Into The Dark Night (12/?)
Title: Into the Dark Night
Author: ms_awkward
Genre: AU, Fantasy, Angst, Romance, Drama, Adventure, Fluff?
Rating: PG-13
Pairing(s): HyukHae(main), KyuMin, HanChul, KangTeuk, YunJae, ninja!YeWook
Summary: All they needed was light.
Into the Dark Night
Chapter 12
It was chaos.
Flag leaders scrambled everywhere, trying to get hold of the situation as trainees and rookies caught whiff of Eunhyuk’s betrayal-some eager, while some relieved their largest obstacle in becoming an elite was now gone, others rebellious and started banging against their cells screaming they wanted freedom as well.
Technicians shouted into their headphones, trying to narrow down Siwon’s location since Eunhyuk’s trackers were cut off and connection in the forest is terrible, all while trying to keep the crisis as confidential as possible-thus the scramble for trainees who’d broken rules and eavesdropped on Jiyoung when he’d slammed open Lee Soo Man’s office door, his words coming out in a rush as he reported news he couldn’t believe himself.
Rife never go rogue, never betray. It was unheard of, and rare and supposedly, impossible because that’s just not the way they work. A traitor turns up, and the system goes haywire because Rife know too much and are too big of an ace card to lose.
Even more so that it was Eunhyuk-an Elite and arguably the best one they had.
Nonetheless, Soo Man was levelheaded as orders sprang endlessly from his mouth, forcing rookies and idle Rife to spread out and help contain the situation, while demanding the presence of his Elite in his office immediately. Things were definitely not going as planned.
Word travelled fast and security was starting to become a problem as children started to rebel as well, given that it was no secret that almost every youngster adored and idolized Eunhyuk, feeling honored to just walk in the same hallway as he did. He was quiet, but always made way for them, never looked down on them, and sometimes even stopped in the hallways to look out for them as they tried their level D obstacle courses for the first time. Everyone found it odd the children took such liking to someone who spoke so little, probably a charm Eunhyuk didn’t know he had.
Junsu leaned back, watching the kids run around, girls giggling to themselves (apparently, they found a rogue Hyukjae badass and a complete turn-on), Nichkhun trying to calm everyone down, Bom using the opportunity to sneak into the kitchen, and Taecyeon walking briskly into the main office. Whispers decorated the hallways.
“I heard the redhead’s finally lost it, fought against a fellow Rife!”
“I heard he even injured him, left him alone to bleed!”
“I knew there was something wrong with him from the start-he was too quiet, too nice, definitely suspicious.”
“He’s changed sides, fought with the Lumici!”
“Maybe he’d even fallen in love with one-they are such deceiving creatures.”
Junsu scoffed at that.
Eunhyuk? Fall in love? Junsu wondered if the idiot even knew how the emotion felt. His eyes danced with amusement, chuckling to himself about how much of a ruckus his best friend didn’t know he could cause.
His entertainment was cut short though, as he felt his phone vibrate. He reached for his back pocket.
“Hello?”
‘Junsu.’
His grin grew wide, “Well, if it isn’t Mr. Hotshot.” He ducked into a corner, lowering his voice, “Have you any idea of the ruckus you’re causing here, Hyuk? I’ve never seen the Corporation this messed up.”
‘That bad?’
“Hell yeah. I’d like to go into detail but I want to keep this hilarity to myself because you, sir, have some explaining to do.”
A sigh.
‘Look, don’t act as if you haven’t been waiting for this, Junsu. There’s no time to expl-Donghae, don’t touch that. No, just don’t-sorry. I’ve made up my mind and I need to know-Donghae! Donghae. You know what? Just sit here. Here, beside me. Okay?’
“You sound busy.” And happy. Junsu chuckled, “Insane too. Who’s there with you?”
‘It’s-‘
‘Hello, friend!’ came a melodic sound.
“What the…?” He raised an eyebrow at the voice, “Hyuk, who was that?”
‘I need your help, Junsu.’
“Uh, yeah,” He rolled his eyes, “You do. You’re in some deep shit here, Hyuk. They’re sending Taec after you, you know that? Plus Siwon who’s already high on your tail?”
‘…Shit.’
“Got that right.”
‘Okay, I really need your help, Junsu. I don’t-‘
A sly smile. “You insane? I’ve been waiting for you to do this for years! I’m in, you bastard. Just tell me where you are.” Junsu’s footsteps were quick and quiet as he left the building.
- - -
Yunho crept through the dark hallways, back arched and steps light. He stretched an arm behind him reflexively as if to shield Jaejoong, while the Lumiciant slapped it away every time, offended. He was perfectly capable of protecting himself, Jaejoong thought as he pulled the jacket closer around himself (Yunho found his glowing skin troublesome in the art of stealth, so he forced Jaejoong into his jacket, leaving the policeman clad only in a black wife beater).
Jaejoong had a difficult time convincing himself that he wasn’t stealing glances at his arms every minute.
“Tell me you know where you’re going.” He said instead.
“I know where I’m going.” Yunho led the way, sidestepping against the walls. “Relax. You underestimate my detective skills-I know where she stays.”
Jaejoong stopped in his tracks, and lowered his eyes at the human in front of him. “Why are you bringing me? Why go through the trouble?” He wasn’t supposed to trust the mundane, they were violent, betraying creatures. They destroyed his home.
Yunho stopped as well, and turned around to Jaejoong’s scrutinizing gaze. “Why not?” He grinned widely and grabbed his wrist, “Now, come on. The night is young!”
Jaejoong could only stare dubiously as he was dragged around by a human in human territory, draped in human clothes…yet he couldn’t find it in his mind to complain. Surely, he was only doing this to find Yoona. Right? He had to admit though, this human was…different.
“Yunho.”
He blinked. “…What?”
“It’s my name-Yunho.”
I know. “Oh. Um. Jaejoong.”
Yunho grinned widely, glad to finally be able to call him by name. He repeated it slowly in his mind and continued down the hallway. After many twists and turns that Jaejoong lost count, they arrived at an inconspicuous door. Yunho and Jaejoong pressed their backs against the walls on either side.
“You’re sure?” Jaejoong whispered.
Yunho nodded, motioning his head toward the closed door. “Listen.”
