Summary: What do you get when five demigods are sent to the human realm as punishment for wreaking havoc on Olympus? Chaos. And a whole lot of trouble the mundane world is probably not ready to face, ever.
A/N: Yes, I am picking this up after three years.
PROLOGUE | Chapter 1
Son of Shadows | Jeno x Reader | Demigod!AU [Elysium Special]
Of Love & Lust | Jaemin x Reader | Demigod!AU [Elysium Special]
Tartarus. A primordial place of eternal damnation, the prison for monsters, creatures, and once powerful beings who have defied the powers of Olympus. For the modern mortals, it is a place that could be made equivalent to the concept of hell. People like you, however, were better informed.
Because Tartarus? It is so much worse.
You slammed your hands on the desk with a loud bang that echoed in the empty classroom. Outside, the noise of the greater student body sounded almost detached. Your glare swept across the room, as hot as the sun’s rays that scaled inside the stuffy space in slanted rays.
Seated in front of you were five boys, trying their best in various degrees to avoid your eyes. You counted them off one by one in your head and matched faces with names—part of a mundane practice you have come to adopt to calm yourself every time you were unfortunate enough to get wind of their latest bullshit.
Mark Lee, heir of Zeus, the God of all Gods.
Jeno Lee, son of Ares, Ruler of the Underworld.
Haechan Lee, offspring of Athena, Goddess of War and Wisdom.
Jaemin Na, child of Aphrodite, Goddess of Beauty and Love.
Renjun Huang, son of Ares, God of War.
A little over a month ago, these golden children of Olympus’ best were sent to Rosewood as an act of punishment from their godly parents for an unspecified trick they’ve pulled in the land of honey and ambrosia. Now, the academy for all half-gods is being evacuated and walled up because Tartarus, the last place in the cosmic universe that should open, is spitting out monsters to the mortal realm.
Summary: What do you get when demigods are sent to the human realm as punishment for wreaking havoc on Olympus? Chaos. And a whole lot of trouble the mundane world is probably not ready to face, ever.
PROLOGUE: The Beginning
DRABBLES: Son of Shadows (JENO) | Of Love & Lust (JAEMIN)
NOTE: I know Percy Jackson has picked up again with its new series, but despite some similarities, this fic is not inspired by the lore. I have never read any of the books. All real people mentioned in the story are only my uses. I do not imply any likeness between them and my characters. A lot of the concepts from the original mythology might also be changed to fit the plot. I do not allow any of my works to be shared anywhere else. I only have Tumblr.
“Say you’re given a chance to sit down with any deity and just talk to them for five minutes, who would you choose?”
You crinkled your nose and peered at your best friend from the comfort of the faded bean bag you are slumped on. The room was warm and the weather was making your eyelids droop, but you managed to shift a little on your seat to look at the boy who was currently playing self-catch by throwing a baseball against the wall. Yangyang looked equally bored as he flicked his wrist lazily with ease.
“Should it be a deity?”
“Well, yeah. It’s not like you see them every day.”
“You don’t get to see Princess Diana every day. Or Beyonce.”
Yangyang gave a snort.
“Beyonce’s still alive, Nugget.”
You reached out for the closest cushion pillow and threw it at the boy who effortlessly ducked to avoid it. You glared, but he simply laughed to brush you off.
“My point is that, why ask for a deity if there are aspiring people who I can get a chance to talk to?”
“Do you really hate the gods that much,” Yangyang asked with a slight frown creasing the top of his nose.
“Do you really love them that much, Beep?”
Now, it was his turn to scoff at the mention of his childhood nickname. Yangyang rolled his eyes before fully turning on his seat to face you.
“For someone who studies at Rosewood, you treat the celestial world with so much irony.”
That made you pause. Rosewood Institute… An academy that had centuries of history riding on its back. In the eyes of the world, it is a regular boarding school, albeit a shadowy one. For the chosen—or as what they call it—it is a fort that means so much more than any earthly concept.
Rosewood Institute is the frontier in the mortal world that serves as the learning nest of demigods and half-bloods.
Half-deities and children of anyone connected to the world beyond all pass through the halls of the school. While humanity has since moved on and cut ties with their connection to the gods, their legacy remains and walks among them secretly under shadows. The only exception from the half-bloods housed within the academy were the 'darlings of Olympus,' namely the children of the big honchos residing in Elysium itself.
For many, being a part of the community of demigods is a badge they wear with pride.
Well, except for you.
You don’t want to call it hatred, but as the daughter of a humble forest nymph, you stand in a place that still puts you in the viewpoint of someone destined to look up to those with ‘bigger lineages.’ Alas, big names can come with big egos, and so it has tarnished the way you live your life at the Institute every single day.
You slumped back in your seat now and stared at the dusty, aged ceiling of the room you and Yangyang call the Journalism Club. You wished his question was rhetoric, but the hanging silence told you that he is actually expecting an answer.
“I am just not all hot and excited about it. You already know why.”
Your best friend sighed. The sound of a ball bouncing against the wall started again from his side.
“Not all of them are bad, you know.”
“I’m not saying anyone is ba—”
The crashing sound of something heavy, followed by the shattering boom of breaking glass made you stop. Pulling yourself up from your seat in panic, you stared in shock at Yangyang who also looked frozen from surprise. It didn’t take long for the both of you to get what was happening, and soon enough, you were both scrambling out of the room without another word.
Scratch that. Every single one of these demigods ARE trouble.
*******
“What on earth is going on here?!” The billowing smoke from the room made you cough out your words as you barged through the door. You couldn’t see way past a few feet from the dust that was still settling, but you could make out moving shapes from behind the smoke screen. You squinted hard to make out what was happening when you saw an arm shoot out of nowhere to grab at something.
“What the hell, Haechan. You said you knew what you were doing!”
A few coughs came a little ways from your right.
“I was, I swear! I followed everything that was written in the book.”
“If you did, then how come you blew up half of the room?!”
“I might have read one of the words wrong—”
“You what?!”
“I'm dyslexic, okay!”
You blinked away the sting that was already making you start to tear up to properly make out what was in front of you. Now with more of the dust settled, you could finally put a face on the voices.
Huang Renjun, son of Ares, the God of War.
And Lee Haechan, child of Athena, the Goddess of Wisdom and Warfare.
Both locked up in what seemed to be a deathly grip—well, with more of the latter being strangled by the former.
“I am going to kick your a—”
“Hey. Stop. Is everyone okay?”
You jumped a little as a sudden creak came off from the corner followed by the sudden burst of light into the room. Somebody had enough sense to open a window, which made the rest of the smoke finally escape outside. Standing beside it was a boy with blonde hair that almost glowed like the sunlight.
Mark Lee. The heir of Zeus, ruler of the sky… and the God of all Gods.
“We’re good. But I don’t think the room is,” a dark-haired boy answered on behalf of the group as he toed a fallen chunk of plank from the ceiling. He turned it over with his booted foot, which only made the wood break into pieces again.
“You think? Everything is scorched off. I liked this room. Now we have to—oh… hello there, Princess.”
You froze in your place and glared at the other boy with silver platinum hair who smiled sweetly at you from where he stood. Upon his greeting, everyone in the group turned to look at you, as if it was their first time to notice you there.
“Uh-oh…” Haechan whispered under his breath as he pushed back his skewed glasses up his nose bridge. Renjun, despite himself, finally let go of the other’s collar as his eyes shifted towards the other three. Mark cleared his throat and reached out to scratch the back of his neck, so instead you turned to the only two boys who are yet to avoid your withering look.
Lee Jeno, son of Hades, God of the Underworld; and Na Jaemin, beloved child of Aphrodite, Goddess of Love and Beauty; looked like the poster children of light and shadows. Their current expressions drove the imagery well, too.
“Can somebody tell me why half the room melted off?” You asked through gritted teeth, your eyes boring holes at Jaemin who was still smiling so pleasantly at you—a fact that, to be honest, only made your blood boil more.
“Haechan tried to make a spell that he got from one of the books in the library. He… wanted to make the room cooler,” Jeno answered.
“What do you mean ‘he’? You were all in on the act too! Didn’t you say the heat here was much worse than Uncle Hades’ second circle of the Underworld?!” The brown-haired boy in question bristled.
“Book? What book?” Yangyang, who had run after you, but was too shocked to speak before, echoed from behind. Renjun shifted a little guiltily on his feet.
“Well about that…”
“He got it from the Restricted Section,” Jaemin said, still looking unbothered about everything.
You felt seconds away from an aneurysm.
“You mean he stole it?” You emphasized the word as you shifted your gaze to the thief in question. Haechan slightly frowned and looked away.
“I just borrowed it.. “
“You are not allowed to borrow it, let alone touch it. That’s why it is in the Restricted Section!”
“We weren’t even supposed to use it, but Renjun and the rest—”
“Me?!”
“Is it really not possible to have any of you stay out of trouble for at least one day?!”
You wish you were overreacting, but you couldn't really be as close to the truth as you are. In fact, you are almost ready to sacrifice Yangyang's blood just to go back to the time before the 'golden heirs' of Olympus stepped foot into your life.
It had almost been a month since the boys arrived in Rosewood. As the chosen heirs of their godly parents, they stayed in their respective domains to be trained and raised differently from the rest. When news broke that they were banished temporarily to the mortal realm as punishment for a gaffe, the Academy was thrown into excitement and chaos—well, mostly chaos from your perspective.
You’ve been wanting to know what it is exactly that these men did to be exiled from Olympus, but to be honest, they have also been keeping you up almost every single day with their antics. It’s almost like trouble is always hovering around them, and since then, you have never known peace.
“We apologize. We really didn’t mean it this time. We were just trying to learn new things,” Mark, the eldest of the group, told you placatingly. You turned to look at him with your lips in a tight line.
“This is a school for the demigods, Mr. Lee. Not Hogwarts. You can’t try spells here.”
Jaemin frowned, his curiosity genuine.
“What’s Hogwarts?”
“You can try spells there?” Haechan seconded.
“To the office, all of you,” you said as you pinched the bridge of your nose. You have just turned on your heel when someone else stepped into the room, his eyes silently roaming the mess stretched out in front of him.
Mark straightened at the sight of the man. You did the same, slight surprise marking your features.
“Headmaster.”
“Papa?”
Your father, looking the least bit troubled by the mess, turned to give all of you a smile.
“Hello kids, it seems like you are having quite an interesting afternoon.”
“Sir, we can explain—”
“They used a spell to—!”
Both you and Mark stopped mid-sentence as he raised a hand.
“I’d love to know the full story, but for now I need to talk to all of you. Can you all please come to my office?”
*******
The boys looked around silently as they settled on their seats at the Headmaster’s office. You, not being a stranger to the place anymore, sat on the closest one to your father’s table, your fingers fidgeting slightly on your side. The man in front was peacefully making coffee as if he has not a care in the world, but you could sense in the air in the room that something was up. That was the thing about your father. Nothing ever seems to ruffle him up.
You know, having been raised by him in the walls of the Institute himself since you were a kid. Even before you officially became a student here, you have seen the way he had handled all kinds of matters in Rosewood. After all, being the Headmaster of one of the select places in the mortal world where the offspring of gods and otherworldly creatures reside does come with its fair share of trouble.
“Is something the matter?” You braved to ask the question that everyone in the room was itching to voice out. He turned to all of you with a smile and lifted the coffee pot he just finished brewing.
“Coffee, anyone?”
You and Mark caught each other’s gazes before slightly shaking your heads. The rest did the same.
“Mm. More for me then,” your father murmured more to himself with a chuckle as he settled behind the ancient-looking oak table. You all watched nervously as he took his time to sip on his drink. The whole room seemed to be holding its breath. Off on your other side, Haechan seems on the verge of chewing his fingers off.
“Papa—”
“We might have to temporarily close off Rosewood,” the Headmaster said to gently cut you off. You froze, processing what he just said for a few seconds. You expected everything, except for this.
“What??”
“There has been a little bit of trouble brewing in the borders of our world and Elysium. Today, I am going to make an announcement that students and their families have the choice to go home or stay here if they want.”
None of what he is saying makes sense. Beside you, the boys looked paler under the light.
“What do you mean we are closing down Rosewood? We never close the Institute ever!” You blurted out, unable to keep yourself quiet anymore.
“We have never done it, yes, darling. But this time, the case is a little bit different,” the man replied to you kindly and under control still. He then turned to his other visitors with the same even temperament.
“I have been in touch with all of your parents to tell them about the changes in the Academy. They are yet to give me their answer as to when you will go back to Olympus.”
Mark fidgeted a little on his seat and gave the boys beside him a quick look.
“Uhm… About that…”
“Can you at least tell us what’s happening?” You said through gritted teeth as you turned to your father again. The man in question paused a little as if to study you… weighing whether to answer your question or not. Finally, he leaned back against his seat and removed his wire-framed glasses.
“Several places in the mortal world had been under attack. Monsters and beasts have been roaming the place. The celestial army has been keeping the cases down, but we expect the events to… grow.”
That is the second time you were speechless today. You felt your palms turn cold as you stared at him, mouth open. The headmaster met all of your gazes evenly, his usually warm facade finally showing a glimpse of the seriousness of the situation.
“What…”
“Tartarus is collapsing on itself and the world, I’m afraid, is not ready for it.”
Your heart dropped to your stomach.
Tartarus, the deepest place of the Underworld.
Tartarus…
The prison of the gods’ greatest enemies.
You stared breathlessly at your father until something clicked. Slowly, you turned to the boys sitting beside you who seemed to have turned to stone. One look and you knew. One look and the question was drawn automatically from your lips.
*******
“You… What have you all done?”
Chapter 2
A/N: Look who's back... I know I haven't been active in this account for months, but 2024 is literally just a few hours away and I wanted to close the year (and hopefully start the new one) by picking up writing again. I have no promises, but I hope this little chapter can do its magic. Happy New Year, everyone!
Summary: When human deviants granted with the abilities of the legendary Arcana cards find themselves racing against devious forces, they are left to make a choice that might change the fate of the world itself: be the victims of the game, or become the masters of it themselves.
But will this war end with a crowned hero?
Or will it just create another mad villain?
*****
Note: This is the second book of Arcane. The happenings in this story is a prequel to the first installment which you can check in my Masterlist. Since the lore is highly dependent on the first book, I highly suggest you check it out first—otherwise, new readers might have a hard time understanding what is happening here. Expect lots of time jumps and flashbacks throughout the chapters.
Pairings: Dream 00’ Line + Mark x Reader
Trigger Warnings/Themes: romance, violence, torture, trauma, poly dynamics, suggestive themes, language, psychological, mystery, sci-fi. The concept of the tarot or Arcana cards will be loosely used throughout the series. Note that I am not a trained doctor so there may be some slips here and there about medical things. Again, this is a work of fiction and I am not implying any likeness between the characterization here of the boys to their real life counterparts. I also reserve the rights to all my work—I do not post anywhere else other than tumblr. Minors DNI. Please do not repost. I only publish my works in Tumblr.
The soft, soulful notes of the grand piano teased the edges of your consciousness like the whisper of a lover.
You have no idea what time it is when you managed to open your eyes, but the first thing that registered to you as you stirred from your sleep were the beams of moonlight that pierced the darkness of your room. It took you a couple of quiet seconds to prop yourself up from your bed, eyes drifting towards the direction of the music as you tried to gather your bearings. Beside you, the glowing handle of the clock on your desk struck 2AM.
The cold feel of the floor seeped into your skin when you pulled the blankets off of you and finally swung your legs over the side of the bed. The hymn floating in between the cracks of your door was beautiful, but there was something about the way the notes danced around each other that made the deepest parts of your chest throb dully. For some reason, it stirred great sadness in you, so you didn't give it a second thought to pull on your night robe and step out into the hallway to find its source. You know exactly where to go… And in a way, who you will find at the end of it.
His back was on you the moment you stepped into the room. It was dark, with only the light of the moon peeking from the high window providing illumination to the almost empty space. It was enough for you, however, to make out his strong back contrasted by the graceful features of his profile. His lean fingers continued dancing across the piano keys and you decided to stop just on the edge of the hallway to watch him from a distance.
"Aren't you cold?"
You weren't surprised at all when he addressed you, his low voice braiding through the notes of the hymn he was playing. He still hasn't looked at you, but you still gave a slight shake of your head in answer.
"That's a very beautiful piece you are playing."
"Did I wake you up?"
"You did. And I think you did it intentionally, too."
The way the corner of his lips slightly curved into a small smile made you tighten your fingers around yourself. You wanted to reach out to him, touch his face, and pull him over to you all at once. You might as well have screamed your thoughts out loud because Mark finally turned to look at you, his gaze gentle and open.
"Come here?"
Your first instinct was to keep your ground, but the side of you that wanted him close got the best of you in a heartbeat. Stepping away from the shadows, you went straight to him, his arms already opening for you before you even settled beside him. You melted into his embrace, fingers treading through his hair as he pressed his nose against the crook of your neck. You frowned and closed your eyes at the contact, the heavy feeling that you didn't even know you've been lugging around for the past couple of days leaving your chest like smoke.
"Don't do that to me again. I thought you left me," you half whispered to keep your voice steady. You felt him sigh against your skin.
"I'm sorry… I needed some time alone."
"Do you hate me?"
Mark shook his head before letting you go just enough so he could see your face. You didn't even realize the tears brimming in your eyes until he reached out to catch them before they fell with his rough fingers.
"I could never hate you."
"But I…"
His smile fell a little as he gave a slight laugh.
"I admit the rejection hurt. I needed time to compose myself again. I wasn't really at my best when we talked so I had to distance myself a little."
"Mark, I'm sorry…"
The way his gaze probed your face now made a twisting tightness bloom in your chest again. It was the same way he had always looked at you, but now with a shade of honesty that he never had before.
"You shouldn't. You made me realize something after all."
Your throat felt tight, but you managed to speak.
"What?"
"That you love me. And that the way you also love the others doesn’t change that."
Your heart squeezed in your chest. You wanted to answer him, give him confirmation, but the way he looked at you told you that he didn’t need any of that assurance anymore. Instead, you leaned your cheek against the hand he raised to cup your face, eyes never leaving his. When he smiled at you again, you knew right then and there that the two of you will no longer be able to go back from all the pretending that provided you safety before. This was a man who had stopped himself from holding back because for the first time, he was finally standing in the same spot you’ve always been at.
For once, none of you are afraid.
“Are you back for real this time? I asked the others and they said you were gone for days. Nobody knew where you went.”
A look of recall quickly crossed his features at your question. He almost seemed a bit guilty, but you knew there was more to it than he was letting on. You could feel dread at the back of your throat, but waited for him to take his time to answer.
“I didn’t really leave because of our conversation. There was something I was trying to figure out.”
“What?”
“Who the traitor is behind all of this.”
You paused. Mark's gaze never wavered from yours and you could see the clear frustration from the set of his brows.
“Did you find out anything?”
“Not much. I could have done it easier with the help of my father but I—” he stopped, a hard look flashing in his eyes momentarily. “I know he is supportive of the Headmaster’s decision for all of us to go into hiding. He wouldn’t help me even if I beg him to. I was able to get access to some reports of the investigation that our family have been doing though. Whoever is coming after us must come from an advanced technology corporation. They—”
“It’s Cypher Institute, isn’t it?”
Mark froze in his seat, his gaze one of surprise before it morphed into confusion.
“How did you know that?”
“Jaemin and I snooped around in my father’s office while he was gone and someone called him about it. It was a coincidence. Was it the same Institute that you were able to confirm from your father’s side?”
The way Mark’s expression changed in just a matter of seconds slowly made an uncomfortable feeling bloom in your gut. It was what he said next, however, that really threw you off.
“My father is not aware about Cypher Institute.”
You frowned.
“What do you mean?”
“He had leads but none of the files I cross-checked had any mention of Cypher. And I looked at everything, I am sure of it. Whoever gave that information to your father is not from our family.”
The silence that wrapped the two of you was brief but heavy with meaning. There were so many questions that came to mind but it was Mark who managed to voice out the most pressing thing you couldn’t bring yourself to say.
“Do you know any other family that your father could be working with?”
You shook your head slightly.
“He does work with everyone. The Kim’s are one when he asked Mijeong to watch over me while I was in university, and I’m sure he also had agreements with the families of the other Masters. I’ve always thought that he shares a lot of his plans to your father though… Especially anything related to this threat. It was the Lee's who saved him from the latest ambush after all. It wouldn’t make sense for him to ask another family to look into things over your father…”
It took a while for Mark to finally say something as he processed that. Your throat felt dry, and you could almost feel your hand locked with his slowly grow cold.
“It would make sense. If he doesn’t fully trust my father.”
His words hung thick in the air. You didn’t know what to say, especially with him saying what you couldn’t put into words. There was something about Junho Lee that has always bothered you, but he is also Mark’s family and for that, you still provided the man a level of respect even from a distance. Still, you knew that one of your father’s reasons for trusting him stands on shaky ground—you just didn’t expect for the distrust to run this deep.
“Do you think… He can do that?”
Mark’s jaw tightened at the question. You could see the fight going inside of him so clearly that you almost felt bad for asking.
“He's a very ambitious man. I was still very young when I lost my mom, but I remember enough to know that he was never really the same after what happened. Still, he is the only other family that I have and…”
“And it is absolutely alright if you want to believe in him,” you gently interjected by giving his hand a gentle squeeze. Mark pursed his lips and he shifted his gaze away from you, his expression torn and pained.
Just like you, Mark’s life was greatly affected by what happened in the past. Fate dealt him bad cards, and for that you can’t really blame him for wanting to stand up for things he wants to believe in. You would do the same if you were in his place; choose to stand by your father before anything and anyone else.
It took a moment before he finally seemed to break from his thoughts. Gaze following him, he reached out for something in his pocket before finally offering his open palm to you. It was dark so it took you a moment to realize what you were looking at, but your lips were soon enough parting wordlessly as he moved to open the small blue velvet box he was holding carefully.
Lying nestled in black satin, catching the light of the moon, was a deep blue diamond ring framed with smaller clear gems on its sides. It looked ornate but well-loved, like a star that had fallen in the middle of a dark night. Your eyes widened as you stared at it, Mark’s silence in contrast to the sudden loud beating of your heart.
“What…”
“It’s my mother’s wedding ring. My father gave it to me when he told me about his plan of us getting married.”
“Mark… I…”
Your voice sounded so full of guilt, but he gently cut you off by pressing the box against your palm.
“Relax, I am not proposing to you,” he said in a tone that made you pause. “I told you that I understand where you stand now. I am not going to force you to do anything that you’re not comfortable with.”
You swallowed, but let him continue.
“But we can’t deny how dangerous it is right now. There is a traitor in our family and it could be anyone, including my father. I won’t blame you if you can’t find it in you to trust us right now, but my family can give you protection, regardless of who is the person who betrayed us. Even if it was him, I think he will spare you if we make him believe that you’re engaged to me.”
“What makes you think he will make an exception for me, Mark? If it really was him, and he was willing to sell the rest of the Masters, then he can betray anyone.”
“No. Not you.”
“Why?”
“Because I love you.”
The way you paused gave Mark the chance to really look at you, his eyes roaming your face. You were at a loss for words, and he used that as his window to continue with a gentle voice that made your chest hurt.
“My father can be ambitious and cruel, I admit that, but he knows how to honor love when he sees it. He was hit hard when he lost my mom, but I don’t think he is going to punish you and me for what happened. He will also gain nothing if he hurts you over us being engaged and making our bloodline stronger.”
“I hate to say this, but it’s the reality we’re living in right now,” he continued. “I can protect you if you choose to continue your life as a Master. It’s that or you move away and cut off all connections with us. Follow what your father has always wanted for you and live like a normal human.”
You slowly shook your head as the weight of his words fully sunk in. You’ve always known this… Everything Mark is saying right now have always been the choices given to you. Not once have you accepted them though, especially with your only other option being to exile yourself from the Family and never see any of them for the rest of your life again.
“So are you saying that we should… tell everyone that we will get married?”
Mark’s gaze dropped before he gave a slight nod.
“Yes. At least while we haven’t figured out who the real traitor is. If they see that we’re both onboard, I don’t think they’ll rush us to it. We can buy ourselves some time.”
You were quiet. Your eyes found the ring again, a testament to a different promise made years ago. After a moment, Mark reached over and closed the box before guiding your fingers to close around it.
“You don’t need to give me an answer right now, but I want you to keep it. Even if we won’t get married, you’re the only woman who I want to have it.”
Your thumb ran over the soft plush of the velvet cover. A few seconds passed before you felt him gently hold your chin to guide you to look at him again.
“I’ll do anything and everything just so we could get to the bottom of this. Whatever happens though, I want you to know…”
“That I will never ever betray you. My life is yours.”
Time seemed to have stopped, the same way your heart did. He looked at you with nothing but bare honesty laid out and you received it, unafraid this time. A cloud shifted outside, and the next moment, you two met in the middle, lips soft against each other. It was a simple kiss, but one that you knew was long overdue. When you pulled away, you whispered softly against him, only loud enough for him to hear.
“I know. I believe you.”
*******
“Come in.”
You have barely raised your hand to knock when your father’s clear voice sounded from the inside of his office. The antic would have been amusing if this were any normal day, but instead you found yourself slightly hesitating before finally pushing the door open. He wasn’t looking at you when you stepped into his room, his gaze set instead on reviewing a stack of documents laid out across his table.
“Are you busy?”
It was a rhetorical question at this point, but still, the man’s lips twitched into a small smile as he finally looked at you from over the rim of his wired glasses. He looked unhurt, but the dark shadows under his eyes betrayed how his last couple of days have been.
“Even if I am, I will always have time for you, Princess.”
You didn’t want to immediately soften after that, but you couldn’t help the way your eyes shifted sideways as a reaction. Your father, of course, noticed, and chuckled as a response.
“So? Is there anything wrong?”
Your shoulders slumped a little before you answered. To be honest, you didn’t really plan for anything when you decided to see him today. All you know is that you’re glad to see him again after he had been in and out of the Academy for the past few days, especially since you haven’t really talked after your argument. The way his eyes sparkled behind his glasses now made you think that he already has an idea why you’re here, but the man kept his silence to give you the room to open it up yourself.
“I wanted to apologize… For some of the things I have said last time.”
“Apology accepted. I want to do the same, since I have realized why my decision warranted that kind of reaction.”
Immediately, it felt like a part of the heaviness in your chest lifted. You remained standing in your spot though, your gaze open as you searched his face.
“Did you change your mind? About me and Mark?”
A pause.
“No, my dear. My stand remains the same. And you?”
You didn’t hesitate to answer.
“No… I am still against it.”
He nodded, but didn’t say anything else to counter you. Your father can be as headstrong as he is, but he also knows how to draw boundaries, at least temporarily. What you said next, however, is something he definitely did not expect.
“Mark and I talked though,” you added as you tried your best to work through the lump in your throat. Ever since that night with him, you’ve sat with your thoughts to consider every angle of the situation. You still don’t have a decision, but it would be unfair to lie to your father about what has happened since.
“We… still do not have an answer right now. But we are considering things.”
It was quite hard to gauge whether he was relieved about it or not, but he gave you a slight smile after his pause of silence.
“That’s enough for me. Thank you, darling. Now, do you want to sit? I know you came here to tell me more than just that. At least try to relax a little.”
You hesitated only for a little bit before finally giving in and settling on the chair across his desk. Now that you’re closer, you could better see the lines on his face, proof that the last few days haven’t been easy on him.
