[Fanfic]Centripetal: Ch 54
Already chapter 54, and it's the first time i got the coding right on the first try!!!
:)
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The entire room held their breath, not wanting to make a movement until they were certain. But an eternity passed, and Yoon didn't stir.
"She's really dead..." Henry whispered. "Is it really over like that??"
"No Henry, it's not over." Slightly surprised eyes went to Kyuhyun. They watched as he knelt softly to the ground and carefully took Zhou Mi into his arms. "It'll never be over. She may be gone, but she left leaving nothing but pain."
Super Idol Kyuhyun was gone for now. His hair had returned to its normal color, and the childlike quality to his features had returned. He had been strong only long enough to get rid of Yoon, but now it had faded, and now Zhou Mi's death was sinking into this Kyuhyun. He tried to advert his eyes from the wound that took Zhou Mi's life, taking his hand and looking over the face that looked untouched by death. Kyuhyun bowed his head, its weight feeling too heavy on his shoulders.
"I know I said it didn't matter that he wasn't physically here..." Kyuhyun could feel the tears pooling in his eyes. "But it's really hard to deal with that fact. It's hard to accept that I'll never see his real smile again. The physical things aren't what matters in the end, but they help make up the Zhou Mi I love...and the Zhou Mi that's gone..."
Out of the corner of his eye, he saw Onew kneel next to him, his throat too tight to speak. He had taken care of Zhou Mi from the beginning, not because he was this legendary Idol, but because he was the new student who was lost and couldn't read a single word in Korean. Onew attempted to clear his throat, which helped a little. "He saved my life so many times before he gave his up to help you save us all. Why did it have to work out that way?"
"No one knows, Jinki..." Kyuhyun said with his head still down. "Life can be so evil. It grants us with exceptional gifts, but they come with exceptional consequences. The innate emotions of greed and anger lay in everyone on this earth, and only become deadly when there's so much more to offer and so much more to complicate. Everything in life is a fight, and even if we fight tooth and nail, leaving blood, sweat, and tears on the battlefield, we can never be sure we'll win. Even though I loved Zhou Mi with all my heart, it wasn't enough to keep him here..."
A sob escaped Kyuhyun, which he muffled by bringing Zhou Mi close to his chest and buring his face in Zhou Mi's hair. How many times had he done this, this crying into Zhou Mi's shoulder or chest? Now he wouldn't ever be able to do it the same way again, and that thought just brought even more tears. Muffling the sobs didn't stop them from reaching the others, tugging their heartstrings. Kibum stepped forward and sat by Kyuhyun's side, pulling him into a one arm hug.
"Please Kyuhyun, you have to be strong or you'll never be able to live again. I know this is the most difficult thing to go through, the second being the moment Zhou Mi's spirit must leave your side."
"Wait, what?" Kyuhyun brought his head up quickly and turned to Kibum, eyes red. "What do you mean? Isn't he supposed to be in my heart forever??"
Kibum bit his lip, unsure of how to describe what he knew would upset Kyuhyun even more. "Well yes...but there will come a time where you won't be able to communicate with him as strongly as right now. He belongs in the afterlife, while you belong here..."
Kyuhyun was suddenly at the other end of the room, clutching Zhou Mi possessively. "No! That can't happen...You lied to me..." By the distance in Kyuhyun's eyes, they soon figured he wasn't accusing any of them. Kyuhyun had gotten no answer, but he could still feel Zhou Mi's faint presence.
Zhou Mi had stayed quiet out of guilt. He'd known that Kibum's words were true. He could feel the barriers between him in Kyuhyun already beginning to form. He cursed them internally, and probably would for the rest of his afterlife, but he had to do this for Kyuhyun.
But Kyuhyun wouldn't have it. "You said you'd be there 100%! You said you'd never leave me."
Zhou Mi could feel the force of Kyuhyun's voice against the walls, Kyuhyun's passion making his own non-beating heart shudder. He had to do this, he kept telling himself over and over. No matter how much he hated the idea, he had to. I will be...but just not how you'd hope. We don't have a choice Kyuhyun, I have to go. And I can feel I'm already leaving you now...
"No you are not going anywhere!" Kyuhyun's voice became low. "Not if I can help it"
"Wait Kyuhyun, don't!" Leeteuk rushed forwards, picking up on Kyuhyun's plans before everyone else. But it was still a second too late. He saw the light leave Kyuhyun's eyes before Kyuhyun slumped over Zhou Mi in his arms.
"No...no..." Leeteuk slid to the ground, frantically holding Kyuhyun upright. But not matter how many times Leeteuk roughly shook him, called his name, and patted his cheek, Kyuhyun made no response, and his eyes remained fixed in a lifeless stare.
Feeling the atmosphere thicken with the sense of confusion, Leeteuk turned to them with a worried expression. "Kyuhyun's trying to go after Zhou Mi. Since his mental abilities are so strong, he figured out a way to not only separate mind and body, but also send his mind to another level of consciousness...like the afterlife."
Beyond his level of expertise, this was a situation that surpassed even Ryeowook. His eyes were as wide as the others. "But he'll come back right?? He won't stay like...this forever." Even though it only happened in a split second, Ryeowook could feel all the breath leave his lungs when Kyuhyun's mind had left his body and made him look dead.
"Depends...he can come back, or he might not for one of two reasons: He can't come back, or he doesn't want to."
Kyuhyun had hardly finished speaking when Zhou Mi felt a force so strong against the barriers that it pushed his whole body backwards. When he regained balance, he looked and found Kyuhyun right on the other side of the barrier. If his heart wasn't stopped, he knew it would race in reaction to Kyuhyun's presence. This was the closest they'd ever gotten: even if Kyuhyun had thought Zhou Mi was almost right there next to him, granting him his abilities, it was really just Kyuhyun's mental strength creating Zhou Mi, remembering how it felt to be around Zhou Mi better than any average person. But the both of them could feel that this situation was much different. Their eyes met and locked, an eternity's worth of emotions running through that one connection.
