Sand people [part 4]
Title: Sand people [part 4]
Characters: Junho/Wooyoung
Rating: PG-13
Word count: 3477
Summary: Year 2063. Mankind has been trying to fight the invasion of aliens for 10 years, but there's not many people left alive. And those who are still alive are struggling to survive. Junho's one of them. But when his life is at stake there's someone who saves his life and offers something Junho can't refuse.
Author's note: Thanks to my editor #2 Ling :D I feel rich all of a sudden. Anyway, this is a longer chapter, enjoy it ^___^
Junho takes another bite of Wooyoung’s food substitute bar as the stolen solar-powered bicycle moves forward. It’s not very fast, no match for Wooyoung’s advanced airbike to say the least, but it’s working and Junho’s fine with it. He thinks it’s very fortunate to find something like this bicycle these days when the only thing you can find without any effort is sand and pebbles. Junho doesn’t need to pedal it with his feet, thus saving his own energy. Solar power is awesome, Junho nods to himself, and finishes the stolen chocolate. He decides to label it as such, because it tastes similar and is pretty sweet.
Junho isn’t worried about Wooyoung. “He wouldn’t care about this food, would he?” Junho voices his thoughts out loud and the wind brings them past him. Wooyoung doesn’t have strong emotions, so he won’t care about being robbed. Junho bites on his lip and tries to believe his own reasoning. Right, there’s no need to think about it. But Junho does. He wonders if he should’ve left at least a couple of chocolates for Wooyoung. Junho used to be generous before all this hell broke loose. However, things have changed. His selfishness developed quite quickly, because he understood that that was what would help him survive, and he had been right. Junho tries to make that worm of conscience shut up and almost succeeds.
The sun is burning his skin like always and Junho wipes the sweat off his forehead. He glances at his new outfit which he took from the abandoned house, and it makes him feel fresh. It’s not that often that he gets a chance to change his attire and to shower as well. Junho notices a bird’s shadow following him and looks up, guessing that the vulture must be looking for food. “Not today, buddy.” Junho says, and it seems like the ominous bird understands as it turns west and leaves the human be this time.
Junho doesn’t really know where he’s going but the desert appears to have more cliffs and rocks in this area. He decides it’s a great opportunity to empty his bladder and turns towards the massive rocks. Junho stops the bicycle and jumps to the ground, a few pebbles digging deeper into his boots. He stretches quickly and hides his bicycle because he needs to look around for a bit and maybe climb higher to scan the area. Junho finds a suitable corner and unzips his white jeans.
When he’s done, Junho adjusts his backpack and makes his way towards the higher rocks. There’s something moving in his peripheral vision and he thinks it’s another vulture but when he turns his head, Junho realises it’s that damn airbike that’s faster than his bicycle. “Shit.” Junho runs up the rock, but the bag’s pulling him down and it’s harder than it seems to move quickly. Junho’s heartbeat spikes up when he glances back and sees Wooyoung running straight towards him.
Junho curses again and uses all his strength to run up the damned rock but when he reaches the top he notices too late that he has in fact reached the edge of a cliff. Junho’s terrified like never before as he tries his best to maintain his balance but the height makes him feel even dizzier and his body betrays him, making Junho move forward. His life flashes right before his eyes because he knows there’s no turning back. Flailing his arms won’t help anymore and Junho screams, his voice full of terror.
Just then his body freezes and every muscle stiffens, trying to support his physique. Wooyoung’s holding onto him by his backpack handle and Junho’s panting as his body is still dangerously leaning forward, all that dusty ground available for his body anytime. Junho’s body makes a cross shape as he leans and the only link between his life and death is Wooyoung. Again. “If I was acting according my own selfish emotions, I’d be watching you fall down this cliff. Is it that bad that I’m more rational than emotional?” Wooyoung asks.
“It depends.” Junho wheezes, gulping buckets of saliva down his throat.
“Do you really want to die?”
Junho turns his head back slowly, every muscle killing him with the action. His profile will have to be enough for Wooyoung, he decides, not willing to risk anymore. “Does it look like it?”
“Actually, it does. Firstly, this is the second time your life has been in my hands, and secondly, you stole my food, knowing I could die without it. So, yes, it does look like you want to die. The only thing that could save you is my lack of emotions, isn’t it?”
“Then why am I still ripping my every muscle trying to keep my balance?” Junho’s getting impatient, beads of sweat rolling down and burning his eyes.
“Because even though I’m rational, I still need to punish you and show you who’s superior here. Why should I save your life again?” Wooyoung’s words make Junho clench his teeth.
