Proteus ch. 17

[saengiephile]

Title: Proteus
Chapter: 17/?
Pairing: None (for now)
Rating: R overall
Warning: AU, violence, angst
Summary: Life aboard a cargo ship was supposed to be boring and routine, and it was until a routine shipment turned the crews life upside down.
A/N: RP with yeonah.



JongWoon released an indignant yelp as an attempt to lock YoungSaeng in a hold (that actually looked like it was going to work this time) ended up in being shoved over the assassin's hip to sprawl out on his stomach on the ground.

Leaning over the catwalk railing to see how training was going, HyunJoong quirked an eyebrow at his negotiator.  "Still having no luck, JongWoon?"

"I thought I had it," the older man protested, wincing as he pushed himself up to his feet again.  He was going to have bruises later.

"You almost did," YoungSaeng sighed, shaking his head at JongWoon. "Next time, secure your grip before you try to flip me," he said, stretching his back a little. He tilted his head up to look at the Captain and pilot who were hanging out on the catwalk. "It's not your day, why are you two here?"

"Watching," KyuJong grinned. "JongWoon, are we going to have to hire you a personal body guard, cause there's no way you're ready to take on anyone except for maybe HyungJoon." The engineer heard that and shouted something over at him before he was quieted with a yelp.

"You focus on your own training, not his," JungMin informed HyungJoon with hands propped on his hips after knocking the younger man over.  'That attack was horrible."

"There's a reason why I never made it into the military," JongWoon grumbled with a pout, dusting off his knees before getting ready to try again.

HyunJoong shook his head at them both.  "We're going to have to keep shoving them into closets I think."

"I think you're right," KyuJong chuckled, watching YoungSaeng easily get out of another hold and the negotiator faceplanting again. "As entertaining as this is, it's also a little depressing. We're not much better than that if YoungSaeng and JungMin still wipe the floor with us."

"We at least get a few holds and attacks right," HyunJoong shook his head.  "I doubt we'll ever be as good as them even if we did nothing but train."

"They have a few years on us I think," KyuJong nodded. "I wonder just how good they are," he said, leaning against the railing. "They always look so bored during training."

YoungSaeng glanced up at the two again a their conversation, holding up his hand for JongWoon to stop. "Break time," he said, before turning to call over to JungMin. "Min?"

"Yeah?"  JungMin looked up from where he had one knee pressed into HyungJoon's back, keeping him down and berating him for another lousy attempt to get one up on him.  JongWoon flopped down to the floor the second YoungSaeng called break, panting and brushing his messy hair out of his eyes.

"Break time for the wonder twins," YoungSaeng said, rolling his shoulders a little as he meandered over to where JungMin was. "I think it's time we showed them what a real spar looks like."

Blinking, JungMin grinned widely and let HyungJoon go, standing up and stretching out his arms.  "About time, I was wondering if it was possible to fall asleep training."

"We're doing our best," JongWoon protested, waving his hands for HyungJoon to get over to where he was.

Interest caught, HyunJoong sat down on the edge of the catwalk, wondering how this would go.

"You two might want to get up on the catwalk," YoungSaeng said as HyungJoon limped past. The younger nodded.

KyuJong sat down next to HyunJoong, arms on the railing as he leaned over. The other two came up shortly and sat down.

"No holding back?" YoungSaeng mused to JungMin, pulling his overshirt off and tossing it to the side before stretching his back out a bit.

"What would the fun be in that," JungMin smirked, doing the same and brushing his bangs out of his eyes as he slowly started to circle around.  "Short of damaging the ship sound good to you?"  His eyes had lightened into a pale grey.

"I think the Captain would prefer that," YoungSaeng nodded, standing still and watching JungMin, his eyes matching JungMin's pale grey. "Well? Are you going to hit me or not?"

"So impatient."

JungMin suddenly lashed out without warning, moving faster than he ever had in practice to strike at YoungSaeng's side. But it was a bluff, dropping low at the last second and swiping out with his feet.