“I found out who was after us. I heard it from a call… While you were gone.”
“I know.”
You shot him a guilty look.
“Are you mad?”
The question made him laugh. “Honey, I would be even more surprised if you didn’t snoop around to find out things on your own. Let me guess, did Mark come with you?”
“No. Jaemin did.”
“Mm. As expected from Mr. Na. That young man's loyalty to you is fiercer than his strongest fear.”
“Why is Cypher after us, Papa?”
You didn't know if he was taken aback by your straightforwardness or not, but the moment you asked, a shadow of emotion you couldn’t quite understand flitted over his features. It was fast, but it was enough for you to understand that he knows something more than he is letting on. At first you thought he would avoid the question, but then the light in his eyes shifted again, almost as if he was looking inward to himself.
"It's human nature to crave power. Cypher, unfortunately, is one of those willing to meddle with it."
"Do you have any idea what it is that they want from us? Even with what they have, it is impossible for them to tap into the abilities of the Arcana. Manmade resources have no chance against us."
The pause from him was loaded. The man leaned on his desk now, shoulders slightly slouched as he took off his glasses and pressed the bridge of his nose. You almost wanted to reach out to him, but he seemed on the verge of breaking at the slightest touch. A flash of uninvited memory took over you, and it was then you realized that you've seen him like this before. Once, a long time ago when you were younger…
Back when your mother died.
"I wish I knew. It's hard to go against an enemy without understanding how they could possibly hurt you, but I am sure of one thing. They're dangerous. If there's something even more powerful than greed, it's hatred, and Cypher… has both towards us. Whatever happens, we can't let them get to us. To any of you."
His words slowly sank like dull blades into your skin. There was something lurking behind his statements, a confession hidden in plain sight. You hated how you're piecing things together slowly, how you're realizing that there is possibly more to this than just going against an enemy.
"What do you mean about them hating us?" You asked softly now, your eyes set on him. Your father's gaze hardened as he continued staring at a spot in front of him. His silence was enough of an answer that you need.
"You… know these people. You know why they are doing this," you continued slowly. Your words seemed to have struck something in him, a look of pain overtaking him for a solid second before he finally reached for your hand.
“When the time comes, you will understand.”
“No, I don’t think I will. Why won’t you tell me everything?! I can help. You don’t have to carry this on your own.”
“Darling, you don’t understand. They are not like anything we have faced before. I’m doing this to protect all of you.”
You were quiet as your mind ran a million different things at the same time. You could see the cracks in him, the dawning realization shaking your core in a silent, terrifying way. There are a lot of moments in your life when you don't agree with your father, but you love the man, and he has always been the epitome of someone you can rely on ever since you were young. It doesn't matter how big the problem is, he will always come swooping down to save the day. As you look at him now across from you, shadows and light bouncing off his tired face, you felt your heart break as you realized one thing. He is afraid just as you are. Unlike you though, there was an air of resignation in him, as if he already knew the fate waiting for him.
“Then why… does it feel like you are saying goodbye.”
The way that he looked at you made something in you break. You shook your head slowly, and he cupped your face with his hand to keep yourself from trembling.
“You will understand it soon. For now, all I wish is for you to trust me. I know it might be too much to ask, but I hope you can give me this.”
You were terrified. In that moment, you felt like a little girl again, afraid to lose the only family that you have.
“Only if you promise me one thing.”
“What is it?”
“You will not die.”
He paused for a bit before finally giving you a small smile.
“You have my word.”
You weren’t entirely convinced, but you took it, at least for now. Your father may not be perfect, but as much as he is flawed, he had always tried his best to never break his promises to you. You nodded now, your eyes falling to the piles of papers in his desk.
“What are we going to do now, Papa?”
His hand on your face lowered and your gaze landed on his ring as it caught light from the lamp on his desk. It was an ornate piece made with what looked like bronze, the simple band carved with intricate-looping patterns that are reminiscent of snowflakes. It was the only piece of jewelry that he had worn for as long as you could remember, on top of his wedding band that he never took off despite the death of your mother. For some reason, the ring looked different now as it shone against his skin. It looked regal in your father’s hand, yet at the same time... lonely.
When he spoke again, his voice was melancholy.
“When the time comes, you will know exactly what you have to do.”
*******
“You know the view of the sunset looks best on the other side of the rooftop, right?”
Your head only slightly turned towards the sound of the voice that broke through your thoughts. Shrugging a little to yourself, you turned your gaze once more to the burning sky, eyes not really seeing the deepening colors there. You have no idea how long you’ve been sitting in the cold, but the freezing chill clinging to your skin gave you an idea of the hours you’ve lost track of.
“I know. I didn’t really come here for the view though.”
Soft footfalls started moving towards you in answer. The next thing you felt was the warmth of a cardigan going over your shoulders as your visitor dropped to the spot next to you.
“That makes one of us. I do like the view here. Can I join?”
You raised a brow but grabbed the edges of the jacket to wrap the material tighter around you. “You’re already here. Will you leave if I ask you to?”
“Nope~”
The way you could almost hear his smirk in his voice couldn’t stop you from smiling a little. You gave a light-hearted sigh before finally turning to look at him.
“Why are you here, Haechan? Shouldn’t you be resting in your dorm? You just finished training with the others, right?”
“When I can finally have some alone time with you? You do realize how hard it is for some of us to get your time, right? Either you’re sulking on your own or you’re being hogged by my cousins—”
He wasn’t able to finish what he wanted to say as you raised your hand and knocked your fist on top of his head. Haechan jokingly flinched and massaged the spot you just hit, a smirk on his face.
“Did you just come here to harass me?”
“Did I lie? All I’m saying noona is that I’m a Lee too. What does Mark and Jeno have that I don’t have?”
You looked at him dead-panned before giving an answer.
“Height.”
The way his face dropped made your lips twitch. It was taking you everything not to dissolve into laughter with how hard he scowled at you.
“Okay, Princess, listen here. Mark-hyung is literally a centimeter taller than me. Don’t be mean.”
That was the last that you could take. Unable to help it, you finally gave in, your laughter bursting as you curled in on yourself to keep yourself from snorting. You could almost feel his frown deepening without even looking at him, the awareness of it only making you wheeze harder.
"I do know what I can do that those two dorks can't though," you heard him say quietly after he let you have your moment. When you finally gathered yourself again—cheeks pink from the cold and the laughing fit—he was looking at you softly. The sunset was kissing his skin, making him look as if he was glowing. The corners of his lips lifted as he angled his face a little to the side to watch you.
"I'm the only one who can make you laugh like that."
The way your heart jumped made you immediately forget what you thought was funny just seconds ago. Your relationship with Haechan has always been different… Mark is loyal, Jeno is secretive, Renjun is subtle, and Jaemin is passionate. Haechan has always been straightforward with what he wants, but unlike the others, his intensity can sometimes be impulsive, like an open flame ready to spark into a larger fire at any moment. It was in his nature—The Magician, as the master of chaos, is the one force in the Arcana that constantly straddles logic and madness, next to The Fool itself. He is designed to want you in a different intensity from how others feel ever since the Arcana chose him as its Master.
It's because of this that you have always tried to hold back more when it comes to him. And so when he pushes, you pull back, not because you feel any less for him, but because the idea of you two meeting in the middle has always terrified you.
That, and you know that whatever feelings Haechan has for you at the moment might not be his own, but his Arcana craving for yours.
"You make me laugh just as hard as you can make me mad," you admitted finally, allowing your walls to break down just a little in front of him. Something flickered in his eyes though his smile remained.
"You always run away from me, noona. Why?"
"You already know the answer to that."
"What I know is that you like me just as much as you like the others."
"I do. But do you feel the same about me? Or is it your Arcana telling you that you want me?"
Your question made him stop. You watched as the smile slowly bled from his face, his well-kept mask slipping for a moment. Haechan is a good master of his own emotions, but this time you knew you hit a chord.
"I can do anything for you. Destroy worlds… and build new ones if you want me to,” he said, his voice serious.
"I know. But that is not answering my question."
"Then what—"
"Will you feel the same if I am not the IL Matto, Haechan? Will you still like me if I’m just a regular human?"
The way his eyes hardened a little at the very thought of you living a life as a normal mortal admittedly made your heart break a little. You've always known this, of course… but hearing his answer now in his silence did not make it easier. When it seemed like he didn't know what to say next, you took it upon yourself to take his hand gently. He immediately wove his fingers with yours, his hold tight that it felt like he was giving you his reply through it alone. This time, it was you who smiled at him to try and give him comfort.
“I know how much you like me, but I can’t accept those feelings if you’re not even sure yourself that they’re your own. It’s unfair for me to give you an answer and take your free will from you, Haechan... I can’t do that, at least while you still can’t answer that question.”
He looked so lost and in pain that for a moment, you could see the chubby-cheeked boy who had always ran after you when you were younger. It made you want to pull him in for comfort, but you settled on giving his hand a squeeze instead.
"Hey. Don’t feel bad about it, okay? It’s fine. I like having you around, just like this. If you want to do anything for me though, then just promise me one thing."
He still seemed torn, but he managed to give an answer anyway.
"What is it?"
"Never stop making me laugh. You're right. You’re the only one who can do it."
*******
Kun kept his eyes steady on the flickering flame of the candlelight in front of him. The room was quiet, but there was a different tinge of melancholy that was lingering in the air as the Headmaster sifted quietly through the papers in front of him. The ticking sound of the grandfather's clock in the room was deafening to him, like a death call waiting for its final drop. It was a reprieve when the door finally creaked open, revealing Taeyong on the other side of it. Kun waited for him to join his side, giving the man the liberty to break the suffocating silence.
"We just finished the final round of trainings, Sir. We’re gathering all the data before giving them to you."
"How are the kids?"
"They have improved a lot. They’re not at their full potential yet, but they can definitely control their abilities better now. They will be able to hold a fight… should the need arise."
"They don't have to. They only need to defend themselves,” the man said evenly. “Have you heard word from Doyoung?"
Taeyong paused before giving an answer.
"Yes. He has confirmed that it is most likely Junho Lee who is working with Cypher."
The man's hand froze ever so slightly as he moved to pick up a paper from his desk. His face was calm, but there was something about the set of his lips that made Kun and Taeyong surreptitiously exchange glances.
"I appreciate you working with the Kim's, Taeyong. He's probably watching me very closely, so I needed you to do the job."
"Do you want us to get rid of him?" Kun's voice was quiet but steady when he asked the burning question. The Headmaster shook his head, his eyes hooded by the shadows from the flickering candle.
"No. Not yet."
Kun's jaw clenched ever so slightly at the answer. His morals tell him to take the man's word with no question—follow him with blind loyalty like he has always done—but he couldn't bring himself to do it now, not when everything seems to be crumbling around him. From the way that Taeyong was holding himself beside him, shoulders stiff and face set, he knows that the other Legacy shares the same stand.
"With all due respect, Sir. I would like to understand why," he finally decided to ask after gathering enough courage to speak again. The man peered at him from behind his glasses, curious, but not seemingly surprised by his question. He didn't know if it was just a trick of the light, but he thought he saw the shadow of a smile on the other's lips before he finally moved to cross his hands together.
"You and Taeyong always had the right to ask. The pair of you just do not give yourselves the full credit you are due."
For a second, Kun felt oddly like a child being gently reprimanded by a parent. Gathering himself again, he decided to press more to get answers.
"We do not understand why you're protecting Junho. He betrayed you. He betrayed all of us."
"I am not protecting him. I am protecting the Family… From him."
The look of silent confusion from him and Taeyong was not lost on the Headmaster. The man, on the other hand, seemed set and collected as always.
"Cypher is already a formidable enemy on their own. They will wage war on us soon, there is no doubt about it. Going after Junho now will only split the Family more—and we are currently at a disadvantage of not knowing who else within our network has decided to side with him. If he finds out that we know, we'll just be pushing ourselves in a corner. The Lee's have resources, and having those used against us is the last thing we need."
"So we will just let him do whatever, then?" Taeyong asked this time.
"No. When the time comes… And you will know when—you will have to take him down. Even his own son should he decide to betray my daughter."
The way the man said that so evenly without batting an eye made Kun and Taeyong's blood run cold. The Headmaster is a kind, rational man that oftentimes, people forget how cunning and ruthless he can be in his own ways.
"For now, I want to keep him alive. After all… He might still become useful in the future."
Both men stared at him, though none decided to speak up this time. Wordlessly, he picked up a thick brown envelope from his table and offered it to the two. Kun and Taeyong looked at each other before the former took it silently from his hands.
"When that time comes, my daughter will be the first person to know what best to do with him," the Headmaster continued as he leaned back on his chair. "Just the same as she will know what to do next once things start to unfold. When the moment calls for it, give her that envelope. It will help her."
Kun's fingers tightened on the edges of the bundle he was holding. There was a heavy feeling that had started to weigh on his stomach, similar to the one he had when the man talked to him first after his quick absence.
"Are you leaving, Sir?"
A shadow of something quickly glossed over the man's expression. It was so brief, but it was enough to give Taeyong and Kun the answer they hoped they wouldn't have to hear ever.
"There are things that only I can do in this fight. So yes… I would have to leave my daughter. For a while," he said, his eyes moving from one young man to the next. Maybe it was the darkness and the shadows dancing in the room, but in that moment, the Headmaster saw in the pair two other young men who stood shoulder to shoulder in this room once, many decades ago, promising their allegiance to the Arcana. The memory made his chest constrict with a mix of emotions—pain… longing… and sadness for what was and what will never be again.
He let the memories linger for a few more seconds before finally giving the two a small smile.
"I know I have already asked for too much from the both of you, but if I can have one last request… I hope you two can put her and the Family's best interests at heart while I am away."
"Consider it my last request as IL Giudizio."
*******
Your footsteps echoed softly in the hallways as you made your way back to your room. Tucked loosely by your side are a couple of hardbounds, titles you decided to sneak out of the library in this unholy hour because you were already out of reading material. It's been weeks since most of the student body have been sent back to their homes, leaving Rosewood silent and vacant. Since then, you’ve tried to take comfort in the stillness surrounding you by keeping mostly to yourself and out of everyone's way.
You have already turned the last corner to your room when your phone suddenly vibrated in your jeans pocket. By the time you managed to pull it out and check your messages, you were already at your door, one hand wrapping around the knob while you tried to open the message notification. You have barely caught Mark's name on your screen when a gasp was suddenly torn from you as someone grabbed you by the arm, the motion causing the books you were holding to tumble to the floor. Your eyes grew wide as your back made contact against the wood, your elbow grazing the cold knob of your door as you were pushed against it. Your first thought was that you were being attacked, but a different kind of shock gripped you when you realized what exactly was happening.
You didn't really need to see him to know whose lips were pressed against you the next second. Even in your confusion, your hands automatically gripped the front of his shirt as he held you close to him. He was holding you so tightly that it took you a moment to guide his face back so you could see him better. Dark eyes met yours, hooded by his windswept, messy hair as you searched his face. The warmth of his breath fanned your lips and his fingers only dug deeper on your hip bones as if he was afraid that you will push him away.
"Jeno, what—"
"I need you. Now."
Four words. That was all it took for you to pause and for your heart to stop in your chest. You held his gaze for a second longer before grabbing his hand the same time he reached out to turn the knob behind you. Wordlessy, you pulled him in, leaving nothing but the sound of your door closing in the empty hallway.
*******
A/N: This took a while because I simply could not put my thoughts into words properly. Enjoy!
Inizio (n) : an Italian word for the beginning or start of something.
*****
Summary: When human deviants granted with the abilities of the legendary Arcana cards find themselves racing against devious forces, they are left to make a choice that might change the fate of the world itself: be the victims of the game, or become the masters of it themselves.
But will this war end with a crowned hero?
Or will it just create another mad villain?
*****
Note: This is the second book of Arcane. The happenings in this story is a prequel to the first installment which you can check in my Masterlist. Since the lore is highly dependent on the first book, I highly suggest you check it out first—otherwise, new readers might have a hard time understanding what is happening here. Expect lots of time jumps and flashbacks throughout the chapters.
Pairings: Dream 00' Line + Mark x Reader
Trigger Warnings/Themes: romance, violence, torture, trauma, poly dynamics, suggestive themes, language, psychological, mystery, sci-fi. The concept of the tarot or Arcana cards will be loosely used throughout the series. Note that I am not a trained doctor so there may be some slips here and there about medical things. Again, this is a work of fiction and I am not implying any likeness between the characterization here of the boys to their real life counterparts. I also reserve the rights to all my work—I do not post anywhere else other than tumblr. Minors DNI. Please do not repost. I only publish my works in Tumblr.
IMPORTANT NOTE [PLEASE READ]: Since this is a prequel, a lot of the scenes have happened in the past before the happenings of Arcane. To make it easier for everyone to navigate, I’m putting this symbol [&] before the start of every part that happens in the present time, post Arcane.
Previously > CH. 1 |
"Chenle! Pass the ball!"
"Come on, that kick sucks!"
You watched with a small smile as seven boys ran in the open field, their voices and laughter filling the air. The spring wind slightly ruffled your hair and the sundress you were wearing, a yellow number given to you as a gift by the same people you are watching now for your twenty-first birthday. You remained seated on the mat the eight of you have lugged around to the clearing behind Rosewood today, surrounded by the half-eaten picnic set-up they have arranged as a surprise. The day was perfect, and you were content silently watching the rest just run around now after Haechan decided to distract everyone with a game of soccer.
"Yah! You're cheating!"
"I'm not! Maybe if you block the ball well then you'd have a fighting chance!"
"What are you talking about? There is literally no goal post and you're just kicking everywhere!"
A soft chuckle passed you now as you turned a daffodil stem between the pads of your thumb and pointer finger. Your days at Rosewood are always your favorite parts of the year… the only bright spots when you get to feel as if you are part of a family despite your erratic visits. For this year specifically, the moment feels a little bit more different, maybe because of the recent talk you just had with your father. You should have known that something must be up the moment the man decided to let you stay longer in the Academy more than usual, but never would you have expected for this specific ‘talk' to be happening so soon… and so swift.
"Hey, are you not joining us? The weather's really nice."
Your train of thought was cut by the voice beside you. Glancing up, you caught Mark just as he plopped on the mat next to you. His hair was ruffled and windswept, and there was a boyish smile on his face that made his eyes sparkle in the sun. Before you could even answer, he reached out to offer something to you—a bunch of spring flowers in a beautiful splash of colors.
"For the birthday girl," he grinned.
Your smile widened as you received his gift and tucked the blooms with the yellow daffodil you have been holding. Another breeze floated by, causing the scent of the bouquet to wrap around you.
"Thank you. You're all being extra sweet to me today. The dress… the picnic, everything is perfect."
The boy looked proud as he gave a shrug. "Renjun was the one who chose the dress. He said yellow would look good on you. It was Jaemin's idea to throw a picnic."
"It's lovely. I'm enjoying it so much."
Mark glanced at you as you lifted the flowers you were holding so you could take a whiff of their scent again. You took your time to enjoy the slice of moment, before you finally said the words that have been sitting at the back of your mind since the day started.
"He wants me to leave, Mark."
You looked up to watch the others still running around in the field. Beside you, you could almost physically feel the boy's stare as he processed what you just said.
"What do you mean he wants you to leave?" He finally asked, his tone confused. You blinked slowly before answering.
"He wants me to quit college and move to a different university far away from here. He told me he wanted me to stop visiting Rosewood until I finish my studies."
You slowly turned to look at your best friend. For the first few seconds when your eyes met, you saw the raw, unfiltered emotions in his face. But then something in him shifted and a look of resigned but controlled acceptance took over. He swallowed before breaking eye contact with you.
"Did he say why?"
His words sounded empty. It was a rhetorical question, one that the both of you already know the answer for. Ever since you were kids, both you and Mark have already known both of your fates as members of the Family. For your case, your father's condition is something that has been a long time coming. Still, you answered, your words soft as you stared ahead.
"He's giving me the choice to stay in the Family, or live a normal life. He wants me to lose all contact with Rosewood—to all of you—so I can experience being away from all these and make a decision."
"And what did you say?"
"It's not like I really have a choice, Mark."
"You don't, but I don't believe you didn't stand up against it."
That made you stop. Slowly, you turned to face him again. He was looking at you once more, the light in his eyes both inquiring and accepting. You felt your chest constrict a little.
"I told him I'll do it… But if I decide to come back, then he'll have to accept my decision and treat me as a member, free from his authority."
Mark's expression barely changed, but you know him well enough to recognize the emotions that your answer triggered, just simmering under his well-controlled facade. He was scared for you… but at the same time, he was also relieved… for himself.
"Being as far away from us as possible might be the best thing for you. Your father knows there might come a time when he won't be able to protect you anymore, so he's giving you a way out now," he said, though he sounded half-hearted. You smiled.
"Are you saying that because that's what you've been told by everyone?"
"I'm saying it for you. Your Arcana is the most desired in the family. You're safest away from the rest of us, where one of us might turn and betray you."
The boys' laughter echoed from the field and floated into the spot where you and Mark were sitting, a stark contrast to the possible future he was painting.
"Do you believe that might happen?"
"What I believe doesn't matter, you—"
"Then let me rephrase my question. Do you want me to never come back, Mark?"
That made him stop. You've known Mark since you were kids. In fact, he was the first member of the Family that you've ever gotten in contact with. Just like you who has a predetermined fate because of your ability, Mark follows the same vein because of his bloodline. His family is considered one of strongest clans in the network of the Famiglia, with generations and generations producing Arcana masters from their line. He is expected to act and think a certain way, but you also know there is more to the boy you've grown up with than just his heritage.
That was exactly what you saw now, reflected briefly in his eyes as he hesitated to give you an answer. He looked torn, but you already both knew what he was dying to say before he even spoke again.
"No. I want to keep you with me. With us, if it was up to me."
Your eyes slightly widened at the way he phrased it. It was too personal and intimate… two things the two of you have been trying to keep away from for the sake of your friendship. To be honest, you weren't even expecting that he would have the courage to say those words out loud, so it took you a moment now to process what he just said.
"So… will you wait for me then?" You finally asked.
"If you will come back, yes."
"You know I will, Mark. I belong here."
He smiled.
"Then I'll wait."
A moment passed as the two of you simply stared at each other. In that little bubble of time, nothing and nobody could ever get between the two of you. He was the one who decided to break the tension after a while, his eyes shifting slightly away from yours.
"You know what might happen once you come back, right?"
You faltered, but not for too long.
"Yes. They'll want us to get married."
He didn't say anything after that. You knew he was making a pointed effort to avoid your gaze but you kept your eyes on him, unswayed. Finally, you sighed.
"It was a silly arrangement between my father and yours a long time ago. When the time comes, we can talk to them about it. You know that we don't really need to go through with it right…?"
You were so sure that you were giving him assurance, so you were a little taken aback when Mark finally turned to you again, his emotions reflecting exactly the opposite of what you were expecting. You weren't sure if it was just a trick of the light, but for a split second, he looked like he was about to say something that you weren't ready for. But then he blinked, and he was back to being the boy you know—your closest friend in the world.
"Of course. We'll talk about it… At the right time."
Silence dropped between the two of you again. You were both looking at each other, trying to read off and pick apart things none of you were ready to talk about yet. You almost smiled at the same time, and that's when you knew that you'd definitely come back to him—and for him—again.
Your moment was ultimately broken when Mark suddenly turned just in time to catch the soccer ball speeding towards him with his fast reflexes. You both looked up to see Jeno looking at your pair, a knowing expression in his face. Chenle and Haechan giggled just a little ways behind him as the others looked on with smiles.
"You joining us, Mark-hyung?" Jeno asked with a slight nod. Haechan rolled his eyes from his spot and smirked.
"Or are we interrupting something? Stop hogging the birthday girl all to yourself. This ain't a date."
Mark was quick to give the others a scowl. He deftly threw the muddy soccer ball to his other hand before starting to pick himself up from his seat.
"I'm coming. Not my fault you all suck at playing."
You smiled at the banter but immediately reached out to fumble for something from your purse. Mark was about to join the others when you called out to everyone.
"Hey, I want to take a photo of all of you. Birthday remembrance."
Jaemin frowned as he caught your request.
"Right now? We're dirty."
"That makes it even more perfect~" you grinned as you stood up, camera at the ready. The boys exchanged unsure looks, but Renjun finally shrugged after seeing your hopeful expression.
"I guess we should. Wishes from the muse of the day."
You shot the group a pleased look. Mark had already started walking away when you called out to him softly again before he disappeared within ear shot.
"Hey, Mark."
The boy glanced at you, his eyes inquisitive. You smiled.
"Forget what I told you for a little bit, okay? I want to capture the perfect shot."
He paused. Finally, he relaxed and gave you a small nod.
"Only because you asked nicely."
You waited for him to join the others who have already taken positions in the field before you. Once everyone was ready, you lifted your camera and smiled as you checked your viewfinder.
"Perfect. Give me your best smiles, okay? One, two, three…"
Flash.
*******
"That was the day you told us you were leaving."
You slightly looked up from the framed photo that you've been holding when a familiar voice spoke up behind you. You were currently standing in one of the empty hallways of the Academy, right in front of a glass case holding other photos taken from other school events and personal gatherings of its students. You quietly returned the framed photo now, your back still on the newcomer.
"I'm surprised to see it here. It was a pretty personal shot."
"It is. Mark-hyung has a copy of it in his room, but your father wanted it on display here. He must have thought it would be the last one you will ever take of us."
A small ironic smile lifted the corner of your lips. You could still remember what happened next during your birthday two years ago, when you broke the news to the boys about your departure. They probably thought the same too.
"Did you think I wouldn't come back? You were putting up a good front back then if I could still remember, Haechan."
You met the steady gaze of the boy leaning on the wall opposite you when you fully turned your back away from the photo. He didn't immediately answer, but he did give a small, knowing smirk.
"No. I know you can't stay far away from here."
You slightly lifted your brows at his remark. There is always something about Haechan that is a little bit different every time it is just the two of you talking. In front of others, he is this happy go lucky boy who is always so straightforward of his affections towards you, to the point that people usually check off his behavior as superficial teasing. In intimate moments like this though, away from prying eyes, there is a different side to him that you know he only lets you see. There’s a more serious light in his eye… a curve to his lips that pulls you in.
"And why is that?" You asked now as you slightly leaned your head a little bit to the side in curiosity. Haechan's smile widened and you watched as he pushed himself away from the wall to cross the distance to where you are. He stopped less than a foot away from you, just close enough for you to appreciate his beauty marks. For the first time since you came back, you realized just how tall he had gotten too as you looked up at his face.
"Because Jeno and Mark are here. And Jaemin," he casually said. He paused then, waiting for you to react. When you remained silent, his expression turned more teasing and brave. "And me… and Renjun. You know you can't keep away from us, just as much as we can't from you," he added slowly as he made another step closer to you. It took you everything not to back up against the wall and give him the satisfaction of making you lose your cool. Instead, you angled your head up higher to hold his gaze.
"Did you enjoy your little sleepover with Jeno, noona?" He whispered then. Your heart jumped in your chest, even though nothing about your expression changed. In the brief second that you didn't answer, you realized what it is about him that also changed ever since you left.
Haechan's Arcana has always been one of the most volatile in the Family. The Magician is a fickle master, because the nature of its power can easily be swayed to evil in the hands of the wrong wielder. Chaos is part of their nature, and right now, you could see a stronger hint of it in the eyes of the boy staring you down. This wasn't the same person you left years ago. This Haechan… knows more of what he wants.