"Please let this be the time..." Kyuhyun's ears perked up at Zhou Mi's words, Zhou Mi sensing he needed to elaborate. "Please let this be the time it actually works..." Zhou Mi shut his eyes tightly, Kyuhyun's heart tugging at Zhou Mi's despair. "I can't take this anymore! How many times have we gotten so close, only to be pushed apart again?!? It's making -no HAS made me insane that the universe is so bipolar. I wish I would've known whether or not the last time I had you in my arms was really the last time... It makes me so afraid to hold on, because the tighter my grasp, the more force they use to take you away, and the more I end up hurting myself."
There were tears shining in Kyuhyun's eyes. "Don't be afraid. There's nothing stopping us anymore. We beat her, right? And don't you remember what I said would beat her? We were together for that, we're still together now, and we will be together forever. Hold on just a little longer Zhou Mi, even if it's hard, even if it hurts and even if we don't know what will happen, just hold on."
Kyuhyun took the first step, knowing at least one move had to be made before they could walk towards the future. His steps were shaky, however, and his arm was as well as he reached up to touch the barrier. It was solid, but making his hand Intangible allowed it sink right through as if it was air. He made a daring effort, throwing his whole body into the barrier.
A jolt was sent right through his system and he let out a cry. It was unlike anyone he'd ever known before, almost unearthly, and didn't cease until Kyuhyun yanked himself away from the invisible wall. Its effect was abnormal as well, for a sudden drowsiness washed over him and pulled him crashing to the ground.
"Kyuhyun!" An instinct snapped in Zhou Mi, making him unaware of everything except the fact that Kyuhyun was hurt. He bolted towards him and actually managed to reach through to almost graze Kyuhyun.
That was when the pain hit his chest. Zhou Mi crumbled to the ground and curled up in reflex, the pain stopping once his arm was back at his side. To call it a pain would be an understatement; it left Zhou Mi a little thankful that he had died instantly if it meant avoiding the feeling of the metal hitting such a vital organ.
Kyuhyun, still on the ground, slammed his fist in anger. How could he have taken this so lightly? He was trying to bring back the dead, one thing that even the Idol world claimed impossible. Now, looking at Zhou Mi in a heap on the ground, he understood why the Contract was so adamant about the subject. Just as the living would have to live with the pain of losing, the dead would have to live with that which brought them there. If he managed to cross the barrier and bring Zhou Mi back, Zhou Mi would return like this, unfit for the physical world, and would probably end up dying once again.
Zhou Mi's realm would just as well not support Kyuhyun. Though profound enough to prevent deadly wounds from being felt, it was hardly earth. Zhou Mi could feel his heart had stopped beating, his lungs discontinued to work, and everything had simply stopped. Kyuhyun was still one of the living, and though Ventilate could solve one issue for him, Zhou Mi's new world could in no way sustain what it hadn't intended to in the first place. Though his un-beating heart cried for him, Zhou Mi knew he couldn't give in and risk Kyuhyun's life. "You shouldn't be here Kyuhyun. This isn't your place in the universe."
"You can't give up!" Kyuhyun yelled, pounding his fist against the barrier, the wall sending another shock and Kyuhyun sending another exclamation of pain. Kyuhyun felt his heart twinge, recalling the practice room accident, and how he and Zhou Mi, like this, were so close but so far. Kyuhyun was so close to Zhou Mi now that Zhou Mi actually reacted to his actions. He couldn't let things happen as they did last time; he wouldn't let Zhou Mi disappear in front of his eyes ever again.
But this was on a level far exceeding the practice room. Maybe, since they had been sent to different corners of the universe, this meant it wasn't supposed to work out. Kyuhyun could feel his heart beat slowing, losing the reason to work. Kyuhyun finally looked to where he had been denying his gaze; to the wound that took the meaning of his life on Zhou Mi's chest. It was a clean cut, straight to the target. Kyuhyun guessed it was the left ventricle that was punctured, stopping the blood right before it could be sent to the rest of the body. Also, its color was bright red, which would result from the lungs' oxygen rather than the atmosphere. He was no doctor, but he certainly had the knowledge of one. He had made it a point during his training to do extensive research to improve his Remix.
Wait one second...his Remix...
Kyuhyun pushed himself up with much exertion. "Zhou Mi, could you do me a favor and come as close to the barrier as you can without hurting yourself?" Zhou Mi raised an eyebrow, but Kyuhyun's tone made him realize he was serious. He came close enough to be able to lean against it, allowing them to be on the edges of life and death. Kyuhyun placed his hand against the wall, and Zhou Mi brought his up as well to meet it.
But then, Kyuhyun slid his hand down and Zhou Mi noticed it coming through the barrier towards him. The grimacing look on Kyuhyun's face was also a giveaway. "Kyuhyun! What are you-?"
"Whatever you do, don't move." Kyuhyun said firmly, his tone cementing Zhou Mi in place. Kyuhyun leaned in further and, ignoring the pinpoints running down every single nerve of his body, managed to place his hand against Zhou Mi's chest. "What does it look like I'm doing? I'm getting rid of this stupid cut so you can come back to me."
In the physical world, Kyuhyun also put his hand to Zhou Mi's chest, but his eyes were still lifeless. Chills ran down his member's spines, out of fright and out of anxiousness to see if Kyuhyun's plan would work.
Zhou Mi gaped. "WHAT?!? Ok first of all this is not just a cut! It killed me! Second, It's impossible to bring me back and you know it! It's in the Contract!"
Though tight and pained, Kyuhyun flashed a smile. "Well the Contract's never met us."
Taking advantage of a speechless Zhou Mi, Kyuhyun continued. "Who are you to lecture me about the rules anyway?? Now quit distracting me!" There was a new apologetic look to Kyuhyun's eyes. "Oh, and I'm sorry if I hurt you."
Zhou Mi was still working on processing faith in Kyuhyun's idea. "What do you mean hurt me??"
