Shuddering visibly, Heechul turned to look at Siwon."What have we gotten ourselves into?" He asked, and for the first time since Siwon had known him, he saw fear. Real fear. It seemed the dark elf was beyond anything Heechul had expected. However Siwon didn't have the leisure to bother with the dragon.  Siwon had seen death before, more than he cared to recall. He'd seen men crushed, men dismembered, men more broken in spirit and mind than they could ever be in body. He'd seen people torn apart by beasts, seen the damage black magic could do. He'd seen ten thousand nightmares and would probably see ten thousand more before he died. Women, children … But none of it was as terrible as seeing his own race perished. Sparing Heechul a second glance, he let his eyes to where dead bodies were littering the throne room, his heart aching, hands shaking. Even though Siwon had declined the offer a couple of times, the dark elf had insisted on keeping his words. Which resulted in the situation they were in at the moment. He had wiped out almost half the population of Nero. In one swift move, he called out millions of souls, absorbing them into himself and that image had stuck inside Siwon's head. The dark elf was making himself stronger, Siwon realized. Whatever the dark elf did for them was in his own favor. According to the elf, anyone that was no longer alive was someone that would bring obstacle to his reign. It was a lie, he was just hungry for souls and like a fool Siwon had helped him get them. Siwon shouldn't have let it. It was like the dark elf had an itch to end all living things. That was really terrifying. Even the centuries old spell protecting the planet of time was gone. It was tied to the life essence of the people and with half of them dead it was expected to die with them. This wasn't what Siwon wanted. Even when he had intensions of taking back his throne, he didn't intend to kill anyone other than the royals that put him through so much pain. How would he be able to sit with clear conscience on that throne? Never.  When Siwon had voiced his concern, the elf had said, he might need that much souls to exchange his son's, something Siwon wasn't sure was true or another thing he made up for his selfish reason. "Now all that's remaining is to call you son's soul. Are you ready to meet him?" The elf 's eyes had a glint in them, when Siwon pushed his magic to read him, what he saw had him taking a step back. "The body is intact correct?"  Watching Sehun, yes he was Sehun. With his face and all, however some of his features had changed. Most noticable was his expression and aura and also the hair style, Sehun was going to be very mad when he returned to his body to find the dark elf had shaved the right side of his head. Even though Sehun was a dark soul himself. He was nothing like this one wearing his body. "Is that even possible?" Siwon asked, when the elf pinned him with a hard look, he quickly added. "I mean of course it won't be beyond you." Siwon couldn't get his head wrapped around what he saw. The elf might not be able to call his son's soul like he claimed, because he couldn't get ahold of the soul in the underworld, which meant it had already moved on. Did he plan on placing a random soul into his son's body? "If he still lingered it will be easy. If not I will have to make a deal with the keeper of souls." The elf said. "Truth is I cannot feel him in the underworld. However I made a promise, thus I will try my best." Oh, that was unexpected. He didn't plan on deceiving Siwon. However Siwon wouldn't be able to live with it, knowing he got his son back at the cost of millions of lives. Thus he had politely asked the elf not get his son back. This time he made sure the elf understood he really mean it. "You would be an empty shell right now for daring to throw away my goodwill." The elf gazed at him for a moment before moving to take his seat on the throne in a relaxed posture, like he ing owned it. "I wouldn't dare" Siwon dropped to his knees, lowering his head in utter submission. "Please forgive me for offending you. I just could not." The elf hummed."I understand– look at me sorcerer!"he ordered, when Siwon looked up, the other was grinning at him. It was unnerving to say the least. This was the type of dark elf that should be collared, not Sehun like he planned to do in the past. However not even Siwon could do that to this dark elf. They had unleashed something evil, unnatural and would have to face the consequences. "I will forgive you this once, because without you I wouldn't be here."  "Thank you my Lord." "Rise." He waved a hand. Slowly Siwon did as told, moving to stand close to Heechul, that seemed to finally snap out of his trance. "What now? What do you want from me next?" The elf made a gesture toward Heechul. He sounded like he was the most generous being in the universe. Inching closer, Heechul made an attempt to speak, but Siwon quickly stepped on his foot, stopping him. He knew what the dragon wanted to ask for. That would undeniable lead to the extinction of the dragon race or probably more than just the dragons. Even if Siwon couldn't stop the war, he would still try his damned best to do so. "Now we return to Lyfe, and you shall rest, you've done great for the day my Lord. And we shall continue after your rest." Siwon said, hoping the elf wouldn't thwart his intentions. Luckily, the dark elf seemed pleased with his response. He nodded rising to his feet. "Very well." He matched down the stairs, stepping on dead bodies– he called shells– without a care. He began to lead the way out, while Siwon and Heechul followed behind him. "What the hell was that?" Heechul asked in a hush tone, grabbing Siwon's hand. Jerking away from the dragon, Siwon glared at him."Stopping you from making more stupid decisions." He whispered. Heechul glared back, he would very much like to murder Siwon from the looks he was giving him."You've gotten what you wanted, why would you stop me–" Siwon shook his head, his heart aching."I might be the worst person in the universe, but I have conscious. I know when things have gone too far. In other words, I didn't sign up for this . I didn't want it not anymore and you know that. You dragged me into this. Do you know how I am feeling right now? Knowing half of my race had died, the others remaining are left without a king nor queen when they needed one the most. And that's all on me alright." His hands were trembling, which indicated how much internal conflict he was having.  "Then take the reigns. Lead your people, get them through this." The idiot said. How was he in love with such a fool? Not for the first time Siwon asked himself regrettably. "Not after what I've done" he said, blinking rapidly to stop tears from gathering. "There's one royalty left. My brother's youngest son, he's away studying in a different planet. I will get him back." The young mage was only seventeen, he was too young to take on such burden, but he was the only option they had, the only hope for Nero after such devastation "After everything is over, I will turn myself over and take on my punishment." Heechul paused, something in his eyes that had Siwon's heart hammering as though against the idea of Siwon meeting an end. "You plan on getting yourself killed?" He seemed angry, but why? It wasn't like he cared what happened to Siwon. He never did and sure as hell wasn't going to start now. "You fool–" Heechul began, then shook his head. "Whatever. Do what you want. It's your life." He continued to walk, his shoulders tensed. If Siwon didn't know better he would have thought Heechul was concerned about him. Shaking his head, he walked up to Heechul. "Don't ask for anything from him. At least not for now." Heechul frowned."He would be offended if I didn't tell him what I wanted." "Look if you insist on getting what you want, then as soon we're out of here, I am out. I am not doing this anymore." "You can't be serious." Heechul paused again. Siwon nodded firmly."I am. Have you seen what he did? You asked me what we've gotten ourselves into. I will tell you loud and clear Heechul, we've made the greatest mistake of all times. We have to find a way to seal him back." "Are you out of your mind?" Heechul said in a more louder tone, which caused the dark elf to pause and look their way. "What are whispering about?" He asked, eyes flickering between the two with suspicion. No, he shouldn't suspect us. I can't let that happen."I was making a suggestion, that might interest my Lord and my companion thinks it might offend you." "What is it?" The dark soul asked, a hand going to his hip, the other running through his half shaved hair. Sehun would surely be mad about his hair. Crossing his fingers, Siwon blurted the first thing that came to his mind. "I was thinking my Lord would like some company for entertainment." Eyes wide, Heechul began shaking his head, taking a step back like he wanted to hide behind Siwon"Oh Gods, you're going get us killed." He said, trying his best to hide his bulky frame behind Siwon's slender one. Like that would ever be possible. "Hmm " the elf said with thoughtful look. "I would like dancers to entertain me. That's very thoughtful of you sorcerer. It's been a while." "Eh?" Heechul mumbled. "He liked your idea?" Ignoring the dragon, Siwon bowed at elf. "Thank you my Lord. Would you like more than that?" He was hoping to use that as an opportunity to keep the elf occupied. The elf was gazing at him, however there was a distant look in his eyes, almost sad."Though it's been a while since I enjoyed the feels of another flesh against