"So you were listening. Why am I not surprised?" You asked steadily.
"You shouldn't. You should know by now that I will be a little jealous."
You didn't get a chance to retaliate as you felt him reach out and settle his hands on your hips. The moment he touched you, the corridor around you dissolved, replaced by a brief slip of darkness before it focused again on a different scene. You looked around in surprise, your eyes taking in the view of the fields captured in the photo. Everything seemed so real… the smell of the grass and the flowers… even the way the wind slightly ruffled your hair. It took a while for the realization to hit you, but when it did, you turned to look at the boy holding you in silent shock.
This isn't an illusion.
He was bending reality by moving you to a different space in time.
"Haechan… your powers…"
He smiled.
"Pretty cool, huh?"
"Since when have you learned to use chaos magic?"
"Not a long time. I wouldn't say I've mastered it. I can only do this now because of you."
You took a step away from him so you could see more of the place he had conjured. Behind you, he did a slight twist of his wrist as he watched you with a smug look. As if a switch was flipped, the field you were standing on changed from the bright colors of spring to the warm tones of autumn. Your lips parted slightly in surprise. You glanced back to meet his proud smirk with a look.
"Now you're just showing off…"
He simply shrugged and stepped closer to you again, pulling you in once more by gently tugging the belt straps of your jeans. You didn't give any outward reaction towards the gesture, despite your heart beating a little faster in your chest. It was obvious now that he was being more open than the boy you knew two years ago—he was never this brave, nor obvious. When your eyes met, his hooded gaze momentarily dropped to your lips.
"You can see it, right? How powerful we both can be together?"
You almost froze in his hold. You were expecting—no wishing—for him to say a multitude of things, but not this.
"What do you mean?"
A slight flicker of something quickly crossed his face, but it was soon gone before you could entirely catch it. You thought he looked momentarily guilty about the topic he opened, but there was something about the way he was looking at you that told you he was being pulled by a different desire. A slight jolt down your spine hit you when you realized what it was.
"Your Arcana and mine can do so much more—"
"Haechan. Don't say it."
Your voice was firm with a tinge of warning when you spoke. Haechan quickly stopped, but the look in his eyes remained. He didn't say anything, but the thick silence between the two of you said so much already.
"Do you like me?"
His eyes shot up to meet yours at your question. Ever so slightly, the curve of his lips changed as if he was about to answer you. His pause, however, gave you what you needed.
"You can't even answer… because you aren't sure yourself… are you?" You phrased what he couldn't say carefully. Haechan's jaw ticked, but he didn't move away when you took a calculated step towards him so you could stare deeper into his eyes.
"I'm right. You want me… because your Arcana feels pulled towards mine. It knows that The IL Matto can make him so much stronger, should I allow you to use me. It's what the rest of you feel," you stopped, your eyes bouncing all over his face.
"You do not crave me. You crave what I can do for you."
For a moment Haechan looked like he was about to disagree with you. His lips parted, but then he closed them again as if he cannot really bring himself to say something he himself doesn't believe.
To say that you are surprised would be an outright lie. You've always known this was going to happen—maybe not too soon, but in time anyway. You will never admit it, but there is some truth to what Mark said before in this very same field when he was trying to convince you to move away. Arcana abilities, after all, are energies. They are sentient outside of their human masters, but they do not have emotions, nor a soul. This nature makes them singularly pulled towards something that can make them stronger… bigger than what they can project in the human world.
The IL Matto is exactly that, the Arcana that can amplify other abilities should you wish to allow it. Haechan… doesn't want you.
It was his Arcana desiring yours.
"You can't even answer…" You smiled, though the gesture didn't really reach your eyes.
You were about to turn around to leave when you felt him reach out to you again. He almost looked pained when your gazes clashed again.
"Why can't it be me?" He managed to ask. Your expression softened and you took a while to gather your reply.
"Because you and I together can mean trouble, Haechan. We'll just bring out the worst in each other," you said softly. Ever so slowly, you flipped your hand so that it was you touching him instead. The moment the pads of your fingers got contact with his skin, the field around you dissolved, leaving you in the empty hallway of Rosewood again. You gently pulled back away from him and smiled.
"Will you like me as a woman, even without an Arcana ability? Maybe that's something you should try to find the answer first…" you said before finally walking away, leaving him staring after you as you disappeared around the shadowy corridor.
*******
You opened the door with purpose and trudged towards the bed in the middle of the room without sparing the surroundings a second look. With an ungraceful plop, you let yourself fall face first into the mattress, before lifting one corner of the duvet so you could crawl under it. A soft sigh of relief and satisfaction passed you as you finally managed to sink your head on the fluffy pillows, a light wood sage perfume scent wrapping you in a relaxing embrace. You took it in slowly before you closed your eyes to let the stillness in the room lull you to peace.
There was a slight rustling that you could hear from beyond your darkened vision but you didn't really react towards it, not until it was finally followed by a soft clearing of a throat. You pulled the duvet higher up your cheeks, but refused to open your eyes still.
"What are you doing, noona?"
You slightly frowned and took a pause before finally glancing upwards with a quiet sulk. Your gaze met Renjun who was currently seated on the wooden desk next to the bed, his hand still up in mid-air with a paintbrush loaded with paint. He didn't look surprised at all as he peered at you, though there was a look of curiosity lighting up his brown eyes behind his glasses. You blinked once before finally giving another sigh.
"Can I nap here?"
His brows rose as an amused look took over his gentle features.
"Well, you're already in my bed."
You grunted.
"Thank you."
He silently observed you as you adjusted yourself deeper under his sheets. Finally, he put down his paintbrush and turned his body a little on his chair so he could better look at you.
"What's wrong?"
"Nothing's wrong…"
"Uh-huh? You never visit my room unless you want to escape from something."
You paused. Renjun smiled upon seeing your guilty look, despite only having half of your face visible under the duvet. The silence stretched between the two of you as his eyes steadied on yours. Finally, he frowned.
"What did Haechan do this time?"
You quickly looked away.
"You're reading my mind again…"
"Yes. Because you're letting me. What did he do?"
You hesitated before answering. You adjusted yourself a bit on his bed then, sitting up and leaning the back of your head against his headboard instead. You could feel his inquiring gaze on you, and you realized just how thankful you are to be with him at the moment. Your relationship with the others have their own intricacies, but Renjun is the only one who always manages to calm you down. Maybe it's because of his Arcana—the High Priestess is an energy of peace and reflection—but you've always felt like you can rest your head easy whenever you are with him.
"He's changed. He has become more powerful," you mumbled softly as you stared blindly at the wall. Renjun processed your words slowly, understanding the hidden things you didn't verbalize.
"We've all changed. Our abilities have matured a lot in the last two years," he said carefully. Your gaze flickered though you kept silent. When he spoke again, he could barely conceal the slight tinge of worry in his voice.
"Did he… force you to do anything?"
"No. No, he didn't," you were quick to correct his concern. "He was just—he was asking me… about the two of us. I guess I was just surprised."
This time, you could almost feel the unspoken words that his stare sent you. You made a pointed effort to avoid meeting eyes with him but he knew… you both knew…
"I don't think you're surprised, noona. You were just hoping it wouldn't happen so soon… don't you?"
Your fingers closed just a little bit tighter around the blanket covering you. Renjun continued, perfectly reading you, despite not having to get into your head with his ability.
"It's bound to happen. All of us are maturing, which means our Arcanas are also developing. Our instincts are shifting—it's part of who we are. Haechan is just a little bit different, because the nature of his powers can turn chaotic if he doesn't work on controlling himself. But all of us are changing. I think that's one thing you should learn to accept…"
You slowly turned to look at him. Renjun's face was still serene, but you thought there was a quick shadow that quickly passed his gaze when your eyes met.
"Is me being here hard for all of you, then?"
He smiled.
"Yes and no. Most of us have learned to control our abilities, maybe except for Jeno and Haechan since theirs are more dangerous and volatile in energy. But I would be lying if I say the pull now towards your Arcana is not stronger from how it once was."
A flash of guilt passed you.
"Should I leave your room… right now then?"
Your question made him laugh suddenly, the sound honey-like as it filled the room. You must have looked so worried because he shook his head after as he tried to calm his amusement.
"No. Unlike Haechan, I have self-control. I'm not a beast in heat."
You winced. You barely noticed it when he picked himself up from his seat to perch on the side of the bed. He nudged you playfully, and you made space for him to join you under the covers.
"You know what, I need a nap too," he said as he scooted to lay down on the mattress and removed his glasses. You blinked at him slowly, your gaze almost suspicious. You knew he caught it from the way his lips twitched.
"Just nap, right?"
"Why? Do you want to do more?" He asked with a raise of his brows. You grabbed one of his smaller pillows and playfully hit him with it. Renjun laughed but pulled you down with him after.
"I can't lose my pure boy yet. Don't."
He gave a slight scoff as he casually wrapped his arm around your waist. For anyone else, the gesture might seem too intimate, but you honestly felt more comforted than anything else. When he said you could trust him… you knew you could take his word on it.
"I never really was the pure boy you've always imagined to be, but if that's what will make you relax right now, then sure. Now, can we nap?"
He didn't need to ask you twice. As if it was something natural for you, your body relaxed on his hold. You were close enough to each other that you could almost count the long lashes that almost kissed the tops of his cheeks when he closed his eyes. Renjun has always been ethereally beautiful… but looking at him up close made you notice some changes on his features too. He definitely grew more into the curves of his face, and he looked more mature… manlier now than before.
"You smell like paint," you said softly without even realizing the words that left your lips as you admired his beauty. "And sage…"
He smiled.
"Good night, noona."
You closed your eyes slowly and moved to press your face closer into the crook of his neck. Your heartbeat was slow and relaxed and a soft breath left you as you let your mind relax in his embrace.
"Renjun?" You asked sleepily.
"Hm?"
"You never did try to make a move…"
He was silent. Just when you thought he had fallen asleep, you heard him speak again, his voice barely a whisper.
"You want to know why?"
You simply nodded, too sleepy to even manage speaking. You were a second away from slipping into slumber when he finally continued.
"Because if I do, I wouldn't want to share you with anyone else."
*******
[&]
"What do you think about the sunset here?"
You turned from the ledge that you've been leaning on and watched as the newcomer joined you on your spot by the rooftop. It was a few minutes before night falls and the sky was fading its last golden rays from the sun. You smiled at the boy beside you now as you straightened up and tucked yourself deeper into the oversized cardigan you're wearing. It's been almost three days since your escape from Cypher and the return of your memories, and you've been spending the time you have just recovering just like the others.
"It's beautiful… though not as beautiful as the view we have in Rosewood."
The man also trained his gaze at the sight, his expression solemn.
"I agree. Though I don't think anything can really come close to that."
"Thank you, though, for offering this place. I'm sure we're all safe here. This is such a big help while we're trying to come up with new plans. Cypher will never find us here,” you smiled.
"I don't think lending a former fortress owned by my family is much reason to be thanked for, but you’re welcome, I guess."
You easily caught the undertone in the voice he used. Looking around, you slightly frowned at him as he kept his face trained towards the view stretched out in front you.
"Kun-ge… You know you've done a lot in all of this, right?"
Kun's expression didn't change, but you knew him well enough to know the exact things running through his mind right now.
"I have to. I don't have an Arcana like the rest of you so I have to do more. I… "
"You are still a part of the family. A very important member of it," you cut him off firmly but gently. His eyes shot to look at you and you held it before he even had the chance to look away. In that brief moment, he confirmed exactly what you were thinking—his worries and frustrations in full display for that slip of a moment. This wasn't the first time you've seen it in him, and you know exactly where it was coming from.
The Arcana network is a complex organization, a secret brotherhood made up of families with heritages tracing back centuries. Masters of the twenty-two major powers are born every generation, jumping from one family name to another, which means that those who are granted abilities can change just as soon as a new Master is chosen. Kun—unlike you and the others who currently hold the status of 'Masters' in the hierarchy—is a 'Legacy,’ a born member of a family that has a heritage of being Arcana masters but is not currently a holder of any ability. Legacies often have more freedom in detaching themselves from the private circle of the network but some, like him, decide to dedicate their life working closely with the private circle of the current masters.
For some, the decision is a perfect show of loyalty. However, it can also be a main cause of frustration.
"You did so well. I'm sorry I didn't get to thank you sooner, but I couldn't have done it without you," you said now as you reached out for his hands. You gave them a gentle squeeze to urge him to look at you. "You saved all of us, you know that, right?"
Kun's eyes finally met yours again. This time, he actually looked a little pained, though he managed to give you a small nod.
"I know. But please, do not make me betray you again."
Your chest squeezed. As a Legacy, people like him are naturally pulled to help and protect the Masters. What you asked of him—to betray you at one point to make sure your plan goes smoothly—is going directly against that instinct. He must have been so torn in both directions ever since.
"I promise… thank you so much for helping me out, gege."
He took in a slow breath before he finally managed to smile at you again.
"I'm sorry we couldn't save your father. When Ten and I realized what was happening, we decided to go and help out your group instead."
This time, it was your face that fell a little. You finally let him go and turned towards the view again. This time, the sky is now painted an inky black with a smattering of stars that weakly winked from the distance.
"No. You made the right decision. It would have been worse for all of us if we all got stuck there."
"So… what's the next plan…?" Kun asked carefully. You set your jaw as you looked on ahead.
"We need to move as soon as everyone has recovered… We can't wait too long. Cypher has exact copies of the seven Arcanas. They might be creating armies of clones of all of them right at this very moment."
Kun looked equally worried. No matter how he looks at it, this war seems to be a losing battle. Mark and the others might be powerful, but they will still be against numbers in the end.
"How do we even win this…?" He asked with a low voice.
"We might not," you answered, not even beating around the bush. "We might not have a chance against the number of their forces, but I can help amplify our side's Arcanas if I want."
"But that will be extremely damaging and dangerous to you, and even the others," Kun reasoned.
You nodded.
"Which is why we don't only depend on that. Cypher only has access to seven abilities… What will give us an edge are those they haven't had their clutches on yet."
Kun's eyes slightly widened in realization as things clicked in his head. He was about to say something when the door to the rooftop opened, ushering Mijeong out of it. She gave you and Kun a quick look before she slightly gave a polite bow of her head.
"Miss, you have visitors."
You turned just in time as the door once more and ushered new guests in. A number of men stepped outside, unbothered by the icy bite in the air. Your eyes lit up when your gaze landed on the man in the middle with jet black hair. He gave a small nod of greeting as the rest filed in beside him.
You smiled.
"IL Matto, it's nice to see you again."
"Welcome back… Taeyong-oppa."
CHAPTER 3
-------
A/N: New chapter is up! I’ve dipped in activity for a little bit in Tumblr because of personal things but I wanted to make sure I push out something before I get lost on work. As usual, thank you to all of those who keep up with Arcane! I appreciate each and everyone of you. <3
P.S. If I might suggest, y'all cam reread Haechan's confession again in Book 1. 😏
Inizio (n) : an Italian word for the beginning or start of something.
*****
Summary: When human deviants granted with the abilities of the legendary Arcana cards find themselves racing against devious forces, they are left to make a choice that might change the fate of the world itself: be the victims of the game, or become the masters of it themselves.
But will this war end with a crowned hero?
Or will it just create another mad villain?
*****
Note: This is the second book of Arcane. The happenings in this story is a prequel to the first installment which you can check in my Masterlist. Since the lore is highly dependent on the first book, I highly suggest you check it out first—otherwise, new readers might have a hard time understanding what is happening here. Expect lots of time jumps and flashbacks throughout the chapters.
Pairings: Dream 00' Line + Mark x Reader
Trigger Warnings/Themes: romance, violence, torture, trauma, poly dynamics, suggestive themes, language, psychological, mystery, sci-fi. The concept of the tarot or Arcana cards will be loosely used throughout the series. Note that I am not a trained doctor so there may be some slips here and there about medical things. Again, this is a work of fiction and I am not implying any likeness between the characterization here of the boys to their real life counterparts. I also reserve the rights to all my work—I do not post anywhere else other than tumblr. Minors DNI. Please do not repost. I only publish my works in Tumblr.
The crunch of gravel and the soft mechanical hum of the engine pierced the warm summer air as a black sedan wove through the driveway. It was mid-afternoon so the sun was no longer at its highest point in the sky, but it was bright enough still to make the Victorian-style complex sparkle in its full glory under the clear blue skies. A pair of eyes hidden behind dark glasses observed it now from the comforts of her car, her gaze going through the most intricate of details in the manor's architecture. From a normal bystander, the building would look nothing more than an average, quiet boarding school, but of course she knew better than be fooled by its innocent charm. After giving it one last run through, she finally unlocked her door and stepped out into the light outside.
The girl quietly crossed the driveway and climbed the short flight of steps to the oak double doors with grace. The moment she stepped on the entrance, it was like something in the air shifted and an invisible barrier parted for her. Average people wouldn't notice it, but she'd learned to spot the slight glimmer of force field that often shields the academy from unknowing, mundane eyes. An amused smile curved her lips as she waited for the barrier to make way for her, revealing beyond it what seemed like an entirely different world. As if a switch was turned on, the once quiet and serene air suddenly became alive with the sound of muffled chit chat beyond. Without wasting another second, she reached out for the brass handle to reveal what’s on the other side of the door.
The sight of a busy foyer welcomed her in its full glory. Dozens and dozens of students were milling around, chatting with each other as they lugged their book bags in various states of excitement and relief. It was obvious from the buzz that everyone had just gotten out of class and she couldn’t help but smile just taking the energy in.
Nobody really paid her much attention with all the ruckus in the place, not until she finally started making her way towards the grand staircase that opened up to the other parts of the manor. Though she tried her best to keep herself on the down low as she walked past, she unfortunately stuck like a sore thumb in the sea of uniformed students with her casual clothes. Just as soon as she passed, the chatter died down into soft whispers as the eyes of everyone in the room swiveled towards her. She kept her gaze straight and her stance unaffected, despite the whispered words that replaced the boisterous noise she was just enjoying earlier.
"She's here…"
"The headmaster's daughter?"
"Yes. I heard she was in England for boarding school."
"No, I think she just finished college."
"She's so cool."
"Good afternoon, Miss."
You finally stopped in your tracks as one of the students finally addressed you directly. To be honest, you weren't expecting any of them to have the guts to actually talk to you, so you turned to look at her now, removing your glasses so you could address her politely.
"Hi. Do you happen to know if my father is here…?"
The younger girl immediately straightened her back at your question. She seemed surprised and unprepared about you initiating an actual conversation, and her face burned bright just as you and the rest of the room turned their gaze on her. She opened her mouth and closed it again as she tried to grasp for an answer, and you let her gather her thoughts patiently by keeping a steady smile on your lips.
"He—We heard that he is on a—a business trip, miss," the student finally managed to stutter. Your expression ever so slightly dropped in disappointment at her reply, but you were quick enough to pick it back up when you noticed her give you a nervous look.
"Is that so? Thanks for letting me know then," you said softly as you gave her a nod. "Would you know where the classroom of Class 7 is though?"
"I—It's on the second floor, left wing. The third one from the fourth corridor."
You smiled and gave her a slight bow of thanks.
"Thanks for letting me know. Be careful on your way home," you said before turning to continue on your way, leaving the quiet crowd behind.
*******
The walk to the room was quick. Any new visitor to the academy can easily get lost in the maze of similar-looking hallways, but you knew the place like the back of your hand from your regular visits. You noticed how nothing has virtually changed in the last two years since you came, with the corridors' white painted doors, bronze fixtures, and oak walls still looking exactly the same as you could remember. You gently ran your fingers on the polished wood as you walked past them now, your steps slowing down as a familiar-looking room came into view. The door was wide open and you could clearly hear voices coming from the inside, but you stopped just at the edge of the doorway, safely hidden from its occupants. The sound of a distinct whine floating in the hallway told you that you’ve found the right place.
"All I'm saying is that, I don't understand why Romeo and Juliet is considered one of the best romances of all time. It was a full-on mess. Girl fake kills self, boy kills himself too because of it so girl finally kills self for real. Total train wreck. It's not a love story, it's a classic case of miscommunication."
"Are you sure you're not saying that just because Mr. Lee didn't give us The Lord of Flies as our book assignment this quarter?"
"Meh, it's more interesting anyway. And Romeo isn't at all hot as he is made out to be. He wanted to marry Juliet less than 24 hours of meeting her," the boy argued. You could almost see him rolling his eyes in your head.
"And just before that, he was madly in love with Juliet's cousin, Rosaline," you butted in as you finally pushed back from the wall and turned the corner to show yourself. "Lesson of the day, don't be as fickle as Romeo." You watched, amused, as the two boys in the room whipped their heads towards you, their eyes rounding in unison after.
"Noona!"
Your smile widened.
"Hello, Chenle and Jisung."
The older of the two was quick on his feet as you walked towards them. Chenle met you halfway, his eyes crinkling at the sides as he beamed at you.
"When did you arrive? We thought you'll be coming back next week!"
"I was supposed to, but I was able to finish my clearance early so I thought why wait longer?"
"Do the others know? The Headmaster left just a few days ago though," Jisung also joined in after he picked himself up from his seat.
"Yeah, I heard. I was supposed to surprise Papa. And no, the others don't have any idea yet. You're the first ones I looked for—oh my gosh you two have grown so tall! You're like trees now!" You said distractedly as you noticed for the first time how the pair loomed over you. Chenle snickered at your reaction while Jisung scratched the back of his head with a small smile.
"We've always been taller than you, even before you left, noona~"
"No, but not like this! And it's only been two years. You're not my babies anymore."
"Well, I am not. I'm a grown up now. Jisung still is though," Chenle said, jabbing his thumb towards the other boy. The latter openly scowled at his friend.
"You're literally less than three months older than me."
"Still the hyung though~"
You laughed seeing the banter between the two. Just like that, the nostalgia came back to you in waves as if you never left. Two years didn't seem like a long time passing, but you could clearly see the difference it makes now just looking at the duo. Have you really been gone that long?
"Well, do you know where the others are? I guess they're done with their classes too. We should meet them."
"Uh… I think Mark-hyung has club activities. Renjun and Haechan-hyung are probably back in their dorm rooms and I'm betting my fortune that Jeno-hyung escaped outside as soon as class ended. Jaemin-hyung is probably just somewhere, sneaking around with a girl," Chenle snickered. Jisung nudged him a little by the shoulder as you blinked.
"Oh, does he have a girlfriend now?"
"Girlfriends would be the right term, something you wouldn't have to worry about with me," a new voice spoke out from the doorway. Looking around, you saw two boys walk over, a brunette and a dark-haired one who rolled his eyes at the other's quip.
"You being a virgin is not something to be proud of, Lee."
"Big words coming from someone in the same boat as me, Huang."
You waited for both boys to finally join your trio with a grin. The taller of the two gave you a wink as soon as he was close enough while the other gave you a warm smile in greeting.
"Welcome back, princess. Missed me?"
"Maybe. How did you know I’m here, Haechan?"
"Through my undying, unrequited love connection with you, of course. How else?"
You raised a brow at him before turning your gaze towards the other newcomer in confirmation.
"He heard it from the students since he is the school's number one gossip," the boy said flatly. "I felt your aura though."
You grinned.
"Now, that's sweeter, Renjun."
"Ouch."
"You should have told us you were coming though," the older of the two continued. "The headmaster was looking forward to it."
You softened up a little upon hearing that. While you wouldn't really say that your relationship with your father was conventionally close, you also were looking forward to surprise him today. After all, it’s been two years of minimal contact with him, too.
"Did he tell any of you where he was going?" You asked casually now to keep the disappointment from leaking in your voice. The boys exchanged looks, but it was Haechan who ultimately answered the question.
"No, maybe he gave Mark an idea though. Or any of the teachers."
"Right…" you nodded. "I guess I do have to look for Mark. Any idea on where he is?"
"Pretty sure he heard you're back now so he must be somewhere waiting for you too," Renjun answered.
That made you smile. "If that's the case, then I know where to find him," you gave each boy a quick glance before stepping away from your circle and turning towards the door. "I'll see you later? I'll be using the old room I always use when I visit."
"Will you have dinner with us, noona?" Jisung asked just before you disappeared in the hallway again. You looked back and gave him a wink.
"It's a group date."
*******
The smell of old books welcomed you just as soon as you took a step into the rug-covered floor of the library. It was after school hours so the place looked a little darker with the lights still out, but sunlight streamed from the wide, spacious windows, throwing enough illumination to let you make out some of the titles in the towering bookshelves that you now passed through. The place was large, but it didn't take you long to find who you were looking for, leaning against one of the shelves with a book open in his hand.
"Let me guess… Othello?"
The boy looked up from the pages he was reading when you called out to him. Gazes meeting, you gave him a smile as you started walking towards him. You stopped just across where he was leaning, your back pressing against the opposite bookshelf. He closed the book he had been holding and raised slightly to show you its cover.
"Iliad and Odyssey, actually," he answered as he shifted his eyes away from yours to study the intricate embossing on the hardback's face. Your brows lifted at his answer.
"Interesting choice. I thought you hated it."
"I did. Before. So many things can change in a few years though," Mark answered as he shot you a look. You paused at the implication of his words. You weren't stupid, of course… Especially not when it comes to him.
"I wonder what else changed with my best friend then," you replied back, your voice steady as you held his gaze. You saw the exact moment the light in his eyes slightly flickered at your choice of endearment, as if there was a wall you were able to shake. You slowly smiled. You caught him… and he knows it too. After a few moments of silence, he sighed and looked away.
"That's not fair."
You laughed and finally took a step closer to close the distance between the two of you. He easily opened his arms and welcomed you into a hug.
"I missed you, Markie," you whispered as you pressed yourself closer to him. You thought you felt his lips graze the top of your head as he let you melt into his embrace.
"I missed you too… Took you so long to come back."
You pulled away to look at him. He didn't really let you go, holding you at arm's length instead.
"You know how it is. Orders from my father. He was even making sure my calls to Rosewood are kept at a minimum."
You said that casually, but the way Mark looked at you told you that you didn't fool him a fraction. Sometimes, you hate how growing up as childhood friends gives him a better read of you.
"It's for your own good. He's only doing it to protect you," he slowly said, sounding half-hearted himself. You simply laughed and shrugged.
"By throwing me to college, faking my last name, and acting like I don't know anyone here? Sure, Mark. I've always known. It's always been like that anyway."
You finally stepped away and tried to shift your attention to the books surrounding the two of you. You could still feel his eyes on you, but he didn't really say anything, knowing that there is nothing he can offer to make that statement better. It was you who broke the silence again after a bit.
"So, speaking of my father. I heard he suddenly left for something. Did he tell you where he was going?"
Mark slightly shook his head and finally returned the book he had been holding. "No, he didn't. From what I heard from Kun-hyung and the other teachers though, he packed up at the last minute. I doubt he told them anything though."
"I see…"
The boy peered at you again as he buried his hands in his pockets.
"But he knows you are supposed to be arriving soon, so I'm sure he won't be gone for long. He's excited to see you too."
That made you slightly smile. If there is one thing Mark is so good about, it's helping you feel better.
"Till then, I'll have to crash in one of the dorm rooms here again. You wouldn't mind that, would you, Mr. Prefect?"
He slightly raised a brow at you. "Even if I don't, do you think the others will let me off if I say no?"