Any other words stopped in Zhou Mi's throat when he felt white-hot blades running through his chest in all directions. His back arched in reaction to the blinding pain, and he could feel Kyuhyun's hand was the source of all of this.
Zhou Mi's body, on earth, jolted from the power that was coursing from Kyuhyun's hand into him. Onew reflexively made a move towards the two, but Leeteuk held up a hand. "Though it looks frightening, Kyuhyun knows what he's doing. After all, he'd been doing this his entire Idol life. It's just...an upgrade."
Kyuhyun caught sight of the anguish on Zhou Mi's face, his heart breaking. He wanted to tear his hand away right now and work to soothe the ache rather than cause it. But he resisted. Kyuhyun tightly shut his eyes and turned his head away as he brought another hand to Zhou Mi.
Even if it's hard...
Zhou Mi's throat ached from suppressing his screams of pain, but he knew it would break Kyuhyun's concentration and motivation. As much as he wanted to curl up and shy away from the pain, he wanted to help Kyuhyun more, to do anything to bring them together again. Zhou Mi boldly moved closer to the wall and with enough willpower phased through the barricade as well, muting the fact that the pain amplified 100 times over.
Even if it hurts...
"Leeteuk...?" Leeteuk jumped, and it took him a second to realize that Kyuhyun's body was now actually speaking to him, even if his voice was faint. Unable to hide how worried he was, Leeteuk broke his own rule and ran to Kyuhyun's side. Though for the most part the life was still gone, there was a slight spark of life in Kyuhyun's eyes. Ryeowook flocked to Kyuhyun's other side.
"Do you think he'll be able to do it??" Ryeowook asked quietly. Leeteuk, however, remained without giving a word.
Even if we don't know what will happen...
With so much pain, it was hard for Zhou Mi to judge if Kyuhyun's Remix was having any effect on him. His questions were answered when he heard a sob escape Kyuhyun.
"It's not...it's not enough..." Kyuhyun cried, his eyes still glued shut with tears falling. "I'm just...it's just...not enough..."
Zhou Mi, unable to speak, reached out and took hold of Kyuhyun's face, turning it to face him. He ran his thumb along Kyuhyun's cheek, ordering him to open his eyes, to which Kyuhyun complied. Zhou Mi swiftly leaned in and matched his lips to Kyuhyun's, the action so simple yet empowering Kyuhyun so much. Zhou Mi's confidence in him, even if neither of them knew how things would be, made him fearless enough to walk even to the edges of the earth. Kyuhyun closed his eyes once again, but from the passion in his heart rather than fear.
Just hold on.
Even in the afterlife, Zhou Mi didn't cease to have the influence he'd had when he was alive. His spirit still supercharged any Idol's abilities, enabling Kyuhyun to work his magic. In their closest contact possible, Kyuhyun could sense and Zhou Mi could feel the torn edges of his heart finding their way back to each other.
"It's actually...working!" Yunho exclaimed, all the Leaders sensing Kyuhyun's new progress. Back with Zhou Mi, Kyuhyun focused intently, joining each muscle fiber rapidly, the flesh knitting back together. The skin easily melted back together, but now the tough part was to be faced: bringing Zhou Mi back.
Kyuhyun could hear his own heart thundering in his own at how much he was going through. The last step was to return that to Zhou Mi and get him past the barrier before the two of them collapsed in exhaustion. He freed his upper lip and caught his breath. "Ok Zhou Mi, when I say three, I'm going to pull you to this side and try to start your heart at the same time. Does that sound like it'd work?"
"How would I know? You're the one with the Remix." Kyuhyun pulled back and could help but smile at Zhou Mi's words, seeing the matching smile on Zhou Mi's face.
"How about living first, then teasing later? On the count of three:" Kyuhyun gave a small laugh as he put his hands on Zhou Mi's shoulders and spun him around. He wrapped his arms in a hug around Zhou Mi, being sure to place his hands on his heart. "One."
The two were now equal distances into the barrier. It was as if it knew what Kyuhyun and Zhou Mi were trying to do and they hit them with their respective tortures with a stronger force. Kyuhyun had reflexivley shut both eyes to brace, but managed to open one in anger. "Two."
He took a deep breath, and Zhou Mi simultaneously put his hands over Kyuhyun's before he gave a small jolt in pain. Kyuhyun felt it and took a deep breath. It was now or never. He tightened his grip on his life in his arms and cleared his throat.
"Three!"
Kyuhyun tightened his grip to be like iron, signaling the nodes in Zhou Mi's heart to start it up again. He kicked against the ground to send them backwards, and it only took them a second to realize that they weren't stopping their descent. They held onto each other tightly and prepared for a collision any second. As scary as the anticipation was, they knew they were beyond lucky to be able to hold each other in this moment.
The members watched Kyuhyun and Zhou Mi's bodies intently and all shot straight up into the air when both Kyuhyun and Zhou Mi suddenly let out a gasp for air, then promptly went limp on the floor.
The best friend and the best roommate rushed to Kyuhyun and Zhou Mi. Onew nudged Zhou Mi's shoulder, hoping in some way it would correct the situation, his characteristic bright smile absent from his place, replaced with desperation. "Please tell me you came back Zhou Mi...don't tell me you're really gone forever."
Ryeowook cradled Kyuhyun's head and his lap and bent over him, tears filling but stubbornly not falling from his eyes. He gently stroked Kyuhyun's face. "No...no you're not dead yet. You can't be dead just like that. You can't leave us just like that..."
Kyuhyun and Zhou Mi lay between the spirit and physical form, surrounded by darkness. The only thing that spoke to their senses was each other's touch, as Kyuhyun was still tightly hugging Zhou Mi from behind.
Then, in front of them, a crystal bead so brilliant, its brilliance only emphasized by the pitch black background, fell in front of them. It fell as if it was a drop of water onto a still pond, faint circles of light radiating from its impact.
"Kyuhyun?" Zhou Mi whispered. "Did you see that??"
"More like, did you hear that?" Kyuhyun gently shushed him. A second drop fell and rather than the recognizable sound of water, Onew's voice was heard faintly on impact.
