Three days later and a lot of work in the ruins revealed the rest of the aerie to both groups. While they were unable to find any books, either in the remains of the library or what they assumed was the Aerie Master’s office, Insoo and his wing mates confirmed that it very much resembled the Aerie of today. On the other hand, it was also missing the Aerie Master’s Tower that was present in Bahamut’s Aerie and was likely present in Tiamat’s as well. Not to mention this one had that additional open pit structure that theirs didn’t have.

            Speaking of that… when Taekwoon had approached Insoo about the runes he’d seen, the wing leader didn’t know anything. Nor did any of his peers – none had chosen to study such obscure things. Surprisingly, one of Chaerin’s group did… By his account, Ryeowook had been privileged to have access to a full library in his rearing. Though a bastard as well, his mother was at least a minor noble and while he hadn’t been accepted by most people in general, she had loved him and treated him no different. He in turn had spent a great deal of time amongst the books that would not judge him.

            “They are runes of protection and warding,” he explained, kneeling beside the pit and tracing his fingers over the etchings. And here… the names of both Bahamut and Tiamat,” he went on, frowning deeply at the words on either side of the circle.

            “What kind of protection and warding?” Chaerin asked, brushing past the names.

            Narrow eyes nearly disappeared as Ryeowook tilted his head, puzzling the markings out silently for a moment. “I haven’t studied runes in a while, but unless I’m mistaken, that one is protection from illness. That is warding of injury. This one is for luck and that one… should be for strength and intelligence,” he went on, scampering from one marking to the next, fingers tracing over the stone. “I can’t believe we missed these the first time,” he snorted, enamored with their finding.

            “That makes two of us,” Taekwoon heard Chaerin murmur before she turned away to speak with her companions. He didn’t miss how she’d seemed just as surprised as they were, especially about Bahamut and Tiamat being listed together. Furthermore, they were all intrigued by the names at each pit. As they’d noticed originally, there were eight in total. The faint and mostly faded markings around each one seemed to indicate they were indeed meant to relate to the eight different type of dragons. A single name was written around each one: the first born of their color – Aurum, Argenti, Aeris, Aes, Caeruleum, Rubrum, Album, and Nigreos.

            It was certainly a surprise for all of them, and it was clear that the Aerie members were uncomfortable with what they’d discovered. But at least the other riders didn’t seem particularly at ease either. It almost felt as if they were both hearing of all of this for the first time. Though that did not make them inclined to speak more freely with each other. Taekwoon knew they whispered in the late marks of the night, deliberating about something.

            But at least Chaerin has mostly eased up on her insistent previous approach. Oh, she still watched from afar aplenty – Taekwoon could feel her eyes on him fairly often – but she was busy with ingratiating herself among the others. While the others were at least hesitant, both Jungkook and Taeyeon were relatively easy targets. The former because he was interested in her and the latter because she was interested in Chaerin’s companion.

            Time was growing short to make a decision before they had to head back to the Aerie and it felt very much like their groups were trying to mix, but there was an underlying tension that made it all but impossible. Jungsu was hardly the only guarded person in their group, but he had an energy that made Taekwoon itch to challenge him. It was irritating…

            On the fourth day, Insoo called a gathering of the heads so that both groups could listen in. He and his group had spoken the previous evening and decided they needed to see where the other riders were in terms of combat and ability and it would be good to show them at least a little bit of what they were capable of to try and sway them to their side. “I propose we do a little friendly sparring today,” he smiled disarmingly. “No weapons. Just fists,” he promised, raising both hands suggestively.

            Chaerin’s eyes were wary but Jungsu seemed eager enough for such an exchange. His gaze was almost hungry for a fight. “Maybe,” Chaerin started to offer hesitantly.

            She was cut off when Jungsu stepped forward and agreed, “That is a good idea. It would be nice to see where we stand,” he added, giving Chaerin a sidelong glance before he shifted to meet Insoo’s gaze.

            “Then it is agreed,” Insoo pressed, drawing attention to him again as he looked around the gathered riders.

            “But what about those of us who don’t really know how to fight?” Ryeowook asked uncertainly, his bony frame hunched close and one hand raised as if afraid to draw attention to himself.

