-Zelo’s POV-

“Come one Zelo. Get over yourself. You’re making this harder than it needs to be.” I scolded myself as I paced back and forth at the stream. “Seriously since when has it been so hard to just apologize? It’s not like you even did anything wrong.” I sighed.

Almost a week has passed and I still haven’t made up with Yongguk yet. I’ve felt too awkward to confront him and chickened out every time I tried to.

“How can you be able to easily yell at him and ignore him, but find it difficult to apologize and put all that aside.” I muttered, feeling frustrated as I sat down on the ground. Had woken up extra early, before everyone else, to think alone. I was determined to make today the day that I make up with Yongguk.

I was able to make up with Jongup and Himchan easily, but of course with Jongup he didn’t even notice. I shook my head chuckling at the fact. Himchan said he felt terrible about it, but I assured him that it wasn’t completely his fault, but he didn’t buy it and claimed that there were no excuses. I shook my head. There was no convincing him otherwise. “But at least everyone is fine, and more determined than ever.” I told myself.

I sighed again. Even though I had been upset with him, I still missed Yongguk a little. I felt bad being angry with him and blaming him for our loss and Jayde’s death. I must’ve hurt him a lot. Knowing him he probably does blame himself, and he would’ve still blamed himself even if I wasn’t angry at him. The last thing he needs is for me to blame him as well.

I sighed for a third time before standing back up. “I’m just going to talk to him right now, before I can back out.” I said determined. It’s better to do it sooner than later, especially in the middle of a war.

“You sure do sigh a lot.” A voice said before I could turn around.

I looked to see a short guy standing on the other side of the stream, smiling at me. He looked as if he could pass for a little boy. He had pointy ears and pale skin. An elf? I thought to myself. He had a friendly smile, but something in his eye were dark and cold.

“Do I know you?” I questioned, wondering if he was also part of the camp and I had just never bumped into him before. The stranger just laughed. “You’re going to wish that you never even saw me.” He smiled. I think it was meant to be a devious smile, but it came out to be more cute if anything.

I scrunched my brow in confusion, but then I spotted the black symbol on his right arm. My eyes widened. “How did you-,” But I was cut off by a strong hand covering my mouth. Two more strong arms grabbed each of my arms.

I struggled against the intruders’ holds, desperately trying to break free. “This was too easy.” The elf smirked. My eyes widened and my heart rate sped up. I couldn’t break free and nobody else was here or even near here. I felt my eyes burn. Yongguk.

The elf muttered something and the next thing I knew I felt my body become limp and everything go black.

-Youngjae’s POV-

“Daehyun. I’m not hold.” I said pulling away from the elder. He was insisting on helping me down the cabin porch steps. He’s offered to help me out a lot, which I appreciated…to an extent. It was now getting to the point to where he was trying to help me with everything! “Youngjae, come on. Let me help you.” He insisted.

“No. I can walk down myself. I’m not crippled.” I muttered. “Well technically…” He stopped himself as I sent him a glare. “What if you fall?” he decided to say instead. “It’s only three steps Daehyun. I’m sure I’m not going to die if I trip.” I remarked. “Well anything can happen.” He muttered. I rolled my eyes. Just then I spotted Jaehyo and Taeil walking by. “Hey guys! Wait up!” I waved at them, takin the chance to get away from Daehyun. He two stopped and waved back at me.

“Youngjae just let me-,” But before Daehyun could finish I jumped off the steps.

“YOUNGJAE!!” Daehyun suddenly screamed.

Jaehyo, Taeil, and I looked at him strangely at his high pitched scream. He quickly straightened up, acting as if nothing happened. He walked down the steps. “Don’t do that again.” He simply said, walking pass me.

 

 

Together the four of us made our way to the mess hall for breakfast. Everyone else was already there, either getting their food or already eating.

I sat down at the table, waiting for Daehyun to come back with the food. Ever since we spoke to Bom, he’s insisted on getting my plate of food for me, claiming that I never get enough food. He was really taking Bom’s instructions seriously. He even goes with me when I get my check-ups.

I sighed, even though he didn’t show it I could tell that deep down he was scared. “You know what I don’t understand.” Jaehyo said. “What?” Taeil asked.

