From the Soul to the Song - Verse Thirty Two
From the Soul to the Song
Book One: Melody of the Ensouled
Verse Thirty Two
September faded into October and then November with little incident from the Dark Ones. The homebound members of Super Junior received one call from SHINee to deal with another Dark One. It was taken care of much easier then the first one had been, and its destruction left everyone with a feeling of unease.
Their schedules, thankfully, did not leave too much free time for worrying. Filmings of several different shows, a few dramas, overseas promotions, concert practice, and a couple of musicals kept everyone busy enough that they could hardly find more than three hours for sleep, let alone anything else. As pleased as the members of Super Junior were to see their careers going steady and their junior’s careers picking up significantly, they dreaded the moment that everything may come crashing down.
When Yesung’s phone flashed Minho’s name as an incoming call, a feeling of dread settled into the pit of his stomach. “Hello?”
“Hyung?” Minho’s voice was calm. “Do you have some time to chat?”
Yesung made a noise of consideration dropped another piece of lettuce into his turtle tank. “Sure, I just got home, so I have a few minutes at least. What do you need?”
“How is everyone?” Minho asked.
“Alright,” Yesung replied slowly. He had been expecting something like an order to arms or something along those lines, not a simple inquiry.
“Good. We haven’t been able to see you all in while,” Minho said calmly.
Yesung laughed, then. He was incredibly glad that this appeared to be one of those ‘I’m just calling because I haven’t talked to you in a month and I want to make sure you are all still alive and know that I still love you’ calls. “We are doing well, you should know since you get to see Eunhyuk every time you film for Dream Team.”
Minho laughed. “We don’t exactly get a lot of chance to chat about anything serious.”
“Well,” Yesung paused for a moment, organizing his thoughts as he settled onto his bed. “Heechul works himself into a fit almost daily now. He finally stopped fretting about his hair and he has moved on to fretting about his weight and of course he is moody because his husband is almost constantly in China.” There was a laugh from Minho at that, before Yesung continued.
“Shindong is working and in as good humor as he always is. Sungmin is working as well, he has a few different filmings he regularly attends, I’m sure you have seen him around. Eunhyuk you have seen. Kibum has found a cave, or at least turned his apartment into one. He is filming this, that and the other thing and says that he needs space to remain in character. Kangin got a DUI last month, which I’m sure you also knew, and is on suspension.”
“Yeah,” Minho agreed and Yesung could almost hear the smile in his voice. “Leeteuk called us that night to ask if there had been activity of a Dark One in the area. When we said no, he just hung up. So I suspect that Kangin spent last month in his own apartment on his couch, instead of in Leeteuk’s bed?”
“Pretty much,” Yesung agreed. He absently noted that none of them had ever mentioned anything about their relationships to SHINee yet Minho seemed to know of at least one. “Leeteuk wouldn’t answer his calls or say a word to him for three days. Then he finally answered the phone, after approximately twelve voice mails in one hour. It took him another week to say a full sentence to Kangin, then two days after that he exploded and gave Kangin a full on lecture. The verdict is still out on whether it was a ‘mother lecture’ or a ‘wife lecture’ and there is still time to join the betting on that one. After that they started talking again, but I’m fairly certain that Leeteuk plans on holding out on him until his suspension is served. Leeteuk is convinced that it is more of a punishment that way.”
Minho laughed. “He might be right. I have to go, but you know if you brought Eunhyuk with you when you visit China tonight, Donghae might stop looking quite so sick.”
Yesung sighed. “Last month when I did that it took a crowbar, Siwon, Hankyung, a call from Kibum and the threat of letting in the fans, to pry them apart so that we could come back.”
“You could always just threaten to portal the two of them straight to the North Pole and leave them there,” Minho suggested casually.
“If I do that then I will be sleeping on the couch.”
“True, Ryeowook is fairly protective. Good luck with that hyung,” Minho replied with mock sympathy.
“Thanks,” Yesung rolled his eyes. “Take care of yourselves.”
Minho promised he would and bid him goodnight once more before hanging up the phone. Yesung shut his phone with a smile and a sigh. It was time, he figured, to see if anyone else wanted to take a brief hop over to China with him.
~♪~♪♫♪~♪~
A week later, when most of the members of the group landed in Thailand, not even a Dark One could have destroyed their spirits. They had all acted calm as they walked off the plane and through the airport in separate groups. The moment that they walked through the door of one of their hotel room, all pretences were gone. Several people immediately wrapped each other in tight hugs.
Heechul tucked Hankyung under one arm and Siwon under the other, which was quite the feat given the size of the other men. Eunhyuk and Donghae collapsed onto a bed wrapped together and sharing fleeting kisses. Yesung silently reached for Ryeowook and the other man came to him willingly. Even Kyuhyun and Sungmin enjoyed a short hug and a small kiss before sitting near one another.
“Zhou mi!” Shindong exclaimed suddenly, dramatically. He set his suitcase on the floor and flung his arms wide open.
“Shindong!” Zhou mi replied immediately, he tossed his suitcase behind him and bolted forward with a big goofy grin on his face. “I have missed you so much!”
“And I you, sweetheart!” Shindong scooped Zhou mi into his arms and twirled him around before they pretended to kiss.
“I never want to be away from you again!” Zhou mi said passionately.
Donghae threw a pillow at his head and the sound of laughter filled the room.
“Ok guys,” one of their managers said as he stepped into the room that they had congregated in momentarily. He was well used to their slight strangeness, so he paid little attention as a pillow went flying back towards Donghae. “Our schedule tonight is as follows,” and he began to inform them of their schedule for the evening and the next day.
~♪~♪♫♪~♪~
The next morning Super Junior assembled at the Impact Arena for their preconcert rehearsal. There was a good deal of stretching and yawning as several members attempted to wake their sleep riddled bodies up from the few hours of sleep they had managed to get. Donghae was bent over stretching down to his toes when a hand grabbed a firm hold of his backside. He yelped in surprise and spun to glare accusingly at the culprit. Behind him, smirking contently, stood Kibum.
“Kibum!” Donghae exclaimed as he launched himself at the other man. Kibum was ready for him and was able to stop his momentum from toppling them both to the floor. He laughed lightly and leaned down to kiss Donghae’s lips. The older man leaned in to the kiss happily as he pulled Kibum even closer to himself.