Jaejoong closed his eyes and concentrated while the other pressed his ear against the wood, straining for any sign of life inside the mysterious room.
“Jessica,” came a voice unmistakably Yoona’s and Jaejoong raised an eyebrow at the familiar name, “how did you find me?”
“I have my ways.” Came another voice, light but venomous. They heard things crash to the ground, furniture bumping. “It was you, wasn’t it?”
“I don’t know what you’re talking about.”
“I told you to cut the bullshit, Yoona!” A pause with bated breath. “It was you, don’t lie to me.”
“I’m not-”
“You’re the one who told Kangin where we were. You’re the one who helped them get to Central.” Jaejoong’s eyes widened, his heart pounding. “And for what, Yoona? Did he promise you a guaranteed position as Solis? Did he swear by the Sun that you’d be next in line? I never thought you could be so dumb or selfish. In fact, I have the right mind to pummel you into the ground right now until you tell me where Donghae is.”
“So that’s how it is, huh. Your crush over your best friend…I get it, I knew you were jealous of me from the star-ugh!”
“I choose my race, Yoona. Our family. In fact, I never really was your friend either, was I? You weren’t threatened by me, sure that I wouldn’t override your popularity so you kept me, a pretty decoration at your side.”
“Now, why would you think that?” There was a smile in her voice.
They heard books fall to the floor, “Just tell me where he is.”
“Look, I don’t know either. If I knew where he was, believe me, I wouldn’t even be here.”
There was silence for a while, and Yunho had to clamp a hand over his mouth to stop himself from yelling as Jaejoong suddenly bust the door open.
“And where would you be?” He glowered at his sister.
Yoona was backed up against a shelf with Jessica pointing her glowing sword at her chin; her icy stare broken as Jaejoong’s sudden entrance.
“Jaejoong?” Jessica breathed. “You’re alive?”
“B-brother…”
In one swift movement, Jaejoong had Jessica’s sword in his hand, his glare menacing as he looked his sister in the eye. “I asked you a question, Yoona.”
“I would be…” She shrank under his stare, never had Yoona seen her brother this angry. Had he heard their entire conversation?
“Is it true you’re the traitor?” He prodded.
“I…”
“Is everything I heard true? Did you really do this out of jealousy?” He stepped closer.
“I…uhm…brother, that hurts.”
“Answer me!”
Before anyone could register, Yoona lay limp on the floor and all eyes turned to the door where a straight-faced Yunho stood with a tranquilizer.
“For such beautiful creatures, y’all sure are violent.” Yunho remarked and watched as Jaejoong’s eyes narrowed into slits and Jessica opened, then closed her mouth as if trying to make sense of the situation.
Their thoughts were interrupted by a whisper from the window, scolding Jessica and demanding her to hurry up because guards heard the noises and were fast approaching.
She cursed softly, having gotten nothing out of Yoona, and pulled on Jaejoong’s sleeve. “We have to go. You’re coming, right? We’ll talk when we get out of here.” He nodded stiffly and followed her to the window.
“Wait, you’re leaving?” Yunho almost shouted, “What about her?”
“Leave her be.” Jaejoong answered without looking back. “I want nothing to do with her.”
But just as they climbed over the windowsill, Jaejoong’s left foot already on outside ground, Yunho called out, “Wait!” The Lumiciant looked back, eyebrow raised.
“You’re not going to try and stop me, are you?” Jaejoong said, suddenly cautious and grabbing at Jessica’s sword.
“No-” Yunho stood up slowly, fists clenched but a determined look on his face, “take me with you.”
- - -
He frowned at the sheet of rain that poured over the surroundings, masking the few buildings and trees that dotted the outside of their hideout. The attack on Central had left their small group who were able to escape with nothing but a great fear for the human race and the clothes on their backs, which is why they resorted to building their shelter in the woods but still on the outskirts of the city. After all, the humans were not so smart as to look for the Lumici in a place that was right under their noses.
Some of them travelled to the forest everyday, in small groups of three or four so as not to catch attention, slowly working on the broken force field that used to surround Central and keep the mundane out. They would duck into the bushes and shudder behind the leaves whenever guards did their rounds in the area, but these past few days, no one came to check. Not that they minded, it was easier to work without constantly having to look over their shoulders and their ears tuned.
Some of them, the quicker, braver ones, would steal into the city and amongst the humans to mainly collect information-much like what Jessica and Krystal were doing right now.
He sighed again as his eyes roamed the outside with no familiar sight of glowing skin coming into view. Where were they?
“Worried?” a voice came from behind him.
He glanced at Henry briefly before focusing again outside, “Nervous, more like.”
“Well, don’t be.” He said, and patted his shoulder. “Do you believe Jessica? About what she said about Yoona?”
He shrugged, “I don’t see why it’s not a possibility.” When Jessica tried telling everyone about how Yoona was the traitor and her motives, no one believed her, saying that maybe she was the one jealous. They criticized her for blaming when she should be mourning for her supposedly dead best friend. Some part of him believed her though, maybe it was the one too many times he caught Yoona glowering at Donghae or maybe it was just the desperation in her eyes-he wasn’t sure.
Henry believed her though. He hated Yoona. That’s why he grinned.
“They’ll find him, Minho.”
He turned to Henry and raised an eyebrow. “How are you so sure?”
“A person like Donghae hyung-I don’t know, good things just happen to him.” He shrugged, eyes twinkling. “He’s like some sort of magnet for stuff, both good and bad. Either they’ll find him or he’s already in good hands.”
Minho smiled at the thought and found himself nodding. Because it was true.
“Yeah.” He chuckled, “I guess.”
Henry smiled back and Minho felt things were somehow going to get better, one way or another. The moment was ruined though, when they heard a rustle in the bushes and they both snapped to attention, hands flying to their pocketknives.
“Who goes there?”
They heard more rustling with smacking and bickering and whispered yells of we’re gonna die we’re gonna die we’re gonna die and shut up, they can hear you!
Henry and Minho gave each other a look. This was odd. “Uhm, hello?”
“Do not be alarmed.” One came out, his hands in the air and his tone of voice sounding not far off from Buzz Light Year. “We come in peace.”
It wasn’t long until he was hit in the head by his partner, a blonde with a thin frame and high cheekbones, Minho noticed.