KyuJong couldn't even keep up with how quickly YoungSaeng jumped over the feet, using JungMin's shoulder as a pivot point to swing around and drop behind him. "Predictable," YoungSaeng snorted, "I said hit me," he gave a light shove to JungMin's shoulders as he dropped back a few steps.

Going forward when his shoulder was pushed, JungMin swung one leg back around quick enough to catch YoungSaeng's ankle with his foot.  "The more you talk, the easier this is," the redhead grinned, leaping up from a crouch to lash out properly with both hands.

Eyes narrowed, YoungSaeng dropped to the ground and twisted to roll out of the way before JungMin could land on him. Ankles still hooked together, he yanked up on JungMin's leg to get him off balance and give YoungSaeng enough time to roll back over onto his feet. "You're the one who talks to much," YoungSaeng smirked at JungMin, before starting on the offensive, jumping up, he aimed a double footed kick at JungMin's midsection.

Eyes flashing, JungMin grabbed YoungSaeng's feet as he was kicked and brought them both to the ground, rolling to get on top.  "Oh really!"

JongWoon stared down at the two, barely able to follow the movements that had happened in the blink of an eye.  "Who's winning, any idea?"

"No idea," HyungJoon shook his head slowly. He hadn't closed his mouth since the beginning of the session, completely flabbergasted at how people could move that fast.

"Yes, really," YoungSaeng growled, letting JungMin roll on top, then sliding down out from underneath him. Spinning around into a crouch, YoungSaeng sprang up, leaping at JungMin's back. Using him as a vault, he flipped over the redhead, landing in front of him as he brought down his fist, aiming for JungMin's jaw.

Grabbing the offending fist, JungMin pulled YoungSaeng through the motion and assisted the older man with a solid kick to flip them over again.

"That looked like it hu-" JongWoon choked back a gasp as JungMin's form was suddenly swallowed up by a large cat, a black spotted jaguar pinning YoungSaeng to the ground with a snarl and bright silver eyes.

"Oh now you're just cheating," YoungSaeng scowled, eyes flashing as he brought both knees up hard into the cat's belly to roll him off. Back in a crouch, YoungSaeng leaped towards the cat who was starting to get back up.

"Holy..." KyuJong gasped, watching with wide eyes as YoungSaeng's form melted, arms lengthening, back straightening, and face pushing out. The black wolf slammed into the jaguar's side, jaws snapping to get at it's neck.

The jaguar rolled away and dug it's claws in to propel itself back towards the wolf, slamming back into it.  HyunJoong watched, stunned at the transformation as the two animals fought.  "That's amazing," he murmured.  Some part of him hadn't believed they were actually shapeshifters, before seeing it for himself.

HyungJoon shifted a little closer to JongWoon, taking his friend's hand. The wolf was dancing around the cargo bay, nipping at the cat's heels in an attempt to hamstring it. Smaller and nimbler than the cat, the wolf easily bounced out of the way of swinging paws and sharp teeth, only to lunge from the side.

"You think they could kill each other like this?" KyuJong whispered to HyunJoong, not taking his eyes off the animals.

HyunJoong watched them both, frowning at the question.  "I think they could...but they won't."  For all the deadly snapping of fangs and slashing with sharp claws, there was an almost playful, teasing air to the way the two ran each other around in circles and were pinned down in turns.  "They're enjoying this."

"I really hope they don't expect us to fight like this," KyuJong said, watching the wolf pace around. The black fur was matted with sweat and saliva, and the cat didn't look much better. They were starting to tire, and it showed in how the wolf sprang after the cat, slamming into its side.

The jaguar barrel-rolled over when hit, taking the wolf with him as he did a complete turn, pinning the wolf back under him.

JongWoon, staring with wide eyes, gave a surprised laugh when the cat promptly flopped down onto the wolf, squishing the smaller animal against the ground and stopping them both from moving.

The wolf yelped, flailing it's paws and trying to squirm out from underneath. After the useless struggle, the wolf huffed, snapping at the cat's neck and whining.

"I think that counts as a draw," KyuJong chuckled, slowly getting up to his feet.

The jaguar gave a wide, lazy yawn, as if he had no qualms about falling asleep right there on top of the other animal.  After a moment the cat's form shifted again, shrinking as the fur disappeared and was replaced by clothes, JungMin sprawled out happily on top of the wolf.

