Veil (Chapter 6)
Title: Veil
Rating: PG-13 for sure, may bump up to R later on...
Genre: fantasy, angst, dark humor
Pairings: YooSu, YunJae, OnKey
Summary: There has always been the discussions of parallel dimensions throughout the centuries. Do they really exist? What would they be like? What would happen if their world crossed with ours? It has been a question that was never really answered until now. There are many parallel dimensions in the universe and planet Earth contains one. It's a waste land, filled with all kinds of mythical creatures now told in bedtime stories, fairytales and scary camp fire stories. They used to walk the Earth, unnoticed by the humans, but noticed by another race. They are called the Ancients, a race similar to vampires only alive. They drink human blood and are immortal but they can go into sunlight and they are not affected by the church or holy water the way vampires are. Vampires are creatures of night, the Ancients are creatures of light, and when they locked all the creatures in the waste land they did it for the sake of the humans and their own race. The creatures of the other dimension had been getting restless, annoyed by the humans. They did things to trick them, hurt them, kill them. Unexplained occurrences happened and that was when the Ancients decided to create their new home. A veil had been produced seperating the two worlds, and the creatures were forbidden to ever cross into the human realm. The Ancients thought the veil would last for eternity, and their problem was taken care of. Now the humans were flourishing as the Ancients were, who were civilized enough to live among them peacefully. However the Ancients were wrong. The veil didn't last very long, and now it's fading away. The parallel world creatures are starting to find holes in it and are able to slip into the human world, determined to make it their own once again.
There's only one hope left. For years, while the veil slowly disappeared, the Ancients' three princes have been searching the human race for the one with the sight. The sight to see the parallel monsters and the veil itself. It is said that that human would be able to stop the monsters from coming out and will be able to repair the veil, preventing the extinction of the two co-existing races. The only problem is that every human they find dies, and they have been unsuccessful. However, now they believe they've found him, and the passion one of the Ancients have for him provides all the more evidence. But the passion the Ancient has for the human is so strong that he's torn between protecting the one person he loves, or saving his entire race and the humans from extinction. The Earth's inhabitants lives rest in the balance.
When Junsu woke next, he was laying on a soft, large bed. Pillows surrounded his head and a heavy blanket was pulled up to his chin. Slowly he pushed it away and sat up, gazing around at the room. It was an old style room, with beautifully carved, oak furniture and thin drapes that stood closed against the sun. When he looked down at his attire, he noticed that it was different from the clothes he had been wearing previously. They were soft and warm pyjamas and Junsu couldn’t help but smile.
A knock on the door drew his attention and he was silent as he watched it open. A curly head poked its head around the door and Junsu noticed-with a surprise feeling of flutters in his stomach-that it was Yoochun. Seeing Yoochun triggered something inside Junsu that he couldn’t understand. Nonetheless he was pleasantly surprised by the visit.
“Oh you are awake,” Yoochun said, coming all the way in, “you slept soundly for a good day and a half.” Junsu couldn’t help but wince. Had he really been that tired?
“Really?” was all he could manage. “I don’t really remember what happened after Changmin touched my hand….” It was true-whatever happened while Junsu was “sleeping” was blank to him. As he watched Yoochun, he thought he could barely make out the slightest twinge of hurt flicker across his face, but when Junsu went to look closer, it was gone. Instead Yoochun smiled and shrugged.
“Well you didn’t miss much,” he said casually, but Junsu could have sworn there was something more to it than that, “well…there was one thing I guess….” He bit his lip and Junsu looked at him expectantly. “I….” Another hesitation, but Yoochun quickly recovered and shook his head tiredly. “Prince Taemin’s been taken across the veil…we think that he was the one behind the veil fading in the first place. His key had been released early…and now that we dig deeper we found that it was around the time the veil’s first started appearing. But we don’t know why he’s there or who wants him there.”
Junsu paused. “Who wants him there? What do you mean by that?”
Again Yoochun shrugged. “I don’t know…the court is speculating, but all I know is that we managed to make some nasty enemies over there and maybe they want to use Taemin to get over the veil. And there’s a strong possibility that it’s the vampires.”
“Vampires?” Junsu groaned, “you’re kidding right? Of course you’re not, why wouldn’t they be real too?” Yoochun smiled at Junsu’s little moment, and for some reason that made Junsu’s face go red. Then he thought of something. “By the way, where are my brothers?”
“I…don’t know to be honest,” Yoochun admitted. “I’m sure they’re fine though. This place has tighter security than the White House does…and I bet that’s saying a lot.” Junsu nodded distractedly, when suddenly his stomach growled and his face went red again. This time Yoochun laughed out loud, and Junsu found that really liked the sound after all.
