Archive of Our Own

A man walked silently in the temple, a long scar running down his left white eye, gaze solemn and messy blackish purple hair. He had a red sleeveless traditional vest, showing the scars adorning his right arm while wearing a black glove stopping to the middle of his left forearm, traditional baggy pants tight around his calves and long black boots stopping under his knees. A tight golden necklace around his neck and falling earring on his left ear while his right had an earring cuff with a ruby.

People stayed silent at his arrival before forming a large circle in the middle of the place, hoods hiding their faces, each of them holding a lit candle.

Arriving in the middle of the circle, he sank to his knees, hands on the floor, bowing until his head touched the floor, facing his father.

“Son, today is the day of your rebirth,” his voice echoed in the temple and the man felt a wash of relief hit him at his words, “you devoted your life in learning the duty of the Fire Guardian.”

He took a step towards him, guandao in hand, the stick bright red and golden ornaments decorating it.

“Raise yourself,” he murmured and the man slowly stood up, gaze locking with his father who lost long ago his eyesight.

“So far, you’ve embraced very well the tradition and your time has finally come,” he handed him the guandao, the scarred man took it after bowing down, “tonight is the sacrament of the new Fire Guardian, Bang Chan, son of the Guardian and the chef of the Clan.”

The people circling them started humming quietly, the Fire lighting the candles growing.

“Bang Chan, are you ready to devote yourself even more in the name of our Clan ?”

Chan put a hand on his heart, frowning determinedly, “I, Bang Chan, devote myself in protecting the temple and the Sacred Fire from any sins.”

“So be it,” his father pressed his hand on his forehead, Chan closed his eyes.

Warmth spread in his body, embracing his being securely and his mind started slipping away, heaviness taking his limbs. A sudden pain clutched at his heart and he felt unable to breath, as if his lungs were burning, clenching his jaw and fists and forcing himself to breath through the pain. Sweats dripped from his chin, eyes shut tightly and focusing on his breaths.

His father pulled away his hand after what felt like hours, Chan gasped as he fell on his knees, dizzy and mind aching.

“Well done my son,” he smiled proudly, “tomorrow will be the beginning of your journey, find comrades and come back stronger. The end of the sacrament will only finish then.”

Chan bowed one last time, his muscles burning and trembling, “Yes father.”

🜁🜄🜂🜃

Chan took his bag after putting in a few apples and a flask filled with Water before adding a first aid-kit and a few potions the shaman had made for him with a map his father had given him. He looked at his guandao, pushing the blade in his scabbard, putting it on his back, the strap going to his right shoulder to his left side of his abdomen.

He looked up by the window, the sun barely poking from the horizon and he looked one last time at his room filled with so many memories.

He exited his room, passing his head in the room of his younger sister and brother to see them sleep. He smiled as he went in, ruffling both of their hairs tenderly.

I’m going to miss this place.

He stood up, looking one last time at them before deciding to visit his mother. He walked downstairs, knocking on her door, waiting to have her approval.

“Come in.”

Chan took a breath before opening the door and stepping in.

Seeing his mother always made his heart ache. She had been fighting her illness for so long, persevering to live to see them grow and looking at her fragile form, he couldn’t help but think of the possibility of losing her when he would be away.

“My son, Chanie,” she murmured, “come here.”

Chan nodded, kneeling next to her and taking her hand, thumbs rubbing comfortably the back of his hand, “It’s your time ?”

“Yes,” he murmured quietly, she raised her hand to tenderly touch his cheek, her gaze so proud.

“Your father told me,” she smiled, wiping a tear about to run down his cheek, “we’re so proud of you.”

Chan smiled shakily, not able to stop his tears from freely falling, and she added, “I’ll wait for you my son.”

Chan nodded, “Thank you mother.”

“Go now, and find friends who you can share your power with,” she murmured and Chan couldn’t help but be a child again.

“What if I make a mistake and give it to someone malevolent ?”

His mother smiled, “You will not, you’re not naive Chanie, follow your heart and you will not regret anything.”

Chan nodded at her words, kissing the back of her hand, “Thank you so much for everything mother.”

She smiled, “I love you.”

“I love you too,” he answered back easily, standing up and bowing at her before leaving the house.

He walked on the dirt road going to the gate of their Clan, people bowing at him as they encouraged him to come back quickly. Chan smiled at them before noticing his father in front.