            “You can at least try,” Jungsu said at the same time Insoo waved his concern off with an, “It’s alright.”

            Both riders focused on each other and Insoo frowned slightly as he went on first, “We would rather spar those who actually wish to fight.” Taekwoon noticed Ryeowook’s relieved expression though it was equally impossible to miss Jungsu’s slight irritation. Curiously, Chaerin also seemed to be more relieved than disappointed.

            “Very well,” Jungsu conceded grudgingly, lips pressed into a frown. “Likewise for dragon sparring?” he wondered before either had a chance to turn away.

            That did surprise Insoo and company. He glanced at his wing and they shrugged uncertainly in response. “We thought we might give more of a demonstration as opposed to fighting.”

            The answer prompted a disappointed snort from the other rider, but he nodded. “If you insist.”

            “We do,” Insoo countered firmly, now that the other had given ground.

            “Okay. So perhaps we should meet after the midday meal?” Chaerin stepped in, bypassing Jungsu without looking at him. “That way we can have a chance to decide who would want to spar or not?”

            “That is a good idea,” Insoo acknowledged, giving her a respectful nod.

            I’m beginning to think Jungsu is the leader and Chaerin is just the face, Taekwoon murmured to his dragon, eyes narrowed as he focused on the other man. Oh how he wanted to be the one to spar with him. Sure, Jungsu had height and weight and age… but it would be so satisfying to knock the smugness off his face.

            Maybe, Jonghyun responded slowly, an indicator that he was thinking or otherwise speaking with his mate. Gold still more of a leader than silver.

            “Interesting,” Taekwoon hummed to himself, thumbing at his bottom lip. He was pulled from his thoughts though when Insoo called him over so they could discuss who would be willing to go a round with the others. It was no surprise they all wanted to fight. Not because they had any grudges, but they all felt it would be at least interesting, if not fun to have a practice round with new people. They already knew all of each other’s moves.

            “Any preferences?” Insoo asked, glancing around the other five members. Taekwoon raised his hand and he had to struggle not to grumble when Insoo just laughed quietly and shook his head. “Let me guess. Jungsu?”

            “Yes,” Taekwoon nodded, flushing slightly when the expressions around the circle seemed to indicate they had all noticed his attention on the other man. He was really going to have to learn not to be so obvious…

            “No.” It was a blunt answer and Taekwoon actually flinched in surprise. “If anyone is sparring him, it will be me as your Wing Leader. I want you watching,” he added, directing his comment specifically to Taekwoon but sharing it amongst the rest as he went on. “In all likelihood, he is the pinnacle of their combat ability and I’m not sure how he’s going to respond in the ring.”

            “Do you think he’ll try anything dirty?” Jinyoung asked, wary gaze beginning to slide to the other group before he caught himself.

            “I don’t know. Which is why I want to make sure he’s fighting me and you are paying attention,” Insoo instructed. After all, Wing Leader was not just an honorary title. It was given to someone who was both able to command and make difficult decisions under pressure as well as one who was able to hold his own well in the ring if it came to ground combat.

            “Understood,” the group murmured as a whole, letting the silence lengthen just a touch.

            “If she’s fighting, I want to see what Chaerin’s got,” Taeyeon volunteered when it seemed as if the conversation had otherwise finished.

            “That’s fair. Anyone else?” Insoo asked, making brief eye contact before nodding. “Okay. I’ll go let them know. May Bahamut favor you all,” he winked, standing up quickly and heading over to speak with Chaerin and Jungsu in the meantime. Though he wasn’t going to be able to fight the one person he wanted to, Taekwoon knew it was certainly going to be interesting.

            Much to Jinki’s frustration, Satoru didn’t actually know as much as he hoped about the Great Binding and the other unusual names he’d come across in the book. Or at least he didn’t say as much. It was always hard to tell with the Aerie Master when he was being guarded. And he was being more guarded than usual of late. He did try speaking with Jolin and he even gave Master Historian Kibum an ask, but no one seemed to know about it. Which was just quite confusing for Jinki.

            It didn’t help him to feel any better about Taekwoon still being gone and Yongguk hadn’t returned yet either and there was still no good news that had come from the north… The only constants he had to cling to were Junjin’s support from the kitchens and Seunghyun’s lessons that never seemed to stop. Even Gain was inordinately busy most of the time, helping train the newest riders or in her usual role of Paramour. And while all of that was stressful, it was manageable right up until even Dragon Master Dongwan and Captain Yunho had to join in for martial patrols.

