It was alluring, light a brush against her senses that was both inviting and terrifying. Terrifying because it was like nothing she had ever felt before in her life. But she still followed the draw, listening for the sound, hoping it would sound again and praying that it wouldn’t. She realized that this was a part of the academy she had never been to, as she found herself being silly, counting her steps as she took the stairs, staring over when she reached the top. There was this thick sense of something in the air, magic, maybe. Something irresistible. Something she needed to figure out, to explore and understand. She was Dragonkin after all. And curiosity was her Achilles heel.
Twenty-two…she paused, eyeing the corridor it seemed to loom ahead of her as she stared down, chewing her bottom lip in reverie. Her foot seemed to take a step forward without her ever deciding to do so, her natural instinct to explore overriding her heads natural inclination towards being cautious and safe.
The paintings on the wall were in a word unnerving, with eyes that seemed to always be on her. It caused the hair on the back of her neck to stand up, goosebumps spreading across her flesh, these ancient portraits. These nameless beings were watching her, like guardians of the corridor. As much as she was frightened of it, she was also bewitched. What was so important that this corridor had to exist? What was she going towards?
The space was so small compared to so much else of the academy, just large enough for maybe two people, and she was happy to be alone, the feeling of claustrophobia would have been so much more intense. So much more foreboding.
When the corridor broke, opening to a large room the girl gasped a breath, the statues that guarded the door were so beautiful, only outdone by the paintings on the wall which begged for her mind to reach out and trace her fingers along each painted character. To walk the circumference until she knew each face, each activity. And then, the room out-did itself once more with the stained glass windows that splashed color upon her face and across the ground.
The sound of rushing liquid led her to turn, and then to be repulsed by the red flow that spouted from the fountain. Is that blood? Her mind reeled. The space felt so ethereal, like a scene from a fairy tale, the kind of energy she always imagined belonged to that of a fairy circle or in a warlocks practice space. And yet here it was, no magical creature to be seen, and the magic poured from the very walls in waves.
Finally turning her attention to the door, grey and looming, sparkling with gems, she took a slow measured step towards it, letting her hand reach out to caress the sparkling gems within. She stopped herself, just short of touching the door. Fingers hovering over the cool grey, like a cobra poised to strike, the urge to knock so strong it caused her fingers to twitch. Instead, she stepped back, and cleared her throat. “H-hello…” After a pause she tried again. “Is…well is anyone in there?”
It was then she realized that the door was slowly opening, creeping forward inch, by inch. It felt like her entire body had frozen as it slowly reveled a tall hooded figure, her only response being another enchanting laugh that caused her to shudder at its proximity.
The girl wiped her hands dry, the last traces of water disappearing from her skin as she quietly moved about the room, collecting her things, careful not to leave any trace of herself behind with the exception of the non-perishable snacks she left on the low table with a can of green tea. It was likely that anyone privy to the relationship between herself and the Genie Meevs would misunderstand it. Especially if they didn't know her very well. Making him dinner and putting him to bed could be painted as romantic. But that wasn't why she did it. Her motivations were pure. She put him to bed this evening for the same reason that she'd sacrificed her lunch for him earlier that day, and for the same reason he was the only one she'd told about her birthday. It was because he was family.
Shaken out of her reverie as the Genie in question shifted restlessly in his sleep. Her bag was open, waiting for her to finish packing her things as book rested in her lap forgotten. It was sad to see him so worn down, so obviously in distress. It was even more sad when she realized there was nothing she could really do to help, except offer support where she could, and hope he'd find a way through it when she couldn't. Pulling a piece a paper from her notebook she wrote out a quick note, letting it rest beside the food as she finally packed the last of her things and stood. "Sweet dreams, Miyavi-ssi," she called softly so as not to wake him up. "Don't be afraid, you aren't alone."
When she was sure she hadn't woken him so left the room, closing and locking the door behind herself, putting her coat and scarf on only after she was safely out of ear shot. He needed all the rest he could get. She couldn't guarantee him more than eight hours of sleep. She had sat at the low table in his room, pushing her own exhaustion aside as she studied. He had fallen asleep so quickly after dinner, sleeping so peacefully that she couldn't find it in herself to leave, so she hadn't. Instead she worked through her own homework. Battle tactics blending into Criminology, and her homework for sewing and fashion design. By the time she'd moved light was peaking in through the window, spilling across the table.
