Fic: Witness (DBSK, Magic and Myth series)
Title: Witness
Category: Kpop (DBSK)
Character(s): Changmin-centric (peripheral YunJae, plus a guest appearance!)
Rating: PG
Word Count: 4300
Summary: Whether or not human nature was inherently good or bad was a question to be debated by other individuals (possibly old men with too much time on their hands), but it was quite clear, at least to one young scholar, that humanity was reluctant to allow its edge to dull.
Notes: Third chapter in an AU fantasy series | Previous Chapters
Humanity had a revoltingly bloody history for all that it was interspersed with periods of peace, learning, and art. It was a repeating pattern of settlement, civilization, and expansion. They'd pushed east, then south, down into the land of the magical and the mysterious. Historians loved to debate which process had been most prominent, conquer or assimilation, but to most people the details didn't matter. Conflict and war eventually engulfed the country until it seemed that the land itself could not take it anymore. The natives decided upon an exodus, creating their own haven or simply wrenching their part of the world away, secluded and no doubt disgruntled, but finally calm in the wake of persistent war.
As for the humans, the so-called victors, they thrived in a more peaceful society, though they could not abandon their militaristic roots. Whether or not human nature was inherently good or bad was a question to be debated by other individuals (possibly old men with too much time on their hands), but it was quite clear, at least to one young scholar, that humanity was reluctant to allow its edge to dull.
Changmin weaved, as politely as he could, through the crowd that gathered at the entrance of the stadium. Its gates were flung open and guarded by two towering effigies, a male and female warrior carved from stone. The woman's sword crossed with the man's overhead and in her other hand she cradled a live flame. They were the founders of the Order, husband and wife of one of the most powerful clans emerging from the wars. Changmin's gaze lingered on the magical fire of the first person to bear the title of Rune Knight, and then he passed beneath her imposing shadow.
The stadium was known simply as the Grounds, and it had been claimed by the Order to be used mainly as a training site. Before that, during less civilized times, it served a more dangerous purpose. Popular entertainment had been found in staged battles involving both humans and beasts, sometimes of magical descent. A number of lives had been sacrificed for the sake of such sport. The practice was now considered barbaric, and it was technically outlawed, but there were always some people who found ways around that. The Order, too....
The Grounds had become the official exam site for knights and mages alike, conveniently spelled so that even great workings of magic would not destroy it. The exact spells used to create the protection - and it would have to have been a combination of various magics - were only partially documented. A few that were included in the archives were not even thought possible, at least not anymore; so much knowledge had been lost over the years.
To Changmin it seemed almost foolish, depending on an art that was not fully understood... but he was no mage, so what did he know? He studied - dabbled, really, not content to settle on any particular area - and he was well-versed in the deciphering of runes, he had a grasp on numerous languages, and he knew his histories, among other things.... Oh, he was quite aware that he would never know everything there was to know about the world, but there was security in learning what could be learned. So perhaps he was equally foolish, just like the crowds of spectators gathered here who relied on ancient, unknown power to keep them safe from disastrous harm.
Still, that didn't mean he had to enjoy their presence.
Changmin found a seat in a small alcove near the top of the stands where the density of the crowd thinned. The center of the Grounds was in full view. It was not early, and a few exams had already taken place, the evidence of them marring the field. The earth was scorched in places, damp in others, with crevices and craters gaping mouth-like in the ground, rocks jutting out like teeth. The distinct tang of magic permeated the air.
The stands continued to fill. People were aware of the lineup, and even if not, they'd heard the rumors. The turnout for this particular day, at this particular hour, was extraordinary.
"I knew I'd find you here eventually. You're a damned difficult person to get hold of these days, Choikang."
"Are they still calling me that?" Changmin asked in a bored tone, but he didn't hide the grin that surfaced. He turned delightedly to the person who addressed him, a tall young man dressed in the uniform of a knight, and looking quite proud of the fact. Changmin knew Kyuhyun passed his own test to become a full member of the Order last night, so he had a good reason to be pleased with the white and blue colors.
"You made the mathematics instructor cry. For that alone your name will be remembered with infamy." Kyuhyun took the seat next to him with an impish smirk that hadn't changed since their early academy days.
"I think that one was more you than me," Changmin reflected, chin propped in his hand. They'd both been young and advanced, and they could have been easily bullied, but the fact was that they were more prone to being bullies themselves. The Twin Terrors, as they came to be known, left an indelible impression on classmates and teachers alike. Then Changmin veered off to pursue other interests, or he would also be a knight by now. "Congratulations, by the way."
"Thank you." The words were spoken with a haughty tone, no doubt as Kyuhyun intended (and was so good at), but years of familiarity revealed the warmth buried within.
Changmin's lips stretched in a smile, half-hidden behind his fingers. Then the abrupt sound of metal creaking made him straighten up. The noise echoed throughout the inside of the stadium, signaling the closing of the gates and the start of the next exam. No one was allowed to enter or exit during the test for fear of disrupting the protective barrier. As the crowd hurriedly filled the stands, some claiming spots along the stairs where no seats were available, Changmin craned his head to follow the movement on the field. He easily recognized Yunho's stride - confident steps, perhaps a touch eager - as the man entered the arena and stood facing eastward, the honored direction of the palace.
An announcer's voice boomed out, magic propelling his words to every inch of the Grounds, introducing the examinee. "Jung Yunho of Aluin, knight of the Order, applying for the rank of Rune Knight."