            Satoru had received an unusual missive that made him more tense than usual and he’d sent Jinki specifically to retrieve the leading dragon riders, including High Dragon Commander Eric. But that had been a mostly closed door meeting that even the Aerie Master in training wasn’t privy to. Not that he had much time to worry about it. Especially since they had a most unusual and unexpected visitor arrive on the eleventh day that Insoo’s wing had departed.

            Jinki was doing his usual rounds of checking on the Aerie for Satoru when he nearly fell over in surprise as Sanghyuk startled the life out of him. “There you are!” the younger messenger sighed in relieved exasperation.

            “What in Bahamut’s name?!” Jinki exhaled quickly, trying to still his rapidly beating heart before he passed out.

            “I’ve been looking everywhere for you,” Sanghyuk continued, shrugging in what one could assume was a very tame apology. Before Jinki could get a word in edgewise, he went on, “Satoru’s looking for you. We have a very strange person in his office. Looked like a beggar, but the Aerie Master ushered him in without a second thought,” he admitted in bafflement.

            “Huh,” Jinki blinked, mulling that news over. “How do you know that?”

            Sanghyuk’s brows rose and he paused, wrinkling his nose. “Joy saw him come in when I wasn’t paying attention,” he admitted quietly with a gusty exhale.

            “Ah,” the other man laughed once, nodding in understanding. Their continued rivalry would always amuse him. “Guess I better go and see what’s up,” he nodded, reaching out to pat the now slightly taller young man on his shoulder. He was growing so much…

            “Good luck,” Sanghyuk winked, saluting quickly and then bolting off like an energetic puppy. Growing but still childish at times.

            Honestly, Jinki was happy for him. At least he still had some of that exuberance that he’d had to watch fade out of far too many people in the Aerie already. This situation they had found themselves in was sapping everyone bit by bit. And news of an unexpected visitor did not instill confidence in him at all. Squaring his shoulders, he took a deep breath and hurried to the Aerie Master’s office.

            When he arrived, he knocked, as was polite, and heard an immediate summons to enter. However, he was not expecting to see Healer Mimi in attendance, checking over a very deprived looking man in what amounted to little more than rags. He didn’t look particularly injured but gaunt and sorely in need of a good meal, good rest, and a nice long soak.

            A crease marred Mimi’s forehead as he looked into one eye and then the other and then exhaled once. “Well. You’re certainly not in good health but you won’t be dying immediately so…” he trailed off, glaring at Satoru briefly, “I will have Junjin send something over as soon as possible and you better drink that tea Satoru gave you right now.”

            The newcomer gave a dry and pained laugh before he nodded ever so slightly. “I will,” he then croaked, raising an emaciated hand to wave off the healer’s concern.

            “Priests,” Mimi sighed with a roll of his eyes and a shake of his head. “Don’t you push him too hard either,” he warned the Aerie Master like a parent with their child. “I’ve half a mind to invoke my healer’s oath and whisk him away immediately.”

            “Mimi,” Satoru smiled in gentle amusement as he approached the taller man and laid a hand upon his arm. “If this were not important, I would send him myself. Be sure I will not tax him and will send him to you immediately once we are finished.”

            Mimi glanced at Jinki who stood rooted to the spot just inside the doorway. “Good. I expect you to help hold him to that word,” he stated simply, waiting for Jinki to respond before he moved.

            “Of course,” Jinki nearly stammered as he looked at Satoru and then back at the Master Healer. He hurried to move out of the way as Mimi brushed past him, muttering in frustration under his breath and obviously cataloguing what he intended to prepare for whoever this… priest was.

            “Here you are,” Satoru urged, placing a cup of tea in the other man’s hands gently. Jinki had a gut reaction desire to warn him but he held his tongue and took a small breath. Given the situation, he very much doubted the Aerie Master would be drugging this draught.