Junho turns away and looks at the welcoming ground below him. Really, but why? What’s the correct answer? Junho thinks and can’t think of any valid argument other than simply surviving or agreeing to help Wooyoung. He analyses this more and comes up with another discovery which should have been quite obvious, but which Junho has been ignoring till this exact moment. Is it really that bad to be less emotional? It’s actually very convenient, especially when one has to deal with survival or experiences too much mental pain. How come Junho hasn’t thought of this before? It clicks in his mind perfectly now.
“If I agree to help you... Will your people help me to put a barrier on my emotions?” Junho feels his body being jerked suddenly and his backpack removed in one swift motion and thrown away. His back meets the dusty ground and Junho coughs at the impact as Wooyoung lands on top of him. His left hand rests on Junho’s chest and the right one restrains his wrists above his head. Wooyoung leans in and stares at Junho suspiciously. The latter’s pretty sure Wooyoung can feel his rapid heartbeat and that makes him feel vulnerable. If Wooyoung can heal people, is he also capable of stopping their hearts just by transmitting his own energy? Junho bites on his lip nervously.
“Are you serious?” Wooyoung inquires. Trusting Junho isn’t that easy, but the man beneath him nods his head slowly. “Why would you want that? You said having no emotions doesn’t allow one to experience a real life.”
“Perhaps I’ve had enough of it. If your people get what they want from me, maybe they could repay me by making me into someone like you.” Somehow, Junho feels more placid and he wonders if it’s Wooyoung who’s doing this to him. But his hand doesn’t feel warmer than usual; there’s no tickling. Junho doesn’t understand. “I can’t live like this anymore. I need your help.” Junho whispers, and Wooyoung’s grip on his wrists loosens.
For a brief second, Wooyoung looks sympathetic but when Junho blinks, Wooyoung’s up on his feet and Junho’s free. He sits up and looks confused as Wooyoung takes Junho’s bag and retrieves his own food. Then, he throws the backpack at Junho and looks at him. “Honestly, I don’t know if it’s possible. We’re born like this. However, I’m not saying it’s 100% impossible. We won’t know until you’re examined by our scientists. I can’t promise anything to you. Would that change your decision?”
Junho sighs deeply and gets up, putting his backpack on. He dusts off his clothes and then proceeds to walk over to his saviour. Junho looks around slowly and avoids Wooyoung’s questioning gaze for a few moments. His answer is definite this time. Junho ignores the inner turmoil within him that is his emotions and keeps a cool head. “No. I think it’s about time I changed many things in my life. I owe you two lives. And even though you piss me off so much, I’ll go with you.”
Wooyoung gives him what seems like an honest smile and squeezes Junho’s shoulder. “Good. I can share my food with you, in that case.” Junho frowns, but doesn’t say anything back.
They walk down the rock and Junho wonders if Wooyoung knows their exact location. He should, since his airbike is full of various gadgets and advanced technology. “Do you know where we are?”
“We’re getting closer to the edge of this desert. So, we should be more careful of the aliens.”
Junho nods his head. “By the way, how did you find me? I’d say that’s pretty impressive seeing as I was trying to foul the trail.”
Wooyoung grins as he looks at Junho’s profile. “Every belonging of mine has a tracking bug.”
“Of course...” Junho isn’t very surprised and just shrugs it off. His limbs feel sore. Junho’s previous failure to run away from his one and only saviour has proven to be too much for his muscles. Balancing on the edge of a high cliff isn’t on his daily activities list and Wooyoung has punished him pretty badly. It’s as if Wooyoung’s a strict martial arts master, making his apprentice suffer ridiculous training.
When they reach Junho’s hidden bicycle he isn’t sure what to do with it. Junho doesn’t really want to abandon it but Wooyoung stares at him meaningfully and Junho can feel the latter objecting mentally. There’s only enough space for two people on his airbike. And why would they need a much slower bicycle even if they had means to bring? It’s weird, but Junho feels attached to the thing already. He knows it’s silly but he can’t explain it. Nevertheless, they must leave it.
Wooyoung grabs his arm and drags Junho away as he gives one last glance at the solar-powered bicycle, which will be buried in dust and sand in no time. Junho waves at it and Wooyoung snorts, surprising him. Right, joy is the least troublesome emotion to express. Wooyoung must be really glad to finally take Junho with him. That Elder from his planet will probably build him a shrine or something. Junho makes a silly face; Wooyoung doesn’t miss it and raises his eyebrow.