“Come on, the kitchen’s downstairs,” Yoochun smirked, and Junsu jumped off the bed eagerly. Quickly he followed Yoochun out the door and the down the hall to a flight of stairs that led to the kitchen.
The kitchen was a large, cozy room with white and blue tiles on the wall and wooden counter tops. Pots and pans littered a hanging over the flat stove and a large fridge stood off to the one side of the stainless steel sink. Talk about mixing the modern with the antique.
Yoochun pointed over to the table and went to the fridge while Junsu sat down, looking around. When Yoochun came back he held a plate of salad and some dressing. “I don’t know what humans like to eat so this is what I found….” He sounded uncertain so Junsu took and nodded.
“This works just fine!” he beamed, taking the dressing. “Don’t you eat food?”
“Not quite…I mean we can but it doesn’t give us enough strength. No we have a different source of nourishment.”
Taking a bite, Junsu raised an eyebrow. “What?”
“We drink blood.”
Junsu choked on his food, and Yoochun blinked in surprise. Quickly Junsu grabbed some water and swallowed properly before taking a drink. With his eyes watering he turned to Yoochun with utter shock. “You drink blood?! Like vampires? Are you serious?” He couldn’t believe what he was hearing and Yoochun had said that one phrase as if it had been the most normal thing. Well then again, to him it just might be. So Junsu wasn’t surprised when Yoochun nodded and looked at Junsu worriedly.
“Yes, we drink blood as well,” he replied, “but vampires do it for the kill and then the meal, we do it to survive. It’s not like we go out and attack innocent humans for it. We have other methods….”
Junsu pulled a disgusted face, unable to hide it quickly. “Like how?” Yoochun seemed ignorant by the look so he continued his explanation.
“We do have some volunteers of course who are willing to let us feed off them, or we usually take those criminals who are put up for execution. Normally criminals are not to our taste but we chose to live here among the humans peacefully so we cannot endanger that. That’s how we differ from vampires; plus we’re still living and are able to have children, while the vampires are undead. We can go out into the sunlight, churches, all that fun stuff, but the vampires cannot. Bram Stoker’s representation of a vampire is actually pretty accurate.” He frowned deeply. “But they’re nasty and cruel, very strong. We’re stronger than humans but vampires are stronger, and more difficult to kill. However, when it comes to feeding we do things more…appealing than just killing someone.”
Junsu merely nodded, suddenly the food on his plate not appetizing. It wasn’t that he was grossed out about Yoochun feeding off people, it was just strange. Obviously they had to survive, but drinking blood just connected them closely to vampires. He didn’t mention that however. It looked as though Yoochun would be highly offended by the statement. However, Yoochun did notice his discomfort so he moved on gracefully.
“Do you feel the presence of the key?” he asked.
“Not really…I don’t feel a whole lot different, just more energetic I guess.” Junsu shrugged. “Am I supposed to feel any different?”
“I don’t know to be honest…Taemin didn’t seem to feel his key either, but I know he was able to summon his half any time he wanted to. Half the time he was in the human world doing things a human teenage boy would do.”
“But Taemin was the one who was creating holes in the veil.”
Yoochun didn’t have time to answer when the kitchen door opened and Yunho stepped in, his serious face in place. Then again, there wasn’t a time when Yoochun had seen the guard relaxed. It was like he was on a twenty four hour watch-for seven days a week.
“There you are,” he said, taking in Junsu, “now that you’re awake, High Prince Jaejoong would like to see you. Immediately.” He turned and left the room but Yoochun knew he was going to wait out in the hall until Junsu followed him. Sighing he shook his head and gave Junsu a smirk and rolled his eyes. Junsu hid a laugh and understood what Yoochun was saying.
“After you’re done with the prince, we can go find your brothers and see if they’re alright,” he said, and Junsu brightened at the idea.
“Are you allowed to come in with me?” he asked, suddenly nervous. Yoochun could hear his heart beating rapidly and imagined that that was a sign of nervousness. Then Yunho was in the doorway and he gave Yoochun a sharp look. Sighing Yoochun shook his head.
“I think it’s more of a private matter,” he replied, shooting a secret glare at Yunho. “But don’t worry, I’ll be waiting outside the room for you.” Junsu smiled at that and it seemed to give him a little more confidence. He turned and followed Yunho out of the kitchen, and when they were gone Yoochun sunk into the chair and ran a hand through his hair. What a close call. The way Junsu was acting around him, it was as if he was completely comfortable and safe. Then again, Yoochun had been the only one to give him any answers to his craziness and was willing to accept that. It dawned on him suddenly. Junsu trusted him. Smiling he looked at the door with some hope in his gaze.
~*~*~*~
Junsu was led to a grand throne room, the one Yoochun had previously visited. Princes Jaejoong and Onew sat on their respective thrones, Jaejoong’s a little raised higher and grander looking than the other two. Onew sat on the right side while the left throne remained empty. Junsu knew instantly that that one was Taemin’s.