Zhou Mi...?
An added drop, this one a little stronger in brilliance, brought Ryeowook's voice with it this time. Kyuhyun...?
Another drop; Onew's voice again. Another; Leeteuk's. Another; Hangeng's, until the dark room was raining with light droplets, each with a more lasting brightness than the one proceeding it. The darkness began to gave way, revealing the path to the light, which held the friends who wanted them back so desperately. There were many things to bring them back to life: the power of a legend born; the strength of a legend created; and the friends who couldn't live without them, and for which they would have no life.
A drop fell close to Kyuhyun and Zhou Mi, so close that its ripple of light washed over them. The sense of feeling was restored in them, and stiffly but surely, they could move once again. They separated from one another, but their hands never separated. Kyuhyun tightened his grasp and turned to Zhou Mi with a smile. "Now are you ready to come back?"
"Let's see...body healed, spirit intact, and a way home: I think I'm set!" They each took turns tugging each other along, the path easy to travel thanks the infinite strength that surrounded them.
Ryeowook and Onew simultaneously ran a hand down Kyuhyun and Zhou Mi's faces, looking up at each other with a frown. The second before they gave up, however, Kyuhyun and Zhou Mi just ever so slightly stirred.
The members instantly hovered, just in time to see Kyuhyun and Zhou Mi's eyes open at the exact same time.
"Onew..." Zhou Mi's voice was hoarse from not being used, but it nevertheless worked, and he was actually responding and best of all, alive. This thought overwhelmed Onew so much that he could only break down and cry, his tears enough to solve Zhou Mi's parched throat.
"Mimi hyung! Mimi hyung, you're alive!! You're really back!!" Onew exclaimed happily. He hugged Zhou Mi's head close, causing Zhou Mi to smile.
"Is that you Wook??" Kyuhyun said groggily as he blinked to clear his eyes. He smirked when he recognized his best friend.
Ryeowook had a scowl on his face. "Don't you ever, EVER do that again!! What in the world were you thinking?!?!"
"But I-!"
"You know what your plan almost did? It almost killed you!! We almost lost you forever from what you did!" Ryeowook abruptly sprawled to the ground, throwing his arms around Kyuhyun and buring his face in Kyuhyun's shoulder. "You're an absolute genius."
Kyuhyun coughed when Ryeowook knocked the wind out of him. "Wait what?? Don't confuse the wounded!" When Ryeowook's words had dawned on him, however, his eyes sprang open. "You mean he's...?"
Ryeowook got up and smiled, a grin on his face, which disappeared when Kyuhyun sat up quickly. Kyuhyun's vison started swimming, the blood rushing to his head. "Aie Kyuhyun, you need to be careful! You did just come back from being dead! But yes, you're not the only one we didn't lose." Ryeowook leaned Kyuhyun's head against his shoulder, letting Kyuhyun use him as support as he helped him stand.
Meanwhile, Yunho joined Onew next to Zhou Mi. "You scared everyone of us to death, you know that?" He flashed his unique bright smile and lifted him off the ground. "But we won't grill you for it right now. We'll get you home first."
Zhou Mi laughed, the action bringing profound relief to his members. His eyelids were heavy from exhaustion, wanting so badly to sleep the entire way home. Right before he shut his eyes, he caught sight of the one that was worth missing every dream.
Kyuhyun's legs shook from his exhaustion and weakness, so he clutched onto Ryeowook's tiny shoulder as he walked the two of them over to Zhou Mi. Kyuhyun was telling himself that no matter what, he had to be strong. After all, he was a super Idol now, with huge responsibility. Even if he was childish before, these new powers had to help something, right?
At the sight of Zhou Mi alive, however, a song of the utmost disbelief and relief strummed through his body, causing him to clamp his hand over his mouth and tears to fill his eyes. Ryeowook turned when a sob shook through Kyuhyun. "Kyu, are you ok??"
Kyuhyun nodded, but couldn't stop crying. "Kyuhyun..." Zhou Mi's soft voice reached Kyuhyun's ears, paired with a laugh. "Don't cry! You're making me cry too!" Kyuhyun turned away, but they could see his eyes were smiling and his actions were out of embarrassment.
Crystal drops were in Zhou Mi's eyes too, but he was better composed. "Don't be modest Kyuhyun! You know that without you I wouldn't be here. You know that you're the reason I'm alive, now more than ever."
"Ah Zhou Mi, stop it!" Kyuhyun laughed, removing his hand to reveal a broad smile. "You should speak for yourself! Even though I had a part in this, so did you. You all did!" He looked into each and every one of their eyes. "I couldn't have done it without you..."
Leeteuk waved his hands in the air, tears in his eyes and a smile on his face. "Ok, ok! That's enough making everyone cry! Spending too much time on the mushy stuff is taking away from the time you two should be resting! Especially you Zhou Mi. You can't even stand on your own right now."
Zhou Mi stubbornly shook his head. "I'm not that tired. Don't make me sleep." What if I wake up, and Kyuhyun or nobody's here anymore? What if I wake up and I'm back to being in Yoon's presence instead?
He felt warmth slide along the skin of his cheek, and focused to see Kyuhyun looking down on him. One of Kyuhyun's hands stroked Zhou Mi's face while the other still held onto Ryeowook's shoulder. The warmth radiated to his entire body, making him drowsy. Zhou Mi pouted and mumbled, "No fair. This is only supposed to work on you."
Kyuhyun grinned. "Just go to sleep Zhou Mi. I promise to make sure everything will be the same when you open your eyes. I promise that everyday I'll do whatever I can to make the world exactly as you wish to meet you when you wake up, but you need to sleep in order to wake up!"
Though he didn't intend for it, Kyuhyun's words worked like a lullaby, his speaking voice just as soothing as his singing voice. Zhou Mi drifted off to sleep in mere seconds, but not before he heard Leeteuk grumble, "I thought I told you no mushy stuff!"
