Through the Looking Glass (TXT x Itzy)

nine

Everyone hustled out of the arena, eager to get fresh air and see something that wasn't foggy and misty. Chattering and laments of not finding a key filled the air, but everyone fell silent when their father cleared his throat to get their attention.

"First of all, I'd like to start off by saying I am very proud of you all, for getting through this tough task."

The King had a kindly twinkle in his eyes, and he gazed fondly at them, and for a minute everyone actually believed his words. The people began scoffing and muttering, saying things like "as if" and "yeah right".

Because that wasn't really the person he was.

But he continued, oblivious of the murmurs.

"So I will now announce the winners. We have been observing your progress, thanks to the stupendous magic of the fae, and we have found the winners of this match."

A burst of whispers broke out, everyone intrigued and wanting to know who were the lucky victors.

"In the first place, a tie, Ryujin and Hyunjin with three keys. Second Jinyoung, with one key."

Many started to shake their heads, having expected that the first two, the absolute aces of their generation, would have gotten every single on. But the last one was quite a surprise.

Ryujin was stiff with shock. But she gave her last key to Dahyun. Where was she? It seemed as though some had also realised that as well, heads turning in search of the missing princess. Out of the corner of her eyes, Ryujin could see Jinyoung smirking. "Can we do a headcount?" Ryujin quickly asked, her voice mildly strained, "Did anyone see Dahyun?"

"She was somewhere, behind me a minute ago," Nayeon said, her head whisking about to find her sister.

"I saw her too!"

"She was with us when we left!"

Ryujin's eyes were fixed on her father, whose face was grim, but his eyes were hard. He wasn't sorry for the disappearance of his daughter, instead he was happy that one less competitor was around. Plus, he had a perfect vision of what was going on. So he knew what happened to Dahyun.

"A shame," He crooned, "But no matter. We must not let the loss of your sister bring you down. The next test shall be tomorrow, at 9 o'clock sharp, and I expect you to be on time. Any late comers would be automatically disqualified."

And with that, they were dismissed, everyone drifting off, some grumbling, some looking concerned.

Dahyun's sisters all burst into tears, huddling together as they wept. Ryujin hung around, unsure what to say to the sobbing girls.

Then, to everyone's shock and amazement, a figure stumbled out of the open gates to the arena, pale and shuddering.

"Dahyun?"

Immediately, everyone surged towards the girl, getting her just in time before she collapsed like a delicate feather.

"What happened?" Mina asked.

"Are you hurt?" Nayeon added, hands fluttering around her clothes in search of blood or visible injuries.

"Park Jinyoung, son of a bitch," Dahyun coughed out, before her eyelids drooped. "Let's get her to the infirmary," Ryujin suggested gently, helping to support the frail girl.

But the message was clear. Jinyoung had assaulted her to get the key. This was going to be a fierce competition, Ryujin thought, inhaling shakily as everything settled in.