Yunho greeted the judges, who were situated at five equidistant points around the ring. This was the physical proficiency part of the exam - the knowledge proficiency, the written part, took place earlier (and in private). Here, one was tested in battle. The announcer then introduced the opponent, who was actually another examinee - but unlike Yunho, this person was already a Rune Knight undergoing reevaluation. All upper division ranks were required to be assessed on a yearly basis, schedules permitting. Passing the exam, therefore, did not depend on winning the battle, but rather on displaying one's skills.
Although, Changmin admitted, the competitive edge does help. Yunho wouldn't aim for anything but victory in every sense, and that determination had driven him to a distant land to do the unthinkable. It may have been Changmin's idea to begin with, but he couldn't claim all the credit.
Formalities were kept to a minimum as part of the routine, and perhaps because the air was so electrified with anticipation. The first stage of the physical exam began as a straight-up duel, swords only, no magic. A murmur rose as blades were drawn, and Changmin heard bets being exchanged. He wasn't surprised to find that Yunho was favored, given the rumors lately.
An elbow nudged him and Kyuhyun posed the question, "What do you think?"
"Hmm. Hard to say this early on. Yunho's good, and he has a hell of a reputation backing him now, but the other guy has more experience." Changmin's eyes were fixed on the field. The two were holding back, getting a sense of each other, ignoring the impatient prompts from their audience.
"Yunho will go on offense first," Kyuhyun predicted, and was met with silent agreement. It didn't take too long for him to be proven right. Yunho's style was straightforward and aggressive; he rarely wasted time playing around or drawing things out. He wasn't flashy with his techniques, in fact he was very basic, but he had to be. Yunho didn't start out with any natural talent for the sword. He'd simply learned. There was power in his swordplay, that was what people usually noticed, but there was also precision from practicing drill after drill and pattern after pattern. He shifted from block to counter automatically, he knew how to follow through without thinking, but his ways had a weakness, too.
"Ah," Changmin said, an observational note of concern and disappointment. "The opponent has caught on."
The problem was that Yunho's form could become predictable, and then it was only a matter of matching him and catching him off guard. Yunho was aware of this, naturally, and would become more cautious, thinking it over carefully, examining the other more intently-
"What on earth..."
Changmin's eyes widened at the flurry of movement down below. Yunho wasn't defending at all, he was pressing his attack. Reckless- No, Changmin could still see the order, it was the speed that had increased, and the intensity, and...
"He's going to overreach himself," Kyuhyun said with a grimace, on the edge of his seat.
"No," Changmin said slowly, surely. "He has it."
There was something different in Yunho's style now; something new and foreign. It was a flash of unpredictability. It was enough.
A bell rang, loud, brassy, and abrasive. The signal called the end of the fight. Swords were obediently lowered and the opponents broke apart as cheering and applause spread like a wave throughout the crowd (money changing hands among some). The examinees were given a brief respite.
"He did well," Kyuhyun noted with poorly-masked admiration, as one knight referring to another.
"His sword skills were never the biggest problem." Still, Changmin had to grudgingly admit to some surprise - and while the surprise had a fortuitous outcome, it made him uneasy. He, and the rest of the audience, kept their eyes on the field, anticipating.
The emergence of a third figure did not cause a hush to blanket the crowd, but rather it was precipitated by cry that was echoed by every other spectator. The entire stadium seemed to lean inward towards the center where that figure stood. A few got to their feet, and Changmin was one of them, peering down intently. So that was what Yunho brought back.
"Is this a joke?" he heard someone mutter in disappointment.
"Were you expecting something more bestial? Or more ghoulish, perhaps? Some fanged, red-eyed, fire-breathing monster crawling up out of the deepest hell?" Kyuhyun's sarcastic address cut through the thick air of tension. "Who believes in those children's tales anymore?"
Changmin snickered openly. To be fair, some of those tales were true - just not this particular one.
The person who first spoke snarled at Kyuhyun, but any further confrontation was averted by the announcer declaring, "The Order hereby acknowledges the daemon, Kim Jaejoong, as a legit representative of Jung Yunho's magic aptitude bound by contract. The exam will now proceed."
The second part began. Like before, the opponents started by sizing each other up, but the people in the stands had eyes only for the daemon. There were no bets this time. Jaejoong was human in appearance, pale-skinned and dark-haired, and he seemed to acknowledge his audience with little turns of his head, glancing at the rows of spectators from the corners of his gaze. He did not appear daunted by the attention, nor the least bit threatened by the Rune Knight standing opposite of him. His posture was confident and casual; it wasn't a fighting stance at all, and he held no weapon. Yunho remained close by, an arm's length away, and unlike the daemon he was battle-ready.
The Rune Knight acted first, raising his hand and motioning swiftly. In the hushed silence his invocation could be heard, and a jagged symbol flickered white-hot in the air. Power lanced from his extended fingertips and crackled, scorching the sandy ground at the daemon's feet in a warning.
These exams, Changmin reminded himself, were not death matches. It wasn't common for participants to be killed during them - though a couple occurred every year, almost always when magic was involved.
Jaejoong was looking down at the ground and at the black marks left by magical lightning. He pushed at the sand with the toe of his boot, nudging the glass remains. Then he said something over his shoulder to Yunho, too low to hear. Yunho's reply was short, and Jaejoong faced forward again, head tilted at a jaunty angle while he held out his hand and crooked his finger.