"That was pretty intense," HyunJoong chuckled.  JongWoon nodded quickly.

"You're a cheater Park JungMin," YoungSaeng cuffed the younger on the side of the head when he'd shifted back. "Get off of me," he pushed the redhead's shoulders tiredly.

"You had fun though," JungMin grinned cheekily, rolling off of the older man obediently to sprawl over the ground.  They were both completely winded, the fight having lasted a long time.  There also wasn't a single scratch on them, apart from a few bruises that would probably appear later.

"Next time, no shifting," YoungSaeng grumbled, sitting up and kicking JungMin lightly in the side.

"You two alright down there?" KyuJong called down, leaning over the railing with a grin.

"We're fine, horseface is a cheater," YoungSaeng said, getting up and dusting off his pants.

"Horseface?" HyungJoon blinked, trying not to smile.

"Yah, I am not a horseface," JungMin huffed as he sat up, kicking YoungSaeng back before standing as well, fixing his hair.  "And you said 'no holding back', never said anything about not shifting, so I did not cheat."

"We were demonstrating sparring, they can't attack each other as animals," YoungSaeng shot back before turning up to the rest. "The first time he tried to shift into a horse, his head got stuck when he went back to normal. So he had a horse head on top of his skinny little body. That's why he's a horseface."

KyuJong had to cover his mouth with a hand to keep from laughing at that mental image.

JungMin scowled, kicking YoungSaeng again.  "Should I tell them about when you tried changing into an otter, and were missing a tail and had giant monster teeth?"

"Oh no," JongWoon ducked his head, shoulders shaking.

"No, we do not need to tell them about that," YoungSaeng scowled, punching JungMin in the arm. "Horseface," he stuck his tongue out at the younger before taking off. KyuJong gave a startled shriek when YoungSaeng leapt into the air, his body shrinking down into a large black bird that winged it's way up to land on the catwalk behind them. YoungSaeng winked at HyunJoong before turning tail and running through the open hatch.

"Yah!"  JungMin yelled, running up the stairs three at a time and past them into the rest of the ship.

JongWoon blinked owlishly.  "Weren't they just completely exhausted?  That was a fast recovery."

"They have some high endurance," KyuJong shook his head, watching them go for a moment before turning to look over at JongWoon. "You know it's your turn to watch the bridge. I'm off duty now."

"Already?"  JongWoon gave a sigh and stood up, still wincing after practice.  "Okay, I'm off to do that then before we run into an asteroid field."  He limped out of the room.

"I'll keep you company," HyungJoon scurried off after him. When they had gone, KyuJong looked to HyunJoong, smiling a bit.

"Well that was... interesting to say the least," the pilot said with a chuckle, pushing away from the railing. "I'll be in my quarters if you need me," he gave the man a nod and turned to back through the hatch, hands in his pockets.

HyunJoong paused for a moment, before following along after him.  "We'll need to have a meeting before we reach the next planet, we need to be more prepared for what could happen on the surface.  It's quite possible we'll run into more races."

Slowing so HyunJoong could catch up, KyuJong looked over at him and nodded. "I'm sure JungMin and YoungSaeng will be able to tell us more of what to expect. I think it would be prudent to leave more than just me aboard this time, just in case."

"HyungJoon and JongWoon can stay here with you, it's best that JungMin and YoungSaeng come down to the planet with me," HyunJoong nodded.  "From what they've explained to me so far, it'll just be a short stop for supplies and information."

"Information would be good," KyuJong smiled, turning the corner towards his room. "We'll have to figure out our next stop after that. They don't know where they want to go yet, do they?"

"I don't think so...I have a feeling it depends on what we find out at this stop.  But it's good to know we're not the only people out here."  HyunJoong shook his head.  "I just hope the next people we meet are not pirates...or Federation."

"Chances of running into any Fed ships out here will be small though, luckily," KyuJong said. "Have you given more thought to YoungSaeng's proposal of taking over some shifts on the bridge? I know it's not ideal, but it could really help."