Prince Jaejoong looked worn. He had heavy bags under his eyes, and those round, hazel coloured eyes were bloodshot. His hair still looked proper, but there was a tiny hint of neglect. He didn’t sit as straight as when Junsu had first met him, and briefly Junsu wondered if he was that concerned for his brother. Pity filled him as he stopped a few feet away from the throne and bowed the way Yoochun had shown him earlier. Beside him, Yunho did the same. Jaejoong waved at them to drop formalities and Onew shifted slightly. Only he didn’t look as worn down by the events as his brother, but he did have an anxious look in his eyes.
Behind them were two guards; Onew’s and Taemin’s. From what Junsu was told, Minho had hit his head pretty hard, and yet there was no indication of ever being injured. He stood straight and tall, but his eyes were full of grief and guilt. Guilt that he didn’t save Taemin in time; guilt that wasn’t his to bear. Junsu turned back to the prince when he spoke.
“I’m glad you’re awake human…I’m sure you’ve been told as to what’s happened,” Jaejoong said, his voice rough. Junsu nodded.
“Yoochun told me.”
“Of course he did.” Jaejoong watched him, as if wanting an answer to that, but when Junsu didn’t say anything he continued. “Some things are not his business to tell you. He constantly chooses to disobey me and do his own thing, as if he ran the country. Hardly fit for any king.” Junsu blinked, shocked at what the prince had said about his cousin.
“If he hadn’t told me would you?” Junsu demanded, shocking everyone in the court. Onew’s head snapped up and his eyes were on his brother. Yunho tensed and Junsu could feel the menacing look that bore into his face. Still Junsu continued, suddenly really angry. “I thought I was going crazy by seeing all those things and you thought that if you didn’t say anything it would make everything all the better? At least he had the decency to tell me what was going on before I was brought here, that way I knew. He’s the only one who’s willing to help me understand. I’m sorry, but if you want my help then there’s no way I’m going to do so blindly.” Then he added as an afterthought. “Plus, keeping me away from my brothers doesn’t help either.”
The whole room filled with an intense silence. Onew’s eyes were now on Junsu and they were wide with shock and yet-much to Junsu’s surprise-amusement. No one has ever talked to the prince like that, not even his brothers. And Jaejoong looked absolutely stunned. His mouth was closed, his lips in a thin line, and his eyes were ablaze. Swiftly he stood and in seconds he was standing in front of Junsu, his eyes boring into the human’s.
“I think you should reconsider your words,” he hissed, making Junsu take an involuntary step backwards. Still he refused his fear to be shown and he stood his ground.
“I stand up for what I believe in,” he replied in a small voice, knowing it was loud enough for everyone to hear. “And I stand by what I say. Not even a prince is going to change that.”
Jaejoong stared at him for the longest time, his eyes telling Junsu he had plenty to say. Thankfully he held it in, whirled on his heel and stormed back to his throne. Obviously there was a more pressing matter than Yoochun but Junsu knew it wasn’t over between them. Swallowing his fear he waited until Jaejoong was controlled enough to speak again. When he was, Junsu was mildly surprised to find his voice steady and smooth.
“I need you to find my brother and bring him back,” was all he said. The bluntness of the statement shocked Junsu. But Jaejoong didn’t give him time to find his words. “The veil is falling and before it’s repaired Taemin needs to back in this world before, and you’re the only one who can do so.”
“Wait, what? Now you want me to go charging into that other world to get your brother back alive? I thought my only job was to fix the veil so we won’t have any other problems to deal with!” Junsu exclaimed.
“And it still is your job, but now we have a very pressing problem to deal with. I never counted on my brother being taken across the veil. Since you both share a bond, I’m sure you can figure out where he is easily enough.”
“And you expect me to go alone?”
At this Jaejoong smiled. It was a cunning smile, one that sent shivers down Junsu’s spine. “Of course not, why would I send a helpless human to their death? Yoochun will go with you, as well as Taemin’s guard Minho.”
“And that’s it? Three people are expected to cross over to another world where all these monsters are living?” Junsu recalled the wonderful explanation Yoochun had given him and shuddered. Jaejoong shrugged, but before he could speak a quiet voice beat him to it.
“I’ll go,” Prince Onew said, his eyes on Junsu. “If he thinks more people are required then I’ll go with Jonghyun.”
Prince Jaejoong actually looked aghast. He stared at Onew with wide eyes, his mouth open in surprise. Junsu smirked but hid his own amusement easily. Onew stared at his brother with determination.
“It’s better than sitting around here with nothing to do all day, except think about what’s happened to our brother,” he argued, and meant it, “if I’m there at least I’ll know for sure what’s happened to Taemin before they return. Besides I know how to defend myself.”