The other's response was immediate, bordering zealous, perhaps feeling pressured by the sheer existence of his opponent. The lightning lashed out again like a whip, burning brilliant lines in the span of a blink, and this time his aim was true. If Jaejoong did anything, or said anything, within that split second of time, nobody noticed. The spell never touched him, though. It came to a crashing halt a meter before his face, spraying sparks and little forks of shattered energy all around.
The mute crowd finally broke into an astonished cry. Beside Changmin, Kyuhyun rocked back in his seat, shaking his head. "I'm not an expert, but that was incredible. No words, no symbols, no nothing. I hope Yunho knows what he's doing."
He probably doesn't - but Changmin kept that observation to himself. He also thanked his ancestors that the protection around the Grounds was made when such unbelievable magic was common.
Jaejoong was crouching now, his head turned once more to exchange a few words with Yunho, who also dropped down on one knee. That was all the warning anybody got before the earth began to shake. Changmin could feel the vibrations where he stood, but they were miniscule tremors - nothing compared to the violent quake within the ring. The Rune Knight was thrown down by the unexpected shifting beneath his feet. Slowly, the motions began to ebb, and Changmin's hands tightened into fists with the realization that no one could possibly have been prepared for this. That much power in one person was unthinkable, and Jaejoong didn't even look fazed.
"Well," Kyuhyun stated, paused, and continued. "Now that we know size matters..."
Changmin snorted, and his attention strayed towards the judges. They could call an end to the test if it seemed too dangerous, and after that display, no one could argue that point. He wasn't surprised when the exam continued, though. That was power, all right - power bound to Yunho, who was bound to the Order. This was no longer about passing or failing, it was about seeing what the daemon could do.
And this, Changmin thought, refraining from holding his head in his hands, is why I don't come to these things. It was too late to leave, of course. He was stuck here to witness the entire thing.
To the Rune Knight's credit, he didn't falter for too long before making his next move. Getting his bearings back with an alacrity that spoke of experience, he unsheathed his sword and held it out in front of him. The two fingers of his left hand swept down the flat of the blade, followed by a blue-tinged light that seeped into the metal and stayed there with an eerie sheen.
Jaejoong observed this move with apparent disinterest, then motioned over his shoulder at Yunho, who stepped forward and drew his sword. Jaejoong flowed up to his side and bent close to his ear to confer, resting an easy hand on Yunho's shoulder all the while. Yunho nodded to whatever the daemon said, and Jaejoong drifted away - but not far. He brought his fingertips to the underside of Yunho's sword, lifting it with ceremonial deliberation, and before everyone's eyes he lightly touched his lips to the blade.
Changmin found his eyebrows climbing as he wondered exactly what kind of spell that was supposed to be, if it was even a spell at all. There was no visible effect on the weapon, but the effect on the crowd was undeniable. They were riveted.
"Show off," Kyuhyun commented, giving voice to Changmin's train of thought.
"Performer," he agreed. Changmin was staring so intently at Jaejoong that the sudden, piercing ring of steel caught him by surprise. Yunho had locked blades with the opponent, whose sword still bore that unnatural, cold gleam, producing a noise like a shriek. Yunho's weapon and fighting style continued to appear unchanged, and the match was almost exactly like the previous one, before magic intervened.
"I wonder what he did," Kyuhyun mused.
Changmin saw no reason to be impressed, returning his attention almost accusingly towards Jaejoong. The daemon merely stood out of the way, arms folded, not even interested in the fight. "Nothing, by the looks of it." He noticed his friend staring at him and stared back, unsettled by the implications of that blunt gaze. "What?"
Kyuhyun rested his chin on his fist, making a show of being amused. "Look closer. No, no, not at him, at them."
"What?" Changmin repeated, trying to curb his petulance this time, eyes following the movements of the two down below. "There's no change. It's exactly like before except-" His tone dropped flat. "-Oh. Don't smirk at me, you bastard."
"It's all those books, isn't it? Too much studying has dulled your senses. You could still join the ranks, you know, that is if your other skills haven't gone to dust..."
"The Order will have to suffer the loss, I'm afraid." Changmin dropped the subject in favor of the fight again. It remained an equal match, but that which had disappointed him before took on a new significance. The Rune Knight's sword bore the signs of enchantment, but it was decidedly not giving him any type of advantage.
"That guy is totally outclassed," Kyuhyun said, though it was stating the obvious, and again Changmin wondered, uncomfortably, how much longer this mockery of a test would be carried out. "And he might even be holding back. What do you think?"
"Hm? Oh. I think..." His sentence and thoughts were suddenly drowned out by a collective murmur from the audience. Changmin could see one of the gates that led to the ring slowly opening, yawning pitch-black within. The combatants warily broke apart to regard this unexpected development, glancing from the entrance to the silent judges. Jaejoong went up to Yunho to yank roughly on his arm and make emphatic gestures at the gate. He seemed to be speaking harshly or hurriedly, but not loud enough to be heard by Changmin sitting near the top of the stands.
The growl was loud enough, though, rumbling up out of the depths of the gate. Two creatures emerged from the darkness, slithering forward on scaly forepaws with reptile snouts sniffing the air. Their armored backs shone green as far as the front halves of their bodies, and the rest of them were covered in golden fur. The hind legs were raised, making them appear crouched, and were more powerful-looking than the delicate arms in front. Tufted tails lashed back and forth behind.
"What are those?" Kyuhyun demanded without tearing his gaze away from the creatures. They were flicking their tongues, tasting the air and growling, spiky crests ruffling in agitation.