“We’re in the middle of a war, but they still feed us continental meals. I though in war food was usually limited and rationed. Like look at this! They have sunny-side eggs, scrambled eggs, biscuits, sausages, and even bacon!” Jaehyo said. “Well, I don’t mind.” Jihoon said his mouth stuffed with bacon.

“I don’t mind either, but it’s strange.” Jaehyo said. I nodded in agreement. At that moment Daehyun joined us, holding two plate of food, handing the plate with the least amount of food to me. “Thank you.” I thanked. “Awe you guys are cute.” Jihoon smiled cheekily at us.

“I know. I do make a great boyfriend don’t I?” Daehyun smiled proudly at the compliment, hanging his arm over my shoulders. I rolled my eyes at him. “What? You don’t think so?” Daehyun questioned, catching me roll my eyes. I looked at him. “Do you really want me to answer that question?”

He scoffed at this. “You wouldn’t want to be with anyone else.” He muttered, removing his arm as he began to eat his food. “I don’t mind being single.” I smirked, only to have him ignore me.

“So, Daehyun, do we get any benefits for you know…being Youngjae’s bestest friends?” Jihoon asked.

Jaehyo’s jaw dropped at this. “Jihoon! How can you ask that?” He scolded. Taeil raised an eyebrow, interested in what the Jung prince’s answer would be. I couldn’t help but laugh not even surprised that Jihoon would ask that.

Daehyun scrunched his brow, not quite understanding the question. “What do you mean?” “Well, you are the Prince and you can do whatever you want and you’re dating Youngjae, so Youngjae can do what he wants and we are Youngjae’s bestest friends and we knew him first. So do we get any benefits for that?” Jihoon explained. “Jihoon you’re being ridiculous. Stop.” Jaehyo continued to scold him.

Daehyun rubbed his chin. “Hhmmm, I don’t know actually.” He said thinking hard about it.

“Because I think we should, after all we did allow you to be with Youngjae when we didn’t have to.” Jihoon said. Jaehyo sighed, giving up. I shook my head, still finding it amusing. “Do you want something?” Daehyun asked. Jihoon nodded. “Well if you want something just ask. I’ll give you whatever you want.” He smiled.

Mine, Jaehyo’s, and Taeil’s eyes widened. “Really?” I asked. “Of course. I would definitely help you guys out. Especially after all of the trouble I caused.” He said to me.

“See! I knew you were a good person!” Jihoon smiled happily. Daehyun’s jaw slightly dropped at his comment.

“Here you go.” Jihoon said handing him a sheet of paper. I looked over Daehyun’s shoulder to see that it was a list. “What’s this?” Daehyun asked confused. “The list of things I want.” Jihoon simply said, as if it were obvious.

“Jihoon that’s not how it works.” Jaehyo said.

“Then how does it work?” The younger challenged.

“What’s on the list?” Taeil asked curiously.

“The first thing says, ‘a large seven story house for me and my friends to live together in with our families.’” Daehyun began. “Awe, that’s sweet.” Jaehyo nodded in approval. Jihoon smiled proudly to himself.

“Then it goes on with 8 horses, a new wardrobe only of silk clothing, several different instruments, a stage for rap battles only, 5 new pairs of shoes, weapons to protect ourselves from the guards during raids, a chocolate fountain, a statue dedicated to Jihoon, and a pet monkey?” Daehyun read out loud sounding just as confused as everyone else.

“8 horses?” Jaehyo repeated. “Jihoon! What are you going to do with 8 horses?!”

The younger shrugged, “Ride them obviously.” He said. “Jihoon, you’re asking for too much, you don’t even need any of that stuff.” Jaehyo sighed. But the younger human ignored him and turned his attention over to Daehyun, waiting for a reply.

“I don’t think I can get you everything on this list but I can-,” “You said that you’ll give us whatever we wanted.” Jihoon cut Daehyun off. “Yeah, but-,” “Nope. Youngjae you need to break up with him. He can’t keep his word.” Jihoon turned to me. Daehyun’s jaw dropped, speechless. I chuckled at this, “Do you really think so?” I questioned. “Yah, Yah! What I meant was that I can give you most of what you want. Rational things, like I can get you the weapons and clothes.” Daehyun tried.

Jihoon rubbed his chin, thinking about it. “Not the house?” He questioned. “I can try.” Daehyun said.