“Ow! What?! I was trying to be nice, Taem!”
The blonde could only slap his forehead in exasperation and proceeded to face Minho and Henry, bowing deeply. “I apologize for my partner’s peculiarity. I’m Taemin, and he’s Yoseob. We were uhm…passing by and were hoping if we could get any directions. We’rekindalost.” He mumbled the last part, looking down.
Minho’s eyes were wide as saucers by now and Henry’s mouth just dropped open. Were these two really human? Somehow, even their police officer outfits seemed like a joke.
“What game are you trying to play, humans?”
“Humans! They called us humans, Taemin! This is live hostile Lumiciant behavior right here, yeah!” The one called Yoseob fist-pumped and Minho had never felt more weirded out.
Another hit to the back of his head, “Please forgive him. We’re not playing a game; we’re both actually big fans of Lumici like you and…” Taemin trailed off, seemingly unsure of what to say.
“We don’t trust humans.” Henry said from behind him as he observed the two police officers. Taemin shifted uncomfortably under Minho’s stare while Yoseob only stared back, eyes wide and bright.
“How did you find us?” Minho said evenly.
“We told you-we got lost while doing the search and Taemin and I were talking about how fed up we were with Lord Youngwoon and how he treats you Lumici and how unfair it was that we weren’t allowed to see any ever since I freaked out about that one Rogue who had such a nice voice and then we saw you and-”
Yoseob was cut short as a knife was pointed at his neck and Minho’s stare was closer than what was comfortable. “I don’t know if I should kill you for being such idiots or for being a very convincing liar.”
“But we’re not.” Taemin spoke from beside him and Minho’s eyes shifted to his. “We’re not lying.” They held each other’s gaze as Henry shifted from behind him and Yoseob tried not to breathe too loudly because it was embarrassing.
“Well, well, well.” A voice Minho knew too well came from behind them, “What do we have here?”
They turned around to see four other Lumici, the one up front had his arms folded and a smirk played on his lips.
It took a while for Minho to find his voice. He gulped and blinked once, twice. “…Heechul hyung?”
“The one and only.” Heechul grinned, unconsciously tightening his grip on the chain in his hands. Ryeowook was beside him, waving frantically while Kyuhyun watched them with cautious but nonetheless happy eyes. It’s been so long they’ve seen more of their kind. Sungmin peeked shyly from behind him.
“You!” Yoseob pointed at Kyuhyun, looking as if he’d just had a mind-blowing epiphany. Kyuhyun raised an eyebrow and Sungmin frowned, suddenly feeling possessive. “The one with the nice voice! That’s him, Taemin! The one who broke into the reserve!”
Yoseob shook Taemin’s arm roughly but received no response from the blonde except a slow finger pointing at the man behind Heechul. “Isn’t that…”
“What?” Yoseob looked at what he was pointing at and their jaws dropped at the familiar figure that was struggling in chains.
“Sir Hangeng?!”
Hangeng thought things couldn’t get any more fucked up.
- - -
“Hyukjae~”
“Hm.”
“Hyukjae~”
“Hmm.”
“Hyuk~ jae~”
“Donghae, what is it?”
The redhead turned to him, his expression showing nothing of the annoyance any normal person would have by now. Donghae only grinned widely and latched his arms around Hyukjae’s neck, curling into his lap. He snuggled into the toned chest and Hyukjae felt a smile tug on his lips.
“Your friend is taking awfully long.”
Hyukjae sighed. Yes, Junsu really was taking long. It was risky staying in one place while he was sure Siwon, maybe even that stranger, were still out there searching for them, and how the rain around them was weaker didn’t help.
But it was even more risky walking around with Donghae latched onto him when he knew he couldn’t fight and win while making sure Donghae was safe. Surely, Hyukjae knew he could take Siwon on anytime, but after his talk with Junsu, he wasn’t so sure anymore.
Apparently, Taecyeon is being sent as well and no matter how confident he is about his skills, he knew he couldn’t take them both on while guaranteeing Donghae’s safety. He was faster than Siwon and Taec, but he just wasn’t as strong.
Hyukjae absently played with Donghae’s hair, twirling it in his fingers and watching it fall back gracefully.
The fear of losing him grew by the second, and quite frankly, it was the first time Hyukjae had ever truly felt helpless. Donghae smiled up at him, fingers ghosting over his cheek.
“What’s wrong, Hyukjae? Are you feeling sick?”
Donghae didn’t expect to be pulled into a tight embrace. He felt Hyukjae bury his face in his shoulder.
“I’m not going to let anyone near you, okay? Junsu’s going to help, he knows more about you Lumici than I do, he may even bring the others along since they’ve always wanted to rebel so don’t be scared. We’re going to get out of here fine and we’re going to get you home to your hyungs and you won’t be confused anymore about being like this-”
A finger on his lip silenced him, “I’m not scared, Hyukjae.”
Hyukjae frowned at him.
“Really.” Donghae said.
He wasn’t convinced.
Donghae sighed and placed his palms on Hyukjae’s cheek, the red hair that framed his face tickling the back of Donghae’s hands slightly. “Believe me, the last thing I would feel when I’m with you is fear.”
Hyukjae stared into his eyes before nodding stiffly. Satisfied, Donghae laid his head back on his shoulder, promptly falling asleep. When Hyukjae heard Donghae’s even breathing, he waited for the sound of rain to pour harder and harder.
It did.
He traced with his finger the odd patterns carved onto the stone walls.
Hyukjae liked to consider himself a patient man. He could wait for hours on end in the pouring rain, behind the shadows, not moving an inch if his mission required it. He put up with any sort of crazy captives, being one of the few who could interrogate even the most senile people and have the fast reflexes to detain them if they got violent. It was what he was trained for, and he’s good at what he does.
Hyukjae had a great amount of patience, which is probably one of the reasons he’d been able to put up with Donghae when they’d first met, the brunette dragging him everywhere his feet could take him.
But this, this brought him to the edge for reasons Hyukjae couldn’t understand. Sitting around doing nothing was getting on his nerves and when Junsu still didn’t show up, he tugged on Donghae’s hand and they left the cave. It was odd how agitated he felt, but Hyukjae figured he’s used to odd feelings swimming in his head by now.