As Wooyoung stares at Junho’s face, the latter sees what’s in front of them and stops Wooyoung immediately, sensing this might get ugly. The only thing he’s glad about is that Wooyoung’s airbike is invisible and they might run away with it, leaving the five unknown men astonished. But he doesn’t know where Wooyoung has left it. “This isn’t good. Confronting a group is never good.” Junho whispers, and Wooyoung sees what he’s talking about.
“Enemies? With my skills and yours combined, we can win this one quickly.” Wooyoung replies calmly.
“This is where you’re wrong.” Junho watches the quintet as they walk towards them slowly. Wooyoung looks at him, a bit confused. “Never underestimate your enemy. Never.” Junho teaches his saviour, because he knows exactly who these people are. Necklaces of people’s ears and teeth those are what decorate their dirty necks. “Especially when you meet wild cannibals.”
Now Wooyoung stares at their enemies approaching them and his brain processes the unbelievable information that has just escaped Junho’s mouth. “They want to eat us? But we’re all human beings...”
“That’s their only goal. To get some fresh human meat.” Wooyoung notices a thick vein on Junho’s neck pop up. “Where’s your airbike? We could escape if it was close to us.”
“Well...” Wooyoung sighs, and Junho finally looks at him. “It’s behind them.”
“That means we’re fucked. Great news.” Junho rolls his eyes, but he doesn’t have the time to blame Wooyoung for his lack of cunning and strategic sense. That’s what Junho is here for. “Listen. Don’t talk to them, I will do the talking. Maybe we could divert their attention. I will go closer to them, while you move behind me towards your airbike. I’ll get your back. We can’t let them circle us. We must move all the time. They won’t suspect anything since your airbike is invisible. Got it?” Wooyoung nods and Junho exhales. They have to act quickly, but thoughtfully.
“How can we help you, gentlemen?” Junho says loudly to the approaching gang.
“Nothing much, boy.” The tallest one speaks in a raspy voice, the other ones smirking widely. “We’re lookin’ for some booze. And food.”
Everyone’s in defensive posture and Junho feels Wooyoung walk behind him. “You know what? I’ve got a secret to share with you.” Junho laughs, hiding his real intentions behind a mask of frivolousness.
“Oh, yeah? Like what?” Their tall leader smiles and Junho sees his black teeth. He can bet it smells like a rotten egg.
“Actually, there’s an abandoned shop nearby. Look at these clothes I got. There’s also plenty of water... It has a solar-power based heating system. Pretty awesome in these circumstances.” Junho slaps his own thigh and the enemies look at each other, judging Junho’s clean clothes and hair. And also weighing up the possibility of him telling lies.
“So, you’re sayin’ there’s a cosy place nearby. Why ain’t ya stayin’ there?”
“Are you joking? Water-carriers would find me there easily. But during daytime it’s a pretty safe place.” Junho smirks and bluffs successfully as the cannibal gang seems to whisper about something. Junho uses this chance to glance at Wooyoung, who appears to be getting closer to his airbike, but then one of the gang members yells.
“Where the fuck is your friend going? We ain’t done here yet.” A short one screams, and both Junho and Wooyoung freeze.
“See, we can’t let ya go.” The leader spits and takes a step forward. “I’m sure there’s no meat in that shop and we’re hungry. Two people would be a huge feast.” He snarls and Junho knows this is it.
He glances at Wooyoung and yells ‘Go!’, but one of their heftiest enemies hurries towards the super human. Junho doesn’t have time to spare as the rest of the cannibals run to his side and he draws a machete out of his backpack before throwing it away for the battle. This makes his enemies stop just in time but Junho isn’t going to back down. This is a do or die situation and not the first one he has come across in his life. He knows exactly what he needs to do to survive. And to help Wooyoung.
Junho slashes the first victim’s neck and one body’s down. Another one tries to jump on his back but Junho uses all his force to elbow him and his attacker succumbs. Suddenly, he feels his arm burn as the only female of the cruel crew whips him with a lash, small blades cutting through his skin mercilessly. Junho screams but manages to lunge towards her and cut her arm off. He ducks quickly when another cannibal tries to kick him, but he can’t avoid the leader’s kick and falls on his knees, holding onto his injured arm.
Nevertheless, he ignores the pain and bounces off the ground quickly, kicking the leader right in his balls and instantly sending him into a knockdown. Junho can see blood all over the cannibal’s crotch and grins, but then another kick in his back makes him fall on his stomach. Junho rolls around fast and his eyes widen as the last enemy raises a spiky flail and is about to smash Junho’s head with it but stops in midair as his neck cracks and Wooyoung releases his head. “That’s three times now. I don’t know how you’re going to repay me.” Wooyoung smiles and reaches his hand towards Junho, who grabs it and stands up.