“Yes but you’re not as skilled…you stopped lessons two years ago,” Jaejoong pointed out, suddenly finding his voice. “I can’t have both my brothers wandering around the other world, it’s not going to happen.”
“I’m old enough to make my own decisions,” Onew replied, smiling his childish grin. “Besides I’ve never been on a rescue mission before! All I’ve ever done are those stupid allianc and congress meetings. BORING.” If possible, Jaejoong’s eyes widened further, his porcelain face going pale. Onew didn’t seem to notice so he continued. “Besides I will have Jonghyun, Minho and Yoochun there. Plus the human so what more protection can I have? It won’t be the castle but it’ll be enough.”
Junsu had to smile, impressed. He had half expected the middle prince to be the shy, obedient one, but turns out he was wrong. Onew and Key would get along so well….
Apparently Onew’s arguments were enough to convince his brother-so still not pleased with it-to join the little rescue party. At Jaejoong’s request-probably for Onew’s sake-Changmin was to be summoned to go with them. Jonghyun and Minho immediately went off with Yunho to get some plans set in place while Junsu set off to find Yoochun to tell him the news. He was sure Yoochun was completely unaware of the events.
As he left the room, he was surprised to find that Yoochun was not standing there waiting for him. Instead it was Junho, and he looked very unhappy. His arms were crossed and his eyes were glaring at the floor as he leaned against the wall.
“What did the floor ever do to you?” Junsu asked, hoping a joke would lighten his twin’s mood. Instead, it caused Junho to look up and his face broke. Now there was no more anger but worry and fear. Junsu’s smile faltered as he watched his brother struggle to contain the emotion with no success. Did he know already? His reply confirmed it.
“You don’t have to go you know,” he said, his voice steady and low. “That prince is just sending you because he doesn’t need you once you’re done. It explains why he was so shocked when his brother told him he’d go. Prince Jaejoong is sending you on a death mission and he knows it.”
“Why would he do that?” Junsu asked, suddenly confused, “he wants his brother back more than anything, it’s understandable he’d want someone to go after Taemin. What difference does it make if it’s me or one of the guards?” He knew the answer and Junho spoke it a loud, knowing it too.
“Because you don’t know how to fight. You can’t defend yourself if you’re face with danger.” He shrugged, hoping that would clear all his worry. “Not that that makes a difference, you signed up for the job anyway.”
“I didn’t actually sign up for any of this,” Junsu snapped, suddenly frustrated. He was shocked; usually he could control his temper, but for some reason everything started to bug him. “You think I wanted for this to happen? One day I believed that there was no such thing as fairies or vampires, and now I find out that they’re all real! I’m suddenly burdened with the world’s survival because of this stupid key and veil! I wouldn’t wish this on anyone but I never wanted it to be me!” He stood there panting, wondering where the sudden outburst had come from. By the look on his twin’s face, Junho was thinking the same thing. But unlike Junsu, Junho recovered and straightened himself. He didn’t look at Junsu but concentrated on the wall over his shoulder.
“If you want to go on this suicide mission by all means,” was all he said, and stormed passed Junsu. Junsu stared at the space in front of him, suddenly unsure of what he should do. Then something popped his head and he took off down the hall, knowing one person he could turn to.
“Where are you Yoochun?”
~*~*~*~
Someone sat in the shadows, watching the unconscious boy with a curious expression. Of course there was no way to see clearly what he was thinking, but the message was obvious enough. The boy was finally in her hands and now all she had to do was get rid of the other key. It shouldn’t be too hard; after all the possessor of the key was a mere human. What a joke. She smirked and shook her head, leaning back in her seat. Once she got rid of the other half of the key she would use this boy to undo the veil and that would destroy the wasteland she and the other monsters were forced to live in. Some had already escaped, much to her delight. The fact that the boy had started creating holes in the veil previously made its destruction all the easier. It wasn’t weak enough to let vampires through but in time it would be. And then she and every other monster in the wasteland would be free to reclaim their planet once more.
“Ma’am, we just received news,” a thick voice said, making her start.
“What is it?” she snapped.
“It seems the High Prince Jaejoong decided to send out a search party for the boy,” the voice replied. “The human with the other half of the key will be accompanying them, as well as a couple guards, a mere commoner, a witch and Prince Onew.”
She raised her eyebrow at this. “He’s letting his other brother come to this wasteland? What an idiot.” She scoffed. “And a witch…hm…that will be interesting yet not impossible to ward off. If you take out the witch the others will be easy to kill, but leave the human alive. Kill the prince.”
The messenger nodded and took his leave. Once again she stared down at the unconscious boy and smiled. The little rescue group was going to walk right into her trap. And all she had to do was sit and wait.