So there he was, walking briskly through the forest with Donghae in tow, stumbling slightly.
“I’m sure he’s just a bit busy.” He offers but Hyukjae just scoffs loudly, mumbling a yeah, right under his breath. Donghae felt like pinching his cheeks, deciding a sulky Hyukjae was now one of his favorites.
When the redhead turned around to face him, Donghae thought he was going to say something. Instead, he raised a hand and threw a knife so swiftly Donghae had only caught a glimpse of its sharp edge, feeling it zoom past his cheek and cutting off stray strands of hair. He didn’t even have time to blink, didn’t hear the knife connect to anything.
Hyukjae frowned deeply, almost growling.
With wide eyes, Donghae turned around to see who or what exactly Hyukjae was aiming at.
Siwon stood with a frown that mirrored Hyukjae’s, his head shifted to the side, as that was what Hyukjae was aiming for, and hands gripping the knife’s hilt. Before Donghae could react, he was roughly pulled by the arm and his face dug into Hyukjae’s back. The redhead had a hand planted behind him, keeping Donghae in place.
“Traitor.”
Donghae couldn’t see Siwon, but the tone of his voice was enough to make him shiver. Hyukjae didn’t respond.
“I told you to focus, Eunhyuk.”
Eunhyuk? Who is Eunhyuk?
Donghae tried to lift his head and peek over Hyukjae’s shoulder, but was pressed back down. He pouted.
“Do you have nothing to say?” Siwon was slowly getting more frightening.
Hyukjae’s voice flowed calmly, cautiously. “It is as you see it. I have my reasons.”
“Yeah?” Siwon said and Donghae felt Hyukjae shift, “Well, I don’t want to hear them.”
All too fast, Donghae was shoved into a nearby bush. He stumbled amongst the leaves, a few scratches donning his skin. He peeked over the bush, trying to follow their movements.
It is a rare sight to see Rife in battle outside training grounds where there is no point system and rules, just intense fighting and the underlying will to kill. Donghae had difficulty in following them both, squinting his eyes to see better-they were much too quick.
Hyukjae bent, avoiding Siwon’s fist, his fingers connecting with the grass on the ground as he swung his leg up in a kick that hit Siwon squarely on the jaw. The latter recovered quickly and hooked his foot behind Hyukjae’s left ankle and the redhead fell to the ground with a thump.
He pounces on Hyukjae but he reacts fast, planting his foot on the center of Siwon’s chest and he stumbles back a bit, the wind knocked out of him. Hyukjae gets up quickly and uses the opportunity to charge at him, knife in hand but is shocked to see the silver glint of a gun before it is rammed none too gently to the side of his head. He falls back and tries to clear the stars that clouded his vision, and the throbbing pain on his temple. Siwon had always been stronger. Blood weaved through his red hair, trickling down his cheek.
“Shit.” He cursed, trying to get rid of the dizziness because dammit, there could only be one reason Siwon hit him with the gun instead of shooting him with it. Hyukjae shook his head, getting his bearings and through his blurred vision, he saw Siwon take aim in Donghae’s direction.
With a growl, he charged at the man, bringing them both down. The ground curved under the impact, grass swaying with its force. Siwon coughed, the gun flying away from them both as he lost his grip when they landed. Hyukjae sat atop him and fisted his shirt, his glare deathly.
“Don’t.” He punched once.
“You.” Twice
“Dare.” Thrice.
“Touch him.” Four times.
“You-” Siwon caught his fist, twisting it so painfully hard that Hyukjae is thrown off and the roles are switched.
He cocked his gun, a regular one this time, and pointed it at his bleeding temple. “So it is because of him.”
“S-siwon!” Donghae had a hard time following what was going on, but they’d finally stopped moving and he could see them. “Please don’t do that. You’re hurting him!” He said, his eyes sparkling with sadness.
“Don’t worry, Donghae.” Siwon replied, digging the gun further into his head and tightening his hold on Hyukjae’s arm. It twisted in an awkward position. “He’s a big boy.”
“No, you’re hurting him! Please let him go!” Unconsciously, Donghae stepped into the clearing unprotected. Hyukjae thrashed, trying to warn him to go back but Siwon kept a firm hold on his head.
“Only if you come with me.”
In the blink of an eye, Hyukjae disappeared from under Siwon, reappeared behind him and kicked him down on the back with such force that Siwon’s forehead met the ground with a painful thud. Hyukjae kicked away his gun and took out his own, pointing it at him.
“I don’t appreciate you trying to take what is mine.”
He pressed his foot on Siwon’s back.
“Impressive. The rumors about you seem to hold true, Eunhyuk. I didn’t even see it coming.” Siwon laughed grimly, “But I’m only doing my job. It’s fun, pays well-you should try it.” He sneered.
Just as Hyukjae was about to bite out a retort, his ears perked at the sound of leaves rustling and the familiar thump of footsteps fast approaching. He sighed mentally. He didn’t know whether to be relieved or annoyed.
“About time you got here.”
Suddenly, Donghae was lifted up and balanced on a broad shoulder. He yelped, shocked with the sudden contact and what more, from a stranger. Hyukjae turned around, eyeing the man who looked back with a lopsided grin, his hair damp from the rain.
“Junsu.”
- - -
It was odd to see the boss so worked up, and he could tell he was anxious with the way he’d constantly tap his pen and shake his legs. It wasn’t like him to waste time on useless worrying but this time around, he supposed the boss couldn't help it.
“I heard about Eunhyuk.”
Lee Soo Man stopped his fidgeting and looked up at him as if he’d forgotten he was there, too lost in thought to notice the knock on his door.
“Taecyeon.”
“Sir.”
“Go after them.” He turned his back and faced the window, watching the rain slam into the glass. ”You know what to do. Your trackers are on, I presume? I’ll be watching, if things get out of hand with Eunhyuk…I myself will activate Overdrive.”
Taecyeon nodded gravely. The boss was definitely serious if he even considered using Overdrive, and Taecyeon could only pity Eunhyuk.
“Yes, sir. I’ll be on my way.”
He turned around, about to twist the doorknob when Lee Soo Man’s voice stopped him.
“…Be sure to kill him.”
“Yes, sir.” -- ♦
- - -
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A/N: …I’m sorry I write like a turtle.
