanding. “It’s okay Jae. You can always tell me.” Daehyun comforted. “No.” Jae said.

“Haha! Rejected.” Jongup laughed at the surprised Daehyun. I couldn’t help but laugh as well.

“Is it Jayde?” lee guessed. “No~.” Tae said shaking his head. Jayde narrowed her eyes at Lee. “What?” The vampire challenged with a smirk on his face. “Nothing.” Jayde said throwing a chunk of mud at his face. “Hah…cute.” Lee said sarcastically, unamused as he wiped the mud from his face. Jayde just smiled with satisfaction.

“Do you guys give up?” Tae asked anxiously. “Yes Tae we give up.” Kris said knowing that the young one wanted to say the answer. Tae bit his lip in anticipation before saying the answer. “What is it TaeTae~? Spit it out.” Min whined, tugging on his brother’s sleeve. “It’s…the letter E.” Tae said busting out laughing, cracking himself up. “Oh…haha, clever Tae, very clever.” Kris nodded in encouragement. “That wasn’t funny.” Min said.

Tae stopped laughing and looked at him. “Yes it was.” He said pushing him. “No it wasn’t.” Min said pushing the elder sibling back. “Hey! Why did you push me? That wasn’t nice.” Tae whined. “Because you pushed me first.” Min said. “That’s because you said my riddle wasn’t funny.” Tae said getting upset. “’Cause it wasn’t. You’re not funny.” Min said.

“Yes I am!” Tae cried feeling insulted. “Nuh uh!” Min said. “Yuh huh.” Tae’s eyes getting watery. “You’re not funny Tae.” Min said pushing him again. “Yes I am!” Tae nearly screamed shoving the other back. At that moment Lee got up and grabbed each of the twin’s back collars.

“What’s going on here?” Lee asked. “Why are you pushing each other?” “Because Min said I wasn’t funny.” Tae pouted. “So? Does that give you the right to push him and scream?” Lee questioned. Tae was silent for a moment before responding. “No…”he said quietly. “Good, now stop arguing, if you two keep arguing then I’m gonna separate you.” He threatened.

The brothers looked at him wide-eyed. “Oh no! Please don’t do that!” Tae begged as the two hugged each other. “You can’t separate us!” Min snapped. “Yes I can.” Lee said. “No you can’t.” Min argued holding onto his brother protectively. “Do you want to try me?” Lee challenged. “No.” Min whimpered retreating. Lee just shook his head returning to his spot. “Awe~, look at mother Lee.” Kris teased.

Lee shot a death glare at the Shadow Seeker, not phasing him at all. “Shut up.” The vampire spat. I couldn’t help but smile, it was almost as if everyone acted like a family, even though we’ve known each other for only a few weeks. I guess we’re pretty much forced to become close and trust one another. I mean, each and every one of our lives are in the hands of one another. I’m glad I ended up being with them. It was nice. But only one thing was missing. I felt my heart clench at the thought.

Not a single second went by without me thinking of him. I felt my eyes begin to get teary. Ever since then I’ve felt cold and empty. I felt dread and…alone. I missed him so much.

Even though Jayde said he would be fine I couldn’t help but worry every second for him, I mean Jayde can at least see it, I can’t. So how do I know by what she means about ‘fine’? ‘Fine’ as in he’s not terribly hurt, ‘fine as in he’s found his way back home or to that magical kingdom place? Or ‘fine’ as in he’ll adjust to a new life and forget about me.

I sniffled to myself a little. I just needed to see him. I don’t care what state he’s in, I just have to. Bang whe-. “Junhong-ah, are you okay?” My thoughts were quickly shattered by the question and I was awaken back to reality.

“Uh-Uh, Yeh, Himchan-hyung.” I cursed myself for stuttering. But the elder didn’t seem convinced. “We’re getting ready to turning. “Do you want to stay in our tent?” Himchan offered. I looked around to see that the fire had dimmed and everyone was retreating to their tents. I slowly shook my head.

“Ani, Channie…I’m fine, really.” I assured the elder. He seemed a bit hesitant but decided to let me be, which I was thankful for. “Okay. Well, Good Night Junhong.” He said. “Good Night Himchan.” I said as he walked over to his tent to join Jongup. I sat there watching the few who were up, putting away supplies and cleaned up a little. Tae and Min, however, turned into pups and played around with each other.

It wasn’t until a few minutes later when Youngjae came up to me. “Hey Zelo-ssi.” The elder greeted. I just smiled back at him. “Do you want to stay in our tent tonight?” He asked. I just sighed and shook my head. “No thank you. But thanks.” I said. “Mmmm, do you need help setting up your tent?” he questioned. I shook my head once more, chuckling lightly. “No thank you hyung.” He looked at me strangely.