“What took you so long, though?” Junho mocks him, but Wooyoung doesn’t care. He looks at Junho’s bleeding arm and touches it. Junho feels hot energy seeping through his wound and stares at Wooyoung in awe.
“I’m grateful, but we should check these idiots first...” Junho breathes out and closes his eyes, the tingling sensation warming his arm and making him forget about the enemies for a few important seconds.
The sensation is gone soon and when Junho opens his eyes, he sees, to his horror, the last cannibal's spiky flail stuck right in Wooyoung's hip. His companion looks puzzled and Junho acts first, drawing a small dagger out of his pocket and throwing it right into the enemy’s head, the one who he elbowed before, clearly, not strongly enough. To make sure everyone’s dead, Junho slits all their throats in a quick movement and looks at Wooyoung.
“Shit!” Junho catches him before he slumps and sees the heavy flail fall down. Only then does he realise that the ruined black patch of skin is Wooyoung’s birthmark. Junho feels terrified as he looks at Wooyoung’s severely damaged flesh but composes himself for both their sakes because Wooyoung’s losing consciousness and they need to find a safe place before it’s too late.
Junho grabs his bag and takes out a scarf, wrapping it around Wooyoung’s hips tightly, but sees it doesn’t help much as blood seeps through it quickly. Junho ignores his own injured arm as it’s nothing close to the severity of the super human’s injury. He puts his backpack on and carries Wooyoung over his shoulder.
Junho jumps on his reliable bicycle and thanks all the forces of nature for this thing. He then moves Wooyoung’s body onto his knees and holds him tightly, putting pressure on his ugly wound whilst also controlling the bicycle. He is relieved when he finds a cave after some time, and strikes up a lighter as he goes in deeper. Junho acts as if he’s on an autopilot when he lays Wooyoung’s body on his right side, to avoid tainting his wound. Then, he lights up a cresset and digs through his bag for the first aid kit. This is the most important belonging in Junho’s dangerous life.
He takes off the blood-drenched scarf and frowns at the sight: multiple deep, sharp cuts on Wooyoung’s hip and a ruined birthmark. “Can’t you heal yourself or something?” Junho asks no one in particular, and opens his first aid kit. It’s probably best that Wooyoung’s blacked out because, judging by the depth and width, Junho will have to sew those wounds up. Wooyoung’s still bleeding and he needs to act quickly.
Junho disinfects the wound and purses his lips as he pierces his saviour’s skin. The latter jolts and looks dizzy as he gazes at Junho. “Here, bite this.” He shoves the handle of his dagger into Wooyoung’s mouth and the super human looks puzzled at first but then, seeing a needle going towards his own damaged flesh, reclines his head, biting on the wood. There’s nothing pleasant about being stitched up and Wooyoung feels it with his body.
He passes out again and Junho works swiftly with a needle as if his own life depends on it. Junho’s glad he was smart enough to grab more bandages before leaving the house, and uses them for Wooyoung’s injury. He lets out a sigh of relaxation and looks at his own arm. It’s not bleeding anymore, maybe because Wooyoung managed to heal him even if it gave minimal benefit to Junho. He cleans his own injury and sews it up, enduring the pain like a warrior. But I am one, he thinks as he finishes taking care of his arm.
Two warriors almost getting killed. Junho laughs and shakes his head. “This is insane.” His gaze comes back to Wooyoung and the latter’s just lying there, blacked out peacefully.
Three times. Ever since they’ve met, Junho’s been saved three times by Wooyoung. “Three to one now, Wooyoung. I have two of your lives left to save.” He smiles brightly and, at that moment, Wooyoung opens his eyes and they’re as wide as two wells. “What? Am I not right?” Junho laughs, because somehow Wooyoung looks purely surprised.
The tiny crescent of Junho’s eyes disappear altogether with his smile and he blinks, waiting for Wooyoung’s answer. “Do that again.” Wooyoung asks, but Junho doesn’t get it.
“Do what?”
“Smile.” He insists, and stares at Junho, still lying on his healthy side.
“Why are you asking such weird things?” Junho laughs involuntarily and Wooyoung turns away quickly. “Wooyoung?” Junho’s voice is cheerful as he leans over the super human to get a better look at his astonished face. “What’s happening?”
Junho’s amused when Wooyoung looks back like a scared deer and continues staring at the taller male below him. “I feel weird.” Wooyoung exclaims, and touches Junho’s face. “ Wait.” Wooyoung touches his side and looks at the bandage, then looks back at Junho as if he’s just seen a unicorn. “Shit.”
