Veil (Chapter 7)
The day before their departure was very hectic. Jaejoong stuck mostly to the throne room, pacing anxiously, constantly reminding Onew to be on alert at all times and to run if the situation became too much for him to handle. Onew could only sit there, quelling his own nervousness and put on the brave front so his older brother wouldn’t worry about him that much.
Key and Junsu sat side by side, watching the water of the little pond they had found encircle their feet coolly. Junho seemed to be avoiding his twin at the moment and to be honest Junsu didn’t blame him. They hardly ever fought, and this time it was about Junsu’s life. Not something that could just disappear easily, as Junsu sat staring in the water. His conversation with Yoochun ran along his mind from time to time as if to prove that this was indeed an insane mission.
“Really?” was all Yoochun’s reply when Junsu told him. His eyes were wide with shock and he seemed unable to comprehend. “He said that we have to go after Taemin?”
Junsu nodded and bit his lip. “My brother thinks it’s because Prince Jaejoong doesn’t need us after so it doesn’t matter what happens to us.” He sighed. “And Junho is probably right about it being a suicide mission.” He looked up at Yoochun, hoping that there was some kind of assurance in that calm face, but there was nothing. In fact, he looked worried, which crushed any hope that had been there for Junsu.
“Junsu…this is a suicide mission,” Yoochun whispered, “it’s worse than being sentenced to death.” The world around Junsu dissolved as fear replaced it, and completely engulfed him. Suddenly he didn’t know what to do, but then he felt warm arms embrace him and hold him tightly. Instantly he melted into the embrace and noticed that it was Yoochun.
“But I will protect you with my life, no matter what the cost,” he whispered, his breath tickling Junsu’s ear….
“Hyung?” Key asked, making Junsu start. “Are you alright?”
“Eh? Oh, yeah…I’m fine,” Junsu smiled, shaking his head. “Just thinking that’s all.” Key nodded and turned back to the pond. Absently he picked at the hem of his rolled up jeans and looked like he wanted to say something so Junsu nudged him with his elbow.
“What’s up? If you want to say something spit it out,” he teased, but Key didn’t smile back. In fact, he looked like something major was bothering him, but suddenly he looked up and shook his head.
“I…I was just wondering if you were still having nightmares,” he muttered, but the tone left Junsu to think there was more to it than just that. He studied Key-who easily avoided his gaze-closely and sighed.
“Whatever it is I’m guessing you’ll tell me when you’re ready,” he said, “and no I haven’t had any dreams recently. It’s funny, but since I got here those dreams kind of just stopped. Not that I’m complaining or anything.” Junsu smiled, and laid back on the grass. Above, the clouds drifted lazily along, fluffy and white and slow. “When I come back I don’t ever want to think of this again.”
Key nodded silently and brought his knees up to his chest, then he rested his head on them. He kept his gaze on the water, a troubled look on his face.
~*~*~*~
The rest of the day went by quickly, and Junsu greatly regretted the fact that he didn’t get to do all that much. However, he and Key did get the chance to explore the castle, and its grounds were larger than they had originally thought. It was the perfect excuse to forget about everything and just hang out. Since they didn’t have that much time when they were at home, Key and Junsu enjoyed it greatly and they came back to the castle laughing so hard they were crying. In the grand entrance Yoochun stood casually waiting for Junsu. But what surprised Junsu more, was that Prince Onew was standing there as well, watching them anxiously. When he saw Key his cheeks went red and he smiled shyly at Key, who returned the same expression. Junsu watched with interest as they drew closer and he noticed how interested they both were in each other. Suddenly Yoochun was in front of him and Junsu shifted his attention back to him.
“We’re getting ready to go tonight,” Yoochun informed him, “the prince thinks we’ve planned enough and he wants to get the young prince back as soon as humanly possible.” Junsu blinked, shock written all over his face. Behind Yoochun, Prince Onew and Key watched, Key a little paler than usual.
“You’re not human,” Junsu pointed out quietly, “does that mean we’ll finish it quicker?”
At the naïve joke Yoochun smiled and shook his head. “We’re travelling with a human, don’t forget. But we must be going, the High Prince is getting frustrated.” Junsu stuck out his tongue and sighed. Quickly he glanced at Key-who was surprisingly watching Prince Onew with worry-and straightened up.