“I’m going to sleep out here.” I said answering his unasked question. “Um…Are you sure?” He questioned. I nodded. “Besides, Lee will protect me.” I said not believing those bold words that came out of my mouth. “Uh…what?” lee said overhearing us. Jae just raised an eyebrow. “If not, there’s always Kris.” I said hesitantly. But that idea was immediately shot down when we looked over at the Shadow Seeker, who laid on the ground passed out, snoring away. “Mm hmm~.” Youngjae hummed not convinced.

At that moment the pups came running toward us jumping onto my lap. “And there’s also Tae and Min.” I said as they my face. The elder just chuckled, standing back up. “Okay. If you need anything just call me.” Youngjae said. I just nodded. “Good night.” I said. “Night Zelo.” He said. Tae and Min barked at Youngjae, who waved at hem as well. “Night Tae. Night Min.” he said.

Once he was gone I grabbed my sleeping bag and snuggled comfortably into it. The pups crawled on top of me getting comfortable as well. Tae slept on my chest and Min slept comfortable at my ankles. The two were very soft and not heavy at all, it was actually pretty comfortable. I easily fell asleep that night.

I slept really well, it wasn’t the best, but better than the last few times I had slept. However, a strange feeling lingered in my sleep. It was more of an exciting feeling. A feeling that I will be able to see Yongguk again! But I wasn’t sure if it was my mind playing tricks on me or if it was my powers.

I was suddenly awakened by the sound of snapping sticks. My eyes quickly shot open. I looked around to see that everyone was still asleep. That was weird. How could I have been able to hear the sound of a branch snapping when I was in a deep sleep? Unless it was just me.

Even Min and Tae were still asleep and they have really good hearing. Maybe it is just me. With that thought I closed my eyes.

But then I quickly heard a slight growling sound.

I opened my eyes once more, to be greeted by a motionless scene. No one heard that? A shadow caught my peripheral vision.

I scanned the area again in search of Jayde, but I didn’t see her. What if…what if it’s Yongguk? A thought suddenly crossed my mind with faint hope.

I slowly sat up, carefully removing Tae off of my chest, not wanting to wake him up. Then I moved Min slowly off of my ankles, so that I could slip out of the sleeping bag. I slipped on my blue cloak and placed Min and Tae back onto the sleeping bag, beside each other, before heading towards the direction the shadow had went.

What if it isn’t Yongguk? What if it’s a dangerous creature of the Dark Magic? The latter thought came to my mind as I maneuvered through the prickly bushes. I felt in my cloak pocket for Yongguk’s knife, ensuring myself that it was still there in case I actually truly need it.

As I continued to travel in the dark night I began to realize that I was diverting further away from the path into the more dangerous half of the woods. I looked back over my shoulder every now and then to make sure I could see the path of the temporary campsite. Just a few more steps Junhong. Just a few more steps. “Oh Bang, I really hope it’s you.” I prayed under my breath. Suddenly I felt a cool breeze zoom right behind me, forcing me to stumble forward.

I looked behind me to see that there was nothing. “Okay~…That was weird.” I said quietly to myself. I could hear my heart pounding intensely, out of fear of the unknown. When I looked back to the front of me a slight squeal almost escaped from between my lips.

My heart beat accelerated to a much faster pace. I slowly took a few steps back, my eyes not leaving whatever was in front of me. All I was able to see was a pair of beady blood-shot eyes, piercing straight at me. C-Could it be a vampire? If so, could it be Yongguk?!

Don’t be so irrational! How could it be Bang?! He doesn’t possibly have a clue of where we are! My thoughts, however, were quickly put to an end by an animistic growl from the creature on the other end. I stopped in my tracks, frozen. Shivers trickled coldly up my spine with much trouble and delay, as the creature slowly made its way towards me. I slipped my hand in my cloak, feeling for the dagger. From the way it was moving, it looked as if it walked on two legs.

My eyes widened and hand dropped from my cloak when the creature was fully revealed in the moonlight. My breathing hitched at the sight of the muscular man, standing in front of me. His black shirt torn and tattered, not even seeming like a shirt anymore, just pieces of cloths that still hung onto the last thread. “Yongguk.” I gasped barely above a whisper.

I felt my heart pound even harder and louder, maybe even loud enough for the elder to hear. I was so amazed, so stunned, I couldn’t believe it. It’s him! I was right! He’s here. I found him!

Is this a dream? No, it couldn’t be, this has to be real. Why? How though? Could it really be a dream? That would be too cruel. My everything was quickly overwhelmed with ultimate joy. “Yongguk!” I cried, running up to him, tears of joy streaming down my cheeks.

But my fun was cut short when a vicious growl came from him causing me to stumble backwards. I had forgotten…he’s a vampire now.

