I am the darkness and the light

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[etxhakuravi-deactivated20160726]

Kounryusui

[etxhakyeon-blog]

@etxhakuravi

As the room cleared of women, Ravi sat down at his desk thinking–he almost felt sorry for Mister Hakyeon if he showed up later tonight.

That day he woke up early in the morning, which was unusual for him. Without a mission to occupy him, Hakyeon usually went on to sleep till around noon, so waking up with the sun barely up in the sky, was quite surprising to him. He blamed all of this on Ravi and his offer of a job at the bath house. Hakyeon grinned as he stretched out in bed, looks like he was so curious about the job proposition that he just couldn’t sleep and woke up early. It would have worked out better if he had slept in late, now he had the whole day to wait till sundown. Tossing the blanket to the side, he tossed and turned in bed as he tried to get comfy and catch the sleep once again, but it was all for nothing. Hakyeon was wide awake.

As he lay in bed he thought about Ravi and the bathhouse. Ravi was mysterious and nothing he had said had made sense to him. It was a waste of time to lay here doing nothing but thinking, but what else could he do, Ravi had told him not to show up till sundown and so now he had to wait for the appropriate time that he could leave.

He just couldn’t understand what was going through Ravi’s head, they had pretty much escaped the bath house and Hakyeon would have helped him start a new life but then all of a sudden Ravi had stopped them in their tracks and said he had to go back to the bathhouse. What could possibly be at the bath house that he couldn’t leave? Hakyeon had even offered to help out with rescuing a sibling or a loved one, but that didn’t seem to be the case, then out of nowhere came the job offer.

With a sigh he got up from bed, gathering his few belongings and cleaning himself up before heading out. The village, if thats what it should be called, was small and barely had any one walking around. It was pretty quiet around and even tho Hakyeon could appreciate this quieter kingdom, this village was way too quiet for him. 

Looking around he found  a place where he could grab some food and down some drinks. He would have to make sure not to end up drunk cause that would not do to show up at the bath house all drunk, he needed  his wits about him. After going inside and ordering something to eat, Hakyeon decided he would skip out on the drinking, it was better that his mind remain all clear and lucid to be able to face whatever awaited him at the bath house.  He wasn’t sure how much time he had spent at that place but decided it had been long enough, tossing coins onto the table he stepped outside and smiled, the sun was beginning to set, this would give Hakyeon enough time to make his walk back to the bath house and be there just as the sun was down.

Hakyeon padded his pants pocket, sure enough, the wooden token that Ravi had given him was still there. With his small bag slung over his shoulder he started making his way back to the bath house. The walk back seemed to be further than he remembered, he was almost afraid he had taken a wrong turn somewhere when the high walls of the bath house came into view. With a smirk he picked up his pace and hurried, he couldn’t wait to see what Ravi had in store for him.

Finally he reached the gate, this time there was no need to climb over that wall. With a smirk he held the token in his hand and walked forward to pass through the gate, “Alright Ravi, I am ready for you” he said  to himself more than to anyone else as he stood there looking around.

[etxle-blog]

faith trust and pixie dust || hakyeon & le

[etxhakyeon-blog]

etxle

The other seemed very curious about what business she had travelling from place to place. His curiosity was slowly turning into suspicion which caused her to feel the same about him. It had become a sort of game for who could get the other to talk first. Of course, considering how illegal her business was, LE wasn’t exactly eager to spill her secrets to Hakyeon. “I told you. I have no business. It’s just me so I don’t have to provide for anyone else, i’m just enjoying life. How is that too hard to understand? You don’t have to be so on the edge I am just a little fairy princess after all. Right, sweetheart?”

It sounded like he had touched a nerve, how interesting. Grinning he looked at her, just what exactly was she hiding. This was getting truly interesting. It was like they were playing a cat and mouse kind of game. “of course sweetie~ I’m also just traveling and enjoying myself. No need to get so protective over simple questions.” They kept walking slowly, who exactly was she, everything about her seemed to be quite curious. He knew little about her, she carried a dagger and had quick reflexes, and was very touchy when it came to questions. Did Hakyeon want to learn more? Well, his curious self said yes. “so you dont’ provide for anyone, you’re on your own?”

[etxhakuravi-deactivated20160726]

Kounryusui

[etxhakyeon-blog]

etxhakuravi

Then he turned in a smooth motion that belonged better on a swimmer in a pool of water and was gone in a quicksilver snap of movement that was nothing close to a human run.

“yes, yes I did escape” It had taken him ten years, but he had managed to gather his courage and run away. He regretted not being able to take anyone with him, but his chance for escape had appeared out of nowhere and he’d had no time to think, only to run. Maybe the reason why he tried to help out slaves now , was in a way to make up for the ones he left behind. He hadn’t saved many, cause he was just one man so there was only so much he could do, but the ones that he did manage to save made everything worth it. Sometimes after missions he would go visit them and make sure all was okay and that no one had spotted them again.

Often times he wondered if he’ll ever run into one of those kids from his past. Would they remember him, or maybe they all hated him cause he got away. “I often find myself thinking back on the ones I left behind, I wish I could have brought someone else with me that day that I escaped...” he looked off to the side as he thought back on that day, those memories were filled with endless what ifs. “it happened so quickly, I could do nothing but run but the guilt is still there..”

He looked back at Ravi and smiled softly, but as the man was confusing him more and more as he spoke, as always he didn’t give any answers but only spoke in riddles. He can’t tell him, he can’t keep going, he has a job for him?! Hakyeon looked at Ravi in confusion, he offered to help the man escape and he, in turn, offered him a job at the bath house. The same bath house that Hakyeon was helping Ravi to escape from. None of this made sense. What kind of job was he offering him?! But Hakyeon was unable to ask any of the questions that were filling his thoughts cause Ravi turned and left in his quick fluid motions.