Characters: Junho/Wooyoung
Rating: PG-13
Word count: 3477
Summary: Year 2063. Mankind has been trying to fight the invasion of aliens for 10 years, but there's not many people left alive. And those who are still alive are struggling to survive. Junho's one of them. But when his life is at stake there's someone who saves his life and offers something Junho can't refuse.
Author's note: Thanks to my editor #2 Ling :D I feel rich all of a sudden. Anyway, this is a longer chapter, enjoy it ^___^
Junho takes another bite of Wooyoung’s food substitute bar as the stolen solar-powered bicycle moves forward. It’s not very fast, no match for Wooyoung’s advanced airbike to say the least, but it’s working and Junho’s fine with it. He thinks it’s very fortunate to find something like this bicycle these days when the only thing you can find without any effort is sand and pebbles. Junho doesn’t need to pedal it with his feet, thus saving his own energy. Solar power is awesome, Junho nods to himself, and finishes the stolen chocolate. He decides to label it as such, because it tastes similar and is pretty sweet.
Junho isn’t worried about Wooyoung. “He wouldn’t care about this food, would he?” Junho voices his thoughts out loud and the wind brings them past him. Wooyoung doesn’t have strong emotions, so he won’t care about being robbed. Junho bites on his lip and tries to believe his own reasoning. Right, there’s no need to think about it. But Junho does. He wonders if he should’ve left at least a couple of chocolates for Wooyoung. Junho used to be generous before all this hell broke loose. However, things have changed. His selfishness developed quite quickly, because he understood that that was what would help him survive, and he had been right. Junho tries to make that worm of conscience shut up and almost succeeds.
The sun is burning his skin like always and Junho wipes the sweat off his forehead. He glances at his new outfit which he took from the abandoned house, and it makes him feel fresh. It’s not that often that he gets a chance to change his attire and to shower as well. Junho notices a bird’s shadow following him and looks up, guessing that the vulture must be looking for food. “Not today, buddy.” Junho says, and it seems like the ominous bird understands as it turns west and leaves the human be this time.
Junho doesn’t really know where he’s going but the desert appears to have more cliffs and rocks in this area. He decides it’s a great opportunity to empty his bladder and turns towards the massive rocks. Junho stops the bicycle and jumps to the ground, a few pebbles digging deeper into his boots. He stretches quickly and hides his bicycle because he needs to look around for a bit and maybe climb higher to scan the area. Junho finds a suitable corner and unzips his white jeans.
When he’s done, Junho adjusts his backpack and makes his way towards the higher rocks. There’s something moving in his peripheral vision and he thinks it’s another vulture but when he turns his head, Junho realises it’s that damn airbike that’s faster than his bicycle. “Shit.” Junho runs up the rock, but the bag’s pulling him down and it’s harder than it seems to move quickly. Junho’s heartbeat spikes up when he glances back and sees Wooyoung running straight towards him.
Junho curses again and uses all his strength to run up the damned rock but when he reaches the top he notices too late that he has in fact reached the edge of a cliff. Junho’s terrified like never before as he tries his best to maintain his balance but the height makes him feel even dizzier and his body betrays him, making Junho move forward. His life flashes right before his eyes because he knows there’s no turning back. Flailing his arms won’t help anymore and Junho screams, his voice full of terror.
Just then his body freezes and every muscle stiffens, trying to support his physique. Wooyoung’s holding onto him by his backpack handle and Junho’s panting as his body is still dangerously leaning forward, all that dusty ground available for his body anytime. Junho’s body makes a cross shape as he leans and the only link between his life and death is Wooyoung. Again. “If I was acting according my own selfish emotions, I’d be watching you fall down this cliff. Is it that bad that I’m more rational than emotional?” Wooyoung asks.
“It depends.” Junho wheezes, gulping buckets of saliva down his throat.
“Do you really want to die?”
Junho turns his head back slowly, every muscle killing him with the action. His profile will have to be enough for Wooyoung, he decides, not willing to risk anymore. “Does it look like it?”
“Actually, it does. Firstly, this is the second time your life has been in my hands, and secondly, you stole my food, knowing I could die without it. So, yes, it does look like you want to die. The only thing that could save you is my lack of emotions, isn’t it?”
“Then why am I still ripping my every muscle trying to keep my balance?” Junho’s getting impatient, beads of sweat rolling down and burning his eyes.
“Because even though I’m rational, I still need to punish you and show you who’s superior here. Why should I save your life again?” Wooyoung’s words make Junho clench his teeth.