Rating: PG-13 for sure, may bump up to R later on...
Genre: fantasy, angst, dark humor
Pairings: YooSu, YunJae, OnKey
Summary: There has always been the discussions of parallel dimensions throughout the centuries. Do they really exist? What would they be like? What would happen if their world crossed with ours? It has been a question that was never really answered until now. There are many parallel dimensions in the universe and planet Earth contains one. It's a waste land, filled with all kinds of mythical creatures now told in bedtime stories, fairytales and scary camp fire stories. They used to walk the Earth, unnoticed by the humans, but noticed by another race. They are called the Ancients, a race similar to vampires only alive. They drink human blood and are immortal but they can go into sunlight and they are not affected by the church or holy water the way vampires are. Vampires are creatures of night, the Ancients are creatures of light, and when they locked all the creatures in the waste land they did it for the sake of the humans and their own race. The creatures of the other dimension had been getting restless, annoyed by the humans. They did things to trick them, hurt them, kill them. Unexplained occurrences happened and that was when the Ancients decided to create their new home. A veil had been produced seperating the two worlds, and the creatures were forbidden to ever cross into the human realm. The Ancients thought the veil would last for eternity, and their problem was taken care of. Now the humans were flourishing as the Ancients were, who were civilized enough to live among them peacefully. However the Ancients were wrong. The veil didn't last very long, and now it's fading away. The parallel world creatures are starting to find holes in it and are able to slip into the human world, determined to make it their own once again.
There's only one hope left. For years, while the veil slowly disappeared, the Ancients' three princes have been searching the human race for the one with the sight. The sight to see the parallel monsters and the veil itself. It is said that that human would be able to stop the monsters from coming out and will be able to repair the veil, preventing the extinction of the two co-existing races. The only problem is that every human they find dies, and they have been unsuccessful. However, now they believe they've found him, and the passion one of the Ancients have for him provides all the more evidence. But the passion the Ancient has for the human is so strong that he's torn between protecting the one person he loves, or saving his entire race and the humans from extinction. The Earth's inhabitants lives rest in the balance.
When Junsu woke next, he was laying on a soft, large bed. Pillows surrounded his head and a heavy blanket was pulled up to his chin. Slowly he pushed it away and sat up, gazing around at the room. It was an old style room, with beautifully carved, oak furniture and thin drapes that stood closed against the sun. When he looked down at his attire, he noticed that it was different from the clothes he had been wearing previously. They were soft and warm pyjamas and Junsu couldn’t help but smile.
A knock on the door drew his attention and he was silent as he watched it open. A curly head poked its head around the door and Junsu noticed-with a surprise feeling of flutters in his stomach-that it was Yoochun. Seeing Yoochun triggered something inside Junsu that he couldn’t understand. Nonetheless he was pleasantly surprised by the visit.
“Oh you are awake,” Yoochun said, coming all the way in, “you slept soundly for a good day and a half.” Junsu couldn’t help but wince. Had he really been that tired?
“Really?” was all he could manage. “I don’t really remember what happened after Changmin touched my hand….” It was true-whatever happened while Junsu was “sleeping” was blank to him. As he watched Yoochun, he thought he could barely make out the slightest twinge of hurt flicker across his face, but when Junsu went to look closer, it was gone. Instead Yoochun smiled and shrugged.
“Well you didn’t miss much,” he said casually, but Junsu could have sworn there was something more to it than that, “well…there was one thing I guess….” He bit his lip and Junsu looked at him expectantly. “I….” Another hesitation, but Yoochun quickly recovered and shook his head tiredly. “Prince Taemin’s been taken across the veil…we think that he was the one behind the veil fading in the first place. His key had been released early…and now that we dig deeper we found that it was around the time the veil’s first started appearing. But we don’t know why he’s there or who wants him there.”
Junsu paused. “Who wants him there? What do you mean by that?”
Again Yoochun shrugged. “I don’t know…the court is speculating, but all I know is that we managed to make some nasty enemies over there and maybe they want to use Taemin to get over the veil. And there’s a strong possibility that it’s the vampires.”
“Vampires?” Junsu groaned, “you’re kidding right? Of course you’re not, why wouldn’t they be real too?” Yoochun smiled at Junsu’s little moment, and for some reason that made Junsu’s face go red. Then he thought of something. “By the way, where are my brothers?”
“I…don’t know to be honest,” Yoochun admitted. “I’m sure they’re fine though. This place has tighter security than the White House does…and I bet that’s saying a lot.” Junsu nodded distractedly, when suddenly his stomach growled and his face went red again. This time Yoochun laughed out loud, and Junsu found that really liked the sound after all.