“what the hell....” he said beneath his breath. The man made no sense whats so ever. A job, for him, at the bathhouse.. could this be just a trap? but no, that wouldn’t make any sense. Hakyeon could have easily been captured the moment he had scaled that wall.

Why ask him to go back, and offering him a job.  Quickly he shook his head, none of this made sense. Hakyeon was taking him away and Ravi had found a way to bring him back. How did that work..?

Hakyeon studied the item that Ravi had placed into his hand. Well, at least this time he wouldn’t need to climb any walls. For now he would go to the village, clean up a bit and think about this situation some more. The rest of the way, Hakyeon played with the token placed in his hand, what should he do. Once at the village he got himself a room and freshened up. Hakyeon threw himself onto the bed and kept playing with the wooden token. He had till tomorrow after sundown to decide on  what he should do.

If he was to be truthful to himself, he already knew the answer. Tomorrow, come sundown he would be at the bathhouse, this whole situation confused him. From the bathhouse to Ravi, everything was puzzling. Something was going on underneath the surface of this bathhouse and Hakyeon was dying to find out what it was. His scouting instinct hadn’t been wrong, something is going on here and if the only way to find out was to take the job, then he will.

What exactly would this job entail, Ravi had not gone into any details. Well only one way to see. Taking a deep breath he closed his eyes, tomorrow night after sundown, he’ll go back to the bathhouse. With that decision officially made he was able to fall asleep.

[bottomhakyeon]

[etxle-blog]

faith trust and pixie dust || hakyeon & le

[etxhakyeon-blog]

etxle

LE turned her head back to him as he posed the question. “Business trip? Not really. Do I look liked I’m dressed for business?” LE opened her arms in indication to her clothes. They were dark and ratty but well fitted. Belts and small stuffed bags securing her waist line. She wore gloves and long boots all in a brown shade. Her clothes were not clean or unwrinkled and she was quite dusty besides her hair and face.  “I’m a traveller, I already told you this. I looked out for myself and I don’t assume you’re much different.”

“Well....~!” He smirked and arched his eyebrow up, “It all depends on what kind of business you’re in” Slowly Hakyeon eyed what LE was wearing. She could very well be like him, a scout, or maybe even an assassin....? With that thought in his mind he eyed here more carefully. Could that be possible, could this young woman be an assassin...? It could be possible, he had heard of a few women being assassins. He would do well to keep an extra eye on her. Keeping the thoughts to himself he cleared his throat before speaking, “haha, yes you did tell me already. We’re both travelers, but I must say its not often that I find a young woman traveling like this and especially late at night.”

[etxhakyeon-blog]

Books and Dreams

@etxleo

Hakyeon stared at the old library from across the street, nervously fidgeting with his long sleeves. It was ridiculous for an ex assassin to feel nervous to walk into a library, but he did. While growing up he had had poor schooling, it wasn’t till he was older that he was able to get some proper education. He remembered the days he used to live at home with his parents. Back then his dad had an office and it was filled with rows and rows of books. How he would have loved to grab one of them and flip through the worn pages, but whenever he even touched one his father would scold and beat his hands. Unconsciously he rubbed the back of his hands, somehow the old memory brought the feeling of the sting to his skin. Maybe thats why he now stood here staring at the library, it was like doing something prohibited, which was ridiculous.

Taking a deep breath he shook away his doubts and crossed the street. Without second doubting himself he opened the doors of the library and walked inside. The smell of old books rushed to his nose and with a smile he inhaled the scent of books. Ah, how he missed this smell. After having completed a mission in the kingdom of justice, Hakyeon had decided to spend his left over free time to visit the library here. Back in the future kingdom he found books to be lacking, not only because everyone now-a-days was into those ebooks, but the books themselves missed the scent of an old used book. And so he looked forward to visiting the old library, he just wasn’t expecting how nervous he would feel. It was stupid to let old memories stop him from enjoying the present.

Quietly he walked forward, taking his time to explore the library. For now he was not looking for anything in particular, he just wanted a the feel of the place.  He looked at the different sections and at all the available books around. Some of these books looked so old that he was almost afraid to touch the pages. As he kept walking, he saw a section that caught his eyes, Ancient Tales. He stopped his walking and he gazed at all the books. With a smile he tucked his hands into his pockets and walked towards the ancient tales. “wow..” he whispered softly beneath his breath as Hakyeon looked at all the books, there were so many of them more than he could ever imagine. Tilting his head to the side he read the titles of each book until one title made him stop in his tracks. This was it, this was the book that he had gotten beat by his dad for reading. He had never thought to see this book again and without thinking he reached up to grab it gasping in surprise when Hakyeon found himself holding on to another hand instead of the book.

Turning to his left his eyes met those of a young man, the owner of the hand he had grabbed. “I.. I’m so-ssoory. I saw the book and didn’t see you there..” Had he been so distracted by the books that he hadn’t noticed the young man next him? He curved the corners of his lips up, offering the stranger a warm smile, “I never thought to meet someone else with an interest in ancient tales. You have surprised me.” The other man was slightly taller than him and the way he held himself was so elegant, he had a softness to him that it made Hakyeon feel like wanting to protect this stranger from everything. His hand felt warm and thats when he realized that he was still holding on to the other man’s hand. Gently he let go of the hand and awkwardly apologized. Leave it to Hakyeon to embarrass himself by holding on to a strangers hand longer than needed. Nervously he licked his lower lip and kept on smiling. “Ah, I am Cha Hakyeon and who would you be, fellow ancient tales admirer?”