            “Thank you,” the priest answered, hands trembling as they raised the delicate glass to their lips and took a hesitant sip. “It’s very good,” he murmured appreciatively, finally turning his head to get a glimpse of Jinki. “Oh,” he smiled, the honest and warm expression taking nearly ten years off of him, making the visage frustratingly familiar. “So you did decide to follow in the Aerie Master’s footsteps after all. I’m glad. Satoru needs people like you around him,” he laughed once, expression faltering when he coughed and nearly spilled the tea.

            “Careful,” Jinki urged automatically, moving close to offer assistance if needed.

            “It has been a while but I do think you’ll remember Bahamut Priest Junsu,” Satoru commented, stepping around to take a seat across from the other man. He wrapped his robes around him quickly and settled in to wait for what would come next.

            “Junsu?” Jinki blinked in surprise, the name triggering a memory automatically. He’d never forget the priest that had brought Taekwoon here, though he’d seen him more recently about three years ago. It was strange that he hadn’t been back since then. Usually, he made yearly appearances. “Of course,” he admitted, nodding in understanding as he turned new eyes on the changed visage.

            Sunken face and haunted eyes. He had lost too much weight and had clearly not been taking care of himself. “Aye. It has been too long and save for recently, that was my fault,” he admitted, taking another small sip and drawing a steadying breath. “I had to fill in for some of my brethren in far reaching horizons,” he murmured softly, eyes pained.

            “Did they fall ill?” Satoru asked, threading his fingers together loosely. Jinki too was curious and he took a seat next to Junsu, staying ready should he need to help the other man.

            “I know not,” Junsu admitted, biting his bottom lip softly. “Some simply disappeared. We have heard no word from them and I fear…” he trailed off, his expression darkening as he glanced at Jinki uncertainly.

            Satoru seemed to understand his hesitation and offered a reassuring wave. “As one of my next in line, he is safe enough to speak in front of. I would not have summoned him here otherwise,” he promised assuredly.

            Junsu relaxed noticeably at the promise but the pain was still there. “I fear…” he continued, taking another sip, “that they have been lost to us.”

            “Slain?” Satoru wondered, one brow rising archly. Junsu nodded so slowly they almost missed it. “Bandits?”

            He shook his head. “No. I was half afraid I had lost my mind. Honestly, I’m still wondering,” he admitted, brow furrowed and dark eyes tormented. “The High Priest…” he offered hesitantly, confusion swallowing his expression.

            Both Satoru and Jinki sat up at that mention. “What about the High Priest?” Satoru pressed gently, leaning forward just a bit.

            “I’m not… positive,” Junsu whispered, clutching the cup tightly between his hands. It trembled beneath the skeleton-like fingers. “I think… he is behind their disappearances. Maybe,” he spoke, the sound little more than a fading breath.

            Jinki reached out a hand almost reflexively, the desire to comfort or at least offer it very strong. A minute gesture from Satoru made him pause and the Aerie Master continued, “What makes you think that, Junsu?”

            For a moment, a modicum of strength and life returned to Junsu as he seemed to remember something pleasant. His eyes unfocused briefly and he took a breath, still looking at something far away. “There was another priest. We were… close,” he explained with a bittersweet smile. “And I had come back early to surprise him. He promised me we would meet after he spoke with the High Priest. He’d been… summoned for something. But…” he trailed off, chewing at his lip absently as he seemed to return to himself slowly. “He… I never saw him again.”

            “And when was the last time you saw him?” Satoru prompted gently, eyes unusually narrowed.

            Junsu leaned back and frowned in thought, obviously counting down the days. “When was it…?” he openly wondered, looking for something. He didn’t find it immediately and closed his eyes as he counted silently and then blinked in surprise. “I guess it would be about six moons ago. It was just starting to get hot,” he mused, glancing between Jinki and Satoru slowly.

            “That is quite a bit of time,” the Aerie Master admitted.

            “Yes. And it wouldn’t have been the first time one had been called away and just stopped responding, but… when I finally went to ask the High Priest about him… I… I saw…” he frowned, almost as if confused.

            “Yes?” Satoru coaxed softly, leaning over just enough to catch Junsu’s eyes with his.

            “I saw his Bahamut token in the High Priest’s office,” he admitted, laughing once as if it was something that should have been impossible.

            “How did you know it was his?” the Aerie Master wondered. “I mean, you all have one, correct?”