“How did you get here? I thought you were busy?” Donghae began to chatter the moment they broke the kiss.
“I had the day off so I called Yesung up and got a little bit of instant transportation. I knew you would want to see me,” Kibum replied gently as he ran a hand down Donghae’s back. Donghae nodded and leaned in for another kiss.
“People are coming,” Yesung reported as he walked past them.
Donghae nodded and stole a quick kiss before he took a few steps backwards and resumed his stretches. A moment later Leeteuk walked into the room, trailed by several staff members and, strangely enough, Kangin. Leeteuk shrugged in response to the questioning looks. “He called Yesung,” Leeteuk said by way of explanation. It was enough that Super Junior could understand exactly what had occurred.
“When you guys are ready we need to get things going,” their manager announced. Several members nodded and finished their stretches.
~♪~♪♫♪~♪~
The morning was filled with rehearsal. After that they would retreat backstage to get hair, makeup and clothing done. For the moment however, a great majority of the members were in simple sweats and sweaters. Rehearsal consisted of nothing more strenuous then making certain that they had all the right lyrics, formation, use of stage, order of songs, and a variety of other items that need to be checked. Kibum and Kangin both watched from just off stage, offering their opinions to the members when they saw something that needed to be corrected.
Even songs that involved little to no actual chorography had to be rehearsed. It wouldn’t work if every member was gathered in one part of the stage singing. They would have to work out who was going where at what times so that they could make the best use of the stage they had been given. They were half of the way through doing just that when the PD suddenly stopped speaking mid sentence. He then turned and walked calmly out of the arena. A moment later every staff member did the same.
“That can’t be good,” Eunhyuk said quietly.
Yesung closed his eyes and felt with his other senses. Something was wrong. He couldn’t tell what it was but where he knew he should be able to hear Songs he was hearing nothing. Even the Songs of the staff had suddenly disappeared. “Something is wrong.”
“Very perceptive,” a voice said from high in the stadium. The members could barely make out his form but they could tell that he wore no shirt and had long black hair. “I figured that you all might want your crew to be safe. You silly Ensouled are so picky about all of that and I don’t want anything to hinder our play time.”
“Keiran,” Hankyung hissed. “I would know his voice anywhere.”
In an instant the members that could connect without a touch did so and then quickly moved to form the physical contact they need to connect with the rest. Kangin, Kibum, Henry, and Zhou mi joined the others on that stage as the members gathered into a tight cluster and Kangin threw a shield around all of them.
Keiran laughed. “Now there is no need to get all hasty like that,” he settled into a seat and crossed one leg over the other. “I’m going to give you five minutes to get yourselves all set up and work out a battle plan. Starting now.” He smiled and glowing red numbers appeared in the air over his head as he started counting down.
“Is he serious?” Donghae asked.
Kyuhyun nodded. “I think so. He is confident he can win no matter what.”
“What do we do then?” Eunhyuk asked as he squeezed Donghae’s hand.
“We do exactly what he said,” Kangin replied firmly. “Step away from Henry, I’m going to start building a shield around him.” Several members stepped back as Kangin stepped forward and began to layer protective Weavings around Henry. Throughout their group several weapons appeared, created by the Weavers.
“Why do have to play by his rules?” Ryeowook asked quietly as he stared at the glowing numbers that were counting down as if clicking off the seconds until they met their fate.
“We have no plan,” Leeteuk reminded him. “We had no idea how he would show up.”
“I can hit him,” Ryeowook said confidently. “With Kyuhyun’s help he will never see it coming.”
“I’m ready when you are,” Kyuhyun told Ryeowook in Chinese.
Ryeowook wasted no more time. He lifted his bow and pulled back the string. Immediately an arrow appeared in the taught weapon, ready and waiting. Ryeowook didn’t take time to aim, he didn’t need to, his arrow would fly true. He released it and it shot through the air sped by Kyuhyun’s ability faster than the human eye could see.
“Really,” Keiran said a second later. He held up his hand displaying the arrow. “Here I am trying to be nice and give you a chance and you go and do something like this.” The clock above his head sped up until seconds later it was reading all zeros. “Time is up,” Keiran said with a smirk. He waved his hand casually, and the arena was filled with the shapes of Dark Ones. “Bring me their Songs,” he instructed.
“Keiran is ours,” Heechul growled as his hands tightened around the sword he had created for his own use.
Leeteuk nodded. “We’ll keep the others off you.”
“Henry’s shield is as good as it is getting,” Kangin replied. At that moment the first Dark One reached the outer shield that Kangin had created. The shield shuttered but held firm under its attack, but they all knew it wouldn’t last for long.
“We work together, like we have been taught,” Leeteuk ordered. Around their group members nodded. Henry called for his violin, settled it on his shoulder and began to play. With another nod, Kangin dropped the outer shield and Super Junior sprang into action as one.
~♪~♪♫♪~♪~
It was obvious immediately that the enemy they were facing was not dangerous by itself. Not a single member had trouble destroying several Dark Ones immediately. It took a few minutes for Kyuhyun to see where the real danger lay. As quick as they were destroying Dark Ones, new were appearing to take their place. Overall they were taking little damage, but the small hits they did take left tiny cuts or bruises that stung and added together would be enough to damage them in the long run.
Worse, was the fact that Kyuhyun knew if they kept on like this then they would wear down and be exhausted by the time they even got to Keiran. “Heechul,” Kyuhyun called as he sliced through the Dark One between the two of them.
“What?” Heechul replied, not taking his eyes off the enemy in front of him.
“We have to get to Keiran now. I’ll fly you there,” Kyuhyun told him.
Heechul nodded. “Alright.”
“I’m going too,” Hankyung said firmly.
Kyuhyun nodded and pulled together the power from his Singers. He prepared himself to feel the strange sensations of giving someone who wasn’t on his team his Weavings, before he called on his abilities. Unlike the Weavings he placed on his team and himself, the Weaving he placed on the fire team he himself directed. When it had settled around them he lifted them up and over, sending them straight to where Keiran was sitting.
Keiran watched them come with a smile on his face. He stood gracefully from his seat and when Heechul landed, swinging out with his weapon before his feet fully touched the ground, Keiran was ready. He lifted a hand and Heechul’s blade stopped mid swing as if something had simply reached out and grabbed it. Hankyung immediately moved to attack as well and he too stopped a moment before actually hitting Keiran, unable to move.
