Archive of Our Own ^beta

Chapter Text

It was incredibly easy to break into the Archive Of Artifacts during the day.

The historical building was just down Lonely street. Bricks of ivory outlined the golden windows and doors– all actual pure gold, if you could believe it– and the entire building radiated power; both literally and metaphorically. Standing in the middle of the city, it towered over any passerbys and its magic aura was palpable from miles away.

The Archive Of Artifacts; their world’s biggest pride and joy. Home to every magical object ever discovered. A steel fort at night… and yet displayed as a tourist attraction during the day.

Their entire magical history written in scriptures, sacred scrolls, powerful objects– all for show when the sun rose, treated as a museum. Guards at all posts, all pretending to be on high alert. Pretending.

He knew, though. He remembers the shifts there, playing rock paper scissors and the flurry of faces streaming in he’d never bother to look at for more than a second.  

Chan would always laugh at him when he slacked off. His eyes would crinkle and he’d joke, you’ll get caught one day.

He'd known Chan since they were kids. They were family friends. He wonders where Chan is now– then he decides he doesn’t really care. Chan was always too stern about what was right and wrong anyway.

Chan's heart had always been too good for this world. He was kind, but also fierce; he cared. He cared for the world, for the archive, for his job.

It didn’t surprise anyone when Chan got promoted to the highest rank. It didn’t surprise anyone when he got fired for slacking off.

It wasn't as if it was a great loss– being fired only worked towards his advantage. Now he knew every nook of the building; every cranny, every corner not too closely looked at, every guard he could bribe to let him in through the back.

Not like they cared anyway. They weren’t alert during the day– surely no one would steal when it was swarmed with tourists. Surely, no one would have the nerve to touch the holy items where everyone was looking, right behind the double plexiglass. Surely, definitely, absolutely.

He lets out a snort as he slithers down the corridor. The human tourists all around him make for the perfect distraction as he shapeshifts, eyes on the prize like a hawk.

He mentally thanks the witch he’d met last week. If it wasn’t for her specialization in invisibility, he never would have been able to pull this off.

He mentally thanks Chan as well; he would never have been able to steal the witch’s powers if it wasn’t for him. Him and his good heart– Chan and the trust he put in him.

The crystal in his vision shines high and bright, tantalizing him to come closer. He grins. 

Oh Chan, if you could see me now.

The form of an old lady he’d taken on makes people move to the side for him– they all part for the supposed elderly as he makes his way forward. He thanks them, sugary sweet, drunk on the crystal’s power.

It’s so strong that he feels floaty when he finally stands in front of it– the star of the show, The Palladoy; the first ever magical artifact. The pink and white rock might not seem like much, if you don’t consider that it’s the source of all the magic in their universe.

Its aura is so palpable. He can’t wait to ruin it.

He hides himself with the magic that’s not his own, apparates himself behind the glass with the product of theft in his veins– and no one turns their head when he apparates again, this time with the object of his desires in hand.

No one turns their head until it’s too late; and by the time global news breaks out, the stolen Palladoy resides safely on a velvet cloth in his lap.

He picks it up with magic resistant gloves and inspects it, ignoring the pain that shoots through his arm at the contact. It shines brighter as if it’s protesting against him– flashes of pink and purple almost blind him, but all he does is smile.

Indestructible, they’d always said. He’s not against a challenge. 

He’d lost so much thanks to this world, thanks to magic– he’ll start it all over. He’ll build the world from scratch exactly how he wants it, and won’t stop until he’s satisfied.

How do you like me now, Chan?

🪀

It was on Monday 3:25 pm that J/P, head of JP security, got notified about the absence of the Palladoy.

It had been a calm morning. Had been. Until his assistant stormed in– red faced, huffing and puffing from running all the way to the top floor because the elevator was simply too slow– to tell him about how the most important piece of magic in their history had been stolen in broad daylight.

Then, his calm morning had gone up in flames.

“ What? ” He hisses. He must’ve fucking heard it wrong; there’s no way.

“Sir… We don’t know how this happened–”

“ In broad daylight?! ” He roared, and his anger was enough for the furniture to start floating. “The Palladoy, stolen?! ”

“Sir, please, if you would just–”

His hands slam down on his desk, and together with it everything drops down.

"Call Bahng. Now.  "

Chapter Text

Chan loved his job. He truly did. Getting to help the world he lived in and being a protector of magic was just about the most honorable job he could’ve gotten, and he took the title of elite mission agent with pride.

That all did not mean that he liked his boss, or liked talking to him.

"C'mon, Chan," he mumbles to himself, standing outside J/P's door. "It's just the man who gave you your job." And the most boring and annoying man on earth.

He shook his head with a sigh, pushing down the door handle.

His superior was standing with his arms crossed behind his back, staring out the floor to ceiling windows.

Dramatic.

"You called for me, sir?" He asked, stepping into the room and shutting the door behind him. 

The older man doesn’t respond for a while. Chan holds back an annoyed huff.

"Sir? I was told this matter was urgent–"

"Yes, Bahng. I'm thinking, wait a second." He snaps.

Chan almost retaliated with something that definitely would've gotten him demoted, but settled with thinning his mouth and narrowing his eyes. 

He was known for being able to bite his tongue when needed for a reason.

"You've heard the news?" J/P finally starts off. 

It takes Chan a second to think, but then he responds with, "About the crystal?"

He gets a nod in return.

"I have, yes. Stolen in broad daylight."

J/P clenches his fists tightly, tension evident in his shoulders.  "We don't know how or who did this."

Chan gulps, stepping forward. "But sir, if I may ask… Do we even know why?"

At his question his superior turns slowly, squinting at him as if he’s speaking gibberish.

"Why would someone steal the crystal, if not to harvest its magic? It’s the most powerful object of magical mankind."

"No supernatural could handle that much power at once,” He shakes his head insistently. “They'd literally burn from the inside. We've seen it happen with the first person to touch the crystal and try to take its powers."

J/P sat with his mouth snapped shut, narrowing his eyes further. "Then what is the motive you suggest?"

Chan hesitated for a second, before stepping closer. "There might be some evil intent behind it.”

J/P is looking at him as if Chan is crazy. He distantly fantasizes about pushing the older man out of the window, and then shakes his head to clear his thoughts.

“The crystal is the source of all magic in our world.” He elaborates. “Everyone’s powers are born from it– Everything we've built; the floating cities and magical forests come from this very concentrated thing. If it were to be destroyed…"

J/P sucks in a breath. "What are you saying? No one would have the nerve–"

"We used to say that about stealing the crystal, but here we are." Chan shoots back, but immediately bites his tongue when his eyes narrow.

"Don't sass me, Bahng."

"I'm not.” He sighs. Why is his boss a literal toddler? “I'm just saying, there's a very serious and stern risk for our world right now that we need to consider. If someone were to destroy it, our entire foundation would collapse. We'd be in ruins."

J/P purses his mouth. "The Palladoy is made from the strongest elements on this earth. It's indestructible."

Chan bit the inside of his cheek. "Not in the long term. If you do it bit by bit, there is a Chance."

J/P’s eyes narrow into slits, and Chan feels as if his boss is about to toss him any second.

"Fine, then."

Chan frowns, confused. What?

"This risk that you speak of… deal with it." His boss sighs, waving a hand as if Chan is wasting his time.

Deal with it? What the hell was that supposed to mean?

"Sir, I don't know what you're asking from me–"

"You are one of our top protectors, Chan Bahng. I called you here because I was going to order you to gather a team to find the crystal and return it– but if you're so sure of this ‘ risk, ’ find a solution for that too. Make sure it stays safe."

Killing your boss is not good. Killing your boss is not good. He’s gonna have to repeat that for the next week or so.

 "You want me to…?"

J/P nodded. "You aren't a mission agent without reason. I'm giving you the task to gather a task force of supernaturals– people who you think would be able to help you find and secure it. You get two weeks."

What had Chan done to deserve this?

"Sir… a week to gather a team and to find the crystal?"

"If you're so adamant on evil motives, a week is all you have."

Chan is a responsible person, don't get him wrong– he’s been their top protector for years for a reason, but that’s because he always worked alone! With solitude there was no one to disagree with you, with isolation came no one to push you away. Chan liked being alone. 

He didn’t make acquaintances and barely made friendships– at least not anymore. 

And now he had to make multiple in the span of a couple days. And to convince them to risk their lives for the crystal. Which he also had to localize. Great.

"Sir, what if the crystal is already damaged by the time we find it?" He asked.

"The crystal will regrow unless it's completely destroyed. Don't be too late, and don't disappoint me." 

Chan nodded, bowing in front of his superior with gritted teeth. "Yes, sir."

J/P held up a hand. "Bahng, leading a task force of supernaturals is the highest job I can give you. Take it with pride and don't disappoint me."

"I won't, sir." He replied. It's not a job I asked for, though.

꩜

"Your own task force?" Seungmin enthuses, bouncing on the couch in Chan's room excitedly.

Chan grumbles. "Yeah, he wants me to go and gather people in a couple of days."

"And you get to lead? That's just about the highest job in our world, especially if you make it!"

Chan groans, falling back on his own bed. "I know, Seungmin! That's why I'm going to end my life!" 

Seungmin tosses a pillow his way with a huff. "Don't be so dramatic. I bet you're a great leader, and you'll find them in no time!"

"Hmm, and what about the crystal? There are too many things to do at once!" He’s fully aware he’s being dramatic. Still, he throws an arm over his eyes and releases a long sigh, yelping when another body jumps on top of his.

"You're the biggest drama queen I've ever seen in my life ,” Seungmin groans, hitting him on the shoulders. “Of course they gave it to you, you’re the hardest worker in the entire company!"

Chan grumbles again. "I wish they didn't."

“Stop working hard, then.” He looks at him expectantly, eyebrow raised in challenge.

Chan squirms. “...No.”

(He’ll work up the courage to smack Seungmin for his triumphant grin, one day.)

“That’s what I thought, poser.”

(One day.)

“I hate you with every fiber of my being.” Chan deadpans, voice flat.

Seungmin’s smile shines bright, undeterred. “You love me, or you wouldn’t have allowed me to room with you.”

“I could kick you out at any time!” He threatens, but they both know it’s empty– he’s gotten too used to Seungmin living with him to kick him out.

He'd met the other wolf a few months ago, when Seungmin came to J/P as a trainee to become a protector. He'd been grouped with Chan because they were both werewolves, and now they lived by the seaside per Chan’s request.

"Why do you not want this? You've always said you strive to be the best." Seungmin turns serious again, folding his knees under him on the bed.

Chan sighs as he stares up at the ceiling. "I'm not good with people, Min."

"You're literally friends with the entire company."

Chan swats at him, disgruntled. "I’m not friends with them. I'll eat lunch with them while we talk about weekend plans– but nothing goes beyond that. No one sticks around for more than a few months."

“I did.” His voice is uncharacteristically gentle, and despite everything a teasing smile forms on Chan’s face.

"Look at that, you're being nice to me for once." 

Seungmin scoffs.

"Shut up, you fossil– I’m trying to do my job and get you to get the crystal back!"

"I'm twenty five!" Chan defends against the accusations, but Seungmin’s manic cackling is too endearing for his voice to carry any real heat. He wrestles him until the younger escapes back to the couch, eyes glinting still when their laughter finally dies down.

"Do you have anyone in mind that could be good for the mission?" 

Chan bites his lip. He'd thought of one on the way back from headquarters; a certain powerful wizard, but he was the type to give people wedgies with his powers instead of saving the world with them.

"Do you want to help me?" He suddenly asks, curious gaze landing on the younger.

"Help pick the members? I mean, I know a couple of people–"

"No," Chan cuts off. "Help me with the mission."

Seungmin squints. "Are you asking me to be on the task force?"

Chan nods his head eagerly. He’d have someone he trusted already on the team, and Seungmin could use it to gain experience.

Seungmin purses his mouth, mulling it over. "Fine, I'll help you– but I'm just a trainee. I'm not as experienced."

“That’s fine.” He shook his head. “I’ll be there to help.”

Seungmin sighs, but his eyes are grateful.

"Anyone else in mind?"

"A wizard friend of mine, but I'm not sure he'd want in…" 

Seungmin scrunches his nose. "The one that's always at the bar to start magical fights?"

Chan laughs. "Yeah, that's him. He enjoys kicking them from their high horses and getting free drinks."

Seungmin rolls his eyes in exasperation. "Still, I'd ask him. He seems powerful despite the fact that he uses his powers for stupid stuff."

Chan nods and gets up from the bed, gathering the leather jacket from the back of his chair to leave.

"Try not to get hit by a floating chair again!" Seungmin calls just as he’s about to shut the door.

Chan balks. "That was one time!"

Seungmin’s cackle is the last thing he hears before he’s outside. Despite everything, the sound puts his mind at ease.

꩜

Jisung is sitting at the bar by the time Chan arrives, drink already in hand.

He wasn't exactly an alcoholic– it wasn't the alcohol he couldn't get away from– but Jisung visited the bar often enough for all the regulars to greet him every time he did.

"Big Wolf!" He immediately hoots upon recognizing him, winking over the bartender to also get a drink for Chan. "Haven't seen you in a while! Where have you been, hyung?"

Chan smiles, sitting down next to him, gladly accepting the drink. "Hi, Sungie. I've missed you too– I've just been busy with work."

Jisung laughs, head thrown back a little too far to be completely sober. "Always busy with work… you're so hard working. Let go once in a while!" He urges Chan, shaking his shoulders a little in jest.

"I'm not always busy! Right now for example I'm in a bar with you!" He protests.

Jisung pouts, a silly grin forming on his face. "Alright, you win this one, Channie. I missed you!"  He slurs a little, throwing his arms around the older.

"Me too, Ji.” Chan laughs, making sure the wizard wouldn’t fall off the barstool. “What have you been up to?"

"Not much. A few tricks for money here and there, doing singing and wizard gigs at clubs– been out a lot, as always." Jisung shrugs mindlessly.

Chan feels his smile dim a little. Jisung had never had a good relationship with his parents, so he always avoided being home– but ever since he moved out it had somehow gotten worse because of how lonely he felt at his flat.

(Jisung would never tell him any of this, insisting that it was all fine and he just liked all the fun– but a drunk Jisung tells everything the sober one feels, and he'd encountered drunk Jisung plenty enough.)

"Wanna play some pool?" He suggests instead of giving way to his thoughts, already getting up and easily being followed by the wizard.

"Ready to lose?" The other man asked with a cat-like grin.

"I only lose because you always cheat by using your powers!" 

"Or because you suck at pool–" Jisung snickers, being cut off by Chan jamming a pool stick in his side.

"Shut up and play, Han Jisung."

Jisung cackles before starting the game.

A couple of rounds later, Jisung is indeed taking the lead.

("See, you're cheating!" Chan had protested when the ball he’d used suddenly strained left and missed its goal.

Jisung had only shrugged nonchalantly. "Newton’s laws and all that."

"Newton has nothing to do with this–" 

"Can't hear you over mother earth!")

He hadn't really been paying attention anyway, trying to figure out what to say when Jisung put his poolstick down with a sigh.

"What do you wanna say to me?"

Chan looks up, surprised, feeling a slight blush creep on his cheeks. "What do you mean? I don't–"

"You forget I'm a wizard, babe. I can feel the emotion and worry oozing off of you like honey." Jisung pouts, moving closer.

Chan sighs, defeated. Jisung might be oblivious, but he was also able to feel other people's emotions.

"Your powers are stupid." He mumbles, startling a laugh out of Jisung.

"Says you, with your sharp teeth!" 

Chan grins at the teasing banter, shaking his head amusedly.

"So, what's got your panties wet?"

"Never say that to me again!" Chan fake gags, pushing the younger away while he’s cackling. “Unbelievable.” He mutters again in disgust, before Jisung finally calms down and says,

“Is this a job thing?”

Chan’s eyes widen. “How did you know?” Had his files been compromised? Had they–

Jisung taps his forehead in jest. “The news, Channie. The crystal. You work for Supernatural Security– I’m just connecting dots here.”

He flushes a little at his unnecessary panic. “Right.”

“Besides, I figured it couldn’t have been anything interesting– like you getting fired or sleeping with your boss.”

Chan actually does gag this time. “Why the fuck would you think that?!”

Jisung shrugs again, as if he didn’t just say something truly outrageous. “I assume you've been tasked with getting it back?"

Chan nods with a dramatic sigh. "Not only that– Boss wants me to gather a task force for it, too."

Jisung’s mouth drops open in surprise, eyes twinkling. "A task force? Like a group of people who you're going to get it back with?" 

"Mhm; They have to be a team of supernaturals who I think could help."

A grin forms on Jisung's face. It’s cheeky, like his entire personality, but also a bit endeared. "Are you asking me what I think you're asking?"

Chan awkwardly rubs the back of his neck. "Well… what's your answer?"

Jisung punches his shoulder in excitement. "A dangerous heist with you? Are you kidding? Of course I'm in!"

Chan lets out a relieved laugh. At least he’d have someone he trusted. "It's a mission, not a heist–"

“Don’t care. Time for a heist, baby!” Jisung shouts a little too loud, and Chan hurriedly slaps a hand in front of his mouth when heads turn to look at what’s going on. Right, Jisung was still a bit drunk.

"Sorry," he apologizes in a quick whisper. "Do you have anyone else yet?"

"Only my roommate, Seungmin. He's a trainee but he's powerful for a werewolf, and now you. Do you know anyone else I could use?"

Jisung leans back against the wall, thinking for a moment, mouth pursed slightly when his eyes finally focus back on Chan. 

"There's… someone, but you'll have a hard time convincing him. I think he'd be really useful to this mission, though." He sighs.

Chan leans forward, intrigued by the prospect. "Who?"

A small grin forms on Jisung’s face, and then something unusual happens– he rolls his eyes (usual) and they’re fond. (unusual.)

Jisung has people he’s fond of, but not like– that. Chan already wants to know more about this person.

“He’s a witch.” He doesn’t elaborate further.

"Does this witch have a name..?"

Jisung heaves a sigh, once again with that fond tone– but then he’s grabbing his coat and walking to the entrance of the bar. "It's best I don't speak his name in case he's near enough to be summoned. All you need to know is that you'll find him on the streets."

"Jisung, wait–" he didn't get much else out before the wizard had disappeared in a flash, leaving Chan with only a strong gust of wind. He fucking hates transportation coins. They never should’ve been invented.

He falls back with a heaved sigh. Find him on the streets, what the fuck was that supposed to mean?

𖦹₊⊹

Chan is dead. He rubs his eyes and blinks blearily, trudging down the stairs with a yawn. He'd only had three hours of sleep tonight– he'd dealt with worse, but it was more so the physical exhaustion from the midnight chase that had him so tired.

He hated midnight calls, he couldn't even feel it in himself to be scared when he cuffed the feral stray vampire that had broken loose.

"Morning, don't you look graceful?" Seungmin chirps from the table, looking well rested and nursing a cup of coffee. Damn that kid and his proper sleep schedule.

"I'm a real beaut, I know." Chan sasses back, taking a hand through his messy hair.

Seungmin snickers when he sees that he can barely keep his eyes open, but slides him a cup of coffee nonetheless. "How was the chase?"

Chan groans. " Terrible. Some vampire broke out of an asylum and started yelling about how the apocalypse was upon us!"

Seungmin snorts, spilling a bit of his coffee. "That's hilarious, not gonna lie."

Chan grumbles faintly and grabs his own coffee, rolling his eyes. "We'll see if you still think that when you're the one who has to talk to J/P at devil's asscrack hour."

"You kiss your mom with that mouth, hyung?" He grins, and Chan huffs while getting up to fry some eggs.

"I'll kiss your mom with this mouth–"

"Did you seriously just make a your mom joke–"

"At least I don't burn down the kitchen every time I enter it!" Chan retorts, having Seungmin gasp in offense and grab a spoon to thwack Chan on the head.

"I will tear you apart– "

"Sure you will,” he snickers, "make sure to do the dishes after, yeah?"

Seungmin only huffs, poking Chan again before settling on the counter and watching him cook. 

"How'd it go with your wizard?"

"Jisung? Yeah, he agreed to be a part of the team!"

Seungmin softly punches his shoulder. " See? You're great at this! You always just worry too much." 

Chan's mouth tugs up in a smile. "You've been awfully nice to me lately. Are you going soft on me?"

He huffs, smacking him again. "In your dreams, grandpa. I just don't want this mission to fail!"

Chan laughs, wrestling him to throw an arm around him. "You're a softie at heart, I know it."

"Am not! I'm a dangerous wolf–"

"You're a puppy at best, Minnie."

Seungmin bites his arm and Chan yelps before pushing him back to the table, rolling his eyes at his manic laughter.

"Did Jisung say anything else? other people, perhaps?"

"A witch, yeah. But he didn't mention a name, just said to find him on the streets."

Seungmin frowns. "What the fuck is that supposed to mean?"

"I don't know? I guess I'll just have to go out, see if I can find anything." Chan shrugs, plating the eggs.

Seungmin pursed his lips, but didn't say anything anymore. 

Chan allowed a small smile. He may be tired and this mission might just be a pain in the ass– but at least he had his idiot roommate with him.

꩜

It was a couple hours later that Chan thinks he finally understands what Jisung had meant with just find him on the streets. 

He'd been on a run for groceries– forced, more like, Seungmin begging for chips– when his sharp ears picked up the sound of scuffle a couple blocks ahead.

It was a natural instinct that led him to follow the noise.

It led him to a back alley far away enough from the stores to be shady, but near the road enough to not immediately be killed. There were a couple dumpsters you could hide behind, but other than the graffitied walls and broken electrical cords it didn't offer much else.

Chan watched from the corner as what seemed to be a human was backed into the wall, a vampire stalking closer and closer to them with his fangs extended.

"Aren't you just a little treat?" He whispered, mouth set in a sharp grin as spit trailed down his chin. Chan didn't have to be a magician of sorts to know the human was feeling terrified.

He was just about to step in, to shift his gears until the claws extended and the eyes glowed to protect the helpless human, when that all was done for him when a figure dressed in black seemingly swooped down from the skies in between the predator and prey.

The air seemed to be dampening with their presence. The skies fell colder, the sun dimmed, and Chan felt an uneasy feeling pool in his gut as he was finally met with the face of the new intruder.

His face was indescribably handsome. A sharp pointy nose was joined by high cheekbones that stole his breath slightly, and it only got even worse when his gaze landed on the man's pouted lips, set into a frown. His eyes were sparking with fire, partially hidden by his silky black hair.

His entire stance radiated power. It scared Chan a little, watching with bated breath as he clenched his fists and stepped forward menacingly, steps seemingly echoing.

If the unearthed beauty didn't give it away, the radiance of power and knowing how to wield it did. It was a witch who had stepped in.

Witches weren't unheard of. They were quite common in this world, but their power was strong enough to keep anyone from messing with them, no matter how nice they were.

"hunting humans again? Even though your dad shunned you for it?" The witch speaks, and his low voice chills Chan to the bone. 

So it was one specialized in minds.

The vampire flinches at the harsh words. Chan watches as the witch twirls his fingers by his side and whispers incantations, controlling his magic while he corners the creature.

"How– how do you know that?" He trembles, backed into a wall by the grinning witch.

"I know everything." He whispers, getting closer until he’s hovering over the vampire. "I know how afraid your parents were when you showed as a vampire, Shawn. I know how disgusted they felt when they saw you feed."

The vampire shrinks under the heavy gaze, trying to keep a brave face but not able to stop his body from shaking.

"You are to never feed off of humans again." The witch hisses, swirling his hands in the air in a beautiful dance. "You're strictly tied to animals and creatures alike– Now get out of my sight. "

The vampire didn't need to be told twice. He scrambles as he tries to leave, running off and leaving behind the half fuming witch with the terrified human. Her knees buckle and she crawls over, weakly clawing at the witch’s knees.

"Thank you," she sobs, "You saved my life– I don't know how to ever repay you."

The witch turns around. His eyes are hard but not vicious like they were with the vampire, and he just waves his hand. "You don't have to do anything. Just look out for yourself next time you go out." 

Chan blinks. You were supposed to be indebted to witches if they helped you with their powers– strangers didn’t exactly just… get a free pass.

So this witch also seemed to have a good heart, alongside being powerful. Noted.

The human nods, thanking him again, before gathering her purse and getting out of here, leaving only the witch panting in the alley and Chan standing just around the corner.

This must've been who Jisung was talking about. Chan realizes, scrambling to follow when the witch starts walking away.

"Hey– wait!"

The witch startles and turns with wide eyes, flitting everywhere before landing on Chan– and then he’s scowling, fastening his pace to get away.

"Please, I just wanna talk!" Chan calls out, struggling to keep up when the witch starts climbing up the wall at a rapid pace.

He huffs and drops his grocery bag, claws coming out to get a better grip before he follows after the man hurriedly “Can you slow down, I just want to–”

"Leave me alone, who are you?!" The witch snipes, already running away and jumping between the rooftops.

"I'm Chan– I just want to talk to you about something!"

"Stop chasing me! I don't care about your name!" 

First he asks his name and then he doesn't care? Okay, rude.

Chan focuses his energy in his feet as he sprints, eyes appointed on the witch and reflexes working quickly to dodge it when a purple mist blows his way.

"Hey! There was no need–" He struggles to keep his balance as the witch keeps attacking, and–

One of them hits him like a tidal wave, forcing him to halt in his tracks and stumble back, surrounding him from all sides until he can’t see anything but the black mist choking him.

He’s conscious enough to register his foot slipping, before the mist catches him in a flurry of his own warped memories.

His friend was in front of him. His eyes were wild as their boss was shouting at him for infidelity. 

He was getting shunned. He was leaving Chan. Bambam got shunned– because of Chan. He screams and rages at Chan because it’s all his fault that he’s getting fired.

His face morphs into that of a girl's that he'd gone out with a couple months back. Chan thought they were hitting it off. "I don't think we quite fit," she said, leaving him too.

His friend group in high school, just around the corner. "Chan is nice, he's just too… awkward. Hanging out with him is boring." He'd caught them saying. They laugh as they recount awkward moments, as they lament about how much they don’t want him there– and Chan sits, frozen, unable to stop listening.

He’s not good enough, he never was. Not for anyone. 

He never will be. No matter how much he busts his ass off for work or how much he tries to be social, he'll never be like other people, he'll never talk as easily or casually as he'd seen others do. He'll always just be the awkward overbearing guy who tries too hard and wants too much.

He'll never be good enough. No one will ever stay. They'll all leave him eventually, because who would stay? Why would anyone? When he's not good enough, he's not good enough he's not good enough he's not–

꩜

His entire body aches. His limbs hurt, his head pounds, and his stomach churns, and whatever is next to his head won’t fucking stop ringing –

Chan lifts his head with a groan, squinting against the horizon as he blindly reaches for what seemed to be his phone, blaring his ringtone in an annoying screech.

He doesn’t bother checking the caller ID, just presses the hot device against his ear with a groan.

"Who this?" 

"Finally! I've been trying to reach you for hours now, where the fuck are you?! It's almost evening and you're still not back–"

He pulls the phone away from his ear, wincing as the yelling only worsened his headache. "Seungmin? That you?"

"Yes, dumbass! Who else! Where are you?!"

"I…" Chan falters. What the fuck had happened? He stares up into the sky blearily, noticing that the edge of the roof was cracked. Oh. So he'd fallen from that high.

(Thank god for his regenerative powers– or he would've died multiple times.)

Seungmin huffs from the other end of the phone. "Just send me your location, I'll come get you. And don't move!"

Chan cracks a smile. "I won't… my body feels like death."

Seungmin sighs, an annoyed but concerned edge to his voice. "You'll be the death of me. Do you know how worried I was?!"

He grins. "You are going soft on me."

"Whatever. I'm just glad your old bones didn't all crack. I'll see you in twenty." He hangs up the phone, leaving a delirious Chan chuckling under the dusk air.

So. That was that.

True to his word, Seungmin arrives twenty minutes later, finding Chan still drowsy and lying on the pavement.

" Jesus, hyung, what the fuck happened?"

Chan coughs as the other boy helps him sit up. "I don't exactly remember… but there was a witch–"

Seungmin's eyebrows pull up, giving him some water to drink. "A witch? Where?"

"Couple of blocks back. He was defending a human– I thought it was the witch Jisung had mentioned, so… I tried talking to him, but he didn't want to. He made me chase him across the rooftops, and… I guess I fell down."

Seungmin tuts disapprovingly, checking over him for any visible scars. "Idiot. You shouldn't have chased him, you know how some witches are! And you're not even at full strength, you barely slept–"

Chan sighs, secretly basking in the care Seungmin was providing. "I'm fine, Minnie. I just lost my footing."

Seungmin frowns. "Did he do anything to you?"

Chan knits his eyebrows, trying to remember, before a faint memory crosses him. "I think so, yeah? Some kind of black mist."

"You met a mind manipulative one?"

"A what?"

He knocks on Chan's forehead. "Did you even pay attention in school? Witches can each specialize in certain aspects of their powers–"

"I know that!" Chan protests, but Seungmin continues unbothered. 

"The ones with the mist are known for illusions– mind control and manipulation tactics and all that. If they cast their mist at you it’s supposed to drag you to unhappy memories."

"It certainly disoriented me." Chan mutters as Seungmin helps him up.

"Let's just go, hyung. You'll find him later. For now you gotta rest up and sleep."

"I don't need to sleep–"

"I'll knock you out if I have to." He threatens, effectively shutting Chan up as he gets into the car.

"Now eat something while we drive, because I can't cook for shit and I'm not letting you do it either." 

Chan listens wordlessly. Seungmin was a man true to his word, and he wasn't about to argue.

Once he'd ingested the pack of cookies he'd bought, he leans over to nudge his head against Seungmin's shoulder.

"thanks for saving me over there." He murmurs, smiling up at him slightly.

Seungmin huffs, but can’t contain a grin. "Don't have to thank me. Just looking out for my elders."

Chan makes an offended noise as Seungmin laughs, but he doesn’t have it in him to fight more as he sits back and enjoys the silence.

(He’s really, really, really glad he had Seungmin.)

𖦹₊⊹ 

He doesn’t see the witch again until a week later.

Days pass as they normally do; filled with work, defending the weak, tracking down the evil, bantering with Seungmin and being startled whenever Jisung paid them a visit.

(Which had been happening startlingly often, since the wizard had returned from his impromptu break. Chan would wake up and go downstairs, and Jisung would just… be there, in his favorite armchair, already having prepared breakfast for the three of them.)

(Seungmin found it odd, at first, but once he realized he got free breakfast out of it and Jisung was sorta nice, he didn't really care.)

It'd been a nice week, Chan had missed his two friends. He hadn't told Jisung about seeing the witch yet, not sure if it was the same one he was talking about.

He wakes up again that night– sometime after midnight– A call from the company. Great. 

“Protectors close to Beachwood cafe, please report for duty– potential threat of a wild robur. ”

Extra great.

He groans and hurries down the stairs, pulling on his enchanted vest. Jisung is snoring away on the couch but he pays it no mind, settling in the driver's seat and grabbing his radio.

" CB97 reporting for duty, over." 

"CB97, this is MATZ. You and Ni-Ki are the closest, over."

"Specific whereabouts? Over." He replies, relieved that at least he'd have Ni-ki on the case. The younger man was a vampire, but a very gentle hearted one who'd easily got to talking with Chan.

"Beachwood cafe around Helm's corner. A fight broke out between a witch and robur, and it's disrupting the entire neighborhood with magic."

Chan sighs and shuts his eyes tightly. Great, fucking great.

"On it." He huffs, driving away.

It was typical for roburs to start cafe brawls, but it was unusual for witches to mix themselves into it. Not that roburs were low, they just… weren’t considered on the same level as others.

Only when he drove around Helm's corner did he realize what Hongjoong had meant with disrupting the neighborhood. Cars and houses were floating mid air, a green and purple glow swirling around, the magic thrumming through Chan’s body immediately.

This witch was powerful.

Turning on the car's magic defense system, he exits the car with great difficulty– the witch’s magic almost forces him to the ground but he prevails, shoving the doors open with his shoulder.

He stares open-mouthed when his eyes finally land on the scene inside. Chaotic or extreme couldn't even cut it.

Ni-ki was already there, fangs extended and trying to inch closer to the robur on top of the bar as he held onto the counter with bulging muscles. All of the cafe visitors had hidden themselves against the walls or in the corners, protecting themselves the best way they could. 

And the witch… Chan had never seen anything like it.

The man was front and center, eyes ablaze with the same purple and green mist like outside. Everything seemed to come from him as he stood headfast in front of a scared little girl.

"Move!" The robur growls aggressively. "That's my kid."

The witch only snarls. "The kid you were about to hit? Yeah, no. I'm not leaving this child with you."

Only when he spoke does Chan have the shocking realization that this was the same witch that he'd seen in the alley. He stood, too shocked to act properly.

"I raise my kid however I want." The robur sneers back. It was a man in his forties, greasy hair reaching until his shoulders and cheeks sunken because of old age.

The air around them goes from purple to nearly black as the witch's body seems to tremble even harder in anger, powers reaching back until a protective coup forms around the girl.

"You should never have been allowed to parent. Everyone here knows this." he whispers. Chan feels his body go stock still, sure that everyone else felt the same when he realized the witch was using charmspeak.

Fucking hell, who is this magician? Charmspeak was a sacred witch ability, one that took a great deal of energy– but to also use it with the amount of power he was already emitting was unimaginable. This witch was probably the most powerful of his kind.

"She's a freak– " The robur tries, voice getting choked off when the witch's hand snapped up to their throat.

"She's a witch." He corrects, voice cold as ice. "You don't deserve to exist, not when you treat another human being, your daughter, like this. I'm hereby taking your will to live."

His eyes blaze up with a purple and green fire Chan had only seen a handful of times, before the man in his grip goes up into dust due to his charmspeak.

Everything after that happened in slow motion.

The cocoon around the witch girl goes up in a green flame. She drops to the floor and the nearest villagers reach to comfort her, and the witch is left panting in front.

Chan and the others get released from the witch's magic, falling forward while a major thud sounds from outside– all the floating objects had also come down. The mist clears, leaving the overhead lights and moon to brighten up the place.

Ni-ki immediately comes up to catch him when he stumbles and nearly hits his head. " Goddamn, that was something. The witch certainly got powers."

He nods, still in a daze. "Yeah… that was crazy. The charmspeak baffled me, how are they not unconscious?"

Ni-ki just shrugs.

"I'll get the daughter and take care of her. You deal with the witch, hyung." He says, and leans in to whisper something. "See if you could recruit him for SPS, he'd be useful."

Chan nods, but he’s not really listening– this witch was clearly not going to agree to working for the government, but with a bit of luck he'd agree to Chan's plan.

The daughter had crawled her way over to the witch, hugging his calves in desperation. "Thank you," she sobbed, surprising him. "Thank you so much… I owe you my entire life. Thank you."

The witch's eyes turn soft as he crouches down to her level, an unexpected gentleness showing in his eyes as he caresses her hair. "No need to thank me or be in any debt. You're a fellow sister. Just promise me to look out for yourself and keep your head up high, always."

She nods desperately and hugs him, the witch holding on for however long she needs.

This might've been his only chance, so Chan steps forward resolutely until he reaches the pair and crouches down.

Even before he can get a word out, the witch's now brown eyes flit over to him before hardening into annoyance.

"You again?"

Right. Witches remember faces.

He rubs the back of his neck sheepishly. "Uh… that was a real display of power over there–"

The witch huffs. "Yes, I'm incredibly powerful. No, I'm not joining the fucking SPS. Stop asking!"

Chan shakes his head, desperation winning over. "No, that's not what I'm here for! I swear I just wanted to talk to you–"

"You're lucky I'm hugging this fucking girl right now," The witch grits his teeth. "What do you want from me?"

Chan gulps. He was intimidating.

"I… wanted to know your name." He suddenly blurts. Oh god, that's definitely not what he fucking wanted to say.

The witch's eyebrows rise up until his hairline. "I'm not giving you my name unless you tell me what you're here for."

"Okay, fair… uh– I'm Chan. I'm from the SPS, as you've already noticed–" he laughs nervously, fumbling, "but I'm not here to recruit you for that, I promise. It's just…"

The witch sighs and pinches the bridge of his nose. "If you don't spit it out now I'm going to set you on fire."

"Okay, sorry!" He hastily apologizes, backing off a bit just to be safe. "I've been tasked with gathering a team for a mission– it's not for the SPS! It's just temporary– and you're clearly powerful. This team needs someone like you."

The witch was silent, eyes narrowing. "Sounds awfully like recruiting to me."

"It's for a good cause!" Chan protests.

He huffs. "And why should I care about your cause? "

The girl finally pulls away and sniffles, giving the witch one last grateful look before leaving with Ni-ki, leaving both of them alone.

"I can't tell you any of it right now, there's too many people. Just… please come back to mine, so I can explain. You have a choice not to join me, but please hear me out first."

The witch looks troubled, staring at Chan for a long time, calculative.

He finally opens his mouth to speak.

"Lee Know."

Chan frowns at him in confusion. "I'm.. sorry?"

The witch huffs and rolls his eyes. "My name. You told me what you wanted, and I'm keeping my word. My name is Lee Know."

Chan makes a sound in understanding, eyebrows clearing up. It was probably only his witch name, but Chan would take whatever he got out of the man.

"So, Lee Know…" he tests the name on his tongue. "Does this mean you'll be coming back to mine?"

The witch– Lee Know– raises an eyebrow. "Inviting me over already? Buy me a coffee first."

Chan sputters. "No, that's not what I–"

Lee know shakes his head with a small smirk. "I'm just fucking with you."

He suffers a sigh. "I guess I'll hear you out, but on one condition."

"Whatever it is, I'll comply."

"Eager." Lee know mumbles, before continuing and not letting Chan defend himself. "Absolutely no SPS. I don't want them involved in any way, I do not want there to be a single moment where I work for them."

Chan nods quickly. "Of course, it'll just be me and the team."

Lee Know stares at him for a bit, before getting up and dusting his pants off.

"Well?" He holds out a hand for Chan to take. "Lead the way back, Chan. "

Chan grins and takes the offered hand, hauling himself up.

"You won't regret this, promise."

Lee Know hums non commitally. "Let's see what this plan of yours entails, and who your team is."

Chapter Text

Convincing Lee Know to hear him out was one thing.

Convincing him to actually join the team was something completely else, and with the current situation at hand, it seemed as if Chan's chances were getting slimmer by the second.

The current situation being, well… he should've expected it, is the thing. He'd known Jisung for a good couple of years now, so Chan should've been prepared.

Instead, he was dumbfounded as a flash blinded both of them. Furniture attacked them from left and right to hoist them up into the air, yelping when the TV cable wrapped him up, eyes going wide as Jisung's cackling face came into view, his hands up and directing the items around.

Fuck, he's used to his antics– of course he is– but what about Lee know? He was a powerful witch who didn't seem to take any shit–

"No!" Chan shouted when Lee Know freed himself and immediately went over to Jisung, scowling. With one simple flick of the wrist he had Jisung up in the air, gasping and reaching for his neck.

"He didn't mean any harm, please, he's just–"

"Jisung?!" His hands paused mid air in surprise and unclenched, the younger gulping in air greedily.

So it had been the witch that Jisung meant.

"Long time no see, gorgeous." He coughed out, a weak smirk playing on his face.