She was stiff from sitting still for so many hours, getting up to close the blinds and splash water on her face before checking the time. Six AM was an awful time to still be awake at on a Thursday. There was a full day of classes ahead of her that wouldn't care if she hand't slept or not.
The morning air was cold, instantly causing a shiver to tremble through her frame as she made her way silently to her own dorm to shower and change. Then maybe she would go to the cafe in town for coffee, there was no doubt she would need it. Stifling a yawn behind her hand as the Terra building loomed before her she smiled. Taemin would be awake soon. Maybe she would make him something for breakfast before she left for the cafe...
Exhaustion weighed heavy on the Dragons shoulders as she exited the dance studio, her bag seemed to weigh more than usual as it tugged download, digging almost painfully into her flesh. In her exhausted daze, she couldn't for the life of her remember what she had been working on that evening, or even how long she had been in the dance class room.
Judging by the darkness that surrounded her, and the tepid night air Shinhye could only assume that tonight like so many others would prove restless and disappointing. As she walked out of the comforting glow of light offered through the Windows of the main campus building the petite girl had the Sudden sense that something wasn't quite right though she couldn't put her finger on why that was.
Each footfall echoed, hollow and daunting. Daring her to go forward while at the same time warning her against it. The brunette couldn't understand what was causing her unease, after a month at the academy, nothing had caused her to feel so on edge as she was feeling this evening.
Moving to adjust the strap on her aching shoulder, nothing but the soft knit of her sweater met her fingertips, and the girl turned her head, starring in confusion at the bare shoulder. The pain was becoming more intense, harder to ignore and she wondered if maybe she hadn't gotten hurt doing dance practice as nimble fingers clutched her shoulder, a soft whimper escaping her lips. She just needed to get to her dorm room, maybe Taemin would take a look for her, and tomorrow she could get to the nurse.
Continuing to walk, she noted how dark it had suddenly become, the temperature around her seeming to plummet, causing the Dragon to shiver, arms wrapping tightly against her body, her ribs a solid pressure against her forearms as she walked, the echo of her footsteps becoming louder and louder, until they were defining. "Don't go that way". The voice caused her to jump, shocking rocketing through her limbs, causing the girl to go still, arms dropping to her sides. She was dreaming. Every fiber of her being begged her to wake up. This was one of the new nightmares. The linger ones that scared her even during the waking hours.
As she stood timorous, Shinhye became aware of a soft sound. A revolting thwack that reverberated softly, getting stuck in her mind. A few delicate drips were shattered by a drip that was heavier, like water dropping into a pool. She felt paralyzed, stuck watching as her breath rolled from her lips in a billow of condensation that reflected a light that she couldn't find.
A gurgle left her lips as she tried to speak, to gasp, to say anything, but like the rest of her body, her vocal chords failed to rise to the occasion, throat constricted in terror. What do I do? Her thoughts echoed so loudly in the silence, the soft dripping feeding the apprehension in her blood. Somewhere in the darkness a door creaked, slamming closed. "Run," the voice urged. "RUN!" Her legs trembled, wide eyes staring into the inky black before her. She could feel it. What ever 'it' was it came towards her, its very presence pushing down on her one, surrounding and enveloping her.
Hearing another drip, she managed to tilt her head downward, staring in morbid wonder as dark crimson liquid rolled down her arm, collecting on her finger tips in droplets before cascading to the ground, smacking the cement in a nauseating melody that had her breath coming in short panicked gasps. As a frozen putrid breeze picked up, she could smell the metallic twang of blood. "Don't just stand there, run!"
Something inside of her seemed to snap to life, and she quickly turned on her heel, ignoring the pain in her shoulder as she charged in the opposite direction. The presence was closer, closer than was comfortable, and with it came a smell she couldn't place. A strong putrid stench, like rotting meat It was a smell that soured her stomach, each breath making the girl gag as she tried to run faster, pushing her legs to move as the night air clung to the exposed skin of her face, neck and hands and seeped through the wet wool of her sweater.
Hurry and wake up, her mind echoed. Just hurry and wake up. But her body seemed to have another idea. She ran for the light that still shone out the window from the main building. In front of her she could clearly see the dance room, the window on the second floor a soft glow from inside beckoning her inside, to safety. To freedom.