“Well you didn’t have to bring your Song right to me, although I do appreciate the gesture,” Keiran said with a smirk. He stepped forward and ran a finger down the side of Heechul’s face. Hankyung instantly began to struggle in the invisible hold of whatever had him. “Such a passionate Song,” he cooed lowly. “I wanted so badly to see your Singer’s and your Song corrupted beyond repair, but I guess I will simply have to settle with them the way they are now.”
“Heechul!” Hankyung exclaimed as he struggled harder. Heechul couldn’t move his head to even look at Hankyung and he certainly couldn’t move his mouth to respond. That didn’t stop Hankyung from being able to read the body that he knew so well and everything in Heechul’s body screamed that he was terrified.
Hankyung renewed his struggles against the invisible hold. This time he managed to twitch a finger before his progress was halted. A finger wasn’t enough. He needed to give Heechul more. He would give Heechul everything if it would save the other man. There wasn’t anything that he had that he wouldn’t be willing give to Heechul. Nothing was too much to ask for from him. The moment the thoughts were complete, his world flashed a brilliant red.
~♪~♪♫♪~♪~
When the light cleared from his vision, Hankyung had no idea where he was. He could move again, he discovered immediately as he took a step forward. Wherever he was, the area was covered in almost every shade of red and no one else was anywhere to be seen, except Heechul.
“Heechul,” he breathed out relieved.
Heechul smiled softly. “Hey, don’t worry you won’t fall.” His words prompted Hankyung to look down and discover there was nothing but emptiness around his feet.
“Where are we?” he asked confused.
“My head,” Heechul responded as if it was a normal everyday occurrence.
Hankyung took a step forward then. “You have wings,” he declared.
Heechul smirked and flexed them. “So do you. Black looks good on you.”
A confused look crossed Hankyung’s face and he reached behind himself. He started in surprise when his fingers felt soft feathers. “I have wings.”
Heechul laughed and stepped forward. Slender fingers reached out and lightly traced a black feather. “You do. I like them. Except for this,” he tapped a piece of metal on the edge of one of Hankyung’s wings. It was a band, almost a piece of jewelry yet he knew it wasn’t there for any fashion purposes.
“The part that Keiran put into me is in there isn’t it,” he said with certainly. Heechul nodded, clearly upset by it. “What is happening Heechul?”
“I think we are a step away from fusing. At least this is what Leeteuk described it as,” Heechul explained absently as he ran a hand up the other wing.
“Heechul,” Hankyung said softly his voice trembling at the feeling of Heechul touching that part of him so intimately.
“I missed you. I missed being able to see you like this,” Heechul said softly.
“You have never seen me like this,” Hankyung replied, confused.
“I missed the time when you never hid anything from me. Lately a part of you has been closed off to me. I don’t like that, but you can’t hide it here.”
Hankyung nearly took a step back and out of Heechul’s reaching fingers. “Heechul, I-”
“Don’t be a moron,” Heechul scoffed. “Just because you hid it from me doesn’t mean that I don’t know what it is.” He could a feel a strange pull on himself that he knew he would have to answer to it one way or another. “So you have a choice now. Do you want to stop hiding from me or should we call this whole fusing thing off?”
The question took no time for him to ponder at all, Hankyung already knew his answer. He stepped forward and wrapped his arm around Heechul’s waist. “I’ll stop hiding from you, if you stop hiding yourself from me.”
Heechul laughed, “You have a deal.” He leaned forward and pressed their lips together.
~♪~♪♫♪~♪~
Keiran hissed and leaped backward as brilliant red light surrounded Heechul and Hankyung. When it faded, Hankyung had vanished and wings had formed on Heechul’s back. The wings began with deep obsidian black feathers that, by the tips of the wings, appeared to be dipped in crimson. Heechul’s eyes opened and he fixed a glowing red glare on the Prince of the Dark Ones.
“You are not allowed to toy with us any longer. You will pay for everything you have done,” the voice that came from Heechul’s mouth was a strange layering of Heechul and Hankyung’s voices. His hand tightened around his sword and he spread his wings. A powerful backstroke launched him backwards and broke the hold that Keiran had over his body.
Heechul wasted no time in reversing the move and lunging forward, sword swinging. This time the sound of metal rang out as Keiran met his sword with his own black blade. The Dark One leapt backwards and sprang into the air. Opening his wings, Heechul smirked, and followed.
~♪~♪♫♪~♪~
Leeteuk was startled to hear the sound of swords ringing overhead. A glance up confirmed his suspicions that Heechul and Keiran were engaged over head. The powerful wings protruding from Heechul’s back were confirmation that they had moved combat to the next level. Perhaps it was time to follow. “Kangin,” Leeteuk called as he stepped closer, a presented everything he had to his Weaver.
~♪~♪♫♪~♪~
The feeling was much like it had been before, warm and comforting while surrounded by pulsing green. “Leeteuk?” Kangin asked, as though he was surprised to see the other man there.
“We need the boost. We are going to get over run by sheer numbers,” Leeteuk explained.
“But I thought you were still upset with me,” Kangin said softly. “How can we find harmony in that?”
Leeteuk sighed. “You made a horrible choice and acted like an idiot, but that doesn’t mean I love you any less or want you any less for that matter.”
“Jungsoo,” Kangin said quietly.
Leeteuk stepped forward and fitted their bodies together, his arms settling around Kangin’s neck as the other man held him around the waist. “I was just trying to make you see how dumb you were.”
“I saw it,” Kangin responded with a smile.
“Oh you will,” Leeteuk replied and then he leaned in and sealed their lips together in a sweet kiss.
~♪~♪♫♪~♪~
Kibum absently noted the green glow that surrounded his hyungs as he ducked to the side and slashed up with a dagger, destroying yet another Dark One. Eunhyuk danced closer, slashing out as he went. “Leeteuk and Kangin are fusing,” Eunhyuk said soft. Sure enough the green glow disappeared leaving a winged Kangin who sprang immediately back into action. “We probably should too.”
Kibum nodded. “Just be willing to give everything to Donghae,” he instructed.
Eunhyuk laughed. That part was easy. He was already more than willing to give everything to his best friend and lover. The moment those thoughts settled in his mind all he saw was blue.