[etxhakuravi-deactivated20160726]

Kounryusui

[etxhakyeon-blog]

etxhakuravi

“Do they educate the girls as well?” There was no point in considering the place if the women he sent were going to be taught little more than how to pour tea without splashing her unusual cloth sleeves and only to recite but never read religious texts for herself—all while never raising her voice to a man, of course.

“tha-thats what happened to you...?” His eyes darkened, how he hated men that would beat a child. No man should ever raise a hand to a child, let alone with a cat-o-nine. To calm himself he took a deep breath, the memories of his childhood were threatening to come back, but this was not the place nor the time to let them consume his mind. “yes..” he spoke solemnly “even I..” Hakyeon squeezed his right hand into a fist before speaking again, he noticed how Ravi’s tone had turned bitter and cold. “I’m sorry..” he looked down at his own feet as they ran before looking at Ravi again, “It was insensitive of me to say so when I know nothing of the circumstances of your tattoo. I did not wish to bring back such memories to you.” He knew how it was to be trapped with old painful memories, it was something Hakyeon would never wish on anyone.

“Some would agree with you and say that I am reckless but am I addicted to it?” he shook his head softly, “no I’m not. I could be reckless with my own person, but never with someone else in my care. No worries, I am not looking to be paid, I only want to see you happy with your life and free from anyone who may lay claim to your person.” Hakyeon made a face, just thinking of selling a human being to make money made him sick. “I assure you, and i know we just met so its hard to place trust in me, but I am deadly serious when I say that I would never sell you or anyone else in order to make money.” He looked straight into Ravi’s eyes as if he could make him truly believe in him this way. There was no other way, he needed Ravi to trust him so Hakyeon that could properly take him to safety, so he too would share a part of his past.

“I went through something like you.. I was five when my parents abandoned me to a merchant, or so he had all the kids call him that way, the merchant.” just saying that word made the corner of his lip curve up in disgust. “He had lots of kids like me, needless to say we were nothing more than slaves to him and he often used pain in order to get us to do what he wanted.” Thinking of the past made him angry and he didn’t realize that he was running faster, not with Ravi easily keeping up with him. “Whenever I can, I have saved several slaves, but its just me, I can’t do much. I know whats it like to be owned by someone else like that so when I can I do all so that a slave can be free.” He knew he hadn’t done nearly enough to help the slaves out, but he was only one man and there was only so much that he could do.

“yes it does! theres a lot of book learning. In the future kingdom you can learn about anything you want, theres nothing stopping you.” well except for money but he wouldn’t make Ravi worry about that, Hakyeon would make sure he gets all the schooling he wants. “theres also those gadget thingies they like to use now-a-days but i still prefer a good old book” Suddenly he felt Ravi stopping himself and Hakyeon fell back, in surprise he looked up at Ravi before he pulled himself back up. “h-how did you stop me like that...?” Ravi hadn’t even moved a millimeter when Hakyeon had kept running, or had tried to. It was like Ravi had become a wall that couldn’t be moved.

“ah yes~! The kingdom of future has schooling for anyone! The girls there have no restraints and are allowed to study anything and can get into any career of their choice.” Hakyeon wondered if maybe Ravi did have a sister, maybe she was enslaved somewhere else. If that was the case, Hakyeon would help Ravi free her. “If theres a girl you want to free, I will help you. You can both come back with me and I’ll make sure you both get the schooling and lives you’ve dreamed of” Hakyeon smiled softly, and nodded surely.

[etxhakyeon-blog]

He wasn't an enemy, he was a nemesis

[etxhakyeon-blog]

etxjungmin

The one Romeo had gotten carefully created, a perfect replica of the one he had used as Claude to protect Jehan from the whole world, this dagger that meant more than he whole universe to him and that could never be replaced, for no one as well versed as this old artisan in the art of silver was alive anymore. And this was not a need to be replaced, Romeo needed this one for it had kept him safe, for even in times when it was pressed against his chest, above this pulsating muscle people thought way too much about, a promise of death, it never did hurt him. As if some force above them was protecting him, as if in this life it was Jehan that was protecting him. And Romeo felt lost, as if he was deprived of everything that his dreams had gotten him.

And this was definitely not happening.

Hakyeon would pay.