“Chan,” he said with a smile and Chan always wondered how his father knew it was him just from walking, “ready ?”

Chan smiled at him and he was surprised when his father hugged him tightly, he couldn’t help but snort. His father had always been authoritarian but he had his moment of weaknesses, “Father, you’re choking me.”

His father pulled away, coughing fakely in his fist before regaining back his solemn gaze, “Son, the world has changed, I raised you like my father did and being startled and loss in meeting new customs is alright, but never forget—”

“Do not reject, always accept what the world gives you,” Chan finished with a smile, “even if it means losing your life.”

His father nodded proudly, “We’ll miss you.”

Chan hummed, “I'll miss you all too,” his father nodded at his words before the gate opened, showing a horizon of plains.

“Your mind and heart will be tested over and over again, you’ll always have to push yourself, and you’ll learn how to use your power along the way,” Chan nodded at his words, his father smiled sadly, “then go son.”

Chan bowed at him, before turning himself, leaving his Clan behind him to begin his long journey.

Chan had always been curious about the other Clans: he knew there were at least three other Clans, the Water Clan, the Air Clan and the Earth Clan. But of course, other Clans must exist and he wished he could meet all of them.

His father had never talked about the outside world to him, he wanted him to see it himself instead of narrating what he saw. He had told him that words were not enough to describe the world.

And it was true.

Chan couldn’t find words, looking at the sky’s color going from an orange hue to a light blue color. He was actually in a small forest, animals hiding and running here and there. Chan looked in awe at a small rabbit which was staring at him. He kneeled with a smile, wanting to pet it but instead it ran away, Chan puckered his lips before standing up and following the rabbit.

He was surprised when he found a small lake, the wall of rocks letting water run down into it, loudly splashing.

He sighed happily, taking off his clothes to bathe in, sunlight warming up his skin. He listened to the sounds the forest let, birds singing, humming quietly.

He stood in the lake, looking at his hands.

It would be good to try using his newly found power with water around him. He closed his eyes, taking a long breath before exhaling slowly, focusing on how his fingertips started to warm comfortably. He opened his eyes to see his fingers burning without hurting him and he smiled excitedly before trying to put out the fire.

He blinked when instead the fire ran up his arm and he yelped as he roughly shook his arm hoping to stop it before pushing his hand in the water letting out a sigh of relief.

Well, I need to train myself.

He got out of the lake, wearing back his clothes and taking an apple to eat as he walked out of the forest.

Not long after, he smiled as he reached a small village.

After walking for five hours, finally finding a place filled with people warmed him up. He walked quickly, noticing a young man, maybe his age, working in his garden. But after looking around, he was surprised to see only him outside and no one else.

It looked… deserted.

Chan focused on the man, he was wearing a straw hat, had brown hair, a large white shirt with sleeves stopping at his elbows and comfortable light brown pants, black boots stopping at his calves.

Chan grinned as he approached him, “Good morning—” he got cut by the man screeching in surprise taking a step backward while Chan blinked dumbly.

“Don't scare me like that,” he scolded, hand on his heart and letting out a sigh. He glared at him, “who even walks like a cat nowadays ?”

Chan rubbed his nape embarrassedly, he didn't notice he had been walking like this, he just did it instinctively after learning how to fight, “I'm sorry—”

“What even happened to you ?” talking about the multiple scars on him, “and those clothes ? Where do you come from ?”

He sounded curious and a bit disrespectful but Chan tried not to think negatively.

He's just different.

He smiled bowing lightly, “My apology, I am Bang Chan, Guardian from the Fire Clan,” he looked at him who just blinked. “and I am looking for comrades who'll help me finish my sacrament and follow me to my Clan.”

“The Fire Clan you say ?” He didn't seem to know about it, rubbing his chin pensively.

Chan nodded.

“Is it a sect or something ?”

Chan's smile fell, a bit surprised by the question and feeling insulted, “No, it isn't a sect, our Clan devote itself in protecting the Sacred Fire—”

“Sounds like a sect to me,” the man said with a smirk and Chan frowned more.

And before he could retort again, the man snorted, “I'm joking, no need to get mad,” Chan's shoulders slumped in defeat, “I'm Lee Minho by the way.”

“Nice to meet you,” Chan said, finding back his smile, he was a bit thrown by his behavior but he wasn't going to judge him for this.

