A/N: This is the final chapter. I had to change Crimson Moon. The reason being is because I watched Naruto Road to Ninja last night and it was mentioned in the movie, and then I googled it and found there's a book series. So...I got rid of it. No you don't need to re-read to see the changes. Instead of Crimson Moon it will be changed to/called Blood Moon or Red Hunter's Moon.

*

                Nichkhun looked over Wooyoung’s still frame. He had been sitting in exactly the same position since they arrived at the new location. Leaning onto the balcony, he couldn’t help but sigh in resignation. The pain was felt by all of them. There was no way he could harbour a grudge for nearly 2000 years. But, then again, he wasn’t Changmin. He ran it over his mind again and again and he just couldn't see it. Nothing about Changmin's behaviour would have suggested any of this. None of them had seen it coming. Nichkhun couldn't stop rolling the scene over and over in his head, and he couldn't get over Wooyoung's facial expression. He was experiencing a grave defeat. Changmin had been there for all of them during the bad and good times. In fact, if not for Changmin, they all would not be where they were today, literally. No matter how he looked at it, he could not make the situation out to be a positive; that in and of itself defeated him. He watched Wooyoung get to his feet and oddly he began to gather wood.

                “Don’t be too troubled. We don’t have time for that luxury yet.”

                Nichkhun stood at attention and looked at Sano. “Sorry...it’s just...hard I guess.”

                Sano nodded. “I can understand...” The mysterious second-in-command of Luna came to stand beside him. “If you’re wondering, yes, I’m here to watch over Wooyoung, and the rest of you. When Wooyoung feels capable he can join the leader's council - or what remains of them, and hear the details of all incidents.”

                Nichkhun chuckled softly. “I’m glad for some company.”

                Sano sent him a brief almost-smile. He seemed to working the nerve up to say something. He ran his fingers through his hair, and his eyes narrowed. “Changmin had been friends with of all us for a long time. He was once a member of our ranks before deciding to head out with Wooyoung.” He explained. “We all trained together...”

                “I imagine Changmin was well-known to many in Luna, then?”

                “Oh yes...many knew him.” Sano leaned forward. He ran his gloved hands down his neck and kept them there. He sighed, “he was a Hunter...”

                Nichkhun turned slightly.

                “It was back when Wooyoung first broke away from Helios, and he was forbidden to see Zahi. I was a guard to the royal family then. Zahi always worried that Wooyoung’s bloodlines would converge and spark the madness. he asked me to keep tabs on him and make sure no triggers provoked him. Indeed, a situation like now would evoke it...” Sano went quiet for a while. “Wooyoung killed many members of Changmin’s family during one of his episodes.”

                Nichkhun’s eyes fell shut slowly. “I don’t know that Wooyoung.”

                Sano snorted in amusement. “Yes...you’re quite right. But...I figured you all might as well know why there may have been reason for Changmin to betray Wooyoung.”

                “But...after two thousand years of being together?” Junho asked.

                It was then that Nichkhun realised Taecyeon and Junho were seated in the balcony over from him. Taecyeon sent him a small wave, and a grin. Nichkhun couldn’t help but smile and shake his head.

                “Sometimes...immortals can harbour ill feelings for that long. Or, seeing as how many of the older immortals were once mages, they can weave spells and make one think what they wish. There are many possibilities.” Sano said. “If it helps, I cannot express how much hatred I had felt towards Zahi for bonding with me. So much so, I let my guard down, and allowed a dear friend to harm another. When we let hate consume us, we don't realise how much that hatred affects everyone around us...and, it can be so severe, bad things happen. And you find that 2,000 years later one of your good friends betrays another, and you can't help but blame yourself." Nichkhun wanted to reach out to him, but he wouldn't be able to comfort Sano. He couldn't even comfort his master, his saviour, Wooyoung. "I regret what it was like before...looking forward to an eternity with someone who irritated the hell out of you was not pleasing," he chuckled, "but, sometimes time can change people, sometimes not. Changmin...maintained his feelings of that time. We all made our choices, and we are now experiencing the reaction of those choices.”

                “I know the feeling...being hated for turning someone.” Nichkhun said quietly. Sano offered him with a sympathetic smile. “It hurts.”