Kyuhyun simply shrugged and gave his familiar smirk. No matter what you went through, some things never changed.
:)
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The entire room held their breath, not wanting to make a movement until they were certain. But an eternity passed, and Yoon didn't stir.
"She's really dead..." Henry whispered. "Is it really over like that??"
"No Henry, it's not over." Slightly surprised eyes went to Kyuhyun. They watched as he knelt softly to the ground and carefully took Zhou Mi into his arms. "It'll never be over. She may be gone, but she left leaving nothing but pain."
Super Idol Kyuhyun was gone for now. His hair had returned to its normal color, and the childlike quality to his features had returned. He had been strong only long enough to get rid of Yoon, but now it had faded, and now Zhou Mi's death was sinking into this Kyuhyun. He tried to advert his eyes from the wound that took Zhou Mi's life, taking his hand and looking over the face that looked untouched by death. Kyuhyun bowed his head, its weight feeling too heavy on his shoulders.
"I know I said it didn't matter that he wasn't physically here..." Kyuhyun could feel the tears pooling in his eyes. "But it's really hard to deal with that fact. It's hard to accept that I'll never see his real smile again. The physical things aren't what matters in the end, but they help make up the Zhou Mi I love...and the Zhou Mi that's gone..."
Out of the corner of his eye, he saw Onew kneel next to him, his throat too tight to speak. He had taken care of Zhou Mi from the beginning, not because he was this legendary Idol, but because he was the new student who was lost and couldn't read a single word in Korean. Onew attempted to clear his throat, which helped a little. "He saved my life so many times before he gave his up to help you save us all. Why did it have to work out that way?"
"No one knows, Jinki..." Kyuhyun said with his head still down. "Life can be so evil. It grants us with exceptional gifts, but they come with exceptional consequences. The innate emotions of greed and anger lay in everyone on this earth, and only become deadly when there's so much more to offer and so much more to complicate. Everything in life is a fight, and even if we fight tooth and nail, leaving blood, sweat, and tears on the battlefield, we can never be sure we'll win. Even though I loved Zhou Mi with all my heart, it wasn't enough to keep him here..."
A sob escaped Kyuhyun, which he muffled by bringing Zhou Mi close to his chest and buring his face in Zhou Mi's hair. How many times had he done this, this crying into Zhou Mi's shoulder or chest? Now he wouldn't ever be able to do it the same way again, and that thought just brought even more tears. Muffling the sobs didn't stop them from reaching the others, tugging their heartstrings. Kibum stepped forward and sat by Kyuhyun's side, pulling him into a one arm hug.
"Please Kyuhyun, you have to be strong or you'll never be able to live again. I know this is the most difficult thing to go through, the second being the moment Zhou Mi's spirit must leave your side."
"Wait, what?" Kyuhyun brought his head up quickly and turned to Kibum, eyes red. "What do you mean? Isn't he supposed to be in my heart forever??"
Kibum bit his lip, unsure of how to describe what he knew would upset Kyuhyun even more. "Well yes...but there will come a time where you won't be able to communicate with him as strongly as right now. He belongs in the afterlife, while you belong here..."
Kyuhyun was suddenly at the other end of the room, clutching Zhou Mi possessively. "No! That can't happen...You lied to me..." By the distance in Kyuhyun's eyes, they soon figured he wasn't accusing any of them. Kyuhyun had gotten no answer, but he could still feel Zhou Mi's faint presence.
Zhou Mi had stayed quiet out of guilt. He'd known that Kibum's words were true. He could feel the barriers between him in Kyuhyun already beginning to form. He cursed them internally, and probably would for the rest of his afterlife, but he had to do this for Kyuhyun.
But Kyuhyun wouldn't have it. "You said you'd be there 100%! You said you'd never leave me."
Zhou Mi could feel the force of Kyuhyun's voice against the walls, Kyuhyun's passion making his own non-beating heart shudder. He had to do this, he kept telling himself over and over. No matter how much he hated the idea, he had to. I will be...but just not how you'd hope. We don't have a choice Kyuhyun, I have to go. And I can feel I'm already leaving you now...
"No you are not going anywhere!" Kyuhyun's voice became low. "Not if I can help it"
"Wait Kyuhyun, don't!" Leeteuk rushed forwards, picking up on Kyuhyun's plans before everyone else. But it was still a second too late. He saw the light leave Kyuhyun's eyes before Kyuhyun slumped over Zhou Mi in his arms.
"No...no..." Leeteuk slid to the ground, frantically holding Kyuhyun upright. But not matter how many times Leeteuk roughly shook him, called his name, and patted his cheek, Kyuhyun made no response, and his eyes remained fixed in a lifeless stare.
Feeling the atmosphere thicken with the sense of confusion, Leeteuk turned to them with a worried expression. "Kyuhyun's trying to go after Zhou Mi. Since his mental abilities are so strong, he figured out a way to not only separate mind and body, but also send his mind to another level of consciousness...like the afterlife."
Beyond his level of expertise, this was a situation that surpassed even Ryeowook. His eyes were as wide as the others. "But he'll come back right?? He won't stay like...this forever." Even though it only happened in a split second, Ryeowook could feel all the breath leave his lungs when Kyuhyun's mind had left his body and made him look dead.
"Depends...he can come back, or he might not for one of two reasons: He can't come back, or he doesn't want to."
Kyuhyun had hardly finished speaking when Zhou Mi felt a force so strong against the barriers that it pushed his whole body backwards. When he regained balance, he looked and found Kyuhyun right on the other side of the barrier. If his heart wasn't stopped, he knew it would race in reaction to Kyuhyun's presence. This was the closest they'd ever gotten: even if Kyuhyun had thought Zhou Mi was almost right there next to him, granting him his abilities, it was really just Kyuhyun's mental strength creating Zhou Mi, remembering how it felt to be around Zhou Mi better than any average person. But the both of them could feel that this situation was much different. Their eyes met and locked, an eternity's worth of emotions running through that one connection.