His stomach decided to grumble now, Chan flushing embarrassingly while Minho chuckled.

“Wanna come inside ?” he asked and Chan nodded happily.

“So, you're looking for some people to follow you to your Clan ?”

Chan slowly put down his spoon after eating, “Yes and I have been wondering if I could ask in your village if someone would like to join me in my journey.”

Minho stared at Chan curiously, “You'll waste your time,” the Guardian tilted his head in confusion, Minho looked out the window, gaze sad, “I'm the only one in this village, the others left to go to Modern City.”

Chan parted his lips, taken aback by the news, “Oh…” he looked up at Minho, “How long were you alone ?”

Minho shrugged his shoulders, “A few years, maybe five or six,” he smiled teasingly, “why the question ? Are you worried for me ?”

Chan nodded seriously, “Yes, loneliness isn't something easy,” he knew when he had to stay a month in the small volcano which long ago stopped erupting, next to his Clan, completely alone. He had felt awful and it was clearly something he wished would never happen to him again, “and you've been taking care of those animals alone ? You're really strong minded,” he pondered for a bit. Minho could be a great partner, he knew how to be independent and make his own food by taking care of animals.

He smiled before looking back at him only to pause. Minho was completely taken off guard and the flush of his cheeks seemed to be from the surprised compliment. “I'm sorry, did I say something that I shouldn't ?”

Minho snapped out, shaking his head with a tentative smile, “Nah, it's just weird to… be able to talk with someone.”

Chan smiled sympathetically, “Do you want to be my first comrade ?”

“Me ? No way,” he shook his head, “I can't abandon this place.”

Chan hummed at his words, “Don't you think it's the perfect moment to have a new start ?” Minho seemed to hesitate, before standing up and taking the empty bowl to the sink, trying to occupy himself, “you've been alone for so long, don't you want to meet new people and share new memories with them ?”

Minho looked at the bowl and Chan stood up, “I know it's hard to leave a place filled with memories,” he stared at the back of Minho, “but getting stuck in the past will not make you step forward, you need to let go of your grasp.”

Minho turned on the water, washing quietly the bowl and spoon while Chan stared at him with hopeful eyes.

“I'll think of it.”

Chan nodded at his words, “Alright,” quietly leaving the house to give him some time.

Minho looked up from his vegetable garden to see Chan smiling at him.

“Need a hand ?”

He didn’t know why but his brain kept forgetting that there was another human with him in his village.

“Uhm, right,” he looked around, “can you look for eggs in the henhouse ?”

Chan nodded, taking a coat-wired egg basket from Minho before going into the henhouse.

He stared expectantly at it before he laughed when a string of shouts followed, looking at Chan coming out followed by a few chickens trying to peck his legs.

“Why are they attacking me ?” he whined and then yelped when one of them pecked his calf.

“To assert dominance of course,” he wiped a tear from his eyes, the first time in so long for him to laugh like this, “take one of them and keep them under your arm until it stops fighting back.”

Chan hesitantly took one which immediately raised its wings to bat them, Chan struggling to do as Minho said. Minho shook his head, raising himself to take one of the chickens and putting it easily under his arm, grinning at Chan, “Don’t be scared, I thought you were a Guardian Chan-ah ?”

Chan pouted, before managing to do like him, smiling proudly at him.

“Don’t get too confident and go feed the goats.”

Minho stared at the sky, arms crossed behind his head, Chan next to him into a sitting position, eyes closed and looking like he was meditating.

His parents had left him to his grand-mother, wishing to have a luxurious life. Minho didn’t mind at that time, or more like he didn’t even know his parents would never come back. He was content to stay with his granny, learning how to live a modest life and be independent.

Until she died.

He had promised to continue living like she had teached him, but the villagers all started to leave, and in no time he was alone.

It was hard. He still had the animals of the farm to talk to but having only a one sided conversation wasn’t great for his mental stability. He even started talking alone.

He stared at Chan, who was currently focused on something Minho didn’t know what it was, “If you’re from the Fire Clan, you must have a power right ?”

Chan hummed, not destabilized at all, “Only the Guardian and his comrades can have the power of the Fire.”

Minho nodded thoughtfully, “Then show me your fire.”

Chan opened his eyes, rubbing his nape hesitantly, “Do you have a bucket ?”