Changmin was combing through his mental catalogue of magical beasts, slowly shaking his head. The answer was soon given to them by the announcer.
"The audience need not fear; the chimeras are unable to harm you. The exam will proceed."
Close by, Changmin could hear Kyuhyun's guarded murmur, "I thought those were outlawed."
"They're not," Changmin flatly returned, recalling that much at least. "There just hasn't been any mage powerful enough or knowledgeable enough to make them."
The implications sunk in.
"Wonderful," Kyuhyun deadpanned.
The exam proceeded. Both knights turned their immediate attention on the chimeras - hideous monsters that could only be made through sorcery - the words of the announcer clear. The audience was safe behind the protective barrier, but they were another matter.
Jaejoong hung back - or rather, Yunho stepped forward without him. For some reason the daemon was disinclined to confront them, though from what Changmin read, chimeras were animals with very little intelligence and there wasn't much to sympathize with. Jaejoong was ignoring the renewed goads from the crowd for the most part, though he turned his head slightly and stared in that direction for a moment. Following the course of that pointed gaze, Changmin felt his spine stiffen.
Jaejoong was looking at the nearest judge. His posture was defiant, the firm set of his shoulders saying, 'I know your game, and I don't want to play anymore.' Changmin couldn't decide if he wanted to applaud him or curse his timing. If Yunho winded up getting killed...
Each knight took on a chimera, approaching them carefully. Their caution was well-founded when one of the creatures took a swift, bounding leap, claw-tipped forepaws extended. The Rune Knight ducked, rolled, and though his free hand was hidden from Changmin's sight, the telltale symbol flashed briefly before he pointed and the lightning snapped out. It struck the chimera's flank and the monster screamed, convulsing, but it did not die. Changmin remembered with a sinking feeling that Yunho didn't have the advantage of magic, not really. He wouldn't use his own if hurting others was a risk.
Yunho wasn't going to wait, either, and he went in fast to strike. The chimera backed away, jaws open and teeth gleaming as it avoided the point of Yunho's sword. It reared up suddenly on its strong hind legs and raked the air. Claws and blade slashed. A wound opened up on the creature's scaled torso and its dark blood dripped, steaming, into the dirt. Its cry of pain was as unnatural as the rest of it.
A second cry rose up, this one identifiably human, as the Rune Knight fell back from the flames that poured from the chimera's mouth. His weapon dropped, and his arm through the remains of his sleeve showed burned, bleeding flesh. The stench of it soon reached the stands.
The distraction almost cost Yunho, but he evaded the snapping jaws and his blade cut into both scales and fur. The chimera writhed and kicked wildly, a lucky blow catching Yunho and knocking him away with enough force to send him sprawling. He recovered quickly, though, and was halfway to his feet when the second chimera, turning from the injured Rune Knight, leapt.
Yunho was on his back and there were claws sinking into him, heavy weight crushing him, and Changmin's shout was part of a roar from the crowd and rushing in his ears. His head and heart pounded. He was screaming into the air and into the deafeningly blank part of his mind, do something, do something, damn you, Yunho, I swear-
And then there was fire. Not like the orange-red flames that the chimera spurted, but a painfully brilliant white light that burned just to look at. Changmin squinted at the intensity and the heat he felt even from a distance, though the fiery path flowed smooth as water, and both chimeras were nothing but shadows consumed. Licks of blinding flame swirled, then vanished, afterimages scorched into Changmin's vision. His eyes watered and he rubbed desperately at them, gulping in air that felt like it had been burned from his lungs. The magic was so thick in the atmosphere that he could taste it, was suffocating in it. There were a few slumped, swooning figures in the crowd, who were more sensitive to magic than the average person. Changmin finally turned his stinging gaze back to the arena, and a sigh welled within him.
Yunho was sitting up gingerly, the front of his clothes torn and bloodied, but he was alive and whole and untouched by the fire. He looked up and Jaejoong was there, unsteady with exhaustion. Yunho held out a hand. The daemon took it, then fell to his knees and pitched forward, his weight caught clumsily in Yunho's arms.
Changmin closed his eyes and let his head fall back. Words, whether they were curses or prayers, utterly escaped him.
He heard Kyuhyun mutter, voice rough, "That was some fucking show."
Changmin breathed deeply (he felt blistered inside) before replying. "Don't you have the most wonderful feeling that this is only the beginning?" Fuck, he thought, fuck, Yunho, why a daemon? His eyelids opened into narrow slits.
Why did he bind a daemon?
He looked down. Both were standing now, and Yunho was paying his respects once more to the judges. The Rune Knight was being carried out - dead or alive, it was uncertain. Jaejoong was a sullen figure lagging behind Yunho. When Yunho reached for him he tugged free, exchanged short words, and marched past. Yunho followed with stiff shoulders.
The buzz of the crowd was an incessant drone surrounding Changmin. He thought back to that document he had translated and shown to Yunho, that genius idea of his, about Kaya's origin story and the Primordial Tree. About the creation of all magical kin.
"And from the last fruit, which sapped all the magical energy from the Tree, taking what had given it life, the daemons came. From the withered branch they were born, and with the gift of power they ruled."
to be continued
I decided to do something a little different with this part because I knew the exam was going to have a battle element and I wanted to take shortcuts with the action scenes, um, hopefully that worked out.
