Sehun didn't know what to feel. Some things had diverted from the past, that caught him off guard, on another hand not everything was changing. To some point he hated the changes, that made it hard to predict the next events while he welcome the changes to some degree. If only the deaths of innocents from the past, would be part of the changes. His mind raced with the information of Kyungsoo's impending death as well as how to prevent it. Baekhyun's power suddenly manifesting was no coincidence. The fire goddess was trying to help Sehun prevent the deaths. And that was exactly what he would do. He would never stop wondering why he was chosen to save this world when Sehun couldn't even save his from people like his biological Dad. Stepping out of the portal, Sehun rested a hand to his belly, feeling his babe responded in an instant the way it did, as though in assurance.  Prodigy safe, his beast said. King unhappy, we bad mate. Tell me about it. Tendons bulging, Kai had both hands braced on the desk, the queen dowager was whispering something to him, running a hand down his back as though to soothe him and the emperor was letting out deep breath, clearly to calm himself.  Hyunjin was leaning against a wall, arms crossed over his chest with head lowered. Next to him were Sehun's parents, Wei Ying was running a hand through Hyunjin's hair while Lan Zhan was sat arms crossed.On the far end of the room, Irene was on the couch, she had her head gripped in both hands as though distraught. The hellacats were at her feet. Lui was taking a nap, his head buried in Zi's neck and the other male, had his head resting on Lui's, blinking lazily. Lyla was glaring at her brother that was enjoying his nap, while Zia was watching between the three in feline amusement. Any other time Sehun would take a moment to appreciate the view. Taking his eyes off the cats, Sehun gazed out the window. The sun was just setting, firing the sky in shades of mauve and cantaloupe. The clouds were still there, the sea was rising in high waves, as though wanting to crash but was unable to do so, like it was held by an invisible force. Narrowing his eyes, Sehun caught sight of a figure, with both hands outstretched, holding the waves with magic. No doubt it was Kyungsoo trying to hold the sea. Even from afar Sehun could make out his colorful clothes and blue hair. There was another figure– Larger –next to Kyungsoo. Their hand was resting on the sea prince's shoulder. Watching the hippocampus, made his insides to twist. His legs felt weak and sickness surged through him, as though every part of his body was somehow made capable of wanting to vomit. Kyungsoo would die a few days after the selection just like he had in the past unless Sehun did something. And he would. This time, Sehun wouldn't allow it, he would save Kyungsoo and everyone that was to die unjustly. They had the advantage, Baekhyun had foreseen his death and hopefully he would predict the other's like he did Kyungsoo's. Even if he couldn't, Sehun would find another way. Irene was the first to notice him. She let out a choked sound, jerking to her feet and rushed to him. He had to hold fast not to crash from the force of her embrace. The sound must have alerted the emperor, because he turned sharply and a look of utter relief crossed his face, but it didn't hide the concern in his eyes while scrutinizing Sehun up and down. His parents sauntered over, Wei Ying taking him in, his eyes wide in horror, hands gliding over him as though unsure where to touch."It's not my blood." He quickly spoke out and Wei Ying blinked rapidly. "I am unharmed." He assured them. Kai slumped against his mom, that enveloped an arm around him, sending Sehun glares, which he chose to shun. "Goddess above! You had us worried." Lan Zhan said, wetting a handkerchief to wipe the dry blood on Sehun's head, as If to make sure Sehun was truly unharmed. He could imagine the fuss they would make, if they had seen him before his injuries had healed. "Sehun!" Hyunjin called, his voice shaky. Sehun pulled away from his sister, that clutched tight as if afraid he was going to vanish. He had to firmly assure her before she let go. He opened his arm for Hyunjin, once again ignoring the look of disapproval on Hyoyeon's face. The boy stumbled into them and Sehun wrapped him in a tight embrace. "I am alright." He said, kissing the top of Hyunjin's head. Hyunjin whimpered, head burying in Sehun's chest. "Thank goddess." A thunder like sound rumbled and Hyunjin flinched slightly. Sehun didn't need to ask or look to know what it was. The wave was falling back into the sea, the ward surrounding the palace knitting itself, now that the emperor was no longer a step away from losing control.  