"Nope~"
"Exactly. Besides…" he trailed off as he levelled his gaze on you. He didn't speak for a couple of heartbeats, but the way he stared at you—as if he was seeing things you couldn't even see in yourself in the first place—made you stop. He smiled, causing your chest to slightly squeeze even before you heard his words.
"You always have a home here."
*******
The shadows in the hallways have already lengthened as you walked idly in the silent corridors. Beyond the wide windows, the sun had dipped closer and closer to the horizon, its once bright glow turning warmer by the minute. There are only a few hours left before dinner and you still need to unpack, but you also wanted to spend some quiet time going around the place your father considers his second home.
You guess, in a way, Rosewood was also the same for you, but realistically, you haven't spent enough time here as much as he does. It was more like a seasonal vacation place for you, one you were only allowed to intermittently visit every couple of months—sometimes even years—while you were growing up. Even then, it was a tough decision for your father to make, one that you were convinced he wouldn’t have done if not for him seeing how isolation slowly chipped at you as a child.
And so adjustments and special arrangements were made. Unlike the residents of Rosewood and those in the Family network enrolled here as students, you were thrown to live a normal life—attending normal schools and adopting a different last name to the "outside world." And while you were allowed to visit and reconnect with the rest every now and then, your identity as a Master was hidden from the rest of the family, all except for the ones personally handpicked by your father himself. To the rest of the network, you were simply a daughter of the headmaster, a high-standing member of the family, but one who is still devoid of any Arcana powers. In short, you were living two very different lives…
An ironic feat, since you felt like you didn't belong anywhere still.
A view of a familiar-looking door made you finally stop your aimless wandering when you turned the corner. It has been a couple of years, but there is no way you can forget this particular room after the numerous times you have sneaked in here before. You stared at it briefly now, noting the pale spot where the 'Piano Room' plank used to be nailed on the wood. Without thinking too much on it, you reached out for the handle and turned it slightly. The lock caught a bit when you tried to push it open, but then it gave way in your hand again, giving you a peek of the room beyond.
The first thing that registered to you was how dark it was inside. Unlike the corridors where sunlight streamed in from the windows, the same glass panels in the room were boarded up and covered by heavy curtains, casting everything with deeper shadows. The only source of light was from a lone open window where the dying rays from the sun managed to pierce through. You blinked. You were about to flip the switch on the wall beside you when a sudden movement made you start in surprise.
A darker shade of shadows moved from the edge of the open window, followed by some strange rustling. In your shock, you quickly turned on the light just as you took a step back. The sudden brightness blinded you, but your eyes were soon enough rounding in surprise when you finally realized what you were looking at.
The shadow was actually plural—a boy and a girl, to be exact, tangled together against the wall. Their hair was as crumpled as their school uniforms, but those were actually the least that caught your attention. Your eyes moved from the girl's mortified face staring at you…
And locked with the deep brown gaze of Na Jaemin.
"Oh, I apologize, I didn't realize the room was taken," you said promptly as things clicked in your head. You took another step back and was just about to close the door again when the female's panicked voice called out to you again.
"I-I'm sorry! I didn't know you were back, Miss!"
You paused in the middle of leaving and blinked at the student in mild confusion. Her face didn't really ring a bell in your head, but the way she had paled so much under the light almost made you feel bad for her. You watched as she quickly detached herself from Jaemin and tried to fix her uniform. The boy in question didn't react, his quiet gaze resting on you still.
"That's fine. I can leave…" you offered carefully. The girl didn't seem like she heard you, rushing instead towards the door with her head down. She briefly stopped in front of you and bowed deeper in apology.
"I'm really really sorry, I didn't mean it—I-I'll leave now—"
And she did—literally speed walking in the corridor before you could even say another word. You watched her, worried, until she finally disappeared around the corner.
"Why is your girlfriend apologizing to me…?"
You slowly looked over to the boy left in the room. Jaemin was still staring at you intently, his expression devoid of any look of worry over being left in the middle of a makeout session. He didn't even bother fixing his shirt, his tie still loose around his neck.
"She's not my girlfriend."
Your brows rose ever so slightly.
"Interesting choice of recreational activity for a non-girlfriend then."
Your comment finally and slowly made his lips twitch into a smile.
"Does it bother you?"
You gave him a deadpanned look.
"No. Why would it?"
"Don't ex-girlfriends usually have those moments?"
In that moment, it was like an invisible switch was turned on and the air had turned denser. None of you broke eye contact with each other, waiting for the other one to give way. Finally, you slowly turned your body to fully face him and started moving deeper into the room. Jaemin watched you steadily, noticing the change in your mood.
"Oh, I'm your ex-girlfriend now?” You asked, stopping close enough for him to easily touch you if he wanted to. He didn't move away the slightest, his breath still fanning your face. You smiled. "Funny… We've never really been into labels before."
"If not that, what would you call it then?" He challenged, his own brow quirking.
"I don't know, a summer fling?"
"Just a summer?"
"Fine. Maybe you can add an 's' somewhere there."
Jaemin's smile finally grew a little bit more honest this time. And just like that, the tensed friction between the two of you was gone as you looked at him with the same lightheartedness in your smile. He reached out for your waist and tried to pull you closer before dipping his head towards yours. You jokingly pushed him away, your nose scrunched in disgust.
"Ew. You're seriously trying to kiss me when you have another woman's lip gloss all over you?"
He laughed, the sound ringing in the vacant room.
"So you are jealous."
"No, I'm not," you answered as you sidestepped him so you could sit on the windowsill. "I'm more surprised at how you've transformed into this total heartbreaker in just two years."
"Two years is a pretty long time."
"Apparently, yes, according to Mark and the others."
Jaemin buried his hands in his pockets and stared at you silently for a moment.
"So you've met all of them again already?"
You didn't answer immediately. Instead, you gave a casual shrug, one you know Jaemin will never be fooled by. The way he looked at you told you that he could read you as clear as day.
"Most of them, yes. I think everyone knows I am here by now."
"But you haven't talked to him yet. Have you?"
This time, you kept silent. Jaemin didn't move from his spot, just quietly observing the way the sun's dying light played on your features. It took him a while to finally sigh and take a step closer to you. When you still didn't meet his eyes, he gently lifted your chin with his finger so you could look at him.
"I think you already know where he is. He'd always spend the end of the day in the same place… Ever since you left."
Your heart constricted in your chest. Jaemin smiled and gently ran a finger on the edge of your lips.
"There's still an hour before dinner," he continued, a silent implication evident in his tone. You sighed softly before giving him a small smile.
"Will you reserve some pot roast for me?"
He nodded. "I'll make sure Chenle doesn't inhale all of them."
You laughed. Finally, you pushed yourself off the wall and reached for his hand still resting on your cheek. You made sure to give it a gentle squeeze before he let you go.
"Thank you. I promise I'll be back after sundown."
"Mmn…"
With one last smile, you stepped away from him and started making your way out. Jaemin took a moment before deciding to call out to you once more.
"Hey.”
You turned to him curiously just before you passed the doorway.
“I'm serious though. She really isn't my girlfriend." He paused before speaking again. "I have very specific tastes in my women."
Your eyes flickered and you smiled.
"I know."
*******
The sky was already painted with warm gold by the time you managed to make your way to the forest path that connected the school to the woods beyond. It was only a few minutes till nightfall so the air bit your skin with a tinge of chill, but you didn't mind it, pushing ahead until the spot you were looking for finally came to view. It was an oak tree standing atop a small hill that overlooked the rest of the forest, with foliage that cast a comforting shadow on the ground it touches. Some of its branches swooped so low that it almost kissed the ground, with others reaching out to the heavens above. It was one of the oldest trees in the forest, and one that you've always loved visiting back when you were younger.
You reached out to the branch closest to you now as you looked out into the stunning view beyond. From where you stood, you could see the way the sun almost dipped into the horizon, its glow making the tips of the trees it touched glow like embers. A slight breeze made the leaves above dance as it passed.
"You're still not wearing your uniform properly, huh?"
At first nobody answered the question that you threw in the air. A few heartbeats passed until a rustling came from somewhere higher on your left.
"And you're still acting like the school's behavior patrol."
You smiled. Turning your head to look upwards, your eyes landed on a boy currently sitting on the higher branches of the tree. Unlike the rest that you met earlier, he wasn't wearing a blazer and the sleeves of his button down were folded to his elbows. His tie was loose, also slightly blowing in the wind. He wasn't looking at you—his eyes also set on the view you were appreciating—and the rays from the sunset kissed the angles of his face in a way that almost made your heart ache.
"Hello, Jeno."
The sound of his name almost broke through his shell. The emotion behind his eyes flickered before he finally looked at you.
"What are you doing here?"
"I'm back. I came for you so we can all have dinner together."
He didn't say anything after that. He simply looked at you, an unfathomable expression in his face.
"Jaemin said you're always here. I see you haven't changed at all. This is still your favorite place."
"I wasn't counting on you to come back."
You stopped at the bluntness of his words. His tone didn't have any malicious inflection in them, just a straightforwardness that somehow made it worse. For a moment the two of you just stared at each other, both trying to read off things none of you were ready to talk about yet.
"You weren't counting on me to come back, or did you not want me to come back? Because those two are very different things."
"Why does it matter which one of those I mean?"
"Because you are one of the reasons why I'm here."
This time, it was him who had to pause. The sky was slowly getting dark—with the night's first stars finally peeking behind the clouds—but you could still read the emotions that quickly passed his face even in the growing dimness around you.
"I promised you before I left that I will come back. I've always come back," you continued. Jeno still didn't say anything, the silence stretching between the two of you as the sun finally dipped out to make way for the moon. Just when you thought you will never be getting an answer, he made a move and jumped off the branch he was sitting on. He gracefully landed on his feet and slowly crossed the distance to where you were standing. He stopped at a distance where both your breaths fanned each other's faces, though he kept his hands buried in his pockets still. You didn't flinch, your gaze unwavering from his.
"So your father gave you an exit plan, a chance to live a normal life, but you still came back and chose this mess. Why?"
"Because this is where I belong."
"You're mad."
"I am. And I'd rather be that than be a hypocrite like you who tries to push me away even though you're so desperate to touch me again."
Something in the way he looked at you shifted as you said those words. The thickness of the air between the two of you was so palpable that you could almost taste it at the back of your tongue. Just when you thought it would break, Jeno took another step closer to your space. The warm feeling of hands settled on your waist, and it took you everything to stop yourself from entirely melting on it. His eyes silently danced over your features, as if he's still trying to figure out if you were real or not.
"I will never understand you…"
"You don't have to."
He lifted one of his hands so he could touch your face. His fingers were cold, clashing against your warmth. You couldn't help but finally smile as you leaned your cheek closer to his palm. He wouldn't say it, but you know exactly what he was thinking.
"I missed you too, Jeno."
His thumb rested on your lower lip. "How long are you staying?"
"For the whole summer. I got a scholarship so I have to go back, but I'll be returning more here. That was a condition I struck with Papa."
"I guess the others already know, too?"
You nodded. Jeno lowered his hand again but continued staring at you intently. It felt like he wanted to tell you something, but you reached out for his hand again before he could say anything.
"Come to my room tonight?" You asked softly. Something flickered in his eyes before he answered.
"Will Jaemin be there too?"
"Do you want him to be there?"
He didn't immediately answer.
"No."
You gave a slight nod. "Then I'll see you after dinner."
Instead of replying, he simply stood there, momentarily silent as he turned the thoughts one by one in his head. Finally, he asked that one question you have been expecting all along.
"Are you really back for good this time?"
You slowly smiled.
"Yes… I am."
*******
[Present Day]
The silence that hung in the room can almost be physically felt in the condensed air. You tried to adjust yourself from the bloody bed you were still sitting on, your face expressionless as you glanced at the red stain that covered your stomach down to your legs. Everyone watched you silently as you pressed a palm against the once gaping hole in your flesh, your hand only getting in contact with the smooth skin there. You smiled before your eyes slowly lifted to the boys standing close to your right.
“You did such a good job patching me up, Chenle. Jisung.”
Your voice was soft, but it was like a trigger everyone needed to finally breathe again. Chenle’s face fell and he looked away while Jisung seemed to have finally gotten over his shock, lips twitching. A look of guilt flashed in you as you saw the boy’s eyes start to water, as if he was on the verge of tears.
“Ah… I’m sorry… Did I scare you, honey?” you asked, your hand reaching out to cup his cheek. Jisung bowed his head a little bit and gave a shaky nod.
“I thought I wouldn’t be able to bring you back. Your heart wasn’t beating.”
Your chest squeezed. Chenle looked more calm beside him, though his shoulders were set as if he was holding himself back from something.
“Are you hurting?” he managed to ask. You shook your head and tried to reach out to him too with your other free hand. The blood in your fingers stained his pale hand, but he didn’t move away.
“I’m not. You did so great. Both of you.”
You didn’t need to look around to know that the rest of the room was also in various states of relief and high tension. Haechan, who was covered the most in your blood, had to step away from the bed to try and take in a steadying breath. Across the room, Kun and Ten exchanged a charged look between each other as they silently observed the scene. Jaemin and Mark didn’t move from where they were standing, their eyes still set on you, while Renjun reached out for the back of your head to carefully get your attention. Compared to the rest of the boys who had pale, shaken looks on their faces, he looked a little bit more collected as if he’d just recovered from something. You turned to smile at him and he returned the gesture.
“Renjun, how are you feeling?”
“So much better… The others though, I can’t speak for them.”
At that, your eyes immediately found Jeno who was still standing by your side. He was looking at you, but you could see from the way he held himself that he was fighting to stay conscious by the second. Without breaking eye contact, you reached out to touch his hand again. His fingers wove with yours as soon as you did.
“Jeno, I’m fine… You should rest.”
He didn't say anything. From the side, Jaemin silently moved forward and placed a hand on his shoulder after exchanging a meaningful glance with you. Jeno flinched, though he really didn’t fight the induced sleep that took over him in a second. Jaemin and Renjun caught him as he finally went limp, your eyes catching the former momentarily after.
“Thank you…”
Jaemin held your gaze quietly, before giving a simple nod.
Your eyes lingered on them before finally turning to Haechan and Mark. Haechan was trying his best to avoid your gaze—still trying to recover from the shock of almost seeing you die, so you turned your attention to Mark instead when he still refused to look your way. Out of everyone in the room, he was the one that looked the most collected on the surface next to Renjun, but you knew enough to be convinced by the front he was putting. You tried to get off the bed in a motion to get closer to him, but he was quick enough to try and put a stop to it.
“Don’t. Stay there. You’re still sore.”
You didn’t listen. Barefooted, you walked towards him despite the ache in your muscles. Chenle might have patched you up successfully, but your flesh was still screaming from the forced mending that your body had to go through. You didn’t let it stop you though, your feet only stopping when you were close enough to be touched by him. Mark’s jaw ticked as he looked at you, a glimpse of the emotions he was trying to hold back slipping momentarily from his facade.
“Mark… I’m alright. You can touch me if you want. It’s fine... I’m fine.”
He didn’t move at first. Just when you thought he would step back, you felt him tug you towards him instead. Your eyes closed as his arms wrapped around you, and you reached up to hold the back of his head.
“You did so well… All of you. Thank you," you whispered to him quietly.
The sudden banging of a door tore the room before he could even answer. You looked around just in time to see a girl rush in, her hair in disarray as if she had been running. Her eyes were wild as she looked around the room and her lips parted at the sight of the bloody bed that you just vacated. It took her a while to finally spot where you are, with you still being partly covered by Mark.
“Mijeong—”
“Miss!”
You stepped away from Mark as she rushed towards you in panic. You were ready to reach out to her, but she stopped at the last second just as she was about to pull you into an embrace. Instead, she bowed her head reverently, a detached, almost distant gesture that was in complete contrast to the emotions she was obviously trying to hold back. You felt a little hurt by the action, but you didn’t say anything, observing her silently instead.
“I am so glad to see you’re okay. I thought… I thought—”
You reached out for her hand slowly to give her a choice to refuse your touch if she wanted to. She didn’t move away, but she didn’t necessarily try and get closer to you either.
“I’m okay, Jeongie,” you offered a smile as you deliberately used her pet name. She blinked, her eyes bright as if she was on the verge of breaking down. Finally, you tried to tug her a little bit closer towards you.
“I’m still a mess, but give me a hug?”
The hesitation in her only lasted a few seconds before her walls finally seemed to break down. With a slight sob, she pulled you in, her arms easily going around your form. You chuckled and gave her gentle pats on the head.
“Were you scared too? I’m sorry. You did such a great job.”
“Are you really okay?”
“Mm-hm...”
She held you back at an arm’s length now to take in your appearance. You couldn’t really blame her for feeling so anxious seeing you're covered in soot and blood, but she tried to hold herself back from fussing by consciously trying to let you go.
“I’m going to call my doctors so we can have everyone checked. Ten-oppa—?”
The boy answered before she could even finish.
“I’ll set up the infirmary. Kun, can you come?”
You looked across the room towards the sound of the man’s name. The moment your eyes clashed, you gave him a smile that spoke meanings even at a distance. He nodded and returned the gesture, understanding the message even without words before following his other friend out the door.
“I’ll take care of the rest. You should all come to have yourself checked. We’ll be ready in thirty minutes.”
The rest of the boys in the room didn’t react other than giving nods towards their older brothers. You couldn’t really blame their silence. The tension in the room had dissipated a little bit by now, but you know everyone needed to wind down first after everything that has happened. Mijeong was also about to follow the pair when you caught her forearm. She quickly looked back at you again in concern.
“Can you also do something else for me…?”
She hesitated.
“Yes, miss. What is it?”
You paused before replying. Everything was still fresh for everyone and you still needed to recover yourself, but you also knew that you also couldn’t stand still, not when the game has finally really started. You’re in a race against time itself, and there is no way you’re going to lose, not with the stakes higher this time. When you finally spoke, your words rang in the still air of the room, levelled and determined. Everyone silently listened, already knowing your orders before you even gave them.
“Tell the rest… It's time to come back.”
CHAPTER 2
*******
A/N: Hi everyone! So I decided to come out of my semi-hiatus and publish this chapter a little earlier than planned. I was originally planning to wait a little longer, but I also didn’t want to halt my drive to write while it’s there. Thank you to all who supported Arcane. If you’re here, then that means you’re ready to join this next part of the journey. I do appreciate all forms of support that I’m getting—if not for your love, I wouldn’t have gotten this far with this story.
Of course, reblogs, asks, and comments are highly appreciated still. They can help writers like us have the fuel to continue creating stories here. You can also consider donating to help with my cause to feed stray cats in my area. My Ko-Fi account is in my Masterlist. <3
That’s it! As usual, enjoy the first chapter! P.S. If I missed to add you in the taglist, please send me a message!
Summary: When you decided to apply for a researcher post in an elusive institute, you already had the feeling that you’ll be getting yourself knee-deep into something out of the ordinary. But desperate needs require desperate measures, and so you embraced the invite, despite all the alarm signals urging you to run away. What you found out was nothing you’d ever expected.
Seven boys.
Seven human deviants granted with abilities tied to the legendary Arcana Cards.
Welcome to Project Dream.
Pairing: Various Dream Members x Reader
Trigger Warnings/Themes: violence, torture, trauma, very slight yandere themes, poly dynamics, suggestive themes, language, psychological, mystery, sci-fi. Romance will take a little bit of a backseat on this one since this is more of a suspense-driven plot, but it will still be threaded in the overall story. The concept of the tarot or Arcana cards will be loosely used throughout the series. Note that I am not a trained doctor so there may be some slips here and there about medical things. Again, this is a work of fiction and I am not implying any likeness between the characterization here of the boys to their real life counterparts. I also reserve the rights to all my work—I do not post anywhere else other than tumblr. Minors DNI.
Chapter Songs: You Should See Me In A Crown > Billie Eilish | Castle > Halsey | Super Villain > Stileto | God Sent Me As Karma > Emlyn | Animal > Aurora
"Love? Look at me."
The soothing voice of someone brushed over the edges of your thoughts. The tone was soft and gentle, a warm balm into the otherwise still darkness that seems to be cloaking you under a veil. It whispered other things to you—words you didn’t catch the most of as they dipped here and there like a broken record. Other voices weaved together with the calming hum, all sounding distant and senseless, with you only catching fragments of the conversation here and there.
"...she hurt?"
"Vitals… okay…"
"She's in shock—can't hear… us,"
"Panic attack—"
"Jaemin, do something."
"Darling. You're okay."
That last phrase punctured through your thoughts and reeled you back in almost forcefully. All of a sudden you could hear and feel again as heaving sounds pressed against your ears. Sharp needles of pain suddenly shot up in your chest and you blinked, confused, as your sight came into focus. Jaemin's face leaned closer to yours as he reached out a hand to cup your cheek. The feel of his skin against yours made you realize that you were shaking, and that it was you who was making the gasping noises as you choked on air.
"Shh… Focus on me."
You stared at him wordlessly as you felt the sound of his voice almost physically wrap around you. It was a stark contrast to the confusing churn of emotions twisting in your chest, and it took you a moment to finally realize that he was pushing back against your meltdown with his ability. Slowly, you closed your eyes to submit and let him in. He obviously felt the change, because the artificial calm finally broke through your mental boundaries the moment you stopped resisting.
"Good girl… It's okay… You're okay."
Your shaking had gradually stopped all except for your fingers which, you realized upon opening your eyes again, were wrapped around the wrist of his hand still holding your face. Gently, you felt him move his thumb under your eye to wipe the tears brimming there.
"Papa… They have him."
The voice that came out of you didn't even sound like it was yours, but you still pushed out the first thing that your mind locked on as soon as the worst of your mental blackout had cleared. Jaemin's eyes slightly widened, surprised, before his brows furrowed in concern. Slight movements beside him finally made you look up. You have no idea how you got back to the bunker after that face off with Haneul, but the rest of the boys are huddled over you now, wearing similar expressions.
"Jeno too. They're—they're hurting both of them—"
Your voice broke as flashes of both scenes came rushing back to you. You folded on your seat as soon as they came, your arms going around yourself as the rest of Haneul's words came slamming against you like waves again. You barely felt the arm resting on your back, rubbing gentle circles on it, until you heard Renjun's voice beside you.
"Hey. Don't push yourself too hard. Tell us everything at your own pace and—"
"Who is IL Matto?"
Your question quickly cut him off. You didn't even need to look up to notice the shift in the room the moment the words left you. All of a sudden the air felt thick with tension as everyone froze. You looked up slowly, your gaze clashing with Mark's.
"Is she the girl you love? The one behind all of this?"
He didn't answer, but the look on his face was enough of the confirmation that you need. A knot started twisting and tightening in your stomach.
"They're after her. Haneul Lee… he wants her. They are about to start the last phase of their experiments with a new project—Project Vision and she's their subject."
If the room seemed tense earlier, then the choking silence has definitely escalated now to a new level. Everyone has gone so still that you could almost swear they’ve collectively stopped breathing. Renjun was the first one who broke the silence, his voice laced with an undercurrent of barely concealed fear when he spoke.
"What do you mean? Haneul knows who she is?"
You shook your head slightly.
"I don't know. But he did give orders to look for her after they—after they're done with whatever it is that they are doing with Jeno. He said he is going to hunt her down."
You were so focused on trying to recollect Haneul's exact words that you didn't even notice Mark crossing the distance to where you are. He had gone so still earlier that you gasped in surprise when you felt him suddenly grasp your wrist. His hold was tight, mirroring the desperation in his eyes.
"Does he know what she can do?"
You were shocked. You've never seen him act this way before.
"N-No… He didn't say anything. But he knows my mother and how she," you stopped, suddenly finding it hard to work through the tight lump in your throat. "How she was the former IL Matto. Haneul knew them. My parents."
You saw how the rest of the boys exchanged glances in your peripheral vision. Jaemin reached out to you silently again, this time weaving his fingers through yours. His warmth clashed with the cold that’s slowly seeping to the rest of your limbs.
"If he is after her… and he knows the Headmaster from before, then he might have an idea…" Haechan said, his voice thin. He exchanged a look with Renjun from over your head.
"Is there something else he told you?" Jaemin carefully asked now, probably in an effort to reel you back from the oncoming panic attack that he can feel from you again. You tried to focus on the sound of his voice to ground yourself.
"Kun… wanted me to join them. Haneul gave me eight hours to think about it."
Your words hung thick in the air. Chenle, who had been quiet from the start, finally broke his silence.
"They're going to kill us… In eight hours."
Nobody spoke. Nobody even dared react, knowing he was telling the truth.
"We have to get out of here…" Jisung said, eyes moving towards the others. You, however, turned your attention to Mark again.
"What can she do? IL Matto? Why do you think they want her?"
The boy in question didn't seem to want to answer at first. Though he has already let go of you after his whir of the moment reaction, you noticed the undercurrent of unexplained tension still buzzing around him. It was almost out of character for his usual personality that seems to always be in control of things. It took you a moment to read it, but when Mark finally met your gaze, the realization hit you hard.
He isn't afraid for himself and the prospect of dying. He isn't even afraid for his friends.
He is terrified… for her.
"IL Matto can change the nature of Arcana powers," he started slowly, eyes steady on yours. "Unlike the former mistress of the Arcana, your mother, she cannot possess the abilities of other masters. But she can magnify their Arcanas to levels that we cannot manage to do ourselves."
Your eyes widened. Renjun continued on beside you.
"Ability Amplification is how we call it. Arcana holders like us have limitations because we are still only human vessels given temporary mastery of these abilities. She can change it if she wills to, by unlocking ranges that taps to the real Arcana source."
Everything was falling into place. Your gaze started going out of focus as the realizations started coming one by one.
"Haneul and the machine he made can only copy abilities for a limited amount of time," you whispered, more to yourself than anyone else. "That's why she is the last phase of the project. Her Arcana will extend all the abilities they have copied so far and…"
"And will let him create exact, if not more powerful clones of us," Haechan finished grimly.
"We have to get to her," Mark's words made all of you turn towards him. There was a set look on his face that made a foreboding feeling start to grow in the pit of your stomach. "No matter what happens, we can't let Cypher get their hands on IL Matto."
You couldn't put your finger on it, but something about the way he said that made the knots of anxiety in your chest wound tighter. Before you even realized what you were doing, you were grabbing at his hand and gripping it tight. Your gaze sought for his, begging for his promise.
"Please. If we are going to leave, save my father too. With Jeno."
The way that he immediately didn't answer made your desperation grow.
"Mark," you whispered. "You promised…"
A shadow of something clouded over his eyes for a quick second. Before you could even process what it is, you felt gentle hands grab you by the shoulders again and pull you back to your seat.
"Hey… try to relax…" Jaemin said as he tried to soothe you.
"Mark—"
"I promise," the boy finally said, his words resting thickly in the tensed silence. You stared straight at his eyes, willing to see if he meant it, but you couldn't easily read him for once. A few more seconds passed before you finally allowed yourself to loosen your stance.
"You should try and rest. We'll… come up with something," Renjun took your hand and gave it a gentle tug. "We’ll talk again after. Do you want to lie down? I'll sit with you."
It took you a moment before you managed to give a small nod. With your response, Renjun finally stood up and guided you to do the same. You did, letting him steer you towards the direction of the bunkers after. You felt so drained and tired that you didn't even notice the loaded glance he exchanged with the rest of the boys before you both detached yourself from the group.
