Long Journey || ATEEZ

Dealing In Secrets And Reputation

The journey into Tilina was uneventful.

They safely made it to the Ghost Queen's private harbour just as the sun began to peek over the horizon, and there was no sign of the old man and his pesky little soldiers roaming around. The city of Kansadia was still sleeping, unaware that a ghost, a mere name whispered into the wind, had slipped a whole boatful of trespassers into their world of isolation.

"You might want to get rid of your spells," the Ghost Queen had said to Yeosang once they'd made it to land, and the situation had been explained. "It's pretty obvious what you are, from them. And even I wouldn't be able to help you if the authorities found out. Don't worry though," she said, baring her teeth in a smile. "Tide's going out in a few hours, so your beloved ship won't sink, at least."

And as the water receded, the Ghost Queen called in some of her 'subordinates', as she liked to call them, and blocked off the area around the ATINY with giant concrete blocks. Using various species' abilities, they sealed up the block completely so that when the tide eventually returned, water would not get in. Promptly afterwards, workers made their way down, and began to work on repairs.

"So you said there were twenty-five of you, correct?" the Ghost Queen asked. "You've gotta be accurate with your numbers. I don't want to waste space or money catering for non-existent people."

"Yes," Hongjoong said through gritted teeth, having been asked this for what felt like the hundredth time.

"Good, I just wanted to double-check," she shrugged. "I'll prepare some rooms in my base for you. Have your stuff ready by tonight."

"Err, thanks, I guess," Hongjoong said.

The Ghost Queen shrugged and smirked.

"It's common sense for a good investor to treat their clients well, isn't it?" she said. "I'm only laying down basic foundations — I do like to call myself a good investor, after all. Anyway, I'll come pick you up tonight. Have fun settling into the wondrous city of Kansadia, where poverty is abundant, and you'll always find some witch hanging in the gallows!" she said, spreading her arms wide as if this was something to be proud of, but her eyes were empty, mocking; she knew how much of a ruin her country was – and she revelled in it.

With another one of those cocky grins, she turned and left, humming a little shapeless tune as she went. With a jolt, a small realisation crept up on Hongjoong. Music still existed. In other countries, dance and expression was still allowed; he, and everyone else from Signeria, had been just been living without it for too long.

"I really don't get her deal," Wooyoung grumbled from beside Hongjoong.

Seonghwa sighed.

"She's always been like that," the ex-assassin said. "As far as I've known her, anyway."

"Did you talk to her often, hyung?"

"Big Grey used to force me to," Seonghwa replied. "He'd gather all that were close to him – which tended to always end up being just me and Dongju, and her – and we'd have 'a cup of tea and chat'." He sighed and shook his head. "It always ended up with the other three getting into a heated debate on the best way to rake in money; I never took part in the conversations. I was never much of a talker – especially back then."

"Mm," Wooyoung nodded. "I can see that happening."

Seonghwa chuckled.

"Well then, let's tell the others to pack their stuff," Hongjoong said.

"Sounds good, hyung," Wooyoung said. "I should really start packing now, I've got a lotta stuff to get ready."

"Of course you do," came a familiar, lilting tone, one that wasn't laced with fatigue for once. Yeosang, coppery-brown hair swept to one side, approached, his usual slight smirk decorating his face. Now that he'd had plenty of rest (by sleeping all morning as the fairies and elves sealed up the 'box' around the ATINY), he looked so much more energised and refreshed than he had in days. And he seemed to be in a better mood, too. "You carry way too much junk around with you."