                “You stayed with Zahi though, can I ask why?” Taecyeon wondered.

                Sano shrugged, “A cold and emotionaless response would be...that’s the strange part about the ways of immortals and mages, we always have a part to play in some grand scheme...or many schemes as it were.” Sano had gripped his shoulder and Nichkhun couldn’t help but lean into the comforting touch. “You need to decide for yourselves which side of the scheme you wish to align with.” Nichkhun felt the lack of intimacy in that answer.

                “And the opposite?” Nichkhun asked softly.

                Sano shrugged. “He might be a bit of a tosser sometimes, one-track mind...” Sano smiled differently. “I imagine it’s similar to how you once felt about Chansung. Or, I should say, how you would feel if you could.”

                Nichkhun gripped the ledge. Something in him stirred. His chest felt tight. He didn’t understand.

                “I don't want to tell you why, because I think we are able to establish our own reasons for how things work. My feelings for Zahi are mine, the same as your feelings are for those you care deeply about." Sano had turned to him then, a mysterious glint in his eye. "The memories might be gone, Nichkhun Horvejkul, but the feeling persists.” Sano smirked and rested a closed fist on his chest. “I suppose you call that feeling love, right?” Sano leapt up onto the ledge and saluted. “Just call my name if you need assistance.” He jumped upwards, towards the high post.

                For a long time, those words simmered in Nichkhun’s mind.  Before he thought on it too much on it he turned to Junho and Taecyeon. “You know, when someone wants to brood they usually want to do it alone. You guys lived with Chansung for how long and that was never made clear to you?”

                Taecyeon and Junho shrugged. “It’s probably better if we’re all together right now. And Chansung was a weird brooder...he liked silent company when he was in those moods.” Taecyeon said. “Alana-Maria was secured by Marigold. You know...it’s scary how she was already in a safe location.”

                “Well, she is the best seer and fortune teller.” Junho huffed.

                “Shut up, the only experiences we’ve had with seers or fortune tellers is the abilities you and Wooyoung seemingly possess. It isn’t to her level at all, just so you know.”

                Junho smacked Taecyeon on the shoulder and left abruptly. Nichkhun couldn’t help but laugh and shake his head. “You’re going to regret saying that to him. You know he can do all sorts of trick magic, right?” Nichkhun mused as Taecyeon walked to stand beside him.

                “Oh well, just means I’ll have something to keep me on my toes.”

                Nichkhun ce more. “It’s not fair...” He murmured. It was then that he noticed Wooyoung had a fire going, and the other enigmatic Luna member was making his way towards him. There was no pause in Zahi's step, no hesitation as he sat directly beside Wooyoung. They spoke together for a long time. He was envious of how easily Zahi managed to elicit some response from Wooyoung; to watch how easily Zahi made him smile. “Why can’t he be that way with us..?”

                "Maybe Wooyoung needs a little stability right now. I'm sad it isn't us, but I don't think we would know how to provide it at the moment...especially since we don't know as much about him as Zahi does..." Taecyeon sighed and shrugged. “I’m the youngest...wouldn’t be the best person to ask.” He teased.

                Nichkhun smiled. “Well, sometimes its people like you that have the best perspective, Taecyeon.”

                The taller man smiled sheepishly. “I’m really not used to compliments from you,” he chuckled.

                “So take them when offered then!” Nichkhun clapped him on the back. “Let’s go find Junho. If we’re all together I do feel more comfortable.” Taecyeon nodded in agreement. “When he’s ready, he’ll come to us.”

                *

                Wooyoung stared off into the distance. He felt...hollow. He just couldn’t fathom Changmin betraying him. Nothing in their history together, asides from what happened before they partnered up, indicated anything like this would happen. But now...it made sense in some way, like he knew it would happen but he didn't really want it to. Closing in on himself, he buried his face into his arms and pressed his thighs even more into his chest. All that he had gained the past two millennia, all the lives he lived, all the people he met, all the pleasures, magic, and immortals he experienced shouldn’t be overshadowed this much by the loss of his ‘friend’, but they were. Changmin had been his foundation, his foothold on reality, his greatest and most helpful support. He was there when Wooyoung made the decision to venture away from Zahi’s side; he was there each and every time the Hunter’s rose up; he was there when he felt he couldn’t trust anyone else. This was pain. Wooyoung had thought he'd experienced every pain imaginable, but this, this was something else entirely.