Author: ms_awkward
Genre: AU, Fantasy, Angst, Romance, Drama, Adventure, Fluff?
Rating: PG-13
Pairing(s): HyukHae(main), KyuMin, HanChul, KangTeuk, YunJae, ninja!YeWook
Summary: All they needed was light.
Into the Dark Night
Chapter 12
It was chaos.
Flag leaders scrambled everywhere, trying to get hold of the situation as trainees and rookies caught whiff of Eunhyuk’s betrayal-some eager, while some relieved their largest obstacle in becoming an elite was now gone, others rebellious and started banging against their cells screaming they wanted freedom as well.
Technicians shouted into their headphones, trying to narrow down Siwon’s location since Eunhyuk’s trackers were cut off and connection in the forest is terrible, all while trying to keep the crisis as confidential as possible-thus the scramble for trainees who’d broken rules and eavesdropped on Jiyoung when he’d slammed open Lee Soo Man’s office door, his words coming out in a rush as he reported news he couldn’t believe himself.
Rife never go rogue, never betray. It was unheard of, and rare and supposedly, impossible because that’s just not the way they work. A traitor turns up, and the system goes haywire because Rife know too much and are too big of an ace card to lose.
Even more so that it was Eunhyuk-an Elite and arguably the best one they had.
Nonetheless, Soo Man was levelheaded as orders sprang endlessly from his mouth, forcing rookies and idle Rife to spread out and help contain the situation, while demanding the presence of his Elite in his office immediately. Things were definitely not going as planned.
Word travelled fast and security was starting to become a problem as children started to rebel as well, given that it was no secret that almost every youngster adored and idolized Eunhyuk, feeling honored to just walk in the same hallway as he did. He was quiet, but always made way for them, never looked down on them, and sometimes even stopped in the hallways to look out for them as they tried their level D obstacle courses for the first time. Everyone found it odd the children took such liking to someone who spoke so little, probably a charm Eunhyuk didn’t know he had.
Junsu leaned back, watching the kids run around, girls giggling to themselves (apparently, they found a rogue Hyukjae badass and a complete turn-on), Nichkhun trying to calm everyone down, Bom using the opportunity to sneak into the kitchen, and Taecyeon walking briskly into the main office. Whispers decorated the hallways.
“I heard the redhead’s finally lost it, fought against a fellow Rife!”
“I heard he even injured him, left him alone to bleed!”
“I knew there was something wrong with him from the start-he was too quiet, too nice, definitely suspicious.”
“He’s changed sides, fought with the Lumici!”
“Maybe he’d even fallen in love with one-they are such deceiving creatures.”
Junsu scoffed at that.
Eunhyuk? Fall in love? Junsu wondered if the idiot even knew how the emotion felt. His eyes danced with amusement, chuckling to himself about how much of a ruckus his best friend didn’t know he could cause.
His entertainment was cut short though, as he felt his phone vibrate. He reached for his back pocket.
“Hello?”
‘Junsu.’
His grin grew wide, “Well, if it isn’t Mr. Hotshot.” He ducked into a corner, lowering his voice, “Have you any idea of the ruckus you’re causing here, Hyuk? I’ve never seen the Corporation this messed up.”
‘That bad?’
“Hell yeah. I’d like to go into detail but I want to keep this hilarity to myself because you, sir, have some explaining to do.”
A sigh.
‘Look, don’t act as if you haven’t been waiting for this, Junsu. There’s no time to expl-Donghae, don’t touch that. No, just don’t-sorry. I’ve made up my mind and I need to know-Donghae! Donghae. You know what? Just sit here. Here, beside me. Okay?’
“You sound busy.” And happy. Junsu chuckled, “Insane too. Who’s there with you?”
‘It’s-‘
‘Hello, friend!’ came a melodic sound.
“What the…?” He raised an eyebrow at the voice, “Hyuk, who was that?”
‘I need your help, Junsu.’
“Uh, yeah,” He rolled his eyes, “You do. You’re in some deep shit here, Hyuk. They’re sending Taec after you, you know that? Plus Siwon who’s already high on your tail?”
‘…Shit.’
“Got that right.”
‘Okay, I really need your help, Junsu. I don’t-‘
A sly smile. “You insane? I’ve been waiting for you to do this for years! I’m in, you bastard. Just tell me where you are.” Junsu’s footsteps were quick and quiet as he left the building.
- - -
Yunho crept through the dark hallways, back arched and steps light. He stretched an arm behind him reflexively as if to shield Jaejoong, while the Lumiciant slapped it away every time, offended. He was perfectly capable of protecting himself, Jaejoong thought as he pulled the jacket closer around himself (Yunho found his glowing skin troublesome in the art of stealth, so he forced Jaejoong into his jacket, leaving the policeman clad only in a black wife beater).
Jaejoong had a difficult time convincing himself that he wasn’t stealing glances at his arms every minute.
“Tell me you know where you’re going.” He said instead.
“I know where I’m going.” Yunho led the way, sidestepping against the walls. “Relax. You underestimate my detective skills-I know where she stays.”
Jaejoong stopped in his tracks, and lowered his eyes at the human in front of him. “Why are you bringing me? Why go through the trouble?” He wasn’t supposed to trust the mundane, they were violent, betraying creatures. They destroyed his home.
Yunho stopped as well, and turned around to Jaejoong’s scrutinizing gaze. “Why not?” He grinned widely and grabbed his wrist, “Now, come on. The night is young!”
Jaejoong could only stare dubiously as he was dragged around by a human in human territory, draped in human clothes…yet he couldn’t find it in his mind to complain. Surely, he was only doing this to find Yoona. Right? He had to admit though, this human was…different.
“Yunho.”
He blinked. “…What?”
“It’s my name-Yunho.”
I know. “Oh. Um. Jaejoong.”
Yunho grinned widely, glad to finally be able to call him by name. He repeated it slowly in his mind and continued down the hallway. After many twists and turns that Jaejoong lost count, they arrived at an inconspicuous door. Yunho and Jaejoong pressed their backs against the walls on either side.
“You’re sure?” Jaejoong whispered.
Yunho nodded, motioning his head toward the closed door. “Listen.”