mine, but I do not think I can." He shook his head. "I dare ask why?" "Damn you Choi. Shut up already." Heechul mumbled. The elf seem like he wouldn't respond to that as he kept mum, gazing at Siwon with same expression. It took a while, but eventually he let out a sigh and said."First I am faithful to my late lover. Second even if I am tempted– which I am not– this body I am wearing is now only meant to have that kind of contact with one person." "Oh" Siwon let out. He meant Kai. Siwon was curious to know about the dark soul and what happened to his late lover– not what history had taught him, but the real story, however he knew what fate awaited him if he dared. Thus he nodded. "But I like the idea of dancers. Come let's make haste. I am excited as it is." He turned and continue on, bouncing on his feet like a child. It was only then that Heechul let out a breath that he seem to have been holding. He glared at Siwon, which in response the sorcerer shrugged at. Stepping out of the palace, Siwon's heart ached some more at the sight of the bodies littered everywhere he looked. Even though he didn't know them personally, he feel for them. Most of the people had deserted the palace the moment they caught on what was happening. However some still couldn't escape the tragic fate that befall them and it was Siwon's fault. People like himself would surely have a special place in hell. He prayed to any deity listening, before meeting his end, he would be given the chance to make up for his mistakes. As If answering prayers, that chance came the moment he was about to enter the craft. And he would defy the universe to make it happen. Good thing none of his companions could see nor detect the special message sent to him in form of a tiny butterfly. With as much discretion that was allowed he sent back his reply, while already formulating a plan in his mind. 
****
Kai that been caressing his daughter absentmindedly, let out a sigh, something he had been doing a lot lately. Aurora purred, pushing her head against his stomach. She was trying to comfort, being a healer gave her the ability to feel his pain more than the others. He smiled, fondly leaning down to kiss her head. We're going to be alright. He sent, and she flicked her tail before it came to wrap around his hand. Lifting his head he caught sight of his youngest son. Dae'in was perched on Eunhyuk's shoulder watching the people around with curious eyes, while Jae'in had taken to picking anything red from anyone's plate that happened to catch his attention, he probably thought anything red was meat. The black dragon seem to be the mischievous and playful one among his siblings. Though recently hatched Kai could tell their personalities. Jae the naughty boy, Dae the good boy, while Aurora was something in between and very protective of Dae. The whelps had grown bigger, that Kai almost couldn't recognize them when they were brought over a few days ago. It had been just five days, but they looked to be a year and half old hatchlings. Something definitely wasn't right about their growth, even though Jimin had repeatedly assured him it was nothing to worry about. Kai still worry. Everyone had met them and spent a moment appreciating how lovely they were. And Kai had felt proud. Eunhyuk and Donghae broke down in tears when they met the whelps for the first time. Lan Zhan had grinned, from ear to ear kissing each dragon with genuine happiness, something Kai was seeing for the first time. Guilt ridden, Wei Ying had refused to hold them, only watching while the others did and Kai knew what he was doing. He would only allow himself to have a moment with his grandkids when Sehun was back, safe and sound. Oh Gods, Sehun. It was still hard to fathom he was no longer here, had been away for almost a week. Everything happened so fast, one moment he was with them in Logan, the next he was in Coaster Z, and when they arrived– There was no way to describe Kai's trepidation when he learned his mate had been taken, he himself couldn't describe precisely what he was feeling.  Something seem to lounge in his chest making it hard to breathe as if he were asthmatic and It refused to move no matter how much he tired to push it down or get it to come up, at times it would make him retch, or choke him. His dragons too, each one was coping in their way to lessen the pain of Sehun's absence.  If only Kai had the ability to turn back time, then he would have prevented a lot of things from occuring. As powerful as he was, he felt powerless, useless even. But there was no point in berating himself for something out of his control. All he had to do now was be strong for his whelps as well for his mate. "He's coming to help." Jimin suddenly said. That had Kai's attention. The hand caressing Aurora paused as he lifted his head