"Hyung… What do we do?" Jisung whispered in the silence that you and Renjun left when your pair finally disappeared at the other end of the room. Mark didn't immediately reply, wearing an expression that also sat in Jaemin and Haechan's faces. Everyone seemed to know what the answer is, but nobody wanted to say it out loud.
"We'll have to get Jeno and the Headmaster before we leave this place."
"How? We don't even know where they are," Chenle asked next.
"We'll follow the plan she talked to us about before. I think it might work."
"And if it doesn't? What if we run out of time?" Haechan finally asked the pressing question everyone wished they could jump over. Mark's jaw ticked, but he looked up after a while to give each boy a pointed glance.
"Then we leave this place with or without them…"
"No matter what happens, we choose IL Matto over everyone else."
*******
"Sir, the chambers are ready."
Kun didn't budge despite the notice fed to him on his earpiece. His eyes were set on a spot by the wall, face emotionless as he slowly turned over the mask he was holding in his hand. It was just an hour or two before the sun would rise outside, and yet the air clinging in the corridor was as grim and cold as the darkest of twilight. His fingers ran now on the plastic edges of the straps before he slowly raised them to press a button on his in-ear.
"We're sure all air chambers are sealed shut?"
"Yes, sir."
"Any movements inside?"
"The heat sensors show nothing. They're all sleeping."
He didn't say anything else after that. Silently, he turned towards the dozen or so men standing on alert beside him. Just like him, the crew was wearing thick hazmat suits and gas masks, with guns resting heavy on their hands. He nodded now towards the one closest to him—the chief of guard, though he made sure the rest of his words were clear enough to be heard by the rest of the group when he spoke.
"Try to move as silently as you can when you go inside. We don't want to wake up any of them. All seven of you who have the gas cans, make sure to throw them in the right direction. The poison is fast acting and will only take 15 seconds at most to work. The rest of you, don't move until I say so. We want to keep this as clean as possible."
The group gave a collective nod towards his orders. Kun finally moved to put on his own gas mask and pulled a small monitor from his pocket after—a handheld device showing what looked like a heat radar checker. Seven red dots were clustered on one of its sides, unmoving. He gave it one last check before finally nodding towards the small army behind him.
"Let's go."
Their unit moved like a shadow towards the metal doors of the bunker. With a set stare, he waited for the entrance to open in almost painful silence. The room was dark when the doors finally parted, but that didn't stop the trained men from slipping inside, silent like ghosts. Kun brought the rear of the group, making sure each one was in their right position before he walked over and raised his hand. The tension was palpable as the wards waited for his go signal. One second. Two seconds. Three seconds. His own heartbeat felt slow in his chest, as if death was after him itself.
Finally, he brought his hand down in one quick, smooth motion.
The sequence of the next actions that followed were quick and measured. Seven of the masked men moved forward, each holding a steel cylindrical container in both hands. The remaining men behind Kun raised their high-powered rifles in synchrony, the ends aimed at the direction of the beds. One by one, the men armed with the poison cans pressed the release button on the cylinders before letting them roll towards the same side of the room.
For a moment nothing moved in the silence. After a few seconds, however, thick white fumes started bursting from the canisters and quickly covered the room with smoke. Slight rustling can be heard from the direction of the beds as the sleeping occupants seemed to have finally realized what was happening. Soon enough, the noises were punctured with sounds of coughing, groans, and shouts as if people were struggling and trying to flail around.
"Nobody move until I say so."
Everyone in the room stayed still and followed his orders despite the ruckus. The smoke was so thick that Kun could barely see two feet from where he was standing and he waited for the fumes to disperse before making another move. After almost half a minute of painful waiting, the room finally cleared up a bit just as the struggling noises quieted down. His eyes fell on the small monitor on his hand, now dead of the seven traces of light from earlier.
"Control room, all heat sources are out. Can you confirm?"
A slight crackling sound from his earpiece followed after a beat of silence.
"Confirming zero feedback from the heat map. We need to have visual evidence of the bodies though."
At that, Kun slipped the device back to his pocket before finally taking a step deeper into the room. Silently, he moved past the vanguards who set off the poison gas, straight towards the end of the room. Splayed motionlessly on the beds and the floor next to them are seven figures—six boys and a girl.
He stopped next to the two bodies closest to him now, their faces partly covered by the way they fell on the floor. Kun swallowed back the uncomfortable feeling sitting at his tongue as he knelt in front of the one nearer him to turn its face up carefully…
He locked gazes with the glassy, bloodshot eyes of Haechan. The boy’s lips were slightly parted as if he froze in the middle of taking a deep breath. A small trail of foam trickled from the side of his mouth, the same one that you could also see now upon closer inspection of the girl lying down beside him. Half of her body was covered by the boy, as if in a protective stance, but there’s no mistaking the face of his former partner now, cold and frozen with death.
His stomach turned. Without saying another word, he leaned over and pressed a finger to the side of the boy's neck.
"No pulse for Patient 01. 00 is showing the same signs of death," he said almost emotionlessly to his earpiece. "I’m sending feedback from my body camera. You can check for the visual."
A few soft clicks that only he could hear took over on the line. After a couple of seconds, the voice spoke again, this time with finality.
"Confirming time of death of 01 and 00. Check the others, and then we can move the bodies out of the room."
Kun didn't waste another second to pick himself up from his crouch. He gave a nod towards the men closest to him, who then moved forward to do exactly what the voice ordered. Finally, he motioned at the remaining group still waiting near the entrance with their guns.
"Help them with the corpses. We need to transport them to the morgue as soon as possible."
Without another glance back at the scene, he went out of the room to leave the others to take care of the mess. The moment that he was within safe distance, he immediately pulled his mask off and took a deep breath. Cold sweat stained the collar of his protective suit and he leaned towards the nearest wall, eyes closing as he tried to push back the nausea that was in danger of overcoming him. His head was spinning… and he was sure it wasn't because of the effects of the toxic gas.
He was still in the middle of trying to collect himself when a slight buzzing sound in his earpiece sounded again. At first he wanted to ignore it, having already provided the information the control room needed, but then the next voice that came on made him open his eyes again in surprise.
"Dr. Qian. Is it done?" Haneul Lee's low, steady tone asked.
Kun straightened himself and quickly tried to breathe in to keep his voice steady before answering.
"Yes, sir. The effect of the poison fumes was instant."
A pause.
"And the girl?"
Kun took seconds to answer.
"She's also dead, sir."
Silence followed his words. Just when he thought the man dropped the call, he spoke again.
"Transport the bodies to the cremation room instead. We'll burn them in one batch."
Kun couldn't have felt more thankful that the man can't see his expression at the moment.
"How about Lee Jeno?"
"We'll use another way. He might not be killed just as easily. I'll personally arrange something else for him."
Kun didn't know what that meant, but he was sure it wasn't anything good. Before he could even do or say anything else, the other was already closing off the conversation with his last words.
"I need you to update the system about the new developments. Move all the files to the right vaults and inform the network,"
"That Project Dream is over."
*******
The man was the picture of stillness as he kept his gaze on the feedback on the screen. His private office was dark, with the only light coming from the monitors casting shadows over his features. Haneul Lee almost looked like a statue as he remained set on his seat, his usually sharp eyes now staring off blankly as he watched guards move out on the live video he was watching. A parade of seven body bags were being carried off by the group, all bound tightly to keep the poison clinging from their corpses sealed.
His gaze focused now on the last bag on the line which looks significantly smaller and lighter than the rest. As he stared at it, his thumb unconsciously ran over the face of the ornate-looking pocket watch in his hand. His fingers felt the groove of the pattern etched on its cover—an elaborate pattern reminiscent of the beauty of snowflakes.
"You'll be the godfather of my little princess, yes?"
Her voice sounded so alive to his ears still that it almost felt like she was just there, standing beside him again. He could perfectly see her smile in his mind's eye, the way her eyes crinkled at the side as they danced with happiness. In that slip of a moment, he wasn't sitting in his office anymore, but back in the old halls of Rosewood that he used to call his second home.
"Of course, he is. He's the only one we can trust to take care of her if ever something bad happens to us," a new voice, a baritone this time, joined in the conversation. The words echoed in his head as if someone shouted them at him. They were so clear… and so distinct, that he felt like he only needed to turn his head to the side to see his former best friend exchange a loving look with his wife.
His thumb stopped moving over the pocket watch now as he started feeling the memories start to get the most of him. He has always hated the way they come back to him in the most inconvenient of times, making him remember what once was and what will never be again in haunting flashes. Without even realizing it, his hold on the watch on his hand tightened, its edges digging against his skin.
The flow of his thoughts only came to a halt when he saw the group he was watching finally stop in front of a pair of heavy-duty doors from his monitor. Willing himself to refocus, he pressed a button on his keyboard which quickly changed the view that he was seeing. From its former view from the outside, the screen now showed a wide capture of the room beyond the security door. He waited for the gates to open and watched closely as the guards hauled the body bags on the steel beds taking up the space of the area. With deathly stillness, he followed the movements of the man at the head of the group who reached out to the bag closest to him. He opened the seal and parted it… showing the pale and almost exact copy of the face of the woman in his memories just minutes prior.
This time, he actually felt his heart stop for a moment. The words came rushing back again—the smiles, the memories, and then the promises.
He killed her. The daughter of the only woman she ever loved. The child he promised to protect at one point in time, before fate messed everything up.
"Darling. We're done with the boy."
The sound of a cold, lilting voice from the doorway of his office made Haneul tear his eyes away from the screen. Leaning on the threshold, arms crossed over her chest and looking like a beautiful ghostly vision against the brighter hallway, was Miyoung Lee.
His wife's piercing gaze finally cut through his thoughts. His face might not have given them away, but he knew, with the woman's piercing gaze, that she could pick up something. With practiced calm, he reigned in himself, stowing away the watch he had been holding into his coat pocket.
"Collection is over?" He smoothly asked in an almost emotionless tone. Miyoung barely moved from her spot, eyes still set on him.
"Mm. We're merging his Arcana with the others."
"And the boy's status?"
"Incredibly weak. If you're going to kill him, now is the best time to do it."
The way she said that lacked any traces of warmth and empathy. Miyoung’s inflection alone would be enough to send someone on their knees in fear, but for him, it was exactly what he needed to hear so he could finish the last thing he needed to do for the night. Silently, he picked himself up from his seat and put on his coat again. The warmth of the wayward memories that caught up with him was still buzzing at the back of his mind, but he consciously pushed them back now, latching on instead in the cold indifference his wife offered.
"I'll take care of him. You better go to IL Giudizio. Make sure that he is ready for the assimilation."
"Are the rest dead?"
Haneul froze just a little bit just as he stepped back from his table. Miyoung was still looking at him with her penetrating gaze, though there was now a different fire burning subtly behind them. He stared back at her, looking disinterested.
"Yes. They are."
"And the girl?"
He paused. The woman slightly leaned her head to the side, her expression unreadable.
"She’s gone too."
It took a couple of seconds before any of them moved. It was like a silent war between the two of them, one that is loaded with meaning even without the need for any words. None of them wanted to give way and back down first, until finally, Miyoung broke the rising tension with a slow smile. Her eyes, once smouldering, now danced with glee.
"That's good news. If that's the case, then we can wrap this up."
Haneul didn't say anything else. His wife finally straightened up from leaning by the door, an obvious sign that she was finally satisfied with his answer. He was about to take his leave as well when he gave one last glance to his monitor. It was supposed to be a fleeting last look, but he suddenly paused when he caught something out of place there.
All seven body bags are open now, showing a glimpse of the faces inside of them. Instead of the kids he know, however, the lifeless bodies that reflected on the screen were that of strangers—men he assumed were part of the vanguard that did the silent assassination from earlier based on the peek of the blue protective suit peeking under their body bags. He looked up just in time at the guards standing over the corpses to catch one of them removing his mask.
The stranger stared straight at him from the camera as his features shifted and changed. Haneul caught up on what was happening just before the moment the transformation was complete.
Zhong Chenle smirked straight at him from the camera just as the remaining men around him took off their masks.
The last thing he saw before the feedback was cut off was a bright explosive ball going straight for his view.
*******
"Poison gas. That's how they're going to kill us."
Six pairs of eyes turned towards you in silence. None of your party huddled at the table really looked surprised at your announcement, though there was an obvious tightness in the air that cloaked the room. Everyone seemed to share the same sense of tension that was growing every passing minute as you sat in silence.
“We’re sure about that?” Renjun asked quietly now from his seat. It took you a beat, but you nodded in confirmation and looked pointedly around the room.
“According to the layout of this place, that is how it looks like. You see the air vents there? They aren’t regular chutes. If you take a closer look, they’re designed to tightly seal upon command. There’s no need for them if they’re planning to attack using guns or anything that uses blunt force.”
“They won’t do that, since they know we can easily overpower them with our offenses,” Mark said. “Oxide poison makes the most sense, since we can’t fight and escape it physically.”
“And it’s the quickest method with the most minimal contact,” Haechan added lowly. You nodded. Beside him, Jaemin leveled you with his intense stare.
“What’s the plan then? Without contact, the rest of us can’t easily use our Arcanas.”
“Are we going to try and escape from here before then? We don’t even know when they’ll come after us,” Jisung joined in, his voice sounding the most serious you’ve ever heard from him.
Chenle shot him a grim look in answer. “But we can’t. We tried before, but this place is built like a monster. They intentionally weakened us to lower the chances of our Arcanas busting us out of this place.”
You frowned. “He’s right. I’ve seen the security level of this place when I first came in and I’m pretty sure it can only be opened from the outside. Trying to use your powers will just weaken you more and make it easier for them to kill,” you said. Beside you, Haechan started tapping his fingers lightly on the table in frustration.
“So we just let them slaughter us like that, huh?”
“Exactly.”
You knew it was a rhetorical question from him, so you weren’t surprised at all when everyone turned their heads towards you at your reply. You met each boy’s gaze unwaveringly, silently willing them to listen closely to what you were about to say.
“That’s exactly what we’re going to do. We let them kill us, because there is no other way we can get out of this room other than have them move us out on their own.”
“I don’t understand…” Renjun trailed off.
“Poison gases are deadly, but their effects are not instant. At least from what I know, it can take a few seconds to minutes before they kill someone. That’s more than enough time for us to do something,” you moved your gaze towards Mark who was sitting on the head of the table. “Mark, you control all forms of matter and their structure. Do you think your Arcana can change the toxicity levels of vapor?”
The boy’s eyes slightly widened in surprise. You knew he was starting to catch up with what you were trying to say from the look on his face.
“If you mean changing poison into pure, harmless gas, then yes, I think I can do it…”
You nodded. “Then we have a chance. This is how we’re going to do it. First, on the day that they’re going to kill us, we need to convince Cypher that we are still inside this room, just in case they are still tracking our movements.”
“But we are… inside. There’s no way out,” Jaemin said, looking completely lost. You shook your head slightly.
“Wrong. We can’t go out, but that doesn’t mean we can’t hide anywhere else,” you said pointedly as your gaze slowly moved to Haechan. The boy frowned at what you said before his lips parted slightly in realization. “I’m pretty sure no poison gas can get into those shadow dimensions,” you added, the second you knew he got it. You could feel everyone on the edge of their seats now so you continued.
“Here’s how we can pull it off—and I need everyone to listen because we all need to work together to make sure it works. Haechan creates illusions of us being in the room before the attack. Once that’s done, we’ll have to move and hide inside one of his dimension portals to wait things out. Mark, we need you and Chenle to stay behind. Do you think you can do something to make sure the gas doesn’t get to you and him first?”
The boy gave a tight nod. “I can shift the air in the room so that it creates a vacuum around us. We’ll be protected.”
“Good. You and Chenle will have to find a way to somehow overpower the men closest to you under the cover of the smoke. They’ll be wearing masks for sure, and you need to move quick to attack seven of them, no more no less. Once they are poisoned, you need to switch clothes with them as quickly as you can,” you turned now towards the younger boy who had been listening to you intently.
“Chenle, you’re very important for the next steps. Once the men are poisoned, Mark has to neutralize the gas so that it can be safe for us to come out of hiding. Nobody else in the room will notice this as long as we have casualties in the room. Once we’re back in the room, you need to transform the dead bodies to look exactly like us, and change us to take their appearances. We can get out of the room then, under the disguise of the guards once we move our ‘bodies’ out.”
Nobody spoke or even made the slightest sound for a good few seconds even when you finished speaking. Instead, the boys simply stared at you with varying looks of shock and disbelief. Haechan finally broke the silence, his tone hushed when he spoke.
“Holy shit… That’s genius.”
Renjun nodded slowly, his gaze unwavering on your face too. “That might work…”
You, on the other hand, faltered slightly. “You think so? It’s going to take a lot on all of you.”
Mark shook his head. “It probably will, but it’s not like we have any other choice. We’ll have to make it work.”
The rest of the boys exchanged silent looks between each other in confirmation. Finally, Chenle said what everyone else was thinking, his words sounding like a death sentence.
“Let’s all wait to die then.”
*******
“Jisung, a little help here?!”
A bright ball of light zoomed over your head just as you ducked and got on your knees. The sensation enveloping you was one of the most uncomfortable you’ve ever felt, with your flesh moving and churning against your bones as if they have a mind of their own. Somewhere beyond you, you heard Haechan’s voice call out again just as one of Jisung’s energy explosives hit something and sent the floor rumbling. Mixed in with his voice are random shouts of voices from the guards who went into the room and were still in shock from the ruckus that was happening. With a last wince, you felt your body finally snap into place again as Chenle’s Arcana finally faded off. You turned your head to the side in time to see Jaemin shift back to his appearance at the same time, a displeased look obvious in his face.
“Hell, don’t ever make me look that ugly again,” he said through gritted teeth as he pulled off the heavy protective clothing that he used as a disguise. You felt his hand immediately shoot up towards you to pull you to an upright position, only for you to try and pull him back as a man suddenly charged towards your pair from out of nowhere, his gun pointed straight at your chests. Jaemin immediately realized what was happening and held on to you as he turned his head back.
“Jaemin, watch out—!”
The boy only look slightly concerned at the danger. Expression not even changing, he looked the man straight in the eye, causing the latter to immediately stiffen in his spot. You only heard his next words as he pushed you a little behind him to cover your view with his back.
“Don’t even think about it. Shoot yourself.”
The sound of the gun going off was swallowed by the other sounds of explosion in the room. Before you could even process what happened, you felt another slight tug at your hand as you were once again pushed forward. Renjun and Haechan appeared on your side just as you tried to look around, the latter bringing the rear as he tried to push your group forward.
“Mark-hyung! Chenle!”
The two boys in question were currently on the other side of the room, both engaged in fights of their own. You only caught glimpses of them as you moved, but you were sure you saw balls of fire from Mark’s hand and what look like ragged blades made of steel being thrown around by Chenle to the men closest to him. The older of the pair gave your group one quick look, before blasting another man off his way.
“Jisung, go with them! We’ll follow. Find Jeno and the headmaster!”
You swiveled your head to find Jisung at the head of the room, blue currents crackling in his hand just as he electrocuted a man he was in a lock of arms with. Without another word, he pushed the unconscious guard off him and started running towards your pack still being led by Jaemin. The latter’s eyes were swiveling everywhere, desperately searching for something.
“Renjun, which one—”
“The man near the door. He knows where they are. He’s he head of guard,” the other boy quickly answered, his pupils dilated as he stared at the said guard. His eyes looked glassy but focused at the same time, and you knew, he had gotten into the man’s head, sifting through his memories. “I got it. I already know where they are, but we need him to open the door. Jeno’s closest to us.”
Jaemin didn’t waste any second to take action. Crossing the distance just as Jisung met your group, he barely even flinched when the man raised his gun and open fired towards your direction. You gasped, but the bullets flew off towards different directions as Jisung pulled up his energy shield around all of you at the nick of time. One bullet actually bounced back towards the guard, catching him on his thigh and making him double over in pain towards the floor. Jaemin caught before he even managed to catch his next breath though, his hand going over half of the man’s face.
“Stand up. Bring us to Jeno,” he ordered, his voice low and commanding. The guard’s eyes glazed over, and like a puppet, stood up and started walking towards the door despite the heavy bleeding on his leg.
“Jisung, bring the front. I’ll take care of the defense,” Haechan’s voice sounded tense as your group finally stepped out of the room. The hallway that welcomed you was now flashing with red lights and you could hear sirens blaring in the distance. You ignored the growing painful stitch at your side as your unit started speeding down the corridors, following the hypnotized man at the head of your group.
“We don’t have much time. We need to get to them fast,” you panted as you tried your best to keep up with everyone. A sudden bright flash of light almost made you trip in surprise as Jisung threw spears of light towards a group of men that suddenly appeared from around one of the bends you just passed. Behind you, Renjun quickly picked you up and pushed you forward again, his hand on your back.
“We’re almost there. Jeno’s in the third hallway,” Renjun said urgently before his breath caught. Eyes widening, he suddenly turned around and shouted at Haechan who was just a few feet behind.
“Haechan, three guards incoming—”
He was barely able to finish his sentence when three men appeared just as he said, their guns set on your group. Before any of them could pull the trigger, however, a big gaping black hole opened behind them with monstrous jaws. One man almost screamed in surprise, but he was immediately cut off when it swallowed him and the rest of the guards, leaving nothing but their guns clattering on the floor. You gasped but Haechan barely even missed a beat as he continued to run behind your group.
“I swear, if we’re not even close yet—”
“We’re here!”
Jaemin’s voice cut through the noise as your group skidded to a halt in front of a double set of metal doors. Breaths heaving, you all watched as the hypnotized warden moved over like a puppet to unlock it in a trance. It took a moment before the said gates parted, but you felt yourself pushed inside as soon as you could slip between the crack. The rest of the boys followed behind shortly, just as the wayward sound of bullets came from the corridor you just left. You have barely caught your breaths and balance when you all collectively froze in shock at the scene that welcomed you.
Strapped in the bed in the middle of the room was Jeno, his eyes only half open as he stared at nothing in particular. Hovering above him, his hand pressed against his barely moving chest, was another boy who seemed to be surrounded by a dark force field. Your eyes widened just as the stranger looked up and locked gazes with yours. You almost stumbled backwards as you realized what you were looking at. Somebody caught you just in time before you lost your balance, Mark’s voice barely piercing through your fear as he spoke.
“What’s happening—”
The boy’s voice faded just as the monster with Jeno’s exact face twisted his lips into a smirk.
*******
“What the fuck…”
Chenle’s shocked voice was like a shot of cold water that brought all of you back to your senses. Eyes still wide, you felt Mark’s arm pull you back urgently before he stepped in front of you. His stance was tight, but you could feel the slight tremors running through him as he kept you close. When the monster straightened up and stepped away from the bed, the rest of the boys around you fell back to defensive stances even with different levels of horror on their faces.
“Jeno-hyung,” Jisung mumbled, sounding equal parts lost and terrified. As if it heard him, the creature turned his head towards him before taking another step towards your group. There was something about the nature of its movement that seemed deeply unnatural and eerie, and you could see now how its eyes glowed black, the same way Jeno’s did back in the torture room. Unlike Jeno though, you knew this boy your were looking at is anything but human.
“That’s not him,” Jaemin’s hollow voice barely pierced through your shock as he finally spoke beside you. A heavy weight settled at the pit of your stomach as Renjun finished what the other couldn’t say.
“That’s a clone.”
Renjun’s last word is what seemed to have triggered the spiral of events that followed. The shadow image of Jeno smirked wider at the sound of it, its eyes turning even darker as it regarded your group. Not a heartbeat after, black humanoid shadows burst out from the floor and caused tremors that threw all of you out of balance. A sound of pain was torn away from you forcefully as you were slammed back against the wall by the earthquake it caused. Your head spun, but you managed to open your eyes just in time to see the monsters start to move towards the direction of your group, their sizes growing with every step.
“Shit!”
“He has the same Arcana as him!”
“Watch out!
The shouts overlapped around you into a cacophony of mess. A growing ringing in your ears kept you from knowing who was shouting, but you did feel a force try to pick you up from the floor as you tried to blink away the spinning of your head. You focus and balance still off, you barely registered your body being shoved again into the wall. You blinked. Looking up, you saw Chenle’s hazy profile before you. There was a wall of rock covering the both of you from whatever force was pushing from the other side, and he gritted his teeth in pain as his hands pressed against the barrier. Your mind only snapped to clarity at what was happening when long, deep cracks ran around his summoned shield right in front of your eyes.
“Chenle—”
“Haechan-hyung! This isn’t gonna work! We need your shadow room!”
A deafening roar from somewhere made you instinctively grab the boy and throw both of you towards the floor. It was done just at the nick of time too, as a massive clawed arm finally broke through the rock shield Chenle was trying to hold up. Your first instinct was to roll away and drag your pair away as far as possible from the still raging monster now pounding at the ruined shield, but a different set of arms both lifted you from the floor before you could even do it. You barely caught a glimpse of Jaemin before he was dragging you towards the other end of the room, his eyes wild as he looked around. You gasped as you saw half of his face covered with blood, but you didn’t even have enough time to process that as another explosion made you unconsciously flinch and curl.
“Haechan! Do something! I have her!” the boy roared over the sounds of blasts and growls that has taken over the room. A rain of loose rocks and cement poured over your heads from the ceiling as another resounding bang tore through the air.
“I’m trying! Get out of the way!” Haechan’s voice shouted back from god knows where. You couldn’t see him in the ruckus that was happening, and you didn’t even have a chance to try and look for him, because the next thing you know, a black void opened in your peripheral vision. Jaemin started pushing you towards it without another word.
“No! You need to come too!” You screamed in panic when you realized he and Chenle weren’t coming with you. You tried to reach out to both of them just as the void started to close, but both quickly stepped away before you could get your hands on them.
“We can’t. We need to get Jeno first. Mark and the others can’t do it on their own, just stay there and wait for us!”
That was the last you heard before the darkness finally swallowed you. All of a sudden the noise from the room cut off, and you were surrounded with nothing but the deafening silence of the room Haechan conjured with his chaos magic. Only the sound of your heaving breaths pressed against your ears as your knees finally gave way and you fell to the floor.
You didn’t know how long you stayed there as you tried to catch your breath. You weren’t sure if you are bleeding anywhere, but that was the least of your worries as you fought against the crashing emotions inside of you that made you almost choke in your own breath. There was a moment of silence as you tried to clutch on the floor of shadows in an effort to ground yourself, but it was short-lived as an unexpected tremor shook the very void you were in. You gasped and looked around wildly. The force felt like something of an attack from the outside, but you couldn’t confirm when it suddenly stopped just as soon as it came. At this point, you knew your nerves were frayed to their limit. The dead silence that followed was even more painful as you waited breathlessly for the next blow.
Boom!
Your scream caught in your throat at the splitting sound that sliced the silence enveloping you. All of a sudden, the darkness surrounding you was overcome by a sudden wash of light coming from a crack in the void. Before you could even wrap your head around what you were looking at, a monstrous arm reached out from the hole and wrapped its burning fingers around your neck. It pulled you back so hard and fast into the source of the light that the only thing that registered to you was the chilling sound of cracks that tore through your consciousness. The next thing you know you were staring at one of the shadow monsters as it held you in mid-air by your neck, its black glowing eyes drilling against you.