The witch huffed and dropped his hands, making Jisung smack down onto the carpet with a loud thud that caused Chan to wince.

"Nope," Lee know mumbled, turning back around to Chan. "I'm not joining whatever the fuck you're doing."

"No, please! Wait– I'm sorry for him, truly–" Chan tried, reaching out and stopping the witch from getting to the door even if he he struggled against his grip.

"I'm not working with Jisung!" He growled.

"This team needs you– You promised me you'd at least hear me out! You can leave afterwards if you want, but stick around until I'm done talking, please." He tried, holding onto the witch tightly.

Lee know set his jaw tight, not facing Chan while thinking over his words, before whirling around with his mouth set in a straight line.

His sharp eyes narrowed onto the wizard. "Fine, but Jisung isn't allowed to come anywhere near me." He sniped.

"That's fine!" Chan hurriedly said, ignoring Jisung's offended noises from behind in favor of pulling Lee Know along to go to the kitchen, dragging the wizard along on his way– and trying to ignore their complains that they were too close.

Jisung grinned at him behind Chan's back. "I thought you loved my presence, jagi."

"I'd rather eat my own foot rather than be in your presence, Jisung." He growled back.

"You say that, but your emotions are tingling every time you're around me." He teased again. Chan held back a huff.

"Where do you two even know each other from?" He cut in as they reached the kitchen, disposing both of them on chairs on opposing ends of the table.

Jisung smiled, leaning forward and trying to catch Lee Know's eye. "He's my witch."

All eyes snapped up, including Lee Know's. 

"That's not true, don't say that!" He protested with a frown and clenched fists.

Chan couldn't blame him. A soul bond between a witch and a wizard was something very intimate and serious, not something you joked about quickly. Only a few hundred magicians actually had the privilege to have their match.

Lee Know huffed, shaking his head twice to get rid of his slight blush. "We met a couple months back, when I was fighting two creatures at once and this dumbass suddenly thought his help was needed–"

"You were getting your ass beat, don't twist the story–"

"I was not," he sharply huffed. "You just stepped in and took on the vampire when there was no need to! Ever since then he's been non-stop bothering me."

Seungmin finally appeared with a teapot in hand, pouring one in for everyone present. "Don't we all have that problem with Jisung?"

"You're on thin ice, Seungmin." Jisung threatened, pointing a fork at the younger.

Lee Know finally let a grin shine through, nodding approvingly. "This one. I like this one. I'll work with him."

Seungmin shot him a grin, and Chan couldn't help but chuckle at Jisung's betrayed face.

"Right, now that everyone's well acquainted," Chan finally spoke. "Let's get into it. Lee Know, you've heard about the crystal?"

The witch took a sip of his tea and nodded. "Hasn't everyone? Stolen in broad daylight and all that. I think J/P is at fault for even having such an important thing out on display."

Jisung agreed. "If it's so powerful why put it in a museum?"

Seungmin shoved a cookie in his mouth. "Because we live in a capitalist society, Hannie. The palladoy's merely a cash grab for them."

Chan huffed. "I've been telling him to put it in a safe zone somewhere, but of course the old man wouldn't listen. He said the people also came to feel it's aura, so we needed to keep the original."

"Bunch of asses." Jisung mumbled.

"But as it stands… it's fallen in the wrong hands. There might be some evil intent behind this all–"

"The thief is going to destroy the crystal and make the magical world collapse?" Lee Know deadpanned, and Chan stared at him, shocked at how they seemed to be having the same thoughts.

Yeah, this was a witch he could work with. A smile spread over his face. 

"Which is exactly why we need to get it back, unless we all want to die a painful death and watch the world around us wither."

It was quiet around the table, until Jisung suddenly snorted. "Always cheery, aren't you? I have some pretty rad songs about the end of the world–"

Seungmin and Lee Know groaned in tandem. "Of course you write those emo songs." The witch said, putting his head down on the table.

"They're not emo!" The wizard protested, but Chan held up a hand before it could go any further.

"Disregarding his free time activities– we need to return it in good condition as fast as we can. J/P gave us a week." 

loud protests broke out over the kitchen island. "A week?! How are we going to–"

"I don't know either, but I can't do anything about it–"

"And who are you going to do that with?! Just the four of us? We aren't enough, Chan." 

"Who says it's four? I haven't agreed yet!" Lee Know huffed back indignantly.

"You really wanna act difficult?" Jisung suddenly challenged him, eyes hard. "You'd rather go back to the streets and fight random alley rats?"

They held eye contact for a long time, before the witch relented with a huff

"Fine, whatever. I'll join your stupid team and see where it leads."

"Doesn't change the fact that we're with four–"

Seungmin had a point, one that Chan realized all too well, but he was getting increasingly frustrated with everyone talking over him.

"I know we need more people!" He shouted over all the other voices. "But as it stands, I do not know anyone other than the three of you, so unless you guys have any other suggestions for team members or a plan on how to steal the crystal with just the four of us, I'm all ears."

The room was silent following his slight outburst. Chan felt an twinge of embarrassment, but kept his head up and locked eyes with all of them in question.

Seungmin eventually sighed. "I'm stumped, hyung. The only people I know are the ones in the room."

Jisung shrugged his shoulders meekly. "Lee Know's all I had, really. Everyone else isn't powerful enough for something like this."

All eyes turned on their last member, who glanced around at the attention on him.

"Lee Know?" Chan urged him, and the witch finally huffed and pinched the bridge of his nose.

"I… might know someone. He's good at what he does and might be useful for some physical aspects of the plan, and I think you can convince him."

Hope arose in Chan's chest. "And who is he?" He prompted, scooting closer to the witch.

Lee Know looked as if it pained him to speak any further on the topic. "A robur. I'll take you to him tomorrow because he's probably asleep right now. He's strong, and he's kind enough, but he's touchy. " A shudder went up his spine, and Chan stifled a laugh.

"Is that why you don't like him?" Chan laughed.

Jisung scoffed from the end of the table. "If he is I don't like him either–"

"You haven't even met this guy yet, quit being jealous over what's not yours!" Seungmin complained, resulting in them squabbling back and forth.

Lee Know watched the two with mild disgust. "Are they always like this?"

Chan let his laugh out this time. "Yeah, pretty much, ever since Jisung practically moved in."

"Chan," Lee Know's tone turned a tad serious. "Do you even have a plan? You can't go in blind at a mission of this scale."

He released a breath. "I know. I haven't figured it all out yet, but… I think I will once we get more people."

Lee Know bit his lip, staying quiet.

"You seem trustworthy, and my gut tells me I can follow your lead." He swallowed. "Don't make me regret trusting you."

Chan nodded. "I'll do the best I can."

Lee know gave him a small grin, before his gaze focused back on the two younger ones bickering and hardened.

"Yah!" He called out, making both of their heads snap to him. "It's too late for these childish plays. We should catch some sleep before gathering again tomorrow."

They listened to him without argument, and Chan watched in amazement at how Jisung immediately crashed back on the couch, cuddling into his blanket. 

(He'd offered the guest room, but Jisung was… Well, Jisung. The couch was cozier, he'd always said.)

"That includes you." Lee Know turned to him. "Go to bed, Bahng. Take Seungmin with you."

Chan's eyebrows shot up. "How do you know my last name?"

Lee Know only smirked. "I know more thank you think, Christopher."

"Okay, I'm going to bed." He huffed, pinching the bridge of his nose. "You can take the guest room, goodnight."

Lee Know cackled behind him as he took off towards the stairs.

𖦹₊⊹ 

"Remind me again why you dragged me out of bed at eight in the morning?" Chan huffed, stepping into the car as Lee Know took the driver's seat.

He hadn't even gotten a warning, just a pillow smacked into his face and the witch telling him to hurry up.

Lee Know rolled his eyes and started the car. "I told you, Changbin has a strict work out routine that starts around this time. If you wanna talk to him, this is the best time to do so."

Chan rubbed a tired hand down his face. "Couldn't we have talked to him later in the day? At an acceptable hour?"

"No, because then he'd be busy. Now stop whining and sleep in the car if you want, I know the way."

Chan couldn't argue with getting a few more minutes of sleep, leaning against the door and closing his eyes.

"This guy's crazy for waking up at eight to work out. " Chan grumbled.

"This guy's a robur. You know how they are, obsessed with hitting the gym and all that. Besides, you're one to talk with those bulging muscles." Lee know pointed out, poking him in said muscles, startling him awake again.

He rubbed over the spot. "Yeah, but at least I'm not one of those health gurus who wake up really early for it!"

Lee Know rolled his eyes. "Yeah, you're an insomniac who works out in the middle of the night because you can't sleep, so much better."

Chan made a noise, eyes going wide. "How do you even know that?!"

"Your brain was keeping me awake last night, do you not drive yourself crazy with thinking so much?"

"My brain?! " He balked, only getting a snort in return.

"I'm a witch specialized in minds and illusions– of course I can read the waves emitted from your brain."

"But does that mean you can read minds? " 

The other smacked his arm, steering the car left. "No, dumbass– I don't know what thoughts you're thinking, but people who think a lot tend to emit more than sleeping people. It's also how I knew your last and English name last night, I can read people's basic information."

"That's crazy," Chan whispered, feeling slightly mortified now. "And all I get is some sharp teeth and claws?"

Lee Know smirked and shrugged. "Should've had better genetics, hyung."

" Hyung?" Chan smiled at him teasingly, but got a huff and a smack in return.

"It's just out of habit, don't get attached."

Chan grinned nonetheless. He'd taken a liking towards the witch and his witty answers, feeling at ease around him thanks to his nonchalance.

"Who did you get your powers from?" He asked easily, leant back in his seat.

Lee Know stiffened up in his seat all of sudden. 

"I… don't really know. Someone far off in my family tree, I guess."

Chan straightened up a little. "Not from your parents?"

The other man wasn't making eye contact. "No. They were both humans."

"Oh."

Lee Know cleared his throat. "Let's go, we're here already." He parked the car and got out, all before Chan could even blink.

He shook his head out of his daze and followed wordlessly, arms hanging uselessly at his sides.

The air was awkward, and Chan felt uneasy. Had he said something wrong?

The door to the gym was opened and they stepped inside, immediately hit by a rush of cool air from the AC, and the smell of about a hundred sweating people.

Chan scrunched his nose. "This is why I work out at night. No one can smell me."

"Seungmin can, he has werewolf senses." Lee Know immediately shot back, and Chan almost stopped in his tracks.

Shit, did Seungmin think he stank? Had he been too nice to say anything? Had he–

"There he is," Lee Know pointed somewhere in the corner, and Chan followed his finger with his eyes until his eyes landed on one of the most jacked guys he's ever seen.

Holy shit. Of course he was a robur. With arms like that, he could easily snap Chan in half, no matter how much Chan would work out. Lee Know hadn't lied when he'd said he was the strongest and best of his kind.

He was decked in all black, a compression shirt showing off his chest muscles as he did pull ups in such a quick pace he was almost a blur. 

"That's the robur? That's Changbin?" He said in disbelief, staring with wide eyes.

Lee Know's mouth tugged up in a smirk. "Yep, the one and only."

"That's the guy who's touchy?!"

The witch muffled a laugh. "Yeah. He likes to say his aura is dark, but that's bullshit. His favorite color is pink and he has a munchlax plush he can't sleep without."

"Oh my god," Chan muttered in amazement, watching as Changbin moved to the leg press. "That's insane. This man could crush my head in between those thighs if he wanted to."

This time the witch laughed freely, and it was a nice sound as he dragged Chan by the elbow over to the robur. "He'd never do that. He's much too gentle."

Changbin's face was set in a troubled scowl as they approached, despite him pushing at the machine with practiced ease as if it was nothing, headphones laid over his jet black hair. He truly looked terrifying.

Chan needed him on the team. And maybe needed him in other ways too.

(What?)

(Maybe Chan needed to get laid sometime soon.)

Once they came close enough and Changbin noticed them in his line of his vision, his entire demeanor seemed to shift. His face cleared up like the sun on a rainy day, smiling broadly and body relaxing.

"Minho!" He shouted, confusing Chan, before he saw the witch wince.

Oh. So that was his real name.

"Hi, Changbin. Nice of you to reveal my name to this guy I just met." A forced smile made it onto his face, and Chan made an offended noise from behind him.

Changbin's face turned sheepish. "Sorry, didn't know you were bringing company, or that you were coming at all!" He got up and pulled Minho in a hug, making the witch groan but hug him back nonetheless.

Changbin was even prettier up close. His eyes disappeared a little when he smiled, small mouth quirking up into a grin as his hands relaxed on Minho's shoulder.

"Right, so who's your friend?" He asked, eyes settling onto Chan.

It's fine, he kept reminding himself. Changbin seemed nice, so what if he looked like he could kill you at one wrong move? 

"I'm Bang Chan, it's nice to meet you," He squeaked out, holding up a hand.

Changbin's hand was warm as he took it. "Nice to meet you! You're from the SPS, right? I've seen you on a lot of news broadcastings– you help the community really well."

Chan went a little speechless, shaking his hand dumbly. "I… yeah, that's me, I guess."

Minho rolled his eyes at Chan's sudden shyness. "Anyhow… Binnie, Chan wanted to ask you something."

Chan steeled himself, turning serious. "Right– Lee Know said you're one of the best of your kind."

Changbin sputtered a little. "I mean, I wouldn't say best–"

"Don't sell yourself short, I saw you work out. You're great at what you do, and I might have an offer for you."

Changbin stared at him for a bit.

"That's it?"

Chan frowned. "What?"

"You're not gonna tell me the offer?"

"I mean… I can't, right now. There's too many people here and it's supposed to be kept hidden."

Changbin raised an eyebrow. "...Right. Where do you suggest, then?"

"At his place, obviously, you big dumbass." Minho ticked him on the shoulder.

"But I haven't finished my workout yet–" Changbin went to protest, but the witch had dragged both of them out of the gym by then. 

"Trust me, this is more important. I'll cook breakfast. Get in the car."

They weren't given much choice, being shoved into the vehicle as Minho once again took the driver's seat.

A silence settled over them as they drove, Changbin sitting in the back seat with a question in his eyes.

Chan leant over to the driver's seat. "So… Lee Know–"

The witch huffed. "Yes, you can call me Minho. I just told you my witch name until I was sure I could trust you."

"Right… and Seungmin–"

Minho smirked. "He knows. I told him last night when he asked."

Chan gasped in mock offence. "Betrayal. Absolute betrayal." He muttered.

Minho cackled, and Changbin stifled a laugh.

꩜ 

It was to no one's surprise when they returned to loud bickering and to Seungmin atop the kitchen counter, a hand holding a pack of cookies high above his head while Jisung was trying to reach it, pouted lips turned on Seungmin.

"Come on, Seungmin! Either you give hyung a kiss or the cookies–"

"I'd rather kill myself!"

"Alright, stop it you two. There's another pack of cookies in the pantry, Jisung. Seungmin, get off my counter." Chan sighed, closing the door after letting the two other men in.

"Your counter?" He scowled, but got off nonetheless.

"So who's our new friend?" Jisung cut in before the younger could go any further.

Changbin perked up at being noticed, stepping over and immediately shaking both of their hands. "I'm Changbin! I'm a robur."

"Yeah, we can see." They both mumbled, eyeing him up and down.

(At least Chan wasn't the only one.)

"You already know Minho, this is my roommate Seungmin, and my friend Jisung."

"I'm his unofficial roommate." the other boy mumbled over a mouthful of cookies, leaning against the counter.

"Right, so… what's this offer I'm supposedly great for?" Changbin broke the silence, standing in the doorway.

All of the others glanced at each other, trying to see how best to break the news. Hey, we know you don't know any of us, but would you be willing to risk your life for something that wasn't your fault? 

"So… have you heard about the cryst–"

"Oh my god," Seungmin groaned, effectively cutting Chan off. "Do we have to tell the same story every time?"

"How else are we going to tell him?" 

Seungmin's gaze turned on Changbin, determined. "Palladoy stolen, very bad, because our world could collapse if it were to be destroyed. We have to get it back and keep it safe. It's very dangerous, you could get seriously hurt, but it elevates your status and promises more, and you're powerful. Are you in or not?"

Right. That was one way to tell it. Seungmin was a straight to the point kind of person, and Chan was once again grateful to have him in life.

The kitchen was silent as their eyes turned to Changbin, who looked a bit surprised at the sudden influx of information.

"I mean… yeah, I guess?"

Everyone blinked. Jisung finally talked.

"You guess?"

Changbin shrugged once again. "I don't have anything better to do, and Chan said I'd be useful."

Oh. Well. Easy and simple enough.

"Right, so… you're in?" Chan asked again, just to be sure, smiling slightly at the other man.

He seemed like a man of principles and like he'd be trustworthy, so Chan wasn't going to complain.

The robur nodded proudly, and then went to sit next to his witch friend. "So what's the plan?"

God, the awkwardness wasn't getting easing, was it? Everyone glanced around the room again, all seemingly realizing that they had no plan yet.

"Uh… we haven't gotten to that part yet," Chan scratched at the back of his neck awkwardly, feeling pressured by their questioning gazes.

Minho sighed and beckoned him closer to where they were all sitting. "It's fine, hyung. We'll figure it out, we just gotta brainstorm."

Chan moved and sat next to Seungmin. "How about we start by recounting everything that we know and don't know?" The other wolf suggested, grabbing something from a drawer and smacking a whiteboard down onto the table.

"You just carry that thing around, Minnie?" Jisung teased, making him roll his eyes.

"Unlike you, Hannie, I keep my things in check so yes, I do keep it close by." Seungmin sassed, taking the cap off of a dry eraser pen as he spoke.

Chan grinned at their banter. He didn't know when exactly his two favorite people started being comfortable enough to joke like this, but he felt warm whenever he was reminded.

"Right. So let's recount: We don't know where it is, who stole it, or what it's current state is." Minho noted, having Seungmin scribble it down quickly.

Chan bit his lip. "There's actually quite little on what we know–"

Changbin shrugged. "Not if the basic information counts. We know the crystal has magic in a very high concentration, and that our powers are drawn from it. It keeps our cities afloat and our world at peace."

Jisung nodded. "So if it were to be damaged… there'd definitely be signs. Nothing unusual has happened yet, so we can assume its state is still intact."

Seungmin wiped something on the don't know side and wrote on the other, before looking back up thoughtfully and turning to Chan.

"Hyung, the Archive Of Arctifacts is basically a sanctuary, isn't it?" 

Chan nodded.

"But it's used as a museum, so that means there's security tapes in and around it. Have they been checked yet?"

"The police force took a look, but… nothing yet." 

Seungmin hummed thoughtfully. "You're their higher up, right? Put in a request for the tapes so we can look, and maybe we can question the officers at the archive."

"Yeah… I don't think that'd be of much use, actually, if the cops didn't get anything either." Chan remarked awkwardly, making everyone look at him in confusion.

"When I worked there, no one was really alert during the day. We figured there'd be too many visitors to be any real danger…" he explained sheepishly, and everyone shared the same blank look.

"You're telling me you guys slacked off at the most valuable place in the country?" Minho said.

Chan shrunk a little, but nodded.

Changbin sighed. "Then the tapes are all we have, I guess."

Jisung slowly shook his head, coming to rest his hands on the table. "The tapes are good for looking for the thief, yeah, but… that won't give us any insight to where it actually is, or have a plan to get it back."

Chan looked up at him. "What do you suggest for that?"

Jisung pursed his mouth, eyes flitting over to the witch. "The crystal has an incredibly strong aura that any magician can feel from at least a few feet away, but… magicians like wizards and witches– us mages, are extra sensitive to it. Our powers are the only ones who are directly taken from the crystal, instead of having evolved into other stuff. Minho and I are directly tied to it."

Chan gasped in slight awe. "That's right! You guys can localize it by drawing on your power!"

Minho's eyes narrowed as he cut Chan off. "I'm not working together with Jisung!"

"Why, babe? Because I'm so insatiable?" 

"Because you're insufferable for this exact reason–"

"Okay, I know you two got this whole cat and mouse thing going on since the middle ages," Changbin cut in, waving his hand around between both of them with a bored expression. "And trust me, I've heard all your rants about 'that one annoying wizard' but this is kind of a high stakes mission, yeah? Both of you are adults and capable of working together to save the world, I assume?"

The entire table fell silent, including the two bickering mages. Chan thinks he could kiss Changbin on the mouth for having managed that.

Jisung still had a smirk on his face, but Chan watched as it turned softer when Minho looked away. "I can, yeah. Ready to bundle our powers and save everyone, darling?"

Minho suffered a long, long sigh. "I'm only doing this because the others asked, not for you."

Jisung grinned. "Keep telling yourself that."

Seungmin spoke up quickly before Minho could argue back. "Okay, so… now we have a plan for finding our thief and for finding the crystal, but what about what to do if we find either?"

"The team we gathered is pretty strong, but I think we still need more people for that part of the plan. Give me another day to look," Chan said resolutely, rubbing his tired eyes as waking up early was starting to catch up to him.

"Hyung," Seungmin hesitated. "It's already been two days. We only have five days left, isn't it smarter to try and look for the crystal with just the five of us?"

Chan bit his lip in thought. Realistically, five days were way too short to still look for team members, but they'd already figured out half the plan– and something about them didn't feel complete to Chan just yet.

He shook his head again. "Give me another day, Minnie. I feel like something's missing in our plan, and it might be some people."

The other wolf sighed. "Alright, as long as Jisung and Minho get set on the crystal. Changbin and I will watch the tapes and look for anything out of the ordinary while you do that."

Chan nodded, satisfied. "Thank you all. It means a lot that you're here."

"Well… J/P also had mentioned something about a cash prize, so–" Jisung mumbled over his tea.

"My god, do you even care about your friends?" Minho scoffed.

"Of course I do!" He protested. "I knew Chan way before you did–"

And on it went, until Changbin sighed and literally picked the witch up and Seungmin dragged Jisung off so they could go request the tapes after Chan wrote them a slip of permission.

(Chan felt strangely comfortable, like this is what he'd been supposed to do all along.)

꩜ 

The fourth member was one Chan would've never expected to join the team.

He already had two powerful magicians and two supernaturals, but all of them had been adults, and all were people he knew and trusted– all people who joined for good causes.

He'd finally gotten to talk to Changbin alone this morning, and he had said that since his powers were mostly known to destroy, he joined to show that it could be to fix too.

(Jisung was mostly there for the ride, but… his heart is in the right place. Even if he didn't admit it, he wanted to help the people.)

But none of them were criminals. Jisung did questionable things, but Chan always made sure he was on the right side.

He'd been taking a walk when he first saw him.

The marketplace was always a busy spot for his town, people coming in to buy groceries, go out with their loved ones or take pictures of all the statues erected for the town's heroes. 

Chan liked to walk there often, if only to look at what people did and how they interacted together. People had always been interesting to him. He liked sitting at cafes and look at how the moms took care of their children, how the dads played with them and seemed to create a world of fantasy for their younger ones. 

It was interesting to Chan. He came here a lot. He knew the view and knew some people who came here regularly.

Which means he definitely noticed it when a new person popped out of seemingly nowhere, and seemed to disappear the next.

He watched with wide eyes as it started. There was a small fox on the street. Foxes weren't unusual, really. No animals were, except the predators like lions and tigers, but small foxes like this one were seen often.

He hadn't seen that fox before. The animal strolled across the street, head swinging side by side. Was he hunting? But they usually didn't do that in the middle of the street.

Chan blinked, and the fox was gone. He blinked again, and a small girl appeared standing next to her mom, but the exact same girl was sitting in the cafe with him, buying a chocolate dessert with the money her mom handed to her.

Chan's senses were tingling to do something, to warn the mother, but his gut feeling told him to stay still and watch what happened.

The mom was busy on a phone call and didn't notice it when the girl reached into her still open purse and grabbed the wallet.

Fuck, Chan was watching someone steal. He should've gotten up to do something about it, but… whoever this person was, they had him hooked.

(Also, the mom was calling on an iPhone while she was decked head to toe in designer. She'll live.)

Chan blinked again as the girl disappeared and suddenly a man looking around his age appeared on the street, walking past an elderly couple that was yelling at a bunch of teenagers, and watched as the man bumped into the older man and apologized hastily before continuing. 

The watch on the older man's wrist was gone, as was the man.

Instead, a young adult in a hoodie stood in place. His hair was blonde and slightly messy, a sharp chin outlining his youthful face as he strolled with his hands in his pockets.

Chan was speechless as he watched him enter shop after shop and swipe things flawlessly, changing his looks once or twice, sometimes changing into a whole different person and other times just tweaking his height, his hair color or his outfit, to mess with the security cameras if he'd be caught.

He was a shapeshifter, and he was a damn good one. Most shifters could only change their looks a couple times a day as to not exhaust their powers and it took years to learn how to change into many things, but he did it as easy as breathing.

He might've not been breathtakingly powerful like Minho or high of status like Seungmin, but Chan knew his team lacked whatever this guy had.

He'd never gotten out of the cafe so fast, throwing money on the counter and speeding after the blonde boy. He'd partly disappeared into the busy crowd but Chan's heightened senses caught him in no time, pushing his way through until he could grab him by the elbow.

He turned around in surprise, but after one good look at Chan he scowled and dashed away, prompting him to end up in another chase.

"Hey– wait! " He shouted. What was it with everyone running from him?!

"I just wanted to talk to you–"

"Fuck off!" He called back, shapeshifting into a small animal to worm through a hole in the fence but Chan was faster, hopping over it and running after the blonde head.

"Can you slow down?! I just wanna say something–"

"I am not going to jail!" He sharply rebutted, and Chan had to frown for a second before realizing that he was wearing the company's hoodie– which meant it was clear who he was working for.

(He's a fucking idiot.)

He caught up to the boy once he was backed in an alley, the ladder breaking as he went for the climb.

"I'm not here to arrest you–" Chan panted, but the boy scoffed.

"I know you people have me tracked–"

Chan stopped him from trying to escape by a hand on his wrist, holding him in place. "Trust me, we don't, or I'd know. Supernatural shoplifters are usually dealt with by police force, so no, I'm not here to arrest you."

The boy stopped struggling and narrowed his eyes. "Why are you here, then?"

Chan's mouth tugged up. "I have a proposition for you. It's a risky– potential life threatening– job, but you're very powerful, and you'd fit right into my team for it. Your powers have the opportunity to do so much good–"

The boy cut him off. "Do I get paid?"

Chan blinked in surprise. "I'm sorry?"

"You heard me. Is this a paid job, yes or no?"

Well… J/P had promised a cash prize, but he's sure that he'll be able to convince the older man to also write them all checks once the job is successfully done. He's the favorite worker, after all, no matter how unfortunate that is at times.

"Yeah." He finally concluded. "You get paid based on how reliable you are and your help with the mission, but there's also a high honor in doing this–"

"I truly don't care. I'm in need of cash, and if you're willing to provide, it doesn't matter what you want me to do." He said blankly, face impassive.

Chan decided not to dwell too much on it– he'll take what he can get.

"Well then… that's also good. I'm Chan." He stuck out a hand.

The boy shook it without much preamble. "I'm Jeongin, or I.N, or Ayen, or whatever the fuck you prefer. Do you also have other team members or were the ones you mentioned all in your head?"

Chan felt a bit speechless at everything Jeongin said, but watched as he grinned at his clueless expression.

He finally sighed. "They exist, don't worry. They're currently back at my house, if you want to meet them."

Jeongin merely nodded, now standing a bit more relaxed as he followed Chan out of the alley. "That's another thing, by the way. If you want me to join, I'm going to need a place to crash."

Chan nodded as they trekked back to his car. "My living room is already being used as a hotel anyway. You can stay while we work."

He was sure that at this point Changbin was the only one who drove up and down for it. Jisung had permanently moved to his couch and Minho treated the guest room like his own.

It was mostly silent as they got in and drove back to Chan's, but he was glad he'd found a shapeshifter as powerful as Jeongin for his team.

It still didn't feel complete, like there were vital pieces missing to the puzzle of their plan, but he could work with what he currently had.

꩜ 

He was greeted by Minho and Jisung fighting over the remote while Seungmin laughed about it over a bowl of food. He didn't have it in himself to even sigh.

"Where's Changbin?" He asked upon entering, Jeongin closing the door behind him.

"He went back home to shower, because he still hadn't from the gym– Han Jisung, get your fucking feet out of my face–" Minho answered.

Seungmin turned his head to them, eyes immediately landing on their new visitor. He quirked his brows. "Who's that?"

The two bickering ones stopped their argument to look over too, and Minho's eyebrows went up into the air. "Jeongin-ah?"

Chan looked between them, surprised. Jeongin seemed as startled as the rest of them, facing Minho with wide eyes.

"Hyung? You're a part of this?"

"You two know each other?" Chan questioned, taking off his cap and running a hand through his hair.

"We were often on the streets together." Was all he offered, making Chan frown.

He hadn't asked Minho about where he lived, but… he'd picked up the signs fairly quick.

As for Jeongin, it was a bit less surprising, seeing his immediate acceptance in return for cash and the shoplifting.

He clapped his hands together. "Well then," he led the younger boy to the others. "You already know our witch, Minho–"

"My witch," Jisung whispered, getting a kick against the shin.

"–and this is our wizard Han Jisung."

Jeongin pointed to Seungmin. "And the one with crumbs all over his shirt?"

"I'll have you know I'm probably older than you, so–" Seungmin got up from the couch with a huff, but Chan stopped him before he could squabble with another member.

"Seungmin's my roommate, he's also a werewolf. He's nice when he can be."

Jeongin shot Seungmin a smirk. "I see. nicest puppy, aren't you?"

Seungmin shot him a glare. "What's your power, then?"

Jeongin grinned like a maniac, coming to stand in front of a still sitting Seungmin. "Wanna see?"

The other wolf nodded, too brave for his own good, and Chan kind of felt bad for not telling him but he also wanted to see what would happen.

"Alright." He simply responded to Seungmin's nod.

And then there were two Seungmin's, looking identical, one with eyes as wide as saucers and flinched back, and the other with a shit eating grin on his face.

"Holy fuck."  The one of the couch swore.

"I'll have to admit, your body's kind of wacky," Jeongin said, squeezing his own (but actually Seungmin's) biceps, startling a cackle out of Jisung.

"How much do you work out? Jesus, you're a wolf with this form?"

Minho was also stifling a grin behind him as the real Seungmin overcame the shock and got up, punching him in the shoulder. "Alright– I get it now, you're a fucking shifter." He rolled his eyes, but there was a hint of a smile on his face.

"I got you, didn't I?" Jeongin bragged, having shifted back into his own blonde haired body. 

"Sure you did, kid." He replied sarcastically.

"I'm twenty!" Jeongin protested, following him to the kitchen, both of them falling into natural conversation.

"And I'm twenty two, so that means I'm your respectable hyung–"

"You're a respectable little shit."

Their voices faded away as they rounded the corner, leaving behind a stunned Chan.

"So our two youngest seem to get along well." Jisung concluded, wiping some stray tears from laughing.

"Do they also know each other?" Chan wondered, looking at Minho in question.

"Not as far as I know, no."

Jisung grinned, cooing. "Aw, they're just likes us but friends!"

"We're not friends." Minho snapped.

"So you admit we're together–"

Chan huffed and snatched the remote from his friend's hands, making both of them complain. 

"If you say you don't do feelings stick to it, 'Sung!" He scolds, "both of you get up and let's see how Jeongin fits into our plan."

"Does he even know what he's here for?" Minho questioned, following after Chan.

They rounded the corner just in time enough to hear the end of Seungmin's sentence. "–has to be returned. You get it?"

Ah, so he'd taken it upon himself to explain again.

"Yes, Sangmin, I got it." He sighed, mispronouncing his name on purpose. "Crystal stolen, thief evil. We need to make sure crystal doesn't turn evil too."

"No, we need to make sure the crystal doesn't get harmed and arrest the thief." Chan corrected.

Jeongin waved a hand. "Same thing. We need to find it and return it, and then we all get paid and live happily ever after or whatever."

Chan snorted at his description, getting out the sheets of plans they had made prior while Minho called Changbin to come over.

Jisung leant against the counter next to him. "You think the team's finished now, big wolf?"

Chan watched the group for a few seconds, at how there was a serious but chill atmosphere.

"No." He shook his head. "There's still some key elements missing, but… I'll go out tomorrow to think about it, and try to formulate a plan on how to enter."

The wizard smiled, patting his arm. "Maybe the ocean will help you think, hyung. Go out to the sea tomorrow."

With that suggestion, he left to chatter with Jeongin, and Chan smiled.

Maybe Seungmin was right. Maybe he was good at picking people for the team.

Chapter Text

The ocean was made to be visited early in the morning, Chan had always thought. 

The calm waves always echoed more beautifully, the sand always felt softer under him when there was barely anyone else around and the horizon was just over the water, the sun beckoning him alluringly as it was just rising into the sky. 

He didn’t think there was a more breathtaking sight or feeling in the world than being restless for an entire night, and coming out here to the beach and the blue waves, salty air greeting him and taking any worrying thoughts away as he strolled.

He breathed in deeply, closing his eyes as he basked in the morning air and taking everything in. This mission might be hard, but at least he had the ocean like he always did. She’d been there for him ever since he moved away from his family in Australia and had been there every time a relationship didn’t work out, or friends left him. She was his escape from reality.

He didn’t think too much as he continued his walk further down, head too far away to realize how there were less and less people the further south he went. His thoughts mostly consisted of feeling hungry and the new friends he’d made.

Changbin had crashed at his yesterday just like everyone else. Jisung's residence on his couch was pretty much permanent, the guest room had been renamed Minho’s room and after much preamble and squabbling, Seungmin agreed to let Jeongin sleep in his room for the time being. 

And now Changbin has taken over Chan’s bedroom couch and he suddenly has five roommates instead of one. He didn’t exactly know how to feel about it, but it wasn’t a bad thing. He quite enjoyed waking up to such a lively home, glad to have Minho be willing to cook and have the others help with chores. But most importantly– he liked the company. He liked not being alone.

His feet led him to a remote part of the beach, the only noise being the waves and the seagulls ahead. A boy sat close to shore, black silky front strands tied back with a headpiece decorating it. He was dressed in a loose white shirt with multiple accessories, leather pants adorning long legs. 

Chan’s wolf ears perked up a little as he heard the man was humming something, not realizing his feet were dragging him towards the sound. It was a soft melody, slow and a little bit tragic, in a sense. It was alluring, like it was begging to be heard as Chan ventured closer. His mind felt a bit foggy… What was he thinking about again? It didn’t really matter, he just wanted to hear that song up close–

“Oh my, I’m so sorry!” 

Chan abruptly paused and nearly fell forward when the singing stopped, snapping out of his daze and being met with wide and apologetic brown eyes. He blinked a couple times, opening and closing his mouth and shaking to clear his head.

“I didn’t realize you were listening, I wasn’t trying to entrance you I swear! I’m so so sorry–”

He rambled on, and Chan could only stare in interest and stumble to sit down next to him, feeling a sense of calm and ease wash over him.

A siren.

The boy was unnaturally pretty, eyes glowing with a bit of red in the pupils, pale skin glowing like the ocean. 

His entire demeanor was the definition of serene, a quiet stillness in the middle of a storm. 

Despite the tranquil outlook, the man was fidgeting with the blouse tied around his waist, apologizing and rambling to Chan hastily.

“You’re a siren.” Chan cut him off, voice a bit awestruck. He knew they existed, of course, but hadn’t seen one in real life beyond a glimpse of them at sea. Sirens normally never leave the water unless necessary. 

The boy snapped his mouth shut, seemingly shrinking on himself a little. “Yeah, I am. I’m sorry for entrancing you.”

Chan shook his head. “Don’t be sorry, it’s okay. You were just singing, you didn’t know I was here.”

The siren frowned. “Why are you here? This is normally not a territory people cross if they’re not from here.”

Chan looked around him, to see that the siren was right. There seemed to be no one else but them for miles, his eyebrows knitting. Had he really walked this far?

“What creatures are here?” He asked instead of answering, glancing out to the forest behind the beach, vines and trees a vibrant green, almost glowing.

The other man shrugged. “Sirens, fae, fairies… Those kinds of creatures.”

Oh. Those were indeed creatures people tended not to cross, both because of the dangers it brought and the fact that most of them liked to keep their peace at all costs. “I don’t really know why I’m here… I was just taking a stroll beside the beach, I guess.”

The siren eyed him a little warily, but Chan didn’t think he was in danger. This one seemed relatively harmless, but then again he’d never encountered a siren before this.

“Who are you?” He asked instead. 

“My name's Chan. I’m a werewolf."

The siren looked him up and down for a second, before responding. “Hyunjin.”

Chan smiled. “You have a beautiful voice.”

Hyunjin looked away, a slight blush coloring his cheeks as he quietly thanked Chan.

“Why were you strolling the beach for this long?" He asked next, wrapping his arms around his knees as he stared at Chan in curiosity.

Chan bit his lip. "I love the ocean. I go here when I need to clear my head or brainstorm, and I love going early in the morning."

The siren nodded in understanding, but frowned a little. Chan laughed at the slight pout, having forgotten that sirens struggle with time due to their time underwater.

"Early morning is from five to eight a.m, when the sun is just about to rise." He pointed over to the glowing sun in the sky.

"Oh…" Hyunjin awed. "I love the sun. It's so bright, it makes me happy."

Chan nodded. "I'm a night person, but.. yeah, it's beautiful."

They sat and looked at the sunrise for a bit, before Hyunjin turned his gaze back on Chan. 

"Why did you need to clear your head? Are you okay?" 

Chan looked up with slight surprise at the kindness. Sirens weren't rude, by any means, but they were known for protecting their peace and always being a bit cold.

"I'm okay, yeah. I work for the SPS and recently got tasked with a very hard mission that comes with a lot of responsibility, and it's just been pressing on me."

Hyunjin pursed his lips as he thought, eyes flitting over Chan's face. "Why?"

His shoulders drew up, tensing under Hyunjin's searching gaze. "If I answer that, can I ask you something in return?"

Hyunjin was a full-breed siren; those normally couldn't survive on land. If he was here and he was fine, that means he was strong.

The siren looked hesitant, but nodded nonetheless. 

"Something's happened to one of our magic items. My boss wants me to retrieve it, but it's pretty dangerous because we don't know what we're heading into or who we're dealing with. On top of that, he told me to gather a team to lead for it, and I feel really guilty knowing I'm leading them into the dangers despite the fact that I've just met some of them."

He released a breath, tension falling from his shoulders once it was all out.

Hyunjin carefully reached over and rested a hand on his arm, and Chan closed his eyes as he felt the calming magic enter him slowly, melting all his thoughts away.

"Thanks." He mumbled, giving the siren a small smile, getting one in return.

"I'm sorry your job is hard. I know you feel guilty because you don't want anyone hurt, but… if they agreed to this mission, then the risk is in their hands, right? They've signed up for this and are ready to do it despite what could happen. They're here for you because you need them."

Chan nodded and gave Hyunjin another smile. He was really kind– also something you didn't see in many sirens.

"Can I ask you now?"

He got a nod.

"Why are you not in the water?"

Hyunjin's gaze turned a bit sad as he looked over the ocean, eyes drifting far away. "My family isn't all too fond of my frequent habit of making friends on land. In this part of the ocean everyone knows everyone, and word spreads. Being in the water… it's suffocating because everyone looks at me as if I'm not supposed to be here. The land is still and quiet; it doesn't judge me like the sea does."

