***This one is a very long chapter. Please bear with me. Thank you for your patience. :)

King of the South
Chapter 2

Gong Yoo sighed as he approached Sally and Orr. Sally is still weak. She just recovered from severe injury from the battle against Kong a few days ago.
“How is Bogum?” asked Orr
Gong Yoo shook his head.
“He still hasn’t accepted the fact that his father is now dead. And now the evil monster who was behind the deaths in his family and his people are residing inside him.” Said Gong Yoo
Right after Prince Hyun Bin died, Bogum felt a strong force enter his body. Bogum immediately looked for Gong Yoo because of the unsettling feeling he had. And found Gong Yoo sitting on the ground by the wall, holding Hyun Bin’s dead body.
“The Prince is not taking everything well. I can’t blame him.” Said Gong Yoo
Orr sighed.
“Are you sure you are both fit to travel?” asked Gong Yoo
“We need to.” Said Sally. “We have to keep searching for the Lion King’s heir.”
Sally looked around.
“It seems our number decreased.” Said Sally
“Some of the people went back to their clans for now.” Said Gong Yoo
“Does that mean the Prophesy is going to spread among the people of Vishox?” asked Sally
“That’s a possibility. Some of our members would probably want to encourage the others. The prophesy is a strong reason to join the Order.” Said Gong Yoo
“I am just afraid enemies will be alerted.” Said Sally
“I get why you’re concerned. Don’t worry. I will try to diffuse the news about the prophesy should it spread.” Said Gong Yoo
“There is something I have not told you yet about the prophesy.” Said Sally. “Something I have only remembered this morning.”
“What is it?” asked Gong Yoo
“Before I saw the Kings rose on the thrones… I saw the moon… It was the color of blood. I think it must be the sign. Once the moon turns red, that means the prophesy is starting its fulfilment.” Said Sally
“A blood moon.” Said Gong Yoo
Sally nodded.
“I will surely remember that.” Said Gong Yoo.
Sally held Gong Yoo’s arm.
“In the instance that the beast is released…” said Sally.
“Prince Bogum will never allow that. His grandfather’s murderer… his father’s murderer… the enemy that can destroy Vishox… How can he allow that beast to freely roam?” said Gong Yoo
Sally shook her head.
“I mean Bogum’s son. Bogum’s son does not know how evil that beast is. He would not know the pain of losing Prince Hyun Bin and King Max because he never had a personal relationship with them…” said Sally
“You mean he can break the seal… he may seek his pleasure.” Said Gong Yoo
Sally sighed and handed Gong Yoo a wooden bracelet. The bracelet has ancient writings on it. 
“We had a very long discussion before Sally and I decided to give you this.” Said Orr
“What is this?” asked Gong Yoo
“Orr and I will be protecting the East as its Elders. We will continue looking for the Lion King’s heir… in case the beast is freed, we may not be around immediately to help you. That is why… we are leaving you with this bracelet.” Said Sally
Gong Yoo held the bracelet and felt a strong force coming from it.
“It has a spell… It is a strong spell. If the beast comes out, you will need to seal him back yourself, Gong Yoo.” Said Sally
Gong Yoo’s eyes widened. 
“But I am not a sorcerer.” Said Gong Yoo.
“The bracelet will enable you. It will give you the power you need to seal the beast. I will give you the chant you need to make. You have to memorize it. When that day comes… you will be able to seal the beast back to the heir’s body.” Said Sally
Orr and Sally exchanged a wary glance at each other.
“But…Starting today, you have to wear this bracelet so that when the time comes that you will need to use its power… it will obey you.” Said Orr. “However…it has a consequence…”
“What is the consequence?” asked Gong Yoo
“While you are  wearing the bracelet… it will weaken you. It will make your body age very fast. A month will feel like a decade… it means your life span as an ancient creature… will be shortened substantially.” Said Sally  
“We are giving you this so you can choose, Gong Yoo. You can ignore the bracelet. Your life will not be put at stake. Maybe Sally and I are just too paranoid about this matter. Who knows… Bogum’s child maybe able to control his ual desires.” Said Orr
“I will think about this… But rest assured the future of Vishox… the Demanix Order will always be first.” Said Gong Yoo. “I appreciate that you are being proactive, for the protection of Vishox.” 
“Take care of Prince Bogum.” Said Orr
Gong Yoo nodded.
“Once you have news about the Lion King….” Said Gong Yoo
“We will surely look for you.” Said Orr “Until then… please keep safe.”
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Bogum shouted while he was deep inside a cave.
“Prince Bogum…” said Gong Yoo. “We have found a lead about the Wolf King’s heir. Hopefully we’d find him soon. We also have singled out a Lion clan which seems to be the Lion King’s clan. Once we confirm this, we will be training the heir.”