Branches cut his face, his arms, legs, he didn’t care he just ran. Ran as fast as he could to get away from the man he had left his heart and trust with, the man he had left his own soul to.  Hakyeon was ashamed to admit how he had given everything to the man only to find out that everything was fake, that Romeo never cared for him and was willing to kill him the second he found out his whole past. His instinct had tried to warn him and again he ignored it, why was he so dumb. Sobbing and unable to run anymore he fell to the ground and hugged the bag that Romeo had brought to himself. This is why he had a specific rule about attachments, his heart now felt like it had been cut to shreds, maybe it would have been better to let Romeo kill him off. The pain would have ended and in an ironic twist of fate, he would have been killed by the man he had fallen in love with. Pulling himself up he sat and rested against a giant tree, this would hide him even if Romeo had somehow managed to run after him. Which was doubtful cause Hakyeon was very fast and swift on his feet. His branded hand pained him and with fear he looked at it. Slowly he released a slow sigh, it hadn’t gotten dirty again but it still brought pain to his heart to see the branding. He couldn’t help it but to think back on Romeo and the way he had tenderly taken care of it. How could a man do that and yet remain so cold. This was proof of how Hakyeon had no idea how emotions and feelings worked out. It didn’t matter, nothing matter, he would go back to his own kingdom and one day he will have his revenge on Romeo. Biting on the side of the pouch, he used his left hand to pull the string and open it up. Carefully looking at all the ointments and remembering all that Romeo had taught him. It hurt to think back on it, but he had to take care of his hand and make sure it would heal properly. It wouldn’t do to have his hand fester rot away now. “Damn it Romeo..” he softly whispered into the forest as he took care of his palm. Somehow he couldn’t do it as gently as Romeo had, how he wished he could go back and found a way to change things so that Romeo never came to hate him. Once done with taking care of the wound, Hakyeon looked through the big bag, pulling out the clothes that Romeo had brought for him. Pain squeezed the center of his chest as he thought about Romeo going out of his way to choose and pick the clothing for him. Why did things have to turn out this way.. Before he realized it, tears were streaming down his face. Angrily he wiped them away, he hadn’t cried over his parents abandoning him, he won’t cry now. Taking a deep breath  he closed his eyes and focused on calming down. He could deal with this, he would just have to shut off his feelings and emotions. To become a cold man, just like Romeo was. Hakyeon couldn’t afford to waste time, he had to get dressed and get out of here. To get as far away as he could before someone found him. It was a difficult process to get dressed with only one hand, but he managed to do it. Standing up he smoothed out his clothes, he looked like a normal peasant. This would be great to blend in, quickly he threw his old clothes into the bag and swung it over his shoulder. It was time to leave and have as much distance as he could from Romeo. Thinking of the man, he padded the dagger he had taken from him. He hadn’t needed to take it but.. he wanted something of Romeo’s.. like a memento or something. It was stupid and foolish but he needed it. With his thoughts heavy he looked around and swiftly started running again.

[etxle-blog]

faith trust and pixie dust || hakyeon & le

[etxhakyeon-blog]

etxle

They walked in silence after the boy explained where she was from. LE was a little distracted in her head and usually didn’t have much of an attention span anyways. After he spoke again, she turned her head back to him and nodded. “Sure, I’ve been to the Kingdom of Future, yes. I don’t go a lot though. It’s very busy there compared to the other kingdoms. I prefer more peaceful settings. But we should consider ourselves of the lucky ones. Most people never leave their own town let alone their kingdom.”

He had never thought of it that way but Le was right, “ah that is true~ I do enjoy traveling to other kingdoms. I like some things about the Kingdom Future, but I have to agree with you I prefer the other kingdoms that are relaxed and peaceful.” What he liked the most about the Future Kingdom had to be all the technology, manly his beloved gps and the ac/heater. If he could forever travel with both, he might never stop traveling. “its a shame tho, that not many travel around, one should see more of the land and learn a little about everything.” This had been the first time he had talked this much with a stranger, well to be more correct, with anyone. It was a nice change of pace having someone else to walk and talk with. “You were on a business trip...?” Hakyeon couldn’t help but wonder why a young woman would be traveling so late at night, it definitely wasn’t safe.

[ettaecyeon-deactivated20160512]

Potatoes

[etxhakyeon-blog]

ettaecyeon

“I don’t recall, ever exchanging names – “

Finally! The overriding courage has finally worked through, and words finally depart but he begins to reflect. What the heck, was with those choice of words? Truly pathetic.

When he saw the man approaching him, Hakyeon was surprised to see him again. They had first met at the Future Kingdom, for some  reason they both awkwardly smiled and waved at each other like they had been buddies this whole time, but up till now they had never even spoken. At least the stranger had had the courage to speak, all Hakyeon had been able to do so far was wave back awkwardly and smile. The man standing in front of him seemed to feel just as awkward as Hakyeon always did. While Hakyeon was able to be all smooth in his scouting, meeting people and being social was something that Hakyeon just didn’t know how to do.

Hakyeon always wondered how people were able to meet strangers and be able to have conversations so easily. Its as if he missed the dna strand needed to being social. Bringing his attention back to the stranger in front of him he felt the corners of his lips awkwardly curving upwards.

Rubbing the back of his neck he continued to smile awkwardly before he replied, “Hakyeon. I mean.. no we haven’t..” Coughing he took a deep breath before starting again, “We haven’t exchanged names.. not yet, or I  did just  tell you mine just now but yeah..” He was making himself sound like an idiot, mentally Hakyeon wanted to slap himself. “I am Cha Hakyeon, its a pleasure to meet you, and you would be?” He should have said its an awkward pleasure to meet you cause they were both acting like weirdos. Hakyeon already felt a connection with him, like the awkward bro buddies or something.

He chuckled to himself which made him seem like a creep. Hakyeon  chuckled cause he was thinking of the awkward bro buddies thing but theres no way the other man would know such thing, no to the stranger, Hakyeon was just a weirdo chuckling for no reason.

The man would probably forever refer to him as the chuckling weirdo from now on..

[etxhakyeon-blog]

~*~

[etxhakyeon-blog]

etxjungkook

“I don’t think it’s many peoples thing, honestly.” He eyed those around them as well, sighing softly but he’d gotten used to being around mass amounts of people by now, even if there were countless times he’d prefer his own company and to isolate himself. That was a shock to most he knew. “You really are, but it’s your fault for bringing up the old man thing when you’re still young.” He shook his head at that. “Chinese it is, lucky I’m at least a regular at this place by now, so come on.” He smiled, gesturing for the elder to fall him as he began a normal pace to get to the edge of the campus, while avoiding the crowds so much as he could.