Jaejoong closed his eyes and concentrated while the other pressed his ear against the wood, straining for any sign of life inside the mysterious room.
“Jessica,” came a voice unmistakably Yoona’s and Jaejoong raised an eyebrow at the familiar name, “how did you find me?”
“I have my ways.” Came another voice, light but venomous. They heard things crash to the ground, furniture bumping. “It was you, wasn’t it?”
“I don’t know what you’re talking about.”
“I told you to cut the bullshit, Yoona!” A pause with bated breath. “It was you, don’t lie to me.”
“I’m not-”
“You’re the one who told Kangin where we were. You’re the one who helped them get to Central.” Jaejoong’s eyes widened, his heart pounding. “And for what, Yoona? Did he promise you a guaranteed position as Solis? Did he swear by the Sun that you’d be next in line? I never thought you could be so dumb or selfish. In fact, I have the right mind to pummel you into the ground right now until you tell me where Donghae is.”
“So that’s how it is, huh. Your crush over your best friend…I get it, I knew you were jealous of me from the star-ugh!”
“I choose my race, Yoona. Our family. In fact, I never really was your friend either, was I? You weren’t threatened by me, sure that I wouldn’t override your popularity so you kept me, a pretty decoration at your side.”
“Now, why would you think that?” There was a smile in her voice.
They heard books fall to the floor, “Just tell me where he is.”
“Look, I don’t know either. If I knew where he was, believe me, I wouldn’t even be here.”
There was silence for a while, and Yunho had to clamp a hand over his mouth to stop himself from yelling as Jaejoong suddenly bust the door open.
“And where would you be?” He glowered at his sister.
Yoona was backed up against a shelf with Jessica pointing her glowing sword at her chin; her icy stare broken as Jaejoong’s sudden entrance.
“Jaejoong?” Jessica breathed. “You’re alive?”
“B-brother…”
In one swift movement, Jaejoong had Jessica’s sword in his hand, his glare menacing as he looked his sister in the eye. “I asked you a question, Yoona.”
“I would be…” She shrank under his stare, never had Yoona seen her brother this angry. Had he heard their entire conversation?
“Is it true you’re the traitor?” He prodded.
“I…”
“Is everything I heard true? Did you really do this out of jealousy?” He stepped closer.
“I…uhm…brother, that hurts.”
“Answer me!”
Before anyone could register, Yoona lay limp on the floor and all eyes turned to the door where a straight-faced Yunho stood with a tranquilizer.
“For such beautiful creatures, y’all sure are violent.” Yunho remarked and watched as Jaejoong’s eyes narrowed into slits and Jessica opened, then closed her mouth as if trying to make sense of the situation.
Their thoughts were interrupted by a whisper from the window, scolding Jessica and demanding her to hurry up because guards heard the noises and were fast approaching.
She cursed softly, having gotten nothing out of Yoona, and pulled on Jaejoong’s sleeve. “We have to go. You’re coming, right? We’ll talk when we get out of here.” He nodded stiffly and followed her to the window.
“Wait, you’re leaving?” Yunho almost shouted, “What about her?”
“Leave her be.” Jaejoong answered without looking back. “I want nothing to do with her.”
But just as they climbed over the windowsill, Jaejoong’s left foot already on outside ground, Yunho called out, “Wait!” The Lumiciant looked back, eyebrow raised.
“You’re not going to try and stop me, are you?” Jaejoong said, suddenly cautious and grabbing at Jessica’s sword.
“No-” Yunho stood up slowly, fists clenched but a determined look on his face, “take me with you.”
- - -
He frowned at the sheet of rain that poured over the surroundings, masking the few buildings and trees that dotted the outside of their hideout. The attack on Central had left their small group who were able to escape with nothing but a great fear for the human race and the clothes on their backs, which is why they resorted to building their shelter in the woods but still on the outskirts of the city. After all, the humans were not so smart as to look for the Lumici in a place that was right under their noses.
Some of them travelled to the forest everyday, in small groups of three or four so as not to catch attention, slowly working on the broken force field that used to surround Central and keep the mundane out. They would duck into the bushes and shudder behind the leaves whenever guards did their rounds in the area, but these past few days, no one came to check. Not that they minded, it was easier to work without constantly having to look over their shoulders and their ears tuned.
Some of them, the quicker, braver ones, would steal into the city and amongst the humans to mainly collect information-much like what Jessica and Krystal were doing right now.
He sighed again as his eyes roamed the outside with no familiar sight of glowing skin coming into view. Where were they?
“Worried?” a voice came from behind him.
He glanced at Henry briefly before focusing again outside, “Nervous, more like.”
“Well, don’t be.” He said, and patted his shoulder. “Do you believe Jessica? About what she said about Yoona?”
He shrugged, “I don’t see why it’s not a possibility.” When Jessica tried telling everyone about how Yoona was the traitor and her motives, no one believed her, saying that maybe she was the one jealous. They criticized her for blaming when she should be mourning for her supposedly dead best friend. Some part of him believed her though, maybe it was the one too many times he caught Yoona glowering at Donghae or maybe it was just the desperation in her eyes-he wasn’t sure.
Henry believed her though. He hated Yoona. That’s why he grinned.
“They’ll find him, Minho.”
He turned to Henry and raised an eyebrow. “How are you so sure?”
“A person like Donghae hyung-I don’t know, good things just happen to him.” He shrugged, eyes twinkling. “He’s like some sort of magnet for stuff, both good and bad. Either they’ll find him or he’s already in good hands.”
Minho smiled at the thought and found himself nodding. Because it was true.
“Yeah.” He chuckled, “I guess.”
Henry smiled back and Minho felt things were somehow going to get better, one way or another. The moment was ruined though, when they heard a rustle in the bushes and they both snapped to attention, hands flying to their pocketknives.
“Who goes there?”
They heard more rustling with smacking and bickering and whispered yells of we’re gonna die we’re gonna die we’re gonna die and shut up, they can hear you!
Henry and Minho gave each other a look. This was odd. “Uhm, hello?”
“Do not be alarmed.” One came out, his hands in the air and his tone of voice sounding not far off from Buzz Light Year. “We come in peace.”
It wasn’t long until he was hit in the head by his partner, a blonde with a thin frame and high cheekbones, Minho noticed.