“Not the stage?”

Daehyun shook his head.

“Not the monkey?”

“I don’t even know where to find a monkey.” Daehyun defended.

Jihoon sat there, thinking for a few more seconds before turning back to me. “Youngjae, dump him and find you a prince who can actually give you and I everything we want.” Jihoon said.

Daehyun was stunned. “Okay.” I agreed. Daehyun looked at me even more shocked. “Seriously?!” I nodded, “You know I’ll listen to my friends before anyone else.”

Daehyun straightened up a little before turning back to Jihoon. “Okay, Okay. I’ll give you everything you want.” Daehyun said.

“I thought you said you couldn’t. Were you lying? Or are lying now?” Jihoon asked suspiciously. “Neither. I’ll just work hard to get it.” Daehyun said.

“Hmm~, I have to see for myself. Until you do it then I’ll let you date Youngjae again.” Jihoon said.

Jaehyo sighed shaking his head, “come one guys, we should head to training.” He said and with that him, Jihoon, and Taeil left. “Wow, he’s harder to please than you.” Daehyun said once they were gone. I looked at him. “Not that it’ a bad thing.” He smiled cheekily.

“You know he was only messing with you, right?” I said, wanting to make sure that he didn’t take it seriously. “I know, but I think I’m going to do it anyway.” He said.

I raised an eyebrow at this. “Why?”

“I’m up for the challenge, and it’ll be a nice surprise. He doubts me, so I have to show him otherwise.” He said. I shook my head and went back to eating.

As I ate, I scanned the place with my eyes to see that Zelo wasn’t here either. I furrowed my brow, he wasn’t in the room this morning. Where could he have gone? Daehyun didn’t know either. “Hey Min.” I stopped the younger twin as he passed our table. “Hi Jajae.” He perked. “Have you seen Zelo? I didn’t see him this morning in the room.” I asked.

“Oh yeah, I saw him leave. He said he was going to train early.” He answered. “Oh, Okay thanks.” “No problem.” He said skipping away.

“He’s probably at the stream then.” I said more to myself. But for some reason I had a really uneasy feeling, but about what?

After breakfast I walked with Daehyun to his training area like every other day. “I’m not going to stay for long today.” I told him. He nodded. I really wanted to go back to the info cabin to look at the books. I was close to finding a way to break Daehyun’s curse, and I had also found some other interesting information as well. “Where do you go after watching me anyway?” Daehyun suddenly asked.

I was honestly hoping that he wouldn’t ask, but it was inevitable. “There’s this cabin that serves as a library, almost. There are maps, letters…and books. And I go there to collect information.” I said, not wanting to go into too much detail.

However, this made him suspicious anyway. “What kind of books?” He asked. “History books, science books, math books, picture books…” I tried to stall. “Youngjae.” Daehyun frowned. “What? You didn’t let me finish.” I defended. “Are there spell books?” He asked getting straight to the point.

“Yes.” I answered quietly. “But! I’m not using any magic, I’m just memorizing the spells so that way when I can use magic again I’ll be ready for battle.” I quickly added.

“Okay I believe you.” He said raising his hands as if to surrender. “Only because if you were lying you probably would’ve either passed out by now or Bom would’ve said that you were getting weaker instead of stronger.” He smiled. I shook my head. “Whatever.” I didn’t tell him about how I was still finding a way to break the spell on him, because I knew he would get worried and tell me otherwise.

I felt bad keeping this a secret from him, especially since I practically made him promise to not keep any secrets. Don’t worry Daehyun, I’m going to help you, so you won’t be controlled by anyone anymore or ever again.

 

 

 

I watched Daehyun train for half an hour before heading to the book cabin. Although I was excited about getting closer to finding a cure for Daehyun, I couldn’t help but still have that uneasy feeling. No matter how hard I focused, the feeling just kept getting stronger and stronger. It got to the point where it became unbearable to ignore anymore.

I sighed closing one of the books I was reading. “I’ll go check on Zelo real quick.” I finally said, standing up.

I left the cabin and headed over to the stream. I went to the same spot I had found him last time, only to find him not there.

“Maybe he went in a different spot.” I thought aloud.

“Zelo~!” I called, about to search along the stream when something caught my eyes.