Extra thanks to dear_whimsy for being a quick, reliable beta! ♥♥
I hope everyone is enjoying their holiday. :D With this, I have written over 100,000 words in 2008. \o/
Category: Kpop (DBSK)
Character(s): Changmin-centric (peripheral YunJae, plus a guest appearance!)
Rating: PG
Word Count: 4300
Summary: Whether or not human nature was inherently good or bad was a question to be debated by other individuals (possibly old men with too much time on their hands), but it was quite clear, at least to one young scholar, that humanity was reluctant to allow its edge to dull.
Notes: Third chapter in an AU fantasy series | Previous Chapters
Humanity had a revoltingly bloody history for all that it was interspersed with periods of peace, learning, and art. It was a repeating pattern of settlement, civilization, and expansion. They'd pushed east, then south, down into the land of the magical and the mysterious. Historians loved to debate which process had been most prominent, conquer or assimilation, but to most people the details didn't matter. Conflict and war eventually engulfed the country until it seemed that the land itself could not take it anymore. The natives decided upon an exodus, creating their own haven or simply wrenching their part of the world away, secluded and no doubt disgruntled, but finally calm in the wake of persistent war.
As for the humans, the so-called victors, they thrived in a more peaceful society, though they could not abandon their militaristic roots. Whether or not human nature was inherently good or bad was a question to be debated by other individuals (possibly old men with too much time on their hands), but it was quite clear, at least to one young scholar, that humanity was reluctant to allow its edge to dull.
Changmin weaved, as politely as he could, through the crowd that gathered at the entrance of the stadium. Its gates were flung open and guarded by two towering effigies, a male and female warrior carved from stone. The woman's sword crossed with the man's overhead and in her other hand she cradled a live flame. They were the founders of the Order, husband and wife of one of the most powerful clans emerging from the wars. Changmin's gaze lingered on the magical fire of the first person to bear the title of Rune Knight, and then he passed beneath her imposing shadow.
The stadium was known simply as the Grounds, and it had been claimed by the Order to be used mainly as a training site. Before that, during less civilized times, it served a more dangerous purpose. Popular entertainment had been found in staged battles involving both humans and beasts, sometimes of magical descent. A number of lives had been sacrificed for the sake of such sport. The practice was now considered barbaric, and it was technically outlawed, but there were always some people who found ways around that. The Order, too....
The Grounds had become the official exam site for knights and mages alike, conveniently spelled so that even great workings of magic would not destroy it. The exact spells used to create the protection - and it would have to have been a combination of various magics - were only partially documented. A few that were included in the archives were not even thought possible, at least not anymore; so much knowledge had been lost over the years.
To Changmin it seemed almost foolish, depending on an art that was not fully understood... but he was no mage, so what did he know? He studied - dabbled, really, not content to settle on any particular area - and he was well-versed in the deciphering of runes, he had a grasp on numerous languages, and he knew his histories, among other things.... Oh, he was quite aware that he would never know everything there was to know about the world, but there was security in learning what could be learned. So perhaps he was equally foolish, just like the crowds of spectators gathered here who relied on ancient, unknown power to keep them safe from disastrous harm.
Still, that didn't mean he had to enjoy their presence.
Changmin found a seat in a small alcove near the top of the stands where the density of the crowd thinned. The center of the Grounds was in full view. It was not early, and a few exams had already taken place, the evidence of them marring the field. The earth was scorched in places, damp in others, with crevices and craters gaping mouth-like in the ground, rocks jutting out like teeth. The distinct tang of magic permeated the air.
The stands continued to fill. People were aware of the lineup, and even if not, they'd heard the rumors. The turnout for this particular day, at this particular hour, was extraordinary.
"I knew I'd find you here eventually. You're a damned difficult person to get hold of these days, Choikang."
"Are they still calling me that?" Changmin asked in a bored tone, but he didn't hide the grin that surfaced. He turned delightedly to the person who addressed him, a tall young man dressed in the uniform of a knight, and looking quite proud of the fact. Changmin knew Kyuhyun passed his own test to become a full member of the Order last night, so he had a good reason to be pleased with the white and blue colors.
"You made the mathematics instructor cry. For that alone your name will be remembered with infamy." Kyuhyun took the seat next to him with an impish smirk that hadn't changed since their early academy days.
"I think that one was more you than me," Changmin reflected, chin propped in his hand. They'd both been young and advanced, and they could have been easily bullied, but the fact was that they were more prone to being bullies themselves. The Twin Terrors, as they came to be known, left an indelible impression on classmates and teachers alike. Then Changmin veered off to pursue other interests, or he would also be a knight by now. "Congratulations, by the way."
"Thank you." The words were spoken with a haughty tone, no doubt as Kyuhyun intended (and was so good at), but years of familiarity revealed the warmth buried within.
Changmin's lips stretched in a smile, half-hidden behind his fingers. Then the abrupt sound of metal creaking made him straighten up. The noise echoed throughout the inside of the stadium, signaling the closing of the gates and the start of the next exam. No one was allowed to enter or exit during the test for fear of disrupting the protective barrier. As the crowd hurriedly filled the stands, some claiming spots along the stairs where no seats were available, Changmin craned his head to follow the movement on the field. He easily recognized Yunho's stride - confident steps, perhaps a touch eager - as the man entered the arena and stood facing eastward, the honored direction of the palace.
An announcer's voice boomed out, magic propelling his words to every inch of the Grounds, introducing the examinee. "Jung Yunho of Aluin, knight of the Order, applying for the rank of Rune Knight."