Even now Sehun didn't understand why Kai almost lost it in the first place. And he wouldn't bother to pounder why ,not when he had more pressing matters to deal with  A figure teleported into the room, and Sehun started to see Wonho in high-end athletic gear, panting hard and wiping the sweat off his forehead like he'd ran a marathon. "Kyu– the prince said all is well now. We can finally relax." He said, shoving the piece of cloth into his pocket. Ah he must be the one with Kyungsoo, probably fueling the prince's power to hold the sea back. Kai nodded. "Send my gratitude, you should both rest, you've worked hard. Call Minho and his team, tell him Sehun has returned ." he waved a hand and the shadow guard bowed before disappearing the way he came. Kai's gaze found Sehun's, and he held it for an uncertain moment. It wasn't until the queen dowager cleared did Kai looked away. "What happened?" The emperor asked, he wasn't looking at Sehun even though the question seem to be directed at him. "And where is Park, I sensed his energy around or did he not find you?" "He did, he stayed to help Uhm Blink." Junmyeon said, and that was when Sehun realized he was stood very close, so were the others. The usual manner, three to his left and the other three to his right. "Blink?" Hyoyeon said, with frown. "Who is it?" "A very special Raven!" Kai said, making a gesture toward his cousin. "Tell me is Park alright?" "You should know majesty –" Junmyeon went on only to be interrupted. "Sehun I am relived you're back safely." A voice he didn't expect said. Breaking away from Hyunjin, Sehun swirled to see consort Rue walking into the room, alone, dressed like she was a model seconds away from walking the runway. Sehun snickered."Sure you're relived."As soon as the words were out of his mouth he wished he could take them back. They came out harshly as everyone glanced at him in confusion, some rasing their brows including four of his guardians that didn't know about his Rebirth and what consort Rue might have done. Even Kai had a look of mild surprise. Only Lan Zhan didn't have a reaction, he was gazing at consort Rue– that had her innocent eyes wide as though shocked by Sehun's words– with something Sehun couldn't quite read. Unlike many people, nothing seem to bypass Lan Zhan's observation. Sehun wouldn't be surprised if Lan Zhan was aware of his Rebirth, and was waiting for Sehun to tell him on his own accord. Looking away from his Dad, Sehun glanced to Baekhyun for support and received an understanding nod. Sehun continued, trying to sound completely casual. "I am grateful for the concern. It had never been my intension to worry anyone." He dipped his head in a slight bow. Sehun didn't have proof of her involvement, no matter how suspicious she appeared. Making accusations without concrete evidence wouldn't be to his advantage. Sehun had to be smart. Rue narrowed her eyes, but didn't say more. She walked over to Kai, bowing at him, however the emperor had his whole attention back on Sehun as If hoping to see through him. Watching Kai and Rue stood together, Sehun felt that serpentine curl of jealousy around his chest when she leaned against Kai. Kai flashed a small smile, taking a hold of her hand, linking their fingers in an intimate way while he kept his eyes on Sehun. The effect on Rue was instant. She nearly swooned.   She moved just slightly closer to Kai, like she couldn't get enough of him.The spark of jealously ignited even more inside Sehun, and he resisted the urge to put himself between them.  "Sehun speak." Kai demanded. Sehun rather look at the queen dowager than the pair. Looking anywhere but the two, Sehun told what happened. He told it simple and believable and kept as close to the truth as possible. At the boutique, something called out to him and Sehun had felt the urge to follow it to the woods without any reason. He didn't even realize how far or why he was there, until he was snapped out of his daze, when he was suddenly attacked by animals out of nowhere. He told about the medallion, keeping his eyes on Rue to catch any reaction. To his disappointment, she had none, her attention was solely on Kai's fingers as though they fascinated her. Well Sehun couldn't fault her, Kai's fingers were as fine as the emperor himself. It wasn't until Sehun mentioned the probability of the animals souls being replaced that she lifted her head and stared at Sehun like he was completely insane, then, as if a sudden thought had struck her, she began to snicker. “I think this is called a cry for attention, Your Majesty,” she whispered, but Sehun still heard her and his guardians did too. "He's making