I spotted a ripped piece of cloth on the lower branch of a tree. I scrunched my brow. My eyes trailed from the tree onto the ground where I spotted several different footprints.

I bent down to study the footprints closely, and to my surprise one of the prints had the Dark Magic’s symbol in the center of it. My eyes widened. I looked at the other footprints to see that most of them had the mark too, only of few of them didn’t. “Zelo.” I gasped. Without wasting another second I ran straight back to the camp, to tell the others that Zelo was missing. He was kidnapped.

On my way back to the camp the first person I spotted was Jongup. He was walking around whistling to himself. “Jongup.” I quickly stopped him in his tracks.

He furrowed his brow hearing the urgency in my voice and the worry in my eyes. “What’s up?” he asked. “Zelo is gone. I think he was taken by the DM.” I sad speaking as fast as I could. His eyes slightly widened at the news. “What?” “Hurry, go tell the others.” I told him before running off.

 

I went to tell Daehyun and Lee while Jongup went to get Himchan, Kris, and the twins. Bang was the last person to get.

“Bang!” I called, sliding myself to a stop, panting a little from all the running. The elder was sat on a bench drinking water, taking a small break from his training. His eyes slightly widened when he saw that it was me. “Oh…Hey Youngjae…” He said, sounding somewhat embarrassed as he rubbed the back of his neck. I shook my head, nearly rolling my eyes. “Now is not the time to be acting weird Bang.” I said bluntly.

He paused, looking at me dumbfounded. “Forget about what you did okay? We have more urgent things to deal with.” I told him. He looked away shamefully. “I’m sorry.” He apologized. “It’s whatever. I’m not mad about it.” I told him. He looked back at me surprised. “So much is going on that I actually forgot about it, and there’s no point on dwelling on it now so come on.” I said in a rush, not really wanting to discuss this.

He smiled at this. “Thank you Youngjae. I’ll make this up to you.” He said with much determination. “Okay~, come on~…” I urged not really caring at the moment. “Where are we going?” he asked standing up. “Zelo is missing.” It old him, running off before he could react.

 

The two of us were the last ones to meet up with the others. They were all huddled in a group by the stream, where the footprints were. “Yep, the DM was definitely here.” Kris announced, standing up after observing the prints closely himself. “He had to have been taken this morning.” Min whimpered. “Why would they take him?” Tae whimpered as well.

“Because of his power.” Lee answered. The twins looked at him with confusion. “He can control and see time, which is advantageous to those who have him. People with his powers are rare.” Lee explained. “But why would they want him if they already have Karina on their side?” Himchan questioned, causing a silence to fall among us.

“Well, Jayde said that she knows almost everything. So Karina must be the same way.” I spoke up, earning everyone’s attention. “And there were some things that Jayde didn’t see that Zelo did see. So they could use him for that.” I suggested, earning head nods from everyone.

“Jae you’re so smart!” Min squealed. I blushed in embarrassment from the sudden outburst.

“And maybe there’s another weakness that she has that Zelo helps counter.” Kris also suggested. “But, how are we going to get him?” Jongup asked. “Yea, where did they take him?” Min pouted. Another moment of silence fell upon us, as no one had a clue as to where they could have gone.

How could they have found us?” Kris thought out loud, somewhat breaking the silence. “There’s a Dark magic camp a few miles away from here.” A voice suddenly said.

We all turned to see that it was Tao and Sehun. Lee raised an eyebrow at their sudden appearance. “You guys are back from your scouting already?” he questioned. The two nodded, bowing to the Council of 5 Member. “You said that there’s a DM camp not far from here?” Kris repeated. The two nodded.

“We’re not sure how long it’s been set up, but it looks new.” Sehun explained. “Our guess is that they probably just finished setting it up either earlier this week or towards the end of last week. We saw some members entering with their belongings as well as cart loads of supplies.” Tao added.

Lee furrowed his brow thinking to himself. “It doesn’t look like there’s a lot of people there yet.” Sehun informed as well. “We’ll have to send spies there to check it out.” Lee noted more to himself.

“Thanks. You guys did good.” He said to the two Shadow Seekers. The two nodded before walking away. “Could Zelo be there?” Tae perked. “I don’t think that they’re aware that we’re here…at least not yet.” Kris said as silence fell between us once more.