“Come on, the kitchen’s downstairs,” Yoochun smirked, and Junsu jumped off the bed eagerly. Quickly he followed Yoochun out the door and the down the hall to a flight of stairs that led to the kitchen.
The kitchen was a large, cozy room with white and blue tiles on the wall and wooden counter tops. Pots and pans littered a hanging over the flat stove and a large fridge stood off to the one side of the stainless steel sink. Talk about mixing the modern with the antique.
Yoochun pointed over to the table and went to the fridge while Junsu sat down, looking around. When Yoochun came back he held a plate of salad and some dressing. “I don’t know what humans like to eat so this is what I found….” He sounded uncertain so Junsu took and nodded.
“This works just fine!” he beamed, taking the dressing. “Don’t you eat food?”
“Not quite…I mean we can but it doesn’t give us enough strength. No we have a different source of nourishment.”
Taking a bite, Junsu raised an eyebrow. “What?”
“We drink blood.”
Junsu choked on his food, and Yoochun blinked in surprise. Quickly Junsu grabbed some water and swallowed properly before taking a drink. With his eyes watering he turned to Yoochun with utter shock. “You drink blood?! Like vampires? Are you serious?” He couldn’t believe what he was hearing and Yoochun had said that one phrase as if it had been the most normal thing. Well then again, to him it just might be. So Junsu wasn’t surprised when Yoochun nodded and looked at Junsu worriedly.
“Yes, we drink blood as well,” he replied, “but vampires do it for the kill and then the meal, we do it to survive. It’s not like we go out and attack innocent humans for it. We have other methods….”
Junsu pulled a disgusted face, unable to hide it quickly. “Like how?” Yoochun seemed ignorant by the look so he continued his explanation.
“We do have some volunteers of course who are willing to let us feed off them, or we usually take those criminals who are put up for execution. Normally criminals are not to our taste but we chose to live here among the humans peacefully so we cannot endanger that. That’s how we differ from vampires; plus we’re still living and are able to have children, while the vampires are undead. We can go out into the sunlight, churches, all that fun stuff, but the vampires cannot. Bram Stoker’s representation of a vampire is actually pretty accurate.” He frowned deeply. “But they’re nasty and cruel, very strong. We’re stronger than humans but vampires are stronger, and more difficult to kill. However, when it comes to feeding we do things more…appealing than just killing someone.”
Junsu merely nodded, suddenly the food on his plate not appetizing. It wasn’t that he was grossed out about Yoochun feeding off people, it was just strange. Obviously they had to survive, but drinking blood just connected them closely to vampires. He didn’t mention that however. It looked as though Yoochun would be highly offended by the statement. However, Yoochun did notice his discomfort so he moved on gracefully.
“Do you feel the presence of the key?” he asked.
“Not really…I don’t feel a whole lot different, just more energetic I guess.” Junsu shrugged. “Am I supposed to feel any different?”
“I don’t know to be honest…Taemin didn’t seem to feel his key either, but I know he was able to summon his half any time he wanted to. Half the time he was in the human world doing things a human teenage boy would do.”
“But Taemin was the one who was creating holes in the veil.”
Yoochun didn’t have time to answer when the kitchen door opened and Yunho stepped in, his serious face in place. Then again, there wasn’t a time when Yoochun had seen the guard relaxed. It was like he was on a twenty four hour watch-for seven days a week.
“There you are,” he said, taking in Junsu, “now that you’re awake, High Prince Jaejoong would like to see you. Immediately.” He turned and left the room but Yoochun knew he was going to wait out in the hall until Junsu followed him. Sighing he shook his head and gave Junsu a smirk and rolled his eyes. Junsu hid a laugh and understood what Yoochun was saying.
“After you’re done with the prince, we can go find your brothers and see if they’re alright,” he said, and Junsu brightened at the idea.
“Are you allowed to come in with me?” he asked, suddenly nervous. Yoochun could hear his heart beating rapidly and imagined that that was a sign of nervousness. Then Yunho was in the doorway and he gave Yoochun a sharp look. Sighing Yoochun shook his head.
“I think it’s more of a private matter,” he replied, shooting a secret glare at Yunho. “But don’t worry, I’ll be waiting outside the room for you.” Junsu smiled at that and it seemed to give him a little more confidence. He turned and followed Yunho out of the kitchen, and when they were gone Yoochun sunk into the chair and ran a hand through his hair. What a close call. The way Junsu was acting around him, it was as if he was completely comfortable and safe. Then again, Yoochun had been the only one to give him any answers to his craziness and was willing to accept that. It dawned on him suddenly. Junsu trusted him. Smiling he looked at the door with some hope in his gaze.
~*~*~*~
Junsu was led to a grand throne room, the one Yoochun had previously visited. Princes Jaejoong and Onew sat on their respective thrones, Jaejoong’s a little raised higher and grander looking than the other two. Onew sat on the right side while the left throne remained empty. Junsu knew instantly that that one was Taemin’s.
