When seven becomes eight

Joke turned sour

Elisa saw their down mood and raised her eyebrow. "What's up?"

"Nothing."

"How come I don't believe that?"

Zico grinned, "I should be more clear, I guess. There is nothing in that room. No exit, no way to go on. Nothing."

"Are you serious? So we're practically trapped in here?", she asked half-angry.

"Afraid so. However, as soon as you get those bastards to wake up, we might know more."

"Is that how you talk about your friends? Nicely respectful of you."

"You better focus on them, don't want you to get hurt by your stupid remarks. Lost a bit of my temper, you see?", Zico said so calm it becomes even more threatening than when he would have said it angrily.

Elisa bit her lip and returned to the men in front of them. It was weird; Their wounds were genuine, but how come they then hadn't tried to fight? They didn't seem like people who just gave up at the sight of a person stronger than them, neither like people who would prefer the peaceful way out; Better die fighting than be mercy-killed. She laid her hand on one of the wounds of Taeil.

"May the light take away the pain and close the wounds made by unnecessary violence. May she guide life in a path of strength and flowers.", she mumbled closing her eyes and focussing on the wound only. She felt a sharp sting through her body, his wounds were deep and somehow carried more emotional trauma than physical, though they must have hurt a damn lot. Who did this? Elisa's mind could only see clouds. Usually her mind was clear, nearly transparent, but now a thick fog covered all she saw. What is this? How much must this have hurt for him to be so troubled?

"Hey sweetie, how's it going? They up yet?"

"No Zico, that takes time. Plus I'd like to know what happened, which takes even more time. Now please shut up or move it."

"Didn't know you'd get angry. Calm yourself for fuck's sake, you look like your mother this way."

Elisa's crystal eyes locked into Zico's. "What did you say?"

"Wow, calm down. Don't look at me like that, it doesn't suit you. Relax, it was just a joke."

"That is no joke, I look nothing like my mother. Don't say things like that. She is her own person and I'm in no way the same."

Her gaze strengthened and she felt his heart pounding.

"Please, just calm down. I didn't mean any harm."

The ice still built in her eyes.

"Elisa, please stop. Please."

She had never heard him beg for something, his face stood fearful and sweating.

"Elisa, what do you need from me? Just release your witchcraft already."

"Witchcraft, huh? What I need from you is the truth. In return I'll tell you about my 'witchcraft'. Ever wondered why Kyung didn't tell you all about me?", her voice was dark and low.

"You don't sound like yourself, just let go, okay? I'll tell you everything you want to know, please stop now."

His voice was near crying, his eyes already there.

"What do you need me for?", she said. 

"At first I thought we could use you to get supplies more easily..."

"You wanted to use me? Use me?", she cut into his words like a knife through butter.

"Please let me finish, this isn't the end of the story. When I then saw that smile on your face, the genuine one, not the fake or cheeky ones, I changed. I saw I needed to take care of you, so I did. I got you a house and clothes..."