 

“I think I have an idea of how to find him.” Daehyun spoke up, his tone serious. Everyone’s attention went straight to him. “I know of three people who want him.”

My eyes slightly widened…the witches.

“Do you know where they are?” Lee questioned, knowing exactly what he was talking about. “No. I was never conscious on my way there until I got close, but I figure that somebody at that new camp knows where they are. I can go over there and ask and then go find them.” Daehyun explained.

Lee raised an eyebrow. “What makes you think they’ll tell you?” he questioned. “I have the mark, remember?” Daehyun reminded. Lee smirked at this, nodding with approval.

“Wow! I guess Youngjae’s smartness is finally rubbing off on you.” Jongup teased only to have the older roll his eyes. “You’re not going alone.” Kris said. “I think three people should go.”

“I’m going.” Bang stated firmly. “Yeah, yeah, we know Prince charming.” Lee remarked. “We need one more person.”

“Jongup, you go. You guys can use the experience.” Lee said. Jongup nodded, unable to hide his excited smile.

“The three of you leave tonight. The sooner the better.” Lee instructed. “That’ll give you time to rest a little and prepare. I’ll have someone get you the supplies you need. Meet me at the front of the camp at Sunset. I’ll have Tao and Sehun show you the way.” He continued. The three nodded.

“Make sure you guys don’t get caught. Take your time if you have to. Be smart.” Kris emphasized. “And most importantly, work together.” He said giving a small smile. On that note the emergency meeting came to an end and everyone went their separate ways.

I followed Daehyun back to the cabin to help him prepare for his journey.

“You should probably get some rest.” I told him, once he finished changing. “You still have over a few more hours before sunset. So you should take a nap for a couple of hours.” I continued as he double checked his weapons to make sure they were all there and sharp enough and ready to be used.

He nodded, placing his sword against the wall. But instead of climbing into his twin sized bed he turned to face me, studying me carefully. “You’re not worried about me.” He finally said. I sound the statement strange but nodded. “I know you’re going to be okay, so I’m not worried.

However, I did find it strange how I wasn’t worried about him, after all he is going to DM territory. He crawled into the bed, lying on his back. “Good.” He said.

“Are you worried?” I asked sitting down at the foot of his bed. He shook his head placing his hands behind it. “I am a little bit nervous about facing the witches though.” He admitted. I nodded, knowing exactly by what he meant. “You’ll be fine, and you’ll make it back without being controlled by them.” I promised.

“Well, I have to make it back, to take care of you.” He said sitting up. I playfully rolled my eyes, shaking my head. “Make sure you go see Bom tomorrow morning okay?” He said getting serious. “Yeah, yeah I know.” I said. “Make sure you do it first thing, before you do anything.” He said will you go to sleep already?” I said pushing him back down. “You’re wasting time.”

He just laid there smiling, “I’m staying up as long as possible so I can be with you as long as possible before I leave.” He said.

“I thought you said you weren’t worried.”

“I’m not, I’m just going to miss you.”

“You pabo.”

“I love you Youngjae.” “I love you to Daehyun, now go to sleep.”

-Zelo’s POV-

I slowly opened my eyes, rubbing my head. Ah~…why does my head hurt so badly? And why is it so cold? I looked at my surroundings and I nearly jumped, my eyes wide.

I was in a dark cell with rusted metal bars. The walls were made of rough stone blocks and the floor was just…dirt. “Where am I?”

Just then the memory of what happened came back to me. I gasped, jumping to my feet. I looked and saw that there was a chain locked on my left wrist. My heart raced. This couldn’t be happening. Where am I? I ran to the metal bars and saw that I was in a cave-live area, except the ceiling was made of dirt. Am I underground?

I tugged at the bars. “Help! Where am I? Let me out! Let me out now!” I yelled flustered, feeling panic begin to overtake me.

Just then a thought came to mind. I stepped back and tried to use my powers to move the bars…but nothing happened. “What?”

I tried again but it didn’t work.

I tried for a third time but got no result.

Maybe I can try to rewind the time. I thought to myself. I’ve never done this before, but Jayde said that all you have to do is just think about it.

I took a couple of deep breaths and focused. ‘Time rewind to when the kidnappers attacked me.’ I commanded in my mind, closing my eyes.