"Please let this be the time..." Kyuhyun's ears perked up at Zhou Mi's words, Zhou Mi sensing he needed to elaborate. "Please let this be the time it actually works..." Zhou Mi shut his eyes tightly, Kyuhyun's heart tugging at Zhou Mi's despair. "I can't take this anymore! How many times have we gotten so close, only to be pushed apart again?!? It's making -no HAS made me insane that the universe is so bipolar. I wish I would've known whether or not the last time I had you in my arms was really the last time... It makes me so afraid to hold on, because the tighter my grasp, the more force they use to take you away, and the more I end up hurting myself."
There were tears shining in Kyuhyun's eyes. "Don't be afraid. There's nothing stopping us anymore. We beat her, right? And don't you remember what I said would beat her? We were together for that, we're still together now, and we will be together forever. Hold on just a little longer Zhou Mi, even if it's hard, even if it hurts and even if we don't know what will happen, just hold on."
Kyuhyun took the first step, knowing at least one move had to be made before they could walk towards the future. His steps were shaky, however, and his arm was as well as he reached up to touch the barrier. It was solid, but making his hand Intangible allowed it sink right through as if it was air. He made a daring effort, throwing his whole body into the barrier.
A jolt was sent right through his system and he let out a cry. It was unlike anyone he'd ever known before, almost unearthly, and didn't cease until Kyuhyun yanked himself away from the invisible wall. Its effect was abnormal as well, for a sudden drowsiness washed over him and pulled him crashing to the ground.
"Kyuhyun!" An instinct snapped in Zhou Mi, making him unaware of everything except the fact that Kyuhyun was hurt. He bolted towards him and actually managed to reach through to almost graze Kyuhyun.
That was when the pain hit his chest. Zhou Mi crumbled to the ground and curled up in reflex, the pain stopping once his arm was back at his side. To call it a pain would be an understatement; it left Zhou Mi a little thankful that he had died instantly if it meant avoiding the feeling of the metal hitting such a vital organ.
Kyuhyun, still on the ground, slammed his fist in anger. How could he have taken this so lightly? He was trying to bring back the dead, one thing that even the Idol world claimed impossible. Now, looking at Zhou Mi in a heap on the ground, he understood why the Contract was so adamant about the subject. Just as the living would have to live with the pain of losing, the dead would have to live with that which brought them there. If he managed to cross the barrier and bring Zhou Mi back, Zhou Mi would return like this, unfit for the physical world, and would probably end up dying once again.
Zhou Mi's realm would just as well not support Kyuhyun. Though profound enough to prevent deadly wounds from being felt, it was hardly earth. Zhou Mi could feel his heart had stopped beating, his lungs discontinued to work, and everything had simply stopped. Kyuhyun was still one of the living, and though Ventilate could solve one issue for him, Zhou Mi's new world could in no way sustain what it hadn't intended to in the first place. Though his un-beating heart cried for him, Zhou Mi knew he couldn't give in and risk Kyuhyun's life. "You shouldn't be here Kyuhyun. This isn't your place in the universe."
"You can't give up!" Kyuhyun yelled, pounding his fist against the barrier, the wall sending another shock and Kyuhyun sending another exclamation of pain. Kyuhyun felt his heart twinge, recalling the practice room accident, and how he and Zhou Mi, like this, were so close but so far. Kyuhyun was so close to Zhou Mi now that Zhou Mi actually reacted to his actions. He couldn't let things happen as they did last time; he wouldn't let Zhou Mi disappear in front of his eyes ever again.
But this was on a level far exceeding the practice room. Maybe, since they had been sent to different corners of the universe, this meant it wasn't supposed to work out. Kyuhyun could feel his heart beat slowing, losing the reason to work. Kyuhyun finally looked to where he had been denying his gaze; to the wound that took the meaning of his life on Zhou Mi's chest. It was a clean cut, straight to the target. Kyuhyun guessed it was the left ventricle that was punctured, stopping the blood right before it could be sent to the rest of the body. Also, its color was bright red, which would result from the lungs' oxygen rather than the atmosphere. He was no doctor, but he certainly had the knowledge of one. He had made it a point during his training to do extensive research to improve his Remix.
Wait one second...his Remix...
Kyuhyun pushed himself up with much exertion. "Zhou Mi, could you do me a favor and come as close to the barrier as you can without hurting yourself?" Zhou Mi raised an eyebrow, but Kyuhyun's tone made him realize he was serious. He came close enough to be able to lean against it, allowing them to be on the edges of life and death. Kyuhyun placed his hand against the wall, and Zhou Mi brought his up as well to meet it.
But then, Kyuhyun slid his hand down and Zhou Mi noticed it coming through the barrier towards him. The grimacing look on Kyuhyun's face was also a giveaway. "Kyuhyun! What are you-?"
"Whatever you do, don't move." Kyuhyun said firmly, his tone cementing Zhou Mi in place. Kyuhyun leaned in further and, ignoring the pinpoints running down every single nerve of his body, managed to place his hand against Zhou Mi's chest. "What does it look like I'm doing? I'm getting rid of this stupid cut so you can come back to me."
In the physical world, Kyuhyun also put his hand to Zhou Mi's chest, but his eyes were still lifeless. Chills ran down his member's spines, out of fright and out of anxiousness to see if Kyuhyun's plan would work.
Zhou Mi gaped. "WHAT?!? Ok first of all this is not just a cut! It killed me! Second, It's impossible to bring me back and you know it! It's in the Contract!"
Though tight and pained, Kyuhyun flashed a smile. "Well the Contract's never met us."
Taking advantage of a speechless Zhou Mi, Kyuhyun continued. "Who are you to lecture me about the rules anyway?? Now quit distracting me!" There was a new apologetic look to Kyuhyun's eyes. "Oh, and I'm sorry if I hurt you."
Zhou Mi was still working on processing faith in Kyuhyun's idea. "What do you mean hurt me??"
Any other words stopped in Zhou Mi's throat when he felt white-hot blades running through his chest in all directions. His back arched in reaction to the blinding pain, and he could feel Kyuhyun's hand was the source of all of this.