"Yeah," HyunJoong sighed.  "I think we'll have no choice but to let them on the bridge for a few shifts.  Everyone's going to burn out otherwise...and if they had meant us harm, they would have done something long before now."

"They could have easily taken over the ship that first day," KyuJong nodded, stopping in front of his door. "I think we can trust them," he said with a smile, opening up the door and stepping into his quarters.

"I think so too," HyunJoong nodded, pausing for a moment before following KyuJong into his room.

**************************

It was another five days before they reached their next stop, a small planet outpost in a system HyunJoong had given up trying to pronounce properly because it just made JungMin and YoungSaeng laugh at him.  Upon seeing it in the window, JongWoon had asked if it was really a planet or just a really large asteroid, something HyunJoong had mentally agreed with.

But there was a station there, and once they opened up external communications again, they could see there were several ships already docked on the surface.

"Just find a slip to dock in," YoungSaeng said softly, standing behind KyuJong's chair. "You could try the dockmaster, but it's almost always a waste of time."

"Why?" KyuJong blinked, looking up at him over his shoulder.

"Because they try to extort as much as they can off you, especially those who haven't docked here before," YoungSaeng smirked, glancing at JungMin.

"Understood," KyuJong nodded, turning back to the controls. Not having to jump through hoops to do the simplest of things like dock was just another thing they'd have to get used to out here. "Everyone should sit, and buckle up, I don't know how well this is going to go," KyuJong said, eyeing the sensors. There were at least four other ships heading for the station.

HyunJoong sat down at his station, buckling in and watching as JungMin did the same.

"The outpost has a lot of spots to dock from, it's pretty big," JungMin said, leaning over so he could still see.  "You still might get into a little tussle with another ship though."

"JongWoon, sit," HyunJoong ordered as he and HyungJoon came into the bridge.  "We don't need you flying into the window."

"Yes sir," JongWoon said sheepishly, pulling HyungJoon over to their seats.

"I'm not worried about other ships," KyuJong smirked, turning off the autopilot and taking the controls. "Hold on though."

Swallowing, HyungJoon made sure JongWoon was buckled in properly and took his hand, holding it tightly. YoungSaeng moved to sit next to JungMin, glancing at the redhead with a smirk. He was curious to see how well the pilot would do with these other ships that were much larger and more intimidating.

KyuJong spotted an open slip as they approached. It seemed another ship wanted that spot though as what looked like a freighter suddenly veered out in front of them. Swearing, KyuJong had to slam down on the controls, ducking underneath the other ship to avoid rear ending them. The whole ship pitched forward at the sudden nose dive and he hit the accelerator, shooting out first in front of the freighter.

Proximity warnings went off as he brought the ship up, eeking out a space between the freighter and the station to slide into the slip first. Hitting the brakes, he craned his head up to look out the top window and smirked. The freighter had banked sharply at the last minute, overshooting the station and nearly crashed into a control tower.

YoungSaeng was able to breathe again, chuckling softly as he leaned back into the seat and covered his eyes with a hand. "Well, I think you'll do just fine out here, pilot," he laughed.

"How are we not dead yet?"  JongWoon whined, holding on to HyungJoon for his life.  HyunJoong chuckled, clapping KyuJong's shoulder lightly as he stood.

"You both are staying on the ship with KyuJong, remember," HyunJoong told JongWoon and HyungJoon.  "Keep an eye on things and radio out if anything happens."  He looked to YoungSaeng and JungMin.

The redhead smirked as he unbuckled himself from the seat and stood.  "Let's get going then."

Power doing the systems, KyuJong looked up at HyunJoong. "Be careful," he said, frowning a little. While he trusted that JungMin and YoungSaeng would keep him safe, he couldn't help but worry about the Captain going out there.

Standing up next to JungMin, YoungSaeng nodded and started towards the hatch. "Let's make this quick as possible."

HyunJoong followed him and JungMin out the hatch, and down the hallways towards the cargo bay.  "I'm guessing this outpost isn't the friendliest," he said quietly.  They each had weapons on them.

"No outpost out here is completely friendly, the jockeying for a docking spot is mild compared to the rest of the station," JungMin rolled his eyes.