“Ow! What?! I was trying to be nice, Taem!”
The blonde could only slap his forehead in exasperation and proceeded to face Minho and Henry, bowing deeply. “I apologize for my partner’s peculiarity. I’m Taemin, and he’s Yoseob. We were uhm…passing by and were hoping if we could get any directions. We’rekindalost.” He mumbled the last part, looking down.
Minho’s eyes were wide as saucers by now and Henry’s mouth just dropped open. Were these two really human? Somehow, even their police officer outfits seemed like a joke.
“What game are you trying to play, humans?”
“Humans! They called us humans, Taemin! This is live hostile Lumiciant behavior right here, yeah!” The one called Yoseob fist-pumped and Minho had never felt more weirded out.
Another hit to the back of his head, “Please forgive him. We’re not playing a game; we’re both actually big fans of Lumici like you and…” Taemin trailed off, seemingly unsure of what to say.
“We don’t trust humans.” Henry said from behind him as he observed the two police officers. Taemin shifted uncomfortably under Minho’s stare while Yoseob only stared back, eyes wide and bright.
“How did you find us?” Minho said evenly.
“We told you-we got lost while doing the search and Taemin and I were talking about how fed up we were with Lord Youngwoon and how he treats you Lumici and how unfair it was that we weren’t allowed to see any ever since I freaked out about that one Rogue who had such a nice voice and then we saw you and-”
Yoseob was cut short as a knife was pointed at his neck and Minho’s stare was closer than what was comfortable. “I don’t know if I should kill you for being such idiots or for being a very convincing liar.”
“But we’re not.” Taemin spoke from beside him and Minho’s eyes shifted to his. “We’re not lying.” They held each other’s gaze as Henry shifted from behind him and Yoseob tried not to breathe too loudly because it was embarrassing.
“Well, well, well.” A voice Minho knew too well came from behind them, “What do we have here?”
They turned around to see four other Lumici, the one up front had his arms folded and a smirk played on his lips.
It took a while for Minho to find his voice. He gulped and blinked once, twice. “…Heechul hyung?”
“The one and only.” Heechul grinned, unconsciously tightening his grip on the chain in his hands. Ryeowook was beside him, waving frantically while Kyuhyun watched them with cautious but nonetheless happy eyes. It’s been so long they’ve seen more of their kind. Sungmin peeked shyly from behind him.
“You!” Yoseob pointed at Kyuhyun, looking as if he’d just had a mind-blowing epiphany. Kyuhyun raised an eyebrow and Sungmin frowned, suddenly feeling possessive. “The one with the nice voice! That’s him, Taemin! The one who broke into the reserve!”
Yoseob shook Taemin’s arm roughly but received no response from the blonde except a slow finger pointing at the man behind Heechul. “Isn’t that…”
“What?” Yoseob looked at what he was pointing at and their jaws dropped at the familiar figure that was struggling in chains.
“Sir Hangeng?!”
Hangeng thought things couldn’t get any more fucked up.
- - -
“Hyukjae~”
“Hm.”
“Hyukjae~”
“Hmm.”
“Hyuk~ jae~”
“Donghae, what is it?”
The redhead turned to him, his expression showing nothing of the annoyance any normal person would have by now. Donghae only grinned widely and latched his arms around Hyukjae’s neck, curling into his lap. He snuggled into the toned chest and Hyukjae felt a smile tug on his lips.
“Your friend is taking awfully long.”
Hyukjae sighed. Yes, Junsu really was taking long. It was risky staying in one place while he was sure Siwon, maybe even that stranger, were still out there searching for them, and how the rain around them was weaker didn’t help.
But it was even more risky walking around with Donghae latched onto him when he knew he couldn’t fight and win while making sure Donghae was safe. Surely, Hyukjae knew he could take Siwon on anytime, but after his talk with Junsu, he wasn’t so sure anymore.
Apparently, Taecyeon is being sent as well and no matter how confident he is about his skills, he knew he couldn’t take them both on while guaranteeing Donghae’s safety. He was faster than Siwon and Taec, but he just wasn’t as strong.
Hyukjae absently played with Donghae’s hair, twirling it in his fingers and watching it fall back gracefully.
The fear of losing him grew by the second, and quite frankly, it was the first time Hyukjae had ever truly felt helpless. Donghae smiled up at him, fingers ghosting over his cheek.
“What’s wrong, Hyukjae? Are you feeling sick?”
Donghae didn’t expect to be pulled into a tight embrace. He felt Hyukjae bury his face in his shoulder.
“I’m not going to let anyone near you, okay? Junsu’s going to help, he knows more about you Lumici than I do, he may even bring the others along since they’ve always wanted to rebel so don’t be scared. We’re going to get out of here fine and we’re going to get you home to your hyungs and you won’t be confused anymore about being like this-”
A finger on his lip silenced him, “I’m not scared, Hyukjae.”
Hyukjae frowned at him.
“Really.” Donghae said.
He wasn’t convinced.
Donghae sighed and placed his palms on Hyukjae’s cheek, the red hair that framed his face tickling the back of Donghae’s hands slightly. “Believe me, the last thing I would feel when I’m with you is fear.”
Hyukjae stared into his eyes before nodding stiffly. Satisfied, Donghae laid his head back on his shoulder, promptly falling asleep. When Hyukjae heard Donghae’s even breathing, he waited for the sound of rain to pour harder and harder.
It did.
He traced with his finger the odd patterns carved onto the stone walls.
Hyukjae liked to consider himself a patient man. He could wait for hours on end in the pouring rain, behind the shadows, not moving an inch if his mission required it. He put up with any sort of crazy captives, being one of the few who could interrogate even the most senile people and have the fast reflexes to detain them if they got violent. It was what he was trained for, and he’s good at what he does.
Hyukjae had a great amount of patience, which is probably one of the reasons he’d been able to put up with Donghae when they’d first met, the brunette dragging him everywhere his feet could take him.
But this, this brought him to the edge for reasons Hyukjae couldn’t understand. Sitting around doing nothing was getting on his nerves and when Junsu still didn’t show up, he tugged on Donghae’s hand and they left the cave. It was odd how agitated he felt, but Hyukjae figured he’s used to odd feelings swimming in his head by now.
