Soul Breaker {Kaisoo § Chanbaek}

Chapter 9

Kyungsoo steps out of the elevator into the savannah.

Jongin has advised against a coat and scarf for this and Kyungsoo is wearing a plain white shirt rolled up to his elbows. His gun is there but it no longer resides in his shoulder holster. It is tucked in a new holster resting against his chest. The holster has been attached to the leather strap of Durandal's sheath. The sword rests in his back, Kyungsoo not quite used to its weight yet. Sehun has ordered him to carry it around the mansion but he only did a couple of times, feeling stupid walking around with a weapon half his size strapped to his back. Perhaps he should have listened.

Jongin looks like his usual self, perfect black suit, perfect slicked back messy hair, perfect smile. He walks around without a care in the world, oblivious to the scorching heat or the dangerous animals lurking around.

They stumble upon lions after half an hour and Kyungsoo stops Jongin, telling him to stay perfectly immobile as the animal makes eye contact with them.

Jongin ignores Kyungsoo's warnings and steps up to the majestic creature, so close he can almost touch it. it doesn't move, doesn't seem to care.

Of course, Jongin starts petting it.

"Are you fucking kidding me?!" Kyungsoo whispers under his breath, eyes rolling high.

"Kyungsoo, come here," Jongin calls and he considers flipping the Devil the bird. "Come on," he calls again and Kyungsoo reluctantly walks over, his eyes never leaving the Lion.

It has its eyes closed in delight as Jongin scratches its back and mane. He invites Kyungsoo to do the same. He reaches tentatively and finds the skin soft and hot under his fingertips.

"How come you can do this?" he asks, starting to comb carefully through the impressive mass of the Lion's mane.

Jongin shrugs and smiles as a cub approaches tentatively, followed closely by its mother. Kyungsoo feels very uncomfortable, scarred even though he refuses to admit it.

"It's the sent. It changes for all animals, making them think I'm something they needn't fear."

The cub jumps on Jongin's knees and begins playing with him, its impressive teeth nibbling at Jongin's hands.

Kyungsoo watches the surreal scene, letting himself relax. He gets acquainted with the female. She's wearier, watching them from afar for minutes before coming to lie down with her cubs. Kyungsoo dedicates his attention to her while Jongin plays with the little balls of fury, laughing and talking to them as if they were just big cats.

"Jongin," Kyungsoo starts, his hand vibrating with the low purr of the lioness, a strange contentment flowing through him, only disturbed by his vigilance "As much as I'm enjoying this, shouldn't we be trying to find the angel?"

The Devil ruffles the top of the cub's head and smiles. "Don't worry, he's here. I can feel him watching us."

Kyungsoo tenses a little and the lioness turns her head towards him, suddenly alert. She relaxes again when Kyungsoo gently pats her head, reassuring.

It takes the angel time to come out of hiding, but once he has, Kyungsoo knows it's him.

He's tall, taller than Jongin, his shoulders wide. He has beautiful silver hair, very clear eyes, the lightest of blues, round soft features and adorable prominent ears. His aura is undeniable, innocent and pure. Kyungsoo feels both drawn and repelled, his humanity fighting his darkness. The angel is a handsome being of light, his skin fair, perfect as it gleams under the sunrays.

He is dressed in a long light blue coat, a white t-shirt and jeans. Kyungsoo thinks he's imagined another detail, but no. The angel is wearing Converses.