The blunt force must have broken something in you because you could feel nothing of the pain after. The shock of it all, however, is what really made you numb. It barely even registered to you how you were back in the real world, Haechan’s dimension seemingly torn into shreds by the beast alone. Your head was feeling heavy, and you’re convinced you are about to lose consciousness any time as more of your airflow was cut off. With the last of your energy, you tried to move your eyes across the room. Your sight had gone blurry by the edges, but you managed to register the bleeding face of Mark staring up at you in horror before you felt gravity started to pull you down. Slowly, the monster let go of its hold on your neck, only for your body to be caught again in mid-air… by its arm piercing through your stomach.
“No!”
“Mark! Stop!”
“Kun-ge!”
“Ten! Get to her first! I’ll get the others!”
Everything was just a blur of colors, shapes, and sounds after that. Your body hit the floor, but you didn’t feel any pain as the last of your breaths started to leave you. Your eyes were still open, but your mind was struggling to understand what you were seeing and what they mean. Even in the growing hollowness quickly swallowing you though, you saw the way the shadow monster stopped just before it was about to drive its last blow on your battered body, as if it was suddenly frozen in time. It was only a few seconds before you lost consciousness when a familiar face took over your dimmed line of sight, his face hovering over you as he made a motion to pick you up.
“Hey, you’re okay. Just stay still.”
Ten…?
“We’re getting out of here.”
*******
The feeling was worse than what you hoped death would be like.
If limbo was a solid construct, it is exactly the sensation that was wrapping you right now. It was different from anything you have experienced before, with your consciousness caught between a wakeful state and a growing numbness that always seems to pull you under every time you were just about to break the surface. You have no idea where you are or even who you are, and yet there was one strand of thought that you were clinging desperately into as a lifeline.
You were fading into nothing. And it was terrifying.
"Love. Love, don't close your eyes. Don't go to sleep yet."
"We're losing her—no. No. We need to do something!"
"Renjun! Where are you!"
The sound of that name brought a mild undercurrent of shock over whatever trace of life was still left in you. You know that name… you've said it so many times before but you couldn't really remember why… Renjun… Renjun…
"Renjun?"
"Yes, noona?"
The way your vision snapped to focus almost knocked out the air from you. From floating in nothingness, you were all of a sudden back on your feet again, standing in the middle of a shadowed corridor. Turning your head to the side, your eyes ever so slightly widened when you saw Renjun beside you, his gaze set on something in front of him. You frowned. You didn't know what was happening, but at the same time, there was a part of you that seemed to exactly know the answers you are trying to grasp. You watched silently as the boy’s lips turned up into a soft smile as if he could hear your thoughts, before he finally turned to look at you.
"Where are we?"
He tilted his head a little to the side at your question. He seemed calm, a complete contrast to the confusion swirling in your head at the moment. He gave you a look before turning away again and nodding his chin towards something. The action made you finally follow his gaze, only for your heart to drop at what you saw beyond.
"Where it all started. I think you know exactly where we are."
The white door from your dreams loomed in front of you like a ghost. It looks exactly like the real one you walked through back in Rosewood—the threshold to your father's office where you found his secrets. The only difference now is that the door you are looking at didn’t have its bronze knob burned and singed yet, and that there was no smoke coming from under its gap near the floor.
"Why are we…"
Your voice trailed off as you took in the sight in front of you. You were so lost that you didn't even notice the way Renjun had threaded his fingers on yours until you felt him squeeze your hand. The comfort the gesture brought grounded you just a little, numbing your mind before it went down a full spiral.
"It's time to open that door again."
He said those words so softly, and yet you could hear the urgency in them still. You hesitated. A part of you didn't want to move, afraid of what you might find on the other side of it, but there was also something unexplainable urging you to do the exact opposite. For a few more seconds you stood there, gauging your options, before finally raising your hand and reaching out to the knob. Beside you, Renjun gave you one final squeeze just as you turned and pushed it back.
The door parted slowly as if it had a life of its own. You weren't sure if you were still breathing in the first place, but your chest felt absolutely still as you waited for it to reveal what was behind it. When you finally caught glimpses of what's beyond, there was a brief moment when your mind started to figure out what you were seeing. Everything looked exactly the same from your father’s office back in the academy, but then your eyes moved down to its center...
And landed on a girl lying on a table in the middle of the room. You couldn’t see her face at first since she had her head turned away from you so you took a silent step inside to try and see more. You have finally passed through the door when she finally moved, causing the light in the room to wash all over your features. You stopped, your breath freezing in your chest. Lying beyond was a woman....
With the exact same face as you.
It felt like the floor was torn away from under your footing. You were confused, the feeling only growing as another table materialized next to where your doppelganger was. Your eyes widened in surprise. Resting on it was Renjun, his hair still long just like when he first came to Cypher. Quickly, you turned to look at the boy on your side. The Renjun who first came to your dreams was still there holding your hand. He was looking at both your duplicates beyond with an unreadable light in his eyes.
“What’s happening?” you asked, your voice sounding thin and almost breaking at the edges. He squeezed your hand again but kept his sight trained straight at the scene in front of you.
“Watch.”
You did what you were told. The doppelgangers in front of you have barely moved since they came into focus, so your eyes bounced around the other details around them in the hopes of finding something that can make you better understand. When they finally focused on the tables they were lying on, a shocking realization hit you like a wave. They were the exact same desks you found in your father’s office—the ones you thought were so out of place when you first stumbled on them.
That’s when it hit you.
You're not looking at an illusion, nor was this just a dream. The girl you are looking at is not a copycat.
But you…
"From a memory," Renjun whispered beside you as if he just heard your train of thought. At that moment, you saw the girl’s lips move, silently at first, before they finally formed words.
"I trust you."
The sound of your own voice startled you. The moment you heard them, the scene changed as if someone had flipped it. This time, there were also others in the room, surrounding the table where you are. Mark, Jeno, Jaemin, Haechan, Jisung and Chenle were looking down on you and Renjun's doppelgangers, their faces unreadable. Renjun's double also turned his head towards the girl beside him before reaching out gently to her face. Above him, Jaemin moved over to hold him down while the rest hovered around you. You noticed how the boys seemed to take calculated positions, as if whatever was happening was already pre-arranged. Mark stood over to your left while Jeno hovered near your head. Jaemin, Chenle, and Haechan reached out to pin down your hands and legs.
"This is going to hurt," Renjun vision whispered to yours.
You nodded.
"I know."
"Close your eyes."
You flinched as you heard yourself scream in pain just as soon as she did what she was told. The moment was fleeting, however, as your view of the room suddenly spun out of control. The corridor melted and vanished, including Renjun and the whole slice of memory you have been watching, only for it to snap back at an entirely different place. That happened again and again, words jumping and scenes flipping as you jumped from one place to another. All throughout, you remained on your spot, unable to do anything but watch and listen to whatever it was presented in front of you.
"You need to do it, Mark. It's the only way it will work."
"Make sure to give me a good dream, alright Haechan?"
"Chenle and Jisung… you'll help noona, right?"
"I'm sorry, Jaemin…"
"Give me this pendant at the right moment, Renjun. And a flower. A yellow daffodil will be nice."
"Jeno… Will you wait for me?"
You doubled over and clutched at the sides of your head as the noises, colors, smells, and sensations washed over you like a huge tidal wave. You could feel yourself splitting at the seams and being brought back together again and again. You were confused. In pain. Terrified. Lost.
"I'll leave my memories to your care."
Your own haunting voice echoed in your head. The words made you freeze, killing the screams you didn't even know were making. Eyes wide and pupils shaking, you looked up again only to find yourself in an entirely different room. Your gaze settled on another vision of you and the boys, though this time, everything was different.
Your eyes focused on an exact copy of you again lying down on a bed. Unlike the vision at Rosewood, however, this version of you looked pale and almost lifeless. Black marks decorated your neck, and half of your body from your stomach down was drenched in blood. Your chest was still… Except for the times it unnaturally gets lifted from Jisung's electric shocks. Your heart dropped to your chest as you realized what you were looking at.
This was not part of your dreams or even your memories.
This… was your present.
"She's losing a lot of blood. Chenle!" Haechan's high-pitched voice turned on the rest of the noises of the previously silent scene you were watching. He was holding what looked like a blood-soaked towel against the hole in your stomach, his own hands stained with the red liquid as he tried his best to plug your wound. Across from him, clutching your other side was Chenle, whose face was illuminated by a strange light coming from his hands pressed close to your flesh. He looked pale. Scared.
"I'm trying. Her muscles are binding slowly because her wound is severe. Jisung—"
"Her heart is not starting," the other boy, who was hovering over your upper half, answered in a trembling voice. You watched as he pressed his hands on your chest again before sending another jolt of electricity that sent your back arching up before falling limply on the bed. “We need her heartbeat to pick up faster. I can’t do it alone.”
"Her pulse. It's fading," Mark sounded hollow as he clutched on to your hand. "We can't do this. Her life force is leaving faster than we can bring it back."
Jaemin, who was standing next to him, gritted his teeth in frustration. He was trying to hold up Renjun who was currently standing by your head with his hands pressed against your temples. "We need Jeno. Where are they?"
As soon as he said the name, a new movement from your peripheral vision made you tear your eyes away from the bloody scene. Appearing out of thin air was Ten trying to hold up Kun and Jeno on both his sides. Your lips parted in shock. Your surprise was mirrored by the other boys, though they were quicker to recover at the sight of the newcomers.
Renjun didn't waste another breath before calling out to the younger of the trio.
"Jeno, she's dying! You need to hold back her lifeforce from fading to give Chenle and Jisung more time to revive her."
You watched, stumped, as the boy in question pulled himself away from Ten and immediately tried to rush over to where you are. He looked disoriented and weak, but he managed to catch himself and grab on to your other free hand before he lost his balance. Just like Chenle, a glow came from his hand, weak but still lighting up your joined palms. You took in a breath as things finally started moving in your head.
"I'm here. Come on. Fight it."
Jeno's raspy voice sounded close to your ears even as you watched him from the safe distance of where you stood. When you saw him press your other self's cold fingers against his lips, you felt a jolt in your chest that was mirrored by the slight movement of your other body across the room. The other boys caught it, Mark in particular who held on tighter to your other hand he was still holding.
"Her pulse is getting stronger. Chenle, Jisung, just a little bit more."
The two boys in question said something back, but you didn't catch any of it as your attention was caught by Renjun from the other side of the room. Unlike the others who seemed unaware of your detached presence in the scene, he looked right straight at you, his eyes piercing.
"Noona. It's time to remember."
The next sequence of events all happened in a matter of seconds. You were yanked back from the ground you were standing on as your consciousness was sucked into a void where blasts of colors and sounds clashed and melded with each other. Wounds closed and bones snapped back to their right places. Memories of the far and recent past melded together, forming a singular consciousness that grew and grew and grew until they consumed you. Everything was unbearably overwhelming, not until a voice pierced through the noise.
"Please. Come back to me."
Everything stilled to a sudden halt. The room was silent, the only sound you can hear being the calm thumps of your own heartbeat. Slowly, you opened your eyes and let your vision settle on the first thing you could see. Jeno's face came into focus, his gaze moving over the rest of your features quickly. The moment your eyes locked, you saw realization dawn behind his.
"Do you…"
You didn't answer. Instead, you reached out for his face, your thumb grazing his cheek.
"Can you help me up, love?" You whispered. He momentarily paused before he took a step back to gently guide you into a sitting position. Around you, the rest of the boys moved away from the bed to give you breathing space. Kun and Ten also stepped closer towards your line of vision from the other side of the room. They were wearing the same expression the rest had on their faces—a mixture of concern, wariness, and reverence. You touched every single face staring at you with your gaze, before your lips tipped into a slow smile.
"Hello, boys… Missed me?"
Nobody said a word at first. Finally, Kun gave a slight bow of his head in answer.
"Welcome back…"
"IL Matto."
AUTHOR’S NOTE: So... I may have half-lied about a couple of things. First, it is true that this is Arcane’s end. The catch, is that it is only the last chapter of the first book. I decided to split the plot into two parts, because I know so many things have happened in the story already and I needed a breather to gather more inspiration for the remaining half of the story. I would like to thank everyone who has been with this journey so far. I really wouldn’t have kept the torch up this long if not for all of your support. For now though, I need to take a quick rest.
Book 2 may come a little later than my usual timeline of publishing updates, but as you’ve figured out from the end of the chapter, it will cover the rest of the story with a heavy focus on everything that has happened before the start of Arcane. For those of you who want to read it, I’ll be waiting for you again once it starts.
Again, I’d like to express my appreciation to all of you who have showed loved for Arcane. Can’t wait to see you again at the start of a new journey. P.S. Congratulations to all those who came so close with the theories and thank you to those who took the time to think about them. You’re all starting to learn how to pick my brain. <3 ;)
Summary: When you decided to apply for a researcher post in an elusive institute, you already had the feeling that you’ll be getting yourself knee-deep into something out of the ordinary. But desperate needs require desperate measures, and so you embraced the invite, despite all the alarm signals urging you to run away. What you found out was nothing you’d ever expected.
Seven boys.
Seven human deviants granted with abilities tied to the legendary Arcana Cards.
Welcome to Project Dream.
Pairing: Various Dream Members x Reader
Trigger Warnings/Themes: violence, torture, trauma, very slight yandere themes, poly dynamics, suggestive themes, language, psychological, mystery, sci-fi. Romance will take a little bit of a backseat on this one since this is more of a suspense-driven plot, but it will still be threaded in the overall story. The concept of the tarot or Arcana cards will be loosely used throughout the series. Note that I am not a trained doctor so there may be some slips here and there about medical things. Again, this is a work of fiction and I am not implying any likeness between the characterization here of the boys to their real life counterparts. I also reserve the rights to all my work—I do not post anywhere else other than tumblr. Minors DNI.
You've never really given it much thought before, but you've always imagined it to be similar to the snuffing of a candle. Where there was once life, death comes and blows it away until it simply ceases to exist. There is no consciousness or memories. There is not even pain. What was something, simply turns to nothing.
You have no idea how death feels like, but if it is anything like the numb floating feeling that's cocooning you right now, then you'd prefer it over being alive.
"Hyung, I think she's waking up."
The voice sounded muffled and indistinguishable as they reached your ears. You could hear the words, but none of them were making any sense yet to your muddled brain. Taking a slow breath in, you blindly turned your head to the side in the hopes of blocking them out. You didn't really want to wake up, but your consciousness was slowly getting into focus, similar to how one would see the light above the water as they swim closer to its surface. The gentle hand wrapping around your wrist was the first sensation that really shocked you back to a more wakeful state. All of a sudden you could breathe again, but at the cost of your veins firing up with pain.
"Hey. Can you hear me?"
Your eyes slowly opened at the low voice that whispered to you. Things were still moving slowly in your head but you slightly frowned at the two faces that started to come into focus on your line of vision. Jisung and Mark were both peering at you with identical expressions of concern, their faces taut with worry.
"Noona. Thank god you're awake," the younger of the two finally said in obvious relief. "Do you need a nurse?"
You wanted to reply, but your throat felt too dry and tight so you simply shook your head. Mark fortunately noticed your struggle, and he promptly turned to Jisung to answer for you instead.
"I don't think it's a good idea to let the doctors see her this soon. Go tell the others and try not to alert the guards that she's awake."
Jisung still looked on edge but gave a nod towards the other's orders. With one last glance at you, he drew back from what you can assume is your bed and left the room. You heard the closing of a door in the distance soon after.
"Can you talk? It's fine if you can't. Just shake or nod your head. Are you in pain?"
Your eyes drew back to Mark. You weren't sure if it was just the stark lighting in the room you were in, but he looked a little thinner with shadows clinging to the curves of his face when you tried to focus on him. You felt him give your hand a squeeze when you slightly parted your lips to try and speak again. When no words came out, you settled for another shake of your head.
"That's good. I'll go get you a glass of water."
He was just about to stand up from his seat when you tried to hold him back with the little strength you can muster with your hand. The rest of your body still felt on fire but you pushed yourself to finally speak.
"W-Where am I?"
He immediately paused at your question. Mark looked like he was trying his best to control his expression but you could see the way the gears in his head tried to work fast for an answer. He was dreading to give you a reply… and you think you know why.
"Mark… What is this place…?" You asked again, this time with a slightly steadier voice. He slowly lowered himself back to his chair, his gaze looking everywhere but you. His silence gave way for the last memories you could remember to crawl back to you just then. They came in batches... Stumbling over one another.
The glass room. The shocks.
The torture. The pain.
And then the deaths.
"You're at Cypher," his voice rang loud in your ears despite his tone being low and soft. "Not at the Institute, but in the place where they first sent us for the experiments. After what happened, they all brought us back here again. You've been out for almost two days…"
The pain in your throat has intensified. Blindly, you turned your head to look around, your eyes roving around the place for the first time. Just as you expected, you were in what seemed like an infirmary setup, though it looked starkly different from Ten's room back at the Institute. The ceilings were unpainted, with thick steel rafters and reinforced metal crisscrossing across its expanse. Even the bed you were currently in felt roughly made, reminiscent of the ones in military camps than actual hospital wards. You swallowed. Beside you, Mark was silent as he closely watched your face. None of you could bear to say the obvious fact hanging thickly in the air at the moment, but you didn't really need words to confirm it.
You're now a prisoner of the Institute too… Just like them.
"Where are the others? Jeno… Is he…"
This time, you actually saw distress quickly flash through Mark's features. You felt your heart drop to your stomach at his expression.
"We're all here, though we've never seen Jeno since we were moved. We are sure he is here though. He's the reason why they had to ship us back to this fortress after all. Cypher knew they couldn't keep him at the Institute."
"What do you mean?"
For a moment, Mark looked torn. He pursed his lips, before carefully framing his next words.
"I don't think this is the right time to talk about this. You just woke up, you need to recover first," he reasoned, his gaze pointedly avoiding yours. You held on to him, fingers squeezing his this time.
"No. I want to know. Please," you insisted firmly despite your voice still being scratchy. He was right. You still felt like you could break at any moment, but you also couldn't bear to wait anymore. You have so many questions that you need to be answered. Not tomorrow, or even in the next hour—but right now. Mark still looked torn as you tried to keep his gaze locked with yours, and it felt like forever before he finally cracked and gave a defeated sigh.
"You… saw what he could do… didn't you?" he started carefully. You didn’t answer but managed to give a slight nod in reply. To be honest, you were still terrified of the memories from that day at the torture room, but you tried your best not to let your emotions get the best of you right now.
"That's not even half of what he can do," Mark continued. "You see, Masters of the Death Arcana are different from the rest of us. They do not fall within the category of users you already know. Jeno… he can cause physical damage like elemental users like me, but he can also control ether realms similar to how masters like Haechan can. He's a hybrid of both."
"So that thing that I saw… It's…"
"It came from a different dimension. This is going to sound complicated, but the universe that we know is made up of different layers. There's the aether, where the source of the Arcana powers are, the middle world—this plane that we and other regular humans live in—and the nether, the opposite of aether. People know it as—"
"The underworld…" you finished in a hushed whisper. Mark paused and gave you a silent look of affirmation.
"Nether, just like the idea of death, is an abstract plane. It’s a life force that can flow through different dimensions. Jeno's powers are focused on the underworld, but he can also cause damage in the world of the living if he wanted to. If Cypher is looking for a trump card who can almost rival what the Arcana Triads can do, then it’s him."
You processed that slowly. A thought was forming in your head as you tried to piece things together… but you didn't exactly like where it was going.
"If he can control the different dimensions… then does that mean that he can access aether too?"
Mark didn't immediately answer. You wanted him to say no to your question, but his silence was already speaking volumes in itself.
"Theoretically… he can. It has always been a myth among the family, but none of the former Arcana masters of La Morte have been able to do it. He can, but he may need an external force to push his abilities to that level."
Your mind had started going numb again as you tried to process everything. If aether is where the source of all the Arcana are, then that means having access to it will give anyone ultimate control over all the abilities in their purest form, right? When that happens, Cypher doesn't even need any of the boys or even the other masters to have full control of the Arcana system.
"Do you think Cypher has figured it out?" You asked hesitantly. With the way Mark was looking at you, it seemed like he exactly knows what you were thinking.
"Possibly. If Haneul Lee is an Arcana holder and used to be a part of the family, then he might have an idea of what the other masters can do, except for the other two members of the Triad since their abilities evolve and shift every generation. But he got to your father… which means that he knows the ability of the Judgement Arcana. Your father never really told us anything about his relationship with him, so we can’t really know for sure what he knows and do not know."
"So he might also be aware of what The Fool can do."
Mark's jaw ticked.
"I'm hoping he doesn't… because then it will really be the end."
You were on the verge of asking again about the last Triad master, but then you stopped as you remembered what Jaemin said about sparing you from information you didn't really need to know at the moment. He is right. Especially after the torture that Cypher did to you, it would be better for you to be left unknowing of things you might be forced to betray.
"Cypher… created something to copy and duplicate Arcana powers with my father and Haneul's abilities… Do you think that machine and my father are being kept here too?"
Mark looked hesitant to answer but gave a nod anyway.
"We think so. This is where we were experimented on so the chances are high that this place is designed to hold other Arcana masters. You haven't found out what type of machine it was?"
You shook your head.
"No… they just called it a mimicry unit, nothing else. Did you notice any strange devices during your experiments? Have you seen any traces of my father or Haneul during the tests?"
"I… can't really tell. Our memories were always erased by Renjun's abilities so I'm not sure if they were in the same room while it was happening. What I'm sure of though is that they weren't just doing those sessions to study what we can do. They were 'harvesting' our abilities, that's why they were forcing us to show the maximum of what we can do."
"So they could copy and duplicate the most powerful forms of your Arcana with this monster they made.”
The two of you fell silent then. You were both lost in your thoughts for a while, until you finally felt Mark gently tug your hand for attention again. You looked at him, clueless at first, before the look on his face caught you off guard. Ever since you knew him, there were only a few times he’d ever let his mask slip. The way he stared at you now was so open and raw that you felt an unexplainable pain echo from deep in your chest.
"I'm sorry… for pulling you into this. I didn't know you would be hurt this much. If I did, I wouldn't have said yes to any of this."
It took you a moment to understand what he was talking about until it finally clicked. Of course he was doing all of this… for the girl he loves. The woman who was moving all the chess pieces against Cypher—including you.
"Does she know… that Cypher has my father all along?" You asked slowly, your voice barely above a whisper. "Is that why she chose me to be one of her pawns?"
Mark shook his head. "Yes. And No. She knew the Institute was after him, but she didn't really know why. That was part of the reason why she plotted all of this. To know what Cypher was planning with the Arcana and to get one of the Triads back. She wanted to believe that your father was alive and you… were the only one she trusted who could help."
"She's known me all along?"
Mark stopped. For a moment, he looked like he was about to say something he’s not allowed to share.
"Yes. And you will meet her too. Soon."
You were about to ask him what that means when he cut you off gently again. This time, the tone of his voice was taut with urgency. Even the way he held your hand was tight, as if he was telling you to hang on to every word he was about to say.
"Listen, I should have told you this before, but your father did everything he could to hide you from the world. That was the reason why he was always gone and hid this part of his life from you—because he didn't want groups like Cypher to know who you are and use you against him. We've dragged you into this mess already, but I promise from now on, we'll try our best to protect you too."
You didn't know what to say. You weren't sure if you felt betrayed or used or made a fool of, if you’re going to be completely honest. All you were sure about, however, is that you wanted this to end.
"What's done has been done. I’m already involved just as much as you are, but if you're going to make a promise, can you do one thing instead?"
Mark kept silent, waiting for your condition.
"...If we're going to get out of here, promise me that we'll never leave without my father."
He froze. The silence rang so loud in the room but you didn't let it deter you. The seconds felt long as you tried to hold his gaze, but you finally felt a wave of relief as you saw the light in his eyes change.
"Yes. I promise."
*******
It took you five more days before you were officially released from the ward.
In that length of time, you've tried your best to try and get as much information as you can about this unknown place you were thrown in. It was hard given the restrictions, but you have been able to paint a basic picture of the predicament you are facing now. For one, you could assume from the way people treated you that you were here for the sake of being kept alive rather than actually being cared for. You were not allowed any access to anything in the outside world and you also have guards constantly stationed by the door of your quarters. Every time you tried to speak and ask someone, the people in the blue coats would either only glare at you or completely ignore you. At one point, you even tried to make a scene just to see how far you could push your luck, but no one ever really gave you attention regardless of what commotion you caused.
It was clear that you don't have a say about anything here, but at the same time, nobody really dared to blatantly hurt you too. In fact, there are times when you felt like people were dreading to get close to you or even look towards your direction. You haven't really seen any of the boys since you talked to Mark so you have no idea if they were being treated the same way, but you could only hope that they are also being spared now from any sort of torture or pain.
Today is obviously a little different from the routine of the past week. For the first time since you gained consciousness, you were actually allowed to be out of your ward room. Your sneakers squeaked now against the grey flooring of the corridor you were walking on, mixing with the heavier thuds of the boots of the guards flanking your sides. Other than the gruff instructions you were given when one of them threw you the black overalls you needed to change to today, they didn't really spare you another word on your way out. And so your eyes silently roamed the halls that you passed now, trying to take in clues, until your trio finally stopped at the end of the corridor.
You surreptitiously watched as the pair moved in unison towards the heavy-duty door that loomed in front of you. Now, you may not know a lot about security systems and other tech, but you know enough to pick up the level of access that you are seeing now. With a slight nod at each other, both men stepped closer at notches placed on both sides of the door. Their actions triggered a low beep before a thin strip of laser burst out from the portals. The blue light made a low hum as it scanned them from head to toe. You swallowed, watching the process of it all.
Eye and full body scans… Systems that are definitely harder to hack because of their unique IDs. You were right all along. This is no longer just a research and testing hub…
But a high-security prison.
You took in a slow, calming breath when the door finally started to part with a whirring sound after a moment. Keeping your eyes ahead, you waited with bated breath for it to reveal what was on the other side. Just as the gates parted enough for you to slip in, however, a sudden force in the middle of your back pushed you inside and sent you toppling forward in surprise. You gasped. Instead of impact, the air froze in your throat the next second as you felt a pair of arms catch you before you lost your balance and hit the floor.
Renjun wrapped his arms around you, his hands immediately going around your waist and upper back to keep you from falling over. You have barely recovered when you saw two figures move past where the boy kept you in place. Mark and Jaemin stopped in front of you, their towering backs covering you from the view of the guards who remained standing by the threshold. They were soon followed by Chenle and Jisung who both stepped in to flank your sides. Haechan silently brought the rear, his own withering gaze set on the door. You were at a loss for words. Everything happened so quickly, but it was enough to entirely shift the air buzzing in the room.
"You know the rules. Try anything funny and she gets a dose of what you get too," one of the men finally spoke to break the silence. You turned to face the door again just as you felt Renjun press you closer against his side. From what little you can see of Mark and Jaemin's profiles from where you stood, both were shooting ice cold glares at the wards in front, their silence radiating deadly intent.
"Big words coming from two apes who can't even take a step beyond the entrance. Balls shrunk so bad because of a bunch of kids?"
You didn't need to look at Haechan to recognize his taunting, lilting tone. Beyond, you saw both guards visibly pale in anger at the verbal attack, with one actually reaching out for what looks like a stun gun strapped to his belt.
"You freaks—"
"Try. I promise you'll regret it."