She cried out, toppling forward as her cries echoed in her ears, hitting the pavement hard. She could feel the flesh tear on her palms, hissing in pain as her knee knocked against the blacktop shooting a mind numbing ache up her spin. The Dragon's body ached as she managed to slowly roll over. Her hands felt hot and numb, immobilized by the fresh injuries and she didn't even try to move them. She could tell there was something wrong with her knee, but she didn't dare to look, eyes rolling upward to examine what she had tripped on.
A scream died in her throat, leaving her alone with the hallow beating of her heart filling her ears as she stared dumbstruck at the cold dead eyes that seemed to be watching her. His body, so poetic in motion was broken, twisted and contorted, a pool of blood cooling around him. Hair that was usually so perfect was matted and spiked, sticking up in every which way a chaotic patter that seemed to have no reason, too dark against his bloodless skin that shone orange in the fading light.
There was a frozen fear in his eyes that made her feel her tremble. "Keep moving," the voice urged, but she was beyond the point of being able to escape. Tears streamed hot down her cheeks, burning the frozen skin. Through the the sound of her heart beat she was aware of a soft scraping that approached from the darkness. The being she had been running from just a few moments before was close, so close the air was turning putrid. Motion caught her eye and she looked down, watching in disbelief as the body started to twitch, a rush of breath and the crack of broken bones in motion filling the dead air as it started to crawl towards her, dead eyes fixed upon her face as locked fingers clawed at the cementer dragging the broken heap towards her.
Shinhye pulled herself back, determined to avoid the groping hands each move shot pain through her leg, and she grit her teeth, frantically pushing herself backwards until her back collided hard with something solid. A low growl filled her ears, she could feel the vibration against her back, she sucked in a breath, as a hand gripped her watery eyes going wide with shock as she felt deathly cold hands grip her neck, the stench so thick in her nose she gagged feeling the needle fine points of claws pricking her skin. This is a dream. But even in her mind her voice trembled. Its just a dream. Wake up, Shinhye. Wake up.
She felt one of the hands tense, slipped to encircle her throat. Wake up. The fingers curled, claws causing her to shiver as the other used her legs to drag himself closer, and closer to her. WAKE UP. The claws pierced the top layer of flesh. "Why don't you die?"
Shinhye awoke with a scream, sitting straight up as she pushed herself off the mattress tumbling to the floor in a heap of sheets and limbs, beads of sweat clinging to her skin as she shook, breathless panicked sobs filling in the empty room...
Shinhye sat in her dorm room, having delivered all of the gifts she was going to give out for the holidays. Somehow she felt more light than she had in weeks. The homesickness was melting away, she was getting used to being at the Academy, and had picked up a few friends. It was starting to feel more like home.
Even though it didn't have her Grandmother or Grandfather, and her mother was no where to be found, being around people of her own age, being allowed to learn whatever struck her fancy and experience the holidays she was always told were inferior to her own families beliefs, it was doing wonders in helping her find her own way.
Looking over at her nightstand, she opened the drawer and pulled out the gift from Kuixian, her fingers smoothing over the box it was in, she carefully opened it, letting her eyes take it in, tracing the shape the floral shape of the diamonds and the round rubies.
It was his Grandmothers, that was what had struck her the most. Because it was one thing to buy someone a necklace, but to give her his grandmothers necklace. She smiled brightly, letting her finger gently smooth over one of the rubies. It had surprised her to know that she was considered so highly by the Veela. To be called his protection and prosperity, it added to the warm feeling that was keeping a smile tilting her lips. "Thank you, Oppa..." she breathed softly. She didn't think she would ever be able to wear it, she would be so afraid it would get lost or stolen, and it was too precious to meet such a fate.
Maybe for the New Year. Just one time she would take it out of its box and hang it around her neck. Because it was only polite to let him see her wear it at least one time. She didn't want the male to think she didn't like the gift. That wasn't the case at all. In all actuality it was the most beautiful thing the Dragon had ever owned. And she doubted she'd ever be given a gift as beautiful as the necklace again. Carefully closing the box again, she placed it lightly back in the drawer, making note to transfer it somewhere more secure soon. She pulled out the message he had written, her fingers lightly tracing over the letters.
Laughing softly, she shook her head, placing the note back on top of the box as well before she closed the drawer and picked up the remote, turning on the music she used to sleep, she turned off the bedside lamp, the lights from the small artifical tree she'd brought into the room twinkling brightly as she closed her eyes to sleep. Maybe tomorrow she'd drop in to say thank you in person. And to check on Calcifer. That seemed like a good plan.