Chan's chest hitched for a second; He remembers how it had been, moving from Australia to Korea and suddenly having to deal with very different kinds of wolves than back home, how it had been each for their own here rather than more of a pack like in his home country.

"I think you're doing amazing, being able to survive and making contact on both mediums." He said, friendly poking Hyunjin in the arm. "It's a good skill and I'm sorry your siren friends and family don't realize that."

He shrugged. "It's okay… I've made my peace with it, I guess."

"Can I ask you another question?"

Chan raised his eyebrows but nodded.

"What's the mission you have to go on?"

Chan linked his fingers over having draped his arms around his knees, considering for a second. Hyunjin seemed strong, and there was that pull inside his gut that showed up every time he'd found one of his members.

Asking wouldn't hurt, he decided.

"There's this magical crystal called the Palladoy–"

"The Palladoy got stolen?! " Hyunjin's eyes were wide as he stared at him in shock, concern full in his features.

"You know about the crystal?"

"Of course I do! It's the most interesting and powerful magic item ever found. I've been obsessed with it since I was a kid, I've read up on everything there is about it."

Okay, holy shit. Chan definitely needed him for the team, even if it's just for the sheer knowledge he seemed to have.

"If it got stolen, what'll happen?! Every magical creature is tied to it– even us who were born with the magic rather than you guys who develop them–"

"I know," Chan chuckled at his slight outburst, holding up a hand to stop his rambling. "I've been tasked with getting it back, as I said. I have about four days left, because there's a chance the thief might harm it or try to destroy it–"

"He can't do that!" Hyunjin protested. "Then the world will collapse–"

"Which is why I need to act fast, and why there's a lot of pressure on me." Chan reasoned.

Hyunjin fell back with a slight huff, a frown creasing his eyebrows. "You can't be serious. Which fool would steal the fucking crystal?"

Chan shrugged meekly. "That's what we're trying to figure out, too."

Chan fiddled with a thread on his pants for a bit, before continuing. "I know this case is very high risk, but… My team might need you, Hyunjin. You're a strong siren with a lot of knowledge on the crystal."

Before he could even finish speaking, Hyunjin was nodding fervently. "Of course. I'm honored to be even considered for something like this–"

"I mean, working with me isn't really an honor." He laughed awkwardly.

Hyunjin's nose scrunched up a little. "Oh, so you're like… what do your people call it again? Insecure?"

Chan flushed bright red. "No! I'm just saying it's not that special, I'm not that special for choosing the team–"

Hyunjin cut him off and nodded. "Sounds like the definition I read, yeah. Someone who doesn't think much of himself."

Chan hid his face behind his hands, cheeks now flaming. "Whatever," he mumbled. "I'm glad you agree, Hyunjin."

"Of course! I'm glad to be a part of something like this. Actually… I think I have another team member for you too. He's extremely kind and powerful as well!"

Chan's ears perked up. "What's his name?"

Hyunjin dusted off his pants as he got up, sticking out a hand towards Chan. "How about I take you to him?"

He took the offered hand and stood up. "Sure. Lead the way, siren."

Hyunjin chuckled, and started walking.

꩜

Hyunjin was very kind, Chan found. 

The trek to the siren’s friend was a long one, venturing from the sandy beach to the depths of the forest, green shining all around him. The woods seemed to be enchanted, little dots of yellow floating around and wind bristling softly through the dark leaves in rhythmic, seemingly controlled waves, most likely from the wind sprites.

They'd talked about light topics, like their powers and Chan's job and the beach, mostly, and had also taken their time to enjoy the silence when it fell.

Hyunjin was a nice person to hike with. He was soft hearted and gentle, listening to Chan attentively and radiating ease and calmness like sirens always did.

"Hyunjin, why does this forest literally seem to glow? Is it magical?" He asked a couple minutes into another one of their silences, looking around at the way the plants seemed to move on their own sometimes.

Hyunjin nodded. "It's run by the forest fairies and spirits who live here. They sustain the woods and help it grow and live, and in turn the forest shields them from people that might want to cause harm towards them."

Chan hummed in understanding, still being a little in awe at the beautiful scenery around him. Magical forests (especially run by fairy folk) were incredibly strong and well guarded, as well as beautiful and peaceful.

"So… is your friend a fairy?"

Hyunjin shook his head no. "He's a forest sprite, actually. He's really soft and kind, and has a strong set of emotions that influences the nature around him." 

Chan had only known one forest sprite in his life, the only one he was close with. They'd known each other in high school back in Australia, before the friendgroup fell apart and Chan had to move away.

His heart still stings a little bit when he thinks back on that period of his life, but what's done is done and there's not much to do about it either.

"He's also powerful!" Hyunjin added as an afterthought. "He can grow vines and plants at an incredible rate, and can make them as big as he wants to and control them however he desires. It's really cool to watch."

Chan smiled at the other man's excitement. "How do you know him?"

Hyunjin's mouth tilted down a little. "It's quite sad, actually… I got caught in a fisher's net and was about to be dragged off before he noticed me and freed me. Then something happened to him too that I helped with, and I guess we've been close ever since."

"What happened to him?" Chan asked.

Hyunjin glanced at him sadly before answering. "He… was about to be wedded off to a fairy prince. I found him crying in hysterics over being locked down in the fairy realm and tied to a loveless marriage, and since he'd helped me I decided to return the favor. The fairy prince was lured to the sea and never returned. I think he knows that it was me. I saw the gratefulness in his eyes when he got told the marriage was called off."

The forest was starting to thin out a bit, the sun getting through more leaves and brightening the place up.

"That's actually sweet." Chan remarked. "I'm sorry he almost got married off. I'm glad you were there."

"Now we protect each other. He chases away the fishermen, and I entrance and drive away fairy-like hunters whenever I sense the danger of them."

A small smile was left on Chan's face, broadening with his words. Hyunjin and his friend reminded him of Jeongin and Minho, and how the witch had told Chan that he knew the youngest because he'd kept him safe on the streets.

"Here we are," Hyunjin stopped in his tracks, having arrived at a clearing with a wooden cottage in the center, flowers in all colors surrounding it and vines of ripe berries climbing the left wall. "You ready to meet my friend?"

Chan met his gaze and nodded, smiling reassuringly.

Hyunjin's friend, as it turned out, wasn't a stranger to Chan as they had initially thought.

It was kind of weird, seeing him again after all these years. Especially because of how unexpected it had been.

Hyunjin had knocked on the wooden door as Chan was a little distracted by the smell of baking coming from the house, sweet and cinnamon.

The door opened, a voice shouting out to wait a second and snapping his attention back. It was a bit before a flurry of blond hair showed, finally standing still and making Chan's eyes go wide upon recognition.

He'd recognize those freckles and that soft smile anywhere. The otherworldly glow had only gotten brighter since their days in high school, and he was shocked to find that his hair was bright blonde now and way past his shoulders, tied up halfway with two strands covering his face.

It was a face he hadn't expected to see again, ever, but not an unwelcome one. Felix was right there, and despite the shock, a warm feeling immediately filled Chan.

"Jinnie!" Felix chirped, eyes crinkling together with his smile as he dusted his flour covered hands on his flowery apron. "You're in time, I was just baking–" 

His mouth hung open in shock when his gaze finally landed on Chan.

He didn't think he'd changed much either, his face only being a little more defined now.

"Hi, Felix." He murmured, a small smile playing on his face, not being able to contain it as he rocked from foot to foot.

"Chan!" Felix exclaimed when he finally shook out of his surprise, rushing forward to throw his arms around him in a hug. "It's been so long... I didn't expect to see you today– or at all, for that matter!" He squeezed him tightly as Chan released a laugh, squeezing him back.

"Me neither, to be fair. But I'm really glad."

"I'm glad too. Come in, both of you! I made cookies!" He pulled away and grabbed one arm each, pulling them along into the house while Hyunjin looked bewildered.

"You two know each other?" He asked, baffled as he sat down at the wooden dining table.

Chan sat down across from him and nodded. "We were friends back in high school in Australia, before he moved with his family."

The country had been too unsafe for fairy and sprite folk at the time, the forest fires severely weakening Felix's kind along with an increase in hunters that made it dangerous to stay there. His family had made the decision to move back to Korea, and despite how much it crushed Chan, he wanted Felix to be safe first and foremost.

Felix put down a plate of mouth watering cookies with a huge smile on his face, giving Chan another small hug from the side. "I'm really glad you're here." He murmured, sitting down.

Chan felt warm again, happiness filling him like it was poured from an open faucet. 

Hyunjin raised his eyebrows. "So you're the wolf Felix always talks about? The one that always protected him?"

Chan got a blush on his face, ducking his head down. "It's not like that."

"It was!" Felix protested. "You always stood up for me because I was softer than the others. I missed you loads when you were gone."

Chan felt the rush of heat to his cheeks. He'd always looked out for the younger, and he clenched one of his fists at the thought of him not being there when Felix was about to be married off and he was miserable.

Felix's smile softened, reaching out a hand to poke Chan teasingly, making a grin break out on his face despite the regret and he grabbed a cookie.

"How come you moved here?"

Chan shrugged and stuffed his mouth with biscuits as Hyunjin watched and laughed. "I wanted to follow my dreams and work for Supernatural Security to protect people all over the globe. I got here about… four years ago, I think?"

Felix beamed at him, soft look in his eyes. "Of course you're a protector. You always looked out for everyone around you– I wanted to reach out the first time I saw you on the news reporting about a case, but I figured you were too busy with your job or it wouldn't be the same."

Chan went a little soft and reached out to touch his arm. "It'll always be the same with you, Lix. I missed you too."

Hyunjin grinned at the sight of them, grabbing some of the sweets himself. "I'm glad you two found each other again."

"How do you know Chan, hyung?" Felix questioned, turning his gaze on the siren.

"I just met him today." Hyunjin shrugged. "He was walking down the beach and we got to talking. Actually– he had an offer for me, and I thought you'd like it too, so I wanted to introduce you guys, that's why I'm here." he trailed, looking at Chan to continue the conversation.

Chan took in a deep breath. Now that he knew Hyunjin's friend was Felix, there was no doubt he'd want both of them on the team. Felix had always been good at his craft and exceptionally kind, but the world had taught him to have his guard high as well.

"The Palladoy's been stolen." He started off, hands atop the table.

A frown etched onto Felix's face, mouth pursing. "Like… the crystal? The one that has my life energy tied to it?"

And– fuck. Of course. He'd ignored that part for as long as he could because previously, they didn't have sirens or sprites on the team, but now– now he was forced to think about the generations of magic, taking a shaky breath as he recounted them.

Fourth, roburs– last generation of magicians before they evolved back into regular humans, least tied to the crystal.

third, werewolves, vampires, shapeshifters– classified as magic carriers, given a gift by the crystal that would be weakened if it were to be harmed.

second, mages– wizards and witches, who drew their powers from the crystal, tied to the source.

and first, the myths– sirens, sprites, fairies, faes– who were alive because of the crystal, their entire life tied to it.

If it were to be harmed… it would be severe for Felix and Hyunjin.

He swallowed, finally answering Felix's question with a nod.

"It got stolen in broad daylight a couple days ago. My boss ordered me to gather a team to retrieve it, and I already asked Hyunjin. Both of you would be perfect for it, but it's something really dangerous."

Felix didn't even wait until he was finished to nod his head, a serious expression overtaking his face immediately. "Of course. I'm always ready to help, Channie."

Chan quirked a smile, but there was still worry etched into his face. "I need you both to realize this might have some serious consequences–"

"Chan." Hyunjin laid a hand on his arm. "Remember what I said at the beach. There's no need to stress, Felix and I are both very aware of the risks, but we choose to accept them because we want to help."

A breath of relief escaped him, but he couldn't help the tenseness in his shoulders.

Felix smiled at him, getting up and clearing the table. "Well, if you already have other members, I'd like to meet them!" He announced, making Chan laugh softly and get up too.

"Why don't you two come along then? They must be up already. I'll tell you more about the mission back at my house." 

They didn't need to be told twice, both eager to know more as they got up and helped Felix with the dishes, before gathering everything and leaving to walk the path back to Chan's home, catching up and talking back the entire way.

It felt peaceful to have Felix again. Back home, they used to see each other and talk every single day. The last year and a half at school when he had to do it without him were the hardest, having to push through if only to graduate and come to an university here.

Hyunjin pitched in too from time to time, laughing at their anecdotes or throwing in comments about Felix and how he was now compared to back then from Chan's descriptions.

It wasn't just their auras and how sprites made people feel warm and sirens made people feel at ease. Chan genuinely felt comfortable with these people, feeling as if he could walk and talk forever.

He directed a small smile at the ground when Felix quietly reached over and intertwined their hands, after Chan talked about feeling lonely when he'd just moved.

"But you're okay now, right?" He stressed, frowning. 

Chan let out a chuckle, pulling him a bit closer. "Yeah, I've got a close roommate. You'll meet him soon. And in the last week I've met lots of nice people to accompany me as well."

Hyunjin smiled teasingly. "Am I one of them?"

Chan rolled his eyes but grinned. "No, I'm only taking you to my house because of how annoying you are already–"

A laugh startled out of him when the other boy poked him in the ribs, but he retaliated by hitting his shoulder, making all three of them laugh harder.

As Felix smiled up at him again brighter than the sun shining overhead and Hyunjin headbutted him affectionately, Chan couldn't help but think he'd finally found the perfect team.

꩜

It was still a bit weird, coming home to a bustling household and not just to Seungmin sitting at the dining table.

Not a bad weird– Chan just wasn't really used to it.

He wasn't used to how Jisung shouted out his name before squeezing him in a hug, or how Minho was grinning up at him over the stove, or how Changbin waved at him when he entered the house. It was odd, but not unwelcome– it was nice to be liked.

"Where's Jeongin?" He asked, closing the door behind them once they entered.

Everyone turned their gazes to the three of them after greeting, a question showing in their eyes at the new guests.

"Still asleep. We tried to wake him but he just shapeshifted into ourselves to scare us away every time so we let him rest." Seungmin finally answered, looking disgruntled at seemingly having had to fight himself off many times trying to wake the younger.

Chan let out a laugh, leading his two new friends over to the others. The youngest had immediately made himself comfortable after they all went over the plans last night, falling asleep in Seungmin's bed and leaving the other wolf with no choice but to share.

"You found more people, big wolf?" Jisung asked, leaning against the counter once again and trying to steal a strawberry from the cooking witch, hand immediately being swatted away.

"Yeah! Everyone, this is Hyunjin. He's a siren and knows a lot about the crystal." 

Hyunjin waved with a shy smile, red eyes tracking over everyone to catalog them. "Not that much, but I read up on it a lot because it's interesting."

Changbin grinned. "Hi, Hyunjin. I like your hair."

Hyunjin went a bit red, but beamed. "Thank you! I made the headpiece out of seashells!"

Changbin marveled at it, complimenting him again. 

"Right, disregarding that– " Chan continued, despite protests from the robur. "This is Felix!" He put an arm around his shoulder, giddy at their unexpected reunion.

The others eyed both of the creatures with interest, curiosity and wanting to get to know them shining behind the eyes.

"A forest sprite." Felix explained. "Channie hyung found Hyunjin by the water and they got to talking, and Hyunjin got me to join as well."

Jisung's eyebrows went up at the nickname. "You know Chan?"

Chan nodded. "From high school! It's kinda crazy to see him again, but it's really nice." 

Seungmin smiled at him over his drink, a soft look in his eyes. He'd told him about Felix once or twice, and he could tell how much he meant to Chan.

Minho nodded at the introductions. "Right, you both know Chan already. I'm Minho, Lee Know, or just the witch. Whatever suits. The one drinking is Seungmin, Chan's werewolf roommate, the one flirting with Hyunjin–" 

"I wasn't flirting–"

"–Is Changbin, you can guess his powers by his arms." 

(Chan definitely did not miss how both creatures' eyes lingered there, but he couldn't blame them either.)

"The mentioned and sleeping Jeongin is a shapeshifter– but he's got a good heart. And this annoying thing–" he nodded his head to Jisung with a slight scowl, who made an offended noise, "–Is called Han Jisung, or the idiot wizard. You decide."

Jisung turned to Felix with a smirk. "He only calls me annoying because every time he sees me his emotions go awry–"

"I call you that because you are–"

"Idiot wizard is an affectionate pet name. It's something between us." He whispered again to the sprite, who only giggled at his antics. 

"I like Jisung." Felix murmured to Chan with a grin.

Chan rolled his eyes with a fond look. "Everyone does. They're all lovely, despite how much they bully each other."

Hyunjin had settled on a chair next to Changbin, immediately being caught in a conversation as the others went back to what they were doing.

Felix shot him another smile, squeezing his shoulder before making his way over to Jisung to chat.

"You've gathered a good team, haven't you?" 

Chan looked up when Seungmin stood beside him, grinning softly.

"I guess so, yeah. Guess I wasn't as bad at connecting with people as I thought."

Seungmin sighed and pulled him into a hug, surprising the elder. "Told you." He mumbled. "You're great, Chan hyung. Don't doubt yourself so much."

"Was the coffee good enough to make you nice?" He teased, but pulled Seungmin in tighter when he went to pull away, the other boy laughing with a huff.

"No, I'm trying to butter you up to get rid of Jeongin as a roommate because he snores–"

"I don't snore!"  

Chan's eyes flitted up to the youngest traipsing down the stairs in his hoodie and Seungmin's borrowed sweats, hair a little disarray.

He sounded disgruntled, rubbing his eyes. "It's you who makes all the noise, Min." He mumbled.

"It's not!" Seungmin whined, going to pour him a drink.

Chan laughed at the two, turning to see Felix and Hyunjin had perked up. "This is our youngest, Innie."

"Hey! Since when did I say you could use a nickname?!"

"You told us to call you whatever, didn't you?" Minho mussed his hair up even further, getting a swat.

"He's a shapeshifter. Jeongin, these are Felix and Hyunjin, a forest sprite and a siren. They're the last members to our team."

Jeongin eyed them, guard on alert as he assessed the new people.

Eventually, he stuck a hand out. "Guess I'm Innie, now."

They took the greeting, smiling and landing back into easy chatter.

Seungmin handed the coffee mug over to Jeongin and made his way back to Chan, patting his back again as he murmured, "you really picked a good team, hyung."

Chan stared as they all talked and chattered and got to know each other rapidly, as if they'd all known each other for years. Changbin was laughing with both Hyunjin and Felix as if they're old friends, Seungmin and Jeongin were discussing and prodding at each other over a topic like siblings, and Minho and Jisung stood arguing over the stove like an old married couple.

Yeah, he picked a pretty good fucking team.

𖦹₊⊹ 

It was later in the afternoon when they had time to sit down in the living room, bringing Felix and Hyunjin up to date with everything and finally being able to lay down a semblance of a plan.

"So, just that we understand," Hyunjin spoke, eyes flitting over the maps and diagrams and schedules on the round table, "We know how to go after the thief– with the tapes– and how to find the crystal, with Minho and Jisung."

The witch and wizard hummed in confirmation– Minho albeit sounding displeased, still. 

"Minho and Jisung have been working on it but haven't found any signals yet," Felix picked the conversation back up. "And Seungmin and Changbin have requested the tapes, but haven't watched yet."

The two nodded in agreement.

"We know the crystal isn't harmed, either, because nothing out of the ordinary has happened." Chan added.

Hyunjin nodded thoughtfully. "Right, and if it would be, Felix and I could feel it, so we'll let you guys know if we do." 

Chan sucked in a breath at the reminder, turning tentative. "Guys, this is really a high risk mission. There's about a thousand things that go wrong, from entering to fighting to leaving–"

"We know, hyung." Seungmin sighed, sitting on the floor by Chan's feet. "We know and understand."

"You picked us for a reason, and we're not backing down from this challenge." Changbin rubbed a hand on his shoulder. 

"I know," He sighed, still worried. "but I really don't want anything to happen. Please be careful– if you guys want to back out at any time, I won't stop you."  

As much as it scared him, he'd become quite attached to these people in this room, and he didn't want to think about if any of them got hurt.

"Hyung.'' Jeongin murmured, making the older turn to him in surprise. "Even if there's a cash prize at the end, you got me off the street. I don't know what we'll be facing, but I know I'd rather have that than anything from back there." A small shudder went though him. 

The younger hadn't revealed much, but had been entrusting because Minho was here too. He had admitted that one of the reasons he accepted Chan's offer was because it was a way out of his past for him.

Minho nodded from beside Jeongin. "Trust me, whatever mission you're sending us on is better than sleeping on the streets and being in constant danger. We're all grown here, we know the risks. We're doing it anyway."

A warm feeling filled Chan's heart slowly, a small grin showing on his face. "Well, then. Let's watch the tapes and brainstorm."

Jisung shot him a grin and an encouraging knee pat, before getting up and fiddling with his TV until it flicked on to show the CCTV footage, sitting back down next to Hyunjin.

The room inside the archive was crowded, people swarming left and right and flashes of phones going off, camera filming everything from a far off corner.

Chan rubbed his temples. "How are we going to find anyone in this grainy view? The camera is far away."

Jisung shrugged and flicked his wrist, sending a ripple of his magic to the TV until it zoomed in on the crystal in perfect HD.

"You could do that the entire time?! Changbin and I have been going blind–" Seungmin started, but another flick of Jisung's wrist pinned the wolf down without much care and a huff.

"What about the guards on the side?" Felix started. "Anyone questioned them yet?"

The werewolf shook his head. "I already said that won't work. Workers there pay less attention during the day when it's busy with people, stupid enough to believe no one would've stolen anything."

His eyes flitted to Jeongin, who sat unassuming of the thoughts swirling inside Chan's head, of the older shapeshifter he'd known that had been careless.

Felix's eyebrows went up. "That's really stupid, Channie."

Chan sighed, shaken out of his thoughts. "I know, but I usually paid attention!"

All eyes returned to the tape for a few seconds, before Jeongin spoke up again. 

"Hyung… was it only you who knew no one paid attention?"

The question caught him off guard. "I mean… anyone who worked there knew, really. We all seemed on high alert but in reality we were much more relaxed during the day– we all thought there wasn't much danger."

He tensed up as he finally started realizing where the shapeshifter was going, everyone's eyes widening at the same conclusion.

"The thief must've worked there." Jeongin finished. "This was an inside job. We do need to question the workers, but not about what we thought we had to."

"Holy fuck." Jisung swore. "You're good, little one."

Jeongin kicked him from behind. "I'm twenty."

"Still the youngest." Seungmin teased, luckily too far to be kicked.

Changbin leant back, big arms crossed over his chest while looking troubled. "Doesn't this seem fishy to you guys? A guard– or an ex-guard, for all we know– steals the most precious magic item in the world and is most likely set on destroying it. Minho and Jisung aren't picking up signals, and the tape isn't showing anything out of the ordinary except the crystal being here one second and disappearing the next."

Minho leant forward in his armchair, eyes set on the TV. "Over there." He pointed. "You guys see that? Jisung, zoom in on it."

Chan watched closely while Jisung zoomed in. The plexiglass in front of the palladoy was intact, until–

"There's white circles on the glass!" Minho called, walking over and pointing it out.

"Those fingers are old." Felix remarked, coming to stand beside Minho with his arms crossed. 

"Are you telling me our thief is a grandparent? " Changbin pulled a face.

"Hold on, let's step back–" Jisung said, looking up confused at the witch. "–What do those white circles even mean?"

"Were you asleep in your magical abilities class?" Minho huffed, tapping on the flatscreen impatiently. "White circles on glass signal a witch, one specialized in apparating, invisibility and phasing."

Jisung only blinked at him. 

"Come again?"

Minho dragged a hand down his face. "I'll smack you."

"Phasing means you can move through stuff like glass, and the thief is clearly invisible." Hyunjin explained, tone a tad more gentle. "If you come in contact with a surface you're trying to get through, the body part– in this case, their arm– becomes visible again, because they can only use one power at a time."

Felix made a noise in understanding. "So we're dealing with a witch, here?"

"Thank you, Felix. Finally someone with a brain." Minho scoffed, getting a kick from Jisung in retaliation but a grin from the forest sprite. 

Jeongin still looked troubled. Chan leant over until they made eye contact, raising an eyebrow in silent question.

The younger bit his lip, eyes glancing over to their robur. "Changbin hyung is right. You're telling me a granny witch stole the crystal, managed to hide it so well that neither of our magicians can detect it, and wants to destroy it of all things?" 

"This doesn't seem right, it's like we're missing something." Changbin mumbled, brows knitted in thoughts.

"Are we sure the witch wants to destroy it?" Felix questioned. "Maybe there's another motive? Something that we don't know–"

Felix's sudden gasp was enough to have everyone pull up their defenses– The sprite stumbled back with a hand clutching his chest, letting out a wounded cry that forced Chan into motion, rushing to his side before he fell. 

What the fuck? He didn't get a chance to wonder before Hyunjin winced as well, death grip on Changbin's hand– but it hadn't taken anyone else–

"Are you two okay?!" Seungmin was the first one to ask, eyes glowing bright yellow in alarm, ready to pounce at any moment. 

"The crystal." Chan whispered, understanding dawning on the others as soon as he said it. Fuck. So it was indeed taken to be destroyed.

Felix fell back against him, going lax with another gasp as whatever had gripped him seemed to let go. Chan dragged him back to the couch, letting the sprite pant and curl against him. 

"Fuck, that hurt." Hyunjin whimpered, rubbing a hand on his sore chest while Changbin rubbed his back in comfort.

"Is everyone–" Minho didn't get a chance to finish his sentence when Jisung suddenly gripped his hands tightly, eyes squeezes shut in concentration. Chan felt his heart lurch in his throat– had they been hurt as well?

"Hey, let go of my hands!"

"Don't you feel it? It's everywhere around us!" Jisung insisted, sounding serious enough for Minho to quiet down and shut his eyes as well.

Chan watched with bated breath. The lights flickered overhead as no one dared to move an inch.

"I feel it." The witch breathed, opening his eyes and staring at Jisung with a bewildered look.

"Feel what?!" Changbin was the one to finally snap.

"A signal." Jisung marveled. "The Palladoy it's tugging at us. Our powers are pointing somewhere–"

Seungmin didn't hesitate before he snatched something from a drawer, rolling it out onto the coffee table– a map of the world. "Pointing where? Specifics are appreciated, thank you."

Minho grinned at his fierce behavior and went to point, seemingly realizing that he was still holding Jisung's hands, and ripped it away with a fierce blush.

"Did I make you blush, baby?" Jisung teased. 

"It's just warm in here." He mumbled, scooting away and turning to the map.

Jisung didn't say anything else, but there was a look in his eyes– one Chan had often seen when the wizard looked at Minho. 

He didn't get to think too much on it when he heard Jeongin huff behind him, drawing his attention.

"What is it, Innie?" 

He didn't even comment on the nickname, turning his body towards the older. "You're telling me an old granny or grandpa did all of this, and is set on destroying the crystal? And now that it's apparently taken a hit, now Minho and Jisung can localize it?"

Chan bit the inside of his cheek, meeting eyes with Hyunjin over Jeongin's shoulder. "Hyunjin, you know a lot about the crystal, right?"

The siren nodded, leaning his exhausted head against Changbin's shoulder. 

"Is there any way to stop its aura, or at least to contain or hide it?"

He nodded once again. "The same stuff that kills you and Seungmin– Yellow wolfsbane, but combined with lead. The lead stops the radiation and the wolfsbane absorbs the magic."

Chan sucked in a breath, meeting eyes with Seungmin. Wolfsbane was known for weakening werewolves, but only the blue and purple kind– The yellow kind was the deadliest. If there was any near the crystal, their chances at survival only got smaller.

"Yellow wolfsbane is rare as hell, where would they even find it?" Jisung scowled. 

Chan shook his head and pinched the bridge of his nose. "Wherever it is, it must be where the crystal is too, considering you need quite a lot of it to stop the magic."

A long silence settled, everyone filled with worry and confusion– this might be harder than they all had initially thought, and Chan's doubts were only getting stronger.

He eventually sighed. "Guys, we're all exhausted after that hit. Felix and Hyunjin need time to regain strength, and I think this is as far as we'll get today. Minho and Jisung– look into where they have yellow wolfsbane and try to pick up more signals together. Seungmin and I will go to headquarters to gather gear and weapons for whenever we find the location. Everyone else, try to get some rest."

It felt natural to lead and direct the kids around, everyone getting up after his commands to do as was said. Despite arguing, Minho and Jisung disappeared upstairs as Changbin dragged Hyunjin and Felix along to get them some food and water, leaving him alone with his fellow roommate and youngest team member.

"You okay?" Seungmin asked, eyeing the way Jeongin fiddled with his fingers.

Jeongin sighed, sliding down to the floor. "We're sure it's a witch, right?"

"It seems so, yeah. I trust Minho." CHan nodded, joining them on the carpet.

"I trust him too, of course. But… an elder witch having enough power to be invisible, to phase, and to apparate all within a few seconds?"

"Must've been a powerful one." Seungmin murmured, but Chan was also starting to frown. Jeongin made sense– witch powers weakened over time. It's fishy that their thief still held enough power to pull this off.

"You're right." Chan releted. "It's unusual, but… it's all we got right now. We know our thief has powers of a witch. I think it's better to rest up for you."

The youngest relaxed his shoulders a little, deciding to let go and standing up. "Can I join you guys to headquarters? I'll shapeshift into a worker to look as if I work there." He grinned.

"That's actually identity theft and fraud, but why not?" Seungmin shrugged, getting up as well.

Chan just looked at the two of them with a blank stare. "I assume none of my words about law and ethics will get to either of you?"

"Absolutely not." Jeongin responded, joint by a head shake from Seungmin.

He huffed and took Seungmin's offered hand to get up. "Fine, then. Let's gear up."

The two of them grinned at him with the same mischievous look in their eyes.

Chan wouldn't admit it, but his heart filled with fondness while looking at the team he'd gathered and how they fit together like puzzle pieces.

He finally felt a sense of completion, feeling ready for whatever it is they might have to face.

Chapter Text

Seungmin had only been to headquarters twice in his life.

The first time was when he was freshly out of university– a small pup with big dreams, like his dad always used to say when he was little. He'd gone to J/P security with a steadfast determination and handed in his resume, trying to build a strong case on why he wanted to work there and participate in their annual selection for mission protectors.

Everyone had been a little sketchy, sure that the werewolf wouldn't make it past round one because of his lack of earlier experience. He'd shown them all though– that experience wasn't needed when he made it through all the trials and challenges and ended up getting through the selection.

The second time he'd gone to the building was after he received the good news, coming to receive the official title and gear, and also to talk about accommodation. The second time was when he'd gotten to know he'd have to room with an experienced wolf named Bang Chan, who was good at leading the missions.

He stared at Chan now, sitting in the driver's seat, mindlessly chattering with Jeongin behind him. It's been a couple months since their new living arrangement, and they'd grown close in no time.

(He'd never tell him any of this, though. He'd never tell Chan straight up that he admired him and looked up to him, and that he cares about the other wolf to the extent that he feels like a big brother.)

He chuckled as Chan reached back to smack at Jeongin for something he'd said, but still with a playful smile on his face. He was really glad he had him as a roommate, not just for his helpfulness and guidance– but also because he was kind. He cared, and the most important thing is that when Seungmin pushed, Chan pushed back.

They bantered and play fought and discussed almost every day, and it felt like a breath of fresh air that Chan didn't treat him like he was fragile.

(He's also really glad Chan wasn't a magician and wouldn't know any of this anytime soon.)

''Hey, ugly, you paying attention?" 

He snapped his head to the backseat at Jeongin's words, faced with a grin. 

"What was the question again?" He huffed, ignoring the younger's cackle as he asked. 

The shapeshifter was… something, that's for sure. Seungmin still didn't quite know what to think of him, or what to think of the fact that he never seemed to open up too far or get too close to any of them. They both bantered easy enough– and as much as he didn't like admitting it, he was growing fond of him.

(Once again, really glad Jisung or Minho weren't here.)

Jisung was an entire story on its own. Despite the squabbling, Seungmin had grown startlingly close to him over the week that he'd suddenly roomed with them, Jisung being kind in his own ways when he wanted to and teasing them easily whenever. 

Jeongin landed a smack on his shoulder. "What's got you in your head like this? We're here, man." 

Seungmin blinked up at the huge building in front of them, noticing how the car had stopped, and got out.

Their caps sat atop of their heads, finishing the uniform but making Jeongin stand out like a sore thumb.

The younger scanned the area sharply like he always did; he had a slyness in his eyes that made Seungmin shiver, reminding him strongly of a fox.

He grinned when he spotted his victim– an older co-worker about to leave the building, oblivious to it all as he stepped in his car and drove off. When Seungmin looked back to the shifter, the very same co-worker was grinning in front of him.

Chan only sighed but didn't comment, the trio making their way inside.

"We'll go to the weapon and gear department. I have a jurisdiction to take whatever I think necessary– but that does not mean you two get to fiddle around with the guns and test out whatever you want. Hands off unless I say you can touch."

He stared pointedly at Seungmin when he spoke, but the younger just grins. 

(So what if one time he'd swung a battle axe too hard and landed a hole in Chan's wall?)

They didn't say much while walking, Jeongin strolling beside them easily and greeting people left and right as they confused him for their older co-worker. He was truly a natural at this. 

"This dude has terrible bones," he murmured. "I can barely walk, he needs to get his fucking knees checked."

Seungmin snorted at his unease. "Should've picked a younger worker, Innie."

The shifter just grumbled beside him as they took the lift upstairs.

"I'm serious– we have all this magic and yet old people manage to still be weak–"

"Hey! Be respectful, one of them is here with us right now." Seungmin shushed him, getting a kick from Chan when he pointed at him.

"I'm still your superior and I could kick your ass, Minnie." He threatened, stepping out and walking down the long hallway leading to their destination. Seungmin only snickered.

The weapon and gear facility at HQ was something he'd never seen before. The walls were lined with guns that he couldn't even imagine, drawers filled with grenades and tactic gear and things he probably couldn't even name– the whole thing divided in a magic section and a normal section.

Jeongin shifted back into his own body once they entered, marveling at the display.

"This much dangerous stuff in one room? What if it gets broken into?" 

Chan shrugs. "Won't happen. You can only enter by fingerprints and an iris scan that not even shapeshifting can copy."

Jeongin's eyes narrowed, but Chan was quick to hold up a finger. "That's not a challenge for you!"

He rolled his eyes and muttered, "You guys are no fun." turning away. 

Seungmin sighed and slapped him on the back. "Whoever finds the craziest magical gun gets to keep it for the mission."

"Hey, no! We're only here for a few weapons and mostly tactical gear–" Chan protested, but his words were left unheard as the two youngest raced along the walls.

꩜ 

Coming home to a bustling household instead of Chan reading a book on the couch had been a change Seungmin wouldn't have anticipated. 

It had started with Jisung– He'd be on the couch, or cooking breakfast, or flitting around the room and making random things float out of boredom. Seungmin had been a bit confused, but stopped asking questions when the wizard wordlessly cooked ramen for him when Seungmin couldn't sleep because he was hungry, and didn't want to wake Chan. 

It started with Jisung, and now there were six other people living in his home, but Seungmin found he didn't really mind the chaos– liked it, even. He liked tuning in to listen to Felix discuss the food with Minho and liked staring and making fun of Hyunjin and Changbin flirting, and enjoyed it when Jeongin and Jisung argued back and forth with him jumping in to join sometimes.

It felt nice, living in a full house again, after… yeah. After all of… that.

There was a knock on his door, and he perked up his head to see Hyunjin.

"Minho and Jisung caught another signal, Chan hyung wants everyone in the living room to discuss!" 

He frowned. Another? They've barely caught any today or yesterday, only flits that made them tense up, but not enough to tell them any specifics.

he followed after Hyunjin, meeting the others in the living room and sitting down between the siren and the witch.

“Another signal? I thought they weren’t strong enough to tell us anything.”

Jisung's eyes glinted as he faced him. “This one is.”

A finger pointed at the world map on the coffee table, then slid over to a bunch of printed out pictures. “Collision island. The last signal we got was strong enough for us to confirm.”

“What does a stronger signal even mean? ” Jeongin sighed, taking a hand through his now ginger hair.

Seungmin raised his eyebrows, nudging him with his foot. “Got a new color, Ed Sheeran?”

the younger scoffed and slapped his leg away, his rebuttal being cut off when Felix spoke up to answer his question. “It means their defense to hide the crystal is getting weaker. The lead and wolfsbane are losing ability to absorb everytime it sends out an energy burst– which also means we get more magic rays to reach us.”

“When does it send out energy bursts?” Changbin answered, leant forward next to Chan. 

“Every time it gets chipped off or damaged.” Hyunjin answered.

Seungmin frowned, watching how Felix had his cheek squished against the siren’s shoulder, panting a little from exhaustion and how Hyunjin was rubbing his chest as if it ached. They’d gotten hurt again.

“Are you sure you two will be okay?” He questioned, concern in his eyes.

Hyunjin gave him a slight smile. “Lixie and I can handle it, trust me.” His eyes turned to the pictures on the table. “I think we should focus on you and Chan being okay. Have you ever dealt with wolfsbane?”

He scanned the photos, feeling uneasy looking at the amount of yellow plants surrounding the island. A shudder went through him. 

If he didn’t know better, he’d guess that the thief knew werewolves were going to come looking.

“Only purple wolfsbane. An old classmate of mine thought it was funny to rub it on my entire seat.” He finally spoke.

Jeongin scowled.”That’s disgusting. What a piece of shit.”

“Tell me about it." He huffed, before turning to Chan. "What about you, hyung?”

The other man fumbled with his fingers a little before answering. “Mostly purple because of missions, but… I was hospitalized a couple years back because someone tried poisoning me with yellow wolfsbane. I’d only ingested a small bit but it put me down for a month or so.”

Seungmin sucked in a breath. Yellow wolfsbane was pretty much the only thing that could kill werewolves– the only thing they couldn’t heal from.

“We need to keep you two safe from it no matter what.” Minho said, deternmination in his voice. “Now we’ve got the location and the team… What’s the plan, hyung?”

Chan sat back as he thought. “We’ve got the island now. How do we get there?” His eyes sweeped over the group. “Anyone have a boat?”

It stayed quiet.

“Can’t Hyunjin just swim us all over there?” Jisung suggested, startling a laugh out of Seungmin and a scowl from Hyunjin.

“What do I look like to you, a canoe?! Just because i can survive in water doesn’t mean–”

Minho cut him off with a sigh. “I might have an idea.”

All eyes turned on him. 

“Well?” The robur stated.

“I have this witch… friend– ”

Jisung immediately frowned. “Why’d you say it so weird?”

“I didn’t–”

“yeah you did!” The wizard suddenly gasped. “She’s your ex?! ”

Minho’s cheeks went red. “How the fuck did you know that?!” He whined with a frown.

“Your feelings of embarrassment, but there was a twinge of romance– My god, you’re still into her!”

“Guys!” Changbin cut in. ”We don’t have time for this, we have like four days left–”

“Minho hyung dates girls? ” Jeongin mumbled to himself, making Seungmin hide a snort at Minho's scowl.

“It was just that one– she’s just hot! I’m not still into her.”

