My favorite animal character is at it again.

 

 

  The Raven poked at him as though urging him to make a move already, and Sehun turned to glare at her. "That was some impressive you pulled, but a little warning would have been nice. I didn't even know you could do some like that. You got powers?" She tilted her head, giving him a look as though he had insulted her. You have no idea what I am capable of boy "Holy ! You talk?" Sehun gaped. He couldn't help it, it was pretty amazing. I am a deity in my own right, a shadow bird, mother of Crows and Ravens. Of course I can speak when I want to. Blinking, she spread her wings, probably to appear majestic. She didn't need to, Sehun truly believed her, he had never met a talking raven, that had magical powers. Remember the sounds the ravens made during the mission? It's there way of greeting me. She threw her head back in a smug way, that had Sehun almost laughing.  "Wow!" He blinked at her. "I thought you're a raven, albeit a bigger one with intelligence and a name." Have you ever seen a Raven with purple eyes and this large? Grey beak and talons? Sehun shook his head like an idiot. Shuffling down, she slapped a wing over his face, sending him to his and that hurt Quick go save the boy. Stop stalling. Right. He was dragged here to save Hyunjin, "Why does it have to be me?" Something he was having difficulty understanding. There were a lot of people in Varal that could do that. She swung a wing as though it were a sword, and Sehun instinctively drew away from it, his face still hurt from the first hit. It's written that way, it's either you or the boy dies. This wasn't fair, but Sehun refrained form saying that out loud. Even if he wanted to help, but there was one problem. "I don't have my weapon." Like you really needed it. You do not deceive me boy, off you go. Sehun swore she rolled her eyes. Now call upon your inner self and end this already. If you worry about the others witnessing what you are, fear not, this deity aunty will take care of them. With that she gracefully flew off, toward the battle happening, that Sehun realized only two royal guards remained standing. The Raven flew in circles above them and instantly Jungkook and the other guard dropped unconscious. Why wouldn't she just do whatever she pulled there to the others? Why must he have to get involved? She gazed his way, head going back and forth between Sehun and the hooded men. You need more slapping? That was his cue. With a groan, he pushed on all fours, and Sehun let his beast come to the forefront. It had been quiet for so many years, resting in the back of his mind, that he’d forgotten how heady the feeling was having that extra pull of power at his fingertips, that he rarely use. Sehun's gums tingled, and his fangs lengthened. His body tensed as his vision changed, sharpened. Aggression rose, stampeding over him. He growled, the sound low and mean. He’d never had vision problems, however it was as if he’d viewed the world through a haze and now it was gone. Not only were things much clearer, he could see farther, even though it was night. As he looked around now with his other eyes in focus, he could see wrong magic laid around the surrounding. They were in rings, concentric circles. The wards were strong, but not impenetrable to Sehun. He also noticed something else, the magic in the air was suspiciously similar to that in the tower, meaning whomever was responsible for that, was likely responsible for this. They were a lot of things that Sehun missed in his past lifetime, however he would make sure to solve it in this one. The change took over, Sehun moving seamlessly back and forth between the two shapes, just like it had when he called out the firebird. However this time he chose to bring out the real beast in him. The hooded men were attempting to open the car and get to Hyunjin, but Sehun wouldn't let them. He was upon the ers before they realized what was happening. Oh my you need to see yourself through my eyes. What beauty you are. The raven gushed, very excited. And the next moment Sehun could see what he actually looked like. His firebird head covered in red feathers that, almost matched the deep gold of his lion’s body. His wings were adorned with gold and red feathers and they glittered in the moonlight. he was so freaking beautiful. His dark claws and beak were deadly sharp and he clamped a person in each, snapping them in two with a sickening crunch. The last man standing, shrieked in fear, trying to back away as well as urge the damned basilisk toward Sehun. The animal even though under the man's control, was wise and sensing he was no match for the Fenigriff–  made a run for it. Sehun ignored it in favor of ending the last male. Swapping shape, he took his full lion form, shrinking his size at will. Shaking his mane, he roared as he jumped the male–that threw magic attacks at Sehun that did nothing to stop him– taking him to the ground. With a swipe of his paw, the mage's neck lolled and hot blood rushed out, as he jerked violently, clutching uselessly at his open throat, until he stilled. But Sehun's beast wasn't satisfied, not until he ripped off the man's head completely as it rolled like a ing ball. His beast was bloodthirsty, it was one of the reasons Sehun kept him locked in. With that being taken care of, he retake his Fenigriff form and took flight. As an air elemental, his Fenigriff was best for speed in the air despite its size, and it had been mere minutes for Sehun to catch up with basilisk. Lowering himself to the ground, he knocked a few trees from his massive size, while using a large paw to stop the thing from attempting to borrow into the ground. It let out an ugly screech, turning it's