Prince Jaejoong looked worn. He had heavy bags under his eyes, and those round, hazel coloured eyes were bloodshot. His hair still looked proper, but there was a tiny hint of neglect. He didn’t sit as straight as when Junsu had first met him, and briefly Junsu wondered if he was that concerned for his brother. Pity filled him as he stopped a few feet away from the throne and bowed the way Yoochun had shown him earlier. Beside him, Yunho did the same. Jaejoong waved at them to drop formalities and Onew shifted slightly. Only he didn’t look as worn down by the events as his brother, but he did have an anxious look in his eyes.
Behind them were two guards; Onew’s and Taemin’s. From what Junsu was told, Minho had hit his head pretty hard, and yet there was no indication of ever being injured. He stood straight and tall, but his eyes were full of grief and guilt. Guilt that he didn’t save Taemin in time; guilt that wasn’t his to bear. Junsu turned back to the prince when he spoke.
“I’m glad you’re awake human…I’m sure you’ve been told as to what’s happened,” Jaejoong said, his voice rough. Junsu nodded.
“Yoochun told me.”
“Of course he did.” Jaejoong watched him, as if wanting an answer to that, but when Junsu didn’t say anything he continued. “Some things are not his business to tell you. He constantly chooses to disobey me and do his own thing, as if he ran the country. Hardly fit for any king.” Junsu blinked, shocked at what the prince had said about his cousin.
“If he hadn’t told me would you?” Junsu demanded, shocking everyone in the court. Onew’s head snapped up and his eyes were on his brother. Yunho tensed and Junsu could feel the menacing look that bore into his face. Still Junsu continued, suddenly really angry. “I thought I was going crazy by seeing all those things and you thought that if you didn’t say anything it would make everything all the better? At least he had the decency to tell me what was going on before I was brought here, that way I knew. He’s the only one who’s willing to help me understand. I’m sorry, but if you want my help then there’s no way I’m going to do so blindly.” Then he added as an afterthought. “Plus, keeping me away from my brothers doesn’t help either.”
The whole room filled with an intense silence. Onew’s eyes were now on Junsu and they were wide with shock and yet-much to Junsu’s surprise-amusement. No one has ever talked to the prince like that, not even his brothers. And Jaejoong looked absolutely stunned. His mouth was closed, his lips in a thin line, and his eyes were ablaze. Swiftly he stood and in seconds he was standing in front of Junsu, his eyes boring into the human’s.
“I think you should reconsider your words,” he hissed, making Junsu take an involuntary step backwards. Still he refused his fear to be shown and he stood his ground.
“I stand up for what I believe in,” he replied in a small voice, knowing it was loud enough for everyone to hear. “And I stand by what I say. Not even a prince is going to change that.”
Jaejoong stared at him for the longest time, his eyes telling Junsu he had plenty to say. Thankfully he held it in, whirled on his heel and stormed back to his throne. Obviously there was a more pressing matter than Yoochun but Junsu knew it wasn’t over between them. Swallowing his fear he waited until Jaejoong was controlled enough to speak again. When he was, Junsu was mildly surprised to find his voice steady and smooth.
“I need you to find my brother and bring him back,” was all he said. The bluntness of the statement shocked Junsu. But Jaejoong didn’t give him time to find his words. “The veil is falling and before it’s repaired Taemin needs to back in this world before, and you’re the only one who can do so.”
“Wait, what? Now you want me to go charging into that other world to get your brother back alive? I thought my only job was to fix the veil so we won’t have any other problems to deal with!” Junsu exclaimed.
“And it still is your job, but now we have a very pressing problem to deal with. I never counted on my brother being taken across the veil. Since you both share a bond, I’m sure you can figure out where he is easily enough.”
“And you expect me to go alone?”
At this Jaejoong smiled. It was a cunning smile, one that sent shivers down Junsu’s spine. “Of course not, why would I send a helpless human to their death? Yoochun will go with you, as well as Taemin’s guard Minho.”
“And that’s it? Three people are expected to cross over to another world where all these monsters are living?” Junsu recalled the wonderful explanation Yoochun had given him and shuddered. Jaejoong shrugged, but before he could speak a quiet voice beat him to it.
“I’ll go,” Prince Onew said, his eyes on Junsu. “If he thinks more people are required then I’ll go with Jonghyun.”
Prince Jaejoong actually looked aghast. He stared at Onew with wide eyes, his mouth open in surprise. Junsu smirked but hid his own amusement easily. Onew stared at his brother with determination.
“It’s better than sitting around here with nothing to do all day, except think about what’s happened to our brother,” he argued, and meant it, “if I’m there at least I’ll know for sure what’s happened to Taemin before they return. Besides I know how to defend myself.”