~♪~♪♫♪~♪~
The first thing Eunhyuk noticed was his new surroundings. There didn’t appear to be a floor or walls of any sort but everything pulsed with a soft cool blue. The second thing he noticed was the other two men that were standing nearby. Donghae reached for him and he smiled. A moment later Donghae had his arm wrapped around his waist as well as Kibum’s.
“Do you guys know you have wings?” Eunhyuk asked, gesturing towards the teal feathered wings on Donghae and the royal blue feathered wings on Kibum. Kibum smiled.
“You do too,” Donghae replied with a smile. “A really pretty sea green.” The arm that was around Eunhyuk’s waist lifted so that he could run his fingers lightly along the feathers.
Eunhyuk sucked in his breath in surprise, not at Donghae’s touch, but at something completely different. “He really does love us just as much. It is the same,” Eunhyuk breathed out in wonder. Kibum smiled as though he had figured that out long ago.
Donghae looked puzzled. “Of course I do. I told you I loved you both.”
“I know but,” Eunhyuk trailed off, unsure of what else to say.
Kibum laughed. “Maybe we should stop wasting time and get back to the fighting,” he suggested.
“First I want kisses!” Donghae declared and then smile naughtily. Kibum and Eunhyuk were happy to oblige him.
~♪~♪♫♪~♪~
Ryeowook smiled slightly as he noticed the water trio begin to glow and a moment later two of them disappeared all together. A moment later the light shimmered and disappeared. Donghae stood with not one but two sets of feathered wings, one beginning in teal and fading to royal blue and the other beginning in teal and fading to sea green.
It warmed his heart the slightest bit to see that as he spun and slashed out with his short sword. If he understood everything Yesung had told him correctly, that meant that the trio had found some sort of harmony, in order to fuse. The harmony and a willingness of a Singer to give everything to their Weaver was all that was required of a mated pair. Ryeowook felt that and more, and he sliced through one more Dark One before he allowed his vision to flash silver.
~♪~♪♫♪~♪~
Bright, was the first thing Ryeowook could think of, but as he stared at his surroundings more, the brightness seemed to fade into thousands of colors. There in the midst of the color stood Yesung, silver wings half spread.
“You don’t have to do this you know,” he said softly. “I have taken so much from you. I don’t know if I will be able to separate you from myself, even if Henry can play your Song.”
Ryeowook smiled then and stepped closer to Yesung. “That’s alright. I don’t think I’ll mind it too much.”
“Ryeowook,” Yesung said softly. “You are beautiful. Do you know that? Your wings are gorgeous, just like your Song and everything else about you.” Ryeowook blushed and fluttered his wings lightly. The light blue wings shimmered as they caught the light. They looked much like the wings of a butterfly but Ryeowook could tell they were much stronger than any butterflies wings.
“I love you Jongwoon,” Ryeowook replied.
Yesung carefully wrapped an arm around his waist. “I love you too, I always will,” he said sincerely as he pressed his lips to Ryeowook’s in a kiss that was exactly how their first kiss should have been.
~♪~♪♫♪~♪~
Sungmin had noticed as first Heechul and then steadily the rest of his members had joined as one to obtain the power that they needed to fight. He wasn’t too surprised to see Yesung and Ryeowook begin to glow silver and then a second later the light cleared revealing the silver shimmering dragon wings that had appeared on Yesung’s back.
“You know,” Sungmin said casually to Kyuhyun as he sliced a Dark One with his fan. “We should probably join everyone else.”
Kyuhyun scowled then, but continued to dodge and control his chakram with his element. Sungmin laughed. It didn’t really matter what Kyuhyun wanted, at least not at first. He was willing to give everything he had to his Weaver and he knew that was enough. A moment later he was enveloped by yellow light.
~♪~♪♫♪~♪~
“Sungmin,” Kyuhyun’s voice was filled with irritation. “What exactly do you think you are doing?”
“Giving everything to you?” Sungmin answered playfully.
“Not funny. You know how I feel about-”
Sungmin’s fingers on his lips silenced him and Kyuhyun bit back the urge to bite those fingers. “I know you can see that the reason we were brought together was because all five elements were in our team and we could safely fuse and use the full power of those elements. I know you realize that we need to too.”
“Sungmin,” Kyuhyun ignored the finger, “I already told you. I’m not doing anything just for power.”
“Who said anything about power? I just wanted to see you naked and check out your wings.” At Sungmin’s smirk Kyuhyun’s purple feathered wings folded tighter to his body.
“Well at least mine aren’t pink,” Kyuhyun snapped.
“I love my wings.”
“I’m sure you do. The colors are going to look horrible together and-”
Sungmin grabbed the back of his neck and startled him by jerking them closer together. “Shut up and kiss me,” he ordered. Kyuhyun found that he couldn’t ignore that.
~♪~♪♫♪~♪~
The clearing of the yellow light left Kyuhyun standing with fresh wings colored a deep purple that faded into pink, arching from his back. Unlike the other feathered wings, his were built more streamline and slightly more delicate. Where Heechul and Kangin’s wings were both designed for power, Kyuhyun’s were designed for speed and maneuverability, much like a falcon.
He smirked then and leapt into the air, spreading them and zipping quickly over the heads of the Dark Ones. It was much easier to attack from the air and with his chakram spinning around him, he took out several enemies in only a few seconds.
Around the arena, the rest of the fused members were doing just as well. A combination of their elements and quick use of combat was dropping more of the Dark Ones then they had been previously. Siwon signaled to Zhou mi and Shindong. Together the three of them dropped back to form a loose ring around Henry. High above the rest Heechul spun and smashed his sword into Keiran’s. The Dark One grunted with effort as he pushed back before springing backwards in the air. He immediately reversed and lunged at the fire wielder.
Heechul met his attack with a well placed block, but it wasn’t enough to absorb whatever strange force that Keiran had put behind his blow. He spun downwards, out of control, in a dangerous spiral. At the last moment he managed to get his wings out and catch enough air that he landed in a rough crouch instead of sprawled on the ground.
Red eyes glared up at the Dark One floating calmly above them. Heechul saw Keiran smirk, and then everything went white.
Verse Thirty Three
Masterlist
Character Information
AN: Sorry you guys that this took so long and sorry also for taking so long to reply to your comments last time. I had a crazy week this last week. This is the beginning of the end and I am so excited! I still owe some of you drabbles from a few weeks ago. I am terribly sorry and I will get those as soon as I can get to writing them. Spring break is coming up shortly so hopefully I'll have plenty of time then!