Junho turns away and looks at the welcoming ground below him. Really, but why? What’s the correct answer? Junho thinks and can’t think of any valid argument other than simply surviving or agreeing to help Wooyoung. He analyses this more and comes up with another discovery which should have been quite obvious, but which Junho has been ignoring till this exact moment. Is it really that bad to be less emotional? It’s actually very convenient, especially when one has to deal with survival or experiences too much mental pain. How come Junho hasn’t thought of this before? It clicks in his mind perfectly now.
“If I agree to help you... Will your people help me to put a barrier on my emotions?” Junho feels his body being jerked suddenly and his backpack removed in one swift motion and thrown away. His back meets the dusty ground and Junho coughs at the impact as Wooyoung lands on top of him. His left hand rests on Junho’s chest and the right one restrains his wrists above his head. Wooyoung leans in and stares at Junho suspiciously. The latter’s pretty sure Wooyoung can feel his rapid heartbeat and that makes him feel vulnerable. If Wooyoung can heal people, is he also capable of stopping their hearts just by transmitting his own energy? Junho bites on his lip nervously.
“Are you serious?” Wooyoung inquires. Trusting Junho isn’t that easy, but the man beneath him nods his head slowly. “Why would you want that? You said having no emotions doesn’t allow one to experience a real life.”
“Perhaps I’ve had enough of it. If your people get what they want from me, maybe they could repay me by making me into someone like you.” Somehow, Junho feels more placid and he wonders if it’s Wooyoung who’s doing this to him. But his hand doesn’t feel warmer than usual; there’s no tickling. Junho doesn’t understand. “I can’t live like this anymore. I need your help.” Junho whispers, and Wooyoung’s grip on his wrists loosens.
For a brief second, Wooyoung looks sympathetic but when Junho blinks, Wooyoung’s up on his feet and Junho’s free. He sits up and looks confused as Wooyoung takes Junho’s bag and retrieves his own food. Then, he throws the backpack at Junho and looks at him. “Honestly, I don’t know if it’s possible. We’re born like this. However, I’m not saying it’s 100% impossible. We won’t know until you’re examined by our scientists. I can’t promise anything to you. Would that change your decision?”
Junho sighs deeply and gets up, putting his backpack on. He dusts off his clothes and then proceeds to walk over to his saviour. Junho looks around slowly and avoids Wooyoung’s questioning gaze for a few moments. His answer is definite this time. Junho ignores the inner turmoil within him that is his emotions and keeps a cool head. “No. I think it’s about time I changed many things in my life. I owe you two lives. And even though you piss me off so much, I’ll go with you.”
Wooyoung gives him what seems like an honest smile and squeezes Junho’s shoulder. “Good. I can share my food with you, in that case.” Junho frowns, but doesn’t say anything back.
They walk down the rock and Junho wonders if Wooyoung knows their exact location. He should, since his airbike is full of various gadgets and advanced technology. “Do you know where we are?”
“We’re getting closer to the edge of this desert. So, we should be more careful of the aliens.”
Junho nods his head. “By the way, how did you find me? I’d say that’s pretty impressive seeing as I was trying to foul the trail.”
Wooyoung grins as he looks at Junho’s profile. “Every belonging of mine has a tracking bug.”
“Of course...” Junho isn’t very surprised and just shrugs it off. His limbs feel sore. Junho’s previous failure to run away from his one and only saviour has proven to be too much for his muscles. Balancing on the edge of a high cliff isn’t on his daily activities list and Wooyoung has punished him pretty badly. It’s as if Wooyoung’s a strict martial arts master, making his apprentice suffer ridiculous training.
When they reach Junho’s hidden bicycle he isn’t sure what to do with it. Junho doesn’t really want to abandon it but Wooyoung stares at him meaningfully and Junho can feel the latter objecting mentally. There’s only enough space for two people on his airbike. And why would they need a much slower bicycle even if they had means to bring? It’s weird, but Junho feels attached to the thing already. He knows it’s silly but he can’t explain it. Nevertheless, they must leave it.
Wooyoung grabs his arm and drags Junho away as he gives one last glance at the solar-powered bicycle, which will be buried in dust and sand in no time. Junho waves at it and Wooyoung snorts, surprising him. Right, joy is the least troublesome emotion to express. Wooyoung must be really glad to finally take Junho with him. That Elder from his planet will probably build him a shrine or something. Junho makes a silly face; Wooyoung doesn’t miss it and raises his eyebrow.