“Yes but you’re not as skilled…you stopped lessons two years ago,” Jaejoong pointed out, suddenly finding his voice. “I can’t have both my brothers wandering around the other world, it’s not going to happen.”
“I’m old enough to make my own decisions,” Onew replied, smiling his childish grin. “Besides I’ve never been on a rescue mission before! All I’ve ever done are those stupid allianc and congress meetings. BORING.” If possible, Jaejoong’s eyes widened further, his porcelain face going pale. Onew didn’t seem to notice so he continued. “Besides I will have Jonghyun, Minho and Yoochun there. Plus the human so what more protection can I have? It won’t be the castle but it’ll be enough.”
Junsu had to smile, impressed. He had half expected the middle prince to be the shy, obedient one, but turns out he was wrong. Onew and Key would get along so well….
Apparently Onew’s arguments were enough to convince his brother-so still not pleased with it-to join the little rescue party. At Jaejoong’s request-probably for Onew’s sake-Changmin was to be summoned to go with them. Jonghyun and Minho immediately went off with Yunho to get some plans set in place while Junsu set off to find Yoochun to tell him the news. He was sure Yoochun was completely unaware of the events.
As he left the room, he was surprised to find that Yoochun was not standing there waiting for him. Instead it was Junho, and he looked very unhappy. His arms were crossed and his eyes were glaring at the floor as he leaned against the wall.
“What did the floor ever do to you?” Junsu asked, hoping a joke would lighten his twin’s mood. Instead, it caused Junho to look up and his face broke. Now there was no more anger but worry and fear. Junsu’s smile faltered as he watched his brother struggle to contain the emotion with no success. Did he know already? His reply confirmed it.
“You don’t have to go you know,” he said, his voice steady and low. “That prince is just sending you because he doesn’t need you once you’re done. It explains why he was so shocked when his brother told him he’d go. Prince Jaejoong is sending you on a death mission and he knows it.”
“Why would he do that?” Junsu asked, suddenly confused, “he wants his brother back more than anything, it’s understandable he’d want someone to go after Taemin. What difference does it make if it’s me or one of the guards?” He knew the answer and Junho spoke it a loud, knowing it too.
“Because you don’t know how to fight. You can’t defend yourself if you’re face with danger.” He shrugged, hoping that would clear all his worry. “Not that that makes a difference, you signed up for the job anyway.”
“I didn’t actually sign up for any of this,” Junsu snapped, suddenly frustrated. He was shocked; usually he could control his temper, but for some reason everything started to bug him. “You think I wanted for this to happen? One day I believed that there was no such thing as fairies or vampires, and now I find out that they’re all real! I’m suddenly burdened with the world’s survival because of this stupid key and veil! I wouldn’t wish this on anyone but I never wanted it to be me!” He stood there panting, wondering where the sudden outburst had come from. By the look on his twin’s face, Junho was thinking the same thing. But unlike Junsu, Junho recovered and straightened himself. He didn’t look at Junsu but concentrated on the wall over his shoulder.
“If you want to go on this suicide mission by all means,” was all he said, and stormed passed Junsu. Junsu stared at the space in front of him, suddenly unsure of what he should do. Then something popped his head and he took off down the hall, knowing one person he could turn to.
“Where are you Yoochun?”
~*~*~*~
Someone sat in the shadows, watching the unconscious boy with a curious expression. Of course there was no way to see clearly what he was thinking, but the message was obvious enough. The boy was finally in her hands and now all she had to do was get rid of the other key. It shouldn’t be too hard; after all the possessor of the key was a mere human. What a joke. She smirked and shook her head, leaning back in her seat. Once she got rid of the other half of the key she would use this boy to undo the veil and that would destroy the wasteland she and the other monsters were forced to live in. Some had already escaped, much to her delight. The fact that the boy had started creating holes in the veil previously made its destruction all the easier. It wasn’t weak enough to let vampires through but in time it would be. And then she and every other monster in the wasteland would be free to reclaim their planet once more.
“Ma’am, we just received news,” a thick voice said, making her start.
“What is it?” she snapped.
“It seems the High Prince Jaejoong decided to send out a search party for the boy,” the voice replied. “The human with the other half of the key will be accompanying them, as well as a couple guards, a mere commoner, a witch and Prince Onew.”
She raised her eyebrow at this. “He’s letting his other brother come to this wasteland? What an idiot.” She scoffed. “And a witch…hm…that will be interesting yet not impossible to ward off. If you take out the witch the others will be easy to kill, but leave the human alive. Kill the prince.”
The messenger nodded and took his leave. Once again she stared down at the unconscious boy and smiled. The little rescue group was going to walk right into her trap. And all she had to do was sit and wait.