haven - zb1

44

In the three days, they did whatever they wanted. Some sparred, some rested, some played, some chatted.

Jiwoong chose to spend his time cooped up in Taehyun's room, copying select scripts from Taehyun's archive to take back to share with his House. Periodically, Quanrui will drop by with snacks or drinks, and an additional member to keep him company.

Other times, Quanrui was most commonly found tumbling with the water heirs, the only stubborn streak that remained in him was the desire to seek out fire's innate opposite. While all the losses were close ones, Zhang Hao had not lost a match yet. Quanrui, instead of being frustrated and fired up, chose to laugh it off, accept Zhang Hao's helping hand up, and demand another round.

On the afternoon of the second day, Woohyun and Quanrui finished up their third spar of the day under the burning sun, sweat dribbling down Quanrui's back, Woohyun only waved his hand across his face and his own perspiration was drawn off his skin. "Gross," Quanrui made a face, then ducked as Woohyun tossed the ball of sweat towards him.

They were stretched out of the training grounds, Taerae took pity on them and erected a shield of earth before continuing on his way. Woohyun rotated his wrists as he set down his sword, then abruptly asked, "Hey, can you do your House's technique?"

Taken aback, Quanrui scoffed and asked, "Why?"

"Because we're leaving tomorrow and I might never get to see it right before my eyes ever-"

"You're so goddamn dramatic."

"So will you?"

"Sure."

Woohyun's eyes darted to the shelter, where Zhang Hao and Gunwook were relaxing, watching them after they sparred, as was Yujin, who had, amazingly, suspended himself in the air thanks to his newly strengthened powers.

"Actually, we should get them all here," Zhang Hao piped up, "I think it'll be cool for everyone to witness Quanrui in action."

With that, Yujin immediately hopped off to find the rest.

-

"Dearly beloved, may I know what we're gathered here for?" The nine were finally all in one place, and to answer Taerae's question, the simple explanation would be that they were going to do a display of their powers as heirs of their Houses, one last time, before they part and reunite as the new leaders of their Houses.

"Okay, that was a slight exaggeration," Zhang Hao corrected, but Gunwook stayed firm on his poetic idea.

"Well, it's not like we have anything else urgent to do," Hanbin soothed, his signature smile bright as day.

"So, can we have a quick rundown of how all the House's techniques work?"

Jiwoong cleared his throat, excited to divulge the information. "As we all know, the House of water's technique is summoning rain, which has been demonstrated quite spectacularly," He began.

"Weren't you unconscious then?" Quanrui interjected.

Exasperated, Jiwoong shot back, "The place smelled like wet rotting wood for a good amount of time. I think I can imagine it for myself."

"Is that why the sky was so grey and stormy when you were healing Jiwoong?" Gyuvin asked curiously to the bashful water heirs. After a quick nod from Hanbin, Jiwoong continued, "Our House specialises in the creation of lava."

Confused but intrigued, the crowd's eyes flickered between the two fire heirs. Quanrui did a bad show of pretending he was too humble, before offering a demonstration. "You guys might want to step back for this," Jiwoong advised, rapidly taking strides away from Quanrui, "Before he reached nova, he already had a decent mastery on this technique. I'd hate to find out first hand how painful it would be now." Taking his advice seriously, everyone backed away and watched Quanrui.