How could I have forgotten in a short period of time?! “Bang?” I said quietly, my eyes watery. No! He’s still the same person, no matter what kind of creature he is! “It-It’s me…Junhong.” He’s still the kind, sweet, caring…”It’s me Bang, Choi Junhong…Zelo.” Loving, strong, person I know. He calmed down a bit, studying me closely.

I took one careful step forward. “Do you still remember? You used to like my hair, because it looked like Ramen to you.” I was unable to help but chuckle at the last part. It was funny and cute…and little embarrassing. But he is…”Bang?” I questioned taking another slow step forward.

His gaze softened to one that he always carried on his voice. A soft smile grew on my face. He is…he opened out his arms for me and I instantly ran into them hugging him. He wrapped his arms awkwardly around me embracing the hug.

His touch was cold but it didn’t matter, he was here. Tears streamed down my cheeks. He is Bang Yongguk! “I missed you so much.” I cried softly into his bare, cold chest.

Just then my tears halted to an abrupt stop and my eyes stretched wide as my head forced back as a reaction to the piercing pain of what felt like needles shoot into my neck.

I felt something being pulled involuntarily from my body up towards my neck. “Y-Y-Y-Yongguk…” I breathed weakly feeling my life being drained away mercilessly. My vision began to blur and my heartbeat begin to get hazy. It must’ve only been a few seconds, though it was feeling like an eternity.

I wanted to scream and beg him to stop. But I couldn’t…I couldn’t speak…my tears weren’t even falling. I was scared, petrified. I was dying. But by the hands of my own friend. Not just any friend. But my very first best friend, Bang Yongguk. How could this be? I couldn’t even feel my heartbeat anymore, it was breaking.

Suddenly Bang’s piercing fangs were roughly yanked out of my neck, causing me to fall to the ground. I stayed there coughing harshly, until I was able to barely lift myself to sit u, at least.

I had to blink frivolously before my vison was clear again. My body felt weak and limp, but I had enough blood left to maneuver my body. I looked to see Bang being attacked by someone. I narrowed my eyes to get a better visual of the person.

My eyes then widened when I realized who it was that saved me. I was surprised. It was Lee!

Lee pined Yongguk to the ground choking him. But Bang kneed him in the stomach, flipping them over to where he was now on top. Without any warning Bang dived in for a bite, but Lee moved his head in time, forcing the new born to bite into the dirt. “I’m not human idiot.” Lee growled pushing Bang off of him.

Yongguk landed on his feet swiftly as Lee jumped to his own. Lee waved the younger on. “Come on. I’ll let you hit first. Pick on someone your own size, eh?” Lee taunted.

Bang immediately charged at him with vampiric speed. Lee swiftly jumped, pushing himself in the air, by pushing off of Yongguk’s back, before landing gently on his feet. Bang crashed into a tree.

The new born furiously shook his head, baring his red bloody fangs at the vampire. “New borns…” lee said shaking his head. “So wild, it’s disgusting.”

Bang growled animisticly, stalking towards Lee, before pouncing on him. Lee moved fast and swiftly grabbed Yongguk’s neck before he could even tough him. He spun him around in circles before slamming him hard into a tree that snapped in half at the combat.

My eyes widened. “Lee…” I cried weakly. “…please don’t hurt him.” I begged almost silently. Lee looked a bit shocked, but quickly shook it off. “Don’t hurt him, even when he almost killed you?” He scoffed cracking his fingers. Just then I felt something cold trickle down my neck.

I felt my neck with my hand and removed it to see that it was covered in blood. I was bleeding! Lee studied me closely. “Don’t tell me you’re ble-,” Lee was cut off by a deep animistic growl that did not come from him. This growl was scary and…sounded hungry.

Bang sprang back to his feet, his nose twitching crazily. He ran straight towards me and was by me within less than a second. He growled again seeing the blood on my neck and hand.

I felt my eyes tear up. I was terrified. Terrified of him.

His fangs extended ae prepared himself to…eat. But before he could do anything, Lee choked him viciously into a head lock. “There’s no way I can do this without hurting him. I just won’t kill him.” Lee said. I nodded in understanding.

Yongguk bit into Lee’s arm, forcing him to retreat away from his neck. “.” Lee growled angrily. Yongguk stalked back towards me, but he was yanked harshly from his hair, flipping backwards onto the ground. “Nuh uh. Where do you think you’re going?” Lee said.

Bang pounced to his feet, only to have himself slammed back to the ground. Lee bent down on one knee and whispered something into Bang’s ear.

Bang screamed in pure again before his entire body became limp and lifeless. Lee stood up dusting his hands off. “I hate new borns.” He grumbled under his breath, before walking over to me. I was beginning to feel even weaker as my body got drowsy, from all the excitement. “Lee…I don’t…” I out before I could even finish.