Book One: Melody of the Ensouled
Verse Thirty Two
September faded into October and then November with little incident from the Dark Ones. The homebound members of Super Junior received one call from SHINee to deal with another Dark One. It was taken care of much easier then the first one had been, and its destruction left everyone with a feeling of unease.
Their schedules, thankfully, did not leave too much free time for worrying. Filmings of several different shows, a few dramas, overseas promotions, concert practice, and a couple of musicals kept everyone busy enough that they could hardly find more than three hours for sleep, let alone anything else. As pleased as the members of Super Junior were to see their careers going steady and their junior’s careers picking up significantly, they dreaded the moment that everything may come crashing down.
When Yesung’s phone flashed Minho’s name as an incoming call, a feeling of dread settled into the pit of his stomach. “Hello?”
“Hyung?” Minho’s voice was calm. “Do you have some time to chat?”
Yesung made a noise of consideration dropped another piece of lettuce into his turtle tank. “Sure, I just got home, so I have a few minutes at least. What do you need?”
“How is everyone?” Minho asked.
“Alright,” Yesung replied slowly. He had been expecting something like an order to arms or something along those lines, not a simple inquiry.
“Good. We haven’t been able to see you all in while,” Minho said calmly.
Yesung laughed, then. He was incredibly glad that this appeared to be one of those ‘I’m just calling because I haven’t talked to you in a month and I want to make sure you are all still alive and know that I still love you’ calls. “We are doing well, you should know since you get to see Eunhyuk every time you film for Dream Team.”
Minho laughed. “We don’t exactly get a lot of chance to chat about anything serious.”
“Well,” Yesung paused for a moment, organizing his thoughts as he settled onto his bed. “Heechul works himself into a fit almost daily now. He finally stopped fretting about his hair and he has moved on to fretting about his weight and of course he is moody because his husband is almost constantly in China.” There was a laugh from Minho at that, before Yesung continued.
“Shindong is working and in as good humor as he always is. Sungmin is working as well, he has a few different filmings he regularly attends, I’m sure you have seen him around. Eunhyuk you have seen. Kibum has found a cave, or at least turned his apartment into one. He is filming this, that and the other thing and says that he needs space to remain in character. Kangin got a DUI last month, which I’m sure you also knew, and is on suspension.”
“Yeah,” Minho agreed and Yesung could almost hear the smile in his voice. “Leeteuk called us that night to ask if there had been activity of a Dark One in the area. When we said no, he just hung up. So I suspect that Kangin spent last month in his own apartment on his couch, instead of in Leeteuk’s bed?”
“Pretty much,” Yesung agreed. He absently noted that none of them had ever mentioned anything about their relationships to SHINee yet Minho seemed to know of at least one. “Leeteuk wouldn’t answer his calls or say a word to him for three days. Then he finally answered the phone, after approximately twelve voice mails in one hour. It took him another week to say a full sentence to Kangin, then two days after that he exploded and gave Kangin a full on lecture. The verdict is still out on whether it was a ‘mother lecture’ or a ‘wife lecture’ and there is still time to join the betting on that one. After that they started talking again, but I’m fairly certain that Leeteuk plans on holding out on him until his suspension is served. Leeteuk is convinced that it is more of a punishment that way.”
Minho laughed. “He might be right. I have to go, but you know if you brought Eunhyuk with you when you visit China tonight, Donghae might stop looking quite so sick.”
Yesung sighed. “Last month when I did that it took a crowbar, Siwon, Hankyung, a call from Kibum and the threat of letting in the fans, to pry them apart so that we could come back.”
“You could always just threaten to portal the two of them straight to the North Pole and leave them there,” Minho suggested casually.
“If I do that then I will be sleeping on the couch.”
“True, Ryeowook is fairly protective. Good luck with that hyung,” Minho replied with mock sympathy.
“Thanks,” Yesung rolled his eyes. “Take care of yourselves.”
Minho promised he would and bid him goodnight once more before hanging up the phone. Yesung shut his phone with a smile and a sigh. It was time, he figured, to see if anyone else wanted to take a brief hop over to China with him.
~♪~♪♫♪~♪~
A week later, when most of the members of the group landed in Thailand, not even a Dark One could have destroyed their spirits. They had all acted calm as they walked off the plane and through the airport in separate groups. The moment that they walked through the door of one of their hotel room, all pretences were gone. Several people immediately wrapped each other in tight hugs.
Heechul tucked Hankyung under one arm and Siwon under the other, which was quite the feat given the size of the other men. Eunhyuk and Donghae collapsed onto a bed wrapped together and sharing fleeting kisses. Yesung silently reached for Ryeowook and the other man came to him willingly. Even Kyuhyun and Sungmin enjoyed a short hug and a small kiss before sitting near one another.
“Zhou mi!” Shindong exclaimed suddenly, dramatically. He set his suitcase on the floor and flung his arms wide open.
“Shindong!” Zhou mi replied immediately, he tossed his suitcase behind him and bolted forward with a big goofy grin on his face. “I have missed you so much!”
“And I you, sweetheart!” Shindong scooped Zhou mi into his arms and twirled him around before they pretended to kiss.
“I never want to be away from you again!” Zhou mi said passionately.
Donghae threw a pillow at his head and the sound of laughter filled the room.
“Ok guys,” one of their managers said as he stepped into the room that they had congregated in momentarily. He was well used to their slight strangeness, so he paid little attention as a pillow went flying back towards Donghae. “Our schedule tonight is as follows,” and he began to inform them of their schedule for the evening and the next day.
~♪~♪♫♪~♪~
The next morning Super Junior assembled at the Impact Arena for their preconcert rehearsal. There was a good deal of stretching and yawning as several members attempted to wake their sleep riddled bodies up from the few hours of sleep they had managed to get. Donghae was bent over stretching down to his toes when a hand grabbed a firm hold of his backside. He yelped in surprise and spun to glare accusingly at the culprit. Behind him, smirking contently, stood Kibum.
“Kibum!” Donghae exclaimed as he launched himself at the other man. Kibum was ready for him and was able to stop his momentum from toppling them both to the floor. He laughed lightly and leaned down to kiss Donghae’s lips. The older man leaned in to the kiss happily as he pulled Kibum even closer to himself.
“How did you get here? I thought you were busy?” Donghae began to chatter the moment they broke the kiss.