Swiftly they avoided the crowds of campus as they made their way out of the gate. “Man is it always this crazy and with people running all over the place?!” it was hard to imagine having to deal with such craziness every day. Laughing he eyed the younger man, “don’t be hating on my reflexes! those were some of my smoothest moves ever~!” He joked around with Jungkook as they walked together. “ah but it gets boring having to always boost your own ego! I’m forever patting my own back!” it was sad but true, he barely ever talked with others so if he ever needed some cheering up or something, he had to do it himself. Lately he came to realize that he sort of lived a hermits life with the way he always kept to himself. That realization had scared him a bit, he had cut himself off from everyone too much, but at the same time, approaching people and befriending them proved to be too difficult for him. At least with Jungkook it always seemed easy to hang out with him.

“Well, you’re a genius to me~ ah really? for some reason I imagined you could handle being in the classroom, but i am not surprised to hear you’re at the top of the class” It was nice talking about normal life things, it wasn’t something Hakyeon was used to so he was sure he was sounding awkward, thankfully Jungkook was too nice to ever point it out. The next words Jungkook said saddened him, it was true people never stuck around it was much easier to lose them then to have someone stay with you. It was useless to think back on all the people he had lost throughout the years, there were too many of them. “you know what I say?” He spoke softly, “the people that don’t stick around are not worth your thoughts, its only the ones that stay with you that are the ones to be treasured.“ Smiling he gestured with his right hand as if he had some magic wand in his hand, “there you go~ Some wise words from Hakyeon the sage!” Hakyeon couldn’t believe the next words he heard. Jungkook had quit because of an accident. With a sigh he looked at the younger man and spoke softly, “I’m sorry to hear that. I’m sure it must have been a difficult moment and a tough decision to make, I’m sorry I wasn’t there to offer support as you went through this.”

Now that he knew that Jungkook had quit being an assassin, Hakyeon regretted lying to him and not telling him that he too had quit that side of his life. In a way it was better this way, better to quit because of an accident instead of the guilt he felt or even worse, death catching up to you. “Not bringing up the old man thing again haha!” Clearing his throat he softly bumped his shoulder against the younger mans one and smiled, “a regular huh? is there a special someone working there and thats why you’re a regular~?” Hakyeon joked and teased Jungkook in order to make him forget about what happened while an assassin. For once they could both forget about the past and enjoy the present.

Looking ahead he easily spotted the Chinese place they were heading to and smiled. “Man I’m so hungry I could order everything on the menu! Its that one up ahead, right?” He pointed ahead as they kept walking. The day was nice and the soft breeze felt nice as it weaved through is hair. “you know, totally random, but I’m not looking forward to summer and the intense heat.” Making a face he rubbed his chin before moving to the left and avoiding stepping into a puddle. Summer was his least favorite season, If it was up to him, it would forever be autumn or spring! Not too cold, or not too hot, just perfect.

[etxhakyeon-blog]

He wasn't an enemy, he was a nemesis

[etxhakyeon-blog]

etxjungmin

He watched the other and sat down, his fingertips lightly grazing over the man’s skin as he whispered. “It was nice to have meet you, Hakyeon. We’ll certainly meet again in whatever hell we both end up in.” And saying so, Romeo plunged his dagger towards Hakyeon’s chest.

Hakyeon could not understand what was happening. He found himself falling onto the floor and hurting his hand when by instinct he reached up to catch himself. “I... I don’t understand” His entire body ached with a pain starting from the center of his chest.  This was not the first time he felt such pain, the first time it came when he watched the backs of his parents walk away from him, the other times were when he would dream of that girl.. “this has got to be a lie!!! you.. you care about me.. I saw it in the way you cared for me.. in the way you tenderly touched my hair.. no.. I... I..” Nothing made sense, how could he have been so wrong about Romeo. Could he have been so hungry for affection that he failed to realize how everything was ridiculous. That there was no way that they could have that fairy tale ending. Hakyeon felt like his heart had been shattered to pieces, how could this happen. With his left hand he grasped at his chest as if to stop the pain, as if he could stop the hole he could feel opening up in his chest. With a sob he held back the tears he could feel forming in his eyes, how could he have been so foolish. Hakyeon looked into the eyes of the man he thought he would spend his future with. “No no, this can’t be happening” he told himself, but the truth was that it was and Romeo never loved him. Romeo’s voice was so cold and filled with  hate, and his eyes so filled with disgust, hate and maybe a little madness. How had it all gone wrong this way, he never should have told him of his past as an assassin. There was no other way, to survive, he would have to kill Romeo. The man knew too many secrets,  no matter how much Hakyeon had loved him, now he must die. Hardening his heart once more he stared at the man in front of him and spoke in a harsh voice, “you are correct, my dear fellow. I made the biggest mistake of my life in trusting you and believing we could ever have a future together.” Tossing his head back he laughed a dry laugh before recovering himself. It was a shame it had to come to this, but Hakyeon would make sure to make his heart turn to stone once more. “I must agree, it was nice to meet you. Even if I did end up with a branded hand~!” He smirked and held his hand up. “I do not regret it tho, for a while I actually believed that I could have a love and someone to trust. It was nice.. “ Hakyeon narrowed his eyes as he stared at the man, “but it was all fake, you have chosen to turn your back on me just like everyone else!!” Hakyeon didn’t even see the dagger that Romeo had hidden in his cloak, but thanks to his reflexes he was able to reach out and grab Romeo by his wrist. “You think you could kill me~? Hahaha, don’t make me laugh.” He smirked as he easily took the dagger out of the judges hand and slowly stood up. “don’t worry, I’m planning to return this to you.” With a yell he pushed Romeo onto the bed, climbing on top of him and pinning Romeo down with his legs and body. “Check mate~!” He looked at Romeo with eyes filled with hate as he moved to stab Romeo straight in his heart with a force he had never used on anyone before. At the last second when he felt the dagger tip digging into Romeo’s clothes he stopped himself. Shaking he stayed unmoving as he stared at Romeo, the dagger still pointed at the man, Hakyeon couldn’t do it.. His eyes clouded as he pulled away from the bed, quickly he grabbed the sheets of the bed and wrapped them around Romeo’s legs. He couldn’t kill the man he loved, but he would stop him from following him out. Quickly he grabbed the bag of ointments from the table and the bag with the clothing and provisions. “I really did love you.. “ he said softly before running out of the shack.