Jisung smiled at him cheekily. “Because you’re into me now, aren’t you?”

Minho only thwacked him in the head. “I’d rather date Karolina again than date you.”

“We all know I’ll treat you so much better–”

Felix suffered a long sigh, dragging his hands down his face. “Don’t you two ever get tired? I’m so sorry Channie hyung has to put up with this.”

They both let out their own offended noises, but Chan only laughed. “Changbin cuts them off most of the time.”

Changbin sat back with a smug grin. “Anyway, How can your witch friend help us?”

“She can apparate us to the island. That’s how we get there.”

Chan nodded, satisfied. “Contact her as soon as possible.”

Jeongin picked at a loose thread on his jeans, shoulders tense from where he was leant against Seungmin's knee. “And then what? How do we get in?”

Changbin leant forward again, grabbing one of the pictures. “I’ve been to this island once, on an expedition. There’s an old military base that’s probably being used by the thief right now, probably upgraded to a proper guarded fort.”

The others leant in, intrigued. “What does it look like?” Chan questions.

The robur bit his lip in thought, before his eyes landed on Hyunjin. “Jinnie, grab a pencil and paper so I can describe it to you.”

Hyunjin smirked, getting up to follow orders.

A bit later, and alongside the map and photos a sketch laid out before them, showing how the fort looked according to Changbin’s descriptions. 

Chan sat closest to it with a pen in his hand. “The main entrance will probably be well guarded. We have the element of surprise on our side, so the best course of action is if we find another way inside, and Felix can unlock the doors by growing vines.”

The sprite nodded, fingers tingling in anticipation of using his powers. 

“Hyunjin can charm the guards and Changbin can take them down if it doesn’t work, so I want you two teamed together right after Felix, who’ll be joined by Jeongin shapeshifted into a guard to keep him safe.”

All four of them nodded at the commands, and Seungmin felt a bit of pride blooming in his chest at seeing Chan lead so flawlessly. 

“Jisung and Minho will have to work together towards finding the precise location of the crystal. Charm any and all enemies you encounter, use your powers as quietly as possible.”

His eyes flitted over to meet Seungmin’s. “Seungmin and I will set on finding the thief once inside.”

Seungmin nodded, rubbing his arm restlessly. 

“What do we do if we find the crystal?” Jisung asked.

Chan passed around pairs of ultrasonic earpieces, giving different colored ones to himself and Seungmin. “We use these to communicate and to alert the others if something is up. Seungminnie and I have dampened ones because we already have sharp ears, understood?”

Everyone nodded. 

“If you two find the crystal, alert everyone immediately. Minho, send a signal for your location. If Seungmin and I dealt with the thief, we'll show as soon as possible.” 

The air felt tense around the room, the way he used if and not when not going unnoticed by the members. 

“Once we find the crystal… We’ll have to find a way to transport it back. Changbin is the only one who can touch it with these–” He tossed him a pair of magic resistant gloves. “Because he has the least ties with the crystal. Minho, do you think your friend could wait at the outskirts for us to return?”

Minho nodded as an answer.

Chan only mumbled good, before it fell still again with a heavy weight around them.

“And guys…” Chan took a shuddering breath. “Please take care of yourself. Please. Watch out and call for help if needed.”

The silence as they nodded again was suffocating. Seungmin actually felt trapped, and it seemed as if it had just set in for everyone just how dangerous this mission could be.

They didn’t even know who the enemy was, or whether they operated alone or not. They didn’t know who and what they were up against, or what it would require from them to defeat it.

We don’t even know if we’ll make it out, a small voice whispered in his head, but Seungmin tried to push it as far down as possible. 

Chan let out a final sigh, getting up. “We have a plan for now, guys. Go rest up. Tomorrow will be a hard day.” Was all he said.

Everyone dispersed around the room soon after. Felix yawned and followed Hyunjin up to Minho’s room, Chan left quietly with Changbin and Jeongin disappeared up to his room immediately after. Jisung rubbed his eyes tiredly and made himself comfortable on the couch.

Seungmin trudged up the stairs with uneasiness pooling in his gut.

꩜

It was April 19th.

Seungmin stared at the calendar, the hole in his chest only getting wider. He hadn’t realized it all day– too busy with the plan and the crystal, but it was April 19th. 

The clock read close to two in the morning, and it was the 19th day of April.

He rubbed his eyes, swallowed back a lump, and quietly rose from the bed so he wouldn't wake Jeongin, the younger was snoring away on his couch. 

His mind felt stuffy as he took the stairs to the kitchen, steps echoing in the stillness of the night, memories resurfacing with each of them.

Normally, he’d know this day would come and he always made sure to mentally prepare himself for it, but… with everything going on this past week, he’d completely forgotten about it for the first time since it happened.

He swallowed again, blinking tears back as flashes of faces and scenery went through his mind. Them at the pool, age 8. Him in his dad’s arms, age 6. The hospital with no powers at age 14 as he watched the line go flat. Him at age 17, showing as a werewolf after so many years.

He blinked through the tears as he made it to the kitchen, stumbling down on the floor and snatching his journal from the counter. 

His hands shook a little as flipped it open, sitting tensed up on the floor and staring at the pictures inside– he felt a bit numb as he flipped through the pictures, taking the time to look at each one even if he didn't know how to feel. Fuck. He missed his dad.

It seemed like forever before footsteps approached, a groggy voice calling out to him. “Seungmin?”

He startled out of his daze, blinking the tears away when he saw Jisung was standing over him in a pair of sweatpants. He was squinting against the kitchen lights, but his eyes grew concerned when they landed on him.

“You okay?” He asked, once he noticed the tear tracks and the way the wolf was trembling slightly on the floor.

Seungmin didn’t– couldn’t, really,– say anything, not being able to force any words out. He just wanted to go to sleep and pass out, but every time he closed his eyes the faces and voices and memories would come back.

Jisung sat down next to him hesitantly, looking a bit lost. His mouth opened and closed a couple times. Finally, his eyes landed on the photos in his journal.

“Who’s that?” He murmured. Seungmin swallowed a lump.

“My dad.” Seungmin choked out, voice barely a whisper in the night.

Jisung was quiet for a long time.

“Why are you up, Minnie?” He eventually asked. 

Because I miss my dad. Because he was my best friend. Because my dad died nine years ago.

“I couldn’t sleep.” He whispered, finally. “I was worried about the mission, and anxious for tomorrow– and then I realized it’s April 19th.” Just saying the date brought up more and more– the hospital, the shell his mom had became, the tears he'd shed–

Jisung’s voice was gentle, threading the conversation carefully. “What happened today?”

Seungmin shut his eyes, struggling as wetness slid down his cheeks. “His death’s anniversary. They pulled the plug on him nine years ago, today.”

Jisung turned apologetic, but– Seungmin didn't want his pity. He didn't want anyone to look at him like that anymore.

“Oh. I’m… I’m really sorry, Minnie.”

Seungmin barely reacted as Jisung scooted closer, putting an arm around his shoulders. Still, he was glad for the comfort. This was what he needed the most right now.

“What happened?”

“Wolfsbane.” He whispered back.

“Your dad was a wolf?”

He nodded against the older’s shoulder. “I inherited my powers from him.”

Jisung squeezed his shoulder softly. “Were you two close?”

Seungmin felt a bit calmer now with the cuddle, being able to breathe easier and wiping at his cheeks. He nodded jerkily. “My dad was the closest person in my life, before I lost him. We did everything together.”

His shaky hands reached between the journal until he held up a polaroid, a watery smile forming when he showed it to Jisung.

A small smile formed on the wizard's face. "Is this you?" He cooed, pointing to the little boy in the picture and Seungmin nodded.

"We always played baseball in the garden." He mumbled, eyes tracing over how the sunlight lit up his dad's bright smile. "I was eleven at the time... three years before it happened."

Jisung smiled at him sadly, squeezing his shoulder.

“My mom drifted after his death. I had to learn how to grow up myself–” It was as if once he told Jisung about the death, the words flowed out of him like a waterfall. “–The house was always empty, when I came home. Dirty dishes piled up in the sink as the door to her bedroom stayed shut. Everyone else treated me as if I was made of glass, talking to me in a hushed tone and always with pity in their eyes- I fucking hated it.”

Seungmin blinked the excess tears away. “I didn’t show as anything until I was 17. We were so sure I’d be a late blooming wizard, because my mom was one and wizard genes are always strong, but–”

He took in a sharp breath, looking down to see his claws extended. 

“You showed as a wolf.” Jisung whispered back. "Your bond was strong enough for you to inherit his powers."

Seungmin looked up at his friend gravely, sniffling. “It’s all I have left of him, 'Sung. It’s all that I have left of my family.”

Jisung tightened his hold on him. “Do you wanna tell me about him?”

A small smile made its way onto Seungmin’s face, leaning back in his hold.

“Yeah.” he finally said, already thinking of happy memories to tell Jisung.

The sky was lightening outside by the time their laughs died down at the anecdotes, and Jisung’s arm hadn’t moved from his shoulder– and for the first time in the nine years since he’s lost his dad, Seungmin felt lighter on the day.

“Your dad sounded like a wonderful person.” Jisung sighed wistfully, yawning.

Seungmin smiled softly. “He really was.”

He turned his head to face the other man. ”What about yours?”

A sudden, crude smile appeared on Jisung's face, changing the atmosphere and having Seungmin sit up straighter in alarm.

“I’m sure he was. I wouldn’t know, though.”

Seungmin frowned, eyes scanning the disdain in his eyes as he stared up to the ceiling. “What do you mean?”

Jisung stayed quiet for a long time, pursing his mouth as his fingers relentlessly ticked against the floor.

After enough time of silence that Seungmin’s head was starting to loll on his shoulder and his eyes were drooping, Jisung finally sighed. “I think we should both go to sleep, Seung-ah. You’re tired.”

He went to get up, before Seungmin startled and grabbed him by his arm to hold him back. “Wait– hyung… I won’t force you, but you should know that talking helps. I definitely felt lighter after spilling this all to you.”

He could feel the tension from where he gripped Jisung's arm, not facing Seungmin for the longest time.

“They weren’t bad people.” He finally whispered, shoulders drawn up to his ears. “My parents never hit me, or anything. They didn’t yell at me– they didn't even talk to me, most days.” He fell back on the floor against the cabinet with a thud, eyes staring out in front of him.

Seungmin listened quietly, now being the one to place a hand on his shoulder for comfort. 

Jisung took a shuddery breath, continuing, “Never asked about my studies or my hobbies or interests or–”

Seungmin pulled him closer as he choked on a cry, resting his head on Jisung’s shoulder.

“I can’t remember them asking me how I was past the age of fourteen.” He whispered. “They just never– they never fucking cared. They never bothered to get to know me, so why should I have?”

Seungmin squeezed his hand. “You didn’t have to, Jisung. You shouldn’t care for people who don’t.”

He squeezed his eyes shut, tears leaking out. His breakdown wasn’t like Seungmin’s– there was no panic, he didn't shake or tremble like there were any pent up emotions– Jisung was like a burnt up star, his pain quiet and exhausted from how much the emotions still wore him down, after all this time.

“I know.” He eventually responded. “I got over it a long time ago, really. It’s just the fact that I spent 18 years of my life living with two strangers.”

“Getting over it doesn’t mean it won’t hurt, though.” Seungmin pointed out.

Jisung snorted, but there was no humor to it. “Trust me, I know that too. I drink and show my tricks and beg for attention to forget, and yet at the end of the day it’s me who’s alone– at the end of the day, I have no one to tell about my achievements.”

Seungmin knitted his eyebrows, sitting up a bit and staring at Jisung's side profile, rubbing a gentle hand on his shoulder. “You’re not alone, Jisung. At least not anymore.”

Jisung had a wry grin on his face– He looked far off, not really listening to Seungmin while being lost in his memories.

“I moved out as soon as I could, with us being rich and all that. I always felt like I was choking, all alone in that house. My mom would be in the kitchen every time I grabbed something, and yet we went days without talking– One time it was a work phone call, the other time she was busy preparing and couldn’t talk.”

Seungmin let him speak uninterrupted, only holding his hand in comfort. He clearly needed this.

“My dad wasn’t even present, half of the fucking time." He choked.  "Always tucked away in his stupid garage or at work conferences. I was so happy when I got to move out, thinking that I’d finally be free of these two and the suffocating silence– I thought I was free from the loneliness!” He laughed bitterly, but Seungmin didn't miss the tears escaping his eyes as he wiped them away.

Jisung looked at him with something fierce. He'd kept this all inside for so long, Seungmin just wanted to hug him.

“You wanna know something about when I finally moved into my new home?”

He could probably guess. Still, he nodded. 

“It felt the exact same.” his voice was hollow. “It was as quiet and still and lifeless as when I lived with my parents. They might’ve never hurt me physically or yelled at me…” His voice broke down to a whisper, furiously wiping at his eyes. “But sometimes I wish they did, if only because it meant I’d have their attention– That there was someone other than me in that house who fucking saw me.”

Seungmin was never good at words– He only wiped Jisung's cheeks soundlessly as he cried, pulling him into a tight hug. 

Jisung released a quiet sob, winding his arms around Seungmin’s waist. “That’s why I go out so often, I guess. Why I like causing scenes and bothering Minho so much and why I crashed on your couch–” a weak chuckle released from him, Seungmin rubbing his back in comfort. “–Sorry for that, by the way. I know it was unexpected and probably rude, but I’ve known Channie for years and I couldn’t stand being alone anymore.”

“Don’t apologize." Seungmin whispered, shaking his head. "This has become your space as much as it is mine... it's nice to have you around, Jisung."

He pulled away from the hug to ruffle his hair, grinning to lighten the mood. “No matter how much you fuck with us.”

Jisung let out a sudden laugh, swatting at Seungmin without any real force. “Actually, I haven’t fucked any of you but if you’re so desperate–”

Seungmin groaned loudly, falling back against the cabinets with a dramatic arm thrown over his face. “You’re disgusting! We were having a moment!”

Despite the words, a warm feeling filled him at finally hearing Jisung laugh freely again and seeing him relax. 

“To be honest,” He gulped when the laughter had died down, “I’m actually really glad I got so many new roommates. Jeongin included.”

The wizard let out a snort, before Seungmin continued. “It feels like a breath of fresh air, coming home to a bustling household and so many people helping each other.”

Jisung made himself comfortable against Seungmin’s shoulder, closing his eyes and humming in agreement. “Sometimes my body gets overwhelmed with how many emotions I can sense in here. It doesn’t know which one to focus on, and that’s when I get hyperactive– but I love it. It feels amazing to finally have a place and people to call your own, you know?”

a small smile made its way onto his face. "I know."

They settled into silence again, watching how the rising sun painted the kitchen in hues of yellow and pink and lit up their skin warmly.

“Jisung?”

The wizard hummed to show he was listening, now completely lax against his side.

“Does Chan know about your family?”

He shrugged. “I never told him, but you know Chan. He probably guessed it ages ago.”

He sighed wistfully. “I guess so, yeah. I told him about my dad when he asked me where I got my powers from.”

Jisungg suddenly released a snort, looking up to Seungmin. "Do you think that's why we're so close to him? Because we both have daddy issues?"

Seungmin let out a sudden loud laugh, smacking him on the shoulder. "Shut up!"

"But think about it!" Jisung insisted, humour in his eyes. 

Seungmin shook his head playfully, but relented. "I guess it makes sense, yeah."

Jisung grinned.

“You know, from your stories… I think your dad would be proud of who you became, Minnie.”

A growing warmth spread inside of Seungmin, like a burning ember engulfing his entire body as a touched smile formed on his face. He didn’t respond, instead opting to resting his head on top of Jisung’s in gratefulness.

He softly rested a hand atop of the elder's. squeezing once. "We're proud of you too, Jisung. You're apart of our team for a reason– and we'll have your back no matter what."

Jisung was long asleep before the end of his sentence, and Seungmin was quick to follow whether he wanted to or not.

꩜

Chan hadn’t changed much since their high school days. 

The other boy still wore mostly dark clothes, he still got shy when you complimented him but still had a cocky side, had the same dimpled smile and friendly eyes and still not a good sleep schedule (much to Felix’s dismay) and Chan still loved the ocean, even after so many years.

A small smile showed up on the sprite’s face when he spotted the wolf sitting in the sand with his knees drawn up, a dark jacket hiding his broad shoulders as the wind swept through his hair.

“Knew I would find you here.” He spoke when he approached close enough to be heard.

Chan’s head whipped up, but he immediately relaxed back down when he saw it was Felix.

“Couldn’t help myself.” he shrugged. “Why are you up so early?”

Felix sighed. “Minho hyung apparently talks in his sleep, and I wanted something to eat when I noticed Seungmin and Jisung passed out on the kitchen floor.”

Chan’s eyebrows went up in question, but there was a bit of humor in his eyes at the new fact. “What? ”

Felix shrugged. “They were leaning against each other with a journal next to them, so I didn’t want to bother and decided to get some fresh air. Why are you out so early?”

A slight grin showed on Chan’s face, and Felix reached out a hand to poke at it. “I always wake up early or stay up to catch the sunrise.” He finally answered. “It reminds me of back home. No matter where I go, she’s there.”

Felix smiled at him softly. “It’s been so long since home, hasn’t it?”

Chan nodded, gazing into the distance as he gripped his elbows over his knees. “It’s still crazy that you’re back here after so many years.”

That startled a laugh out of Felix, reaching over to flatten Chan’s legs so he could lay his head in his lap. “Good crazy or bad crazy?” He teased, watching him laugh too and lean back on his palms.

“Good crazy, of course! I really missed my best friend.”

“I’d say the same, but if I kick Hyunjin from that position I think he’d wake up and drown me–”

Chan made an offended noise, hand shooting out to jab Felix in his side. “Wow, so I’m now just an acquaintance to you, I see how it is!”

Felix cackled and tried to fight off his hands, kicking up dust as his legs flailed. “No! You’re my big brother, you know that!” He protested, making Chan finally let go with a satisfied grin. 

“That’s better.” he joked, leaning back again. “But seriously… It felt so weird not seeing you at school– or noticing that the flowers around the path we always walked had started to wilt. Then I moved to Korea and it became less, but I still felt sad that we drifted.”

Felix hummed as he turnt his head to also face the sunrise. The sun was hitting the water just right, breaking into a disarray of colors and yellows and pinks, making the sea shimmer like diamonds. “Me too. The sprites here are kind, but it was really lonely before I met Hyunjinnie.”

Chan sighed sadly, bringing up a hand to stroke away some of Felix’s blond strands.

“I’m sorry about the fairy prince. I wish I’d been there to help you.” He murmured.

He tensed up a little as the topic was brought up, but shook it off. “It’s fine, I’m just… glad that it was over quickly. I absolutely do not want to be tied down this young.” He swiveled his head around to face his friend, quickly changing the topic. “How are the others?”

He hadn’t thought about their old friend group in a while, if he was honest. There weren’t many of them, just a group of six people that ate lunch together and who he sat and joked with in classes. When Felix moved away, they’d all seemed extremely sad and wistful, but Chan had been the only one who kept in contact with him for more than a few months. 

(Maybe Felix was just too soft, but… he’d always thought their jokes were a bit too mean spirited and their escapades a bit too outlandish for them to be genuinely good people who meant well.)

Chan had been closer to them than him, always wanting to be liked by people.

The smile on Chan’s face faded slightly. He gazed into the distance silently, gaze far off. “Haven’t spoken to them since you have.”

Felix frowned. “Why?”

The other boy shrugged, seemingly unbothered but Felix could see the tense lines in his body. 

His frown only got deeper. “I thought you were close to them?”

Chan swallowed, a bit uncomfortable. “I mean… I was really close to Anna and Keith, but I should’ve seen it coming.”

an involuntary shiver ran down Felix’s spine at the name, turning away to try and disguise it. Anna had been a kind fairy who he’d hung out the most with after Chan, and Keith… He’d been a raunchy robur. There was literally no other way to describe it.

(He couldn't forget the way his body shivered the first time he'd met Changbin. Now, he knew the robur was kind and trustworthy– but back then, all he could think about was–)

He shook out of his head when he felt Chan’s fingers threading through his hair, snapping his eyes up to meet Chan’s concerned ones. “Lix? You still with me?”

Felix blinked a couple times to clear the fog in his mind, unclenching his fists. “Yeah–” He cleared his throat when his voice broke on the syllable. “Yeah, I am.”

The man above him looked unsure, leaning back but continuing to play with Felix’s hair. “I just said I kind of should’ve seen it coming when I heard them all say I was boring to hang out with and they dropped me.”

Felix felt anger bubbling inside of him as he sat up, offended on Chan’s behalf. “That’s bullshit. You’re one of the most interesting and fun people I know!”

He shrugged again, a little unsure. “I can't really blame them–”

“Yeah, you can!” Felix insisted, brows knitted. “They were all assholes anyway, hyung. Please don’t think of them when you think of who you are.”

Chan only smiled slightly. “I’m really glad you’re here.”

His gaze immediately softened. “I’m glad too. You picked an amazing team, and this mission is bound to succeed.”

Chan’s gaze turned troubled as he stared out to the sea again. “You really think we’ll make it? To be honest… I’m kind of fucking terrified.”

Felix scooted closer and reached over to squeeze his shoulder in comfort. “You shouldn’t be. I get that it’s new territory and there are a lot of risks, but… as long as we stick together and act out as planned, there’s nothing that can go wrong.”

The wolf sighed wistfully, leaning back on his hands again. “I hope so.”

“It’ll go well because you’re leading, hyung.” He insisted.

Chan’s mouth twitched, a proud look shining in his eyes. “Only because I’m leading such a strong team. Now lay back down and try to catch some more sleep, little one.”

Felix went for a smile, but was interrupted by a yawn as Chan guided his head back in his lap, fingers running through his hair in a soothing rythym until his eyes drifted shut.

He was really glad to have found his people, both new and old.

Chapter Text

Hyunjin fiddled with his fingers, pressed between Felix and Changbin on the couch. Chan's voice floated overhead as he went over the plan again,  all eight gathered around the coffee table the afternoon before the plan was to be set in motion.

“Seungmin and I will be making last rounds at headquarters today and asking around for possible suspects. Everyone else prepare whatever you need, and try to memorize the layout of the fort. Minho, schedule a meeting with your ex.” He concluded, getting up.

The witch huffed. “She’s not just my ex, we’re friends.”

“Because you’re in love with me now, so you can let go of her?” Jisung answered with a shit eating grin on his face, dodging the smack Minho tried to retaliate with.

Hyunjin was really confused about their relationship, but he decided he’d keep it to himself for now. 

The wizard stretched out on the couch, arms raised above his head. “So… what are we supposed to do now, until going to risk our lives for the greater good?”

Their youngest member sighed. “You’re so dramatic.”

Hyunjin couldn’t say he didn’t agree, but– the drama was a part of Jisung's charm.

Seungmin rolled his eyes at the banter. He crossed eyes with Hyunjin, grinning.

Felix cocked his head, staring at Jisung questioningly. “Do you write, hyung? Or do any kind of written art form?”

Jisung jumped up at that, an excited shimmer in his eyes. “As a matter of fact I do, My dear Felix! I write my own songs, why?”

Felix beamed at him, and Hyunjin’s pretty sure if he had a tail it’d be wagging right now. “You just give the vibes of an artist. Can I see your songs?”

Jisung answered with an excited nod, dragging him up and having both of them disappear upstairs. Hyunjin was happy that Felix was making new friends– He'd always been more on guard after the prince, but it was nice to see his walls come down.

He really liked this team. everything felt so easy with them, the morning coffees with Seungmin and the late night chats with Changbin feeling like a breath of fresh air after the choking atmosphere of his home in the water, where everyone looked at him with disdain for being soft hearted instead of cold and impassive like sirens were supposed to be.

A nudge made him startle out of his thoughts, head shooting up to meet eyes with the robur.

“You alright? You seem a bit lost in your head.” He smiled.

Hyunjin blinked a couple times, staring at Changbin and trying to formulate words. “Yeah, I just– was thinking. Don’t know, really.”

The older let out a chuckle and nudged Hyunjin with his shoulder, before settling closer and turning back to tune into the ongoing conversation.

He didn’t know why he felt so close to all of them– especially to Changbin– but he was glad for the feeling nonetheless. He couldn’t remember the last time someone had taken care of him like Changbin had done every time Hyunjin and Felix got hurt. It felt like a weight was lifted off his shoulders, knowing he was allowed to lean on someone else now instead of keeping a strong face for Felix.

(Not that he blamed Felix, he could never. He loved the silly sprite too much– It was just nice to know someone else would catch him if he fell.)

“But seriously,” Changbin cut in, making Seungmin and Jeongin sober up from the laughs and turn to him. “What do we do now? Anyone want to talk about the plan?”

“I’m meeting Karo later to explain everything to her and ask for help.” Minho mentioned.

“And you’re sure she’ll be on board? The plan depends entirely on her, hyung.” Seungmin responded, seated on the floor with an arm slung over Jeongin’s knees on the couch.

The witch nodded. “There’s no bad blood between us, trust me. We’re still friends, and all she has to do is take us there and wait until we get back.”

“I’m still nervous about it.” Hyunjin confessed quietly, his fingers twitching a little in his lap before Changbin reached over to still them gently.

“Everything about it… firstly, we don't even know the fort from the inside, and we don’t know who this thief is. And what if the crystal gets harmed even more when we’re already in? In close proximity the effects are more dangerous. Me, Felix, Jisung or even Minho could get seriously wounded.”

His words hung in the air heavily, settling into everyone and leaving an uneasiness in its wake that they’d rather not think about. 

“We shouldn’t worry about these things. Even if we get hurt, we’ll have to push through anyway and finish what we came there for. We’re stronger than a few magic rays from a shiny rock.” Changbin decided, voice resolute.

Hyunjin smiled slightly at how fierce his eyes were. He'd immediately taken a liking to Changbin's unwavering courage.

(He always looked good doing it too, but Hyunjin couldn’t be blamed for thinking that.)

“I still find it fishy.” Jeongin started, standing his ground. “The profile we have of the thief makes no sense. An old witch being this powerful? Having a fort, finding guards to protect it, and stealing it without anyone noticing and keeping it contained?”

“What do you suggest, then? We know it’s an apparating witch so they couldn’t have changed their appearance.” Seungmin rebutted. 

“We don’t know what we’re dealing with.” Jeongin insisted. “There’s still way too much that we’re lacking, too many worries and unknown things that are important–”

“What about the oracle?”

All eyes turned on Hyunjin when he spoke, and he felt himself start to get red. “What? I’ve read about them in my books.”

“Hyunjin-ah, people here don’t really go to the oracle anymore.” Minho winced.

“Why not? Aren’t we supposed to turn to them when we're in need of advice for things like this?”

The others glanced around the room, an unspoken thing hanging in the air, confusing Hyunjin endlessly. Land creatures were strange.

“He’s just kinda… old fashioned.” Jeongin finally explained, cringing as he said it. “Their advice is often too cryptic and too confusing, so people stopped going.”

Hyunjin just stared. “Oh.”

He must’ve sounded a bit sad, because Changbin immediately sat straight and threw an arm around him. “But we can still check it out, can’t we? Can’t hurt to try!”

Hyunjin’s face immediately cleared with a bright smile, nodding excitedly.

Seungmin huffed, rolling his eyes. “Alright, you two will be paying the oracle a visit then. Just don’t make out in Chan’s car.”

Changbin flushed bright red. "Why would we–"

"Seungmin, you ready to go?" Chan piped from where he descended the stairs, effectively cutting off Changbin's stammered rebuttal.

The younger stuck his tongue out to Changbin upon passing. “Yeah, hyung. Hyunjinnie and Changbin hyung are going to the oracle, and Minho hyung is going to see his ex.”

“My friend, she’s more than my ex!”

“Why do they get the honorific and I don’t?” Hyunjin muttered, before Changbin dragged him off the couch and they all stood at the door. 

“I’ll stay home with Jisung and Lixie to do some research, you guys go without me.” Jeongin told Seungmin, disappearing upstairs.

The others shared a look, before Hyunjin finally got dragged off into the car by Changbin.

“No road head!” Chan shouted, but Hyunjin only flipped him off in his wake.

꩜

Changbin was a nice person to drive with, Hyunjin had decided. 

He filled the space with mindless chatter but also listened attentively whenever Hyunjin spoke up, and answered all the questions he had about their surroundings free of judgment and filled with patience. 

“Why do you think Jeongin is so wary of our thief?” He wondered aloud, looking out the window.

Changbin took a bit to respond. “He’s very intuitive. If something isn’t right or feels off, he’s the first one to guess.”

“yeah… but why now? ”

“It is fishy. Witches tend to lose their power as they grow past their thirties, so to still have this much power could mean it’s either a superficial power or… It’s another magical creature.”

Hyunjin frowned. “But the abilities only match that of a witch–”

Changbin looked at him pointedly. “There’s a way to have more than one power, Jinnie.”

He stopped short, staring at him with wide eyes. “No.”

“You know it exists–”

“Yeah, but that power hasn’t been seen in a decade!” Hyunjin sighed, shaking his head.

"That doesn't mean it won't ever show again, though."

"Yeah– but to someone who's good, not someone set on destroying our world!" 

"There's a way to borrow it, if someone else–"

"Hyung." Hyunjin stopped him with a hand on his arm, eyebrows raised pointedly. "That can't be a possibility– if it is, we're dealing with something much greater than we think."

Changbin sighed, hand flexing on the gearshift as he turned left. “You’re right. Even if they had it it wouldn’t be natural.”

He felt a bit bad for being so blunt now, pouting slightly and resting his hand atop of Changbin’s on the car stick. “To be fair, none of us are natural. I literally hypnotize people and you can rip a door off its hinges.”

His remark startled a laugh out of the older. “I guess so, yeah. But at least your powers are considered real magic, Hyunjin.”

“Both of us are magical, hyung. I’ve never seen someone as buff as you,” He joked, squeezing Changbin’s bicep playfully.

he glanced over at him from the driver seat, a soft smile on his face. “You’re really adorable, you know that?”

He felt his cheeks flush at the compliment. “And why is that?”

“You think so highly of the world on land, Hyune.” A somber smile appeared on his face, and Hyunjin had to resist the urge to hug him in favor of not crashing the car.

He frowned. "What do you mean?"

“There's a very clear separation between the magical ranks and how people treat each other here." Changbin sighed.

"It's not how you think i it is– people usually look at roburs as raunchy humans with superstrength. No one sees the magic in being strong. They see it as just rough, a power exclusively to destroy and to wreak havoc with. We’re seen as nothing compared to the mages and creatures above us. It’s not a real power, and gentle roburs don’t exist.”

He rested his head back. “I guess that’s why I joined without preamble. This mission was a way for me to show people that roburs can be useful and good people. That our power matters too.”

A lump formed in Hyunjin's throat at hearing the words, feeling an ache in his chest that had nothing to do with magic radiation and everything to do with the man in front of him and his kind eyes, everything to do with Changbin’s smile and patience despite the bulging muscles and the ease which he lifted things with.

He swallowed it back, reaching up a hand to brush against his soft puffy cheeks. “ You’re gentle.” He only murmured. “You’re a gentle robur with a real power and probably the kindest person I’ve ever met.”

A blush arose to Changbin’s cheeks, squirming away from his fingers with a shy grin on his face. “So you’re just ignoring Felix now?” he teased, but despite his bashful act he squeezed his hand from where they were connected.

Hyunjin sat back with a laugh. “You’re kind, hyung. You look out for others. I’ve known you for two days and already feel more safe and comfortable than I ever did back home.”

Changbin scoffed but his blush only intensified and his smile only widened, exactly how Hyunjin liked it.

“Can’t imagine what your home was like, then.” Changbin joked, unaware of the implications.

It was a joke, Hyunjin knew this. Changbin didn’t mean it like that, he never would– but it still made something in him want to die like it always did at the mention of home.

Of course Changbin immediately noticed something was wrong– he was so lovely. He was quick to reach out, a gentle touch to the siren's shoulder. “Shit, I wasn’t thinking at all, I’m sorry if I said something wrong–”

Hyunjin shook his head, clearing his voice when it broke on the first syllable. “You didn’t, not really. I’m just–” He swallowed, trying to compose himself. “You didn’t really lie.” He laughed humorlessly, trying to ignore the way Changbin’s eyes grew with pity.

The pitying look he could deal with, but not with how Changbin grabbed his hand with both of his after parking and how his tone was probably the most open and caring tone Hyunjin had ever heard.

“What was the water like? do you wanna tell me?”

Fuck, he hadn’t had anyone back home to care for him like this, and he’d never allowed Felix to take care of him either, and here Changbin was– offering to take care of him, to listen, as if it was as easy as breathing for him.

“It was cold.” He eventually got out, sniffling a little.

"Cold?" Changbin gently prompted.

“The people were just… so cold. Everything felt animated and I didn’t have real friends to talk to about my interests or hobbies or feelings. My family always told me to tone down the excitement and to stop being so eager all the time, because it wasn’t normal for sirens. We were cold and impassive creatures, that’s how we protected our peace. She told me I was a danger to the family– a liability.”

“Oh, babe.” Changbin murmured sadly, drawing Hyunjin into a hug.

“I was the talk of the town most days– everywhere I turned people gave me stares or called me different. It was suffocating, I felt like I couldn’t breathe. I didn’t have anyone until I met Felix, but–” He choked on his words, hands clutching Changbin’s shoulders. “Felix was a sprite. He couldn’t be with me unless I went on land, and everytime I would just return to more stares and rumors because I’d rather hang out with different creatures than my own kind.”

Changbin tightened his hold when his voice started getting thick, letting Hyunjin hide his face in his neck and melt into him completely.

“I’m so sorry.” He whispered, taking a hand through his hair. “You’re not a liability, Hyunjin. You’re wonderful and fun, I love it when you talk about your interests. I hope you know how happy we are with you.”

“I’m sorry I’m attached to you guys like this, but… You guys make me the warmest and most alive I’ve ever felt. That’s why I immediately accepted when Chan hyung offered a way out.” He said the last part as quietly as he could, scared of how vulnerable it made him sound.

Changbin soothed a strong hand down his back, ever so gentle. “We’re your real friends now, Jinnie– like a family. Your sweet and unrestrained heart is a blessing and a strength, don’t let anyone tell you differently.”

Hyunjin sniffled in his shoulder, nuzzling even closer if possible. “Your words are too nice.” He mumbled. “You’re too good with your words, Binnie. It’s unfair.”

Changbin laughed gently before easing him off of him, reaching out to wipe away stray tears with his thumb.

“You know what’s really unfair? How you still look absolutely gorgeous even when you’re crying.” He teased, voice lilted while he squeezed his face slightly to emphasize his words.

A tiny smile made its way onto his face as it heated up slightly, making Changbin smile too before he ruffled Hyunjin’s hair, full of affection.

“There’s my siren.” The look in his eyes was so soft, it made Hyunjin want to live in it forever.

“You ready to meet the oracle now?” Changbin asked, patting his cheek.

He looked up surprised, glancing around to see that they already arrived. 

“Why did you not tell me?” He asked, confused.

Changbin shrugged. “You wanted to talk, so I listened.”

His heart was this close to actually leaping out of his chest. No one back home ever listened to him, not when he wanted to share information about the crystal or when he needed to let it all out or when he’d learnt a new voice skill, no one listened, so for Changbin to just say it like that, for him to be here, just like all the others–

Fuck. He was so overwhelmed with all kinds of feelings. He was just really, really glad he had them.

He swallowed back another big lump, watery and soft smile shining through. “Let’s go to the oracle, then.”

The inside of the oracle’s home was nothing like how the books described it, and everything like Hyunjin had pictured it when he’d read about it.

There were no beige candles burning in the corners, no dark atmosphere and dim lightning– instead a bright overhead light in the shape of a cloud casting a soft glow on Changbin and him when they walked in. There were no altars dedicated to deities, but instead a shrine with pictures of a cat and a dog resting in the corner, making Hyunjin gasp at the cute pictures.

There was no eerie silence, but instead a vinyl playing some alternative record with lots of bass and electric guitar, energetic tunes matching the posters of bands and artists on the wall along with abstract paintings and colorful hues. The entire room felt like something out of a hazy vision, artistic and messy exactly how Hyunjin loved things to be.

“Sorry for the mess, I didn’t know I’d be having visitors!”

A pitched voice made his head snap up from one of the canvases with color swirls. The oracle was also exactly how he’d imagined them, a young person around their twenties wearing a colorful band shirt, with long black and red curls, glasses and a kind smile.

Hyunjin already liked them.

“Oh, great oracle, sorry to intrude your space like this–” Changbin started, halfway leant down into a deep bow before the oracle scoffed.

“None of that formal stuff, please. Just call me Debby! I’ll get some tea for the two of you.” He said, disappearing behind a huge potted plant and walking towards the small kitchen.

Changbin turned his wide eyes to Hyunjin, who only laughed at his expression. “They’re definitely the oracle, that’s for sure.” He joked, moving to sit down on the green couch.

(It was pretty much general info that the oracle didn't do gender, a silly concept made by mortal beings. Touches of feminity and masculinity was all they did, playing with it like a power.)

The tea Debby poured them smelled sweet and herbal, but for themselves they’d gotten an iced coffee in a frog shaped mug– Hyunjin giggled when he saw it, complimenting it shyly.

“Thanks! I made it myself.” He said, a bashful smile on their face as everyone sipped their beverages in a small silence.

“Oracle Debby, we’ve come for your help. I’m Changbin and this is Hyunjin,” Changbin finally started, setting down his teacup. “We’ve been selected for the mission of finding the palladoy, but we’re about to head into uncharted and unknown territory.”

Debby hissed. “Oh, that’s a tough one. Haven’t gotten past helping failed marriages for a while, so excuses if I’m rusty.”

Hyunjin watched with bated breath as Debby cleared their throat, settling on the couch properly before her brown irises changed into neon green, mist swirling around him.

Magic tension filled the air as the lights flickered, cold seeping into his bones while the oracle tensed up– He shuddered, before finally falling back and making everything return back to normal.

Debby glanced at both of them. “I see now…”

Their expression made Hyunjin queasy, not liking the concern written all over his face. 

“Do you perhaps have advice for us?” Changbin tried, fist clenched in stress.

“I’m not allowed to interfere with fate…” They sighed, apologetic. “The only thing I can give you is that you should trust your leader, no matter what.”

Hyunjin scrunched his nose. “But we already do that.”

Debby shook his head. “Trust me, it’ll be important. And take care of each other well, protect when you sense danger. The eight of you are all you guys have."

The words sounded vague to both of them– typical and obvious, but they still came from the oracle, so Hyunjin knew there’d be a hidden meaning and a good reason behind them, and he knew he’d most likely find them out soon.

“Also… make sure to protect your three youngest.”

That last sentence made his stomach drop.

“What do you mean? What’ll happen to them?” Changbin asked, face paling.

Oh god– if anything happened to Seungmin or Jeongin he definitely wouldn’t know what to do with himself anymore, but… If anything happened to Felix, Hyunjin doesn’t think he’d be able to live with losing the one person who stood by him through everything.

He gulped, shutting his eyes. Please not Felix. Not Felix.

Debby only shook their head, making him suck in a sharp breath. “I’m not even supposed to tell you that, but I don’t want your team to go in blindly. Take care of all, but especially them. You need to stand by your sprite after it happens, and your shapeshifter needs people who care. Keep your head up and be safe.” He finally concluded, getting up from the couch with a sigh and staring out the window.