“I had the day off so I called Yesung up and got a little bit of instant transportation. I knew you would want to see me,” Kibum replied gently as he ran a hand down Donghae’s back. Donghae nodded and leaned in for another kiss.
“People are coming,” Yesung reported as he walked past them.
Donghae nodded and stole a quick kiss before he took a few steps backwards and resumed his stretches. A moment later Leeteuk walked into the room, trailed by several staff members and, strangely enough, Kangin. Leeteuk shrugged in response to the questioning looks. “He called Yesung,” Leeteuk said by way of explanation. It was enough that Super Junior could understand exactly what had occurred.
“When you guys are ready we need to get things going,” their manager announced. Several members nodded and finished their stretches.
~♪~♪♫♪~♪~
The morning was filled with rehearsal. After that they would retreat backstage to get hair, makeup and clothing done. For the moment however, a great majority of the members were in simple sweats and sweaters. Rehearsal consisted of nothing more strenuous then making certain that they had all the right lyrics, formation, use of stage, order of songs, and a variety of other items that need to be checked. Kibum and Kangin both watched from just off stage, offering their opinions to the members when they saw something that needed to be corrected.
Even songs that involved little to no actual chorography had to be rehearsed. It wouldn’t work if every member was gathered in one part of the stage singing. They would have to work out who was going where at what times so that they could make the best use of the stage they had been given. They were half of the way through doing just that when the PD suddenly stopped speaking mid sentence. He then turned and walked calmly out of the arena. A moment later every staff member did the same.
“That can’t be good,” Eunhyuk said quietly.
Yesung closed his eyes and felt with his other senses. Something was wrong. He couldn’t tell what it was but where he knew he should be able to hear Songs he was hearing nothing. Even the Songs of the staff had suddenly disappeared. “Something is wrong.”
“Very perceptive,” a voice said from high in the stadium. The members could barely make out his form but they could tell that he wore no shirt and had long black hair. “I figured that you all might want your crew to be safe. You silly Ensouled are so picky about all of that and I don’t want anything to hinder our play time.”
“Keiran,” Hankyung hissed. “I would know his voice anywhere.”
In an instant the members that could connect without a touch did so and then quickly moved to form the physical contact they need to connect with the rest. Kangin, Kibum, Henry, and Zhou mi joined the others on that stage as the members gathered into a tight cluster and Kangin threw a shield around all of them.
Keiran laughed. “Now there is no need to get all hasty like that,” he settled into a seat and crossed one leg over the other. “I’m going to give you five minutes to get yourselves all set up and work out a battle plan. Starting now.” He smiled and glowing red numbers appeared in the air over his head as he started counting down.
“Is he serious?” Donghae asked.
Kyuhyun nodded. “I think so. He is confident he can win no matter what.”
“What do we do then?” Eunhyuk asked as he squeezed Donghae’s hand.
“We do exactly what he said,” Kangin replied firmly. “Step away from Henry, I’m going to start building a shield around him.” Several members stepped back as Kangin stepped forward and began to layer protective Weavings around Henry. Throughout their group several weapons appeared, created by the Weavers.
“Why do have to play by his rules?” Ryeowook asked quietly as he stared at the glowing numbers that were counting down as if clicking off the seconds until they met their fate.
“We have no plan,” Leeteuk reminded him. “We had no idea how he would show up.”
“I can hit him,” Ryeowook said confidently. “With Kyuhyun’s help he will never see it coming.”
“I’m ready when you are,” Kyuhyun told Ryeowook in Chinese.
Ryeowook wasted no more time. He lifted his bow and pulled back the string. Immediately an arrow appeared in the taught weapon, ready and waiting. Ryeowook didn’t take time to aim, he didn’t need to, his arrow would fly true. He released it and it shot through the air sped by Kyuhyun’s ability faster than the human eye could see.
“Really,” Keiran said a second later. He held up his hand displaying the arrow. “Here I am trying to be nice and give you a chance and you go and do something like this.” The clock above his head sped up until seconds later it was reading all zeros. “Time is up,” Keiran said with a smirk. He waved his hand casually, and the arena was filled with the shapes of Dark Ones. “Bring me their Songs,” he instructed.
“Keiran is ours,” Heechul growled as his hands tightened around the sword he had created for his own use.
Leeteuk nodded. “We’ll keep the others off you.”
“Henry’s shield is as good as it is getting,” Kangin replied. At that moment the first Dark One reached the outer shield that Kangin had created. The shield shuttered but held firm under its attack, but they all knew it wouldn’t last for long.
“We work together, like we have been taught,” Leeteuk ordered. Around their group members nodded. Henry called for his violin, settled it on his shoulder and began to play. With another nod, Kangin dropped the outer shield and Super Junior sprang into action as one.
~♪~♪♫♪~♪~
It was obvious immediately that the enemy they were facing was not dangerous by itself. Not a single member had trouble destroying several Dark Ones immediately. It took a few minutes for Kyuhyun to see where the real danger lay. As quick as they were destroying Dark Ones, new were appearing to take their place. Overall they were taking little damage, but the small hits they did take left tiny cuts or bruises that stung and added together would be enough to damage them in the long run.
Worse, was the fact that Kyuhyun knew if they kept on like this then they would wear down and be exhausted by the time they even got to Keiran. “Heechul,” Kyuhyun called as he sliced through the Dark One between the two of them.
“What?” Heechul replied, not taking his eyes off the enemy in front of him.
“We have to get to Keiran now. I’ll fly you there,” Kyuhyun told him.
Heechul nodded. “Alright.”
“I’m going too,” Hankyung said firmly.
Kyuhyun nodded and pulled together the power from his Singers. He prepared himself to feel the strange sensations of giving someone who wasn’t on his team his Weavings, before he called on his abilities. Unlike the Weavings he placed on his team and himself, the Weaving he placed on the fire team he himself directed. When it had settled around them he lifted them up and over, sending them straight to where Keiran was sitting.
Keiran watched them come with a smile on his face. He stood gracefully from his seat and when Heechul landed, swinging out with his weapon before his feet fully touched the ground, Keiran was ready. He lifted a hand and Heechul’s blade stopped mid swing as if something had simply reached out and grabbed it. Hankyung immediately moved to attack as well and he too stopped a moment before actually hitting Keiran, unable to move.