[etxhakyeon-blog]

He wasn't an enemy, he was a nemesis

[etxhakyeon-blog]

etxjungmin

But royal family did not have this excuse, they were educated and powerful. Looking up at Hakyeon, he then stood up, gathering his cloak around himself as if it would protect it from the answer of the question he was going to ask, when he was really simply getting his dagger out for if someone had to kill Hakyeon, it would be no one but him, and not some executioner. “Tell me, Hakyeon, why did you kill them…? I mean the royal families, they gave you reasons, didn’t they ?” He sat on the mattress, gesturing for Hakyeon to come closer as he whispered. “Come and lie with me, for once in my whole life, I feel like I need to be held.”

And those words were the truth, he needed someone to hold him and to wipe away the tears that would soon be shed. But not Hakyeon, for Hakyeon would be dead by then.

Relief passed through Hakyeon when Romeo tightened his hold around him. He knew it, he knew that Romeo would remain by his side. All the fear he had felt was for nothing, releasing a long sigh he smiled, finally he had found the one for him. He almost felt like laughing, how could he have doubted Romeo in the first place. It was clear by the way he took such great care of Hakyeon that the judge would remain with him.  Now they had a wonderful future to look forward to! One where he would do his everything to help Romeo catch the felons and bring them to justice. However, all the questions that passed through Romeo’s lips made the back of Hakyeon’s neck hair stand on end. To spill such secrets was something that an assassin should never, never do. No matter if they were tortured for days weeks or months, those secrets had to remain that, secrets. But how could he not tell Romeo all that he requested, earlier Hakyeon had remained quiet and it had hurt the judge so much.. No, he couldn’t put Romeo through such pain again, he will answer all of Romeo’s questions. “In my case, yes. All my missions came from the royal couple. For me, my missions were for people that were untouchable by the law.” He left out how he was sure that some of the victims had been people in the way of some plan or something. Those were the victims that haunted him the most, cause they didn’t seem all  evil to him. Most tho, reminded him of the  merchant and thus he enjoyed slitting their throats. Hakyeon had been made to be the perfect assassin and yet at the same time he wasn’t. He was full of perfections and flaws, Hakyeon was the perfect contradiction. Shaking his head he cleared his thoughts. Talking about the past like this made him feel uneasy, like something wasn’t right, but everything was right. Here he was, with Romeo. The man was holding him close and was going to remain by his side. “I was never given any reasons, i was just given a name, sometimes I was told the day and the place, other times it was up to me, the when and where. I was never to ask anything else. The less I knew the better in case I was to be captured.” He tried to explain it all to Romeo in a way that the judge would not feel bad about it, after all, everyone was working for the good of the people. To protect the kingdom. Carefully he laid down with Romeo, wincing softly when he forgot about his right hand. Gently he enveloped the man into his arms, pulling him close. “They never laughed at you, never. Don’t forget that you and the royal couple serve to protect the people and fight for justice. Sometimes extreme actions are needed and thats when I would step in.” For some reason the feeling of uneasiness would not leave him. By instinct he glanced around the small shack, taking in the furniture, their placement and were everything was kept. It somehow calmed him to study the shack this way. In life one must always be ready for plan b, and it looks like that lesson, was still implanted into him. Assassin’s knew well that one should always know their surroundings and all possible means of escape. There was no need of one now, but it brought the calmness that Hakyeon needed. This was also the first time ever telling another soul everything and that must be from where the spring of uneasiness had sprung from. Up till now he had no one he could trust with the secrets that were deep in his soul. It felt so new and scary, this opening up, but this was just the beginning for them. Now that everything was bared, they could focus on their future together. Tenderly he combed his fingers through Romeo’s hair, they would take care of each other from now on. “I’m glad I was able to totally open up this way to you, its scary, but at the same time I feel a peace come through me.” and yet the uneasiness stayed with him, by instinct he kept his back by the open side of the bed not the one that was facing the wall. Hakyeon would need to train himself to relax and not have his assassin instincts come between his thoughts of Romeo and their future together. “I am now serving you and together we will serve justice. No one will stand in our way and this shall become the safest kingdom of them all. I can just see it, our future of justice”

[etxle-blog]

faith trust and pixie dust || hakyeon & le

[etxhakyeon-blog]

etxle

She didn’t really care if he expressed his appreciation nor did she care to sleep anymore seeing as she didn’t know if she could trust this Hakyeon in the night. She shook her head. “No, I just travel around a lot. I’ve been to every kingdom, most villages, it’s tiring but I guess I like the exploration.” LE spoke casually, even managing a small smile, she wasn’t going to give away too much of herself especially since she barely knew the other. “I’m from the Kingdom of Knowledge, that’s where we’re heading around now, so I’’m most often around here.”