“Let’s get this done and over with,” he replied, hoping his voice sounded stronger than he felt. No one seemed to notice and as the little party left, Junsu couldn’t help but look around for his twin brother. There was no sign of Junho. A little disappointed he let it drop and just prayed he would come back after saving Prince Taemin.
Prince Jaejoong was standing near the thrones, his hand resting on Prince Taemin’s throne. His gaze was on the oceanic scene but his brows were furrowed in deep thought. It was a depressing look, because no matter how much he thought about it, he couldn’t find the appropriate explanation for his brother’s actions. So when the little party came in it took him a few minutes to realize they were even there. Then his tired gaze turned to them and he once again became the High Prince he was supposed to be.
“I see you’ve got my message,” he observed, his voice strained. Junsu nodded slowly, fear creeping up his throat. He swallowed it down and the prince continued. “The hole that’s being monitored in the sitting room will be your entrance to the other world and that will be where you return to. Be sure to mark the place it lies.” He nodded to where the three guards stood and they stepped forward. “Minho and Jonghyun will accompany you as well as Changmin. Everyone be careful.”
By then they had reached the sitting room and Prince Jaejoong swung open the door, letting a cold breeze out. The tear shimmered and rippled in the air. Instantly Junsu was drawn to it and he took a step forward, lifting his hand. Something stirred inside him and he knew it was his half of the key. No one seemed to notice his sudden interest in the ripple as Yunho turned to all of them.
“I have sat down with Minho and Jonghyun and they know what they’re supposed to do,” he explained, “since Prince Onew is going, I advice the human to go with him should anything happen. Those two are the important focus on this mission-as well as Prince Taemin of course. Run if you are overpowered or outnumbered. Jonghyun and Minho will explain everything else when you are there. Good luck to you all.”
Junsu was stepping closer to the ripple, when a hand halted him and suddenly he was staring at the High Prince. “If you touch that ripple it will close. Changmin may not have the ability to fully open or close the veil, he can make the damage greater. If you will Changmin.”
As if coming out of nowhere Changmin stepped out of the shadows and nodded once. He stepped in front of Junsu, blocking his view of the ripple, and touched it gently. The ripple shimmered more intensely and then it looked as though it was glowing brightly. Junsu’s eyes squinted but the pull of the veil let him duck around Changmin and he reached out for it. Changmin watched him with interest and he cast a quick glance in Prince Jaejoong’s direction. Jaejoong was watching Junsu as well and then his eyes widened.
“I don’t believe it,” he gasped, and Changmin nodded, as if he knew something no one else did. Yoochun and the others looked between the two. It was Changmin who decided to enlighten them.
“There may have been another side effect to the key than what we had thought,” he said, “and that’s the irresistible draw to it. It looks as though the veil hypnotizes the key holder, which would explain why Taemin kept unlocking it; he couldn’t help it.” Prince Jaejoong nodded and sighed.
“You should get going before one of those monsters finds out there’s another tear. We’ll have this monitored at all times so when you arrive you shouldn’t have any problems. Take care and bring my brothers home in one piece.”
The rescue crew all turned to the veil, and since Junsu was closest he was the first to step through. The light engulfed him and then he had disappeared. Yoochun hurried in after him, followed by Changmin and Minho. Jonghyun took a step forward and shot a quick glance back to where Prince Onew stood. He was surprised to see the young prince facing the human’s brother-Key he believed was his name-and had such a look of compassion that it threw Jonghyun off guard. Was Prince Onew in love with the human? Impossible. It was forbidden for the Ancients to love humans, they must never know about them. But then, Key knew about the Ancients so did that make him different? Suddenly frustrated-and jealous he realized-Jonghyun whirled on his heel and stormed through the veil.
“Come back,” Key whispered, fear etched in his voice and face. “I don’t want you to come back dead either.”
Onew smiled and shrugged. His best bet was to act casual to hide the fear he felt. “I will I promise…not come back dead though.” The Ancients had strict rules against loving a human, and the prince was breaking it. It was a horrible example he was setting but there was nothing he could do. The pull to the human was stronger than Junsu and Taemin felt towards the veil.
“I have to go.” He turned and managed to trip over his feet while walking quickly towards the tear. Key shook his head and smacked his forehead while Prince Jaejoong sighed and turned to Yunho.