Shinhye took a deep breath before she entered the shelter. Sure, this was a bit of a risky move. It was a Christmas gift that could also be seen as a burden, but she was willing to take the risk. At worse, she would have a new friend to play with. At best, the recipient of this particular gift would be just as thrilled to have him as she would be to keep him.
Pulling her hair up into a pony tale, she secured it in place before she entered the main building, bowing politely at the women who were working. "Hello," she greeted warmly. "I'm looking for a kitten." She allowed herself to be led through the shelter. All around she could hear the sound of animals, the far off sound of a dog yipping and howling in delight at being acknowledged and the soft mews coming from the cats. She knew it was a bit strange to come to the shelter looking for a kitten, and not a full grown cat, but she was looking for a very particular animal. He needed to be comfortable around someone of a different species.
He also needed to have a certain aesthetic, and temperament. She wasn't going to stop and purchase just any 'ol cat. It needed to be young, trainable, intelligent, and if she had anything to do with it, had to have socks.
She was taken to a row of cages that contained the younger cats that had been rescued. As she suspected, this was going to be harder than she though. If only because every kitten who was brave enough to lock eyes with her was adorable, and the Dragon realized suddenly that it would be a challenge not to take them all home with her. The first cage she looked into was filled with what she was told were bangle kittens. Light cats with dark spots and warm cream tones mixed into their fur. The second was Persians, fluffy white, black, grey and multi-toned cats. She thought they were cute, but shuddered to think of how much they would shed.
After them, were tabby cats, multiple colors in intricate patterns. One in particular was the same colors as a snickers candy bar, and she couldn't help but to stick her finger through the bars, gently scratching under its chin. "I hope you find a good home, little one," she breathed softly, smiling sadly as she moved on. She had seen kittens in every shade and variant before she finally stopped dead in her tracks. "Can I see this one?" She asked, and the woman smiled and nodded, opening the cage, gently scooping up the kitten and handing it to her. "It's male," she offered but gave no other information on the subject. Probably a mixed breed.
As she held him in her arms carefully he stared up at her with crystal blue eyes, his markings were black and white, simple and delightful. From the white whiskers that contrasted with the dark ebony of his cheeks to the the white fut that covered his paws giving him the illusion of socks, he was perfect. His eyes gave away a hint of intelligence, and he seemed to care as much about her being a Dragon as he did about the shelter worker being human. "This one." She nodded. "I will take this one."
It was a process to fill out the paper work, and it took much longer than expected as she was told of the kittens medical records, how it was up to date on shots, its birthday, that he was sixteen weeks old. She didn't care much about these things, but decided it was good to know as she accepted all of the things she would need to care for the kitten that could be bought on site. "What would you like to name him?" The elderly woman behind the desk asked as she got to the end of the paper work, and Shinhye dead panned for a moment.
Name him? That was difficult. She would have to pick a name that was just right. It couldn't be something stupid like 'Mittens' or 'Tuxedo Mask' though she was tempted on the later. Chewing her bottom lip, she went over what she knew of the half-Veela for whom the kitten was to be gifted to, and she felt like she'd been standing there forever before she finally looked up, a smile on her face and the light dancing in her eyes. It was the perfect name for the perfect cat, and the best friend she had to date save her roommate Taemin. "Calcifer." She grinned. "His name is Calcifer...."
The silence was so oppressive. Once she could remember musing that the silence that fell over the world with a fresh blanket of snow kissing the ground was soothing. That day was gone now.
The air was dry and harsh, stinging her skin as she leaned against the brick of the Terra dorm building, eyes downcast and shoulders slumped. She wanted so badly to break the silence, to look to her companion and smile like she had done so many times before; back when things weren't complicated and her main goal in life was just to make him smile. Shifting slightly, she tugged at the hem of her jacket, fingers playing with the fabric. As much as she wanted to speak, Shinhye knew that she simply couldn't find the words. Maybe he couldn't either, or maybe they just didn't need to be said.
Memories of the happy times passed in bright flashes through her mind. The way his lips tilted when he was happy. The spark in his eyes when he watched her dance. The sound of his voice when he was being sassy. They had such an easy friendship. That was probably the mistake. It was so easy, she forgot to worry about what would happen later. How she would handle the fallout.