Yunho greeted the judges, who were situated at five equidistant points around the ring. This was the physical proficiency part of the exam - the knowledge proficiency, the written part, took place earlier (and in private). Here, one was tested in battle. The announcer then introduced the opponent, who was actually another examinee - but unlike Yunho, this person was already a Rune Knight undergoing reevaluation. All upper division ranks were required to be assessed on a yearly basis, schedules permitting. Passing the exam, therefore, did not depend on winning the battle, but rather on displaying one's skills.
Although, Changmin admitted, the competitive edge does help. Yunho wouldn't aim for anything but victory in every sense, and that determination had driven him to a distant land to do the unthinkable. It may have been Changmin's idea to begin with, but he couldn't claim all the credit.
Formalities were kept to a minimum as part of the routine, and perhaps because the air was so electrified with anticipation. The first stage of the physical exam began as a straight-up duel, swords only, no magic. A murmur rose as blades were drawn, and Changmin heard bets being exchanged. He wasn't surprised to find that Yunho was favored, given the rumors lately.
An elbow nudged him and Kyuhyun posed the question, "What do you think?"
"Hmm. Hard to say this early on. Yunho's good, and he has a hell of a reputation backing him now, but the other guy has more experience." Changmin's eyes were fixed on the field. The two were holding back, getting a sense of each other, ignoring the impatient prompts from their audience.
"Yunho will go on offense first," Kyuhyun predicted, and was met with silent agreement. It didn't take too long for him to be proven right. Yunho's style was straightforward and aggressive; he rarely wasted time playing around or drawing things out. He wasn't flashy with his techniques, in fact he was very basic, but he had to be. Yunho didn't start out with any natural talent for the sword. He'd simply learned. There was power in his swordplay, that was what people usually noticed, but there was also precision from practicing drill after drill and pattern after pattern. He shifted from block to counter automatically, he knew how to follow through without thinking, but his ways had a weakness, too.
"Ah," Changmin said, an observational note of concern and disappointment. "The opponent has caught on."
The problem was that Yunho's form could become predictable, and then it was only a matter of matching him and catching him off guard. Yunho was aware of this, naturally, and would become more cautious, thinking it over carefully, examining the other more intently-
"What on earth..."
Changmin's eyes widened at the flurry of movement down below. Yunho wasn't defending at all, he was pressing his attack. Reckless- No, Changmin could still see the order, it was the speed that had increased, and the intensity, and...
"He's going to overreach himself," Kyuhyun said with a grimace, on the edge of his seat.
"No," Changmin said slowly, surely. "He has it."
There was something different in Yunho's style now; something new and foreign. It was a flash of unpredictability. It was enough.
A bell rang, loud, brassy, and abrasive. The signal called the end of the fight. Swords were obediently lowered and the opponents broke apart as cheering and applause spread like a wave throughout the crowd (money changing hands among some). The examinees were given a brief respite.
"He did well," Kyuhyun noted with poorly-masked admiration, as one knight referring to another.
"His sword skills were never the biggest problem." Still, Changmin had to grudgingly admit to some surprise - and while the surprise had a fortuitous outcome, it made him uneasy. He, and the rest of the audience, kept their eyes on the field, anticipating.
The emergence of a third figure did not cause a hush to blanket the crowd, but rather it was precipitated by cry that was echoed by every other spectator. The entire stadium seemed to lean inward towards the center where that figure stood. A few got to their feet, and Changmin was one of them, peering down intently. So that was what Yunho brought back.
"Is this a joke?" he heard someone mutter in disappointment.
"Were you expecting something more bestial? Or more ghoulish, perhaps? Some fanged, red-eyed, fire-breathing monster crawling up out of the deepest hell?" Kyuhyun's sarcastic address cut through the thick air of tension. "Who believes in those children's tales anymore?"
Changmin snickered openly. To be fair, some of those tales were true - just not this particular one.
The person who first spoke snarled at Kyuhyun, but any further confrontation was averted by the announcer declaring, "The Order hereby acknowledges the daemon, Kim Jaejoong, as a legit representative of Jung Yunho's magic aptitude bound by contract. The exam will now proceed."
The second part began. Like before, the opponents started by sizing each other up, but the people in the stands had eyes only for the daemon. There were no bets this time. Jaejoong was human in appearance, pale-skinned and dark-haired, and he seemed to acknowledge his audience with little turns of his head, glancing at the rows of spectators from the corners of his gaze. He did not appear daunted by the attention, nor the least bit threatened by the Rune Knight standing opposite of him. His posture was confident and casual; it wasn't a fighting stance at all, and he held no weapon. Yunho remained close by, an arm's length away, and unlike the daemon he was battle-ready.
The Rune Knight acted first, raising his hand and motioning swiftly. In the hushed silence his invocation could be heard, and a jagged symbol flickered white-hot in the air. Power lanced from his extended fingertips and crackled, scorching the sandy ground at the daemon's feet in a warning.
These exams, Changmin reminded himself, were not death matches. It wasn't common for participants to be killed during them - though a couple occurred every year, almost always when magic was involved.
Jaejoong was looking down at the ground and at the black marks left by magical lightning. He pushed at the sand with the toe of his boot, nudging the glass remains. Then he said something over his shoulder to Yunho, too low to hear. Yunho's reply was short, and Jaejoong faced forward again, head tilted at a jaunty angle while he held out his hand and crooked his finger.