“Ah, so thats your kingdom. I’m from the Kingdom of Future, I assume you’ve been there before because of your travels? Its a very different kingdom from all the others.” Since she had shared with him that she was from the Kingdom of Knowledge he decided to share where he was from as well. He saw no harm in that. Quietly they kept walking, the only sounds was the crunching of leaves and branches as they moved along. It wasn’t one of those awkward silences, but a comfortable one. Which was odd in itself cause they had just met, and yet he felt comfortable.  “I travel a lot too. I’ve been to every kingdom. Its nice meeting a fellow traveler”

[etxhakyeon-blog]

~*~

[etxhakyeon-blog]

etxjungkook

“Nah, I’m good I think, I can drop my stuff off later. You don’t want to go to college, it’s not exactly fun. Plus, there’s too many people around here.” Though, thinking about the elder being a college student amused him a little because he’d never thought about that, though it was curious. Originally, Jungkook hadn’t even thought about college or further studies, but apparently things didn’t go the way you think sometimes, and so here he was. “Yah, you’re really into putting yourself down for being old today, aren’t you? The only suggestions I have are a quiet coffee shop a few streets down, or if we want food then there’s a terribly great Chinese place a little further down. I think those are like the only two places I like to go around here, I don’t go out much to places.”

“That is the plan! I plan to not drop off any time soon. Plush with my cat like reflex, I can’t be dropped off.” He joked as he made some smooth moves, like he was dodging an invisible enemy or something and laughed. “Wait, wait wait. No man!” He reached out and ruffled the younger man’s hair, “thats what you get for agreeing with me about being old! Don’t you know you’re supposed to deny me being old for my own ego!” Jungkook was the only one he felt at ease with and could even joke around with. “I always thought you a little genius with your literature studies and stuff. As for myself...” he made a clicking sound with his tongue before continuing, “I just can’t see myself sitting in a small room with an old professor talking in a monotone voice!  I don’t know man, I feel trapped just thinking about it!” That was one reason he enjoyed being a scout, he had pretty much all the freedom he wanted as long as he served the royal couple, and he swore to always serve and obey them. He noticed the change of expression as soon as the career was mentioned and this worried him. Had being an assassin been as hard on Jungkook as it had been on him? “yeah.. its been some rough couple of years.. I promise to come see you all the time from now on. So often that you will complain about me being around too much”  He joked and tried to lighten the mood, it felt like he had saddened Jungkook and he felt guilty about it. The time right before quitting being an assassin had been the hardest for him. Hakyeon practically had a mental breakdown and everywhere he would go, he could see the eyes of his victims in everyone he met. For a while he tried to keep at it, to push the guilt away but he just couldn’t.  He didn’t know how to explain it all to Jungkook when Hakyeon hadn’t denied still being in the business. A look of surprise took over his facial features, “you what? you quit...? I am.. very surprised to hear that.. I mean, you were really the best, and at such an early age too..” If Jungkook had come and punched him several times in his stomach, he would have been less surprised. “may I ask why...?” Hakyeon was afraid of the answer.. he didn’t want to know if Jungkook had faced the same guilt, and yet he had to know. With a heavy sigh he placed his hand on the younger man’s shoulder and gave a comforting squeeze. “yeah...” He eyed all the people around them. “Being surrounded by so many people is not my thing, I can’t go to college..” Making a face he rubbed his face with his left hand, “ahh, am I starting to sound like a real old man? oh my god, that needs to be changed! As for your suggestions, can we do the Chinese place? I’m starving! Then if we want we can always go to coffee, or save it for another time~” Laughing he took a couple of steps before looking back at Jungkook, “show me the way, oh young one~ and same! I don’t go  out often either, hence my random walking around this morning.”

[etxhakuravi-deactivated20160726]

Kounryusui

[etxhakyeon-blog]

etxhakuravi

“You seem quite sure of yourself, sir. I’m beginning to sense you are not going to leave this be are you?” He let Hakyeon pull him along, because well why not? It wasn’t hurting him, and it would hurt the other man much more if Ravi used his natural strength and the water in the air around them to resist being dragged along for what ever adventure Hakyeon was rather brashly planning. Furthermore, Hakyeon was heading for the main gate and down the mountain side Ravi assumed so that in itself was a bonus. Leaving was leaving. The man would be gone and the ladies would stay safely in their beds. He could always shake the human in the depths of the forest later, evade any of his questions until then and eventually run back to Peony River if need be, but for now he let his growing curiosity win over any caution. Besides Ravi was rather interested to know how the human planned to carry out his grand rescue plan when the villagers residing at the end of this mountainside weren’t really keen on having strangers in their midst. “I’m not afraid Mister Hakyeon, sir, but do you really think this is wise? The villagers are not going to help you with your task. What makes you think I need rescuing? After all in every kingdom even the more "advanced” and liberal ones, slave trading is still very much a legal venture–owning slaves is legal…“liberating” slaves, well that funny enough is rather illegal.“