            “Yes, we do,” Junsu nodded in agreement, raggedly reaching under his destitute clothes and pulling a shiny Bahamut token on a leather thong out. “But his… he’d dropped it so many times and it had become bent from a cart running over it once. We’d laughed about it and I would recognize it anywhere…” he trailed off, sniffing once.

            “Are you sure he didn’t just lose it?” Jinki couldn’t help but ask. Goodness knew he’d done that a time or two. But he flinched and fell silent when Satoru glanced at him sharply.

            Even Junsu turned an annoyed look at him. “We don’t just lose these. They are almost like a part of us,” he explained, rubbing the coin between his thumb and forefinger in a practiced motion. That would explain why it was so shiny… “And the High Priest… He was… he just didn’t… he couldn’t give a good answer,” Junsu explained, the confusion back. It was like the whole situation was a test and he didn’t know how to respond.

            Satoru leaned forward a bit closer and made sure that his eyes became level with Junsu’s before he started speaking. “When you spoke with the High Priest, did he seem different at all?” he wondered softly, one hand brushing at his sleeve almost reflexively.

            Jinki almost missed it, being as focused as he was on the answer and the intense look on Satoru’s face. But he did happen to glimpse just the edge of what looked like some kind of tattoo or marking on Satoru’s wrist. He frowned because it was strange, obviously since no one else had such markings on their arms, but also because for a moment… it reminded him of some of the markings he’d seen in the magic tome. So focused was he that he almost missed Junsu’s answer.

            “Yes…” he whispered uncertainly, a far off look in his eyes again. “I mean… it wasn’t a look exactly. You can’t see him for all that he stays hidden. For his own safety mind you,” he added, parroting the reason they’d all been given almost by rote. “But… he felt… different,” Junsu explained, eyes lowering to his forgotten tea as if he was trying to find the words to describe it. “Like there was this…” he gestured in the air, free hand flailing uselessly.

            “Energy?” Satoru offered softly, his expression carefully neutral.

            “Yes!” Junsu agreed with a sharp sound, snapping his fingers and pointing at the other man. “Energy. Like he had… more, if that makes sense.”

            “Aye. It does,” Satoru murmured in a quiet tone, nodding ever so slowly. His face showed more pity than anything else and it shifted quickly to sincere concern once more as he focused his energy on the frail man before him. If Jinki wasn’t used to it by now, he would have almost thought it some kind of strange magic. “And how did you come to be in this state, my friend?” he asked, the important information uncovered for the moment.

            Junsu looked down again and clasped both hands around the tea cup once more, the Bahamut token cupped between his palm and the glass. “I was… running. From the High Priest,” he explained uncertainly. “Or maybe just running from shadows,” he admitted, shaking his head. “I couldn’t let Yoochun’s disappearance go and I kept asking around and then it felt like the High Priest was watching me. Waiting. Judging. I… didn’t feel safe. So I left. But everywhere I went, there were dragons or other priests. He has eyes everywhere… Maybe even here but this is Bahamut’s rest. I thought… maybe… I could find peace here. All dragons are bonded or loyal to the Aerie and… I didn’t know where else to go,” he explained, sniffing once more.

            “Shh,” Satoru soothed, leaning forward to cup his hands around Junsu’s. “You are safe here. Rest assured, Junsu,” he promised, his dark eyes sincere and earnest.

            “Thank you,” he whispered back, a tremulous smile tugging at his cracked and weathered lips.

            For a moment, it seemed as if time itself stretched peacefully through the quiet space. And then Jinki nearly jumped when someone knocked on the door. “I’ll get it,” he offered, immediately getting up to hide the flush in his cheeks at being caught so unaware again. He could practically feel Satoru’s amusement at his back, but it mattered little when he opened the barrier to see, “Henry. Himchan,” he murmured in surprise.

            “Hey, Jinki,” Henry waved once, giving a quick smile before he leaned around to peek inside. “Mimi sent us over with food from Junjin and instructions to take care of the newcomer once you were done.”

            “Perfect timing,” Satoru smiled as he stood up easily and moved to open the door the rest of the way so Himchan could step inside with the rich, brothy soup and soft bread.

            “Hey Jinki,” he whispered with a curious smile as he stepped inside and made to set the food down in front of Junsu so he could offer it to him, ready to help if needed.