The other's response was immediate, bordering zealous, perhaps feeling pressured by the sheer existence of his opponent. The lightning lashed out again like a whip, burning brilliant lines in the span of a blink, and this time his aim was true. If Jaejoong did anything, or said anything, within that split second of time, nobody noticed. The spell never touched him, though. It came to a crashing halt a meter before his face, spraying sparks and little forks of shattered energy all around.
The mute crowd finally broke into an astonished cry. Beside Changmin, Kyuhyun rocked back in his seat, shaking his head. "I'm not an expert, but that was incredible. No words, no symbols, no nothing. I hope Yunho knows what he's doing."
He probably doesn't - but Changmin kept that observation to himself. He also thanked his ancestors that the protection around the Grounds was made when such unbelievable magic was common.
Jaejoong was crouching now, his head turned once more to exchange a few words with Yunho, who also dropped down on one knee. That was all the warning anybody got before the earth began to shake. Changmin could feel the vibrations where he stood, but they were miniscule tremors - nothing compared to the violent quake within the ring. The Rune Knight was thrown down by the unexpected shifting beneath his feet. Slowly, the motions began to ebb, and Changmin's hands tightened into fists with the realization that no one could possibly have been prepared for this. That much power in one person was unthinkable, and Jaejoong didn't even look fazed.
"Well," Kyuhyun stated, paused, and continued. "Now that we know size matters..."
Changmin snorted, and his attention strayed towards the judges. They could call an end to the test if it seemed too dangerous, and after that display, no one could argue that point. He wasn't surprised when the exam continued, though. That was power, all right - power bound to Yunho, who was bound to the Order. This was no longer about passing or failing, it was about seeing what the daemon could do.
And this, Changmin thought, refraining from holding his head in his hands, is why I don't come to these things. It was too late to leave, of course. He was stuck here to witness the entire thing.
To the Rune Knight's credit, he didn't falter for too long before making his next move. Getting his bearings back with an alacrity that spoke of experience, he unsheathed his sword and held it out in front of him. The two fingers of his left hand swept down the flat of the blade, followed by a blue-tinged light that seeped into the metal and stayed there with an eerie sheen.
Jaejoong observed this move with apparent disinterest, then motioned over his shoulder at Yunho, who stepped forward and drew his sword. Jaejoong flowed up to his side and bent close to his ear to confer, resting an easy hand on Yunho's shoulder all the while. Yunho nodded to whatever the daemon said, and Jaejoong drifted away - but not far. He brought his fingertips to the underside of Yunho's sword, lifting it with ceremonial deliberation, and before everyone's eyes he lightly touched his lips to the blade.
Changmin found his eyebrows climbing as he wondered exactly what kind of spell that was supposed to be, if it was even a spell at all. There was no visible effect on the weapon, but the effect on the crowd was undeniable. They were riveted.
"Show off," Kyuhyun commented, giving voice to Changmin's train of thought.
"Performer," he agreed. Changmin was staring so intently at Jaejoong that the sudden, piercing ring of steel caught him by surprise. Yunho had locked blades with the opponent, whose sword still bore that unnatural, cold gleam, producing a noise like a shriek. Yunho's weapon and fighting style continued to appear unchanged, and the match was almost exactly like the previous one, before magic intervened.
"I wonder what he did," Kyuhyun mused.
Changmin saw no reason to be impressed, returning his attention almost accusingly towards Jaejoong. The daemon merely stood out of the way, arms folded, not even interested in the fight. "Nothing, by the looks of it." He noticed his friend staring at him and stared back, unsettled by the implications of that blunt gaze. "What?"
Kyuhyun rested his chin on his fist, making a show of being amused. "Look closer. No, no, not at him, at them."
"What?" Changmin repeated, trying to curb his petulance this time, eyes following the movements of the two down below. "There's no change. It's exactly like before except-" His tone dropped flat. "-Oh. Don't smirk at me, you bastard."
"It's all those books, isn't it? Too much studying has dulled your senses. You could still join the ranks, you know, that is if your other skills haven't gone to dust..."
"The Order will have to suffer the loss, I'm afraid." Changmin dropped the subject in favor of the fight again. It remained an equal match, but that which had disappointed him before took on a new significance. The Rune Knight's sword bore the signs of enchantment, but it was decidedly not giving him any type of advantage.
"That guy is totally outclassed," Kyuhyun said, though it was stating the obvious, and again Changmin wondered, uncomfortably, how much longer this mockery of a test would be carried out. "And he might even be holding back. What do you think?"
"Hm? Oh. I think..." His sentence and thoughts were suddenly drowned out by a collective murmur from the audience. Changmin could see one of the gates that led to the ring slowly opening, yawning pitch-black within. The combatants warily broke apart to regard this unexpected development, glancing from the entrance to the silent judges. Jaejoong went up to Yunho to yank roughly on his arm and make emphatic gestures at the gate. He seemed to be speaking harshly or hurriedly, but not loud enough to be heard by Changmin sitting near the top of the stands.
The growl was loud enough, though, rumbling up out of the depths of the gate. Two creatures emerged from the darkness, slithering forward on scaly forepaws with reptile snouts sniffing the air. Their armored backs shone green as far as the front halves of their bodies, and the rest of them were covered in golden fur. The hind legs were raised, making them appear crouched, and were more powerful-looking than the delicate arms in front. Tufted tails lashed back and forth behind.
"What are those?" Kyuhyun demanded without tearing his gaze away from the creatures. They were flicking their tongues, tasting the air and growling, spiky crests ruffling in agitation.