As Wooyoung stares at Junho’s face, the latter sees what’s in front of them and stops Wooyoung immediately, sensing this might get ugly. The only thing he’s glad about is that Wooyoung’s airbike is invisible and they might run away with it, leaving the five unknown men astonished. But he doesn’t know where Wooyoung has left it. “This isn’t good. Confronting a group is never good.” Junho whispers, and Wooyoung sees what he’s talking about.
“Enemies? With my skills and yours combined, we can win this one quickly.” Wooyoung replies calmly.
“This is where you’re wrong.” Junho watches the quintet as they walk towards them slowly. Wooyoung looks at him, a bit confused. “Never underestimate your enemy. Never.” Junho teaches his saviour, because he knows exactly who these people are. Necklaces of people’s ears and teeth those are what decorate their dirty necks. “Especially when you meet wild cannibals.”
Now Wooyoung stares at their enemies approaching them and his brain processes the unbelievable information that has just escaped Junho’s mouth. “They want to eat us? But we’re all human beings...”
“That’s their only goal. To get some fresh human meat.” Wooyoung notices a thick vein on Junho’s neck pop up. “Where’s your airbike? We could escape if it was close to us.”
“Well...” Wooyoung sighs, and Junho finally looks at him. “It’s behind them.”
“That means we’re fucked. Great news.” Junho rolls his eyes, but he doesn’t have the time to blame Wooyoung for his lack of cunning and strategic sense. That’s what Junho is here for. “Listen. Don’t talk to them, I will do the talking. Maybe we could divert their attention. I will go closer to them, while you move behind me towards your airbike. I’ll get your back. We can’t let them circle us. We must move all the time. They won’t suspect anything since your airbike is invisible. Got it?” Wooyoung nods and Junho exhales. They have to act quickly, but thoughtfully.
“How can we help you, gentlemen?” Junho says loudly to the approaching gang.
“Nothing much, boy.” The tallest one speaks in a raspy voice, the other ones smirking widely. “We’re lookin’ for some booze. And food.”
Everyone’s in defensive posture and Junho feels Wooyoung walk behind him. “You know what? I’ve got a secret to share with you.” Junho laughs, hiding his real intentions behind a mask of frivolousness.
“Oh, yeah? Like what?” Their tall leader smiles and Junho sees his black teeth. He can bet it smells like a rotten egg.
“Actually, there’s an abandoned shop nearby. Look at these clothes I got. There’s also plenty of water... It has a solar-power based heating system. Pretty awesome in these circumstances.” Junho slaps his own thigh and the enemies look at each other, judging Junho’s clean clothes and hair. And also weighing up the possibility of him telling lies.
“So, you’re sayin’ there’s a cosy place nearby. Why ain’t ya stayin’ there?”
“Are you joking? Water-carriers would find me there easily. But during daytime it’s a pretty safe place.” Junho smirks and bluffs successfully as the cannibal gang seems to whisper about something. Junho uses this chance to glance at Wooyoung, who appears to be getting closer to his airbike, but then one of the gang members yells.
“Where the fuck is your friend going? We ain’t done here yet.” A short one screams, and both Junho and Wooyoung freeze.
“See, we can’t let ya go.” The leader spits and takes a step forward. “I’m sure there’s no meat in that shop and we’re hungry. Two people would be a huge feast.” He snarls and Junho knows this is it.
He glances at Wooyoung and yells ‘Go!’, but one of their heftiest enemies hurries towards the super human. Junho doesn’t have time to spare as the rest of the cannibals run to his side and he draws a machete out of his backpack before throwing it away for the battle. This makes his enemies stop just in time but Junho isn’t going to back down. This is a do or die situation and not the first one he has come across in his life. He knows exactly what he needs to do to survive. And to help Wooyoung.
Junho slashes the first victim’s neck and one body’s down. Another one tries to jump on his back but Junho uses all his force to elbow him and his attacker succumbs. Suddenly, he feels his arm burn as the only female of the cruel crew whips him with a lash, small blades cutting through his skin mercilessly. Junho screams but manages to lunge towards her and cut her arm off. He ducks quickly when another cannibal tries to kick him, but he can’t avoid the leader’s kick and falls on his knees, holding onto his injured arm.
Nevertheless, he ignores the pain and bounces off the ground quickly, kicking the leader right in his balls and instantly sending him into a knockdown. Junho can see blood all over the cannibal’s crotch and grins, but then another kick in his back makes him fall on his stomach. Junho rolls around fast and his eyes widen as the last enemy raises a spiky flail and is about to smash Junho’s head with it but stops in midair as his neck cracks and Wooyoung releases his head. “That’s three times now. I don’t know how you’re going to repay me.” Wooyoung smiles and reaches his hand towards Junho, who grabs it and stands up.