So there he was, walking briskly through the forest with Donghae in tow, stumbling slightly.
“I’m sure he’s just a bit busy.” He offers but Hyukjae just scoffs loudly, mumbling a yeah, right under his breath. Donghae felt like pinching his cheeks, deciding a sulky Hyukjae was now one of his favorites.
When the redhead turned around to face him, Donghae thought he was going to say something. Instead, he raised a hand and threw a knife so swiftly Donghae had only caught a glimpse of its sharp edge, feeling it zoom past his cheek and cutting off stray strands of hair. He didn’t even have time to blink, didn’t hear the knife connect to anything.
Hyukjae frowned deeply, almost growling.
With wide eyes, Donghae turned around to see who or what exactly Hyukjae was aiming at.
Siwon stood with a frown that mirrored Hyukjae’s, his head shifted to the side, as that was what Hyukjae was aiming for, and hands gripping the knife’s hilt. Before Donghae could react, he was roughly pulled by the arm and his face dug into Hyukjae’s back. The redhead had a hand planted behind him, keeping Donghae in place.
“Traitor.”
Donghae couldn’t see Siwon, but the tone of his voice was enough to make him shiver. Hyukjae didn’t respond.
“I told you to focus, Eunhyuk.”
Eunhyuk? Who is Eunhyuk?
Donghae tried to lift his head and peek over Hyukjae’s shoulder, but was pressed back down. He pouted.
“Do you have nothing to say?” Siwon was slowly getting more frightening.
Hyukjae’s voice flowed calmly, cautiously. “It is as you see it. I have my reasons.”
“Yeah?” Siwon said and Donghae felt Hyukjae shift, “Well, I don’t want to hear them.”
All too fast, Donghae was shoved into a nearby bush. He stumbled amongst the leaves, a few scratches donning his skin. He peeked over the bush, trying to follow their movements.
It is a rare sight to see Rife in battle outside training grounds where there is no point system and rules, just intense fighting and the underlying will to kill. Donghae had difficulty in following them both, squinting his eyes to see better-they were much too quick.
Hyukjae bent, avoiding Siwon’s fist, his fingers connecting with the grass on the ground as he swung his leg up in a kick that hit Siwon squarely on the jaw. The latter recovered quickly and hooked his foot behind Hyukjae’s left ankle and the redhead fell to the ground with a thump.
He pounces on Hyukjae but he reacts fast, planting his foot on the center of Siwon’s chest and he stumbles back a bit, the wind knocked out of him. Hyukjae gets up quickly and uses the opportunity to charge at him, knife in hand but is shocked to see the silver glint of a gun before it is rammed none too gently to the side of his head. He falls back and tries to clear the stars that clouded his vision, and the throbbing pain on his temple. Siwon had always been stronger. Blood weaved through his red hair, trickling down his cheek.
“Shit.” He cursed, trying to get rid of the dizziness because dammit, there could only be one reason Siwon hit him with the gun instead of shooting him with it. Hyukjae shook his head, getting his bearings and through his blurred vision, he saw Siwon take aim in Donghae’s direction.
With a growl, he charged at the man, bringing them both down. The ground curved under the impact, grass swaying with its force. Siwon coughed, the gun flying away from them both as he lost his grip when they landed. Hyukjae sat atop him and fisted his shirt, his glare deathly.
“Don’t.” He punched once.
“You.” Twice
“Dare.” Thrice.
“Touch him.” Four times.
“You-” Siwon caught his fist, twisting it so painfully hard that Hyukjae is thrown off and the roles are switched.
He cocked his gun, a regular one this time, and pointed it at his bleeding temple. “So it is because of him.”
“S-siwon!” Donghae had a hard time following what was going on, but they’d finally stopped moving and he could see them. “Please don’t do that. You’re hurting him!” He said, his eyes sparkling with sadness.
“Don’t worry, Donghae.” Siwon replied, digging the gun further into his head and tightening his hold on Hyukjae’s arm. It twisted in an awkward position. “He’s a big boy.”
“No, you’re hurting him! Please let him go!” Unconsciously, Donghae stepped into the clearing unprotected. Hyukjae thrashed, trying to warn him to go back but Siwon kept a firm hold on his head.
“Only if you come with me.”
In the blink of an eye, Hyukjae disappeared from under Siwon, reappeared behind him and kicked him down on the back with such force that Siwon’s forehead met the ground with a painful thud. Hyukjae kicked away his gun and took out his own, pointing it at him.
“I don’t appreciate you trying to take what is mine.”
He pressed his foot on Siwon’s back.
“Impressive. The rumors about you seem to hold true, Eunhyuk. I didn’t even see it coming.” Siwon laughed grimly, “But I’m only doing my job. It’s fun, pays well-you should try it.” He sneered.
Just as Hyukjae was about to bite out a retort, his ears perked at the sound of leaves rustling and the familiar thump of footsteps fast approaching. He sighed mentally. He didn’t know whether to be relieved or annoyed.
“About time you got here.”
Suddenly, Donghae was lifted up and balanced on a broad shoulder. He yelped, shocked with the sudden contact and what more, from a stranger. Hyukjae turned around, eyeing the man who looked back with a lopsided grin, his hair damp from the rain.
“Junsu.”
- - -
It was odd to see the boss so worked up, and he could tell he was anxious with the way he’d constantly tap his pen and shake his legs. It wasn’t like him to waste time on useless worrying but this time around, he supposed the boss couldn't help it.
“I heard about Eunhyuk.”
Lee Soo Man stopped his fidgeting and looked up at him as if he’d forgotten he was there, too lost in thought to notice the knock on his door.
“Taecyeon.”
“Sir.”
“Go after them.” He turned his back and faced the window, watching the rain slam into the glass. ”You know what to do. Your trackers are on, I presume? I’ll be watching, if things get out of hand with Eunhyuk…I myself will activate Overdrive.”
Taecyeon nodded gravely. The boss was definitely serious if he even considered using Overdrive, and Taecyeon could only pity Eunhyuk.
“Yes, sir. I’ll be on my way.”
He turned around, about to twist the doorknob when Lee Soo Man’s voice stopped him.
“…Be sure to kill him.”
“Yes, sir.” -- ♦
- - -
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A/N: …I’m sorry I write like a turtle.