                When he began gathering the wood, he hadn't even realised he was doing it until he'd acquired a large pile. He looked down at his hands. Was he reverting back to that time in his life? He knew what caused it, what triggered him. He was so cold... He accumulated more wood. It was as if this was what he was supposed to do, and it was the only thing he found himself capable of doing. Once the fire was roaring, sending off waves of heat, he felt himself relax. It had been a long time since he'd sat before a blazing flame like this. Then, he closed in on himself. He wanted to erase everything. This pain was far, far, far too much.

                Feeling a soothing aura behind him, he shifted only slightly as Zahi sat beside him. For a long time it was quiet between them, not that Wooyoung knew what to say anyway. He knew that Nichkhun, Taecyeon and Junho were observing him, watching over him, but he didn’t want them to see him this way. He lost Chansung and Changmin in the span of a week. He didn’t understand - no, he couldn’t accept how weak he had remained all this time. Allowing Zahi to tug him close, he slowly let himself nestle into his side. “What did I do wrong, Zahi..?” He asked weakly.

                Zahi gripped his arm tight. “You didn’t do anything wrong-

                “Don’t coddle me – out of anyone who would console me, you would be the last. Sano would have beat me senseless already...”

                Zahi chuckled. “Then I guess that is why I am the one sitting with you, and not him, or your poor little darklings.” Zahi’s lips rested against his temple, and he closed his eyes tight. “You know Helios almost as well as me, Wooyoung. You know that if he was planning to harm you, he would have taken his time. None of us knew what he is doing, or what is happening now. The only thing I could get a glimpse of was a strange glyph. I’ll show it to you later.” Wooyoung nodded. Zahi’s hand ran up and down his back. “Out of all the fires, yours were always the best...” Wooyoung smiled softly. “Remember...traveling out there, without really having to worry about all of this, having fun by the fire, dancing, everything?”

                Wooyoung nodded. “I did keep it well.”

                Zahi turned to him, “yes, you did.” Wooyoung shifted to sit more comfortably. “I think it’s because you were most fascinated by it, fire. Nothing else made you warmer, or lit up the dark, right?”

                Wooyoung once again nodded. “Well, there are many types of warmth.”

                “Ah, so you are up for light-hearted teasing.” Zahi rubbed his arm comfortingly.

                “But...you know what I mean. Fire was something else for me, light, warmth...it is something so very different from me. You could create it and people could feel warmth, eat delicious food, light the way...”

                “Yes, but it is also destruction when unchecked. You are like fire, Wooyoung. I think it is why you tend it so well, because you know what fire can do, but you also know what it provides, what care it gives. You are not only an agent whose purpose is to destroy.”

                “Zahi...he lived with those feelings...since that incident.” Wooyoung muttered. “How am I not the one who did wrong? It was I who killed most of his family. It was I who did it in front of his mother-

                “This was before we understood you. Not only that, your bond with me was still settling, and Helios tried to separate us...” Zahi’s grip was urgent, reassuring. “Don’t go back that far. You can’t take away what you did that day, but neither can I nor Sano, neither can Marigold or Harowen. You were triggered, Wooyoung, which is why we were so worried about you the past couple days - which is why I was worried. I didn’t want you to feel you had harmed your clansmen. Helios won this round. We were all a part of his trap, pup, as we all have always been.” Zahi leaned back a ways and brushed his hands through his hair. “You’re setting a terrible example for your cute little darklings.”

                Wooyoung finally chuckled. “I can’t help it.”

                “Sano would have indeed snapped by now. You know how he is when he can’t get his way.”

                Wooyoung couldn’t help but grin.

                “There...that’s better.” Zahi flicked his nose. “Changmin was his own person, Wooyoung. You had no control over his decisions. The point now is...he took your trust and smashed it to pieces. I don’t think you want to know what Marigold was planning before I left.”