But Bogum kept staring at the wall and then he shouted!
“Silence! I do not want to hear you! You monster! Murderer!”
Gong Yoo knows Bogum is not talking to him… the Prince is talking to the monster inside of himself. 
Gong Yoo sighed. He could not do anything to help Bogum right now. 
A boy came running to the mouth of the cave.
“Go away boy, else you may get hurt in here.” Said Gong Yoo
“Master, Miss Yoojung is in labor. The healer asked for Prince Bogum right away.” Said the boy
Gong Yoo took a moment to answer.
“Tell them we will be there.” said Gong Yoo
The boy nodded and ran away.
Gong Yoo went on an attack. Bogum did not expect that and came rolling on the floor. Gong Yoo immobilized the Prince.
“Your mate is giving birth, Your Highness.” Said Gong Yoo. “You have to pull yourself together. Your mate and your child needs you.”
Bogum roared loud as he struggled to push Gong Yoo away. 
“For all we know you may lose her today… do you want her last moments to be alone?” Shouted Gong Yoo
Bogum took a deep breath as his eyes started to water.
“She will look for you and scream your name to help her through the pain. Will you not be by her side because you chose to let this monster rob you of your family?” said Gong Yoo, his voice breaking, remembering his own mate.
Bogum’s tears flowed.
“This monster… killed my father… I want to kill him. But I can’t because I need to be its prison.” Whispered Bogum. “Do you know how bad I want to hurt myself so I can hurt this beast too?”
Gong Yoo sighed.
“Right now… you have to set aside revenge. It will be hard… but there are people who  needs you. And you are the only one who can help them… Your mate needs you… your child needs you, Prince Bogum. Choose who truly matters to you.”
-------

Bogum held Yoojung’s hand. He could not bare the pain he’s seeing her go through.
“I thought you may not come to my side.” Whispered Yoojung
“I am sorry…” Bogum wiped his eyes. “The past months had not been easy… I… was not beside you whenever you needed me. I… regret all those times I should have been by your side.”
Yoojung tried to smile.
“What’s important is that you are now  here… beside me… in this most important time of our life… our child is going to be born.” Said Yoojung. “Make sure he is going to grow up like you and your father, a man of integrity and honor.”
Bogum sobbed.
“I wasn’t much of a man the past months.” Said Bogum.
“It is normal to mourn the death of your father. And I understand how you hate yourself that you can’t avenge his death.” Said Yoojung. “But listen, My Love… For our child’s sake… defeat that beast. Do not let him control you and make you a useless man. That beast will win over you if you keep hiding. Continue the mission of the Order… teach our son how to control the beast…”
And then Yoojung started screaming in pain. The Healer immediately went to help YooJung deliver the baby. Yoojung is now weak but she kept pushing and pushing… until a baby came out crying…
The healer handed the baby to Bogum. And Bogum’s trembling hands held the baby as he showed it to Yoojung. 
Yoojung could barely open her eyes.
“His name is Taeyong.” Said Yoojung. “Strong… born to lead. He is the King of the South.”
Bogum nodded as tears fell from his eyes.
Yoojung held Taeyong’s hand. 
And then… Yoojung breathed her last.
-------

Bogum looked at the moon. It is the first blood moon in centuries. It happened two years after his son was born. And it also means the prophesy is starting… 
“I had news that the wolf chief had just had a son earlier today.” Said Gong Yoo
Bogum sighed…He needs peace but he could not get it. Inside his mind… the beast is shouting. It is trapped inside the room. From what Bogum knows, the Beast does not know what is happening in the outside. It does not know what he is thinking. The seal is strong enough to block the beast from seeing Bogum’s own mind. 
However… it is not strong enough to block out the beast’s voice. And Bogum is fighting hard. That beast sure knows what to say… he has the most pleasing words that can lure you to open the seal…But sometimes… you almost want to open the seal just to make him shut up.
“I need to find out how my son is going to defeat this monster… I need to know how this monster can be killed once and for all.”  Said Bogum. “I can not imagine the torture my son is going to go through with this monster inside him.”
Gong Yoo stood beside Bogum.
“We will find it out. And if we don’t find the answer… the next generation will.” Said Gong Yoo.  “In a few years, Yunho will be able to train the heirs.”
Bogum nodded.
“Then we shall equip him with everything he needs.” Said Bogum. “The wolf heir was born today… the blood moon appeared. Then that means Sally’s prophesy is aligning. The Wolf King is the first who will get his throne.”
Gong Yoo nodded.
Bogum could see Gong Yoo’s thinner and older physique. Bogum had noticed this the past year, Gong Yoo’s body is starting to change… deteriorate. The warrior has never once complained. But from what Bogum is seeing… The need to pass the mission to the next generation is urgent… their time with Gong Yoo… is it running short?
