Black Magic

Real Life

Chapter 21: Real Life

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Tao was still standing in the Grand Entrance when the first member of EXO made it back to the school. The doors slammed open, and the slave broke his nervous gaze away from the painted mural that sprawled across the ceiling. He'd been staring up at the images for what felt like an eternity, trying to keep his thoughts well occupied and away from imaginings of why Kris still hadn't come back.

The vicious bang of the wooden doors swinging back into the walls had Tao immediately crouching low into a defensive posture. He was feeling more jittery than he'd like to admit.

But it was only Chanyeol who came striding through the doorway, the tall Fire Dragon hardly pausing long enough to glance around the room. He shot a terse question towards Tao as he made his way across the hall.

"Baekhyun?"

The slave shook his head, unsure. "I don't know. He's been gone for a while. He took off after a Dark that had captured Kyungsoo."

Tao watched as the Fire Dragon paced towards the exit that lead outside toward the Training Fields. "Which direction did they fly?"

Tao simply repeated what he'd heard from Yixing. "West."

The slave kept his eyes fastened on the floor as Chanyeol stepped past, continuing on his way. The Fire Dragon was bleeding, dripping blood with every step, leaving a macabre trail of scarlet behind. The older male didn't even seem to notice.

Tao turned his full attention back toward the main doors once Chanyeol had disappeared out of sight. They were still hanging open, a chill wind riding through the entrance with a foreboding whine. Tao's body was wired with nervous energy as he waited, his heart beginning to pound as the minutes slipped by.

He should probably shut the doors.

But surely the rest of EXO wasn't that far behind?

....He hoped Kris was okay... Sehun too.

Finally, after what seemed like hours since the moment Chanyeol had come banging through the doors, another figure appeared on the threshold.
His posture screamed exhaustion, his jaw was clenched tight, and his face was pale, but Kris walked into the Grand Entrance alive and whole. Tao felt a wave of relief wash through his body even as his eyes scanned the taller male for any hidden injuries. He had to resist the urge to run over and forcefully inspect Kris himself.

Because even if he were injured, Kris was the type to ignore his own discomfort until everybody else was safe and accounted for.

Tao blinked and tamped down his concern, falling into step beside Kris like a silent wingman.

"What happened?" Kris murmured as he continued to walk, most likely heading toward the Council Room. "Tell me everything you know."

And Tao launched into the story, or at least as much of it as he could. He started from the point where Baekhyun had suddenly fled the Grand Entrance Hall and ended with a description of how Yixing had taken control of the situation inside, calming the Council and keeping the students contained. "Baekhyun faced every Dark Dragon out there. On his own," Tao finished, unable to conceal the tint amazement creeping into his voice. "I've never seen anything like it."

Kris nodded, humorless laugh ghosting past his lips. "I kept him behind for a reason. Baekhyun may not seem like the most capable fighter, but he is the only dragon in EXO that can release a single attack powerful enough to take down several Darks at once."