                Wooyoung grumbled, “you're no better, the both of you always have to be the worst.”

                “What do you expect? We have all experienced pains many others cannot even begin to fathom.” Zahi leaned back a little. “When I think about it, it seems like our little circle experiences nothing but pain...”

                Wooyoung collapsed defeated. “Did you...hear what he said to me?”

                Zahi seemed to pause before answering. He shuffled a little and nodded, “I did...”

                “Even now...I feel as if I deserve nothing. I think that’s why I kept my history away from them...Taecyeon, Junho, Chansung...and Nichkhun.” He slowly turned to face his kind and loving master, lover, and friend. “After being called a monster for nearly three thousand years...who would think they’re worth anything? Maybe that really is all I am...”

                Zahi shook his head and cupped his face. “Don’t do that to yourself, do not give those words power." Wooyoung whimpered as Zahi's lips clashed with his, and that was all he did. He didn't press forward, he didn't force him. He needed this reassuring touch so much it ached. "So what if you were born differently. I think it says something when you - knowing who you are yourself - have come this far. You have your own clan, you have your lovers,” they shared a brief smile. “You got scared, Wooyoung. It is the same as anyone else who would be experiencing what you are. You tried to protect them in your own way.”

                “Lot of good that did...”

                “Perhaps, but, maybe we made it so you didn’t feel comfortable asking for help.”

                Wooyoung was stunned to silence, and Zahi pressed their foreheads together.

                “I’m sorry, Wooyoung, if you had ever felt you couldn’t trust us - that you couldn't trust me.”

                If he could have, he would have cried, but he couldn’t. So he was left with this blaring pain in his chest, and a hard time swallowing, and feeling things he had never felt before. “I don’t want to feel this weak anymore, Zahi...”

                “So stand up,” Zahi had risen to his feet and held out his hand. “When you can take care of them on your own, do so, but when you need help, please come to me, alright?”

                Wooyoung looked at the offered hand. “Is that strength, Zahi, asking for help?”

                Zahi smiled down at him. “It takes a lot of courage to do so, does it not?”

                Wooyoung nodded.

                “Yes, it is a strength to know when to ask for help. Never be afraid, pup.”

                Wooyoung reached up and closed his fingers around Zahi’s. When he was standing, a weight lifted off his shoulders and he felt lighter. The feelings of his and Changmin’s parting were still raw, and he still felt a tinge of emptiness, but he needed to come back from this. And, he needed to once again apologise to the others. He had to stop doing wrong by them.

                *

                The atmosphere was solemn and heavy, that was what Junho felt most. Taecyeon shifted uncomfortably to his right, and Nichkhun rubbed his temples. Wooyoung was currently seated beside Zahi and Marigold, observing the glyph. Sano was standing at the window as if perched and waiting. There was only one thing he was on the lookout for: Hunters. Junho could see it, the way he observed the land outside.

                “Let’s put this in perspective,” Marigold said as she took a seat. “First, we have a glyph that appears to not be the Blood Moon ritual base. This strange glyph coincides with the fifth rise of the Hunter’s. They are not like before, they kill without doing their fancy proclamations and pay no heed to their pagans gods and goddesses - and most out of character is the included human sacrifices. 'Tis all strange...” Marigold said and brushed her fingers against her chin. “I had a vision...I think the date was 1357. Does the word Baxkos ring a bell with anyone?” Everyone replied in the negative. “There were two sides, blue and silver.”

                “The Luna clan uniforms are blue and black,” Wooyoung said quietly, “and the Hunters are silver and black.”

                “So it will include both the Hunters and the Luna clan.” Zahi said. “How lovely...” Junho couldn't help but chuckle at his false enthusiasm.

                “This vision is clearer now...” Marigold said, and her eyes became vacant. The air was heavier, and small little lights began to float around the room. “Laying within a circle...6. Paired. Flags of blue and silver, a land not of this world...” Her eyes shifted all over the room. “Two princes...insecurity...war.” Marigold cried out in pain and looked up. The small shimmers of light floated around her more rapidly now. But then, sharp, tiny little shocks reverberated and cracked throughout the room. “Vision is disintegrating.” She sobbed, tears spilling from her eyes. “I can...almost see.”