Zhou Mi's body, on earth, jolted from the power that was coursing from Kyuhyun's hand into him. Onew reflexively made a move towards the two, but Leeteuk held up a hand. "Though it looks frightening, Kyuhyun knows what he's doing. After all, he'd been doing this his entire Idol life. It's just...an upgrade."
Kyuhyun caught sight of the anguish on Zhou Mi's face, his heart breaking. He wanted to tear his hand away right now and work to soothe the ache rather than cause it. But he resisted. Kyuhyun tightly shut his eyes and turned his head away as he brought another hand to Zhou Mi.
Even if it's hard...
Zhou Mi's throat ached from suppressing his screams of pain, but he knew it would break Kyuhyun's concentration and motivation. As much as he wanted to curl up and shy away from the pain, he wanted to help Kyuhyun more, to do anything to bring them together again. Zhou Mi boldly moved closer to the wall and with enough willpower phased through the barricade as well, muting the fact that the pain amplified 100 times over.
Even if it hurts...
"Leeteuk...?" Leeteuk jumped, and it took him a second to realize that Kyuhyun's body was now actually speaking to him, even if his voice was faint. Unable to hide how worried he was, Leeteuk broke his own rule and ran to Kyuhyun's side. Though for the most part the life was still gone, there was a slight spark of life in Kyuhyun's eyes. Ryeowook flocked to Kyuhyun's other side.
"Do you think he'll be able to do it??" Ryeowook asked quietly. Leeteuk, however, remained without giving a word.
Even if we don't know what will happen...
With so much pain, it was hard for Zhou Mi to judge if Kyuhyun's Remix was having any effect on him. His questions were answered when he heard a sob escape Kyuhyun.
"It's not...it's not enough..." Kyuhyun cried, his eyes still glued shut with tears falling. "I'm just...it's just...not enough..."
Zhou Mi, unable to speak, reached out and took hold of Kyuhyun's face, turning it to face him. He ran his thumb along Kyuhyun's cheek, ordering him to open his eyes, to which Kyuhyun complied. Zhou Mi swiftly leaned in and matched his lips to Kyuhyun's, the action so simple yet empowering Kyuhyun so much. Zhou Mi's confidence in him, even if neither of them knew how things would be, made him fearless enough to walk even to the edges of the earth. Kyuhyun closed his eyes once again, but from the passion in his heart rather than fear.
Just hold on.
Even in the afterlife, Zhou Mi didn't cease to have the influence he'd had when he was alive. His spirit still supercharged any Idol's abilities, enabling Kyuhyun to work his magic. In their closest contact possible, Kyuhyun could sense and Zhou Mi could feel the torn edges of his heart finding their way back to each other.
"It's actually...working!" Yunho exclaimed, all the Leaders sensing Kyuhyun's new progress. Back with Zhou Mi, Kyuhyun focused intently, joining each muscle fiber rapidly, the flesh knitting back together. The skin easily melted back together, but now the tough part was to be faced: bringing Zhou Mi back.
Kyuhyun could hear his own heart thundering in his own at how much he was going through. The last step was to return that to Zhou Mi and get him past the barrier before the two of them collapsed in exhaustion. He freed his upper lip and caught his breath. "Ok Zhou Mi, when I say three, I'm going to pull you to this side and try to start your heart at the same time. Does that sound like it'd work?"
"How would I know? You're the one with the Remix." Kyuhyun pulled back and could help but smile at Zhou Mi's words, seeing the matching smile on Zhou Mi's face.
"How about living first, then teasing later? On the count of three:" Kyuhyun gave a small laugh as he put his hands on Zhou Mi's shoulders and spun him around. He wrapped his arms in a hug around Zhou Mi, being sure to place his hands on his heart. "One."
The two were now equal distances into the barrier. It was as if it knew what Kyuhyun and Zhou Mi were trying to do and they hit them with their respective tortures with a stronger force. Kyuhyun had reflexivley shut both eyes to brace, but managed to open one in anger. "Two."
He took a deep breath, and Zhou Mi simultaneously put his hands over Kyuhyun's before he gave a small jolt in pain. Kyuhyun felt it and took a deep breath. It was now or never. He tightened his grip on his life in his arms and cleared his throat.
"Three!"
Kyuhyun tightened his grip to be like iron, signaling the nodes in Zhou Mi's heart to start it up again. He kicked against the ground to send them backwards, and it only took them a second to realize that they weren't stopping their descent. They held onto each other tightly and prepared for a collision any second. As scary as the anticipation was, they knew they were beyond lucky to be able to hold each other in this moment.
The members watched Kyuhyun and Zhou Mi's bodies intently and all shot straight up into the air when both Kyuhyun and Zhou Mi suddenly let out a gasp for air, then promptly went limp on the floor.
The best friend and the best roommate rushed to Kyuhyun and Zhou Mi. Onew nudged Zhou Mi's shoulder, hoping in some way it would correct the situation, his characteristic bright smile absent from his place, replaced with desperation. "Please tell me you came back Zhou Mi...don't tell me you're really gone forever."
Ryeowook cradled Kyuhyun's head and his lap and bent over him, tears filling but stubbornly not falling from his eyes. He gently stroked Kyuhyun's face. "No...no you're not dead yet. You can't be dead just like that. You can't leave us just like that..."
Kyuhyun and Zhou Mi lay between the spirit and physical form, surrounded by darkness. The only thing that spoke to their senses was each other's touch, as Kyuhyun was still tightly hugging Zhou Mi from behind.
Then, in front of them, a crystal bead so brilliant, its brilliance only emphasized by the pitch black background, fell in front of them. It fell as if it was a drop of water onto a still pond, faint circles of light radiating from its impact.
"Kyuhyun?" Zhou Mi whispered. "Did you see that??"
"More like, did you hear that?" Kyuhyun gently shushed him. A second drop fell and rather than the recognizable sound of water, Onew's voice was heard faintly on impact.