I waited for a few seconds before re-opening my eyes.

I frowned to see that nothing happened. “Why aren’t my powers working?” I know I wasn’t doing anything wrong. What the heck is going on?!

I ran back to the bars. “What’s going on?! Why aren’t my powers working? Just let me out please!” I could feel the panic revive in me. “I see that you’re already up, a familiar voice said. I scrunched my brow. That sounds like the sweet voice that was speaking to Daehyun.

A lady walked down the long tunnel towards my sell. She had long, black, wavy hair and piercing green cat-like eyes. I narrowed my eyes at her. “Who are you? And why aren’t my powers working?” I demanded.

She grinned. “My name is Connie. I believe we’ve met before.”

My eyes widened. So it was her! “Your powers don’t work because I put a spell over the place that prevents you from doing so. All you can do is dream.” She explained.

My eyes narrowed again. “You must know strong magic.” I concluded. She nodded. “I’m the strongest out of my sisters.” She announced proudly. “You’re the one who put the spell on Daehyun!” I accused.

The witch shrugged. “I didn’t necessarily do it myself, but yes I did create the gas that had the spell.” She said. “Let him go! Leave him alone!” I burst. She raised an eyebrow at this. “Shouldn’t you be worrying about yourself right now?” She said.

“What do you want from me?” I gritted through my teeth. She grinned again. “That’s more like it.”

“Isn’t it obvious? We want to use your powers.” She said. I frowned. That didn’t make any sense, how can they want to use my powers if I can’t even use it here?!

“You’re going to get some very important information that will be very helpful to us.” She continued. My eyes slightly widened, she was talking about my dreams. I looked at her suspiciously. “Why do you need me if you have Karina?” I suddenly questioned.

This time she frowned disapprovingly at the question, but there was a bit of shock in her fierce eyes, revealing that she wasn’t expecting the question either. “That’s enough questions for the night. I’ll be back with your drink.” She said walking away.

“You’re plan is going to fail!” I called. “I don’t get those kinds of dreams every night!”

“Oh but you will…Karina told us, that tonight you’re going to have a dream. You’re going have quite a few dreams in the next coming days.” And with that she vanished into the darkness.

I gripped the bars desperately. I have to get out of here. But how?

I looked around and saw that there was absolutely nothing that could help me out of here. There wasn’t even a spoon lying around for me to use and try to dig out of the dirt with.

I sighed, then I just can’t go to sleep at all. As long as I’m here I won’t go to sleep. What do I do till then? And when will I get out? I slid against the wall onto the ground. “I didn’t even get to apologize to Yongguk.” I said out loud, hugging myself from the cold damp air. And he’s probably going to try to look for me…but he’s not going to be able to find me. “Don’t risk your life Yongguk.” I’ll have to somehow get out on my own.

I looked around the place, thinking about my so called conversation with Connie. She said that I had important information. But wouldn’t Karina know it? Unless…She can’t see it! I jumped to my feet on impulse. I have to find out her weakness while I’m here!

At that moment footsteps echoed through the underground cave. “I’m back.” Connie announced, appearing in front of the bars again, a brown cup filled with green liquid in the palm of her hand. I narrowed my eyes at her. “You can’t make me sleep.” I said.

“Oh, but I can…that’s the easy part.” He beamed. I looked at the cup in her hand. “I’m not drinking that.” I told her. A devious smile grew on her face. “Oh, you don’t have to drink it.”

Just then she dumped the drink at me, it getting all over my face. I shivered at the cold contact and my jaw dropped in surprise. “It just has to touch you.” She smirked. My eyes widened.

“I’m not going to tell you about my dream…” my voice trailed as I felt my mind suddenly become hazy. “Oh, that’s already done. Once your dream is over you’ll wake up and after exactly 2 minutes you’ll spill out everything. Whether you want to or not.” Her smirk grew even larger.

I felt my eye lids grow heavy. “no.” I muttered, stumbling backwards, trying to fight the sleep. No, don’t go to sleep. You have to stay up. You just have to. The tension in my muscles lessened, and my eyes threatened to close against my will.

“Sleep tight.” The sweet quiet voice sang in my ear. I have to…I have to find Karina’s weakness…I thought to myself as my body collapsed onto the ground.