“Do you think they’ll be alright?” he asked him, allowing himself to show concern. Key pretended to watch Onew disappear but he was concentrating on the sudden conversation. He was so engulfed that he didn’t even notice Junho standing just outside the door. He had seen everything and suddenly he felt very confused. Things were getting slightly out of hand, and he wasn’t liking the change one bit.
“I’m not sure,” Yunho admitted, “they have the best guards with them, I’m sure they can defend themselves easily enough. All we can do is keep our people under control. Word has spread that Prince Taemin has crossed over the veil, and the people are starting to talk. They believe he’ll end up just like the king.” He licked his lips, and slowly rested his hand on Jaejoong’s shoulder. Tensing Jaejoong stepped casually away from the hand and closer to the veil. Yunho noticed the slightly discomfort, but he didn’t question it.
“I guess I should deal with the people then,” Jaejoong whispered, “they do deserve to know the truth. But Taemin is not going to end up like our father…he can’t.”
A wave of dizziness washed over him suddenly and he swayed slightly. Yunho didn’t notice but Jaejoong cursed himself for not being able to feed lately due to the sudden emergency. And yet there still was no time to do that now; he had to figure out how to address his people. With a quick glance at Yunho, Jaejoong decided that the first chance he could feed he would; but for now he would have to hold out. Quickly he brushed past Yunho and ducked back into the main hall.
Junho was standing there, leaning against the wall, arms folded across his chest. “You’re not looking too hot there Princey.” He watched the High Prince intently and Jaejoong sniffed, his superiority returning to him.
“Even if you are not part of this race you still do not address me as though I am some friend of yours. And do not question my appearance either. I’m fine.” He stormed away and Junho rolled his eyes.
“Stuck up little prick,” he mumbled, certain Jaejoong hadn’t heard him. But the look on Jaejoong’s face when he turned back, told Junho that the prince heard everything. Again he rolled his eyes and wandered off in the opposite direction.
~*~*~*~
When Taemin had woken up he was lying on a cold, hard table. Slowly he sat up and looked around. His face paled when he realized he was inside what looked like a cage; it was just big enough to fit the table and some walk room. Sliding off the table he pouted, feeling his whole back was sore and his neck was stiff. Rubbing it with frustration he placed his hands on the bars and took in the scene. He was facing a window, and outside laid a wasteland. It was barren and dark, so there was no to tell what time of day it was.
“What a dump isn’t it?” a woman’s voice said from behind him. It was musical and beautiful and Taemin turned around. “It’s a shame that we have been put here while the Ancients believe they’re so high and mighty and can live among the humans. Oh, I do apologize young prince, I seemed to have forgotten myself in your presence.”
“Yeah, yeah, save it,” Taemin snapped, crossing his arms. “If you were so keen on being polite you wouldn’t have stuck me in a tiny cage with a rock hard table, bed thing. Besides I know what you are.” He clenched his teeth, barring his small canines. “Vampire.”
The woman clapped, stepping out from the shadows. “Very good darling prince. You’re keener than I had thought.” When she smiled her own canine teeth were much sharper than Taemin’s, or any other Ancients’. Her skin was deathly pale her brown eyes were ringed crimson red. Her lips were stained the same colour which made them stand out drastically against her skin. Her hair was wavy and brown, and perfectly shaped. All in all she was very beautiful-if not for the fact that she was a vampire.
“I imagine you’re hungry,” she continued, “I’m not quite familiar with how long an Ancient can go without feeding, but I’m sure it’s longer than we can.” In other words, Taemin wasn’t getting anything to eat, and Taemin gritted his teeth.
“Not that I’d want to eat any of your crap anyway,” he spat, feeling more pissed off than scared. “Why the hell do you want me anyway?”
“My, my, do you have a nasty temper or what,” she smiled, gliding closer to his cage. “Just like your father.”
Rage burned through Taemin and his eyes flared and he lunged at the cage. The woman smiled as his temper soared with amusement. “Don’t you dare speak about my father! You have no right!”
“Are you so sure?” she said, surprisingly stepping closer. “After all it was I, Tiffany, who changed him.” Her smile widened when she saw Taemin’s speechless stare. “That’s right, your father is no longer an Ancient dear prince. Now he’s a vampire, and he’s very anxious to meet you again.”