                “Marigold! It’s enough!” Zahi snapped.

                “Wait...” Her hand flew up. “The stars are imploding from within, one is reddening. Sleeping. Magic turning volatile, so poisonous. Human.” The light ceased abruptly and Marigold collapsed to the floor. Her every breath was ragged. “Did you get everything?” She asked quietly.

                “Yes,” Zahi assured and helped her into a chair. “You shouldn’t have done that...”

                “This is for the fate of our clans. Wooyoung, Zahi, I fear we may be in for something too big for us...”

                “We don’t know for sure yet.” Wooyoung said despondently.

                Marigold sent him empathy. “You are right. I apologise, I should know better than to let the visions infect my view of destiny. I wouldn’t be obeying the Seers Code.”

                Wooyoung shrugged. “If...what I’m getting from all this is true...it sounds like a Dream Ritual.”

                Junho’s eyes widened. He’d only ever read about those.

                “What’s a ‘Dream Ritual’? Please, for those of us not trained in magic.” Nichkhun inquired.

                “It’s...essentially the means of going to an alternate destiny or world, while sleeping.” Junho answered before either Wooyoung or Marigold. “The ritual was banned though...all records of it were supposedly destroyed.”

                “The problem is we can’t tell from this design if it’s one to change destiny, or alter people and their personalities. If it is activated, and it has not been perfected, those who are within the glyph could either die, or be forever lost in the flow of magic. If someone dies in the Dream Ritual, they die in the real world. It’s very dangerous, to say the least.” Wooyoung finished. "If the ritual is disrupted in any way, such as the position of those in the ritual glyph, they could be lost in sleep forever, and sleep until they waste away to nothing..."

                “The design has to be intricate, and in tune to all those who have been selected for the Dream Ritual. From what we can tell, it requires blood, which would lead me to assume personality will be a part of it.” Marigold said and she brushed back her hair. “But the way the glyph is designed, it also incorporates the runes and designs that represent ‘earth’ or ‘world’. Helios has constructed something on a large scale.”

                Wooyoung sat back and looked over the paper the glyph was drawn on. “What else did you see, Zahi?”

                “I only saw the glyph and noticed five offerings; three male, two female.” Zahi answered.

                “One has to be Chansung...” Wooyoung sighed. “He’s connected to myself, Nichkhun and Taecyeon, even without the bond. Since we don’t know who the other two are, we don’t know what sort of blood he is using to activate the ritual. The only thing we know is vampires will be affected because of Chansung.”

                “That would mean the other two could have any of the bloodlines. He would need a wolf to get Luna, and a mage, but...” Zahi trailed off. “A pentagonal ritual. Each point designated with a particular bloodline...vampire, mage, wolf, human...and a fifth that we don’t know.” Zahi glanced up at Wooyoung. “Have you encountered any strange beings in the past four hundred years?”

                Junho felt a shiver run over his skin. They had.

                “A Doppelganger...made just like...” Wooyoung’s gaze met his. Junho gripped the table tight.

                “Wooyoung-” Junho stopped short when he felt a weird pull at his gut. Looking up, the ceiling collapsed around them and they all hovered in a dark world. “Wooyoung?!”

                “No!” Wooyoung called. Then they dropped.

                They fell through the darkness. Wisps of light shimmered past them as they descended. Junho couldn’t tell who was with them and for how long they fell. But then, there was deafening silence. Magic flows of varying colours flew past and exploded all around. His body jerked and he felt himself pulled upwards. The surface was nearing. Then he saw it, a small little amber light. It passed into his body, warming him and oddly made him feel safe. He didn’t know where it had come from or what it was for, all he knew was that it was okay. Then his body crashed against the barrier. The sensation as they broke through the thin membrane was wet, as if they were breaking through the surface of water. He gasped for air as the world spun around him. Gone were the brilliant lights, and in seconds, he was eclipsed in total darkness. He felt cold, damp stone beneath him. Attempting to sit up, he realised they all, plus a few others had been transported. Then he saw him.

                Chansung was distended from the ceiling, limbs shackled together and small droplets of blood fell from his feet to the ground. A heavy, baritone laugh cut through the air. Trying to stand, Junho gasped in surprise and pain as a heavy foot pressed him into the ground.