You felt a quick chill run down your spine when you heard Chenle say that from your side. Instead of his usual good natured humor, his voice seeped with barely concealed venom and threat. You gaped at him openly. You never thought you would ever hear him talk that way, but as it turns out, your shock was nothing compared to what followed. On your other side, small crackles of electricity started forming around Jisung's right hand, sizzling and churning in the air.
"I haven't tried, but I'm pretty sure I'm faster than electric guns…" he said softly in a voice that made the hairs at the back of your neck stand on end.
A short but highly tensed beat of silence followed—in which you could swear you almost stopped breathing—but it seemed like the guards got the message loud and clear just like you. Before anyone can make another move, the same mechanical whir filled the room again as the double doors started to close. You looked up just in time to catch the taller of the wardens lift his lips into a threatening leer before the gates sealed shut again.
"Enjoy while you still can. You don't have much time left anyway."
The echoes of the door's mechanical locks was like a death sentence that hung in the room. You were still frozen in your spot, trying to take in those last words when you felt your body all of a sudden being turned to the side. Your wide eyes met Renjun's worried gaze before it quickly went over the rest of you. Not once had he let you go during the tense exchange and his hands now grabbed at your forearms as if he was checking if you were real. Around you, the others finally loosened their stances—all except for Haechan who still seemed frozen in his spot.
"Are you okay? You're not hurt anywhere are you?" Renjun asked, his voice tense.
You blinked at him, still feeling a little disoriented.
"I'm fine…"
"Did they touch you?" Jaemin quickly followed through as he also closed the distance towards you. You numbly shook your head.
"No. They didn't. I don't—Where are we?"
The boys briefly glanced at each other at your question. Mark was the one who finally offered an answer when nobody seemed willing to break the silence.
"In one of Cypher's dungeons. We've been moved here recently from our individual cells."
His answer made your head snap up as you finally took a look around the place. It was a plain wide room, with double bunker beds stacked on the sides, a table set, and some spare seats smattered here and there. Calling it a dungeon was a fitting term, with its walls made of rough stone and a ceiling held out with steel and rock. You swallowed. When your eyes landed on Chenle, another realization hit you.
You were wearing the same clothes that they are.
"Jeno? Where is he?" You managed to ask despite the sudden tightness in your throat. The pause that followed didn't help lighten the situation at all.
"They… still have him," Jisung quietly answered. He exchanged a quick glance at Chenle who decided to explain the rest.
"We still haven't seen Hyung since that day he showed his Arcana. It's been a while since we've been called for tests but they haven't returned him to us yet."
His words made your gut twist. Blindly, your eyes grazed around the place again before settling on the sealed door. You've already accepted the fact that you are now one of Cypher's prisoners, but you would be lying if you say standing here now is not making you falter. Finally, the gravity of your helplessness is sinking into you in its full, morbid glory.
"You shouldn't be here…"
Haechan's distant voice was what finally snapped you from your thoughts and brought you back to focus. Looking up, you met his brown eyes still staring at you from a distance. He still hasn't taken a single step towards you, though his gaze told you everything you needed to know.
He was right… you shouldn't be here… but so are they. The thought made your mind set off into a different tangent, until it settled into an emotion you were shocked to recognize yourself.
Yes you are terrified. Petrified even.
But you're also very… very angry.
"No. I'm exactly where I need to be," you finally said, your jaw set. All of a sudden, the fear you were feeling was gone and your focus was back. Yes, you may be stuck in one of the worst situations you've ever found yourself in, but you're also exactly in the place you need to be in at this moment.
"Cypher has my father. If I want to get him out of here, the easiest way to do it is from the inside. We can work with this, all of us. Are there other things that have changed since you were sent to this room?"
"We're pretty sure there are no cameras here anymore," Renjun said as his eyes quickly bounced on the other faces in the room. "We are barely being watched or checked on. It's like they are doing the bare minimum to keep us alive."
"Which might not be for very long…" Mark continued and put into words what you couldn't say so yourself. All of you turned your heads urgently towards him as his words sunk in. He nodded towards the sealed door, his expression grim. "It's obvious that they've lost interest. Whatever it is that they need from us, they got it already. We need to get out of here soon."
"But not before we get Jeno and my father back," you interjected. "We also need to find the mimicry unit that Cypher created and break it."
"But how? This place is a labyrinth," Jaemin asked with a frown.
“He’s right. We tried busting ourselves out from this bunker, but they've studied our abilities enough to design this place to be mostly resistant to what we can do," Renjun said.
You tried to bite back your emotions before they even had a chance to make you falter. You were already thinking of a plan, but you'll have to sit on it first to make sure that it will work.
"If they're dead set on keeping us here, then I'm sure they've done everything to make sure that all routes of escape are blocked from the inside. We can't win against that no matter what we do at this point. Which only leaves us with one option…"
You set your jaw and fixed each boy with a pointed look.
"We'll have to make them open the doors for us ourselves."
*******
"Shouldn't you be sleeping already?"
Haechan's spine straightened in surprise as you called out to him softly in the darkness. You have no idea what time it was already, but you figured evening has finally come when the lighting in the room automatically dimmed an hour earlier. Around you, the other boys have already retreated into their assigned bunker beds, retiring for the day. You tried catching rest yourself, but your mind was being too noisy to give you peace.
You smiled a little now as you met his gaze from across the room. He was trying to read a book under the light of a small lamp which threw enough light and shadows on his face. From the moment you joined them earlier, he has barely said a word or even looked towards your direction... And you're convinced you know the reason why. You saw the way his eyes flickered with guilt and uncertainty now as he stared at you, though he did close the hardbound in his hands when you walked over to join him. You made sure to keep your noises to a minimum as you settled next to him, not wanting to wake up the others around you.
"You're still avoiding me… Didn't you want to see me again?" You asked carefully, your tone almost teasing to lighten up the air as you fixed him a small smile. His Adam's apple bobbed at your question before he looked away. It was obvious from his body language alone that he wanted to draw back from the interaction, but you were also set on fixing this tonight. You have to admit... It somehow worries you to see him this way, especially since he has always been so unapologetically forward towads you before. Haechan looked like he was trying his best to avoid looking at you, but then you leaned a little closer to peek at him better. He frowned before finally giving you a quick glance and a sigh.
"Of course I wanted to see you again. I thought it was you who didn't want to have anything to do with me anymore."
"Why would I want that?"
"Well. Because I hurt you."
"Mm… Yeah, that kinda sucked. Anything else?”
He looked at you as if you’ve gone crazy. When he didn’t seem to be able to offer you an answer, you shrugged and continued.
“Look, I know you're still bothered about what happened, but I don't know... I’m looking at it as more of a wakeup call more than anything else if you ask me. I was terrified, I'll admit that, but I also kind of realized why my father chose all of you over me after I saw you what you did…" you explained, carefully choosing your words. He listened quietly, his eyes never leaving your face.
"What I'm saying is that... He may not be right for being an absent parent, but knowing what you can do—and how you can hurt yourselves or other people without a figure like him… I could see why he chose to raise you over me. It still sucks, but it gave me a new perspective."
Haechan was silent. You couldn’t really read what was going on in his head, but you knew he was turning over your words and trying to see your perspective. It took a while, but finally, you heard him give a soft sound similar to that of a scoff. You peeked at him, and sure enough, the boy was looking at you with a mixture of amusement and disbelief.
"Seriously. I butchered your shoulder and all you can think of was—oh okay, that makes sense. My dad abandoned me because he was raising monsters on the side. Understandable. How the hell does your head work, noona?"
That actually made you laugh. Haechan's lips quirked and that's when you knew the worst has finally passed. You reached out to knock your closed fist on top of his head then before pinching his ear. He jokingly gave a small yelp as he drew away and massaged it.
"That's your punishment for accidentally hurting me. Now that's done, will you stop avoiding me?"
He rolled his eyes at the comment but smirked after. "Why? Did you miss me running after you so much?"
This time, it was your time to scoff. You weren't going to admit anything to him, but maybe he was a little bit onto something.
"I'm just not used to you being so broody."
His smirk melted into a more casual smile as he briefly paused. You waited for him to say something, but he simply looked at you as if he was weighing something important in his head.
"For real though… I'm really sorry. I promised myself that I wouldn't hurt you again… and I still did."
His words made you stop slightly in confusion.
"What do you mean?"
Instead of answering, Haechan only quietly smiled. He angled his body a little sideways then in his seat so that he could properly face you before propping his head against his hand.
"You do know that I like you, right? Unironically."
Your eyes widened in surprise. You were so caught off guard by that curve ball that for a moment, you wondered if you actually heard him right. Your knee jerk response was to think that he was just being his usual teasing self, but you know from the way he was looking at you now that he was anything but. Your face obviously clearly showed your emotions because Haechan laughed seeing your expression.
"Oh come on, noona. I'm sure you're not clueless. I'm also sure you know that I'm not the only one."
You shot him a slightly guilty look before glancing away. Well, he is not wrong… Of course you've noticed things—your job is to read people for heaven's sake—but you haven't really paid much attention to it intentionally because of… well, more pressing things. Haechan obviously is the least subtle of all, but you honestly weren't expecting that he was serious enough to talk about this—now of all times. You tried to avoid his eyes now to try and think of an answer, but he simply dipped his head again to catch your gaze.
"Hey, what do you look so guilty for? Relax, I'm not expecting you to say anything back. You look like I'm trying to keep you hostage or something," he snickered.
"Haechan…"
"Ah, ah, ah. I already know what you're going to say. I know it's the least of your priorities right now and that's fine. I get it. I really just wanted to tell you, okay? Gotta be the first one to do it since those other simps can't. Also, who knows, we might be dead tomorrow, eh?" He said with a wink. You scowled at that last bit in reply.
"Don't say that. We are all getting out of here."
"Will you date me then after~?"
Your face burned.
"Yah. Lee Donghyuck."
The use of his birth name mixed with your obvious flustered expression made him throw his head back in laughter. Of course he is enjoying teasing the heck out of you again. While you don't particularly like it, there was also a part of you that let him enjoy it now, if it means you can see him amused and happy over being sad and distant. You hated the way your cheeks burned, but you also let him have his moment with a roll of your eyes.
"Hey."
"What?" You grunted.
"I do like this side of you too, princess. I really do."
That made you glance at him again. You leaned your head a little to the side as you fixed him with an amused gaze.
"I kinda like this side of you better too."
He raised his brow at you teasingly.
"Even if I can be a madman sometimes?"
You smiled.
"Yes... maybe even especially then."
*******
"Patient 00, step out of the room. Go to the door and wait for it to open."
You all looked up from the sudden female voice that echoed in the room. It was evening, just an hour or so before the lights in the bunker would be turned off again, and all of you were trying to busy yourselves doing random stuff to waste time. You have been sitting idly with Mark and Jaemin on the couch, absent-mindedly listening to their conversation, while Renjun and Haechan played a makeshift game of tic tac toe on your other side. Both Jisung and Chenle have already settled on their own beds, but they popped their heads out simultaneously from their corners when the voice repeated its message over the speaker.
"What the hell? They're giving orders now through that?" Jaemin whispered with a frown as he glared at a point in the ceiling where the sound was coming from. You looked at him, confused.
"This is the first time they did that?"
"They're limiting personal contact with us as much as they can…" Haechan observed from his seat. He scoffed. "Cowards."
"Patient 00. I repeat. Go to the door right this very moment."
"Noona! That's you."
You looked at Jisung in surprise just as he and Chenle walked over to join your little group. He was staring pointedly at something on your chest and you followed his line of sight in confusion. The moment your gaze finally took in what he was seeing, however, all the blood in your face slowly drained. You have never really paid much attention to your assigned clothes before this, but printed on the pocket of your overalls were two zeroes… similar to the patient codes also embroidered on the boys’ uniforms.
You were still trying to process what you were seeing and what it means when you suddenly felt a hand close around your wrist. You turned to see Mark staring at you urgently.
"You're not going anywhere."
Beside you, Renjun fixed his eyes on the door. "He's right. Nobody leaves this room. Don't move," he added lowly.
Well, it's not like you needed to be told twice about it. You don't have any idea what is happening, but the last thing you're going to let happen is to let Cypher's claws anywhere near you again. From the way the rest of the boys stiffened in their own positions and glared at the entrance, it was obvious that all of them were dead set on watching each others' backs too.
The tension in the room has thickened so much that it almost felt like it was going to break at some point. Just when you thought it couldn't get anymore worse… a new voice spoke from the speakers again that made your heart drop.
"Patient 00. You have 30 seconds to get out of the room. Do it...”
“Or Jeno suffers."
Your group gave a collective reaction of shock and surprise. Chenle, who was standing beside you, seemed to be the one to have received the brunt of it all. He looked confused, unsure… before his emotions finally turned into hurt and helplessness. He turned towards you, and you stared at him with the mirrored emotions he was going through.
You thought you saw your own heart break in the boy’s eyes as he said his name.
"Kun-ge?"
*******
You felt numb as you let the guards guide you into a new room in dead silence. Other than the shaking of your hands that you tried to desperately keep steady, nothing else about you seemed responsive at all. You stood, immobile and silent, at the space, completely ignoring the table setup waiting for you on its center. Sitting behind it, wearing Cypher's blue uniform... was the man you swore you could have trusted your life with just a few weeks ago.
It didn’t make sense... and yet it all made sense at the same time too.
Of course, it has always been Kun.
For a few brief seconds after you first heard his voice from the speakers, your initial reaction was to try and conjure excuses for him and the situation. In your head, it's just impossible for any of this to be real... Kun, after all, was the one who was there with you from the beginning. He took care of you. Protected you. He made sure you were okay. Kun wasn’t just your partner.
He was also your friend.
All of your hopes dissolved now as you looked at him from where he was sitting, his expression cold and befitting of the blue uniform that you’ve grown to associate with the Institute’s evils. For the second time that day, you thought you heard your heart break in the deafening silence again. No matter how much you tried to look at him now, there was no longer the trace of the man you knew behind those eyes.
"You should come and sit."
The sound of his voice made you unconsciously flinch. You didn't move a muscle from where you were standing, your gaze remaining fixed on him instead. There were so many things bubbling to burst out of you and you croaked out the first thing that your lips managed to form.
"Why?"
It was one question, but the word still sat heavily in the room like a death sentence. Kun's expression barely changed, but you noticed a storm of something briefly pass through his brown gaze.
"Sit first and then we will tal—"
"I don't want to ever get close to you, you traitor!" You screamed before you could even try to control yourself. The rest of you has turned into a shaking mess now but you didn't care. It was like a floodgate of emotions were unlocked inside of you, this betrayal being the last of what you could take in before you finally, fully broke. Kun looked on as you chipped away, his mask impenetrable. God, it felt like you were screaming at a total stranger.
"I trusted you… Chenle… he trusted you."
The mention of the boy's name made his expression slip just a little. For a split second, you thought he actually looked pained, but the emotion was gone as soon as it came.
"I have to do it," he finally said. "I care for him. For you. But I also can't pass up the chance to do this. You will never understand, but this might be the only chance I will ever have in my life to be a part of something as big as this. Cypher gave me an opportunity and I simply made a choice."
You felt nauseous. So that was it? The only reason he decided to sell his soul to the devil? All for his ambition?
"Since when have you sided with them?" you asked coldly, your voice thin as you tried to process everything. Kun looked hesitant to answer at first but replied anyway.
"...Since you knew about Rosewood."
You gave a slow and shaky exhale. It all makes sense now… He was the only one who was with you when the boys showed the reach of their powers back at the test drill in the arena. He was the one who called you to Cypher the day Renjun was tortured and Haechan lost control. He knew about your plan to sneak in and meet Jeno the night the guard caught you. The random meetings with the head honchos… the consultations with Miyoung.
All throughout the time you thought he was on your side, he was selling you and the rest of the boys to the enemy.
"Oh my god," you whispered to yourself now, one hand going over your stomach as other realizations started flooding in. He let them hurt the boys and you, but that might not even be the worst of it. Ten and Winwin. Did he also rat them out? More than that… Your father… He knew everything about your connection to him too.
"I don't think she's considering changing her mind, Dr. Qian. Perhaps you need a little help?"
You were so caught up in the choking fear consuming you that you didn't even notice that another person had joined you and Kun in the room. Looking around, you felt ice in your veins at the sight of the man who silently stepped from the threshold. You've only seen him once—sitting behind his table in an office that seemed as cold as him—that it almost overwhelmed you now to have him towering over you.
Haneul Lee fixed you with his gaze, like a hawk eyeing his prey.
*******
It felt like having a stare down with the devil himself.
You stayed in your spot, frozen, as your gaze clashed with the man's stare. His eyes roamed your face carefully, before they slowly dipped to take in what you were wearing. Similar to the first time you met him, there was not an ounce of empathy in the way he regarded people. It was only now, however, that you finally realized what it was about him that you found unexplainably unsettling before. You can’t exactly capture it into words, but it was almost like there is an undercurrent of something malevolent that sizzles in the air around him… something that not even Jeno, Renjun, and the other ability users carry around with them. At the back of your mind, you knew exactly what it was.
The power of one of the Arcana's Triad.
"Please excuse us for the unsightly choice of clothing we've given you. My wife was adamant in letting you wear one," he said, finally breaking the silence as he fixed you again with his stare. At first you couldn’t understand what he was talking about, but then you saw the way his eyes briefly dropped to the patient number emblazoned on your chest. You stiffened. He noticed your reaction, and you knew from the way he drilled you with his gaze that he was trying to read you just as much as you were trying to pick him apart.
"Sir. I didn't know you were coming," Kun's tensed voice broke the rising tension in the room. You heard the scratching of his chair against the floor as he picked himself up from his seat.
"I wasn't supposed to, if you did your job well."
"I haven't talked to her about it fully yet. If you can just give me more time to try and convince her, I'll—"
"Time, I'm afraid, is something I do not have the privy of wasting too much," the older man said in a calm tone that effectively cut off the other’s words. Not once had he removed his stare on you during the exchange, and it was taking you everything not to look away and show any sign of weakness as you matched it with yours. If Miyoung is chaos and discord, Haneul is control and boundless power. Both land in different ends of the spectrum, but are equally terrifying on their own.
"What are you talking about?" You asked, addressing the question to him. Something flickered in his eyes at the sound of your voice.
"Your partner here is trying to do you a favor, doctor. He is convinced that he can encourage you to join and help us with our cause. Since he has worked hard to finally earn our favor, I wanted to trust him with his decision. After all, it was not just him, but the two of you, who have done a lot to get the research to where it is now."
You were stupefied. That was the last thing you were expecting to hear as the reason behind you being called here. You briefly glanced at your former friend now and paused when you saw the look in his eyes. It's like there was something he was desperately trying to tell you when your gazes clashed, but you couldn’t entirely get hold of it just yet. It looked like a plea for consideration… or was it a warning instead?"
"And why would I do that…?" You asked slowly now, not taking your eyes off Kun. It was slight, but you saw the other's expression tighten, as if he was dreading the incoming answer.
"For a few reasons. You see my dear, I am a very ambitious person. I have a different way of looking at the world—a perspective that, lets just say, righteous people like you can't easily comprehend. But I don't think I am entirely evil. Or at least…" he stopped, only for his next words to make your heart do the same.
"...Not evil enough to kill my best friend's daughter."
*******
The shock that went over you as you heard his answer made you go numb all over. Your eyes snapped towards Haneul once more, disbelieving of the words he just said. The man, on the other hand, remained stoic as he silently watched you start to shut down right before his eyes.
"What... Are you talking about?"
"Aren’t you curious as to what really convinced us to welcome Dr. Qian into our fold? I don't have a shortage of talented people, Doctor… but I do value information more than anything else. It just so happens that he had something to sell to us that no one else can. Imagine my surprise when I found out that the Judgement's daughter herself is right under my nose."
It was like all air was knocked out of you then. You could feel the ice slowly climbing your veins, before sinking into your flesh like small knives.
"You... were his friend?"
The last word made the man's lips twist into an ironic, bitter smile.
"Was I his friend...? My dear, we were more than just that. We were brothers. At least until he left me with no choice but to do things he is too cowardly to deal with himself."
As if on signal, a sudden flicker of light from your side made you turn instinctively turn around. What you thought at first was only a plain black wall came to life now as a huge screen that ran one side of the room from ceiling to floor. At first you couldn't understand what you were looking at, but then your gaze focused on the video that made your lips part in a silent gasp.
It was a live feedback of an unconscious-looking Jeno strapped to a collection of machines crowding around him. Wires stuck out from different parts of his body, which then connected to what looked like small vials fixed to the wall. Before you could even make out what’s inside of them, however, the feedback on the screen changed again...
This time sending you reeling back with horror at what you saw. Lying in almost an exact copy of Jeno's room…
Was the unconscious form of your father.
You stared, petrified, at the blown up video in front of you. The man on the screen was almost unrecognizable with hair chopped close to his head and skin sticking close to his bones, but your eyes can never betray you on who used to be behind the almost empty husk you're seeing now. You will recognize that face anywhere… those kind set of brows that were either frowning at you with guilt or twitching in happiness, and those lips—now chapped and dry—that never failed to give you a goodnight kiss in the rare times that he was home when you were a child.
You were in pain, more pain than any physical anguish you've felt before, because this time, the torture doesn't seem to stop at all.
"I'm sorry."
Kun's voice barely broke through you as you remained frozen on your spot. You couldn't bear to look at him, or anything or anyone else.
"What have you done to him?" You whispered finally, your broken voice barely heard in the room.
Haneul was the one who answered your question.
"What did I do to him? I did him a favor is what… by making sure his ability doesn't go to waste."
For the first time ever since you've heard him, his voice actually sounded a little different than his usual stoic tone. His words came out harder, but for some reason, you felt more emotions from him when he spoke. The sound of it finally made you tear your eyes from the screen and sure enough, his stare burned differently when they met yours.
"Your father and I... go a long way back,” he started, his gaze stone cold as he rolled the other’s name in his tongue. “We were friends—two people who used to look at things the same way, especially when it came to the Arcana. We both believed that we can change the world with it if we wanted. We were both powerful… but not enough to actually turn our ideas into solid plans without the help of someone. Because even as members of the Triad, we pale in comparison to someone else."
"His wife."
All the blood drained from your face. Your breath stuttered, but you couldn't stop yourself from listening.
"You see, your mother was a very special woman. She’s the last of the Triad masters and the wielder of the powers of The Fool. As the trump card of the Arcana, her abilities surpassed any of the other users and ours. She could absorb powers, but unlike me who could only copy one for a time, she could keep them as hers if she borrows the life force of other masters. Magic Unification is how we called it, because she could wield multiple abilities all at once."
"She could have been unstoppable if she wanted to… but she made the stupid mistake of falling for your father, the man who did nothing but cage her. He was so afraid of her potential that he did everything to hold her back. When she could have had everything, he reduced her to nothing."
"What… do you mean…"
The way he stared you down almost made you taste his silent, controlled rage. He had not moved once from his spot, but everything about him seemed ready to combust.
"All users of the IL Matto are born special, even in the context of the Arcana's family of abilities. They are blessed with a different level power, but every single one of its masters are also born cursed. If the wielder of The Fool doesn't use their ability well, it can drive them mad. Your father held back your mother so much that she started going insane from the need to utilize her Arcana. He held her down, until the time came when she snapped and he could no longer control her."
Your vision was starting to spin. You threw a weak hand to hold on to the nearest edge you could reach to keep yourself from falling over.
"Do you ever wonder why all these Arcana masters you are trying to protect now are younglings, my dear? Arcana abilities get passed down to new people only when their masters die. Who do you think was behind the death of the former generation of users?"
Your breaths are starting to grow shallower by the second. You wanted to run just as fast as the pieces are falling into places in your head. You knew it was coming, but you still silently hoped he wouldn't say the answer you were expecting.
"Your mother. She wiped out every single one of them in a mad dash to consume their life force," Haneul said, no louder than his speaking voice. You shook your head in denial. He barely raised his tone, and yet the words echoed and bounced in your head as if he screamed them. You wanted to beg for him to stop, but instead he stepped closer to you, an action that caught you off guard that you stumbled back to get away from him. He was faster than you could move away though and he easily caught your wrist in a tight grip.
"And your father… killed her for it. With his own hands."
That was the last thing you could take before you finally lost feeling in your legs. He let go of his hold on you at the same time which sent you crashing straight to the floor. Your sight has gone blurry, and it was too late for you to realize you were blinded by your own tears. You were numb and in pain all at the same time. Your vision already started to blur at the edges, but you were forced to hold on to your consciousness when cold fingers gripped your chin and forced your drooping head to look up. You blinked, unseeing from the tears that spilled down your cheeks.
"I can't sense any Arcana from you. Could it really be possible that you didn't get any from your parents?" Haneul's soft voice barely broke through the sobs wrecking through your body like tremors. You didn’t answer him—your mind too consumed by everything you just learned.
"We've checked her thoroughly?"
Kun's voice sounded distant when he answered.
"Yes, sir. The machine she was put on was designed for Arcana holders. If she has any abilities, then they should have manifested already with the level of shocks she got…"
For a moment, Haneul didn't say anything at all. He simply stared at you as if he was trying to desperately look for something in your face. It took a long while before he finally let you go. Like a doll discarded, you fell down weakly again at the lack of forced support.
"What a shame. You look exactly just like her."
You felt his cold eyes drilling on the back of your head as he slowly straightened himself up from his crouch. You could almost taste the panic attack about to take over the rest of you, but you still managed to catch his last words.
"I'm giving you eight hours to change your mind and join us," he said quietly. "You may be powerless, but you're still a member of the Famiglia. I'm doing it for your mother."
You haven’t exactly wrapped your head around what he said yet when you heard him address Kun next.
"Are we almost done with La Morte?"
"Yes, sir. We'll close his case today."
"Then it's time to move on to the last phase of the project,” he ordered as you heard the sound of his footsteps start to finally retreat from where you were slumped on. He was already at the door when you heard him speak again, his order ringing clear like death bells.
“Tell the others that Project Vision is starting."
"It's time to hunt down the Master of The Fool."
CHAPTER 13
*******
A/N: I... really tried with this update. I really did. Also, this is going to be the second to the last chapter before this ends! Before that, I’d like to thank everyone who has supported this story until now. I have received so much support during its run. I truly appreciate all of you. <3
P.S. Some people won’t show up on my tags no matter how much I try. I hope you can all see this update despite tumblr acting up. T.T
Summary: When you decided to apply for a researcher post in an elusive institute, you already had the feeling that you’ll be getting yourself knee-deep into something out of the ordinary. But desperate needs require desperate measures, and so you embraced the invite, despite all the alarm signals urging you to run away. What you found out was nothing you’d ever expected.
Seven boys.
Seven human deviants granted with abilities tied to the legendary Arcana Cards.
Welcome to Project Dream.
Pairing: Various Dream Members x Reader
Trigger Warnings/Themes: violence, torture, trauma, very slight yandere themes, poly dynamics, suggestive themes, language, psychological, mystery, sci-fi. Romance will take a little bit of a backseat on this one since this is more of a suspense-driven plot, but it will still be threaded in the overall story. The concept of the tarot or Arcana cards will be loosely used throughout the series. Note that I am not a trained doctor so there may be some slips here and there about medical things. Again, this is a work of fiction and I am not implying any likeness between the characterization here of the boys to their real life counterparts. I also reserve the rights to all my work—I do not post anywhere else other than tumblr. Minors DNI.