"We're here to meet someone?"

"Yeah, we have a contact that comes here often."

"He's a slippery little devil, but he should be here," YoungSaeng said, his lips pursed. At the airlock hatch, YoungSaeng turned to HyunJoong. "This is your first time, so I will warn you once and once only. Do not stare. It will likely get you killed."

HyunJoong pressed his lips together and nodded, keeping that in mind.  It was a good thing he had a good poker face.  "Understood."

"This is going to be fun," JungMin rolled his eyes, stepping aside so HyunJoong could open the airlock.  It opened with a hiss, leading out into a long corridor.

Going out first, YoungSaeng kept his eyes open and looked everywhere as they headed down the corridor. It was obvious the station wasn't regularly serviced. Dirt and garbage piled up in corners, and puddles of coolant dripping from the ceiling.

The corridor emptied out into a small courtyard that was dimly lit and noisy. There were close to two dozen bodies milling about, of all different sizes, shapes and colors. Only a couple gave the three a passing glance, and a couple who recognized YoungSaeng and JungMin scurried out of the way. Scowling as they moved through, YoungSaeng looked back over his shoulder to make sure HyunJoong was behind him.

Doing his best not to stare, HyunJoong found it easiest to just keep his gaze focused on the back of YoungSaeng's head.  The majority of those walking around were humanoid at least, but very, very few actually looked completely human.  Some were more creatures standing on two legs than anything.  He was very glad HyungJoon and JongWoon weren't out here with them, they would have never been able to stop staring and freaking out if they accidentally bumped shoulders with someone.

"Where do you think he'll be?" he heard JungMin ask YoungSaeng.  "There's some of his crew here, so he's got to be somewhere."

"My guess, the gambling hole," YoungSaeng frowned. Which meant tight quarters and little room to get out. He did not like HyunJoong being with them, but that hadn't been up for debate. He leaned in close to JungMin, keeping his eyes forward. "You keep an eye on the Captain while we're in there. He wouldn't pass up the chance to snag a human who walks right up to him, whether that human is with us or not."

JungMin nodded.  "Anyone tries to grab him and I'll bash heads in."  He straightened, dropping back to walk behind HyunJoong to better keep an eye on him. HyunJoong glanced in his direction, but didn't say anything, turning back to follow YoungSaeng.

They headed along the courtyard to the other side, and into another corridor with even more people in it, HyunJoong moving out of the way to avoid jostling an alien with rather broad shoulders.  JungMin glanced around to see a few people watching them, a sharp glare from the assassin turning a few away.

Taking a flight of stairs down into a lower tier, YoungSaeng's eyes narrowed as two bodies scurried away when they turned a corner, disappearing into a guarded door. Motioning for the other two to stay, YoungSaeng approached the guard that was easily three times the size of the shapeshifter. Speaking in a low tone to the guard until he was given a nod and YoungSaeng beckoned JungMin and HyunJoong forward. Waiting until they were in, he gave the guard a sly wink and stepped into the dimly lit room.

Everyone in the room seemed gathered around four different tables, placing bets and watching the gamblers, many calling out insults or challenges in languages HyunJoong knew he wouldn't even begin to understand.  A few of them spoke the main language in the Federation, but that was a small comfort.

JungMin glanced around, and nudged YoungSaeng slightly, nodding towards the table that seemed to have the most people around it.  "He's over there," he murmured.  Some people were staring at HyunJoong, the shapeshifter moving a little closer to the Captain.

Smirking, YoungSaeng shouldered his way through, ignoring the sneering looks he was getting. Some were smart enough to get out of his way. Finally getting through to the table, he rested his hands on the top and leaned in to look straight across the table. "HeeChul," he said simply, staring at the other.

The man across the table from him looked up from his cards, slitted eyes meeting YoungSaeng's before he smirked.  "Well well, look who was let out of the cage.  For the moment?"

"Not your concern," YoungSaeng said firmly. Anything they said with other people around could put them in danger. "Can we speak to you in private? We have some questions we'd like to ask."

HeeChul tilted his head to one side, observing him.  "What's in it for me?"