“Your plan is to leave at sundown, correct?”

They both nodded.

Debby gazed into the distance, eyes going misty. “Return before the clock hits midnight, or you might not make it. It’s best if you leave as soon as possible.”

as if the ominous messages about their youngest weren’t enough…

Hyunjin took in a deep breath before standing up, trying to push down the nausea and glancing at Changbin only to see the older boy wasn’t in a much better state, arms tense by his sides and face pale.

“Thank you so much for your help, Debby.” He softly answered, smiling tentatively. They turned around and gave him a somber smile in return, slight pity written in the eyes.

“You’re welcome. It’s been a while since someone’s come to me for my actual function, thank you for considering it. I hope your team makes it out well.”

“We hope so too.” Changbin murmured, seemingly not being able to squeeze out more than a few words at a time.

They finally made their exit, already seeing the sun start to dip low over the horizon as they entered the car and Changbin pulled out of the driveway.

“Do we tell Chan?” Hyunjin whispered, mind racing with all the possible scenarios of what could go wrong, all of them ending in him not being able to save the people he loves.

“I don’t know,” Changbin chokes out. “I don’t– fuck, if anything happens to us I wouldn’t be able to live with myself.” He was gripping the steering wheel until his knuckles turned white, so Hyunjin reached over and gently caressed one of his hands until it untensed and he was able to drag it over into his lap, squeezing it. 

“It’s okay. Debby told us that so we could prevent any of us getting hurt, now we got a headstart on the threat.” He murmurs, words trying to soothe them both. “We’ll tell Chan hyung back at the house.”

Changbin didn’t respond, eyes steadfast on the road but his hand was trembling slightly in Hyunjin’s grip.

“If anything happened to Seungmin or–” His voice died out in the end, eyes blinking repeatedly against unshed tears.

Hyunjin gulped back a lump, trying to block any and all thoughts about their young wolf getting hurt out of his mind. “It won’t, Debby didn’t mention him specifically. He’ll be okay.” He said desperately.

He couldn’t blame Changbin when he only sucked in a sharp breath and squeezed his hand once again, and when the rest of the ride home was filled with absolute silence and anxious thoughts.

꩜

Karolina was standing outside at their meeting point when Minho showed up with the rest of them in tow, everyone geared up and lugging the necessary things to get ready.

“Holy shit,” Jisung whispered from beside him. “She is hot.”

Minho smirked slightly as he watched the way Karo’s brown hair blew with the wind, her figure a nice silhouette against the darkening sky. “Told you.” He finally answered the wizard.

“You’re telling me you let go of that? ” Chan piped up from his other side, making him roll his eyes.

“I didn’t exactly want to, it just didn’t work out. I’m glad we’re still friends.”

“Do you think you could help out a friend, maybe? Get me a girlfriend–” Jisung grinned cheekily, but Seungmin hit him in the chest with a pack of daggers he was handing out to everyone. 

“For someone who’s aromantic you apparently carry a lot of romantic feelings, Sungie.” He muttered, and had it been anyone else than Jisung, Minho wouldn’t even have noticed the split second where his face contorted at the comment.

(Damn stupid wizards and their charming ways. Minho wanted all of them to disappear, Jisung being the first, no matter how good he looked in his stupid diesel shirt.)

(Or how stupidly attractive he was with his hair styled like that. Or with the protection vest fitting him snugly.)

(Ugh.)

The uneasiness on the wizard’s face was gone as quickly as he saw it, slapping Seungmin’s shoulder and firing something witty back. He’d noticed their different energies following their sleepless night, and could tell that something had shifted them closer together emotionally.

“I see you’re still up in your head, as always.”

The comment startled him out of his stupor, whipping his head around to come face to face with Karolina, a lopsided smile on her face.

He huffed at getting startled, but grinned back at her eventually. “I see you’re still using your powers against me.” He teased.

She shrugged with a smirk. “You’re too easy to startle, babe.”

He only rolled his eyes, turning around to check on his members. “Everyone, this is Karolina.” He introduced, making them glance up and smile and wave kindly, coming forward to introduce themselves one by one. Felix was eager, Changbin and Chan both kept it respectful, Jeongin was a bit hesitant and Seungmin and Hyunjin were kind and Jisung… was, well, Jisung.

“I’m Jisung.” He flashed her such a blinding smile it would’ve made every dentist in the country happy. Minho wanted to puke.

“And you,” He touched one of Karo’s bracelets and made it bloom into a red rose. “Are absolutely gorgeous. How Minho hyung ever let go of a jewel like you, I’ll never know.”

Karolina let out a laugh, reaching over unexpectedly and putting the rose behind Jisung's ear. “Aren’t you a sweet one? the wizard who Minho complains non stop about– I think he should cut you some slack. You're cute.”

Karolina turned to him to say something, but all Minho can focus on is Jisung’s expression. How it crumbles into anxiety at the new piece of information, and there’s a very ugly feeling crawling its way up his throat at seeing how something in his eyes breaks slightly– but by the time he’s actually processed any of this Jisung is back to his old self, placing a dramatic kiss on Karo’s hand and Minho has to blink to make sure he didn’t imagine it.

(He doesn’t care about Jisung's feelings. He doesn’t.)

(He also definitely doesn't care about Karo flirting with Jisung. Nope, not at all.)

He finally gets his hand back on Karolina’s arm, dragging her away from the members. “Lets take a walk, shall we?” He mutters, making her laugh and trudge along.

“I told you everything on the phone already, but… are you sure you can apparate eight people?”

“Still can’t believe you answered for me towards the others, but… yeah. I’ve had worse, trust me.” She answers as they start towards the lake, hands in her pockets.

Minho nods, kicking a few rocks astray as they walk. “So… how is everything, lately?”

Karo glances at him with the corners of her mouth tugging up. “I think I should be the one asking you that. Quite the new friends you made.”

He shrugs, feeling his cheeks heat up. “Chan just found me, and I decided to help.”

She stares at him, assessing. “Tell me about them. They any good to you?” Her tone is guarded, but there’s still that care lingering underneath that’s always been there ever since they met.

He smiles slightly while facing the sky. “Chan is very caring of us. He’s a natural leader, and knows how to both protect and direct us. You already know Changbin,”

“And Jeongin.” Karo tacks on. “From your stories. I’m glad the little ball of bread found something resembling a family.”

Minho snorts at her description of him, but can’t deny the relief that courses through him when he sees how the youngest is playing with Seungmin with a grin, shoulders more relaxed than Minho’s ever seen them on the streets.

“Seungmin's a strong character, he's always ready to help. Hyunjin and Felix are both on the softer side but I’m confident they can hold themselves when it’s needed. I’m glad I’m with them, it feels comfortable– Safe, like I can finally lower my guard.”

He keeps his gaze away from hers, trying to drag the silence on and not mention the one member he specifically didn’t mention.

Despite this, she still asked. “And Jisung?”

He swallowed once, still refusing to meet her eyes. “Not bad... but he's been fucking annoying me since the start.”

Even though he wasn’t looking, he could hear the pulled up eyebrow in her voice. “So you don’t care about Jisung? at all? ”

He suffered a long sigh. “Only as a team member, nothing beyond that.”

Karo hummed, unimpressed. “So that’s why you looked as if you were going to light the place on fire when he grabbed my hand.”

He whipped his head around in shock. “I– No! I didn’t look like that!”

“You so did.” She laughed, pushing at him slightly and only laughing harder when all he could do was gape. “Look, Min. All I’m saying is there might be a reason there was never a connection between us.”

He huffed, resisting the urge to pout and to cross his arms over his chest like a little kid. “Whatever. Can we talk about your life now?”

“Not many recent developments, I’m afraid. There was a guy I was seeing a couple weeks back, but he ghosted me.”

Minho frowned. “What a fucking asshole. Was he at least a good shag?”

Karo rolled her eyes. “Can’t even remember his name. He was a shapeshifter– but for some reason his aura fucked so badly with mine my powers were broken and barely worked for like a week. I just got them properly restored. Not to mention how slick he was with everything, before never texting me back.”

He stopped short, turning his body back towards her. “What? Shapeshifters can’t do that!” something was gnawing away at his chest– words of concern bouncing around in his mind, but not being let out.

She only shrugged, unaware of the turmoil going on inside him. “Hell if I know. I’m just glad it went back to normal.”

He’d wanted to talk more, find out what the hell happened, but before he knew it Chan had called them back to the group and briefed Karolina on where to wait for them on the island, and to leave and get herself to safety if they didn’t make it back in time. 

“I don’t want any more innocent lives involved, I mean it. The second anyone gets hurt we’re leaving, Palladoy or not. Keep the earpieces on at all times, Proceed only as we planned.”

Minho smiled slightly at how flawlessly Chan was leading.

Karolina made them all put their hands in the middle so they were connected, glancing up at him one final time. “Stay safe, Minho.”

He didn’t get to respond before they were all sucked in a whirlwind, the world disappearing around them in a white blur.

꩜

The fort was way bigger than Changbin had described. 

The island was rocky, water beating against the stones in the distance, guarded fort looming over them threateningly. It was a stale gray, making the building look old, but slivers of well developed tech revealed themselves if you looked close enough. Minho saw the guards with magic guns hidden along the walls, and the motion sensors blinked threateningly against the already dark sky.

He sucked in a breath. This was going to be way harder than he thought, but he hadn’t expected any easier by the lack of knowledge they had. 

His eyes drifted over to Felix and Seungmin, both putting on a brave face but bodies tense ever since they got told they were at risk along with Jeongin. 

After the concerning news, adjustments needed to be made to their plan. As a precaution Chan had been grouped with Felix to disable security, and the two youngest had Hyunjin to protect them, leaving Changbin to search for the crystal with Minho and Jisung.

“Right… I’ll be here when you guys return. I’ll stay hidden until I see someone I know.” Karo said, hands in her pockets after she hugged Minho goodbye.

Chan smiled at her. “Thank you so much for your help, seriously. Please be safe.”

“You guys too. Return to me with all eight, preferably.”

They said their final goodbyes, before she went invisible in front of them and they turned around to the building.

“Okay… The building has motion sensors– which makes me believe there’s magic sensors too. Minho can hide our magic auras, but please try to not use them unless necessary. Call for help if needed and…” Chan gulped, trying not to let any of his anxious thoughts get the upper hand.

“Stay safe. Especially you three.” He pointed at the three youngest, all of them nodding. 

Minho felt his anxiety spike again, glancing at Jeongin. The other boy had changed his hair to black to stay hidden, protective vest along with a belt full of daggers and guns adorning his body, but it still didn't feel like enough– Minho still felt restless at the thought of leaving his side.

He’d spent so much time taking care of Jeongin, he didn't think he could fathom it if something bad happened to him.

“We’ll be okay, hyung. I know you don’t know what it’s like, but our youthful bodies can handle quite a lot.” Seungmin tried to joke, but everyone heard the hidden layer of fear in his tone.

Chan laughed despite the tears building up in the back of his throat, reaching over to squeeze his shoulder affectionately. 

Minho looked at them softly, touching Chan’s shoulder in comfort when he backed off.

The wolf smiled at him, before his eyes returned to the building and scanned over it, eyebrows frowning in thought.

Minho watched the fort as well, startled when Chan hissed as Jisung suddenly hit his arm.

“Hyung, what the fuck are those?” He hissed, fingers pointing to a place behind the building, partly hidden from view. 

Minho feels his face pale at the sight of the black creatures. They’re crawling, patrolling the grounds, big scaly talons leaving behind deep traces in the dirt, each of them using six to walk and two to snap forward with. they were huge, a yellow substance dripping from the first two talons.

“Scorners.” Chan finally whispered back, the others leaning in to catch the new piece of information. “They’re known as creatures of the mountains– they’re not made for islands. The thief must’ve brought them here illegally.”

“That’s terrible and all, but what are they?! ” Jeongin muttered, keeping a hand on Hyunjin’s shoulder to not fall over.

“Exactly what you see- Big, scaly and with talons. They attack everything they don’t recognize, the talons itself are sharp enough to kill you but I don’t know what that substance is,” Chan frowned, watching how it dripped down and left a trail in its wake. “They must’ve put it in them artificially–”

“The wolfsbane,” Felix whispered, eyes big. “The island is filled, isn’t it? They must’ve liquified it and used it as poison.”

Minho felt fear crawl up his throat once again. He’d felt uneasy the entire way here, and it kept growing with every passing second. Something about all of this felt wrong, how there didn’t seem to be that many guards outside– how the main entrance seemed easy enough to access.

Everything just felt too easy, too prepared– as if they knew werwolves would come looking.

“We gotta– watch out for them.” Chan coughed out, wiping at his teary eyes. Minho saw Seungmin struggle as well in the corner of his eye, scrunching his nose as if he was about to sneeze.

“Hyung and I are the most sensitive–'' Seungmin sneezed, "–but that doesn’t mean the poison won’t be harmful to the rest of you guys. Watch out for the Scorners along with everything else.”

Everyone nodded, setting their sights back on the building and waiting tensely until the sensors closest to them turned away. Minho focused and casted a cloaking spell, hiding the magic stemming from them as they all ran towards the steel doors.

Minho could only hope this wouldn’t end in disaster. He'd grown fond of the others in the short time they had spent together.

He’d never been a fan of the theories of fate or the rumors that everyone was soul bonded to a certain set of people– but looking at the people surrounding him now, he can’t deny that there’s something, a reason that he was ready to hear Chan out despite everything, a reason why this had been exactly what Changbin was looking for, a reason that Chan wandered too far off the coast and found Hyunjin, a reason why he’d reconnected with Felix.

Minho truly thinks it was destined for them to meet.

Felix stood in front of the door, eyebrows drawn together in concentration, eyes glowing a bright green. His fingers twitched on the steel door, drawing on his magic.

They all watched with awe as Felix was in his element, vines swirling from the palm of his hand and entering between the hinges and crooks of the door, forcing their way through until he steps back to let Changbin take over. The robur presses down on the handle, swinging the meta open as if it weights nothing.

“I am so attracted to you.” He hears Hyunjin whisper to the robur in passing, making him roll his eyes at the two when Changbin blushes and hits the other in the arm. 

(He was secretly glad Changbin had found someone to connect to like this– He remembers the countless sleepless nights, where he admitted to Minho that he was scared he'd be alone forever.)

He did not let his eyes wander to Jisung, and definitely did not think of the implications that that had. 

The inside of the building wasn’t any cheerier than the outside. The setting was dim with minimal lights, torches being the only source of light, a hallway leading up to a door in front of them.

They all unanimously moved backwards, leaving only Bang Chan by the door.

He turned around with an unimpressed gaze. "Seriously? "

“You’re the leader for a reason!” Seungmin defended.

Chan pulled up a brow. “Right, so this isn’t because most of you can’t handle jumpscares?”

“You know we don’t like them!” Jisung whined, waving a hand in his direction. “Just open it!”

Minho held back a chuckle, watching Chan sigh before pushing the door open carefully.

They finally advanced when the coast seemed clear, getting to peek inside before their leader held up a hand in warning.

Minho watched as Chan's eyes glowed a bright blue– he couldn't see what Chan was looking at, but it became clear when he saw the rush of footsteps and heavy weapons pointed at them from alert guards.

Chan's canines showed in his shark-like grin at the sight; it was a side of Chan they hadn’t gotten to see up until now, and it was both terrifying and fascinating to witness how his claws extended and he didn't hold back, lunging forward to the nearest enemy.

he was too fast for them to even blink before he’d pounced on the first one– a bulky wizard who didn’t even have a chance of casting a spell before Chan had torn into his insides and thrown him against the wall, already stalking towards the second one with a dark look in his eyes.

fuck. Minho hadn't ever seen him like this and from the looks of it the others hadn't either– Chan radiated danger, he radiated power, instincts taking over unabashedly as he tore someone's throat open, sinking his fangs into another– going until all there was left was bodies, shaking from the adrenaline with blood all over himself.

Goddamn. Minho thinks he’s finally starting to understand why Jisung said Chan looked fine when he’s fighting.

He stepped forward just in time to catch Chan when he stumbled, wrapping sturdy arms around him.

“You’re messy when you kill.” was all the witch remarked, reaching down and lacing one of their hands together before bringing it back up, concentrating until the blood on his hands magically got scrubbed clean.

“That was fucking impressive. ” Jeongin notes, eyebrows perched high.

A blush rose to Chan's cheeks, seemingly back to his normal self as he grinned.

“We seem to be in the main room. Minho and Jisung, which way is the crystal?”

Jisung pointed east. “The tension is everywhere around us at this point. Finding it won’t be hard.”

Minho nodded in agreement. The air was pulsating with its magic, disorienting him a bit and making his head hurt with the intensity. He winced slightly when a small ray rippled through the room, not noticing when Jisung glanced at him worriedly.

“Take Changbin and the magic resistant gloves with you. Call us if anything happens, Felix and I will find our way towards the security panel to disable any and all alarms. Until then, please stay safe and hidden.” Chan explained, fussing over Jisung’s earpiece and checking if it was working for all of them.

“Hyung,” Minho reached up and stopped him, not continuing until they locked eyes. “We’ll be fine. We’ve got Changbin, and the crystal is the easiest of all tasks.” He assured Chan, not resisting the hug he got pulled into.

“Keep your eyes on Felix, Hyunjinnie will take care of the other two. We’ll be alright.” He whispered before they finally parted.

For once in his life, he didn’t resist it when Jisung linked their fingers. He seemed anxious, trembling slightly in Minho's grip as they walked in silence.

Despite his disliking for the wizard in their past, being in the forced proximity of Jisung for the past week had unfortunately shown him a side of him that he hadn’t seen– and one that he’d sadly realized he might not hate as much as he thought he did.

It was the side that had cooked for Seungmin when he couldn’t sleep, the side that stayed by Felix to make sure he was okay after a hit. It was the side of Jisung that only existed outside of banter and battles and brawls, a side that showed his values and his caring nature.

A side that always had his eye trained on Minho in fights, a side that always asked him if he was okay after using too much magic.

A side Minho had ignored all this time in favor of protecting his feelings,  because Jisung always said he didn't do relationships and despite how much he flirted, he’d never actually be into Minho.

He startled up when he felt a nudge against his bicep, looking up to find Changbin smirking and pointing at their joint hands.

Minho only scoffed and pulled Jisung further until the robur was left behind them, quietly snickering.

“Does your head also hurt?” Jisung whispered, continuing after Minho’s nod. “It’s so fucking strong, it’s making me dizzy. It’s taking all my energy to walk straight, damn it.”

He cast a concerned look at the wizard, tightening his hold on his hand when he noticed the way Jisung seemed to stumble every few steps.

“I’ve never felt this disoriented, not even when I went to see the crystal in the museum.” He hissed, rubbing a palm against his temple. He had to continuously blink to not fucking fall over, the hallway dark and gloomy.

Changbin was trailing behind them, a frown on his face. “Why are there absolutely no guards? We haven’t crossed anyone, and I’m pretty sure we already bypassed this corner like… twice.”

Minho stopped in his tracks, feelings of suspicion and anxiety growing while turning around. “Changbin… what the fuck are you saying?”

Jisung had turned around with him, fingers growing clammy in Minho’s hold.

Changbin pointed down to a butchered piece of the wall. “I’ve seen that rip in the wall one or two times already, and its shape is identical every time– We might be going in circles.”

Jisung frowned. “Circles? This is literally just one long hallway.” He tried to scoff, but he and Changbin didn’t miss the tremor in his voice and the way he was starting to tremble a little.

Minho was growing more and more wary by the second, none of this seemed to make any fucking sense– The crystal’s magic was way too easy to track, as if no one was trying to keep it hidden like they thought would happen.

“We should just proceed until Chan gives us the clear signal.” Minho tried, tugging Jisung along and reaching out to take Changbin along too. His head felt like it was filled with cotton, what the fuck had happened to the crystal? Was this even from the crystal at all?

He was confused on everything, the fucking hallway seemed endless and both he and Jisung felt dizzy despite them being mages, they were supposed to be able to take it– There seemed to be no proper protection anywhere beyond the first rooms, the fort was built on an island full of a plant that was deadly for Bang Chan, one of the best werewolves in Supernatural Security, the thief was someone who used to work with Chan, so everything seemed almost as if– 

He stopped in his tracks abruptly as the realization finally hit him. His breathing rapidly sped up, turning around to the confused gazes of the others; how long had it actually been since they’d last be in the main room? The sights around him weren’t changing, the last week they’ve just been going out, freely showing their faces easy to track with the bank of magic powerholders, the databank with all of their information including their powers which was under the eye of the SPS, a company Chan works for, a company the fucking thief worked for–

Oh my god. How could they be so blind?

“They know we’re here.” He whispers, eyes wide with horror. “Everything that’s happening– They expected us. The thief knows who we are and–” His voice dies out, too hoarse to continue as he tries taking big breaths. They’re not safe, the culprit knows they’re here and who they are and they’re most likely walking straight into a trap–

He stumbles against the wall as the ache in his head only gets worse, Jisung collapsing against him from the intensity of it– He thinks Changbin shouts in worry but he feels so fuzzy–

“Min, what does that fucking mean?!” He sounds panicked as well, hoisting up Jisung with a grip around his waist and holding Minho steady with his other arm.

“We have to leave–” Jisung rasps, head hung low. “If they knew we were coming, it means it's all a trap–”

The pain in his skull grows tenfold and he watches Jisung flinch violently when suddenly a loud overhead alarm blares. The panic in his chest bursts throughout his entire body– Chan and Felix were unsuccessful, they could be harmed or something even worse, everything is starting to fucking spin and he doesn’t think he can hold himself up much longer.

There’s a grating sound of metal on metal, and he shuts his eyes and buries his head in his arms for a few seconds before the ache in his head suddenly clears up, confusing him.

He looks up. Jisung is slumped against Changbin– his eyes are wide with horror, facing somewhere left.

The hallway feels somehow brighter now, and when he looks around, it seems smaller, too, his headache is ebbing away–

His relief is only momentarily, before he looks where Changbin is looking and feels his skin grow cold and heart stop.

He’s paralyzed, stiff as a rod against the wall, watching in fear as one of the black Scorners make its way to them surprisingly fast– the talons clack against the stone floor, making his heart thud faster– the liquid wolfsbane drips from its most forefront talons, sizzling as it lands.

They're fucked.

“Move!” He’s shaken out of his stupor by Changbin yanking his vest and spurring both magicians into movement, all three running as fast as they can.

“We have to get to the others, they might be hurt!” Jisung shouts over the fast clicking behind them and their own footsteps, gasping out the words. 

“No, we have to find our way back to Karo, the others will call for help if needed–” Changbin disagrees while rounding a corner, only to come face to face with an army of guards, all with guns pointed towards them.

You’ve gotta be fucking kidding. Minho is gonna blow this whole place up.

“Minho, Jisung– Anyone! Can anyone report back– ” His earpiece buzzes to life at precisely the wrong moment, Chan’s voice getting cut off by one of the electric field guns from the opposing side going off and disabling all of their electronics.

“Can’t have your leader now, can you?” The attacker smirks, and Minho crosses furious looks with the two beside them– they’ll show them exactly what they looked like, even without their leader.

He could feel the magic sizzling through his body already, tingling in anticipation while he smirked. 

As if on cue, one of the guards reared their hands back to cast a spell, but Jisung was faster– with a few flicks of his wrist he’d already had him strung up to the ceiling, the wizard moving at the speed of light to disable the protection left and right without breaking a sweat.

None of them were a competition for Han Jisung. Minho tried his best to hide his pride.

The witch gathered up everything he had when he noticed more people coming forward, rearing back and feeling the energy thrum through him before clapping his hands together and sending out a black wave– many of the soldiers fell and started spasming, and Minho couldn't supress the shudder of satisfaction the dark magic gave him.

Changbin didn't wait his turn, pouncing on two wolves as soon as he could– ther claws had little effect when he slammed their necks down until a sickening crack was heard.

“What’d you send out?” He shouted in question, spinning around and taking out three more with a couple punches, leaving himself and the floor splattered with blood as if it was nothing.

Minho grinned. “The worst experiences they’ve ever had.” 

The defense was flattened within seconds of them three only showing a fraction of what they could do, the air smoldering with magic while Jisung finished up the last few.

There was a reason Chan had picked them for this, after all. He released a breath once everyone was down, lowering his hands.

“Minho!”

He whipped his head around when Jisung called for him– The wizard shot out a golden spark at something behind him, and Minho turned around in time to catch how a guard went up in flames who had tried aiming his gun at him.

He turned back to the wizard with wide eyes– Jisung's fists were balled protectively and he was frowning.

Jisung had protected him, even if he had his back to him just a second ago.

Jisung had sensed that he was in danger. Oh.

Oh.

“God, that was really easy, wasn’t it?” Jisung laughed as he relaxed, all of the guards dead or passed out around them. “They’re really not a match for us–”

Minho felt it before it actually hit Jisung.

Just like how Jisung had sensed his danger, Minho was the one to feel the searing pain in his stomach a second before the Scorner actually lunged forward and sliced through Jisung’s abdomen.

He’s never screamed so loud as he did that second– Jisung's face contorted from shock to horror and finally to pain when he was let go by the creature and his knees buckled forward, falling and being caught by Changbin while Minho felt the world crumble around him, spots dancing in his vision until–

He doesn’t know about what happened then. All he knew was the magic coursing through his veins, raging like a tidal wave until it all shatters and the walls crumble– the scorner is blasted flat on his back but Minho doesn't care about any of it, staggering towards Jisung and pulling him from Changbin's grasp until he's tucked into Minho's arms.

“We need to get to the others, we need to leave right fucking now–” He trembled, hands flying over the wizard and trying to stop the bleeding, he was bleeding so much, why hadn't Minho paid closer attention?!

 “Jisung? Are you with me, still?” he prompted desperately, he felt clammy in his grip and Jisung's eyes were half lidded– they needed to go!

"Hyung, let's go back to the main room– we need to get back as quickly as possible." Changbin warned, dragging both of them along as he moved, but Minho couldn't focus when Jisung was so limp in his grip– if he reacted sooner–

“'Sung, answer me damn it– are you with me?!” He sobbed, shaking him desperately while he carried him.

Jisung groaned and  nodded his head in response, wound dripping with the yellow venom and making him more sluggish and disoriented by the second. 

“We’re almost back to Chan, hold on, okay? Please, keep your eyes open, Jisung.” He whispered to him as Changbin barreled through any and all doors. Minho kept pressure on his wound, desperately willing his exhausted body to pump out magic and whispering incantations to heal, trying to withdraw as much as poison as possible– if only they could get back to the house fast enough–

“Minho– it hurts,” Jisung’s grip on his hand was bruising as he whimpered, his voice was so vulnerable and small– Minho feels like choking.

“I can’t breathe and it hurts– ” He coughed up some drops of blood, Minho only speeding up his pace.

“I know, Ji, just hold onto my hand, it'll be okay.” He tried to soothe, but his voice was shaking– Why can’t his magic work faster?!  

“We’re almost there, babe. Don’t think about the pain.” 

Finally, they made it through the last set of doors. The main room came into view again, and Minho felt his heart drop down even further. Changbin stopped in his tracks and could only gape.

“Finally! we need to–” Chan turned away from where he’d been standing over a shaking Felix, stopping abruptly when he finally spotted them, “Jisung?! Oh my god, what the fuck– ”

“We need to leave now. They know we’re here– we’re not safe.” Changbin rambled, trying to break open the exit.

“Hey, love, you still with me? We’re about to go home, then I can heal you proper– just stick with me, Jisung. Please.” He begged, cradling him in his arms and trying not to hurt him more. He’d been so unbelievably fucking stupid–

“You called me love.” Jisung mumbled out, a weak but teasing smile forming.

Minho scoffed wetly, blinking through his tears. “That’s what you’re fucking focused on?”

“Minho, let’s go!” Chan shouted finally, eyes frantic and big as he helped them both up and running out of the door, more guards showing up behind them.

The cold air greeted them, Jisung was nearly passed out in his arms and Seungmin and Jeongin were lugging a bleeding Hyunjin– Felix looked two seconds away from hyperventilating and Changbin and Chan carried those hurt while Minho had his back turned to them, furiously and effortlessly casting shields, sending out waves of magic, shrouding them in black mist until all of them were withering away on the floor.

A sick and twisted smile formed on his face while seeing their visions of their worst fears– he’ll make sure they stay like this forever for hurting his family.

Karo was already running towards them with wide eyes, waving her arms and asking what had happened. He sped up his pace until he collided with her in the middle, dragging them away from the battlefield to get her to safety.

“No time! We need to go home immediately, I’ll explain later,” he bit.

“Everyone hold on to me!” She shouted out, and with a heart beating at the speed of a freight train, his wild eyes scanned to check if everyone was present and connected, squeezing Jisung’s hand in his tightly and shutting his eyes, the sound of more guards loud in the distance.

For the first time in his life, Minho prays. He prays for them all to be okay, because he finally has something to pray for again.

Everything whites out when Karo apparates, everything except Jisung’s hand in his and the anxious thoughts swirling in his head.

Chapter Text

Chan’s ears are still ringing when they finally land in the living room.

Everything is hazy and he doesn’t know what to do– Felix is still trembling from where he has an arm around his waist, and the image of him freezing up once they’d reached the surveillance room is still burned in his mind, along with the sight of Jisung slumped over with a wound, the image of Hyunjin bleeding out–

Fuck, fuck fuck fuck, everything went wrong, literally every single thing that could’ve gone wrong went wrong, he led everyone into what was apparently an ambush and now they’re hurt because of him– all because he was stupid enough to not realize that if the thief worked with him, he would’ve been fucking expecting them–

A sharp cry from Felix finally snaps him out of his thoughts, the sprite collapsing against him, making the panic in his chest swell further and he feels choked, but he has to fucking reign himself in because after getting them hurt the least he could do is take care of them.

Felix has his eyes pinched shut and he’s gasping for air and Hyunjin is shaking all over beside him in Jeongin’s grip, and he can even see Jisung and Minho wince in pain. he feels the magic course through his own body too, and he doesn’t realize how bad it is until Hyunjin gasps out, “The core… They got to the core–” before he lands in a coughing fit, blood spilling down his shirt again.

The window catches his eye, and he watches with a shocked gaze as pieces of trees the road start abruptly crumbling. The world around them is being affected. 

Chan wants to sob– he wants to break down right on this floor because of literally everything, wants to go back and unmeet these amazing people so they can all live the safe and comfortable life they deserve, wants to give up his job and just rest.

But he can’t do any of that– because one of the most important people in his life is currently shaking like a leaf and curled up in front of him, and the least he can do is fix all of this.

“Lix,” He whispers and crouches down, staying a safe distance away but keeping a hand on the sprite’s shoulders. “What’s going on, babe? Talk to me please, I wanna help–”

“You can’t help,” Felix chokes out, pushing his hand away and stumbling even further, breaking Chan's heart. “Not with this, not when I got everyone hurt–”

“It’s not your fault,” He tries desperately. He’s so fucking exhausted and he wants to go back in time and never have allowed them on the mission– wants to go back and meet Felix again in different circumstances. “Please, just let us help–”

Felix jerks his head no and trembles further, flinching away when Chan tries to touch him again. “I don’t– You can’t–” He can’t even speak, scrambling away from them and up the stairs in a flash, leaving Chan with a hitching chest and trying to chase after him.

He wants Felix back, wants him back, wants him laughing with Hyunjin and wants Jisung to look energetic again instead of shallowly breathing in Minho’s arms, wants Hyunjin’s shirt to be white instead of dark red and wants Jeongin to not look this fucking pale and scared, wants Seungmin to not look this fucking shattered, he wants to reverse everything–

He can’t hold it anymore when a sob breaks through him and he stumbles back into a sturdy chest, vaguely feeling Changbin’s arms wrap around him in comfort but he’s too debauched to properly register it. He feels so fucking guilty and the panic is eating him alive until he’s paralyzed, letting Changbin drag him away.

“Hyung, it’s okay. Everyone will be alright.” His voice is soothing but Chan can’t get himself to believe the words.

“No, they’re hurt, it’s all because of me– ” He wracks through sobs, clutching Changbin’s forearms in desperation.

The other man shushes him and drags him out of the room, but Chan can feel the anxiety making him nauseous– He can’t see his members anymore– “Changbin, they're hurt, I have to help!” he chokes out, but Changbin isn’t letting go.

“Seungmin and Innie will take care of Hyunjin, and only Minho hyung can help Jisung. You need a breather.”

“What about Felix–”

“Felix needs time. You can go see him later.” Changbin soothes again, and Chan can feel the fight leaving his body as he’s settled on the kitchen island.

It only takes a hug from Changbin and his brown eyes looking into Chan’s earnestly for him to give everything up, letting the anxiety take over and to start crying in his grip.

The house quieted down, after a while. Karo had helped Jisung settle and helped Minho with retracting the poison before leaving, and Minho hadn’t left his side while he was passed out. Chan stared at them from the kitchen island through the crack of the door. Minho had his head on Jisung's leg, puffing out breaths as he slept.

He gulped the tears down when they tried coming back up when he saw Jisung wince in his sleep. He'd just finished crying, damn it.

Changbin poured them another cup of tea, adding a third one when Seungmin sat down with them, posture exhausted.

He should've protected them better– he should've been a better leader. 

It was silent as the three of them sipped their tea, Chan lost in his thoughts while the other two shared a look, having a silent conversation before Changbin cleared his throat.

“Hyung… What happened to the alarm?”

His shoulders stiffened up. “I don’t know either. Felix just froze up completely and started shaking– the guard noticed us and sounded the alarm, I couldn't do anything but take care of Felix.”

He glanced up at them warily. “What happened to Hyunjin? Did you guys get to the thief?”

Seungmin shook his head, hands shaking. “We were close, I think. Jeongin had everyone fooled with his appearance and pretended we were the ones caught and we were his prisoners– so we got directions to the boss’s lair.”

“So you know where it is now?” a flicker of hope sounded through the robur’s voice, strengthened when the other nodded.

“We were outside the door when the alarm sounded. We were able to fight most of the protection off, but–” He hitched for a second, wiping at his eyes. “Someone aimed at Innie. Hyunjin saw before I did and–” He didn’t continue, but from context it was pretty clear what he did.

“Stupid siren.” Changbin cursed quietly. “Why would he jump in front of it, does he have no regard for personal safety?!”

Seungmin shrugged, looking as if all the energy was drained out of him. In some ways it had been– his eyes flickered uncontrollably from yellow to brown and his hands twitched around the cup. His powers were overexerted because he hadn’t had enough training or experience to manage them properly.

he must’ve used a lot while fighting. Chan reached over quietly and squeezed his knee in comfort. The other man glanced at him, not reacting much except for settling his hand atop of his.

“What happened to Jisung?” Seungmin asked, turning towards the robur.

A tremor went through him as he explained. “Scorners… one was on our trail while we ran. We got to and fought an army of guards relatively easily, but… The big creature got to him before we could defend him.”

“The magic wave…” Chan mumbled suddenly, remembering the shock of power that went through him in a split second back at the fort, making the walls crumble. “It was from Minho, wasn’t it?”

Changbin nodded quietly. “I’ve never, ever seen him that out of control and terrified. It’s like Jisung getting hurt got him hurt too, somehow.”

Seungmin glanced at him headily. It seemed like all of them were having the same thought, but decided to keep it quiet for now. That was something the magicians had to realize themselves before anyone talked about it.

“Is Hyunjin going to be okay? His wound seemed severe.” Chan asked quietly.

Seungmin wrung his hands before getting up. “I’ll ask Jeongin to get some gauze and medical supplies. He can shapeshift and keep his identity safe. I’ll check on Hyunjin upstairs.”

Then he was gone, leaving Chan and Changbin with the same anxious gut feeling they all had right now. 

Chan squeezed his eyes shut, rubbing at his aching temples. “How’d they even know we were coming?! Why were all the guards already alarmed?”

Changbin was silent, a frown etched on his handsome face. He had some bruises, a cut on his left cheek but other than that and some dirt he was unscathed.

“Minho hyung had a theory, back at the fort. He couldn’t say much before we got attacked, but he mentioned that they knew who we were and expected us.”

Chan sucked in a sharp breath. “Because the thief worked with me at the museum.” He’d been stupid to not think much of that fact (Or rather, to push it away–) but now it made startlingly much sense that they’d know that Chan would be put on the case. If they knew who all of them were, the other defense mechanisms made sense too, the only question left was how.

“How would they know who we were?”

Changbin sighed as he ran a tired hand down his face, eyes nearly dropping shut. “I don’t fucking know. I think only Minho can answer that, but he won’t be capable of it until at least Jisung is okay. Nothing is clear right now, we split up and Hyunjin is hurt–”

A sob escaped him, immediately sending Chan out of his chair and forward to hug him tightly. Changbin had been his pillar during everything, he could do this one thing for him. “It’ll be okay. All the wounds can be treated, it’s a matter of time until everyone’s back to normal.”

“And then what? We go back in and get hurt again, or the crystal brings down the world and we all die?” He choked, gripping tightly until it hurt into Chan’s shoulders, but he refused to let go.

“Let’s not worry about any of what comes later. We’ll wait until everyone is better.” He murmured, squeezing the robur tightly.

He’d finally found his people, the kind of people that the books about soul bonds talked about. He’d do everything in his power, everything needed to get out of this with all eight of them.

Changbin sniffed, wiping his cheeks when they pulled away. “Thanks, hyung. I’m just… scared.” he whispered.

Chan squeezed his arm with more force necessary on accident, frowning a little before shaking his head slightly.

“Go stay with Hyunjin. He’ll need the company.” He only mumbled back. “I’ll check in with Felix.”

Changbin gave him another grateful timid smile before disappearing too, leaving him alone in the kitchen.

He closes his eyes before walking up the stairs, praying that Felix will be okay.

꩜

The sprite is laying in bed when Chan opens the door quietly. He’s huddled into the blankets with them drawn up until his chin, blonde head peeking out. He doesn’t acknowledge Chan’s presence or turn around, even when the bed dips.

“Felix?” Chan laid a careful hand on the top of his head, stroking the blonde strands away from his face. 

He stays quiet, and if it wasn’t for his irregular hitched breathing Chan would think he’s asleep.

In all the years he’s known Felix, he’s never seen him like this. He had always been a light, a beacon of happiness wherever he went and glowing (sometimes literally) to brighten up the place.

The man laying in front of him, curled up into a ball as if he didn’t want to be seen, hiding behind the covers with his blond hair matted with sweat, didn't resemble the Felix he knew at all, but rather like a hollow copy stuck in time.

“Do you wanna tell me what happened, babe?” He murmurs, laying down so he could hug the sprite closer. Felix stays stiff in his hold, still not facing him. His body is cold, worrying Chan further because sprites were normally always warm thanks to their connection to the earth. 

“I made us fail.” He finally answers brokenly, quiet enough that Chan’s powers are the only reason he can hear him. “I got Jisungie hurt, I got Hyunjin hurt.’’ He sounds vulnerable, like a small child, emotion sounding through when he speaks.

Chan shakes his head, making sure he can feel the motion against his back. “Us failing or getting hurt isn’t your fault. The culprit saw us coming, if anything it was mine for being inattentive.” He tries to keep his voice soft, but he can’t help it when he breaks on the last word.