Zhou Mi...?
An added drop, this one a little stronger in brilliance, brought Ryeowook's voice with it this time. Kyuhyun...?
Another drop; Onew's voice again. Another; Leeteuk's. Another; Hangeng's, until the dark room was raining with light droplets, each with a more lasting brightness than the one proceeding it. The darkness began to gave way, revealing the path to the light, which held the friends who wanted them back so desperately. There were many things to bring them back to life: the power of a legend born; the strength of a legend created; and the friends who couldn't live without them, and for which they would have no life.
A drop fell close to Kyuhyun and Zhou Mi, so close that its ripple of light washed over them. The sense of feeling was restored in them, and stiffly but surely, they could move once again. They separated from one another, but their hands never separated. Kyuhyun tightened his grasp and turned to Zhou Mi with a smile. "Now are you ready to come back?"
"Let's see...body healed, spirit intact, and a way home: I think I'm set!" They each took turns tugging each other along, the path easy to travel thanks the infinite strength that surrounded them.
Ryeowook and Onew simultaneously ran a hand down Kyuhyun and Zhou Mi's faces, looking up at each other with a frown. The second before they gave up, however, Kyuhyun and Zhou Mi just ever so slightly stirred.
The members instantly hovered, just in time to see Kyuhyun and Zhou Mi's eyes open at the exact same time.
"Onew..." Zhou Mi's voice was hoarse from not being used, but it nevertheless worked, and he was actually responding and best of all, alive. This thought overwhelmed Onew so much that he could only break down and cry, his tears enough to solve Zhou Mi's parched throat.
"Mimi hyung! Mimi hyung, you're alive!! You're really back!!" Onew exclaimed happily. He hugged Zhou Mi's head close, causing Zhou Mi to smile.
"Is that you Wook??" Kyuhyun said groggily as he blinked to clear his eyes. He smirked when he recognized his best friend.
Ryeowook had a scowl on his face. "Don't you ever, EVER do that again!! What in the world were you thinking?!?!"
"But I-!"
"You know what your plan almost did? It almost killed you!! We almost lost you forever from what you did!" Ryeowook abruptly sprawled to the ground, throwing his arms around Kyuhyun and buring his face in Kyuhyun's shoulder. "You're an absolute genius."
Kyuhyun coughed when Ryeowook knocked the wind out of him. "Wait what?? Don't confuse the wounded!" When Ryeowook's words had dawned on him, however, his eyes sprang open. "You mean he's...?"
Ryeowook got up and smiled, a grin on his face, which disappeared when Kyuhyun sat up quickly. Kyuhyun's vison started swimming, the blood rushing to his head. "Aie Kyuhyun, you need to be careful! You did just come back from being dead! But yes, you're not the only one we didn't lose." Ryeowook leaned Kyuhyun's head against his shoulder, letting Kyuhyun use him as support as he helped him stand.
Meanwhile, Yunho joined Onew next to Zhou Mi. "You scared everyone of us to death, you know that?" He flashed his unique bright smile and lifted him off the ground. "But we won't grill you for it right now. We'll get you home first."
Zhou Mi laughed, the action bringing profound relief to his members. His eyelids were heavy from exhaustion, wanting so badly to sleep the entire way home. Right before he shut his eyes, he caught sight of the one that was worth missing every dream.
Kyuhyun's legs shook from his exhaustion and weakness, so he clutched onto Ryeowook's tiny shoulder as he walked the two of them over to Zhou Mi. Kyuhyun was telling himself that no matter what, he had to be strong. After all, he was a super Idol now, with huge responsibility. Even if he was childish before, these new powers had to help something, right?
At the sight of Zhou Mi alive, however, a song of the utmost disbelief and relief strummed through his body, causing him to clamp his hand over his mouth and tears to fill his eyes. Ryeowook turned when a sob shook through Kyuhyun. "Kyu, are you ok??"
Kyuhyun nodded, but couldn't stop crying. "Kyuhyun..." Zhou Mi's soft voice reached Kyuhyun's ears, paired with a laugh. "Don't cry! You're making me cry too!" Kyuhyun turned away, but they could see his eyes were smiling and his actions were out of embarrassment.
Crystal drops were in Zhou Mi's eyes too, but he was better composed. "Don't be modest Kyuhyun! You know that without you I wouldn't be here. You know that you're the reason I'm alive, now more than ever."
"Ah Zhou Mi, stop it!" Kyuhyun laughed, removing his hand to reveal a broad smile. "You should speak for yourself! Even though I had a part in this, so did you. You all did!" He looked into each and every one of their eyes. "I couldn't have done it without you..."
Leeteuk waved his hands in the air, tears in his eyes and a smile on his face. "Ok, ok! That's enough making everyone cry! Spending too much time on the mushy stuff is taking away from the time you two should be resting! Especially you Zhou Mi. You can't even stand on your own right now."
Zhou Mi stubbornly shook his head. "I'm not that tired. Don't make me sleep." What if I wake up, and Kyuhyun or nobody's here anymore? What if I wake up and I'm back to being in Yoon's presence instead?
He felt warmth slide along the skin of his cheek, and focused to see Kyuhyun looking down on him. One of Kyuhyun's hands stroked Zhou Mi's face while the other still held onto Ryeowook's shoulder. The warmth radiated to his entire body, making him drowsy. Zhou Mi pouted and mumbled, "No fair. This is only supposed to work on you."
Kyuhyun grinned. "Just go to sleep Zhou Mi. I promise to make sure everything will be the same when you open your eyes. I promise that everyday I'll do whatever I can to make the world exactly as you wish to meet you when you wake up, but you need to sleep in order to wake up!"
Though he didn't intend for it, Kyuhyun's words worked like a lullaby, his speaking voice just as soothing as his singing voice. Zhou Mi drifted off to sleep in mere seconds, but not before he heard Leeteuk grumble, "I thought I told you no mushy stuff!"
Kyuhyun simply shrugged and gave his familiar smirk. No matter what you went through, some things never changed.