“yes, protect you, I won’t let harm come to you” Ravi seemed to be quite an interesting fellow and Hakyeon found it hard to figure him out. He didn’t act like a scared slave, but he didn’t act like one of those broken doll slave either. It was almost like he was his own man, which didn’t make sense cause never once did Ravi stop Hakyeon in his talking about him needing a rescue. If Ravi was a freed slave, he would have told Hakyeon about it by now, why keep this up. Unless, thats exactly what he wanted. Ravi wanted Hakyeon to keep assuming things and he was actually hiding something else.  Hakyeon looked into Ravi’s eyes, the man always kept his expression clear. No matter, he would take him to a safe place then Hakyeon would take his time to figure things out. Holding on to Ravi’s hand, Hakyeon took off running. The man easily kept up with him which was no surprise with the god like reflexes he had shown earlier. “I actually do believe you could defend yourself, I mean just those reflexes you showed me earlier would be enough to get away from anything, and yet you have the mark of a slave on your hand..” He couldn’t understand how Ravi had been caught and marked given those reflexes of his, he was a mysterious man and this really intrigued him. They kept running, dodging among the trees and making quick time away from the bath house. At this pace they could easily get to the next village in no time. At the next words Ravi spoke Hakyeon couldn’t help it but to burst out laughing. “you are seriously talking to me about what is legal..?” He had to stop to look at Ravi, “a man that just a little while ago climbed over your wall, trespassing into the bath house, and you yourself thought I was some burglar or something..?” Still holding on to the younger man’s hand he started walking again, at a fast pace. “I was actually pondering about that. Do you need rescuing~? You have the mark of the slave, which you tried to keep hidden, and yet you act like a man on his own with no master. You are as evasive at answering questions as I am, and thats saying a lot.” Chuckling he looked back to make sure Ravi was keeping up alright, which of course he was. “As for the villagers, I do not care if they would be willing to help out or not. I don’t need their help, I can easily take you to safety on my own.” At a very young age he learned that villagers would easily turn a blind eye to anything, even a child being beaten in the middle of the street, as long as it didn’t involve them. While some other villagers would turn their own mother in if it meant looking good for the master or whoever was in charge of the village. Humans were the worst monsters of them all. From the corner of his eyes, he studied Ravi, he just couldn’t figure out what was in the younger man’s head, his mannerism and what he was saying didn’t make sense.  A mystery inside a mystery, that was Ravi. “I know quite well how to hide from any master, he would never find you again. In my kingdom tattoo artist can hide away the slave tattoo so no one would ever need to know.  I can find you a job and I will pay for you if you would like to get education at the kingdom of future, thats where I’m from.” He looked up at the sky to gauge the time and their direction, if they kept going this way, they would be in the closest village in on time. ”I do realize that in every kingdom slave owning is legal and that disgusts me. Do you really think I am a man that would be stopped by whats legal and whats not...?” He arched his eyebrow up and chuckled, “I couldn’t give a damn if its legal to liberate a slave or not, if I could, I would save them all and put an end to this slave business.” Picking up the pace he led Ravi through the forest and towards safety, he would make sure the younger man would have the life hes always wanted and not have any master controlling him.

[etxhakyeon-blog]

He wasn't an enemy, he was a nemesis

[etxhakyeon-blog]

etxjungmin

He lifted himself up, pressing his face against Hakyeon’s chest, letting some more tears fall from his eyes, wetting the material of the shirt as Romeo simply whispered, his fingertips holding on to Hakyeon’s, “Tell me about your past, do not hurt me anymore, I beg of you.”

Seeing his Romeo like this broke his heart, how could he, Hakyeon, bring so much pain to the man he loved. Sobbing he pulled Romeo into his arms and held him tightly, nuzzling his face into Romeo’s neck. “I do trust you, I do!! I will tell you everything about me and leave nothing out!!” Taking a deep breath he leaned his head back and tenderly wiped away Romeo’s tears, Hakyeon would never forgive himself for making him cry and despair like this. “I have told you everything about my childhood, but I did leave out the next 10 years of my life..” He won’t hold anything back, he will tell Romeo everything. He now knew how much Romeo loved him and wanted to be with him and would for sure forgive everything he had done in his past. “After I ran away, I hid out at this one house, it looked abandoned but inside I found it filled with foods. Hungry as I was, I ate everything I could. At first I made myself throw up, my stomach was not used to so much food at once. So I went and found a change of clothes before I ate again. That  time I was able to keep the foods down.” As he thought back on that day he realized it had been both a blessing and a curse. Tenderly he rubbed Romeo’s back as he continued the story, “with a full tummy and finally able to relax, I fell asleep at the kitchen table. I woke up with a knife pointed to my neck. You can’t even imagine the fear I felt within me, I had run away only to have my neck cut open. That man stared at me and demanded answers and so I blurted out everything that had happened to me up to that moment. I don’t know why, but that man took pity on me and he took care of me and raised me. I tried finding my parents, but I never did. As for the merchant, I have no idea where he’s at.” Closing his eyes, Hakyeon rested his head against Romeo shoulder, as he spoke his breath tickled against the judges crook of the neck. “Being saved by him was a blessing, but not everything comes without a price. I was forced to enter into his chosen profession... and because I knew I owed him everything I had, I excelled at it and became the best” For the first time in his life he was ashamed of the man he had become, for letting that man force that profession onto him like that. Before Romeo, he had never thought he would feel such remorse such as now. Swallowing his saliva down nervously he took his time to speak the next words. “I... I.. I became an assassin...” He was afraid to do so but he still looked into Romeo’s eyes, his love would forgive him, Hakeyon had put all his trust into this man and knew he would never betray him. “I hated it.. I was excellent at killing, fast and nimble, but at night.. the eyes of the people that I killed would haunt me. After several years I was broken down, each time I killed someone I would end up holding them in my arms and cry for their passing life. For the life that I had taken away, I gave them no choice, I followed my orders without even thinking twice. I am not proud of myself...” With a deep sigh he ran his fingers through Romeo’s hair, Hakyeon had found happiness. Someone to share everything with. “When I could take it no more, I begged the royal couple to let me quit, but of course they were against it at first, but they too took pity on me. And so I became a scout, lying and deceiving people is much easier than killing, it hurts no one if I sneak in and spy on things. My hands were not stained by blood anymore.” Smiling he took Romeo’s hands in his and spoke with his heart, “and now, thanks to you, I am a new man. I can start anew with you, be by your side and help the side of justice. We will work together and live together. For once I am looking forward to my future, to our future”