His second father… is he going to lose him too? But then…. Even his own life is going to end soon too. 
Bogum took a deep breath.
Sally’s prophesy said Taeyong is  going to be king. Then that means, Bogum is no longer around by the time Taeyong takes his throne. Now that the moon has showed the prophesy is indeed happening… that means Bogum is also only left with a few years. Whoever between him and Gong Yoo dies first… they must both make sure they prepare the next generation to the battle ahead of them. 
Bogum… will be with Yoojung again… and though it burns his heart that he may not be around to fight alongside his son, he will not leave his son alone in this world… the Order will be there for him… and his brothers… The Wolf, the Lion and the Dragon heirs will be his family. 
“I have also trained two more warriors along side Yunho. Minho and Siwon will help Yunho to train the heirs.” said Gong Yoo. “They are a wolf and a lion. I specifically chose them because they are able to tell me what is happening inside their clans.” 
Bogum nodded. Gong Yoo’s mind still works perfectly despite his weakening body.
“That’s a really wise move.” Said Bogum “Yunho can use some help”.
-------------
 
Yunho sighed as he saw Taeyong on the opposite side of the training ground. This kid… how can he show such utter disinterest over everything that the Order is doing? Why can’t he be like all the other heirs who ‘s been trying their best to get strong and  be the leaders… the kings that Vishox deserve. Why… can’t he be more like the others?
“Taeyong.” Called Yunho. “Why do you keep sitting there and ignoring all of us like there is  nothing going on around you?”
Taeyong did not answer, his head did  not even lift at  the  sound of  his name.
“I know you can hear me. You are  not deaf. I  do  not  know why you keep  doing this. Your father will be  extremely disappointed.” Said Yunho
That  lifted Taeyong’s head up. He looked around and noticed the other three kids looking at him. The boy who is always dirty… the wolf kid is shaking his head as if he is  disgusted with Taeyong. What right should the wolf kid have to show  him such an attitude. He was never as dirty as that stinky wolf. Never! 
And then Taeyong saw the Lion, the boy who had shinning hair when the sun hits them. The boy sighed as he looked at the sky as if he could not bear the delay in the training caused by Taeyong. Well for everyone’s information, he did  not want to  be here in the first  place.
And then he saw the weirdest kid of the three. The boy is  looking straight at him. Taeyong could never read what is  going on in this boy’s mind. The boy is not as expressive as the two and seems to be a bit older than them too. Taeyong and V are possibly the same age. Taeyong looked away. That boy’s stare felt like he could see right through him.
Taeyong looked at Yunho then. Taeyong has  no complain about this man. Since he was born, this trainer has been around them. The three kids call him Master. But Taeyong refused to call him that. He’d been calling Yunho by his  name. why would he suddenly call him Master?
Yunho had that stern look in his eyes. He is obviously not  pleased with Taeyong. But Taeyong does not care. Nobody is pleased with him anyway.
“I know you have no interest over anything we’re doing. But will  you really allow these three boys to be stronger than you?” asked Yunho
That made Taeyong’s eyes widen.
“If you continue to just sit around, these three boys are going to be so strong they can defeat you in one move.” Said Yunho. “Or even faster.”
Jinyoung chuckled.
Taeyong’s jaws clenched.
“I know you have no interest to  be strong. You may not think you need this… but you wouldn’t want to be the laughed at by them right?” asked Yunho
“We wouldn’t.” 
Taeyong turned and realized it was V who spoke.
“We would not laugh at someone weak.” Said V looking straight at Taeyong, his eyes turning blue… “We don’t laugh, we crush.”
 Taeyong felt all his hair rise as his chest started drumming. Taeyong took a step back.
And then a smirk formed on V’s lips.
Taeyong’s throat  moved.
-----------
Bogum saw Taeyong seated near the river. He walked towards his son and sat beside Taeyong.
“You like this  place. I often find you here when I look for you.” Said Bogum
“Which means only two times since  I  was born.” Said Taeyong.
Bogum sighed.
There was a long moment of silence.
“You’re still not getting along with with your brothers.” Said Bogum
“They are not my brothers.” Said Taeyong. “They are not  your sons.”
“I care for  them like  my own son. They are the heirs of  Vishox’ kingdom, Taeyong… same as you.” Said Bogum. “When I am no longer around… they will be your family.”
“I  don’t know  what family is  like. You’ve not been a family to me.” Said Taeyong looking straight at the river.
Bogum sighed as he  bowed his head.
“I know I have not been spending time with  you, Son. You know that I have responsibilities… the Order is still far from ready… And yet in a few years your brothers are going to start their missions. Vishox needs us, Son.” Said Bogum
Taeyong smirked.
“You work so hard for Vishox yet you could not even be a father to  me.” Said Taeyong. “You took three more kids in and treat them like sons… you train them… spend time with them… But outside those training… you could  not even spend time with me.”