“Well you didn’t have to bring your Song right to me, although I do appreciate the gesture,” Keiran said with a smirk. He stepped forward and ran a finger down the side of Heechul’s face. Hankyung instantly began to struggle in the invisible hold of whatever had him. “Such a passionate Song,” he cooed lowly. “I wanted so badly to see your Singer’s and your Song corrupted beyond repair, but I guess I will simply have to settle with them the way they are now.”
“Heechul!” Hankyung exclaimed as he struggled harder. Heechul couldn’t move his head to even look at Hankyung and he certainly couldn’t move his mouth to respond. That didn’t stop Hankyung from being able to read the body that he knew so well and everything in Heechul’s body screamed that he was terrified.
Hankyung renewed his struggles against the invisible hold. This time he managed to twitch a finger before his progress was halted. A finger wasn’t enough. He needed to give Heechul more. He would give Heechul everything if it would save the other man. There wasn’t anything that he had that he wouldn’t be willing give to Heechul. Nothing was too much to ask for from him. The moment the thoughts were complete, his world flashed a brilliant red.
~♪~♪♫♪~♪~
When the light cleared from his vision, Hankyung had no idea where he was. He could move again, he discovered immediately as he took a step forward. Wherever he was, the area was covered in almost every shade of red and no one else was anywhere to be seen, except Heechul.
“Heechul,” he breathed out relieved.
Heechul smiled softly. “Hey, don’t worry you won’t fall.” His words prompted Hankyung to look down and discover there was nothing but emptiness around his feet.
“Where are we?” he asked confused.
“My head,” Heechul responded as if it was a normal everyday occurrence.
Hankyung took a step forward then. “You have wings,” he declared.
Heechul smirked and flexed them. “So do you. Black looks good on you.”
A confused look crossed Hankyung’s face and he reached behind himself. He started in surprise when his fingers felt soft feathers. “I have wings.”
Heechul laughed and stepped forward. Slender fingers reached out and lightly traced a black feather. “You do. I like them. Except for this,” he tapped a piece of metal on the edge of one of Hankyung’s wings. It was a band, almost a piece of jewelry yet he knew it wasn’t there for any fashion purposes.
“The part that Keiran put into me is in there isn’t it,” he said with certainly. Heechul nodded, clearly upset by it. “What is happening Heechul?”
“I think we are a step away from fusing. At least this is what Leeteuk described it as,” Heechul explained absently as he ran a hand up the other wing.
“Heechul,” Hankyung said softly his voice trembling at the feeling of Heechul touching that part of him so intimately.
“I missed you. I missed being able to see you like this,” Heechul said softly.
“You have never seen me like this,” Hankyung replied, confused.
“I missed the time when you never hid anything from me. Lately a part of you has been closed off to me. I don’t like that, but you can’t hide it here.”
Hankyung nearly took a step back and out of Heechul’s reaching fingers. “Heechul, I-”
“Don’t be a moron,” Heechul scoffed. “Just because you hid it from me doesn’t mean that I don’t know what it is.” He could a feel a strange pull on himself that he knew he would have to answer to it one way or another. “So you have a choice now. Do you want to stop hiding from me or should we call this whole fusing thing off?”
The question took no time for him to ponder at all, Hankyung already knew his answer. He stepped forward and wrapped his arm around Heechul’s waist. “I’ll stop hiding from you, if you stop hiding yourself from me.”
Heechul laughed, “You have a deal.” He leaned forward and pressed their lips together.
~♪~♪♫♪~♪~
Keiran hissed and leaped backward as brilliant red light surrounded Heechul and Hankyung. When it faded, Hankyung had vanished and wings had formed on Heechul’s back. The wings began with deep obsidian black feathers that, by the tips of the wings, appeared to be dipped in crimson. Heechul’s eyes opened and he fixed a glowing red glare on the Prince of the Dark Ones.
“You are not allowed to toy with us any longer. You will pay for everything you have done,” the voice that came from Heechul’s mouth was a strange layering of Heechul and Hankyung’s voices. His hand tightened around his sword and he spread his wings. A powerful backstroke launched him backwards and broke the hold that Keiran had over his body.
Heechul wasted no time in reversing the move and lunging forward, sword swinging. This time the sound of metal rang out as Keiran met his sword with his own black blade. The Dark One leapt backwards and sprang into the air. Opening his wings, Heechul smirked, and followed.
~♪~♪♫♪~♪~
Leeteuk was startled to hear the sound of swords ringing overhead. A glance up confirmed his suspicions that Heechul and Keiran were engaged over head. The powerful wings protruding from Heechul’s back were confirmation that they had moved combat to the next level. Perhaps it was time to follow. “Kangin,” Leeteuk called as he stepped closer, a presented everything he had to his Weaver.
~♪~♪♫♪~♪~
The feeling was much like it had been before, warm and comforting while surrounded by pulsing green. “Leeteuk?” Kangin asked, as though he was surprised to see the other man there.
“We need the boost. We are going to get over run by sheer numbers,” Leeteuk explained.
“But I thought you were still upset with me,” Kangin said softly. “How can we find harmony in that?”
Leeteuk sighed. “You made a horrible choice and acted like an idiot, but that doesn’t mean I love you any less or want you any less for that matter.”
“Jungsoo,” Kangin said quietly.
Leeteuk stepped forward and fitted their bodies together, his arms settling around Kangin’s neck as the other man held him around the waist. “I was just trying to make you see how dumb you were.”
“I saw it,” Kangin responded with a smile.
“Oh you will,” Leeteuk replied and then he leaned in and sealed their lips together in a sweet kiss.
~♪~♪♫♪~♪~
Kibum absently noted the green glow that surrounded his hyungs as he ducked to the side and slashed up with a dagger, destroying yet another Dark One. Eunhyuk danced closer, slashing out as he went. “Leeteuk and Kangin are fusing,” Eunhyuk said soft. Sure enough the green glow disappeared leaving a winged Kangin who sprang immediately back into action. “We probably should too.”
Kibum nodded. “Just be willing to give everything to Donghae,” he instructed.
Eunhyuk laughed. That part was easy. He was already more than willing to give everything to his best friend and lover. The moment those thoughts settled in his mind all he saw was blue.
~♪~♪♫♪~♪~
The first thing Eunhyuk noticed was his new surroundings. There didn’t appear to be a floor or walls of any sort but everything pulsed with a soft cool blue. The second thing he noticed was the other two men that were standing nearby. Donghae reached for him and he smiled. A moment later Donghae had his arm wrapped around his waist as well as Kibum’s.