Taking a heavy breath the Dragon felt the corners of her lips draw up into a sad smile. "Now would be a good time for you to be Princely," she advised daring to lift her head a fraction, letting it tilt to the side. "You being royalty and all." It was meant to be a joke, but the mood just didn't allow it, and the joke fell flat. Squaring her shoulders she stood a little taller, jacket catching on the stone as she straightened her posture. It was hard to figure out how they'd made it to the point when she could still feel the texture of his jacket against her cheek if she closed her eyes.
"Or...time for us to just go inside." Though she'd included him, she doubted he would go inside with her. He would probably return to his dorm, or the dance studio. If she was as good a person as he assumed her to be, she would. She'd put them both out of their misery and just go inside. Pretend it never happened, and that she didn't already know she was going to miss him terribly. "I didn't mean to, you know." She confessed, eyes falling back to the ground in defeat. Staring to have feelings for the male was never part of her plan. She didn't want a relationship either.
It just happened.
Without her consent. One day she woke up, met him in the hallway between classes and the world felt like it had been ripped up by the roots and tossed back down. Upside down, and a mess, and Shinhye couldn't figure out which way was up. She'd denied it for a long time. Had done her best to push it aside. And then it'd just come out. Really this was all her fault. "I'm sorry," was muttered as she let her hands fall to her sides, dejected.
Her hand was so close to his she could feel the soft head that radiated from his skin, and she let her hand inch closer to his until they were touching, and ache filling her chest. She let her hand rest against his, a little surprised when she felt his move, fingers brushing against the back of her hand. She allowed him to twine their fingers, holding his hands tightly. "Oppa..." She whispered, finally raising her eyes to his, blinking to keep the tears from her eyes as she smiled. "I am sorry."
That was the best explanation for why she was still awake when much of the campus had retreated to bed many hours ago, and were now sound asleep. She'd been checked on several times by the custodial staff, and each time, they reminded her she shouldn't be up. But if the more nocturnal students, such as the vampires could be awake, and wandering campus, then the Dragon say no reason why she herself shouldn't be allowed. Really though, she was just homesick.
Shinhye should have been hours ago. She was going to suffer for still being awake so late at night, but that wasn't enough to force her to leave the dance studio. She had shut off most of the lights, leaving the room mostly in shadows, outside the window she could still see the blinding white of snow, she was still weary of the weather, but it wasn't going to keep her indoors. Her hair was up in a messy pony tail, the hairs at the nape of her neck stuck to her skin, it took a lot to make a Dragon sweat, but she had been dancing for hours.
This was how she was taught. This was how she was raised. If you need to master a new skill, you practice. If you are sick, you practice. If your emotions are out of whack, you practice. And while it seemed outlandish to stand out in the cold and spar, dancing indoors was safe. So she had chosen a room, content to dance until the homesickness was gone, or her body was too exhausted to move another step. Currently the brunette stood hunched over, hands on knees as she worked to catch her breath. She had long since moved out of warming up, and into free form, making up routines as she went, letting her body twist, roll and serpentine to the beats of the CD she had found next to the player.
The music was different from what she was used to, and she was only now starting to realize how disconnected her family was from the world. Instead the classic Korean songs she was used to, were strong heavy bass beats, with primal drive that lit some fire in her gut, and forced her to move in ways she wasn't accustomed to, but that were also enchanting to the girl.
Standing, she took a deep breath, forcing her lungs to accept it, to hold it until her breathing calmed to normal. Brushing damp bangs from her forehead, she grabbed the little black square from the table, hitting play on the music she had previously paused for a break. She out the remote back down, taking her place as the new song filled the silent room, a heavy drum and and some synthesized music hitting her ears, and she let her body start to movie, her hips rocking to the beat, her foot work was fast to meet the musics demands as she took control of the floor space in the room, her trainers making little sound as she moved, her arms and hands seeming to have a mind of their own as they invented choreography where none existed.
By the time the song was done Shinhye was dropping to her knees, panting heavily. She couldn't tell if she felt any less homesick. Or if her emotions were any less strange than they had been when she'd started dancing. But she did know that her body wasn't going to let her push it any further tonight. Laying back she let her head fall to the side looking out at the snow blanketed campus and smiled. Even if she was homesick, and restless to see her family, the little Dragon couldn't deny how happy she was to be here. Taking a moment to calm her breathing once more, she pushed herself up from the ground, her tired body protesting the movement as she turned off the music and gathered her things to head out for a much needed shower.