“If I had just disabled the fucking alarm–” He sucks in a frustrated breath, back curling even further. Chan takes a hand off his waist to soothe his shoulders until they relax and Felix sinks in his hold, before speaking again.

“You froze completely when your eyes landed on the guard,” He starts carefully. “What did you see, Lix?”

The sprite tenses up completely and he’s still not facing Chan, sucking in shallow breaths. He knows he has to thread carefully now, knows that this is clearly something delicate, whatever Felix is dealing with. 

“You don’t have to tell me the details if you’re not comfortable… but I hope you know that you can always trust me.” He murmurs. “You’ll always come first for me. I don’t blame you for anything, I just want to help you, Lixie.”

Felix lets out a wet chuckle, but it holds no humor. “You’ve always been there for me. How could I not trust you?” He sounds fond, and the words fill Chan with a blinding warmth so severe he actually has to put some distance between them to breathe. He feels affectionate all over, squeezing Felix’s shoulder in appreciation.

“You always can.” He only responds. He doesn’t understand the sudden thrum of energy beneath his veins, but right now there are more pressing matters to attend to, like the ball of forest sprite in his arms.

Felix brushes a hand over his without saying anything, but Chan can tell he’s in thought and trying to formulate answers to what happened back at the fort. He’ll give Felix all the time in the world, if that’s what he needs.

“I want to tell you,” He eventually starts, swallowing past a lump. “But I just– can’t. Every time I’ve tried telling this, I completely shut down.”

“What if you start with what you saw back at the surveillance room?” Chan suggests. “You looked scared, but to me it looked like a normal bodyguard.”

That finally gets Felix to turn around, facing him with his eyebrows knitted in confusion. “A normal guard? You didn’t see… him?”

He frowns at the other boy, moving a bit so they’re sitting against the headboard side by side. “Who are you talking about, Felix?”

Felix’s mouth drops slightly open, and his body tenses up once again. “You didn’t… didn’t see Keith?”

Chan feels himself blank. Out of all the possible things that could’ve come out of Felix’s mouth, all of the things he could’ve seen, Keith wasn’t an option he considered. He didn’t think Felix would see one of their old friends that they both haven’t talked to in ages.

“...Keith?” He asks, and the confusion shows on his face as well as his voice. He’s unsure of what to do now or how to react.

Felix swallows past a lump, looking down at his hands. “What did you see, Chan?” He whispers, almost as if he doesn’t want to hear the answer.

“I saw a witch, I think.” He answers truthfully. He doesn’t know why Felix froze, or why he saw Keith of all people, or why he’s still so shaken up. Chan doesn’t know anything, and he’s doing his absolute best not to show his stress on his face.

The sprite squeezes his eyes shut. He looks even more exhausted like this, with his mouth set in a frown and his shoulders slumped as if he’s got the entire world on them. Chan wants to do nothing other than take it all away and protect him forever.

“Witches can manipulate your mind, Chan. They can trick you into seeing someone you’re scared of so you have a panic response.” He finally responds, and his breathing is labored enough for his voice to shake as bad as his hands.

He frowns, an ugly feeling unfurling in his gut and trying to claw its way up to his chest, constricting and making breathing harder. If Keith was the person to send Felix into a panicked frenzy–

Chan feels his heart drop when he suddenly remembers the moment Minho hit him with one of his purple mists, and he had to relive his worst memories all over again. 

Another memory comes up along with it, this one much older. It’s a seventeen year old Felix crying in the storage closet of their school. Chan had just found him after a disgruntled Keith pointed in a general direction after he asked about the sprite’s whereabouts, and Felix had flinched back with a terrified look once the door opened. His wrists and neck had been covered in bruises, and he’d been shaking all over. No matter how many times Chan asked what happened, Felix refused to answer and cried harder. He’d never seen Felix cry that bad.

It’s a memory Chan repressed because it was his best friend’s absolute low point. He and Felix never spoke of it again, too scared of what it meant to talk about it. He’d never pushed further, too confused to properly understand.

“He hurt you, didn’t he?” He finally voices, pushing the words past his throat. It feels like his insides have completely turned to ice with the memory and the guilt of not helping Felix, and his entire world is crumbling around him when Felix’s chest hitches and he starts crying in response.

Fuck, fuck. He should’ve been there, should’ve noticed the fucking signs or said something about Keith’s strange remarks about Felix’s body, should’ve pushed further about the day in the closet when Felix started avoiding being touched when he was normally always cuddly– He should’ve fucking been there. He should’ve known.

Felix hides his face in his hands and slumps down, and Chan desperately wraps his arms around him in an attempt to squeeze all the shattered pieces back together despite being years too late. The thought of someone hurting Felix is aggravating enough for him to lose control and for his eyes to flicker, a growl wanting to emit from his body. He wants to rip that raunchy robur to fucking shreds, wants to make sure only his gauged out eyes will be able to see the next sunrise.

“I’m so sorry, baby.” He murmurs, pressing frantic kisses against his hair and cradling his head to his chest, every sob he releases ripping out another part of Chan’s chest. “I’m sorry I was too fucking dumb to notice anything, I should’ve been there for you–”

Felix shakes his head vehemently, fists clenched tightly in the fabric of Chan’s shirt. “You were. ” He swears hoarsely. “You were the only one who held me when I cried, the only one to make me feel normal after everything. I felt so dirty when he touched me but you were so– so careful with me, always, it felt cleansing, like I was worth something.”

“You are.” He presses the words against Felix’s temple, hugging him so tightly he doesn’t know where he begins and Felix ends. “You’re so worthy, Lix. I’m sorry you ever had to live through that– And I didn’t know anything. I’m so fucking sorry.”

He holds Felix until the sky outside turns from blue to pitch black, letting him cry into his chest even when his cries overpower the outside rain. He lets him shake and tremble while Chan rubs circles over his back with one hand and scratches his scalp with the other until Felix soothes, and no matter how much his heart breaks with every sob released from the sprite’s lips, he never runs out of kisses to press into his head until he’s laying still in Chan’s arms, chest finally moving at a normal rhythm with minimal hitches.

“You have nothing to be sorry for.” He finally speaks into the silence, laying half on top of Chan with his voice hoarse from crying.

“I’ll fucking kill him.” Chan responds, the anger taking over once he’s made sure Felix is calmed down. “I’ll take the first plane back to Australia and rip him apart so bad his family won’t be able to identify him–”

“And what about the crystal?” Felix shoots back, eyes drained but eyebrows raised slightly.

“I don’t fucking care, as long as I’ll get rid of him– I’ll get Minho on the case!”

A snort escapes Felix suddenly, startling Chan into silence. “You’re adorable, you know that? Blue eyes suit you, but your claws kinda sting.”

He blinks for a second, before realizing that during him planning the homicide he turned a little, making his claws dig into Felix’s back. “Sorry– got carried away.” He turns pink in embarrassment, retracting them and shaking his head.

A tiny smile appears on Felix’s face, despite the red rimmed eyes and tear stricken cheek. He brings up a hand to cup Chan’s face. “Thank you for always protecting me.” He whispers, before moving closer so he could hug him again.

His anger fades into the back of his mind like snow in the sun, a soft spot in his heart reserved for Felix taking the upper hand of his emotions. “I’m sorry I couldn’t protect you back then.” 

Felix is silent at the quiet admission, and when he speaks it’s so quiet he can only hear it because of how close they are. “You did what you could, Chris. But I never even told you what happened.”

He resumes rubbing circles in his back, just because it’s something that he’s done that has always calmed the sprite down, making him melt in Chan’s grip. “Do you want to tell me now?”

It takes a while before Felix answers him, and Chan is almost sure he’s fallen asleep when he squeezes Chan tighter and takes in a deep shuddery breath. “It had happened once or twice before you found me. The first time, it was just a kiss. The second time, he held me down and– and went further. Further down. I convinced myself it felt good just so I didn’t have to think about what he was doing to me.”

That fucking bastard, Chan is almost vibrating with anger now. Once he’ll deal with the crystal, he’ll get Minho and Hyunjin to fly to Australia with him. Maybe he couldn’t protect Felix back then, but he sure as hell can avenge him now.

“The third time, he–” His breath hitches, and Chan wraps tighter around him in comfort.

“You don’t have to tell me, Lix. We could just rest.”

Felix shakes his head. “I want to do this, for the seventeen year old version of me who couldn’t.”

Chan nods, waiting patiently for him to go on.

“The third time was when you found me. He went even further, wanted– he wanted to try out new things. I thrashed so much that he had to hold me down using his powers– so I got bruised up, but I managed to control a nearby plant and yank him away and run. He stopped trying after that, I think it was because he was scared of you.”

“Good.” 

Chan doesn’t remember the last time he felt this much anger course through him, burning in every single one of his veins and coursing through his body like lava. He’d make him pay in even worse ways than anyone could ever imagine, would show the gods above what real power looked like when it was used to its full potential.

“I just… can’t believe I’m still so affected.” Felix murmured sadly. “We failed, and two members got hurt. All because of my past.”

“Don’t blame yourself, there were a lot more reasons why this mission failed. We just need to charge up and discuss again tomorrow.” He had to push the rage and fury down in favor of protecting and reassuring his team, taking another hand through Felix’s hair in comfort. “And once this is all over… maybe we could get you some help for this, Lix.”

Felix smiled up at him, and even if it was wobbly it held gratitude. “Thank you, hyung. You’re a great leader. I’m so thankful I got to meet you again.”

Chan felt himself get filled with that same warmth as before, all consuming and sudden as he engulfs Felix in another big hug. He loves this team so much, he’d do truly anything for them. “I’m happy too.” He can only mumble back.

The energy beneath his veins is thrumming, and he doesn’t know where it’s coming from but it’s overwhelming, it’s almost too much and his body burns with something he’s never felt before, and he doesn’t understand it, not until–

“Hyung…” Felix gasps, and he sounds awed when he pulls away from their hug, gaze on the bed. Chan follows his eyes, and sees flowers all around them. They’re in all kinds and colors, pink tulips and blue irises and yellow roses and white chrysanthemums surrounding them from all sides and encircling the two of them, and they don’t stop blooming until Chan removes his hand on Felix’s shoulder.

“Lix, did you make this?” He asks, amazed. They’re so bright and fresh, the smell invading his nostrils sweetly. He doesn’t notice Felix’s baffled expression until he’s been silent for too long, and frowns in confusion.

“I didn’t!” He shakes his head, and Chan’s mouth drops open. “But you’re the sprite in the room–”

“But I didn’t feel the same tug of power inside me I always feel when growing plants!” Felix defends.

“Then, how…”

It takes a split second before they both come to the same conclusion, Felix’s face turning to wonder while Chan’s turn shocked.

“Channie… you absorbed my powers.”

No. Absolutely no fucking way. nuh uh.

“There’s no way.” He immediately rejects, vehemently shaking his head. “I wouldn’t have that power–”

“Why not? You’re an excellent leader and have one of the purest hearts out here–” Felix protests, before Chan cuts him off again. 

“Someone with this ability hasn’t been seen in decades! ”

“Because there’s been no one more suitable to wield it more than you!”

“Lixie, I genuinely do not think I have the Phantom Grasp, something that’s not been registered since I was born and has only been granted to the most selfless, strongest and altruistic of our kind. Only extremely good people get that power.”

“And what are you?” Felix challenges with a raised eyebrow. The flowers around them have disappeared thanks to him being fired up, and Chan suffers a long sigh

“Not extremely good or selfless.”

“Bullshit.” The sprite scoffs. “I genuinely do think you have it–”

Chan decides to tackle him until they’re both laying down in bed, making him squeal out a laugh.

“I think we should both try to catch some sleep first and foremost. Don’t you agree?”

Felix looks like he wants to argue, but gets interrupted by a yawn followed by a huff when Chan smiles victoriously. “Fine, but we are dealing with this when we wake up and discuss the plan.”

Chan hums, settling in and wrapping the blanket around both of them. “We’ll worry about that later, little one. For now you should just sleep.”

Felix is already sinking into his pillow before he’s even finished talking, the physical and mental exhaustion pulling at the sprite until he’s snoring beside Chan.

He smiles at the sight. Felix finally looks at peace, like this, and he allows himself to borrow further in him before shutting his eyes too and finally getting some rest, the house quiet around them as he scoots closer and engulfs Felix.

꩜

There’s a shimmer of light cast along Jisung’s face, highlighting his features and making him look younger than he actually is. His eyes are closed with his pink mouth puffing out breaths shallowly, and he finally looks at peace, like his stomach isn’t bandaged up completely and Minho didn’t just spend an hour retracting the amount of poison injected in him.

A lump grows in his throat thinking about how much pain Jisung was in, how he’d thrashed and cried when the witch had used his magic by pressing his hands to the wound. Minho still remembers the burning feeling coursing through his own body, as if every nerve could feel an echo of what the wizard was feeling.

He still remembers the frowning glances Karo had cast at him every time he winced or jolted right after Jisung would. He knows why this is, especially because none of this happened when he was helping Hyunjin. 

The siren would gasp and tremble when Minho healed his wound and stopped the bleeding, but Minho didn’t feel anything, at least not physically. He didn’t feel his stomach pulling taut because Hyunjin’s was, he didn’t feel his pain. Not like he felt Jisung’s.

He knows why, but he doesn’t want to think about it. He doesn’t want to think about it now when it’s too late, when he couldn’t protect Jisung back at the fort, doesn’t want to think or talk about it ever. It’d be way too confronting, a big and scary faceless threat that he’s been running from for months.

He doesn’t want to think about it, but it becomes harder to ignore the more he stares at Jisung’s soft cheeks and peaceful expression. It’s next level impossible to push down the tingles in his abdomen when his eyes blink open and he yawns, resembling a tired squirrel.

(Minho does not think about Jisung like that, he doesn’t care–)

“Never knew you were a starer. What happened to your mysterious image?”

There’s a lazy smile on his face, eyes half lidded as he rolls a bit more on his side to face him, and Minho might as well give up the fight now. The second he feels himself fill with intense relief at seeing the smile on his face, he should lower any and all walls and give in.

Unfortunately for everyone, Minho is stubborn.

“You fucking idiot, ” He swears, trying to make his words biting but they just come out sounding desperate. “How stupid could you be, getting hurt by a scorner?! Did no one ever teach you to watch your fucking back?!” He’s frowning while slipping off the couch, crouching by Jisung's side and scanning over the bandages to make sure they’re properly secured and that he’s not bleeding through them.

“You’re lucky we were able to remove the poison early, or we didn’t know what would’ve fucking happened to you–”

Jisung cuts him off by cooing and suddenly grabbing his hand, pulling it close to his chest. “Aw, hyungie, are you worried about me?” He teases, and Minho actually wants to fucking scream. 

“I’m literally going to fucking kill you–”

“Defeats the whole purpose, no?” Jisung just grins wider and pulls him closer, knees being dragged across the carpet while he’s wearing that stupid fucking lazy smirk of his. His hair is falling in front of his eyes in strands and he’s trying to act cool but he keeps shaking it because Jisung is fucking incompetent and can’t get the hair out, and Minho just wants to–

He’s not really thinking rationally, mind too frustrated when he reaches a hand out, Jisung stilling when his fingers brush the strands away from his eyes.

“You looked stupid as hell trying to shake them away.” Is his only defense, and he’s all too aware of his flaming ears and the way Jisung’s smile softens.

“You’re taking care of me.” He murmurs, lowering his fingers from his hair until both of Minho’s hands are resting in Jisung’s grip.

“Since you’re too incompetent to do it yourself–” He scoffs, but at this point there’s truly no saving him when Jisung’s eyes are fucking sparkling. 

“Mhm, no. I’m not letting you get past this– you’re worried because you care about me!” He’s nearly giggling with his words, and Minho’s going to rip his own fucking hair out. He needs to get a grip, whatever happened to the Minho who pushed Jisung away every chance he got?!

“You talk too much.” He only mutters, serving to make Jisung laugh harder. “That’s one of your biggest issues, you just don’t shut up.”

Jisung is laughing so hard now he’s shaking with it. “ Wow, you went from love to insulting me so fast–”

His breath suddenly hitches, and Minho’s head shoots up when he feels Jisung’s wince resonate in him, not even having the time to think of how stupid the wizard is before worried hands are flying over his stomach to soothe the pain. He doesn’t even have to call upon his magic, it just flows naturally directly to help Jisung, until he relaxes back into the couch with a pained expression and–

and… and… Minho’s hands are glowing. Jisung’s abdomen is shimmering and it’s spreading over his body like a scan, and it’s doing the same to Minho, they’re both glowing and he feels the outside magic deep within his bones, can feel how it steals his breath while it engulfs him, before disappearing.

He doesn’t dare raise his head or take a gulp of oxygen, hands frozen on the other’s stomach.

All this time, he knew. He always fucking knew, was aware of it in his subconscious and deep inside, but he never let it resurface, never admitted, never listened –

It was never confirmed, he would insist. It wasn’t told or written anywhere or even guaranteed, and yet… yet Jisung always looked at him with a look, when he thought Minho wasn’t looking. Yet he called Minho his witch and yet he’d sensed when Minho was in danger, the same way Minho felt a copy of his pain every time he was hurt.

The signs had always been there, but the universe had let Minho down one too many times for him to think he’d get something as special as a fated other half.

He can’t get himself to face him. The carpet is all he sees, and a lump is all he feels. 

“You knew, didn’t you? About… about our bond.”

His voice is merely a whisper inside the room, sounding vulnerable even to his own ears. It’s loaded, but Jisung has always known how to handle him.

He doesn’t respond at first, at least not verbally. There are a thousand flitting and contradicting emotions storming inside of Minho, but they all lay to a stand still when Jisung grabs his hands again ever so carefully and brings them up to his chest instead. 

“My witch.” There’s a soft press of lips against his hands, and the whole thing is so gentle and so delicate Minho doesn’t know what to do. He wants to pull away, wants to push closer, wants to snap at Jisung, wants to burrow in his arms forever. He doesn’t know what he fucking wants. He’s promised himself to never think about this, but now–

“How?” He chokes out. He honestly just wants to cry from exhaustion after everything. “How are we– Why? Why us? You don’t do relationships and I’m– me. ” 

He can’t help it when his voice is growing shaky, clutching Jisung’s hands tight, resisting the urge to run away.

He’s still not facing the wizard, but his voice reaches Minho’s ears as a gentle murmur, breaking through the storm inside his head. “There’s nothing wrong with being you.”

How could Jisung even say that, after everything? After the countless people he’d hurt and the amount of times he’d snapped and been rude to Jisung, after everyone in his life left him because of how he is?

“How could you say that?” He whispers, finally raising his head to frown at him. “After everything I’ve said to you and about you, after the people I’ve hurt–”

“I can, because you always protect those unable to do so themselves. You refuse to show it but we see, hyung. You care about people, and you care about us.”

Minho shakes his head. He just wants to sink in Jisung’s grip and then forget all about this in the morning. “I’ve been unkind to a lot of people, including you. My parents don’t even talk to me anymore because they’re scared of me.”

Jisung laughs wetly, a bit of tears shining in his eyes. “Parents are overrated anyway.”

He pulls Minho even closer until he’s able to cup his cheek with one of his hands, and despite his mind telling him to pull away, that he doesn’t deserve good things, he rests his head against his soft palm and closes his eyes. “And what about my harsh words? I don’t deserve this, Jisung.”

He knows it’s unlike him to lay himself bare and vulnerable in front of the wizard, but he’s tired of fighting. He’s tired of having the defense so high up all the time for everyone, after years of being alone. 

“I don’t deserve this either.” Jisung swallows, making him frown and open his eyes. “I’m not a good person and I don’t care about the world or what happens if we don’t get the crystal– But I care about this team, I care about you, so I’m going to take it anyway because I’m selfish. I’m selfish and I want you, whichever way you allow me.”

He’s tired and there’s a lump growing in his throat and there are barely contained tears shining in his eyes at Jisung’s almost-confession, but if Jisung is selfish then Minho is the most egocentric person in the world because there’s not one square inch of him that doesn’t want Jisung just as much.

Jisung’s touch is an engulfing warmth on his cheek, and he allows himself a second to bask in the burning comfort of it before pulling away. His hand feels cold when he takes it out of Han’s grip.

He can’t have this. He has to shake his head minutely to get the weak and emotional thoughts away, ignoring Jisung’s expression and the way his chest aches at seeing it.

He doesn’t do relationships, he has to remind himself. As much as he feels choked thinking about it, Jisung  won’t like him that way.

“Where are you going?” A hand shoots out to grab his arm when he attempts getting up. Minho ignores how pained his voice sounds, and only tries tugging his arm away.

“Let me go, Jisung.”

He can’t have him. He can’t, and this entire conversation they just had is futile because it’d never work. Jisung would leave, as it always went with Minho.

“Hyung! wait–”

“It’d never work. You know that–”

The wizard forcefully tugs him backwards and only tightens his grip on Minho’s arm with a frown, voice thick when he speaks. “No I don’t! Did we not just– I said I wanted you. We have a fucking bond. Do you know how many witches and wizards would kill for this?!”

He sounds desperate and Minho just doesn’t fucking get it, Jisung said he never felt like this so why–

“Do you not want me?” The question is merely a whisper, but it holds so much vulnerability and it sounds so small it slices through Minho’s heart like a sharp knife, leaving him bleeding out with all the feelings he’s kept bottled for years spilling over.

“I do,” His voice is trembling, arm shaking in Jisung’s grip. “I want you so fucking bad– ”

“What’s stopping you, Minho?”

You don’t love me like I love you. You’ll leave me eventually.

“You don't do feelings.” He doesn’t want to be here. He’s exhausted, he doesn’t want to think about something he’ll never have, he wants to go to sleep.

Another tug on his arm, and Jisung refuses to answer until the witch finally raises his head to face him. His eyes are filled and he’s frustrated but his mouth is set in a determined line that Minho can’t tear his eyes from.

“I don’t– I don’t know what I am anymore, hyung. I thought I didn’t like anyone because I’ve never known what it’s like to be cared for, but then you came along and you still defended me in fights no matter how much we argued and you still cooked at my flat because I couldn’t and I just–” A sob interrupts him half way as he blinks the tears back, swallowing once before pushing himself to continue. “–I don’t fucking know. I suddenly always wanted to be in your presence and then I felt the bond and I just… all I know is that I want you.” 

The confession makes Minho’s final defenses crumble like sand castles, going easily when Jisung tugs him closer again. He’s tired. He doesn’t want to be alone anymore.

Jisung is so fucking gentle with him when stroking the hair out of his eyes. There’s a shimmer in his eyes behind the unshed tears, screaming fondness and affection and as unbelievable as it is, he’s looking at him like that. at Minho. 

Jisung tugs him closer. It's only natural when Minho leans forward and seals their lips— and it feels strangely like coming home, in a sense. 

Kissing Jisung isn't big, it's not bright or cathartic or anything like the movies. It's quiet and wet and so fucking perfect, it feels like Minho's finally being granted peace, a drop of water in a desert. It feels like something broken inside him finally heals on Jisung's lips.

“You’re okay.” Jisung whispers when they pull away, snaking a hand to the back of his head, dragging him close until the witch can bury his face in the crook of his neck. “We’re not alone anymore, baby.” 

It feels like he can finally rest after so long, the inner turmoil of thoughts and emotions disappearing the second he inhales Jisung’s scent, shoulder slumping when his arms wrap around them in an embrace. He fists his shirt tightly, wordlessly hugging him back until they physically can’t get any closer.

“Don’t leave.” He begs, barely audible, but Jisung understands him anyway. He always has. 

“I won’t.” There are faint lips pressed against his temple along with the words, and hands rubbing over his back.

He knows Jisung isn’t lying. The carpet is rough against his knees and his body is laid against Han’s in an awkward position, but somehow it’s the most comfortable he’s ever been, the safest he’s ever felt. 

He’s not alone anymore. 

꩜

The living room is grim, despite the blinking sun. Hyunjin is surrounded by his friends and where he’d normally feel a comfortable warmth, all there is is a cold feeling in his chest and tense air.

They all look exhausted. Felix has red lining his usually vibrant but now dull eyes, Jeongin who’s normally so confident has been reduced to a nervous twitching mess, not even responding when a tired Seungmin grabs his hands to stop them from trembling. Minho is slumped against Jisung, the once bright fire in his eyes now reduced to ash.

And Chan… Hyunjin doesn’t think he’s ever looked this drained. His eyes are sunken and scream of regret in a way that makes his heart ache for their leader. 

“Did everyone get a good rest?” He started, not liking how silent it was. This household was normally so loud, so full of life, that he felt a lump grow every time he thought of the stillness of the past day. 

Small nods here and there. Jisung hummed and ran a hand through Minho’s hair, and for the first time since Hyunjin met the witch he leant into it, seeking the comfort. 

“Would’ve been more comfortable if I didn’t get stung, but as it stands–” Jisung snickered at his own joke, and Hyunjin immediately felt a bit lighter watching Seungmin smack him in retaliation.

“Not funny, idiot! You seriously got hurt, it could’ve been even worse.” He said disgruntled, and Jeongin nodded seriously from the side.

“You and Hyunjin hyung could’ve ended up way worse… Everything went wrong in the worst possible way.” He frustratingly sighed, running his hands through his blond hair.

“I’m fine, guys. It’s just a bullet wound–” He tried to reassure, but got cut off by Changbin scoffing next to him. “ Just a bullet wound?! It went through your fucking stomach, me and Seungmin took two hours to stitch it–”

“Do you two even know how much fucking magic me and Karo had to use to heal you two?” Minho grunted as well, frowning. “Not to mention Felix over there who looks like he’s seen a fucking ghost and how screwed we are–”

Everyone started speaking over each other while arguing, Chan throwing a protective arm around Felix when the sprite paled even further and shrunk. “Hey, hey! ” He shouted, making everyone finally quiet down. “Can we not fight each other right after– everything?!”

It might’ve been the desperation in his voice, but everyone’s mouths snapped shut immediately, along with guilty glances to the floor.

“Please, guys.” Chan breathed out shakily. “Two of us are hurt, we’re all shaken and scared and we lost the crystal, we’re already seeing the effects of that. Can we please not lose each other too?”

It was quiet, everyone’s gazes turned into remorse. Jeongin softly put a hand on Chan’s knee. “We won’t, hyung.”

Chan took a deep breath in, shoulders letting up a bit. “Thank you, now can we focus on maybe why they knew we were coming?”

“Isn’t it smarter if we all got our stories straight first?” Hyunjin replied instead. “Me, seungmin and Jeongin were pretty close to the thief, I think it’s worth discussing, even if the plan failed.”

Seungmin nodded his head. “Added to the information me and Chan hyung gathered, we could try to be more prepared for the next attack.”

Chan sighed, but nodded nonetheless. “Fine. Me and Felix tried to disable the alarm, but a witch stopped us and attacked Lixie. That’s why it went off.”

Everyone immediately scooted closer, worry rising in Hyunjin. “What do you mean attacked? Is everything okay?”

Felix was quick to shake his head in dismissal. “I’m fine now, guys.” His eyes turned softer when they set on Hyunjin. “I’ll tell you later, okay?”

He took a deep breath in, trying to calm himself and nodded. “Alright… well, like I mentioned, we were close. Innie had the rest fooled by looking like a guard. We came up with a ruse that he’d caught me and Seungmin as thieves, and would bring us to the main boss. It was working out perfectly– everyone gave us directions because apparently, the layout of the building had been magically enhanced to look as if it was different. They all assumed we also got confused and helped us out.”

Minho suddenly gasped, eyes wide. He was looking at Changbin, and one turn of his head showed him that the robur’s eyes were as wide as the witch.

“The hallway…” They both mumbled in unison. 

Jisung frowns from above Minho. “Does this have to do with our insane headache?”

Minho twists his body to look at the other man, settling his hand on his waist before speaking. “That’s why it looked like we were going in circles– because we were! The hallway had been magically manipulated. Whoever did it must’ve also messed with our heads so we couldn’t detect the real crystal.”

Chan scooted forward, knuckles white as he held onto the couch. “What are you saying?”

It was Seungmin who spoke instead, a quiet realization that seemed to hit all of them. “They knew we would come.” he whispered. “Hyung… they expected us. They had special defense mechanisms for everyone– A witch for Felix and the magicians to fuck with their heads, and the guards who shot hyunjinnie had siren resistant earplugs in.”

“And the island is full of yellow wolfsbane.” Minho tacked on with a dark look. “They didn’t just know you were coming, they knew about us .”

Hyunjin felt an ugly feeling crawl up his throat, a shiver running through him. “But… how? How would they know us and our powers?”

“Wait a second–” Felix cut in, suddenly leaning forward and frowning. “They knew us, but let Jeongin through when he showed up with Hyunjinnie and Seungmin in chains?”

The room was silent yet again, except this time it was because everyone was thinking.

“Jeongin is a shapeshifter,” Changbin started slowly. “He can take on any form, any hair color, any clothing style–”

Minho finished the thought for him. “–We can’t.”

“But how did they recognize us in the first place?!” Hyunjin insisted, a frustrated hand running through his hair. “Chan hyung hasn’t even had us as a team for a week and yet they knew us enough to prepare!”

Jisung had his eyebrows knitted as well, humming in agreement. “I don’t think it was a coincidence that those guards showed up right as I was being chased by a verminthrax. This was an elaborate plan, most likely designed to have us all killed.”

It was a fact, but it still landed heavy. Hyunjin winced at the reminder of their near fatal experiences, but it helped when Changbin pulled him closer and let him rest his full weight on him. 

“Hyung,” Minho turned his body to Chan. “At the SPS, you have this archive, right? every magical being has to register at birth.”

Oh. 

Right.

Hyunjin glanced at everyone, noting their half open mouths. At least he wasn’t the only fucking idiot who’d forgotten that their culprit used to work for the SPS.  

“So what you’re fucking saying,” Seungmin started, hands rubbing at his temples in annoyance. “Is that we've been going outside while we’re all registered?!”

“Of course we got ambushed– oh my god! ” Jeongin groaned, falling back on the couch. “We might as well have just waltzed in and introduced ourselves!”

Jisung snorted. “Idea for next time, maybe?”

“Besides, weren’t you and Chan hyung supposed to question the employees?” Changbin remarked, staring at Seungmin.

He bit his lip, connecting eyes with han for a second. “We did, but… there wasn’t anything really useful we could use for the mission. There were only a couple employees who had been there for more than a year because they rotate security so often, so no one really remembered an older suspicious co-worker.”

“We only had a couple stories from the older ones, two of them mentioned losing powers, but that’s about it.” Chan added.

“Losing powers?” Minho mumbled, face apparently set into a permanent frown.

Felix’s eyes went wide, and he started nudging Chan incessantly. “Hyung!” he hissed, “That’s like–”

“No.” The older man abruptly cut him off, shaking his head vigorously.

“It’s literally the same!” Felix insisted. “You did it last night, so maybe–”

“Drop it, Lix!”

Hyunjin was taken aback by how Chan’s tone turned a bit harsh. He never talked like that, let alone to Felix.

“I think I speak for everyone when I say we want to know what the fuck the two of you are talking about.” Hyunjin started carefully.

Despite Chan’s lashing out, Felix scooted even closer stubbornly. “Chan hyung has–”

“I do not have it– ”

“He has the phantom grasp!” The sprite finally yelled out, a hand slapped against Chan’s mouth to shut him up.

It had the extensive desired effect. The entire room went dead silent, eyes wide. It wasn’t exactly a shock that Chan of all people had it, but… It wasn’t every day you saw someone with the phantom grasp.

Often times it was a power too big for anyone to properly handle. You could borrow powers from someone you trusted entirely (Hence the name– having a phantom grasp, the power not being yours) And use them temporarily.

But that was only when good people got it naturally gifted to them, there being far too many cases where people would use it to steal and cause harm once someone with the power trusted a little too much.

“It’s not confirmed!” Chan grunted once he’d finally fought Felix off.

“Not confirmed?!” Felix scoffed back, “You grew flowers in my bed right after we hugged!”

“Flowers in bed?” Minho quirked an eyebrow, watching as Chan’s face went red. “I honestly would’ve expected it from Changbin, but you seem more like you’d at least take Felix out on a date first–”

“It wasn’t like that! ” He yelled out, looking a bit clueless at being attacked on all fronts. Hyunjin had to stifle a laugh, he loved their team.

“What do I have to do with this?” The robur next to him complained.

“Are you saying you wouldn’t give me flowers in bed?” Hyunjin giggled, resting his chin on Changbin’s shoulder.

“For you? Anything, baby.” He smirked back, making Hyunjin laugh harder. 

He felt a bit lighter now, at least. Even if their next plan failed too, as long as they would all be okay they’d make it work.

“Can we return to the topic?” Jisung drawled, fingers playing with Minho’s hair close to his lap. “I think we all suspected hyung had it, anyway. He’s exactly the type of person to be all “kind and like… help people and shit.”

“Very eloquent, ‘Sung.” Seungmin snorted at his description. “But yeah, it’s not a surprise. What does this have to do with losing powers and our thief, though?”

“I think what Felix is trying to say that if, hypothetically, ” Chan shot a glare towards the sprite, who only grinned. “I had it–”

“Which you do!”

“ If I had it, There’s a chance our thief knew and stole it from me.”

Changbin nudged his elbow against Hyunjin, throwing him a pointed look. “Isn’t that what I exactly said in the car?”

“Back then it didn’t make sense!” THe siren defended himself, but sighed anyway.

“Hyung, that must’ve been what happened. Was there anyone you still trust to this day that could’ve done this?”

Chan cast his eyes to the floor, shaking his head minutely. “I didn’t really trust many people back then. Even if I did, our connection would be broken if they betrayed me like this.”

Everyone quieted down again, soaking in all the new information. It was nearing noon and they were growing tired already, Hyunjin’s painkillers were starting to cease effect, making his middle ache again. 

“But the phantom grasp is an answer to our question.” Jeongin spoke out loud. “Like I’ve been saying this whole time, by the way. It couldn’t have been just a witch– not if they would be able to shapeshift into something like an old woman. For all we know, their real power is one we haven’t even seen yet.”

“So we’re right back to square one?” Han groaned, throwing an arm over his face.

Hyunjin bit his lip, scooting forward again. “No, it doesn’t. We finally know what our thief is– for real, this time, Chan hyung has an excellent power that is a huge advantage to us, and at least when we go in next time we’ll know we’re expected.” He spoke, voice hard and brave. 

He’d finally found his home in the people around him. Home meant morning tea with Seungmin and cuddles with Felix and watching anime with Jisung. He’s not going to give any of it up, no matter how many setbacks they’ll face.

Chan smiled at him softly from the opposite couch. “Jinnie’s right. We’re better prepared now, we’ll know what to do. As long as we stick together, yeah?” His voice was filled with affection as he assessed everyone, gaze only turning softer with every member. 

“No more self sacrificing for the younger members!” He gently scolded the sprite, having Jeongin nod from behind him, who sighed and got up to walk over and engulf Hyunjin in a hug.

“You’re a stupid, stupid hyung.” He mumbled, hugging him harder.

“At least we don’t have to worry about you getting hurt anymore, Jeonginnie.” He murmured back, hugging the younger boy back. He loved these people so much.  

Minho was the first to finally get up after a while, pushing himself from the floor to the couch and– surprisingly, not saying anything when Han moved to curl up in his lap. 

Hyunjin wonders if they finally talked it out. He’ll probably ask Jisung for details later, though.

“I think everyone here deserves a good brunch.” The witch said, stretching out and yawning a bit. “Let’s take a food break before discussing what the fuck we’re gonna do tomorrow, yeah?”

As if on cue, Changin’s stomach growled. “That sounds heavenly, I’m hungry.”

“You’re always hungry.” Felix mumbled, and only stuck his tongue out when Changbin made an indigent noise.

Chan watched the two with fond eyes as they got up along with Minho and Jisung to leave for the kitchen, leaving Hyunjin with the two youngest and the leader.

“Do you know how good it feels to be right?” Jeongin suddenly started. “All this time I’ve been doing my research and saying that it can’t be a witch, but no! no one listened to me until now!”

Seungmin huffed, getting up to ruffle his hair. “Don’t let the fame get to your head, ugly. you’re already as insufferable as they come.”

“You’re just mad you weren’t smart enough–”

“You had 293 absences at school, dumbass. I think if anyone’s smarter here it’s me because I actually graduated.” Seungmin shot back dryly, dragging the younger up and despite his words throwing an arm around him. 

“I did graduate!” Jeongin scoffed. “At least my powers didn’t fucking wait until I was practically an adult–”

“God, they bicker so much. ” Hyunjin whispered, having moved to sit down next to Chan and watching as the wolf and the shifter disappeared upstairs together.

“Ï know.” Chan murmured back, but his voice was dripping with so much fondness it was nearly nauseating. “But they love each other, or Seungmin wouldn’t have allowed him to sleep in his room.”

Hyunjin hummed in agreement, resting his head on Chan’s shoulder. 

“Your shoulders are tense. What’s on your mind?” He asked, eyes closed as he laced their hands together.

Chan gulped once, sitting up a bit straighter. “Felix got attacked by a witch, and Jeongin nearly got shot. The oracle told us to watch out for them.”

Hyunjin felt himself stiffen up too at the realization. “Nothing happened to Seungmin.”

Chan released a shuddery breath. “I didn’t want to say it in case it freaked him out, but–”

Hyunjin shook his head quickly, squeezing their hands. “Whatever it is, we’ll protect him. Seungmin won’t get hurt– we won’t allow it.”

The thought of their youngest wolf being in any kind of pain almost caused a physical ache inside of Hyunjin. If anything happened to Seungmin, he’d make sure everyone inside that fort would walk into the ocean commanded by his voice like a legion, and never come out.

“I hope so… I couldn’t protect Felix either.” Chan whispered, taking in another shuddering breath.

Hyunjin pulled him in tight, wrapping his arms around the older. “You clearly helped him with whatever happened, hyung. Don’t be so harsh on yourself. You’re an excellent leader.”

“You guys are too nice to me.” Chan sighed back, burrowing his face in his shoulder.

“There’s a reason the universe entrusted you with the power, hyung.” He settled on saying, getting up. “Always remember that.”

He didn’t wait to hear Chan’s answer, only staying long enough to see his tiny smile before the siren disappeared into the kitchen in search of his other friends, finding them all smiling over the stove despite everything.

For now, he ignored the storm brewing above all their heads, ignored the fact that the world outside was crippling and the crystal was in clear danger. He swallowed back the fact that a third of the oracle’s prophecy hadn’t come true, and instead only focused on Jisung’s hand in Minho’s as he came to rest his head on Felix’s shoulder.

He only focused on his family, silently wishing amongst the laughter that this would last forever.

Chapter Text

The rubble all around infuriates him.

It doesn’t just bother, it’s not just a mild inconvenience– it’s a straight up nuisance that grates on his nerves.

“Damn that stupid witch,” he mutters, again and again and again, because it was all their fault– that damned witch and his stupid wizard and their stupid connection– “Damn all of them!”

They’re all a pain in his ass. He’d known Chan was gonna come after him– he just wasn’t expecting the rest to be such a problem.

“Why isn’t any of this cleaned up yet?!” He barks, standing in the main hall; his entire fort is ruined, and here his men are, sleazing around. Utterly useless.