YoungSaeng resisted the urge to roll his eyes. Of course this wouldn't be that simple. "We'll pay you for your time of course," YoungSaeng said, his voice still firm.

The other man smirked.  "Then you have my attention."  He waved at someone else to take his spot at the table before standing with his winnings.  After a murmured word with someone standing beside him, he slipped through the crowd and headed towards doors at the other end of the room.  JungMin nudged HyunJoong to follow.

They were led into a small room that YoungSaeng was pretty sure wasn't for sleeping despite the bed being there. At least there was a small table that he and HeeChul sat down at. "We haven't been out of Fed space in a while," YoungSaeng started, leaning back in the chair with his arms crossed. "So we need to know what systems are safe, and which factions are in control."

"Your Fed masters don't keep up with the newest trends?"  HeeChul chuckled, playing with a poker chip and flipping it between his fingers, seemingly uninterested in the conversation.  Until he glanced over at JungMin and HyunJoong and smirked.  "Pretty human."

YoungSaeng's eyes narrowed and flashed darkly at that but continued on. "You know as well as I do that the Fed wouldn't know their own foot if was kicking them. Are you going to give us the information, or are we going to take our money elsewhere?"

"Keep your panties on, I'll give you your information."  HeeChul glanced over at the two standing to one side before returning his gaze to YoungSaeng.  "I'd stay out of the Radon system, and every single system around it.  The whole area's in the middle of a war and your ship will be gutted the second it passes the first ring of planets."

JungMin blinked in surprise at that.  That had been a particularly peaceful system to travel through.

"Good to know. Civil war or are the factions making a play at governments now?" YoungSaeng asked, a little concerned at that. There were very few stable governments nearby, and that had been one of them.

"Factions,"  HeeChul yawned.  "Old news.  Radon is worth a wealth in resources, it was only a matter of time.  You remember our friends in the Sylar Faction?  They've doubled in numbers, and have eaten up whole systems.  Please tell me you've got a map or something on you, this will be so much easier."

YoungSaeng's nose wrinkled at hearing that. They'd crossed paths with that particular beast before and he would not look forward to dealing them again. He looked over at HyunJoong. "Maps?"

HyunJoong pulled out a small one he'd brought with them just in case, walking over to the table.  HeeChul tapped his nails against the wood, watching the human with far too much interest.  "Not bad, where'd you find this one?" he mused to YoungSaeng, a glint in his eyes as HyunJoong ignored him and unrolled the map, pinning down the edges.

"He's mine," YoungSaeng said testily. "Focus on the matter at hand please."

"So rude when I could send you straight into a pirate hidehole, you're lucky I like that tongue of yours," HeeChul sniffed before looking back down at the map.  "Here are the Sylar-controlled systems."  He placed a handful of red poker chips on the map, marking off different systems.  "Be careful if you go through any of them, they don't like trespassers, especially Fed trespassers if you remember."

JungMin's eyes narrowed.  So many...it was well more than double what Sylar had last time they'd been out here.

"Do not go into these spots...not even your pretty face would be able to get out of it alive."  HeeChul marked a few spots with two stacked poker chips.  "They're Sylar bases, they've taken whole planets."

Looking at the map, YoungSaeng frowned at how big of territory the faction had now. It was worrying that so many systems that had been full of good honest people were now in the hands of thugs. "What of the other factions? They can't be too happy with what's going on. If I remember correctly, these systems here," he pointed to three systems in a row, one with a red chip, "were Darven controlled."

"Yup, and my little birdies tell me they're about to launch a full-out assault to take this one back."  HeeChul tapped the red chip.  "Which is going to get them completely wiped off the map.  And there's the idea that the Valis and Merin Factions are going to merge, which might give them enough firepower to take on Sylar, but you never know.  Things have been interesting around here to say the least."

"Interesting indeed," YoungSaeng nodded, looking up at JungMin and then back down at the map. "What systems are still safe then? Is the Arcadan government still in power here?" he asked, motioning to a few systems at the far edge of the map.