head to look at Sehun attempting to turn Sehun to stone. Another er that didn't know Sehun was immune to its magic– well most of it. When it figured out its magic was useless against this predator, it tried to squirm away, but Sehun's death grip didn't let it. The bastard had tough scales, almost impenetrable. But Sehun had the advantage. He knew it's weakness. As it tried to wrap around Sehun, he stomped another paw on it, making it so it had no choice but to reveal it's most vulnerable part, the underbelly, where the scales were softer. The moment he had an opening Sehun used his deadly beak to stab it in the belly. Uncaring about the taste of internal organs and blood as well as the claws that caught his side, Sehun dragged his beak so that it tore a jagged line, from the middle to the top, stopping close to the head. The thing didn't even have the energy to let out another sound, only squirming weakly. When it stopped moving, he let his firebird finish the rest, erasing any evidence. It was the wise move to make. Not many could kill a basilisk due their tough scales and magical powers. At least even if someone found the ashes, they would think a powerful fire elemental had been response. Not Sehun that was known for having air element. He flew back to the fighting site before shifting back to his human form. He swayed on his his feet feeling a wave of nausea hit him, It was then he noted the pain in his belly. The basilisk had injured him with its poisonous claws. Sehun was immune to most physical magic attacks, if something slipped in his system, he must find a different way to deal with it. And now Sehun needed to burn it or the poison would prevent the injury from closing up. Sehun pressed his finger against one end of the wound, and a tiny line of fire shot out. He ran the flame up the cut, cleansing it as well as sealing it He bit back the screams wanting to escape him, as the smell of burned flesh filled his nose. He didn't stop, not until all the claw marks were closed. Wiping the sweat off his face, he bent over, bracing both hands on his knees, his stomach churning . Feeling sick, he heaved expelling the poison as he vomited it out on the ground. He didn't straighten even when everything in his belly was out. He needed a moment to catch his breath.  You did well the raven told him from somewhere above, but Sehun didn't bother to look up, he concentrated on circling his spiritual energy, expelling the remnants of poison in him. When he felt like himself again, he straighten, gazing at the still unconscious royal guards before he opened the door to check on Hyunjin. The moment he set eyes on the boy, Sehun's breath hitched as emotions threaten to consume him. "No please"The fear in Hyunjin's voice sliced Sehun into ribbons. A twelve year old Hyunjin was shaking, hugging his knees. The boy was beyond terrified as he shuffled backward until he hit the door on the other side of the limo, and Sehun saw the dried blood on side of his neck, like a sword had aimed to take off his head but was interrupted. Fury build in Sehun, as well his beast. Fix it. Soothe, protect, ours, ours, ours, his Fenigriff hissed at him. How dare they? How dare they hurt Hyunjin? He’d kill them all. , he could feel the anger rising up to the core. He wanted to find the er, the master mind behind the attack and kill them. Rip them to shreds, make them bleed, bathe in their blood. He wanted to hear the er begging for their life as Sehun gleefully drained them dry with a thousand cuts. They deserved no mercy, and Sehun had none to give. He’d leave that person nothing more than a husk, and then he’d destroy everything that er held dear. Sehun calm down you'll set things on fire or probably cause a hurricane, and that will cause the boy harm. The heavy weight of Blink's voice washed over him, the power of a deity demanding compliance. Sehun took deep, slow breaths, pushing the rage down, fighting to regain control. The order was one Sehun had no choice but to obey, and the anger banked. The rage drained out of him, leaving him limp. He slumped against vehicle. Thus he was able to think rationally. Attacking the crown prince took some balls. Or plain stupidity. He wasn’t sure which. He itched to put his nose into the investigation, but no longer had any standing to do so. To question every one with blood magic– yes that was what he felt around those men. Whomever was responsible, was a powerful blood mage, a rare ability found in people related to skin walkers or unseelie fae. In the past, he had tried the moment he became a concubine. Had questioned several people, and he’d gone over and over his notes from his interviews, trying to find some clue to help the investigation. He did not only needed to discover who wanted to kill the Prince, but why. Politics? To weaken the emperor? Or was there some other reason to go after the Prince, something about Hyunjin specifically that had drawn out someone powerful enough to go after the emperor's only son and heir? That train of thought led to more questions. Why hadn’t they been able to find the culprits after so much time, and had the Prince been the intended target in the first place? Was Hyunjin merely a trial run because he was younger and not as powerful as his father? Would Kai be next? However couldn't find anything. Until tonight. In the previous life he had missed the blood magic. A discovery that would narrow the investigation– Sehun stop. He told him, you're no longer related to Kai or Hyunjin. A whimper had him snapping out of it, to look at the boy. "Hey, you're alright now." Sehun said gently. "You're safe, the bad guys has been defeated. I took care of them" He reach out and Hyunjin flinched, which had Sehun dropping his hand. "Who are you?" Hyunjin lifted his tears filled eyes to look at Sehun.  