                “Out of everyone, and above all else, Lee Junho, you have caused me almost as many problems as my bastard creation.”

                Looking up, Junho’s gaze found the muscular profile of a regal looking man. His hair was platinum white, and worn back. He wore robes that were similar to Zahi’s, red and gold in colour. His cheek bore the famous left scar that Wooyoung had told them about, his cold silver eyes peered down at him with slight disgust.

                “Helios! You bastard...” He heard Wooyoung mutter. “What are you doing-

                “Oh, Wooyoung, I thought that little transportation ritual might have torn you to pieces.” Helios laughed, and pressed down on his chest harder. “I’m thinking of the various ways I could kill your talented mage.” He said in deep thought. Junho froze and stared at him. “Oh, do I terrify you?” Helios knelt down and rested his hand against his chest. “What do you think, Wooyoung? He’s got far too much knowledge and power to extinguish.” Helios' hand drifted down his stomach and pain soared through his entire body. The intention behind the touch was clear and it made him claw against the floor. He bit his lip and tried to quell his whimpers. “Oh, how about I make him my slave?” The cold, rough skin dragged down his stomach.

                “Ahh!” The pain was excruciating.

                “I could make him mine; rip his bond to you to shreds, and tap into that core...harness that power.” That smile was evil.

                “I will never let you do that!” Wooyoung hissed.

                Helios seemed to shrink back. Wooyoung appeared suddenly, his fist flew into Helios’ face, sending him soaring back. Junho winced at the sound of breaking.

                “!” Wooyoung growled and shook his hand. He crumpled to the ground next to him.

                “W-Wooyoung...” He gasped. A gentler hand touched his seal, and the pain began to ebb away.

                “The only thing you would be able to do is cause him pain, the seal will never break.” Wooyoung said confidently. He was cradling his other hand as it healed. “You will never do to them what you did to me!”

                Junho shut his eyes tightly as tears escaped them. Wooyoung’s energy was flaring to levels he’d never experienced before. It was pushing into his own, making him body recover faster.

                “Oh, aye, you most certainly have become more advanced, more powerful.” Helios admitted and stalked over to someone else. “I regret letting you persist as long as you have. But, one thing you always seem to forget is that you are a creation, Wooyoung. No matter what these bastards tell you,” Helios indicated to those in the room, “you are a bloody monster.”

                Junho finally managed to get to his feet and he gripped Wooyoung’s hand tightly. Zahi and Sano were standing, seemingly at the edge of something, perhaps a barrier. Taecyeon and Nichkhun were still incapacitated, and actually in the process of being shackled. Junho felt dozens of auras. He pressed into Wooyoung’s side when he realised that all those auras belonged to Hunters. They all stood like drones at the edge of the glyph. Junho looked up at the five sacrifices. Chansung, a brunette who wore the uniform of Luna, an elderly woman with the mark of the Mage Legion, a man he assumed to be a human, and...

                “Yes well, you’re just as much a monster as I. You create us after all.”

                “Wooyoung...it’s Victor.”

                Wooyoung’s eyes shifted briefly to the fifth sacrifice pole. “Did you create him just for this?”

                Helios’ gaze turned to Victor. “Isn’t he remarkable? I think he’s amazing, got your Hwang Chansung’s blood running through his veins and yours.”

                Wooyoung’s eyes widened.

                “W-Wooyoung...” Both Wooyoung and Junho turned to Chansung. “ ‘m sorry...”

                “Enough!” Wooyoung hissed. “I’m going to finish this once and for all! Helios!”

                Before Wooyoung could act, Helios picked Nichkhun up by his neck, and pressed his foot into Taecyeon. What was going on? How had Helios managed to do all of this?

                “Your First is very weak, Wooyoung. Did you tell them the truth about Nichkhun’s lineage yet?”

                Junho’s gaze flickered to Wooyoung only for a second.

                “I suppose you haven’t...” Helios dragged both Nichkhun and Taecyeon to the center of their section. “Did you tell them about the Hwang family?”

                Wooyoung’s jaw set tightly.