The glow of your phone screen threw harsh shadows against the walls of your room. You’ve been sitting on your bed in the dark for god knows how long now, still wearing the same outdoor clothes and muddy boots from your trek to Rosewood. You barely have any idea what happened in the space of time after you’ve discovered the framed pictures in the strange room, but somehow, you’ve managed to haul yourself back home in one piece.
Well, maybe ‘managed’ is too far reaching for a word to use.
Ten and Kun have kept quiet for most of the ride, but you know both boys were able to catch onto something from the way your phone was blowing up at the moment from texts from both of them. You ignored everything, not only because you have questions you can’t answer yourself, but because you don’t think you have it in you anymore to convince them that you’ve only seen one lead during your search—the shot of the seven boys that proves they were indeed occupants of Rosewood. You just felt drained. Maybe even numb, except for that one seedling of emotion that has been slowly weighing down your chest every passing second.
You took a second to put a name on it, turning it in your head despite your focus trying to shut down on you.
It wasn’t surprise.
Not even desperation.
It was way worse.
It was betrayal.
The call tone of your phone fell on deaf ears as your hands tightened around your blankets. Your chest was hurting and the back of your eyes felt hot even though they remained dry. Before you even realized what you were doing, you hurled yourself up from your bed and grabbed your phone. Kun’s name was flashing on it, but you quickly swiped the ignore button as you hurried to the door, hands grabbing your car keys and nothing else.
*******
Cypher looked even more ominous at night. With the lights dimmed down and the hallways almost empty, your hurried steps sounded louder and foreboding as they bounced against the pristine white walls of the Institute. While you would have come in here with a little bit more caution before, your eyes stared ahead now, your jaw set as you went down the corridor you’ve walked so many times in the past few months since you signed up to this mess. For some reason, you just know where to go, despite not even having the confirmation that you’ll find what you were looking for. Briefly, your conversation with Renjun back at the greenhouse flashed through your mind again as you made a turn at the corner.
You gritted your teeth now as the words echoed in your head. They didn’t make sense before, but they do now, like a sick punchline to a joke you were too late to realize was about you.
They know.
They’ve always known.
You stopped on your tracks at the far door at the end of hallway, the same one where you’ve first met them from behind the camera lens. Without wasting another second, you swiped your ID pass on it before pushing it open.
Seven pairs of eyes swiveled towards you in unison, their owners seemingly caught in the middle of conversation. Haechan and Mark were in the middle of a game of pool when they looked up while Jisung and Chenle were on the sidelines, fixing the billiard balls. Renjun was sitting with Jaemin on the bubble seats close to the pool table and next to them was Jeno who was leaning against the wall. Your eyes briefly went over each of their faces, your chest constricting as you took all of them in. Chenle, who was closest to where you are, gave you his usual beaming smile while the others looked on with the same pleasant surprise at your sudden barging.
“Noona. Why are you here? It’s the weekend—”
“Who are you. All of you.”
Your voice sounded hard and on edge when you cut him off. You didn’t even realize how your shoulders started to slightly shake, your hands balling on your sides as you tried to steady yourself. It didn’t even take them two seconds to get what you were talking about, the air in the room shifting as their smiles slowly bled from their faces.
You thought you heard your heart break in the silence that followed.
“Princess…”
“Don’t fucking call me that!” you finally snapped as you turned towards Haechan. The boy immediately stopped, but the look he gave you didn’t calm any of the emotions now threatening to pull you under. Instead, you turned towards Mark who you noticed just stepped a little closer to where you are. He kept his distance, but the way he held himself somehow told you he wanted to make another move. You shook your head at him.
“Why do you know my father?”
The moment you said that, you saw a look of guilt flash in his eyes. His jaw locked, as if he was looking for the right words to answer you with.
“You went to Rosewood…” Renjun filled up the momentary silence as he picked himself up from his seat. His gaze was full of understanding, and for a brief second you wondered if he was getting inside your head again. This time, however, you didn’t care. If anything, you wanted him to do it, just so he can spare you from trying to sift through all the questions that were almost making you feel numb.
“Yes. Like you planned to,” you said, your voice shaking. You reached out for your phone and showed it to them, the screen frozen on the photo you took of them with the man. All of their expressions changed—some with pain, others with guilt. “How do you know him?”
Mark finally decided to break the silence.
“He’s… the Headmaster of our school.”
His reply made you frown.
“Since when? Did you know him for a long time?”
He exchanged glances with Renjun before nodding.
“He was there… before we were even sent to the orphanage. He helped raise us. We knew him since we were kids.”
It felt like every fiber in your body lost its sense of feeling. You looked at him defeated, an expression he reflected back at you with the same look of guilt everyone else was wearing. It was the answer you were expecting, but also the one you were praying not to hear because it only proves one thing. All those nights he left you. All the days you grew up wanting nothing more but a parent…
He was being a father to them instead.
You’ve never hated the man. Even with all the holidays spent alone, the closed doors, and the story books never read, you never hated him, mostly because he wasn’t even there that much in your life for your relationship to breed such an intense emotion. At one point, you’ve trained yourself to live with the fact that your father has dedicated himself to his work. You didn’t exactly know what it is that he was doing, but you were able to convince yourself that he has submitted himself to a grand purpose. Maybe he was trying to save the world. Maybe what he was doing can change the lives of many for the better. Because what else can be more important than those kinds of lofty, heroic goals that can push someone to always put their own daughter—their only remaining family—in the back burner?
As it turns out, seven boys is all it takes. Them and probably others who have gotten the same care and attention from him that you haven’t had a taste of yourself.
“Did you know… that I am his daughter all along?”
The air in the room has gotten so heavy that you could swear you were almost choking on it. Jaemin answered, his voice low and calm.
“Yes… We figured it out.”
“Where is he now? Do you know why he left?”
This time, nobody dared give you a reply. Nobody even looked up to meet your eyes. It was too much for you that after a while you actually crossed the room and reached out to Mark.
“Please. You don’t understand. He’s the only family I have. Give him back to me.”
Any other time and you would have flinched at the way your voice broke. After all, you’ve worked so hard to never let anyone see inside of the walls you’ve painstakingly worked to build around yourself. But you couldn’t care this time, not even when the look Mark gave you told you that you wouldn’t like his answer. You could see it—how he was being torn from the inside too.
“I wish we could, but we don’t know where he is. He—your father… tried to protect us. Cypher was after him first because he knew everything about the Arcana holders. He went away to take them far away from us, and we haven’t seen him since.”
Your were convinced your heart had stopped beating for a moment as his words sunk in. You stared at him, hoping you could see any trace of lies in his face, only for you to be let down again. Nobody dared move or say anything in the room. You didn’t exactly know how long you just stood there, immobile, until you slowly took a step back.
“So he left… for all of you. Again.”
The corner of your lips tugged as you gave a nod. You didn’t even have the energy to look at them. Finally, you turned and started making your way out the door. You’ve only gone a few steps when you felt a gentle hand reach out for your arm. Blindingly, you turned around to come face to face with Jeno. For the first time since you met him, he looked at you without the unreadable mask he always keeps on whenever you got too close.
For the first time, he actually looked like he cares.
“I told you… You’re only going to get hurt.”
You felt too numb to even react. You simply shook his hand off of you before you left the room in dead silence.
*******
Apparently, five days is the longest length of peace you can have until something blows up in your face again and pile over the things you’ve already been trying to avoid.
Granted, you cheated on having it by taking a sudden work leave, but for once, you felt liberated over breaking the rules. Since that night of confrontation back at Cypher, you filed for an indefinite absence and have turned off all possible channels you can be contacted on so you can focus on other things. You can’t really say you’re doing a great job at it though, not when you’ve been spending the last half hour staring at your screen trying to finish a page in your thesis. Sure, the last five days have been quiet, but as expected, silence doesn’t necessarily equate to making your problems magically go away.
You groaned softly now and removed your glasses to pinch the bridge of your nose. Maybe you shouldn’t have turned down Mijeong’s invitation for you to go party with her tonight, but of course you had to regret your decision too late. Mulling over it a bit, your eyes finally landed on your phone lying face down and looking very much abandoned on your desk. It was half-covered by your study notes now since you haven’t touched it for days, but it still took you a good half minute to finally reach out for it. With a slight sigh, you finally turned it on, your eyes squinting a little bit at the glow of its screen.
It didn’t even take ten seconds before the ringing sound of notifications assaulted your ears. You winced. Just as expected, you got dozens and dozens of messages and emails, some for work and the others mostly from Ten and Kun. You bit the inside of your cheek now in guilt. You haven’t really reached out to them since you disappeared, which, now that you think of it, was a very asshole move. Before all the message alerts came in, you already opened Kun’s contact so you can send him a message of apology.
You’ve barely even typed your first word in when the last of the texts finally registered on your screen. You froze when your gaze locked on the last one. You haven’t even gone through the messages before it, but the one sentence alone resting on the foot of the chat window made your heart drop to your stomach. It was just eight words, but they were enough to make your blood run cold.
'You have to come. They are hurting them.’
*******
The sound of your sneakers thundered down the long hallways as you ran. You were heaving, but you didn’t stop as you tried to call Kun for the hundredth time since you saw his message. He just sent it today, about an hour and a half ago, but that was still long enough for things to have gone south. You cursed under your breath. You didn’t know where you were going, but when the line dropped again, you went to the first place that you knew he could have left a trace. You almost stumbled in front of the entrance of your office, fingers almost slipping on the knob as you hurriedly opened it.
Kun was not there, as you already expected, but a wave of relief went over you as you saw the light of the wall of monitors in the center of the room. He left every single one of them open to give you the clue you needed to trace the boys. A splitting pain was making your side hurt, but you ignored it, your eyes set instead on scanning every single screen in front of you.
You finally found it on the middle row, though the live feedback on the screen momentarily made you hold your breath. It was a view of an unknown room showing a top view of the boys staring off at something on the other side. You can’t hear what any of them were saying, but you didn’t have to…
Not when the look of horror and anger on their faces told you everything you needed to know.
Your eyes quickly scanned them, and then a second realization finally made you hit the ground running again.
Everyone was there.
Except for Renjun.
*******
It barely took you another minute to find the lab room, but it still felt like forever before you skidded to a halt before its doors. Your palms have gone sweaty by now that you had to try and steady your hand as you tried to scan your access card while fighting to catch your breath. At one point, you felt almost hopeless thinking you are not allowed access to the room, but then a small green light beeped to life before the mechanical doors started hissing as they parted. They have barely opened halfway when you slipped inside, your eyes wild as they went through the room.
The first thing that registered to you was the half glass wall that separated the space into two sections. It was unlike any that you’ve visited within the Institute before, this one looking more like the interrogation rooms one would see on police stations where people can observe from the other side. Your eyes landed on the six pale faces looking at you now with the same expression of urgency, but your attention was soon enough torn from the boys when you heard a muffled scream from beyond the glass wall before you.
It felt like all the blood in your body was drained when you realized what you were looking at.
The other side of the room was brighter than the section where you and the rest of the boys were standing, the harsh fluorescent lights only putting more emphasis on the sparse set-up that was laid out before your eyes. There was an odd-looking machine similar to an encephalogram unit on the side of the room, currently being manned by a gaunt looking woman in a blue lab coat. It has the same sigil that you have on your work uniform, though you knew you’ve never seen the lady before in the months that you’ve worked here. Briefly, you remembered what Kun said a long time ago about Cypher having its own circle of private doctors and researchers—a unit that was entirely separated from the regular research team of each project of the Institute. Back in a control panel before her, wires stuck from the machine down to the middle of the room…
Was Renjun strapped on a seat, looking barely half-conscious.
“Oh my god.”
“Noona, please help him.”
You didn’t have to turn around to recognize Jisung’s voice. Instead, you quickly jumped to action, running close to the glass wall instead and looking for any slot you can use to pry it open. You knew the only way to reach the other side was through here because you didn’t see any other door before you came in. Your hands ran through the wall, but your palms were only met with the feel of the smooth, icy glass.
“There’s no entrance here. We tried. It must be a secret door on the other side,” Jaemin spoke this time, his voice sounding the most stressed than you’ve ever heard him before. “It’s bulletproof glass, too.”
His words made you curse under your breath. You turned to them abruptly, and for the first time, you realized some of them were also injured.
“Are you—Are you okay? What’s happening?”
“We were all picked up today and was put on different stress tests. They were—they wanted us to project our full abilities,” Mark answered. The look on your face must have been so severe because he immediately tried to follow-through before you can even utter another word. “We’re fine. But Renjun, he can’t take it. His body resistance is weaker than ours. We have to get him out of there.”
“How long has he been there?”
“Maybe fifteen minutes,” Chenle answered. There was a small cut under his eye that was already starting to swell. Jeno, who was beside him, his hands closed into fists.
“Long enough.”
Your knees felt weak as you turned towards the window again. Just as you did, a flash of bright light went off in the room beyond that made you flinch. It looked like a spark of electricity, and it was soon followed by Renjun’s anguished scream from the other side. His slumped body straightened like a rod from the shock before he curled in again on himself. The wires taped on his temples moved as his head hung low after the shock.
They’re… electrocuting him.
“Hey! Stop! Open the door! I’m his doctor! You’re hurting him!”
You screamed at the top of your lungs as your fists started banging on the glass in front of you. The lady turned to look at you briefly, her beady eyes seemingly checking for your identity. When she seemed to have confirmed that you weren’t part of whatever division she came from, she simply turned back to the machine again and pressed a button there.
This time, Renjun barely moved. He flinched, but other than his neck rolling back to rest against the chair, he seemed to have lost consciousness already. A small trail of blood trickled from his nose. Your arms stopped banging against the partition, your expression shell-shocked as you stared at him.
No…
“I’m going to fucking kill you.”
Whatever shock has frozen you in place snapped as you heard a low voice from the other side of the room. In the chaos that happened earlier, you barely even noticed Haechan who had said nothing since you came into the room, until now. One look at him sent a whole different kind of chill to spread over your body. He was so still, but the way he was standing told you that he was on the verge of snapping. Gone was the usual carefree air that he always seemed to carry before. Instead, he was almost expressionless… except for the rage burning in his eyes now staring at the woman.
“Haechan…” your voice sounded shaky when you called out to him. You took a furtive step towards him, but it didn’t seem like he heard you at all.
“…Touch him again and I’m going to rip your head off.”
You looked around in fear at the lady at the other side of the room. She was typing a set of commands on the small keyboard next to her machine, and you saw a small rounded countdown window show up on the monitor before her. She was powering it up. Gearing up for another round of shocks.
“Haechan, control yourself,” Mark’s voice made you turn back to the group. He is also looking at Haechan now, one of his palms held up in a placating manner. He was taking careful steps towards the boy and it took you a few seconds to realize why. The room was dim that you didn’t see it at first, but then you squinted and you noticed the way the air seemed to ripple around the other. It shifted and broke apart, similar to how broken pixels would look like. You stopped.
It wasn’t his illusions.
He was shifting the very dimension he was standing on instead.
“Haechan, don’t—!”
A soft buzzing sound started to come from the other side of the room. You didn’t have the heart to look at it, your wide eyes set on the boy before you, but it started picking up until it almost drowned the room with noise. You turned just in time to see the woman lift her hand, her finger moving towards the same button she had been pressing again and again. Lips parting, you started running towards Haechan, barely even noticing the huge black gaping void that burst behind him, its jaws open like a hungry monster. Mark shouted from somewhere you couldn’t really see and you thought you felt someone tried to pull you back as fingers grazed your arm. You slipped past them though, your hand closing around Haechan’s sleeve before they could even get a hold of you.
It happened all at once. The moment you touched him, there was a deafening shrill that pressed against your ears painfully as you seemed to have been lifted off the ground. It only lasted for seconds, but the next time you opened your eyes again, you were in an entirely different place.
You stumbled back a little and fell to the ground on your knees as your eyes tried to focus on what you were seeing. It was similar to the dark void that you were plunged in back at the arena, except this time, everything seemed to have been dissolved in darkness. No walls, no ground to stand on, even Mark and the others were gone, all except for you, Haechan, and an unconscious Renjun lying on the ground. A little ways from him, looking just as disoriented was the lady in the blue lab coat.
“Renjun!” You scrambled to your feet and ran towards the boy the second you were finally able to recover. Kneeling, you tried to cradle his head gently on your lap as you felt for a pulse. He has it, albeit weak, and you gently tilted his head back to keep his airways open.
“Where are we? What did you do?”
For the first time ever, you heard the scratchy voice of the woman who was pulled into this nether dimension with you. She sounded scared, and for good reason, as you saw Haechan step slowly towards her in your peripheral vision. Once again, a chill struck deep in your gut when you focused on his face. A small smile has pulled the corners of his lips again, but it wasn’t anything like the playful ones he used to have before. Instead, he sized her up slowly, calculatingly, like a predator stalking his prey.
“Make a guess. You don’t seem so mean now that your stupid machine is gone, huh?” He sneered. The woman tried to scuttle away backwards in her hands and feet, pale as a ghost.
“We asked you so many times to stop. Nicely too, but you didn’t listen. Look what you’ve done to him, you stupid crone.”
“Haechan… stop… We can go. Renjun is breathing,” you tried to stay lowly, your voice barely above a whisper as you watched the boy continue to advance. He didn’t even look at you, his lips pulling up instead in anger.
“Barely breathing. These stupid humans think they have control over us, when they’re not even worth dirt,” he whispered, and you swear you haven’t felt real fear until this moment. Everything about him screamed danger, a time bomb just in the fringes of blowing up everything in his way. Around him, the void started taking shapes, moving like bodiless shadows. They thrummed from barely held back energy, waiting for the command of their sorcerer.
“Keep away from me! You monster!”
The high-pitched scream of the woman only made Haechan give a breathy laugh. The temperature in the room had dropped so much that his breath even turned to vapor as he snickered. You unconsciously held on to Renjun, half of your body crouched over him as you watched the scene, terrified. You couldn’t look away, not even with every fiber in your body telling you to run.
“Monster, hmm? I like the sound of that. Pretty big words to say so yourself after what you’ve done, but I’ll take it,” he shrugged as he finally stopped before her. The look he gave her was so withering that it actually made the woman give a soft whimper of fear. He smiled.
“Wanna guess what monsters do…?”
“They eat up weak people like you.”
A shout of surprise was torn from you as a loud blasting noise split the air. The ground opened up, void-like branches springing from out of it to wrap around the woman’s shaking form. They circled her arms, legs, and neck like vines before she was lifted into the air. She gave an ear-splitting scream before her own voice was choked off as the grip around her neck tightened.
“Haechan! Stop!”
The boy didn’t even look your way, but a coughing, hacking noise came from the lady high up in the air as she was allowed to briefly breathe again. Haechan leaned his head a little bit to the side, as if deep in thought.
“Oh? Are you already giving up? Come on, you can’t lose consciousness now. It wouldn’t be half as fun if you can’t feel what I’m about to do to you.”
“No, no. You’re going to kill her—”
“That’s the plan.”
Another scream sliced the air as the ropes of shadows that hoisted the lady up suddenly disappeared in thin air. She plunged back into the ground, her voice cut off at the sound of something cracking. The next few seconds that followed were silent, with you looking on with fear at the immobile form in front of you. Haechan remained still on his spot too, waiting for any sign of movement. His eyes had gone cold, emotionless.
Lost.
"Stand up. You can take more than that. I need to see what I can break next. Should I take your arms? Or maybe I can gauge your eyes out.”
“Not… real.”
“Hmm? What’s that?”
“This is not real. Illusions… you’re just playing with my head.”
For a moment, it seemed like time stopped as the weak gasping words of the woman hung in the air. Haechan simply stared at her, an unreadable expression in his face. The temperature around you shifted again, this time the cold completely taken over by heat. The air had gotten so thick, you could barely breathe.
And then he broke the silence again by throwing his head back and laughing.
“Ah, gosh. You really still think that I can only do illusions? I overestimated you ma’m. You’re just not stupid. You’re straight out dumb.”
Your lips parted as you tried to wrap your head around what was happening. Haechan had started slowly moving again, this time with deadly intent in his gait. Things were starting to click in your head, as pinpricks started to climb your spine.
“Why do you think you’re no longer behind the protection of that glass wall in your room, hmm?” he asked as light danced in his eyes. “It’s because you’re not even in that plane anymore… but in my world.”
“Yes, mine. That means in here, I have my own rules. I can do anything. Which, again, only means one thing… Do you wanna guess what that is?”
Haechan smiled, and it was the most terrifyingly haunting thing you’ve seen. The realization hit you the same time his lips quirked into a smirk. He was never just a mage of illusions. He could shape dimensions, rip them apart and create new ones.
He… is chaos himself.
“I can break you. No matter how many times I want to.”
You moved before you even realized what you were doing. Scrambling from your spot where you were covering Renjun, you ran towards the woman just as the ropes of shadows sprang from nowhere again. This time though, they were shaped like spears, their ends pointed as they aimed for flesh. You managed to pull the lady by the arm to throw her to the other side of the room, but your limbs tangled together and made you trip. The last thing you could remember was a searing pain at your shoulder blade and the spears of darkness suddenly moving around to soften your fall as you toppled back.
And then everything went black.
*******
It felt like you were swimming back to the surface. Everything was so quiet and still that for a minute, you wished you could stay under the waves forever. You were floating idly in silence, body feeling weightless as your consciousness stayed in the middle of dreams and reality.
It didn’t last long though. Just as you were about to drift into deep sleep again, a dull tint of orange started blooming behind your lids. The color started growing stronger and stronger until it finally made you frown and roll away. You wanted nothing more than for it to go but it persisted, like a small fire burning beyond your closed eyes.
“I see you’re still very responsive. Good girl.”
The honey voice that sounded somewhere from your side made you open your eyes in a jolt. All of a sudden, the warm cocoon of sleep was torn away from you as you were finally pulled to the surface. You were still disoriented when you caught what looked like an IV line by your side but you managed to swivel your head towards the source of the voice. You locked eyes with its owner…
And found yourself freezing again.
Dr. Lee smiled at you, her perfect red lips tipped by the corners. They didn’t quite match her stare, which was now trained at you with a mixture of barely concealed amusement and something much more… sinister.
“How are you feeling, darling?”
You couldn’t quite wrap your head around what’s happening at first. You could see and hear her… but none of the signals she was giving were still making sense in your head. You were trying… but before you could do anything, a throbbing pain by your right shoulder made you gasp. You almost sat up in shock at the feeling, but you were gently eased back into what you can assume is your hospital bed by her hands on your chest. You groaned.
“What happened?”
“There is a hole in your shoulder is the quickest way to explain it. I wouldn’t recommend for you to move too much anytime soon.”
That was all it took for you to go still again. As if a switch has been turned on, the last memories you had came flooding back to you in waves. You immediately turned your head towards the woman beside you who was now looking at you with an unreadable expression.
“Haechan and Renjun—”
“01 and 02 are being kept in a different facility. If you’re wondering how they are, they’re still alive. 02 sustained more… let’s say, internal damage, but he is alive. 01 is unscathed, though he seems to need more treatment for mental distress after he hurt his favorite doctor.”
The lilt in her voice made your stomach turn. The way he talked about the boys confirmed your suspicions as you read between the lines of her words and their undertones. You looked on to her, speechless at first. You felt hot and cold at the same time. Angry, but also terrified.
“You… were the one who ordered to give them the tests,” you whispered. Her smile returned slowly as if she was relishing each word you said.
“I did, indeed. I had to make a couple of adjustments, but I believe I finally got to the sweet spot now… all thanks to you, honey.”
You frowned in confusion. She crossed her legs in front of her and rested her manicured nails on her knee.
“You see, we have tried so many approaches just to tease those abilities out of those kids. At first there was the recommendation to use positive reinforcement on them so we could study their potential, but it became obvious after some time that it’s impossible to get their full trust. Sure, several of them did work with us but seriously… did they really think we believe that is all they can do?”
You stared at her in silent horror as you slowly processed her words. It was a good thing that you were lying down, because your head was already starting to swim. Whether she noticed your internal dilemma or not, you have no idea, because she simply went on with that same idle, satisfied smile on her lips.
“And then… you came and some of them actually started cooperating more. That’s when we knew a different approach was needed. Maybe positive bribes aren’t what’s needed to crack them open, but another kind of motivation instead. After all, what pushes another person at their limit… than human emotions foolishly fixated on others?”
You wanted to retch. The random invite for the competitive drill back at the arena. The display of Renjun’s torture in front of all of them. She had it all planned. All of it.
“You’re hurting them…” you said in a tone that almost broke. Her smile widened and she leaned forward to run a finger down your cold cheek. The sharp edge of her nail barely grazed your skin, but it was enough to make your skin crawl.
“Well, yes. I needed to. I have to say… patience really isn’t my strongest suit but I’m not going to break them entirely since I need them alive after all. Until they really show us what they can do though, we’ll just have to do the same thing over and over again. Don’t worry, their memories of the stress tests get erased when the mental trauma gets too much. We have the High Priestess to take care of that for us. We can’t afford broken boys now, do we?”
Your breath hitched. Renjun can tap memories… which also means he can erase them too. Was that the reason why he was always sick? Because Cypher was using his Arcana on the others? Ten said that when the other boys started needing medical help, they couldn’t even remember what happened to them. Their memories… were they being manipulated against their wills?
“I decided to keep the Magician’s memories of what he did to you though, just in case you want to know,” your blood ran cold as you realized what she was talking about. “I think I like him better when he is a little… deranged. I’ve always thought that boy is special. Who would have even thought he was so so much more,” she trained her brown eyes on you and you saw the way they sparkled with glee. “Chaos Magic. Disrupting dimensions… maybe even manipulating the very fabric of existence itself. With the right push, he can be more than what he can do right now.”
“What do you want from them…” you managed to voice out despite the thundering sound of your heartbeat now pressing against your ears. At this point, you knew it was impossible to have a harmless reason behind the lengths she was pulling. Dr. Lee stopped as if she was mulling over your question.
“Have you ever wondered how it feels like to have the power to shape the world whichever way you wanted to? Not in the way money and influence can, no. But something greater than that.”
Slowly, your eyes widened as you realized what she was trying to say. Your hands started feeling numb, the feeling starting to climb to your arms like frostbite.
“Jisung can power a whole country if he wanted to. Maybe even a nuclear project all on his own. Jaemin and Renjun are perfect for Intelligence use—no man can ever hide anything, nor say no to them. Chenle… Chenle can keep armies from collapsing, if he uses his ability to transform broken bodies back into their old selves. Haechan can turn everything to his favor if he wanted and Mark can be the perfect killing machine. Jeno has yet to show us what he can do, but I doubt it will take long for him to crack now.”
You were speechless. You expected the worst, but not to this extent. You almost wanted to throw up seeing the look on her face. There was nothing on it but madness.
“You’re going to weaponize them…” you choked out. Your words seemed to have triggered something in her, because she gave you her widest, wildest smile yet. Her hand hovered over your face again and it took you all you had not to flinch as she tucked a loose tendril of your hair behind your ear.
“Come on now, don’t make it sound too bad. Maybe you’re still too young to understand, but you’ll get it soon,” she locked gazes with you and your stomach turned at the chaos you could see in her eyes.
“After all, why be a savior if you can play god?”
*******
CHAPTER 10
A/N: Latest chapter is finally in after so long! Thank you so much for everyone who has tuned in to Arcane until now. I know the plot is really complicated so I appreciate all of you! As usual, enjoy! <3
PS. Let's all wish for Jeno and Chenle's speedy recovery from covid. 🥺