“Sir… almost everyone is unconscious because of the power blasts…’’ A guard starts, twitching nervously. “We lost over half of our men–”

He’s cut off abruptly when a swipe of the magician’s hand slams him against the wall. He’s at his limit.

“Nonsense! All of you are supposed to be invincible– and yet a group of adolescents defeated you?! When you're all powered by the crystal?!”

Nervous scuffling behind him makes his hand twitch mid sweep, turning his scornful gaze to his assistant.

“Sir, they were all very powerful for their kind. Even though we were able to deceive them, they were stronger than we thought– We hadn’t expected how well they worked together.” She voices, careful not to make eye contact.

His mouth twitches ever so slightly. They had ruined his fort and killed his men, but… but their witch and wizard were out of the game, their siren was put down, and the shapeshifter’s dad had received his anonymous phone call.

“But, we were able to deceive them.” He murmurs, dropping his hand and only glancing as the guard fell and got crushed between the rocks. “And they’ll come back for round two, won’t they?”

She looks at him, expression slightly puzzled. “Do you really think they will, sir?”

He grins, mouth full of sharp teeth ready to lunge. “If Chan is anything like I used to know him, they will.”

Her words had given him an idea. Chan’s team certainly did work together well; they held a lot of love for each other— hell, it all fell into shambles because Chan cared too much for his stupid soft hearted sprite.

Stupid kind hearted people– so naive, being filled with anything but hatred.

“Clean this place up.” He orders, voice booming around the ruined stone and debris, the few men of his that had survived jumping up to follow. “I don’t know when they’ll be back, but when the time comes– don’t do anything like we did last time; let them get through as they wish.”

“Sir– shouldn’t we not be doing that?”

He sneers. Another hand sweep, another problem easily gotten rid off as the body splattered against the wall.

“If Chan wants to save the world so bad…” He smirks, eyes glinting dangerously, “We’ll see what he’s ready to give up in order to do so.”

The floor shakes under him with the magic dripping from his words; and with one more sharp grin and a murderous look, his assistant gulps and escapes to set everything ready.

Let’s see how you play, Bang Chan.

꩜

Jeongin didn’t know how he ended up here.

Not really here, because Seungmin’s room is right up the stairs, but– more like here. With Seungmin at all, with Hyunjin and with the others and just… not alone. With friends and a roof over his head.

Hyunjin is laying on the bed, gauze wrapped around his middle. The wound is still relatively fresh and once again Jeongin feels the guilt of the fact that Hyunjin took the bullet for him, but it’s accompanied by the warm feeling that he found friends willing to take a bullet for him.

He’s touched by the gesture, truly– if he wasn’t so out of his mind with worry and fear for the older after it happened.

“Do you guys think we’ll get to the crystal in time?”

The question lands heavy and it feels like Seungmin just stomped on the eggshells they were walking on. His head snaps up as Hyunjin squirms a little.

“Maybe I’m too optimistic, but…” He starts from the bed. “Chan hyung’s power is a huge advantage. If he trains it well in the limited time we have, it could be exactly what we need to succeed– since we already know where it is.”

“Didn’t the crystal feel… weak?” He carefully speaks, watching Hyunjin’s face closely and feeling heavier when the siren’s face falls.

“It did… it’s losing its powers. We don’t have much time left.”

His chest shudders when he takes a breath. We don’t have much time left. Not much time until the crystal dies and their world will collapse… not much time until Jeongin loses everything he’s come to care about.

“We’ll make it.” He whispers, determined. “We’ll have to– everything depends on us. We’ve learnt from our mistakes and the new plan is almost flawless. We’ll make it.”

He can’t lose these people. He won’t.

Seungmin squeezes his shoulder and Hyunjin sends him an encouraging smile, and that’s all he needs to be convinced their plan will succeed this time. They spent the entire afternoon discussing and plotting it, and it has to succeed. Jeongin won’t let it fail– It’s completely airtight.

“Innie, I think we’re out of gauze– can you run down the street and get me some?” Seungmin mumbles, inspecting Hyunjin's abdomen.

Jeongin nods, getting up without much thought.

“Don’t take too long!”

He rolls his eyes, grinning. “I won’t.”

He shifts once he’s past the front door. Not too drastic to raise suspicion, just changing his hair color and making himself a bit taller, rounding his eyes a little– Almost Yang Jeongin, but not quite.

(Maybe he subconsciously had his brother in mind. It didn’t matter.)

They didn’t know his powers anyway. He was the only member the thief didn’t know about, so he was the only one able to go outside.

The dark chilly air wraps around him like a cold blanket– a hug with no feelings.

Jeongin didn’t like the dark. It reminded him of his days on the street, the cold days he spent shoplifting food and clothes and curling up on stairwells to sleep.

He snorts grimly as he kicks a few stray rocks. Life before Minho had found him had truly, truly been grim. He didn’t realize how hard it was, being homeless, before the older had taken Jeongin under his wing and allowed him to stay at his place.

Minho had been kicked out as well; They had bonded early on over magic-denying parents and never feeling like they belonged anywhere. He was guarded, but nice– argued with Jisung often and didn’t really talk all that much, but he let Jeongin in without asking and cooked warm food, so he never had a reason not to trust the older witch.

(He doesn’t want to think about where he would’ve ended up or what he would’ve done, had the older witch not found him.)

The stars sparkle overhead as Jeongin enters the convenience store; He liked the stars. They reminded him of his childhood, of watching them with his brother before he was revealed as a shifter. When everything was still okay.

Sometimes, he wonders how his family is doing– whether his siblings miss him, whether his parents bothered searching for him at all– or if they were just glad the freak with magic powers left the household.

(It’s probably the latter. It’s fine– Jeongin’s come to terms with it, really.)

The store is empty enough for him to enter quietly, eyes scanning for cameras out of habit. Chan had explicitly forbade him from shoplifting, but– old habits die hard, he thought, swiping the chocolate bars he knew Jisung liked from the shelf.

Right. Gauze– he had to get gauze, bandaids– the whole lot. Gauze, he kept repeating, grabbing fruit rollups for Hyunjin. Disinfectant could be good, he thought, grabbing a small dog figurine that reminded him of Seungmin– Oh, and bandages of course! couldn’t forget bandages.

and maybe a new whisk for Minho after Changbin broke the old one. Might as well include protein shakes for him as well, he had space in his bag anyway.

Finally, he arrived at the first aid section, filling his basket with the things he actually came here for, stocking up on everything quickly before walking towards the register– he’d been here long enough.

His eye caught on some fruit flavored drinks– He remembers Felix saying they were his comfort drink for when he’s down, and Chan was a big fan of ice coffee, so really, he couldn’t leave without either– Call it a love language.

His eyes sweep across the nearby surroundings. The cameras are all pointed away from him, the cashier had gone outside for a smoke break, and the only other customer was a middle aged man an aisle down, but he doesn’t think that’ll pose a threat.

Nonchalantly he opens the fridge, hand reaching inside to check the drinks, turning them around a few times, slipping them into his bag–

Jeongin nearly flinches when a harsh hand wraps around his wrist, freezing up in fear.

Fuck, fuck– he tried to shapeshift to get away but his powers weren’t working–

“You can’t run from me anymore, Jeongin.” The attacker hisses smugly, clicking the metal in place around his wrist, solidifying the chains around his powers as his body shifted back to its original form.

A shockwave went through Jeongin when he recognizes the voice– please, no– not right now– he can’t–

Body trembling, he raises his head, coming face to face with the cruel past he’s been trying to outrun for four years.

“Let me go.” He only whispers, trying to tug free but his father wasn’t budging, only smirking with that stupid cruel face–

“You really think I can do that?” He mocks, squeezing the metal more painfully until he winces, “Do you really think I would want to let you– my cursed, stupid shoplifting piece of scum son– get away?”

“I’m an adult now,” He tries, despite the tremor in his voice. “You have to let me go–”

“I don’t have to do anything!” He hisses angrily, coming closer until he can properly spit the words into Jeongin’s face. “You’re a freak and you’re coming home until I can properly wring the magic out of your fucking system!”

He couldn’t hold it anymore when a sob released from his throat– he just wants to go home, he wants Minho to hold him and tell him it’ll be okay like he always does.

“Pathetic.” His father remarks, and before Jeongin can blink a slap had resonates through the shop, his head colliding with the glass and making his knees buckle. “I can’t believe I called you my son.”

“Let go of me!” He thrashes, half crying when his father made a grip for his blonde hair and yanks him back up painfully, half dragging him against the floor.

“Stupid boy,” He growls, pressing Jeongin’s back against the glass. “You think you’re so smart, running away from home– we gave you food, shelter–”

“You hurt me!” He shouts back, trying to claw at his father’s hands despite his strong grip– “You hit me, you put magic handcuffs on me so I couldn’t shift and would make me sleep outside when I did–”

“Quiet!” Another hit, directly to the face and making spots dance in his vision as he gasps for air. “You’re nothing on your own, you stupid fox– Nothing! Now I’m gonna drag you back home, exactly like this–” He tugged on his hair to drive his point home, making Jeongin yelp in pain, “–And I’ll fucking teach you to respect me, I’ll call someone to drain the magic out of you, I’ll make sure you’re a normal, obedient son–”

Please, no, He wants to yell and to thrash and he just wanted someone to help him– Chan, Minho, anyone– he wants to go home and hide where he was safe and escape from this nightmare–

A loud crash makes him flinch and cower in fear, until his hair is suddenly released and a thud resonates around the shop; When Jeongin dares to raise his eyes, he sees his father’s body, passed out at his feet.

Oh my god. His eyes follow the trail, ending on his savior; Seungmin stands above, a steel pan in hand still with the price tag, eyes glowing bright yellow.

“You took too long.” Is all he whispers, shaking from the extortion.

Jeongin can’t stop it when sobs rip from his throat, Seungmin not hesitating to fall to his knees and draw him in, holding him to his chest tightly while the younger cries.

“You’re okay,” He whispers, soothing his hurt scalp and running fingers through his hair.

“Get it off,” He gasps, thrusting his metal encased wrists towards the wolf. “Please– I need it off of me, I–”

“Okay, okay– hold still, Innie, I’ll get it off for you,” He responds quickly, one hand on his nape to rub soothing circles and the other concentrating on his wrist, and with a twist and a turn he hears the snap of the metal, falling to the floor with no way to do harm.

The magic courses through his body again as the realization sets in that he’s okay, he’s safe– Seungmin is with him. Seungmin is pressing him against his chest, Seungmin is holding him protectively, he’s protecting Jeongin better than his family ever could.

He’s okay. There’s someone with him– someone who cares.

“He can’t hurt you anymore… you’re safe with us.” Seungmin murmurs, tightening his hold. He doesn’t ask questions, only holds him on the floor for as long as he needs, until Jeongin stops trembling little by little.

“Can we go home?” He sniffles, shivering in his hoodie. He’s exhausted and just wants to forget about everything.

Seungmin looks at him for a second, eyes filled with sorrow. He’s frowning and he looks genuinely pained at his state, releasing a heavy breath before he’s pressing a soft kiss to Jeongin’s temple.

He’s too vulnerable to be disgusted, basking in the comfort.

“You really scared me.”

He closes his eyes, sagging against him. “I’m sorry.”

“Don’t apologize,” Seungmin says, surprisingly strong. “Let’s just go, yeah?”

Jeongin nods, accepting the offered hand to help him up. He feels warm when Seungmin doesn’t let go, dragging them out of the store by their joint hands quickly.

The walk back is quiet. When they open the door, they’re immediately met with concerned looks, Minho being the first to rush over.

“Jeongin-ah, your cheek–” He mumbles, and the younger winces when fingers are pressed to his cheekbone. He can only imagine what kind of black and red mass it is right now.

“Your nose is bleeding, what happened?!” Chan is the next to bombard him with questions, and soon enough he has Changbin and Felix standing over him as well, and it’s just a bit too much right now.

“Guys, Jeongin needs some space right now… I’ll patch him up, I promise he’ll be okay.” Seungmin is quick to shield him behind his back, squeezing his hand once when he feels the trembling.

(He’s really, really glad for his friends.)

“Are you sure?” Minho swallows, eyeing him worriedly. Jeongin doesn’t have it in him to make eye contact right now, only nodding when Seungmin drags him up the stairs.

When they’re finally alone in the bathroom, he lets out a small breath of relief, standing still while the wolf wipes away the blood and presses a clothed ice pack against his cheek.

“At least you got the gauze.” He remarks, making Jeongin snort suddenly. Seungmin hides a smile at that, unwrapping the medical supplies and putting a band aid over a wound on the bridge of his nose.

“Got a lot more than that.” He rasps, having Seungmin laugh as well.

“Bet you did. But we are not telling Chan that we didn’t pay for any of it.” He snickers, brushing some of Jeongin's blonde hair away before leading him back to the bedroom, helping the younger to lay in Seungmin’s bed.

They quiet down when he moves to sit next to his head, taking another soft hand through his hair. Jeongin can feel his body sink into the bed, encased by the warm feel of security.

“You can have the bed.” Seungmin eventually murmurs, moving away. “I’ll sleep on my couch–”

He’s stopped when the shifter shoots a hand out to grab his wrist, turning his head in question.

“Stay?” He whispers, and it sounds incredibly vulnerable and very unlike him– but he thinks it’s justified. “I don’t wanna be alone right now.”

Seungmin’s smile is timid, but he nods wordlessly and moves until they’re wrapped together, soothing a hand down his back.

Jeongin yawns, nuzzling closer slightly. “thank you.”

“You don’t have to thank me, Innie.” He softly remarks. “I’d do it for you guys any day.”

Jeongin nods sleepily. “Thanks for being the big brother I wish I had.”

His hand pauses, and Jeongin feels the hitch in his chest momentarily before he’s pressed closer.

“Thanks for being the little brother I never had.”

Jeongin smiles. When he falls asleep, he doesn’t have bad dreams like he usually does.

꩜

The sky is burning.

Chan is back at the fort– It’s just as grim as last time, it gives him the same sense of dread, but it doesn’t loom over him anymore. The building is but a pile of rubble and ash on the floor and the brittle bricks light up the dark sky with the flames towering over him, burning bright and fierce.

It should be good, Minho blew up the building– but he can see them in the distance, Minho is horrifyingly limp over Jisung’s bloodied body, they’re both not moving– why won’t they fucking move?!

He sees others scattered around, blond hair he wishes he didn’t recognize writhing on the floor in agony and he’s never started running faster than this moment, if there’s even the slightest Chance he might be able to save him when all those years ago he couldn’t–

He runs faster than he ever has and he screams their names– or thinks he does, because he can’t hear anything over the ringing in his ears– the wolfsbane around him infiltrates his lungs and makes him gasp, choke, stumble over and he trips over something, something lumpy, and when he looks up at what it is–

It’s Seungmin.

It’s his roommate. His first friend when he moved, one of his teammates– it’s his Seungmin that’s laying in the field of yellow wolfsbane, shivering and shaking, his eyes flickering from yellow to brown as he takes shallow breaths. His side is bleeding, yellow poison mixing with his crimson red blood.

“Minnie,” He chokes on his name, dragging himself closer. “Seungminnie, what–”

“How could you?” He physically recoils at the sting of his words, at how they bite his skin until the venom of it festers in his bones. “How could you, Chan hyung?”

“Minnie, I don’t understand, what–”

“We trusted you,” Seungmin murmurs, and his eyes are full of a betrayal that leaves Chan gasping, “You promised we’d be okay– You promised. Why would you lie to us?”

“I didn’t lie,” Chan heaves, crawling to his knees, hands tending to the other wolf under him but Seungmin flinches away like he’s been burnt. “I didn’t know that– I didn’t know– I’m so sorry, Seungmin I’m sorry–”

“You were supposed to lead us, Chan, You promised we’d be safe– why did you lie to us? How could you? Now almost all of us are gone– I thought you cared about us, why would you do this?”

“I didn’t–” Chan sobs, shoulders quaking, “Please, Seungmin, I didn’t know, I’m so sorry– hyung is sorry–”

“How could you, Chan? Why? Why? Chan–”

“Chan!”

There’s tear tracks when he startles awake. He’s coughing, trying to expel the wolfsbane from his lungs, pounding on his chest, before a hand grabs his wrist and tilts his chin until he’s faced with Minho.

“Hyung, you’re okay,” He whispers, not resisting when Chan pulls him in a desperate hug with a gasp. “It wasn’t real– we’re all still here. You’re safe.”

“You’re safe,” He heaves, squeezing Minho’s shoulders painfully tight. “Where’s– Jisung and Lix, and– oh my god, where’s Seungmin–”

“He’s in his room with Jeongin. They’re both sleeping soundly, I just checked.” Minho soothes again, rubbing a hand down his back as he talks. “Jisung and Lix are safe in your room.”

He can’t stop shaking when they pull away, blinking back the tears. “And– and the rest?”

“Changbin took Hyunjin in for the night, they’re at his house. Everyone is okay, hyung.” Minho says, sitting down next to him on the couch he fell asleep on.

He keeps a hand on his shoulder, and Chan can finally breathe when he feels the witch's magic rush through him, causing his mind to think of easier topics. He takes a shuddering breath, smoothing hands down his thighs until they stop trembling.

“I’m sorry,” He mumbles, embarrassed now that the freak out has passed. “I didn’t– I don’t know why I did that.”

Minho narrows his eyes at him. “Are you apologizing for… having a nightmare?”

“My restless energy woke you up, didn’t it?” He feels guilty, remembering the detail the witch had told him long ago. “My brain waves or whatever– so I’m sorry.”

Minho doesn’t respond for a bit, only lowers his head to his knees and sighs. It makes Chan feel strangely small.

“I’m a witch, hyung. You can’t control what you dream about or how my powers pick up on it.” He says pointedly, but it just makes him squirm into the couch further. “Stop apologizing for things that you don’t have control over– I’m actually glad I noticed.”

Chan feels the heat rise to his cheeks, but ends up nodding without saying anything back.

(Arguing with Minho is scary.)

Minho twitches a smile at him, eyes soft hearted as he clasps a hand on Chan’s shoulder. “Let’s go outside for some fresh air. The sea calms you, doesn’t it?”

Chan nods again. Blushes, again. How did he get to a point where others knew him so well? They walk outside together and Minho doesn’t let go of him, not until they’re at shore and sitting down in the white sand. The sun isn't in the sky yet, shrouding them in the darkness with the moon as its bright center.

He closes his eyes at the sound of the waves, breathes in the salt air. If he pretends hard enough, he can tell himself he’s back in Australia, that everyone and everything is safe.

Minho puts a hand on his shoulder. When Chan opens his eyes, he’s met with the sight of two boys.

It doesn’t really shock him– Minho is a witch. Of course he knew what he was thinking.

The boys are running, the shorter one running after the elder. Felix’s hair had been short and black back then, just like his own. Their past selves giggle when he’s finally caught and soaked in the sea, only laughing harder when Felix falls into the water alongside Chan.

He smiles softly. It seems like a lifetime ago. He thinks it might be, with everything that's changed.

"Thanks." He whispers, feeling Minho’s hand fall to the crease of his elbow.

He waits until Chan is looking at him to speak, eyes gentle. “Do you wanna go back to sleep?”

“You should.” He responds, shaking his head.

“I’m not tired.”

“You have to be well rested for tomorrow.”

“So do you.”

“I’m rested enough.” Chan sighs. He’s truthfully still tired– but he can’t waste any more time.

Minho arches a brow. “You slept on the couch and woke up because of a nightmare, hyung.”

“How did you even know what I was dreaming about?”

Minho looks at him, gaze suddenly curious. “Wouldn’t you like to know?”

“...What?”

He claps Chan on the shoulder and jumps up, a mischievous smile on his face. “Since we’re both not sleeping, how about we train your new power?”

“I mean–” He fishmouths, feeling himself heat up. “I don’t know how to use it, though–”

“Which is exactly why we need to train.” He hauls up the older until they’re at full height, wind wafting gently at their clothes. “Come on– I think I know your first exercise.”

Chan doesn’t have time to respond when he’s dragged off, Minho being enthusiastic enough for the both of them.

Minho’s exercise, as it turns out, is way out of Chan’s league as a werewolf.

“You want me to what?” He blanches, staring with wide eyes.

“Just like I did to you at the beach!” Minho answers, grabbing his hand and facing forward yet again, as if Chan has any ability to show people visions like a witch does.

“Min– I’m not a witch!” He struggles, how did Minho want him to successfully do this?

“You’re not a sprite either, and yet there were flowers in your bed.” He says pointedly. “You have the Phantom grasp, this could be the key to success!”

He wishes Felix never said anything. He’s still not even fully convinced he has it, let alone be able to use it on command.

Still, he sighs exasperatedly and turns the same direction, tightening his hold on Minho’s hands.

Right. This shouldn’t be too hard– he’s done it once before, so why not now? It’s just a power. Just a rare power only given to a couple people– right. He can do this.

He focuses really, really hard on the space in front of them. Give Minho vision. Give Minho vision. He commands his brain. Give Minho the witch a witch vision!

“Minho,” he whispers, face contorted in concentration. “I don’t actually know how to do this.”

“What? But with Lix–”

“That was just a spur of the moment!” He defends, letting his shoulders slump when he starts looking more constipated than concentrated. “I don’t actually remember doing it.”

Minho hums, deep in thought.

Chan takes the second to look Minho over. He’s got a mesh zip up hoodie, even in the chilly weather. There’s dark circles under his eyes, but he’s gotten more relaxed since Chan has gotten to know him. His shoulders aren’t as tense and he’s not as guarded.

He still looks unfairly attractive, though. He doesn’t think that’ll change any time soon.

“Did you and Lix do anything?” He breaks his silence, crossing his arms.

Chan squints. “Specify anything.”

“Talk? Hug? Kiss?”

“I– why would we kiss?!” He struggles, feeling his face heat up. Minho shrugs as if he didn’t just say something preposterous.

“Don’t know. I just meant anything that could have been emotional for either of you.”

He swallows, casting his eyes downward. “I mean… Lix and I did talk, yeah.”

“About an emotionally charged topic?”

“Yes. Something of our past– something Felix entrusted me with that’s personal.”

Minho purses his lips and starts tapping his foot on the floor. He looks like he wants to say something but is holding it back, opening and closing his mouth a few times before finally taking a big breath.

“Chan, how much do you actually know about the Phantom grasp?”

He shrugs, a little mindless. “Not more than you guys do. Given to a handful of powerful magicians, it can only be stolen by evil mages and that you can use anyone’s power if they trust you enough.”

Minho nods and pulls Chan to sit down onto the slightly raised wooden platform. “Trust is key when it comes to the Phantom grasp. My magic, Felix’s powers and your identity as a wolf; they’re the closest things to a magician’s heart. To lend it to someone requires a special connection– an emotional one that’ll act like a vessel.”

“You certainly know your stuff.”

Minho chuckles. “Only because of Jeongin. He’s really interested in these things, he used to talk about them all the time to me.”

Chan hums. He scuffs at the sand with his shoes, fingers drumming on his knees. He knows he should tread carefully, but he can’t help but ask, “How did you come to know Jeongin? I’ve always wondered what you two did before I found you.”

It’s a precarious topic, but he hopes that he and Minho are close enough for him to trust Chan.

A small smile shows on Minho’s face, and it relaxes him a bit. “I wondered when you were going to ask about that.”

“I didn’t wanna overstep anything.” He honestly admits.

Minho pats his shoulder. “You haven’t. I trust you, and Innie does too.”

A warm feeling fills Chan at hearing that. Minho draws his legs up to fold them under him, fingers tapping his thigh in thought. Chan gives him all the time he needs.

“I think by now you know that I came from the streets.” He starts. Chan nods in response, mirroring his sitting position until they’re facing each other. “I’m not sure if Jisung told you– but there was a landlord that seemed to be into me. I used my charmspeak to trick him into giving me an apartment so I at least had a place to live.”

"But… wouldn't the government help you if you were on the streets?" Chan wonders out loud, and Minho's sour laugh catches him off guard.

"The government? Supernatural security? Despite what you think, they don't actually help people, Chan. They'd much rather put people behind bars so they look like the good guys, instead of looking into why an offense was committed and helping those in need." He scoffs. "SPS has never been about helping. All they do is chase people."

"Oh."

Truthfully, Chan had never seen much beyond what he was taught– even if the stories from his members made more sense if you considered the real world.

Minho shakes his head to dismiss it, but it leaves a lingering feeling inside of Chan.

“The first time I met Jeongin, he was trying to steal my groceries– which I had stolen from the farmers market, by the way.” He snorts. “I caught him red handed, but it was pretty obvious he was just like me. Freshly kicked out and wandering the streets to survive; I grabbed him by the collar and dragged him to my flat so I could cook him a warm meal. I didn’t ask questions when he kept returning, and… I guess we eventually clicked enough for him to take over my couch permanently.”

“Just like Jisung?”

Minho laughs. “Yeah, just like Jisung.”

The air around them is softer now as Minho leans back on his palms, using one to grab Chan’s hand in his. It feels comfortable, safe; like this is exactly where Chan is supposed to be.

“How did the two of you even meet?” He wonders, looking at Minho curiously.

A smile twitches on his lips. It’s adoring, and his eyes are fond. “I often found myself in alley fights– Jisung often found himself helping out of boredom. I absolutely hated it, but he kept showing up no matter what I did. At one point, he started showing even outside the fights. I hated him even more then.”

His words drip with affection despite what he’s saying. Chan feels a growing smile on his own face.

“He showed at my flat like the incessant squirrel he was– looked at me with his stupid round eyes until I’d cook him a meal just to get him to fuck off.”

Chan snorts. “A meal? And you never figured that you liked him?”

Minho rolls his eyes and slaps him on the shoulder, continuing undeterred. “Jisung was impossible to get rid of– but I guess it goes both ways. I always found my way back to him one way or another, and… yeah.” He blushes, looking to the floor. “I don’t want to get rid of him anymore, I suppose.”

Chan shakes his head, amused. “And now you guys are dating– unbelievable.”

Minho laughs, then looks at Chan inquisitively. He cocks his head. "Don't you ever want anything like that?"

He blinks. "Want what?"

"A connection." Minho answers simply, grin tugging on his lips. "Someone to call your own– you know, like a partner?"

Chan feels himself heat up, breaking eye contact to play with his fingers. "Oh, I– I never really thought about it, I guess?" What a lie, he's always thinking about it. "I guess I just never had anyone be interested in me."

Minho quirks an eyebrow. "I find that hard to believe with your looks."

"Min!" He whines. "I guess I'm just too awkward, I dunno. I've always been too busy for relationships."

"But do you want one?"

Chan is gonna burst into flames. He doesn't even know how to answer that– before he met the members of his team he didn't even think he wanted friends, and now he has seven. Maybe he needs to learn to be more open about stuff?

In a desperate attempt to change topic, he clears his throat. "I'm glad you and Jisung at least figured your stuff out."

Minho smirks, but doesn't comment on his flustered state. "I suppose. Jeongin's never letting me live it down, though."

Chan frowns at the reminder of how they had ended up. "I'm… I'm sorry you two spent so much time on the streets."

Minho looks as if he’d expected the topic switch. “It’s not your fault.”

“I know, but still…” He gulps. “How did that happen?”

The witch tenses up and he almost wants to take it back, but then Minho sits back up with a newfound determination in his eyes.

“The first part is obvious enough, I think.” He laughs sourly. “I got kicked out and had to fend for myself. I was sixteen when I had to learn how to be independent.”

“I’m so–”

“Don’t.” Minho immediately stops him, shaking his head. “Don’t apologize. You gave me back what I lost, so please stop apologizing.”

Chan gulps, suddenly overwhelmed with feelings, and only nods, letting the younger continue his story.

It takes a while before he speaks again. Minho is wringing his hands, but he doesn’t look nervous– rather as if he’s trying to gather his thoughts to make Chan understand it the best he can.

“My parents aren’t– weren’t– mean.” He finally starts. His voice is a bit small, and Chan’s protective instincts immediately flare up. “A lot of people think that they were, when they see me… but they actually loved me. My parents were my best friends. I learnt every human thing I know from my dad, and my mom always had my back.” A very specific expression crosses his face, then; one of remembering a life ripped from his grasp.

“I had a little brother who I loved more than anything, and who loved me more than anything.” Minho’s voice is somber, it’s clear there’s a buildup of emotions behind the sentiment, and Chan’s heart aches.

(Distantly, he thinks of his own siblings back in Australia. He hasn’t talked to them in nearly a year.)

“Is that why you’re so protective of Jeongin?” Chan murmurs, quietly laying a hand on top of Minho’s between them.

The witch doesn’t face him as he speaks. His head is hung low, eyes set on their hands. His voice is strangely shaky as he talks. “He reminds me of my brother… Yu was just like him– sharp tongued and abrasive, but still with a soft touch. ”

“He’d be about 19 now, I think.” He speaks, again in that soft tone that Chan has never heard from him. “We always went out together for his birthday. He adored me.”

“What changed?” Chan finally asks, tone sad.

The reminiscent smile fades off Minho’s face.

“I showed as a witch.” There’s no warmth left in his eyes; instead he just looks tired. “My entire family was human– no one had expected it.”

He draws his hands to his chest and curls up a little, leaving Chan’s side cold in its wake.

“Magic wasn’t a good thing in their eyes.” He continues on. His voice is so empty. “Magicians were evil and it was best to stay away from them. My parents warned me over and over about just how wrong all of it was.”

“They were kind, but this was the one thing they were adamant about– magic was bad. It wasn’t natural and should not be seen as such; supernaturals were described as monsters, they weren’t people in my parent’s eyes. They were cunning evil creatures.” A cruel smile shows on his face. Chan doesn’t have to be a witch to feel the waves of pain radiating off of him. “Most of all, witches.”

“I’m so sorry, Min.” He can’t resist it when he pulls the younger into his chest, but Minho doesn’t say anything either. He wordlessly grips Chan’s forearm, still not making eye contact.

“It was like a switch had flipped itself when my powers showed… I tried to hide it but I didn’t know what was happening to me– a purple mist followed me all the way to the kitchen, and–”

Minho stops. Chan holds him, until a breath shudders out of him and he can continue again.

“I remember all of it.” He whispers, painfully. “Their color drained from their faces, their eyes filled with horror. It looked like they were staring at a stranger and not their own son. I… I begged for an explanation, for my parents to help me– but my mom backed off when I tried to approach her.”

Chan keeps shaking his head in sorrow. “I’m sorry. You must’ve been so scared– I wish you had someone else, I’m so sorry.”

“I was fourteen. All I had heard about witches was that they manipulated everyone around them, and suddenly I was one– and my parents didn’t recognize me anymore. My mom cried, hyung.” He laughs suddenly, a sharp, ugly sound breaking free from his chest, like a festering monster trying to crawl its way out.

“Can you believe that? My mother cried when I was shown as a witch– I’ve never seen my father so scared either. It was as if I had died. I might as well have; I think their son died in their eyes when the witch in me was born.”

“Don’t say that,” Chan begs quietly, pressing his face into Minho’s hair. “You’re alive and perfect as you are. Being a witch makes you you as much as everything else does.”

“Hardly.” He laughs again, soulless. “I spent two years in that house feeling like a stranger– I spent two years watching my parents flinch every time I spoke, I lost two years of my life eating at the other end of the dinner table because they were afraid I’d poison them. They kept my little brother away so I couldn’t infect him, too.”

Chan makes a promise to himself, then. Once they find the crystal, he’ll travel to Australia. He’ll find Keith and avenge Felix. Then, he’ll find Minho’s parents and confirm their beliefs that supernaturals are violent creatures.

“You are so much more than everything your fucking parents said,” He scorns, squeezing Minho even tighter. “You’ve grown into an amazing witch and an even better person. They’ll never get it– they’ll never get what they lost.”

Minho curls into him and welcomes the comfort, and somehow it breaks Chan even more. “For two years, I lived in guilt while I didn’t know why. I couldn’t understand what I had done to be a witch– to deserve to lose my family like that. One day, I caved; I cried and asked them why they were treating me like this.”

A slow smile spreads on Minho’s face. It’s so resentful Chan has to avert his eyes.

“My mom argued that I too would have been scared if something like me lived next to me. Something else– not their own flesh and blood, not human; merely a witch.”

“You’re not merely a witch,” Chan is talking to himself more than he’s talking to Minho now, whispering the words into his hair like a sacred oath. “You’re a blessing to the people around you. You– you’re amazing, Minho.”

“I ran away after that.” He rests his head against Chan’s chest, and closes his eyes. His grip on the older tightens in gratitude for his words.

“No one looked for me. No missing posters, no missing teen report, nothing. Over the years, I evolved my powers even if they felt like poison in my veins, and learned to live with my walls stacked high– no one could abandon me if I didn’t rely on them in the first place.”

“I’ll never abandon you, and I know the team won’t either.” Chan promises resolutely. A small twinkle fills Minho’s eyes.

“Wanna know something?” He asks, moving away a bit to finally look up at the wolf. At his nod, a soft smile forms on his face like the clouds parting after a heavy day.

“I hadn’t felt like I belonged anywhere after running.” He admits, the sound carrying on the winds gently. “I was too much of a freak for the human world, and too disgusted with myself for magicians– I had almost forgotten what belonging felt like, until you found me.”

He hadn’t cried the entire conversation, but Minho’s eyes look suspiciously wet now. “You didn’t just get me off the street… you gave me the family I actually deserve, hyung. People who accept me as I am. I feel like I belong in this team.”

Chan caves. He wipes the stray tears and laughs when Minho’s eyebrows raise teasingly, pulling him into another hug. “You do. God, Minho– you’re so important to us, to me. I’m glad I found you.”

“I’m glad too.” He responds, quietly. He clings to Chan tightly, and Chan revels in it– revels in his pride for Minho, for his team, feels the emotions simmer and bubble inside him, spreading like a wildfire just like it had done with Felix, he tightens his arms around Minho until the energy in his bloodstream fills every crevice, and then–

Then there’s laughter behind them. Chan turns in surprise, and can’t believe his eyes when he sees the scene; it’s Minho and Jisung, but from a couple days ago. Jisung is taking tentative steps with an arm around his wounded middle, and the Minho in front of him watches with fond eyes as Jisung turns around with a huge grin. It’s one of Minho’s memories, laid in front of them.

It’s a vision. A vision only a witch could give you– a vision Chan gave to Minho, using his powers.

He gasps as he turns back to the younger, who’s watching the scene with a small smile.

“Min– I did it!”

Minho laughs; a real laugh this time, happy and bright. “See? I opened up to you– our emotions are like a vessel for my power. You’ve got it now, and now you only have to learn to direct it.”

The scene fades as they get up from the floor and let go of each other, but Chan can still feel Minho’s energy thrum beneath his veins. The powers of a witch run through his blood like they’re his own thanks to the Phantom grasp, and with a newfound determination he curls his fists and sets his jaw.

He focuses on the magic; on its unfamiliar taste in his lungs, on how his fingers tingle like they’ve never tingled before, on how it’s a part of him now– how Minho is a part of him, just like Felix is.

He crosses eyes with Minho briefly, and the witch grins in encouragement. Chan raises his hands, and finally starts using his newfound ability for real.

For his team, he thinks. For the team that saved him. For his team that he saved. For them, he will master it.

꩜

The sun is up by the time they’re joined by the others.

Minho and him practiced all night; they both worked tirelessly until Chan had something of a grip on it, and was able to actually use whatever powers granted to him as his own.

“What even are the powers of a witch?” Chan mumbles, scrunching his nose.

Minho shrugs. “There’s a lot– it really depends on the witch. My specialty is illusion spells. Visions, enhanced realities, dreams, thoughts, all that jargon.”

Chan hums, only half understanding. Maybe he should’ve paid more attention in class when they explained occults.

He sighs. “As long as you know what you’re doing, I’m good.”

“What’s Minho hyung doing?”

They’re joined by a chipper voice, both turning around to the sight of Felix. He’s floating a little above the sand, a good sign of his happy mood. Jeongin is traipsing beside him, and a cheeky grin forms on his face when he hears the sprite’s question and answers,

“Jisung, apparently.”

“Shut up!” Minho hisses, face reddening. The youngest only snickers as he avoids the purple mist the witch shoots at him, ducking behind the eldest.

“We already knew that.” Felix rolls his eyes, ignoring Minho’s guffaw. “But what is he doing right now?”

Chan shrugs. “We were training. I kinda know how to use the Phantom grasp, I guess.”

Felix hums in delight at the fact, face brightening. Jeongin cheers him on, and their approval feels better than his success does.

“What about you guys? How’s the plan coming along?” Minho asks.

Jeongin grins. “Down to a T– Hyunjin and Changbin are figuring the last details, but then it’s go time.”

They had spent the majority of yesterday coming up with everything. From how to get in to how to get what they wanted and finally how to make a safe exit. Despite just being rough outlines Chan had all the faith that his team would make a near perfect execution of their near perfect plan.

“Already? Is everyone even… okay enough?” He catches himself at the last moment, not wanting to bombard the younger with questions about how upset he’d been the previous night.

Still, the shapeshifter’s eyes betray that he knows Chan is indirectly asking about him. “Jisungie is fine, if that’s what you mean. Whatever Minho hyung used worked well enough that he’s healed by now.”

Minho exhales a sigh of relief, and quietly excuses himself to go check in on the wizard.

Chan doesn’t break their eye contact. “And you?”

Jeongin stays quiet for a bit. Inadvertently, his eyes flit to Felix in doubt, but the sprite quickly catches on and tells them not to take too long to come back.

He looks relieved once he’s gone, even if it’s with a bit of guilt. Chan doesn’t blame him– trusting new people had never been easy for him either.

Finally, Jeongin shrugs meekly. “I’m… okay, I suppose. I don’t feel like crying anymore.”

Chan’s gaze immediately softens, coming closer to put a hand on his shoulder. “Innie… do you wanna tell me what happened?”

Jeongin looks up at the sky, blinking repeatedly before gulping, “I saw my dad. In the convenience store– he caught me by surprise and wouldn’t let me go.”

It was pretty obvious he was just like me. Freshly kicked out and wandering the streets to survive. Minho had said about the younger.

“What did he do, Jeongin?”

Jeongin shakes his head, laughing slightly. The sound makes Chan’s insides crawl with how defeated it feels. “I think the evidence of that is kinda obvious.”

It takes him a second to understand, before Chan’s eyes fall the same time his heart does. Jeongin’s face is still bruised. There’s a black spot under his left eye and a plaster on his nose, and his bottom lip is split open on its left side. He mentally adds a third step to his self made promise. Find Keith, find Minho’s parents, find Jeongin’s dad.

“Why would he do that?” He asks agitated, immediately lifting the younger’s cheek to inspect him closer.

A sneer twists onto his face. “Because he fucking hates me. He’s hated me ever since I turned out to be a shifter– he said he wanted nothing more than wringing the magic out of me.” His voice trembles even if he tries to keep it steady, and Chan can’t resist pressing him against his chest.

“How did he even find you?” He asks, rubbing a comforting hand down his back.

Jeongin only shrugs.

“He’s just… always been obsessed with control.” He mumbles, face squished in the older’s shoulder. “Ever since I was a kid, he’d always try to police everything my brother and I did. When I was revealed as a shifter, he lost it. As a human, magic was the only thing he had zero control over. I still have nightmares about the special handcuffs he used to block my powers with.”