Oh mothers! The last time he had seen Hyunjin, those eyes full of life had been shut, probably would have been forever if Sehun hadn't been given the chance of Rebirth. "A paladin." Sehun nearly choked the words. He swallowed hard, before he went on. "I was passing by when I heard the sound of battle, as a paladin I couldn't ignore it, so I came to check and realized what was happening." He paused, making sure the boy was comprehending. Hyunjin whose expression was hopeful and yet also so terrified. Sehun knew that feeling. Hope was terrifying. Luckily he didn't seem tensed as he had been. Good. "Two of your guards were down when I got closer, but I checked, they're not dead." He should leave since he had done what he came to do. But when Hyunjin whimpered and threw his arms around Sehun as he began to sob, Sehun couldn't bring himself to leave right away. He rubbed the boy's back soothingly, while trying to curb his emotions. It was a familiar feeling. Sehun had hugged the boy on several occasions in the past, had loved the boy as though he were his own.  Every couple of minutes Hyunjin would whimper softly. The sound was a shot through Sehun's heart every time. He tightened Hyunjin in a protective embrace, muttering words of assurance until the sobs ceased and Hyunjin was letting out sighs, head resting against Sehun's chest. There was no denying Hyunjin would forever hold a great part of Sehun's heart, even if Sehun didn't wish to have anything to with the father.  I hate to break the father son moments, but they're waking up. The Raven warned. If you don't want to be caught, now will be a good time to leave. A groan sounded from behind Sehun, confirmed Blink's words. He needed to get out of here before the Royal guards woke and demand explanation, that would lead to him ending up in the palace, to the emperor, that would offer to have him as concubine for saving Hyunjin's life. A shiver ran down his spine at the thought. "I have to go." He told Hyunjin. "No please don't go." The boy clutched tight onto Sehun. "I am scared, don't leave me." "Your guards will regain conscious soon." Sehun said to the boy still buried in his chest. "Stay until then please." Hyunjin mumbled against his robe. Sehun shook his head. "I can't. I have to go." "Tell me you name before you leave." Hyunjin reluctantly let go, beautiful green eyes gazing at Sehun. "Sehun." He told the boy, not putting much thought into it. Smiling, Hyunjin took ahold of Sehun's hand, squeezing."Thank you Sehun. I will never forget your kindness." Sehun couldn't resist dropping a kiss to Hyunjin's forehead before he left. It was harder than he had thought, leaving the boy. Sehun wanted to take him with him, protect him against any danger and shower him with the love he deserved. As a father should – What the hell is wrong with you? Sehun scolded himself, shaking his head. Maybe the poison was still inside his system for his mind to be taking that direction.  "Take me back!" When he was far away from the site, Sehun looked to the raven flying quietly next to him. You'll have to do that yourself. I need to recharge for at least a day before I can teleport again. She told him. "Well isn't that fabulous?" He said, hoping the sarcasm in his tone wasn't lost to her. She pinned him with a hard look for a moment, I will be going first. She threw at him and with a pop she vanished. The little played him. Shaking his head one more time, he allowed his wings out, using the night as cover to return to the inn, he couldn't wait to strangle the damn raven. *** Though things were a happening faster than they did in the past, Sehun was still glad how things turned out tonight. He couldn't stop his feet from bouncing as he made his way into the inn. He had saved Hyunjin and evaded getting tangled. In the past, he had been there when more guards arrived. They had demanded he go with them and give a statement and that was how he met Kai. Not this time. He had changed his fate and that called for celebration. Getting drunk in the inn with the others would be a good way to spend the night. Maybe just maybe, Junmyeon would be drunk enough to end up in Sehun's bed. Sehun grimaced at his own thoughts. No he shouldn't stoop that low, taking advantage of someone while drunk wasn't something a paladin should do, crush or not. Raking his fingers through his two colored hair, he tied it up in a ponytail as he made his way up the stairs. "Where in the name of Goddess have you been?" Baekhyun asked the moment he stepped into the hallway leading to their rooms and Sehun jumped, not expecting anyone to be waiting for him. The death mage was stood, leaning against the wall, hands crossed over his chest. "Uhm-"Sehun crossed, then uncrossed his arms. He stuck his hands in his pockets, then pulled them out.  "Don't even think about lying to me" The snarl that erupted from Baekhyun was violent. The deep, emotions in his voice spewed forth, startling Sehun. It was clear he hated being lied to especially by someone he trusted. Sehun blinked at him, feeling bad for coaxing such reaction. It was never his intention to hurt Baekhyun. "I went to save the crown prince." He found the truth stumbling out. Baekhyun blinked rapidly as though trying to understand what Sehun meant. "Why would you do that? I mean how do you even know the crown prince needed help?" With a sigh, he told Baekhyun everything that occurred, from the moment the shadow bird teleported him, to him just returning when she abandoned him out there helplessly. "Stop being dramatic." Baekhyun smiled. "She left you because she knows you can find your way here." Shrugging, Sehun