“What took you so long, though?” Junho mocks him, but Wooyoung doesn’t care. He looks at Junho’s bleeding arm and touches it. Junho feels hot energy seeping through his wound and stares at Wooyoung in awe.
“I’m grateful, but we should check these idiots first...” Junho breathes out and closes his eyes, the tingling sensation warming his arm and making him forget about the enemies for a few important seconds.
The sensation is gone soon and when Junho opens his eyes, he sees, to his horror, the last cannibal's spiky flail stuck right in Wooyoung's hip. His companion looks puzzled and Junho acts first, drawing a small dagger out of his pocket and throwing it right into the enemy’s head, the one who he elbowed before, clearly, not strongly enough. To make sure everyone’s dead, Junho slits all their throats in a quick movement and looks at Wooyoung.
“Shit!” Junho catches him before he slumps and sees the heavy flail fall down. Only then does he realise that the ruined black patch of skin is Wooyoung’s birthmark. Junho feels terrified as he looks at Wooyoung’s severely damaged flesh but composes himself for both their sakes because Wooyoung’s losing consciousness and they need to find a safe place before it’s too late.
Junho grabs his bag and takes out a scarf, wrapping it around Wooyoung’s hips tightly, but sees it doesn’t help much as blood seeps through it quickly. Junho ignores his own injured arm as it’s nothing close to the severity of the super human’s injury. He puts his backpack on and carries Wooyoung over his shoulder.
Junho jumps on his reliable bicycle and thanks all the forces of nature for this thing. He then moves Wooyoung’s body onto his knees and holds him tightly, putting pressure on his ugly wound whilst also controlling the bicycle. He is relieved when he finds a cave after some time, and strikes up a lighter as he goes in deeper. Junho acts as if he’s on an autopilot when he lays Wooyoung’s body on his right side, to avoid tainting his wound. Then, he lights up a cresset and digs through his bag for the first aid kit. This is the most important belonging in Junho’s dangerous life.
He takes off the blood-drenched scarf and frowns at the sight: multiple deep, sharp cuts on Wooyoung’s hip and a ruined birthmark. “Can’t you heal yourself or something?” Junho asks no one in particular, and opens his first aid kit. It’s probably best that Wooyoung’s blacked out because, judging by the depth and width, Junho will have to sew those wounds up. Wooyoung’s still bleeding and he needs to act quickly.
Junho disinfects the wound and purses his lips as he pierces his saviour’s skin. The latter jolts and looks dizzy as he gazes at Junho. “Here, bite this.” He shoves the handle of his dagger into Wooyoung’s mouth and the super human looks puzzled at first but then, seeing a needle going towards his own damaged flesh, reclines his head, biting on the wood. There’s nothing pleasant about being stitched up and Wooyoung feels it with his body.
He passes out again and Junho works swiftly with a needle as if his own life depends on it. Junho’s glad he was smart enough to grab more bandages before leaving the house, and uses them for Wooyoung’s injury. He lets out a sigh of relaxation and looks at his own arm. It’s not bleeding anymore, maybe because Wooyoung managed to heal him even if it gave minimal benefit to Junho. He cleans his own injury and sews it up, enduring the pain like a warrior. But I am one, he thinks as he finishes taking care of his arm.
Two warriors almost getting killed. Junho laughs and shakes his head. “This is insane.” His gaze comes back to Wooyoung and the latter’s just lying there, blacked out peacefully.
Three times. Ever since they’ve met, Junho’s been saved three times by Wooyoung. “Three to one now, Wooyoung. I have two of your lives left to save.” He smiles brightly and, at that moment, Wooyoung opens his eyes and they’re as wide as two wells. “What? Am I not right?” Junho laughs, because somehow Wooyoung looks purely surprised.
The tiny crescent of Junho’s eyes disappear altogether with his smile and he blinks, waiting for Wooyoung’s answer. “Do that again.” Wooyoung asks, but Junho doesn’t get it.
“Do what?”
“Smile.” He insists, and stares at Junho, still lying on his healthy side.
“Why are you asking such weird things?” Junho laughs involuntarily and Wooyoung turns away quickly. “Wooyoung?” Junho’s voice is cheerful as he leans over the super human to get a better look at his astonished face. “What’s happening?”
Junho’s amused when Wooyoung looks back like a scared deer and continues staring at the taller male below him. “I feel weird.” Wooyoung exclaims, and touches Junho’s face. “ Wait.” Wooyoung touches his side and looks at the bandage, then looks back at Junho as if he’s just seen a unicorn. “Shit.”