Changmin was combing through his mental catalogue of magical beasts, slowly shaking his head. The answer was soon given to them by the announcer.
"The audience need not fear; the chimeras are unable to harm you. The exam will proceed."
Close by, Changmin could hear Kyuhyun's guarded murmur, "I thought those were outlawed."
"They're not," Changmin flatly returned, recalling that much at least. "There just hasn't been any mage powerful enough or knowledgeable enough to make them."
The implications sunk in.
"Wonderful," Kyuhyun deadpanned.
The exam proceeded. Both knights turned their immediate attention on the chimeras - hideous monsters that could only be made through sorcery - the words of the announcer clear. The audience was safe behind the protective barrier, but they were another matter.
Jaejoong hung back - or rather, Yunho stepped forward without him. For some reason the daemon was disinclined to confront them, though from what Changmin read, chimeras were animals with very little intelligence and there wasn't much to sympathize with. Jaejoong was ignoring the renewed goads from the crowd for the most part, though he turned his head slightly and stared in that direction for a moment. Following the course of that pointed gaze, Changmin felt his spine stiffen.
Jaejoong was looking at the nearest judge. His posture was defiant, the firm set of his shoulders saying, 'I know your game, and I don't want to play anymore.' Changmin couldn't decide if he wanted to applaud him or curse his timing. If Yunho winded up getting killed...
Each knight took on a chimera, approaching them carefully. Their caution was well-founded when one of the creatures took a swift, bounding leap, claw-tipped forepaws extended. The Rune Knight ducked, rolled, and though his free hand was hidden from Changmin's sight, the telltale symbol flashed briefly before he pointed and the lightning snapped out. It struck the chimera's flank and the monster screamed, convulsing, but it did not die. Changmin remembered with a sinking feeling that Yunho didn't have the advantage of magic, not really. He wouldn't use his own if hurting others was a risk.
Yunho wasn't going to wait, either, and he went in fast to strike. The chimera backed away, jaws open and teeth gleaming as it avoided the point of Yunho's sword. It reared up suddenly on its strong hind legs and raked the air. Claws and blade slashed. A wound opened up on the creature's scaled torso and its dark blood dripped, steaming, into the dirt. Its cry of pain was as unnatural as the rest of it.
A second cry rose up, this one identifiably human, as the Rune Knight fell back from the flames that poured from the chimera's mouth. His weapon dropped, and his arm through the remains of his sleeve showed burned, bleeding flesh. The stench of it soon reached the stands.
The distraction almost cost Yunho, but he evaded the snapping jaws and his blade cut into both scales and fur. The chimera writhed and kicked wildly, a lucky blow catching Yunho and knocking him away with enough force to send him sprawling. He recovered quickly, though, and was halfway to his feet when the second chimera, turning from the injured Rune Knight, leapt.
Yunho was on his back and there were claws sinking into him, heavy weight crushing him, and Changmin's shout was part of a roar from the crowd and rushing in his ears. His head and heart pounded. He was screaming into the air and into the deafeningly blank part of his mind, do something, do something, damn you, Yunho, I swear-
And then there was fire. Not like the orange-red flames that the chimera spurted, but a painfully brilliant white light that burned just to look at. Changmin squinted at the intensity and the heat he felt even from a distance, though the fiery path flowed smooth as water, and both chimeras were nothing but shadows consumed. Licks of blinding flame swirled, then vanished, afterimages scorched into Changmin's vision. His eyes watered and he rubbed desperately at them, gulping in air that felt like it had been burned from his lungs. The magic was so thick in the atmosphere that he could taste it, was suffocating in it. There were a few slumped, swooning figures in the crowd, who were more sensitive to magic than the average person. Changmin finally turned his stinging gaze back to the arena, and a sigh welled within him.
Yunho was sitting up gingerly, the front of his clothes torn and bloodied, but he was alive and whole and untouched by the fire. He looked up and Jaejoong was there, unsteady with exhaustion. Yunho held out a hand. The daemon took it, then fell to his knees and pitched forward, his weight caught clumsily in Yunho's arms.
Changmin closed his eyes and let his head fall back. Words, whether they were curses or prayers, utterly escaped him.
He heard Kyuhyun mutter, voice rough, "That was some fucking show."
Changmin breathed deeply (he felt blistered inside) before replying. "Don't you have the most wonderful feeling that this is only the beginning?" Fuck, he thought, fuck, Yunho, why a daemon? His eyelids opened into narrow slits.
Why did he bind a daemon?
He looked down. Both were standing now, and Yunho was paying his respects once more to the judges. The Rune Knight was being carried out - dead or alive, it was uncertain. Jaejoong was a sullen figure lagging behind Yunho. When Yunho reached for him he tugged free, exchanged short words, and marched past. Yunho followed with stiff shoulders.
The buzz of the crowd was an incessant drone surrounding Changmin. He thought back to that document he had translated and shown to Yunho, that genius idea of his, about Kaya's origin story and the Primordial Tree. About the creation of all magical kin.
"And from the last fruit, which sapped all the magical energy from the Tree, taking what had given it life, the daemons came. From the withered branch they were born, and with the gift of power they ruled."
to be continued
I decided to do something a little different with this part because I knew the exam was going to have a battle element and I wanted to take shortcuts with the action scenes, um, hopefully that worked out.
Extra thanks to dear_whimsy for being a quick, reliable beta! ♥♥
I hope everyone is enjoying their holiday. :D With this, I have written over 100,000 words in 2008. \o/