“Do you guys know you have wings?” Eunhyuk asked, gesturing towards the teal feathered wings on Donghae and the royal blue feathered wings on Kibum. Kibum smiled.
“You do too,” Donghae replied with a smile. “A really pretty sea green.” The arm that was around Eunhyuk’s waist lifted so that he could run his fingers lightly along the feathers.
Eunhyuk sucked in his breath in surprise, not at Donghae’s touch, but at something completely different. “He really does love us just as much. It is the same,” Eunhyuk breathed out in wonder. Kibum smiled as though he had figured that out long ago.
Donghae looked puzzled. “Of course I do. I told you I loved you both.”
“I know but,” Eunhyuk trailed off, unsure of what else to say.
Kibum laughed. “Maybe we should stop wasting time and get back to the fighting,” he suggested.
“First I want kisses!” Donghae declared and then smile naughtily. Kibum and Eunhyuk were happy to oblige him.
~♪~♪♫♪~♪~
Ryeowook smiled slightly as he noticed the water trio begin to glow and a moment later two of them disappeared all together. A moment later the light shimmered and disappeared. Donghae stood with not one but two sets of feathered wings, one beginning in teal and fading to royal blue and the other beginning in teal and fading to sea green.
It warmed his heart the slightest bit to see that as he spun and slashed out with his short sword. If he understood everything Yesung had told him correctly, that meant that the trio had found some sort of harmony, in order to fuse. The harmony and a willingness of a Singer to give everything to their Weaver was all that was required of a mated pair. Ryeowook felt that and more, and he sliced through one more Dark One before he allowed his vision to flash silver.
~♪~♪♫♪~♪~
Bright, was the first thing Ryeowook could think of, but as he stared at his surroundings more, the brightness seemed to fade into thousands of colors. There in the midst of the color stood Yesung, silver wings half spread.
“You don’t have to do this you know,” he said softly. “I have taken so much from you. I don’t know if I will be able to separate you from myself, even if Henry can play your Song.”
Ryeowook smiled then and stepped closer to Yesung. “That’s alright. I don’t think I’ll mind it too much.”
“Ryeowook,” Yesung said softly. “You are beautiful. Do you know that? Your wings are gorgeous, just like your Song and everything else about you.” Ryeowook blushed and fluttered his wings lightly. The light blue wings shimmered as they caught the light. They looked much like the wings of a butterfly but Ryeowook could tell they were much stronger than any butterflies wings.
“I love you Jongwoon,” Ryeowook replied.
Yesung carefully wrapped an arm around his waist. “I love you too, I always will,” he said sincerely as he pressed his lips to Ryeowook’s in a kiss that was exactly how their first kiss should have been.
~♪~♪♫♪~♪~
Sungmin had noticed as first Heechul and then steadily the rest of his members had joined as one to obtain the power that they needed to fight. He wasn’t too surprised to see Yesung and Ryeowook begin to glow silver and then a second later the light cleared revealing the silver shimmering dragon wings that had appeared on Yesung’s back.
“You know,” Sungmin said casually to Kyuhyun as he sliced a Dark One with his fan. “We should probably join everyone else.”
Kyuhyun scowled then, but continued to dodge and control his chakram with his element. Sungmin laughed. It didn’t really matter what Kyuhyun wanted, at least not at first. He was willing to give everything he had to his Weaver and he knew that was enough. A moment later he was enveloped by yellow light.
~♪~♪♫♪~♪~
“Sungmin,” Kyuhyun’s voice was filled with irritation. “What exactly do you think you are doing?”
“Giving everything to you?” Sungmin answered playfully.
“Not funny. You know how I feel about-”
Sungmin’s fingers on his lips silenced him and Kyuhyun bit back the urge to bite those fingers. “I know you can see that the reason we were brought together was because all five elements were in our team and we could safely fuse and use the full power of those elements. I know you realize that we need to too.”
“Sungmin,” Kyuhyun ignored the finger, “I already told you. I’m not doing anything just for power.”
“Who said anything about power? I just wanted to see you naked and check out your wings.” At Sungmin’s smirk Kyuhyun’s purple feathered wings folded tighter to his body.
“Well at least mine aren’t pink,” Kyuhyun snapped.
“I love my wings.”
“I’m sure you do. The colors are going to look horrible together and-”
Sungmin grabbed the back of his neck and startled him by jerking them closer together. “Shut up and kiss me,” he ordered. Kyuhyun found that he couldn’t ignore that.
~♪~♪♫♪~♪~
The clearing of the yellow light left Kyuhyun standing with fresh wings colored a deep purple that faded into pink, arching from his back. Unlike the other feathered wings, his were built more streamline and slightly more delicate. Where Heechul and Kangin’s wings were both designed for power, Kyuhyun’s were designed for speed and maneuverability, much like a falcon.
He smirked then and leapt into the air, spreading them and zipping quickly over the heads of the Dark Ones. It was much easier to attack from the air and with his chakram spinning around him, he took out several enemies in only a few seconds.
Around the arena, the rest of the fused members were doing just as well. A combination of their elements and quick use of combat was dropping more of the Dark Ones then they had been previously. Siwon signaled to Zhou mi and Shindong. Together the three of them dropped back to form a loose ring around Henry. High above the rest Heechul spun and smashed his sword into Keiran’s. The Dark One grunted with effort as he pushed back before springing backwards in the air. He immediately reversed and lunged at the fire wielder.
Heechul met his attack with a well placed block, but it wasn’t enough to absorb whatever strange force that Keiran had put behind his blow. He spun downwards, out of control, in a dangerous spiral. At the last moment he managed to get his wings out and catch enough air that he landed in a rough crouch instead of sprawled on the ground.
Red eyes glared up at the Dark One floating calmly above them. Heechul saw Keiran smirk, and then everything went white.
Verse Thirty Three
Masterlist
Character Information
AN: Sorry you guys that this took so long and sorry also for taking so long to reply to your comments last time. I had a crazy week this last week. This is the beginning of the end and I am so excited! I still owe some of you drabbles from a few weeks ago. I am terribly sorry and I will get those as soon as I can get to writing them. Spring break is coming up shortly so hopefully I'll have plenty of time then!