"Yeah, they're still safe."  HeeChul placed blue chips on those systems.  "And the Purian systems made a deal with Valis for their protection while remaining a free government...who knows what they're doing in return, but for now that area's safe."  He placed four more blue chips on the map.

YoungSaeng studied the map, his lips pressed in a thin line. The amount of safe or unclaimed systems was less than half of what had been previously. That didn't account for the pirates or the smaller factions trying to muscle in either. "Thank you HeeChul," he said softly before looking up at JungMin. "It's a start at least. We should go." He got to his feet, pushing the chips off the map and folded it back up, handing it to HyunJoong.

HyunJoong took the map, slipping it back under his jacket with a small frown.  That hadn't looked good at all.

"And my payment for keeping you all from getting yourselves killed?"  HeeChul quirked an eyebrow, standing as well.

"We have money, and some light arms, military grade on the ship," YoungSaeng said, crossing his arms. "You can have your pick."

"Boring, boring," HeeChul yawned, stepping around the table leisurely.  "I have more than enough of both."  He tapped a finger against his lips.  "I want...him."  He crooked a finger at HyunJoong, stepping closer.  "Humans are so hard to find out here, especially cute ones."

"No," YoungSaeng said, glaring at HeeChul. "I already told you he's mine. If you don't want weapons, we have other things we can offer, just not the human."

"Saengie yah, I already have anything that you could possibly offer.  I want something I don't have, and a human would be a perfect addition to my collection, don't you think?"

JungMin stepped in front of HyunJoong to stop HeeChul from advancing anymore.  "No, I don't," his eyes flashed silver.  "He came in here with us, and he'll leave with us."

"Take our offer of the weapons, or don't, that doesn't matter to us," YoungSaeng said, stepping to HyunJoong's side and taking his arm. "You know you should take the offer."

"And you know you should always negotiate payment before asking for favors, Saengie yah," HeeChul tutted, walking over to sit on the table, watching them with a smirk.  "My men are waiting right outside that door, if you think you can get past them with your human pet, go right ahead."

YoungSaeng smirked, shaking his head. "HeeChul, you should know better," he sighed then turned to JungMin. "Gag him."

HeeChul's eyes widened slightly, then narrowed.  "You wouldn't dare."

"We've really been away too long," JungMin grinned dangerously, a piece of fabric from the bed already in his hands.  HyunJoong glanced at YoungSaeng uncertainly as the redhead stepped forward, HeeChul sliding back off the table and backing up.

"HeeChul, you know what we are," YoungSaeng mused, looking down at his nails. "You're right, we walk out of there and your men will be on us. If you walk out there though, they won't bat an eye."

"I'll make sure your ship never comes in here again," HeeChul threatened, backing away from JungMin who looked all too happy to be doing this.

"I think we'll take our chances," JungMin grinned.  "And thanks for the information."  He lashed out and swept HeeChul's feet out from under him, pinning the man to the ground and covering his mouth as the older man started to curse loudly.

"Yes HeeChul, thank you for the information," YoungSaeng said. His form slowly shrank, hair shortening, jaw slimming and body thinning. His clothes were a little big for him, but considering how dark it was out in the other room, no one would notice. "Min, you're going to have make yourself a little less conspicuous," he said.

Busy gagging and tying HeeChul up, JungMin looked back at YoungSaeng.  "...Oh fine," he sighed, standing up and pulling HeeChul to sit up properly.  "You had your chance hyung," he patted HeeChul's head before heading back to YoungSaeng and HyunJoong.

Before he reached them, he all but disappeared as his form shrank down to the floor, changing completely.  The tiny squirrel climbed up YoungSaeng's pant leg and disappeared into the back of his shirt.  HyunJoong looked vaguely amused.

YoungSaeng squeaked and squirmed as JungMin crawled up his pants, scowling slightly once the squirrel was settled. "You bite me and I'll squish you," he said. Taking HyunJoong's arm, he headed for the door. "Look down, try and struggle a bit," YoungSaeng said, looking up at HyunJoong. "Remember, I'm taking you against your will."

Nodding, HyunJoong ducked his head down and took a deep breath to calm himself.  "Okay, let's go," he said, ignoring the muffled noises from HeeChul in the corner of the room.