things up." A scornful sneer ricked her face. He sensed their rage as fast as a heartbeat. Don't react. Sehun quickly sent to his guardians. Keep it cool. He added. They grumbled but did as told, Luhan throwing his head up, taking a deep breath, mumbling something in fae. Most likely a curse word. “Don’t try my patience.” An angry tone edged Kai's voice as he glanced at her and consort Rue instantly swallowed the words yet to leave . "Do not interrupt while he speaks. Keep your opinion to yourself." He snatched his hand out of her grip, crossing them over his chest. "Kai!" The queen dowager called in a reprimanding tone, the emperor pretended not to hear and someone– bold– behind Sehun tried to hold their laughter, however Sehun didn't turn to see who. He couldn't take his eyes off Rue, that was seething silently. "Yes, Your Majesty.” Rue bowed low enough to catch Sehun's eye. Sehun couldn't help being petty, he actually smirked at her and she scowled, sending daggers with her eyes. Something furry rubbed against Sehun's thigh. He glanced down to see Lui having his attention fixed on the consort and she had a look of genius fear on her face, while clutching Kai's shirt. Sehun reached down to rub Lui a few times as Zi came to stand on his left side. Both cats' demeanors was protective like some guardian panthers. Gazing away Sehun continued with his tale. "How did you get help?" Kai asked, eyes flickering dubiously between the elite. "We–" Junmyeon began resting a hand on Sehun's, but was halted by Kai. "I am not asking you." The emperor jabbed a finger at Sehun. "He speaks." A hint of annoyance crept into Kai's tone. Sehun recognized it, feared it, as Kai slid easily from irritation to rancor to hostility. However he wasn't certain if those were directed at him or Junmyeon. One thing Sehun was certain of, the emperor hated it when Sehun and Junmyeon shared contact, because he was glaring between his hand and face as if doing so would break the contact. Baekhyun stepped forward, pushing Sehun behind him, so that he would be the one directly in Kai's line of sight. When he spoke, his tone had a hint of hostility as well as challenging. "I respect you as the emperor, but you're crossing the line here. Keep your anger leveled majesty. Sehun has been through a lot, he's the victim and does not need to even explain himself. If you want to know the rest then you have to hear it from me or don't altogether, the choice is yours" He squared his shoulders, parting his legs, daring Kai to demand otherwise.  "What –" Kai let out, then shut his mouth, shaking his head as though unable to fathom what to say or how to react. "Oh boy!" Wei Ying exclaimed, a hand going to his mouth.  "Fierce as ever." Lan Zhan spoke with a hint of appreciation, that wouldn't be interpreted as siding with Baekhyun to disrespect the emperor. "I like him." Zia declared, giggling.  "Baek" Sehun wished he could raise his voice to a casual volume, but paranoia had him in its tense, sweaty grip. What the hell was wrong with Baekhyun? Was he trying to get himself killed. Sehun held his breath watching as Kai's expression shifted from shock, confusion, anger, amusement, and finally to respect and it reminded that way while he regarded Baekhyun. The Fire-hound didn't cower, he held his ground, kept his eyes on Kai and some sort of understanding passed between the two. And for the first time, Sehun acknowledged how much sharing his past had affected the Fire-Hound. It was clear he hated Kai even more for what he did to Sehun and wasn't afraid to show it. Baekhyun was ready to battle the emperor right here and then, not caring what would become of him. That wasn't a guardian at the forefront, but a friend, that was willing to do insane things for Sehun. The queen and Rue were gazing at Baekhyun as though he'd suddenly grown a set of horns. Shocked and anger mixed on their faces simultaneously, like a pair of twins. "How dare you?" Hyoyeon finally got over her shock to say, but Kai waved her off. "It's alright mother." Lui and Zi left Sehun to stand on either side of Baekhyun the way they had done Sehun. Now acting as his guardian panthers, growling low to no one In particular, other than to appear intimidating. It was understandable, considering Baekhyun was like a brother from same hometown. The anger boiling in consort Rue died down in an instant. She recoiled, seeing the way Kai had dismissed his own mom as well the hellacats intimidating growls. She didn't stand a chance. Eyes going to the cats, Kai allowed a small smile to curve his lips."Very well, I shall hear the rest form you death mage. Sehun you can take a seat if you're not feeling up to standing. Forgive me, I should've been considerate from the start." To say Sehun was shocked by Kai's reaction would be an understatement. Truly Kai was different from the past. If it were in the past Sehun would bet his life the emperor would have his guards, forcefully take Baekhyun to the dungeons for daring to act the way he did. Shaking his head, Sehun couldn't help glancing at his friend. "I am fine majesty."  "Sehun it's alright to sit." Hyunjin said, a look of concern on him. "I am fine really." Just a little tired and hungry. Hyunjin didn't believe this explanation, Sehun could see it in the set of his jaw. Yet he surprised Sehun by taking him at his word as he nodded and walked off to take his seat near Irene.
 
What do you want me to say?. Baekhyun asked, not taking his eyes off Kai. Use my celestial stone. Nodding, Baekhyun took over explaining as efficient as Sehun would have. As a mage Sehun had his celestial stone with him all the time, and was quick to call the squad for help. Wei Ying raised an eyebrow, gazing Sehun's way, but luckily kept his mouth shut. Lan Zhan and Irene didn't even bat an eyelash. His family knew he didn't need or ever use a celestial stone and there was no cell reception in that part of the woods to make his story sound convincing. Sehun was glad he'd shared about the guardians or he would have to come up with another lie to tell his family, and damnation he was tired of the lies. Maybe he should tell them the whole truth, about his Rebirth and pregnancy. However he didn't want them to get tangled in this. The Lans were powerful as grandmasters, but the fate didn't chose them as his guardians for a reason. And he wanted it to remain that way. Sehun could make Minseok do his mind manipulation thing. Though Minseok would be able to mess with others heads, but wouldn't be able to mess with Kai's the way he did Chanyeol.  The emperor would pick up the moment he tried. It was better to use the celestial stone. Sehun had thought over it. It was plausible. As paladins of the same squad they should have another means to communicate other than the potable tech devices that could fail them any moment. His babe moved, and Sehun placed a hand on his belly.The babe must be hungry. The gesture didn't go unnoticed by his parents ,Wei Ying narrowed his eyes, while Lan Zhan raised an eyebrow. With a smile that didn't reach his eyes, Sehun let his hand down. However that wouldn't fool his family. What do I tell Lan Zhan and Wei Ying? Sehun asked his beast. Say no lie. Ice and red family ours. His beast told him. Tell the truth? Yes all truth. Fire, water, air and earth guardians, protect cub. His beast said. And tell king our mate truth. The image of his beast grinning when it said the last part had him cringing. You cannot be trusted when King is involved. His beast blinked, using both paws to hide it's face without words. Meaning Sehun was right. With an internal sigh, Sehun pulled out of his head. Reaching a junction, Baekhyun paused, taking a step back, making a gesture toward Junmyeon to take over. The water mage, was clearly not over the dismissal from earlier, but he stilled himself and step forward when Baekhyun pinned him with a look. it was clear the Fire-Hound was done speaking and no one here probably other than Sehun could make him talk again. Sehun had thought Lui and Zi would follow Baekhyun but they didn't, they stayed next to Junmyeon too. And Sehun realized it wasn't because Baekhyun was a Fire-Hound, but the cats were extending their protection to all of his guardians. The realization warmed his heart. "The moment we got his distress signal we acted fast. It was fortune we got Baekhyun to portal us in time" Junmyeon added, so naturally. "If our theory is proven true, it's unfortunate people are losing their souls. We'll investigate thoroughly." "I reckon he found the anomalies in the souls?" Kai asked, gaze going to Baekhyun. "Blink did." Baekhyun said, taking a hold of Sehun hand, and Sehun reflexively squeezed back. Kai nodded at that. It was funny how the emperor didn't mind when Sehun and Baekhyun shared contact, unlike with Junmyeon. "Oh dear! It's really unfortunate" Rue tried to project concern, but Sehun could see her excitement bubbling up from within. She exuded an air of sympathy that Sehun knew from experience was just a front for gossip-mining. Today was no different. She looked Junmyeon up and down with a kind of nosy glee. "All the animals are dead? You could have kept one alive to–" The air shifted, and a mist forming had her shutting . Chanyeol appeared a moment later, looking exhausted. It was clear whatever Blink demanded had taken a lot of his energy."Majesty!" He bowed and near