⚔︎ Double Edged Swords ⚔︎

Chuck

The day of tribute comes, and the Masquerade drive up to a secluded and abandoned area where no citizens would dare to lurk. They park their two vans, all of them exiting and surrounding Joshua while Jihoon holds the case of serums. They're all on the lookout, scanning the area to see if they're trying to fool their security and policies to this arrangement.

"If they don't show us Seungkwan, I'm going to kill them." Hansol lowly speaks, eyeing every corner and space of the area.

"Don't do anything rash until I give the permission." Soonyoung reminds the younger.

   Mingyu looks at Chan and taps his shoulder. "How's your wound?" The maknae rolls his eyes.

"For the fifth time, I'm fine. It won't be if I end up dead though."

"When was the last time you ever crossed a near death situation?" Wonwoo eyes the younger.

"Since three days ago."

"You definitely could have made it out alive even if Soonyoung and Jihoon didn't make it there in time." Hansol remarks. Seungcheol hushes the team, signaling that the Ennéa Astéria (εννέα αστέρια) are here; two vans pulling up.

   Joshua stands there, trying to keep his composure. Jeonghan, who's next to him, grabs his hand and squeezes it tightly. He sees the bandaged wrap on the older, gently rubbing it in return.

"Don't worry about me. Trust the process and hopefully- hopefully we'll come back together."

   Seokmin rubs his shoulder and whispers, "Don't breathe in the scent of roses when they begin to grow strong. Jangmi's scent can harm anyone's lungs and drives them into a frenzied state. But make sure not to overstrain your powers. Just enough that your scent and pheromones overpowers his." He gives the latter a shocked look, unsure about the new information and tip given. "It's the only protection you have." The omega nods and Seokmin let's go. The comforting touch loss and Joshua doesn't know if he'll ever feel safe without him, but he knows he can manage on his own. It's the encouragement he'll really need however. The time has come.

༒

   The floors of the mansion rumbles, bringing the couple's attention. Minghao dashes to the window to see what's going on. Just as Soonyoung suspected, the henchmen of the Ennéa Astéria are attempting to infiltrate the base. The alpha turns to his omega, the latter returns a serious look.

"You need to help and lead our men," Junhui tells him. The thought of leaving the latter alone is terrifying, such in a vulnerable state, he won't be able to use his strengths. "I'll be okay." He promises.

   Minghao swallows thickly, nodding, but not leaving until he scent marks the older, the omega giving him a kiss before he exits. He grabs his katana, unsheathing and looking into his reflection.

How long has it been since I've seen you, old friend?

He exits the threshold and sees a battleground between the Masquerade's men and the Ennéa Astéria's men. Someone comes up to him and tackles, Minghao tumbles and is quick to get back up, swinging his sword.

BANG!

༒

   The Ennéa Astéria now stand before them. The leader walks up closer. He looks quite young and placid, features of confidence yet solemn when he sees Seokmin. This man has to be around either Mingyu's or Hansol's age.

"Greetings, Choi of the Masquerade." He finally speaks. Seungcheol nods, gestures for everyone to move away from Joshua. The omega walks forward and the look on the leader's face is satisfied. Behind his calm composure, he can barely hold in the bloodlust seeping out of his pheromones, sending a shiver down everyone's spines. Joshua on the other hand, is undisturbed. Then Jihoon walks up with the briefcase of serums. He remains calm, and opens it, revealing the glass vials.