            Satoru ushered Henry to have a seat as well as he steered the conversation to more light hearted topics as they gently cajoled Junsu into eating. Jinki watched in fascination and listened intently, wondering how the Aerie Master was able to switch so easily between his different guises. Before, he was very much the focused information gatherer and now he was a delighted host taking care of his guests. It was… amazing, but also a little intimidating. Especially because he was able to keep the main focus away from Junsu himself while he ate pitifully slowly. It was obvious he was hungry – damn near starving – but he seemed to have little appetite at first.

            Eventually, Himchan was able to get Junsu to finish his meal with Henry looking over, a satisfied gleam in his eyes. “You look a couple shades better already, from what I’ve heard,” Henry chuckled playfully, brushing his fingertips against Junsu’s shoulder.

            “I am beginning to feel alive again,” he smiled, the expression genuine if a bit forced. “Though I must admit to being quite tired now,” he added, stifling an unexpected yawn.

            “I can imagine. A full belly and a comfortable seat will do that to most people,” Himchan winked, gathering up the tray and rising as he headed for the door. “I’ll just run these back to Master Junjin and meet you in the Healer’s Hall.”

            “Thank you, Himchan,” Henry nodded, remaining at Junsu’s side while Jinki rose to help the younger man with the door.

            “Looks like an interesting situation,” Himchan whispered with a curious glance at the room as he stood beside Jinki.

            “An interesting situation I cannot discuss. You know better,” Jinki chided in amusement, though he did place a caring hand on the younger man’s back. “You did well today.”

            “I tried,” Himchan shrugged, flashing as bright a smile as he could and then nodded at the door expectantly. “Thank you,” he chuckled when Jinki opened it for him, both bowing slightly as he departed.

            “Hold the door,” Henry urged when Jinki was just about to shut it. “We’re off to see Master Mimi,” he explained, gently shepherding Junsu along.

            Though the priest was clearly older, he was also obviously tired and in need of good care. He made no effort to resist and was happy enough to follow along. Before he stepped through the door though, he paused and looked back at Jinki and then Satoru, a glimmer of worry in his eyes. “Be careful. These are… dangerous times,” he admitted, gaze growing dark again.

            Henry looked between them all curiously before Satoru nodded sagely as if the response was completely normal. “We will, Junsu. And thank you for your words today. We appreciate them,” he promised, bowing respectfully before the Healer guided them both out.

            Jinki closed the door behind them and turned around to see Satoru leaning against his desk, head bowed and hands planted firmly on the surface. “Satoru?” he asked quietly, taking a hesitant step towards him.

            Satoru took a breath and raised his head to rub his jaw with one hand. “Dangerous times indeed,” he sighed, fingers moving to brush against his sleeves once more.

            “Sir?” Jinki asked softly, leaning to the side to try and get a look at Satoru’s face. The older man hummed a response but didn’t look at him yet, focused on something else. “Could what Junsu said be true?” he asked, not sure if he wanted to hear the answer.

            “Many things are possible, Jinki,” Satoru responded after a moment. “Sometimes we just don’t know it until it happens.”

            “Sir?” he wondered aloud, confused by the response.

            “Nothing,” Satoru laughed once, shaking his head slowly. “I was simply thinking aloud. Why don’t you call it a day for now?” he offered, turning a tired look on the younger man. “There’s a lot I need to think about and we won’t be getting much work done today anyway.”

            “Are you sure?” Jinki asked. It felt wrong to leave now and he had so many more questions than answers.

            “Yes. It’s alright. I’ll summon you should I need your presence,” he promised, moving close to clasp both shoulders in his surprisingly strong hands. “Thank you, Jinki.”

            “Of course, sir,” Jinki responded, nodding in uncertain acknowledgment. With no real reason to stay and no questions to ask that he knew he’d get an answer for, Jinki opted to step out. When he closed the door behind him, he looked ahead and noticed the mural again. That same cracked spot called to him once more and this time, he really felt like there was something underneath he needed to see. Just… not today. Yet. He was almost at the beg for forgiveness as opposed to ask for permission stage, but he would wait for Taekwoon to return at least. His other half might have some much needed insight into everything and it was something he desperately hoped for.