                “You’re really the worst, Wooyoung-

                “How much longer are you going to toy with me?”

                “They trust you so blindly, and they don’t even know your history.” Helios said with a dangerous smile. “I hope I proved to them how incompetent you truly are, and that they shouldn't trust you. I hope they see that no matter what, they should have never even joined you. You’re the one that caused all of this, Wooyoung.” Helios motioned to the area.

                “Did you forget about me, Helios?” Zahi asked with calm voice. “If these barriers so much as fluctuate, you will be at the mercy of my fangs.” He growled darkly.

                “You know...you know quite well you’re the only person I fear, Zahi. Out of everyone here, no one else controls my destiny so intricately.” Helios said with a bored glance.

                “If I didn’t value my life, or the life of my beautiful second-in-command, you and I would be dead already.” Zahi assured.

                “Well, I’ll be sure to be grateful to your wonderful second-in-command. However, Wooyoung has been a thorn in both our sides, wouldn’t you agree, Zahi?”

                Zahi rolled his eyes. “We do stupid things for those we love, Helios. You always were a bit of a crazy bastard. If there has been a thorn in my side, it was you.”

                “At one time you did call me yours, Zahi.”

                “You were a different person when I did.”

                Junho gripped Wooyoung’s hand tightly as Helios neared them. “You always rush headlong into things, getting on my nerves.” Helios sighed. “I pity your darklings having a useless, incompetent monster for a master.”

`               Don’t let him get to you, Junho assured him. I’m by your side.

                “Che, you’re one to talk, Helios. If not for Wren or myself you would have been a useless fraud. If only we had been free-

                “Yes, but Wooyoung himself has killed Wren. He saw to that when he retrieved the mage.”

                “Was that a part of your plan?” Wooyoung hissed.

                “Your whole life has been under my control, Wooyoung. From Nichkhun’s violent attack on the Hwang family to your tour of the Old Forest, even as far back as your attack on Changmin’s family - and he still maintained allegiance to me!” Helios’ smile was sickening, but then it faded into a troubled look. “Ok Taecyeon was an outlier, but I managed to make him suffer as well.” Wooyoung’s hand tightened around his own. Junho reciprocated. “However...” Helios walked back to his chair. “However, they have all done the opposite of what I anticipated. Even Hwang when I told him about you,” Helios did not hide his irritation. “They have all remained by your side, faithful, and unrelenting.”

                “It just goes to show you do not and cannot predict everything.” Sano sighed.

                “Seems I am boring your second-in-command, Zahi – well! Everyone is here that needs to be here, so why don’t we get this started, yes?”

                Junho noticed Harowen was also present, as well as Changmin, Min, and Min-Jun. Min was bound and laying near Helios’ chair, he didn’t even want to think about what he did to her. Changmin was on the verge of death from what Junho could see. Min-Jun sat to Helios’ left, comfortable, with a traitorous smile. Helios had risen from his chair and held up his hands.

                “Why don’t we all have a grand adventure?” Helios said with a smile. He murmured the incantation to activate the ritual. Junho couldn’t help the anxiety that was now barreling through him.

                “Junho...”

                Turning slightly, Junho met his gaze. “Yes?”

                “No matter what happens, stay strong, never falter. I swear, I will fix this.”

                Junho felt tears brim his eyes and he tugged Wooyoung closer. “Don’t let this happen again...”

                Wooyoung smirked. “Still have faith in me?”

                Junho closed his eyes as the glyph flared to life. “You told me never to belittle my life. I chose to stand next to you, and I will always. Please remember that, Wooyoung.”

                “I won’t forget. And...” Wooyoung smiled at him. “No matter what happens, I will find you all again. Stay strong.”

                Junho held on tightly to his pendant. The light flared all around them and screams bellowed throughout the room. They were falling, lights shot up into the air. Junho felt so tired. His body felt like lead against the floor. Turning his head, he held onto Wooyoung's hand tightly. Wooyoung said something, but he couldn't make it out. Everything faded away, and althought it seemed as if he was alone, he could feel the warmth of Wooyoung's hand. “I’ll be waiting...Wooyoung.” Junho succumbed to darkness.

To be continued...

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