Taeyong then faced his father.
“I  am not like them. I  am your  son, your real blood son.”
Bogum sighed.
“I am sorry you feel  neglected.” Said Bogum
Taeyong looked away.
“I…” Bogum took a deep breath. “don’t think I am going to live for  a long time, Taeyong.” 
Taeyong’s brows narrowed as he turned to his father.
“I think… I feel… my life is running short. That is why… I have to make this world a safer place for  you. I need to prepare the Order in order for you and  your  brothers to not fight alone.” Said Bogum
 Taeyong stood up.
“Brothers again. Order again.” He said.
Bogum stopped Taeyong from leaving.
“Wait listen, Son.” Said Bogum. “Do you not see? I am doing this all for  you. These brothers will protect you… they will fight with you… Especially when the enemy is  inside you… you will need people around you  who will make you sane… who will make  you stop hearing that  voice inside your mind… who  will make you strong enough to fight for what is  right… When I’m gone… your brothers will be my way of watching over you.”
“They do  not care about me… just as you don’t.” 
Taeyong pulled his arm away. And then he ran.
-----------
It was dark that night. And V was sitting on top of one of the highest trees near the Demanix Stones. It was a peaceful  night. Or so he thought. 
He saw movement… He stood up. As he  landed on the  ground, he saw Jinyoung standing.
“I saw someone running.” Said Jinyoung.
Jinyoung’s eyes are sharp in the dark.
And then Sehun appeared a few steps from V.
“What’s wrong. I saw you two  moving fast as  if  something is amiss.” Said Sehun
“It’s a boy.” said Jinyoung.
“It’s probably Taeyong.” Said V
“What  did he do?” asked Sehun
“He left  the group alone.” said V.
“We are  prohibited to leave the group alone.” Said Sehun.
“What is  that boy up  to?” asked Jinyoung.
“Let’s follow  him.” Said V
“What? Are you crazy? We are ordered not to leave the group.” Said Jinyoung
“Jinyoung is right.” said Sehun.”That boy should learn his lesson. He’s been obnoxious since we arrived here.”
V turned to leave  but Sehun grabbed his arm.
“Where are you going?” asked Sehun
“I  will not force  you to disobey the  Masters. But that boy  is going to  get hurt. He is weakest among  us because he has not been training. What do you think will happen to him out there?” asked V
“And  what  do you think you can do? You think you can protect him?” asked Jinyoung
V shrugged his shoulder.
“I  shall  find out.” Said V
V ran. 
“He is  crazy.” Said Jinyoung
And then Sehun followed V
“Oh Right… All for one and one for  all.” And then Jinyoung followed Sehun and V.
----------

Taeyong was running  when he felt something following him. Tsk! He wasn’t careful!
Taeyong tried to go  faster but his legs were not obeying him. He stopped when he saw something block his way. His eyes widened when he  realized who  it was. 
V?
“Where do you think you’re going? You have gone too far.” Said V. “This is  no longer just  playing games.”
 “Why did  you  follow me?” aske Taeyong.
“Because it is not right to  just let you run away.” Said V
“Who are you to  stop me?” asked Taeyong
“I was told, I  am  your brother.” Said V. “I take my role seriously.”
“Well I don’t.” said Taeyong.
And then Sehun and Jinyoung arrived behind Taeyong.
“Don’t tell me you came here because you also take that brother thing seriously?” asked Taeyong.
Jinyoung sighed.
“If they are going to punish us for this, might as well be punished together, right?” said Jinyoung
“Besides… Don’t you think having an adventure is best done with others?” Said Sehun
Taeyong closed his eyes tight.
“You should not have followed me.” Said Taeyong
And then everyone’s eyes narrowed as they felt movements around them. 
“They are many.” Said Jinyoung
“Who are they, Taeyong?” asked V
Taeyong sighed.
And then they were surrounded by a massive number of people. 
Jinyoung’s nose rose as he tried to smell the intruders. But Jinyoung could not identify them.
“Well well well…”
A tall man with a bulky and heavy looking body walked towards them. V stood in front of Taeyong. Sehun and Jinyoung faced the enemies on the other side.
“Who are you?” asked V
“Oh me? Why don’t you ask your friend there. Taeyong knows me.” Said the man
V turned to Taeyong.
“What is he talking about? Who is he?” asked V. 
Taeyong walked towards the man but V grabbed his arm.
“What are you doing?” asked V
“He’s not going to hurt me. As for the three of you, I don’t know.” Said Taeyong.
V let Taeyong’s arm go as Taeyong walked towards the man. 
“We are a group of bandits. We are different creatures joined together. My name is Turo, the leader.” Said the bulky man. “Taeyong here had decided to join our group.”
Jinyoung sighed.
“I thoug