Find Keith, find Minho’s parents, find Jeongin’s dad and make them all pay. He’s never needed this mission to be over faster than he did now.

The special handcuffs were an item only used for supernatural prisoners– he doesn’t even want to know how Jeongin’s dad had gotten his hands on them.

“I’m sorry we weren’t there to protect you.” He murmurs in his hair, soothing. “You won’t be alone from now on, okay? You’re safe with us. We’ll keep you safe.”

Jeongin swallows, nodding, and to his joy holds on tighter and sinks into his embrace. Chan loves his team– he’d do anything for them.

“I know.” Jeongin mumbles. “I feel safe with you guys.”

He’d do anything. They love him just as much.

He pulls away with a soft smile, running an affectionate hand through Jeongin’s hair. The moment lasts a nice few minutes, before the reality of the mission ahead dawns on both of them by the sunrays glaring past the water– a reminder that they have to get ready, gear up, and finally leave before dusk.

Jeongin eyes the light. His shoulders square, his jaw sets, and when he looks at Chan again, the older sees the fiercest determination burn bright in his gaze.

"Before you ask– yes, I'm ready." He half jokes, but the seriousness is stern in his voice. "Yes, I know the plan depends on me, and I'm ready for the responsibility."

Chan gulps, but a small smile still shines through. "How'd you get to knowing me so well? I'm proud of you."

Jeongin grins. "I'm just good like that. You really don't have to worry, hyung."

Chan is going to worry the whole time, but he doesn't have to know that. He only purses his mouth and nods, and when Jeongin beams back and takes off back towards the house, it's enough to settle his heart at least momentarily.

He'll always have this. He'll always protect this, no matter what.

꩜

The island isn't as grand as it first was once they finally arrive.

The wind whips through their hair like a foreboding omen, a strong current signaling something, and yet Chan doesn't know what. They're all decked out in tactical gear, weapons locked and loaded if their powers aren't enough. They're hidden behind the trees, waiting for one of the workers to exit so Jeongin can take on their forms and set the plan into motion.

The youngest's eyes watch the door like a hawk. Beside him stands a cart holding Jisung and Changbin, big enough to fit the two plus a lead box to fit the crystal– Jisung will have to work his magic once they're leaving to disguise them.

The plan had been clear and airtight, mapped out by Chan's team down to every detail being discussed well into the night. Maps, tests, diagrams, everything had been taken care of– this can't go wrong. Won't go wrong, Chan won't let it. He can't.

Chan blinks against the sting in his eyes from the yellow wolfsbane all around. They're wearing masks, him and Seungmin– but it's still risky, something to watch out for.

The fort in the distance no longer looms like a threat, instead crumbled down and half destroyed from the last time they'd been here. Satisfaction twists in his gut, watching how they're struggling to rebuild it, wheel barrows streaming in and out with rubble and bricks.

"Does everyone know what to do?" He murmurs again, doubt gnawing at his bones– he trusts them more than anything, but there's still something, an incessant pinprick in his gut that tells him to watch out, that if he's not careful and precise something's gonna go very wrong.

Nods all around, but it does little to squish the unease. Jisung's wound is fully healed, and Seungmin has a hand squeezed on Jeongin's shoulder, the other holding Hyunjin's behind him to reassure that both of them are okay. They're okay. They're ready, Chan will have to accept it.

"Hyung's power only works if all of us hold onto him." Jeongin reminds everyone again, speaking in hushed tones and turning around to face them. "The phantom grasp is extremely powerful– if he uses it in full force it'll most likely disintegrate everything that's not in contact with him, so hold the fuck on before you guys are turned into dust." He stresses, scowling a little in worry.

"We will." Seungmin reassures. "Once again, we use the earpieces to communicate– one tap for finishing your task, two to send out your location to the others, three for help. Understood?"

Nods again. Chan can't shake away the anxiety. He swallows the bile down once he notices a man close to his forties leaving, making his way to the nearly empty dump site that's close to their hiding spot. Chan nudges the younger and gestures his head.

Jeongin understands immediately, of course he does. Jisung does his job and soon they're hidden in plain sight under a spell, and Jeongin's taken on a new identity as easy as breathing, and they're well on their way to hopefully– no, definitely,– get the crystal.

Because Chan can't fail. Won't.

Minho takes the original worker out in seconds. They're good, of course he knows, he knows he has nothing to worry about, but still his nightmare is still at the forefront of his mind. What if they get hurt again, what if, god forbid, they get caught and–

"Chan," A hand grabs his shoulder, startling around to see Felix. "You're overthinking again, I can tell. Everything's gonna be fine."

He heaves a sigh, flushing a bit at being caught. "I know, I just… I don't know. Something feels off. I don't trust it."

A sad smile tugs on Felix's lips, squeezing his arm. "Bit late for that. Whatever it is, we'll deal. We can handle it."

He swallows, nods, wills himself to believe Felix's words. He tries to let the determination in his voice wash over himself, blinking to clear his head of burdens. "You're right. I'm just– it's whatever, it's okay."

Felix's eyes are kind, albeit curious but he holds back any questions, smiling at Chan again before he steps forward to crouch down. The others watch him carefully, Minho and Hyunjin ready behind him to follow as Felix uses his powers to localize the security room.

"How does this work again?" Seungmin whispers, watching the way Felix's veins turn green as he connects with the earth with wonder.

Chan glances at him. "Security cameras mean radio waves. Radio waves go into earth, Felix finds where there's the most of it and that's where it is."

Seungmin frowns, but hums nonetheless. He's holding his gun tightly to his chest, not exactly scared but nervous enough to look stressed– a grip too tight to be casual, too high strung to just be from adrenaline. Chan is suddenly reminded of how young he actually is, and how little experience Seungmin actually has in the field.

A wave of protectiveness washes over him. Seungmin looks determined, focused, but he's still– he's still under Chan's protection, his protegee, the person he's known the longest and the only friend he's had for a long while.

"Got it!"

He flits back to the trio in front, watching as Felix jumps up. "West side, first floor most likely. We can enter through the window if we're careful."

Chan exhales through his nose. if they're careful. There's no guarantee when the enemy might strike. Still, he gulps down the fear as they get going– Minho shrouds them invisible, and Hyunjin can resist it if their witches try to trick Felix again. They split them up by who could protect who the best, it's fine. It should be fine.

It will be. There's no other option here other than their success and safety.

"We leave as soon as Lix sends the signal," he whispers, aching a little when he sees the tight clench of Seungmin's jaw. "You remember the way to the main room, correct?"

He nods, steeling his eyes and hiding whatever traces of doubts were lingering in them before. "The vents shouldn't be that different from the halls. We'll have to be as silent as possible, though."

Chan hums. Once again, his mind settles a bit at how well everyone knows everything. It's all sailing so smooth, so why does it feel like he's missing something?

He shakes his head to rid himself of the anxieties of overthinking– it won't do any good to second guess the plan now.

He has to set his mind on finding the thief, trusting the others to find the crystal, and for Felix to oversee everything and alert them if there's danger.

His earpiece crackles to life, and Chan straightens once he hears Changbin's voice filter through. "Does anyone copy? 'Sung and I found the crystal!"

"Seungmin and I are here," he immediately replies, relief flitting through him. "You found it?!"

"Yeah, we… we took out everyone who got in our way and found it. It was in a room plated with lead like you said. We got it safely stored and we're on our way back to hand it to Karo."

That had been the plan– the girl was on standby a couple feet behind them to be safe, and would be in charge of returning the crystal to headquarters upon Chan's orders.

Still, Chan didn't miss the tremble in Changbin's voice. "Bin? Is everything good?"

The connection was a bit fickle but they clearly heard his hitch of breath, slightly worn out like he'd seen something he didn't want to. "It's fine. I'll tell you when I'm there."

Chan frowns at Seungmin, but the younger looks equally as confused. He only shrugs in response, and Chan sighs. "Alright… just get back safe."

With another affirmative the connection cuts, and Chan swallows the uncomfortable lump in his throat before tapping his earpiece again. "Hyunjin, Minho, does anyone from the second team copy? How far along are we with security cameras?"

Minho's voice crackles to life, "Felix is busy with the system– he's surprisingly good at tech for someone who's connected to the earth, by the way– but it's hard to get through. Hyunjin and I took care of the guards. What about the crystal?"

"Changbin said they're on their way," Seungmin replies. "What else do you guys see on the cameras? Anything we should watch out for?"

It was silent for a bit, before Hyunjin's voice followed with, "Uh… we don't know if it's bad but it's definitely odd– do you guys remember the scorners?"

Chan knits his eyebrows, a cold feeling washing over him. "The mountain creatures on the island? What's up with them?"

"Felix says he can't see any on the cameras."

Chan and Seungmin share a look, alarmed. That's definitely not good. The growing concern from before comes back in a rapid wave, making his chest tighten with worry. "What? Those things don't just disappear!"

"Is there any way the thief could've let them go, maybe?" Seungmin shrugs. "If not, they're probably hidden somewhere we don't know."

Hyunjin hums on the other end, but they can tell he's not convinced. "Just watch out. Wouldn't want anyone to get stung– especially not you two."

Seungmin scoffs. "I'm too pretty to get stung by them."

"Seung, I'm serious!"

"Guys– I'm in!" Felix's cheer undercuts their conversation and has Chan tensing up again, but this time it's to get ready as his body fills with adrenaline. "I have control over every door you guys need to get through– just send out a signal if you need me to open it."

Chan exhales a breath. "Thanks, Felix. We'll keep everyone updated."

In the distance, he's in time to catch Jeongin transforming back behind some trees into his own form. Jisung drops the veil as soon as they're close enough, and helps Changbin clamber out of the cart– Chan rushes over immediately when the younger stumbles, face pale.

"Bin? What happened?" He stresses, hands flying to check for injuries. "Did you guys run into anything? Is there–"

"There were roburs," Changbin states, blankly staring in front of him– but there's something haunted in his eyes, a slight tremble to his fingers that betrays his facade. "On the floor of the room. Piles of bodies– all roburs. All dead because of the crystal."

Chan's hands falter, staring at him with wide eyes. "What? Why?"

"Because we're always the fucking scapegoats," he laughs, devoid of any humor, "Our life is literally valued less– he used only roburs for the dangerous task of getting close to the crystal because we matter less."

Changbin's eyes shine wetly in the lights of the evening. Chan shakes his head again and again, wiping his tears as they fall. "I'm sorry you had to see that, I… I'm sorry, Changbin."

"I don't want your apologies," Changbin whispers, clenching his fists. "I wanna make this fucker pay."

"Felix has access to the security system," Seungmin joins, putting a reassuring hand on his shoulder. "We're going to make him pay."

Jeongin and Jisung return once they've handed over the crystal, and Chan takes one more second to look at the four of them; Jisung, his long time friend. Seungmin, who had been there for him when he had no one. Changbin, with a heart of steel always trying to do right. And Jeongin, someone left in the dirt but who ultimately came back stronger.

He'd lead them until the end. He'd do anything to keep them safe.

"Let's go." He murmurs, eyes glowing blue and fangs growing in preparation. The others follow him without question, Jisung hiding their presence long enough to get to the vents– but that won't last long enough inside, it'd exhaust him too much.

The adrenaline courses through his body but underneath that there's something else, the buzzing, thrumming energy in his veins that he'd ignored for so long, finally letting it run like an electric current as he focuses on how much he feels for these people, using it to direct his phantom grasp and leave it on standby.

Everything feels too serious as they enter the vents– there's no teasing or remarks like there had been the last time, everyone making their way quietly and following Seungmin's lead until they're standing above the center room like last time, when it all had gone wrong once they'd split up.

Not this time. Chan can't afford to fail again.

Seungmin faces them with a serious look, the expression feeling out of place on his young face– he shouldn't be having this much weight on his shoulders at this age, and yet it feels like he carries the world.

"Once we drop down, it'll be hell." He whispers to everyone. "They'll officially know we're here, so we'll have to fight– use everything you have, Hyunjin will be guiding us while Felix unlocks the doors. Don't fall behind but more importantly– don't stop running."

Everyone nods. The tension is palpable, barely any room to breathe– but they can't afford to suffocate, not when they're so close.

Seungmin kicks through the vent. Jisung is the first to drop down, immediately using the element of surprise to blast his powers– and it feels like there's a single moment of tranquility; a breath of air as he watches at the younger boy surrounded by a purple glow, glint in his eyes, only a fraction of the power he possesses– and then they all follow, and all hell breaks loose.

There's shots, from them and the guards, there's blood as they throw and rip them apart– so much fucking blood Chan's vision blurs but he hears Hyunjin's shout to follow through the West door, and then they're off– running, running, running, every door opens before them as Hyunjin shouts directions and thet follow without looking back, sprinting and shooting everything that attacks them.

He can't see anything but his members– Jeongin, Jisung, Changbin, Seungmin, one two three four, He recites their names like a prayer, behind all of them to keep a head count.

"You're almost there!" Hyunjin's voice filters through, "Just another left and that's where the entrance should be– we're leaving now to join you guys, Minho has our back so don't worry!"

"What can we expect?" Changbin asks before he cuts away, the robur smashing two heads together before continuing to run.

"The cameras there seem to be broken– we won't know until we see." Hyunjin answers, before the connection cuts off and they round the left corner and skid to a halt.

Seungmin rips the stationed guard to pieces even before he's able to raise his gun, and Jisung takes care of the other three with ease. Too much ease.

Chan frowns. He shares a wary look with the others– broken security cameras? At the main room the thief is supposed to be in?

"Maybe he's just too lazy to fix it?" Jeongin offers, getting an unimpressed look from all of them.

The others join them not long after. Chan feels a little sick– there's something so incredibly off about this, about how easily they got to this part, about how no one is sounding any alarms at the fact that they're here.

Jisung approaches the door. It's big and it's made of magic stone, something only a wizard could dismantle. Minho is right behind him to help, encasing them in a protective coup while simultaneously steadying Jisung with hands on his shoulders to give where the wizard feels too weak to do so.

The door gives way under their collaborative efforts, it slides open with a grating sound and all the muscles in Chan's body tighten– he grips his gun, feels his powers thrum in his veins, braces for the impact that'll surely come as they storm through the room, and–

and… it's empty?

He blinks, eyes trying to adjust to the darkness. The door shuts behind them with a final thunk, but otherwise it's quiet; there's nothing and no one that they can see in the pitch black they're surrounded by, not a single sound they can hear besides their own breathing. It feels like they're trapped, it feels like the air is wrapping around them like a restrictive snake, curling angrily, something waiting to strike with hunger and blood on its teeth.

The panic rises in Chan's chest. He adjusts his stance, trying to use his enhanced senses to peer into the dark, but then–

"Honestly, you got further than I thought you would, Channie."

Chan freezes. The air gets sucked out of his lungs, and he– it feels like his limbs suddenly aren't his own anymore, he's rooted to the floor with ice in his veins, a dread filling him until his mind is screaming at him to run, because that voice, that fucking voice–

"Since you're here anyway… why don't I introduce my friends to yours, hm?" He can't breathe, he needs to breathe he needs to remember to breathe but he–

Everything is blurred, nothing makes sense anymore when a flash blinds them and all the lights flick back on– Chan's senses rush back to him and the chaos in the room is deafening, there's angry yowls and clicks and roars as the newly unveiled scorners descend upon his team, the others barely having any time to react before they have to start fighting the hoard.

The creatures are just as huge as last time, the yellow wolfsbane drips from their fangs as they try to slash and sting and do harm while the others barely avoid it, and in the middle of it all–

"It's been a while, hasn't it, Bang Chan?" Bambam grins, hands up as he controls the scorners.

Chan doesn't remember how to breathe. It's like everything in him laser focuses on the man in front– on the person he once called a friend, on the person he hadn't seen in years– on the supposed thief of the Palladoy, on the person he's been chasing all this time.

"You," He breathes, "You– Why? Why would you do all this?!"

Bambam cocks his head like this is all just a game, smiling. "That's for you to find out, I guess, if you make it out of here!"

Chan can't react to that when a scorner charges his way, talons clacking angrily on the floor– he ducks out of reach, grabbing his revolver, firing shot after shot until it collapses– but more immediately follow and he loses himself in the hoard, temporarily forgetting about Bambam to desperately look for his team.

Fuck, this wasn't supposed to happen. Bambam is seemingly controlling everything, even if his control seems to slip sometimes– Felix is shaking in a corner, apparently stuck in his own mind– Hyunjin is choking on nothing, writhing on the floor, Changbin is trying to ward the scorners off them both but he's struggling all alone– Jeongin is shifting from animal to animal but he's limping, fuck, did they get him?! He can't see Seungmin anywhere, fuck, fuck–

"Hyung– on your left!" A scorner keels over next to him when Minho blasts it, he's clearly extorting his powers beyond their limits– the younger is shaking and Chan catches him when he stumbles, his eyes flickering from purple to brown as he falters.

Jisung and Seungmin work in tandem behind Minho, but everyone's already exhausted– they're fighting with all their wit, and yet it's like they have no off button like last time; the scorners get right back up even if they're mangled.

"He's controlling them," Minho mumbles, jutting his chin out to Bambam. "He's– he has the powers of a wizard, but also a witch, but also everything else– we need to get to him."

Chan feels nausea swirl in his stomach. Bambam had the phantom grasp because of him, because Chan trusted people too much, and now he's suffering the consequences.

There's a sharp cry and his entire body jolts to look for the source; Jisung floats midair, a few feet beside their thief, as an invisible force seems to torture him and he's spasming, his cries ring out as Bambam twists his hands in sick glee–

Minho's out of his arms before he can react. The fury shines in his eyes and it carries his magic stronger than before– a swoop of his hand is enough to disorient their thief, he stumbles back a couple steps and loses their grip on the scorners and everything else for just a second– but a second is all they need.

Chan's brain goes into overdrive, he needs to focus. He needs to protect.

He runs over to Hyunjin; he grabs the siren by the shoulders and shakes him back and forth, trying to put sense over emotion as he tries not to focus on Changbin cradling Felix.

"Hyunjin, snap out of it– the water isn't real!" He wretches his hands from where they're clawing at his throat, shaking him again before finally the siren's eyes snap back to the present. He gasps and looks at him, seeing him for the first time, gripping Chan's forearms with a despair that twists his heart.

"You're with us. You're okay." He murmurs again, and he always knew he could count on his team.

Hyunjin takes only a second to compose himself. He shudders, squeezes Chan again in gratitude, before he's turning to the action and setting his jaw. His irises glow, his mouth parts, and a haunting melody fills the room.

The song is faint, their earpieces designed to block siren's voices, but Chan can tell it's powerful; his voice booms along the walls and even if Bambam looks as if he's fighting it, he slowly succumbs to the allure of Hyunjin. His gaze withers away, a dreamy smile overtaking his demeanor as his body relaxes, taking sluggish steps towards the siren in a daze.

The scorners drop without his control. Chan lets out a sigh of relief, dropping against the wall while Hyunjin guides Bambam to the center of the room.

It's okay, they got this. They got this. He picked them for a reason, it'll be okay. It has to be.

Felix rises on shaking legs to tie him down. There's tear stains but he's determined, every bit of the fierce sprite Chan knows him as, powers traveling through the earth to grow vines around Bambam's body until he's restricted.

Something sharp twists in his gut as he looks at Bambam. It feels like he's seeing him for the first time, but this time in a different light; this is the person who used Felix's trauma against him. This is the person who commanded his men to hurt Jisung and Hyunjin. This man, who he considered a friend for so long, who's leaving had hurt Chan the most– who had been hurting his team this whole time.

Bambam had nearly destroyed their entire world. Something ugly coils in his gut now as he looks at the older wrapped in the thick vines, something resentful growing at the person he barely recognizes as the one he once knew.

Hyunjin stops singing. Minho appears on Chan's other side, hands in the air as he focuses, using the last bits of his energy to dampen Bambam's magic so he can't escape.

The silence in which Bambam blinks out of his daze seems to stretch for an eternity.

Then, a low growl, a sudden burst of a cackle, "You think this'll stop me? You think your little ragtag team will put an end to my fucking plans?"

"Seems to me you're in no position to carry them out." Changbin hisses, but Chan quickly puts a hand to his chest to hold him back. They still don't actually know what Bambam can do.

He's grinning at the remark, he's not even struggling against his bonds. When Chan steps forward and meets his eyes, they're cold and deadly– it makes his stomach roll.

"Why?" He murmurs again. "Why would you do any of this? Why steal the crystal, how?"

"I think you must know the how, by now," he grins, completely lax in the vines. "Thanks for that, by the way."

Guilt hits him like a tidal wave, but he only clenches his jaw. "So you fucking stole it from me. You've been using it this whole time."

"Right up until you trusted people again and took the powers back, at least." Bambam sneers, for the first time trying to lash out at Chan. "I really fucking hoped my abandonment would mess you up enough– but of course you're too soft hearted."

The words are a stab to the gut, another reminder that he never really knew the man in front of him at all.

"As for the why…" He grins lazily and his hand clenches, some of the scorners twitching in their place. "I don't actually expect you to understand."

Minho shakes with the effort it takes but he's clearly exhausted, they don't have much time left.

Chan frowns. "What is that supposed to mean?"

"J/P's golden boy," he sneers, gaining strength and Chan's hand shoots out to keep Minho steady, "You've always been at the top, sheltered from everything– you don't actually know what anything in the real world is like, Chan!"

He flinches at the loud sound, some of the vines snap through as Bambam tugs on them– Felix's face twists as he grows new ones, but they won't be able to uphold this any longer, they need to be fast.

"You're at the fucking top along with all the other special forces, You don't know what it's like at the bottom– when the humans look at you as if you're tainted, you've never wandered the streets and gotten harassed because of your powers!" He continues, clawing his way out with great difficulty, "magic is a curse– I'm gonna eradicate it and start everything from scratch, and I'll do it right!"

"You can't just do that– everyone will be at risk!"

"I don't care," he spits. He's using his powers now, Minho and Felix are losing control, Bambam twitches and thrashes, "I'm gonna destroy all magic even if it kills everyone– It should've never even been there, I'll fix this world!"

"I won't let you do this," Chan murmurs. "I can't let you hurt everyone– you won't hurt us, I won't let you."

He clenches his fists, and his body suddenly feels like a live wire; the Phantom Grasp invades every nook and cranny, a steady thrum that feels familiar now. It's a building, static sort of energy– Chan feels the touch of his members, their hands on him carrying over their magic, entrusting their leader with what is basically the deepest parts of their beings.

"What are you gonna do?" Bambam mocks, growing agitated, "You and your little friends won't do shit– I'll kill them all, one by one right in front of your eyes–"

The magic explodes out of him along with his scream of rage. The whole room whites out, Chan has to dig his heels in the floor to brace for the impact– his ears ring throughout all of it, it feels like he's been sucked inside a vacuum– and just as fast as it happened it ends, Chan collapsing on his feet.

"You did well, hyung. It's over– you can rest." Changbin's voice sounds like it's coming from miles away, but his arms are strong and present as they catch Chan before he hits the floor. "It's over, we're safe. You did so well."

"It's… it's over?" He asks, blinking to come back, chest heaving and every breath he takes burns on it's way inside. "Everyone is okay?"

The room comes back into view as the black spots fade, and the sight that greets him is pitiful: Bambam is nowhere to be seen, rock is crumbled all around them with the force of his magic and all the scorners are mangled and thrown miles away. The fort looms over him no longer, instead it lays in pieces all around.

It's over.

They did it.

He detaches himself from the younger to turn around slowly, breath barely escaping as he mutters, "We– we fucking did it, guys."

The relief that crashes over them makes the room explode into sound, a symphony of cheers and yells going up; Hyunjin picks up Felix and twirls him while the sprite laughs with glee, Changbin wrestles Jeongin in a hug, Minho and Jisung kiss and Seungmin–

Chan's stomach plummets to the ground.

Seungmin is grimacing. He's grimacing and pale and shaking, Seungmin is gripping his stomach like he's in pain, Seungmin is in pain, Seungmin is hurt–

Chan dives forward in time to catch him when he collapses. The action gathers the attention of the others, and the mood flips like a switch– everyone crowds them, they're all asking questions but Chan doesn't know, he doesn't know how this happened, his heart is in his throat and his gaze zeroes in on Seungmin's abdomen, where blood is seeping through even if he's trying to hide it.

"Seungmin, Seung– what happened? How did this happen?" He whispers, and his voice trembles worse than his hands as he tries prying away his arms to assess the damage.

Seungmin tries answering despite his heaving chest, opens his mouth– and then promptly doubles over, a hacking cough overtaking his entire body while he throws up, a yellow and red mixture splattering on the floor in front.

His blood freezes in his veins, and when Seungmin covers his mouth he's finally able to see his stomach– a gaping slash across his belly, festering as the yellow venom drips around it. Yellow wolfsbane. The kind that kills werewolves.

Chan's vision starts spinning.

He thinks he hears Jisung cry next to him. Minho crashes on his knees and immediately settles on healing Seungmin, his mouth moves but Chan can't hear anything– all he can see are Seungmin's veins, a sickly black and yellow against pale skin because he got stung, Seungmin fucking got stung–

"–fucking idiot, why didn't you tell us anything?!" Minho's frantic voice breaks through the storm in his mind, because the witch sounds exhausted and he seems faint– Chan quickly grabs his shoulders to support him, pumping out his own abilities to help him along.

"Didn't– didn't want you guys to worry," Seungmin mumbles, voice hoarse, "The fight was more important."

"Like hell it is!" Jeongin shouts agitated, gripping Seungmin's hand in a death grip, "Nothing is more important than ourselves– what if you die?!"

"He won't," Chan bites, "He– we've done this before, you won't fucking die, you can't!"

"Hyung– hyung, he's a werewolf, it's different," Felix sobs, but Chan can't have that, they need to have hope! He ignores the blonde in favor of grabbing Jisung and tugging him forward to shake him out of his panic, and the wizard quickly catches on– together they can do it, right? But why does Seungmin still look so faint, why is he still fucking bleeding?!

"It might be too late," Changbin whimpers but it lands like a punch, "We don't know how much time has passed, the poison is fatal for him–"

"Shut the hell up, Bin!" Chan snaps, feeling like he's out of his mind, "Go make yourself useful, find a fucking medical kit or something!"

Changbin doesn't argue further and takes Felix along. Hyunjin is gripping his shoulder like a vice, but their powers are no use here– only Minho and Jisung can fix this, and all Chan can do is try to support their magic as much as possible.

"He won't die if we manage to close the wound and withdraw all of it," Hyunjin murmurs, loud enough for all of them to hear. "If he survived this long, we can salvage Seungmin– but…"

"But what?" Chan snaps, trying to cling onto the shred of hope he's granted.

Hyunjin's eyes are sad and grave. Chan wants to smack the expression off. "I think it's too late for the wolf he carries… he'll lose his powers."

"As long as he's fucking alive!" Jeongin growls, looking sick at the state his friend is in.

Seungmin's head is slumped on the youngest's shoulder, chest hitching every few breaths. His eyes flicker from yellow to brown and his fangs are out, he can't control his powers anymore. He's so beaten, Chan wants to fucking cry– he was supposed to protect them. He was supposed to protect him, his protegee, his roommate, his– his first friend, the person who stuck by him through everything. Chan failed him.

"I'm so fucking sorry, Minnie." His voice breaks, heart hurting in his chest. "I should've paid better attention– I should've protected you–"

"'S not your fault," Seungmin mumbles, half lidded eyes peeking open at him and smiling sadly, "You've always been there for me, hyung. This isn't on you. I'm sorry."

"But your powers–" Jisung's shoulders shake with his cries even if he's trying to keep his arms steady, "Seung, your dad– you'll lose the last thing left of your family, why didn't you tell us?! We could've done something sooner, we–"

"Jisungie, it's okay." Seungmin's voice is barely a sound, losing consciousness– where the hell is Changbin?!– but uses the last of his strength to hold Jisung's hand. "It's okay… I gave it up to protect my new family– I wouldn't want anything else."

Chan thinks he's going to throw up. The whole world is crumbling around him, and it feels like lightyears ago that they even defeated the evil– what does winning matter anyway when these are the prices he had to pay? What does anything matter when it means Seungmin is losing a fundamental part of himself?

The yellow fades from Seungmin's eyes, his fangs disappear– and the sight of it makes his chest cave in, resisting a sob when Seungmin gasps like there's a hole inside him.

Chan feels something break inside him, the part of himself that always watched Seungmin sleep to make sure he's there, the part that felt pride whenever Seungmin would master his abilities. The part for Seungmin himself breaks inside of his heart, his own failure stinging like a burn.

"We fucking searched everywhere," Changbin stumbles once he storms in, falling on his knees and pushing Chan away so he can get to Seungmin. "This should be everything we need– Hyunjin, call Karo to pick us up as soon as possible, we'll need to get him to a hospital."

Everything past that is a blur. Seungmin whimpers through his stitches, and Chan can't do anything but watch, helpless with a heavy heart.

Chan wishes it had been him, instead. Chan wishes they never took on this mission. He wishes this never happened– he wishes, because that's all there's left to do anymore.

His Seungmin. Chan wishes, wishes, wishes.

꩜

After everything that happened, being back inside Headquarters made him sick to his stomach.

Because now, he was no longer under the illusion that this job was one of honor– in fact, Chan had realized he's working under the very same system that put many of his friends in misery.

Minho and Jeongin on the streets, Changbin's status as a robur– how Bambam's experiences with the real world made him turn to the extreme, how it had nearly costed them everything.

There was nothing honorable about turning a blind eye to the ones below you, the ones so desperately calling for help.

Chan clenches his fists behind the door to his boss's office. Something had to change, and he'd be damned if he wouldn't do something about it.

A final exhale, and then he's pushing down on the handle.

J/P is standing with his front facing the door now, a broad smile on his face as he welcomes Chan with open arms. The crystal is stored behind him, it's aura palpable, broken parts already in the process of regrowth.

"Agent Bahng– well done." He claps. "Not only have you shown exceptional courage and wit, you have exceeded every single one of my expectations, you have saved the magic world–"

"I'm quitting as an agent."

Chan drops the words in the middle of the room like an anvil. His gut twists in satisfaction at the way J/P's face slackens, smile wiped like it never existed.

The old man can only blink. "I– excuse me?"

Chan clears his throat. He smiles. "I said I'm quitting. As an agent. I don't want to go on missions anymore."

"But… but you… you're one of my top agents!" J/P sputters, frowning like what he's saying is preposterous.

"And I hate it." Chan emphasizes, too tired to care about formalities. "It comes with too much risks– I have way too many people I care about now. I'm retiring from the missions. Instead, I'd like to be promoted to head of civilian security. I'd like to actually help the people under me, not just put them behind bars– since our way of doing things is the reason this all happened in the first place."

J/P scowls, immediately into defense mode. "You can't just ask for promotions, Bahng."

Chan grits his teeth but before he can speak, another voice joins them from the corner, a man he hadn't even noticed until now stepping forward to talk.

"Sir, if I may– agent Bahng just saved the entire magic world. You said so yourself, didn't you?" Hongjoong points out, tone casual as he blinks innocently. "I think a promotion to where he wants is the least he deserves."

A tense silence follows, and Chan can only gape. Hongjoong, one of the mission unit leaders– someone he'd mostly only spoken to through a radio channel and occasionally lunch breaks, defending him?

Hongjoong shoots him a smile. It's charming and playful the way a wizard's smile is, but there's something else there; something… shy?

Chan supposes he's never looked at Hongjoong too closely before, but now he's the center of Chan's attention. His ginger hair shines in the sunlight and his dimples make him look softer than he is, grin easy and stance relaxed. And he's defending Chan, someone he barely knows.

"I suppose you're right, agent Kim." J/P speaks, through gritted teeth showcasing he doesn't actually agree at all. "He… he did save everyone, I suppose."

"No, he definitely did." The wizard corrects again. "Without him we'd be a pile of dust."

Chan can't resist an upturn of the lips, one that only serves to brighten Hongjoong's face.

"Fine. I'll make sure you get promoted." Their boss sighs, giving up the fight. He turns his attention fully on Chan, slightly disgruntled. "Anything else?"

Chan bites his lip. "The cash price you promised. Oh, and– a house."

J/P blinks at him. "You already have a house."

"Another one," Chan corrects. "You know the one next to mine that's empty? I want you to give it to my friends."

"Your friends– that is a house owned by the company, we can't just–"

"He got you that crystal, once again," Hongjoong drawls, "You'd be nowhere without Chan."

J/P's nostrils flare. "You know I could fire you?"

Chan stiffens, but Hongjoong doesn't seem fazed at all. "But I thought I was your best unit leader to date?" He quirks an eyebrow.

"You're not even supposed to be here." J/P mutters, pinching the bridge of his nose.

"Yet I am– because I'm your most trusted employee." Hongjoong's grin is shit eating, and to Chan's surprise it actually works. J/P only sighs, shaking his head and frowning at the two of them.

"Fine. Fine. Bahng can have the house and the promotion. I need a drink. Agent Kim, we aren't done talking." He huffs, shooting them one last annoyed look before he's out the door.

"Can't wait, boss!" Hongjoong chirps, bouncing on the balls of his feet. He's quite endearing in a sense, toeing the line between playfulness and determination delicately. Chan can't help but feel drawn to the wizard.

"I– thank you." He stumbles, approaching him. "For helping me, I mean. You didn't have to."

Hongjoong's smile is a bit softer now, a bit more tentative around the edges, like he's nervous to talk to Chan. "Don't worry about it. You did save all of us, after all."

Chan heats up under the praise, ducking his head to stare at the floor. "No, seriously you didn't have to– I mean, you barely know me." He awkwardly laughs. He scoffs his shoes on the floor, and he feels strangely like a schoolboy with a crush. God.

"What if I want to?"

Chan's head snaps up so fast he fears his neck might break. What the fuck? What– what? Hongjoong's eyes are wide, curious, face open and whatdidhejustsay? "You… want to get to know me?"

Hongjoong laughs a little embarrassed, rubbing the back of his neck. "I uh– I've had my eye on you for a bit, actually. You're pretty handsome. I was just– y'know, since the mission is done and all that, I was wondering if you… maybe wanted to go out? with me?"

Chan's brain is short circuiting. I've had my eye on you for a bit. You're pretty handsome. Is he dreaming? Had he really not noticed the fact that Hongjoong's liked him until now? He's suddenly reminded of the conversation he had with Minho a few days ago. Does he want that kind of connection? He'd always assumed no one wanted one with him, but clearly that isn't the case, so what–

"Sorry, I'm sorry– I'm probably coming off as too strong," Hongjoong mistakes his stunned silence for rejection and hastily apologizes, "You must be exhausted from the mission, you're probably not even looking for anything–"

"I am!" The words escape him in a flurry, and he slaps a hand in front of his mouth at his eagerness, feeling himself heat up. "Shit, sorry, that was embarassing. I'm sorry, I was just surprised– but I do. Wanna go out with you, I mean. I… I'd like to get to know you too."

He says it in a rush, but surprisingly finds that none of it is a lie. Hongjoong is cute, and certainly charismatic. And Chan does actually want to try dating.

Hongjoong grins, that same sunny smile showing on his face. It's really pretty– his mouth corners tug up the most and his nose scrunches a little. Chan can't look away.

"Sweet," he flashes pearly teeth, rocking giddily on his heels. "You free tomorrow after three?"

Chan nods, still a little speechless.

"I'll pick you up from the lobby." Hongjoong promises, winking when he leaves the room, leaving Chan in a stunned, but not unwelcome silence.

He'd just been asked out. Huh. Life is really full of surprises, Chan finds.

He thinks of it the entire way back home. Just a month ago, he'd been closed off for almost everyone– even Jisung didn't know him as well as he did now. He hadn't wanted to let anyone in, striving on his reputation of being the company's most intimidating agent.

And in just two weeks, seven other people had tilted his entire world on it's axis. In just two weeks he'd found something akin to a family, he reconnected to someone who's practically his soulmate– and he's been asked out by a guy he could like.

Chan finds he doesn't mind the change. Welcomes it, in fact, lets it embrace him warmly as he parks outside of his house, who's still filled to the brim with the people he loves most.

He stares at the other house ahead, the one he specifically requested, and a smile tugs on his lips. He hopes Minho, Jisung and Jeongin will like the present.

He sighs wistfully one final time, staring at where the lights are on inside as he exits the car. Everything is so different, and yet he realizes he doesn't mind nearly as much as he would've a few months ago. This change feels like fate, somehow, like he was always destined to find these people. Like their entire lives had led up until the moment they could be intertwined together, all eight of them coming together like long lost puzzle pieces.

And they have a long way to go until everyone is fully healed from their pasts, from the present they just lived through, a long way until everyone's ready for unforeseen futures they don't know about.

But they have the rest of their lives to figure all that out. The rest of their lives, together.

Chan opens the door. When the sight of all seven of them huddled together greets him, he can't help but grin, heart doing a little jump. They're gathered around the couch where Seungmin is resting, bandages freshly secured around his stomach; Jeongin is holding his hand from his spot on the floor and Changbin is leaning against the front of the sofa with Hyunjin between his legs.

Seungmin grins at him once he notices the older. The sight of him healthy and okay is enough to make Chan sigh in relief, even if his heart sours at the reminder that Seungmin doesn't have any powers anymore.

But he's alive, Chan reminds himself. They had gotten him to a hospital in time and Seungmin is alive. That's enough. Them being by his side will always be enough.

"Hyung!" Jisung dramatically shouts, and Chan's head whips around to see the younger sprawled across Minho's lap in the loveseat. "My savior! Please come and tell these people that a butt is one not two."

Chan lets out a surprised snort. "What?"

"Tsk, Han Jisung– let hyung get settled in first." Minho chides him, but he's staring at Jisung so fondly while playing with his hair that there's no bite to the words at all.

"But there's two buttcheeks, isn't there?" Seungmin argues, evidently having had this debate way before Chan joined any of them. "Then technically a butt is two."

"Is this what you guys do when I'm not there?" Chan asks amused, as he makes himself home between Jeongin and Felix on the floor, sitting in a way that he's close to everyone.

Felix sighs, long and suffering. "They've been at it for hours. If you don't stop them I think I'm gonna die of boredom."

"How could you die of boredom when the biggest entertainer ever is right here?" Jisung jests, making a heart next to his cheeks and acting cute on purpose, only to cringe away into Minho's arms when the rest start cackling.

It's so domestic. It's so… it's everything. Chan never wanted anything else.

"How's your stomach?" He murmurs to Seungmin, who turns a bit softer upon his voice.

He grins. "Hurts like a bitch, but don't worry– I'm young and sexy enough to handle it."

"You? Sexy?" Jeongin fake gags and Seungmin smacks him on the back of the head, but they're both laughing– it's so soft, and Chan takes a second to just take everything in. Hyunjin's laughter against Changbin's chest, Minho cradling Jisung with all the love and care in the world, Felix leaning his head on Chan's shoulder with a trust only born from many years of knowing each other, and Jeongin's thigh under his touch from where he reaches over, just to remind himself that they're all here.

Chan closes his eyes amidst the chatter. The love in the air is so palpable, so evident in everything they do just how much they all love each other, how they've found a home in each other's hearts. It feels almost magical, the highest form of sorcery, this connection between them.

Chan takes a deep breath in, and it's like everything fades into the background when he can only think of one, singular, almost cathartic thought;

In the midst of magic, Chan might’ve found the most magical thing of all.