Minho sat, raising his eyebrow, “Yep, why though ?”

Chan smiled awkwardly, “Well, I’ve had this power since yesterday, I’m afraid I’ll burn your village down.”

Minho snorted before getting up, “A Guardian who doesn’t know how to use his power, that’s something,” walking away to take a bucket in the farm, hearing a small whine of protest.

“I’m new to all of this !”

He came back with two buckets filled with water and Chan took a deep breath before exhaling, closing his eyes.

Minho’s eyes went wide, looking at his hair slowly gaining in fire, curling and dancing in the night. “You actually can do it,” he took a step, hand wanting to brush the fire until it suddenly took his whole face, and it was a vision of horror, Minho quickly taking a bucket and throwing its content on Chan who gasped.

“Thank you,” Chan wiped his face, “I tried to stop it, but I really couldn’t.”

Minho laughed, “You looked like a demon with that face,” Chan pouted at his comment but couldn’t help laughing softly.

“I need to train myself,” he sighed, looking up at the stars.

Minho pondered, “Can you control if your fire hurts or not ?”

Chan’s lips formed a thin line, “I’m supposed to know how to do this but it’s too early,” looking down at his hand.

He looked up at Minho when this latter held his hand, his thumb rubbing his skin comfortably, “Wanna try ?”

Chan blinked, “But I could hurt you.”

Minho grinned, head tilting in the direction of the bucket, “We have a bucket of water just there, so,” Chan was still hesitating, Minho squeezed his hand, a weird feeling tingling his skin, maybe because it had been so long before he could touch another human being, “trust yourself.”

Chan squeezed back his hand before nodding, “Alright,” he closed his eyes, Minho stared at his serious expression before looking down at their hands.

The Guardian took a long breath before sighing, focusing on the warmth their hands brought together and then he thought of a flame burning safely at the tip of his fingertips.

Minho was a bit worried, looking at the fire meeting his skin and he relaxed when the touch only brought incredible warmth, “I told you,” he murmured quietly, Chan opened his eyes, staring at the flames licking their hands and he grinned.

That was, of course, until the fire escalated Minho’s arm, burning his sleeve. They both shrieked before Chan threw water on him, quickly taking his arm to see if he had any damage.

But when he couldn’t find any, he sighed in relief, slumping on the floor while Minho laughed, “Oh god, I’m sorry— why are you even laughing ? I could’ve hurt you.”

Minho pushed his wet bangs out of his face, “But it really didn’t hurt me at all, it just burned my sleeve,” he looked down at himself, before taking a pose, “and that could be a new trend.”

Chan snorted, sitting and staring at Minho. He had wanted to ask the question again but it was better to give him time. He really hoped Minho would come with him, the day they stayed together only accentuated his longing for him to come along.

“I’ll go with you.”

Chan hummed before pausing. He looked at Minho who was smiling, “Really ? Are you sure ?”

Minho nodded, laying back on the grass, “I think yeah,” isolating himself for so long had made him crave for some type of affection right now, “it’s time for me to walk forward, like you said.”

Chan smiled, “Do you know how to fight ?”

Minho looked at him in confusion, “No ?”

Chan stood up, extending his hand that Minho took to stand up, “It’s better if you know how to fight, we never know who we’ll meet when protecting the Clan.”

Minho frowned suspiciously, “I’m a bit worried about how you’ll train me.”

Chan pouted, “I’m a great teacher, don't worry.”

A week had passed since that night, and Minho still stood on his ground, Chan wasn’t a great teacher. He would tell him to work out like no human should be able to do — okay maybe he was exaggerating — while Chan would just force him to finish without a good pause in betweens.

But in Chan’s defense, Minho wasn’t a great student. Even if he asked him to finish his repetitions, he would find a way to not do it.

Chan sighed, looking at Minho who was slumped on the floor, panting weakly.

“What I don’t understand is that your body is in good condition and yet you just—” he cut himself with another sigh, ruffling his hair, “— how am I supposed to give you my power ?”

Minho perked up at that, sitting on the ground, “Wait, you’re going to give me your power ? But aren’t you the Guardian ?”

Chan nodded, “I’ll just give you a bit, the Guardian is supposed to give his power to all of his comrades to help him protect the Sacred Fire in my Clan.”

Minho nodded slowly, humming, “But you can’t even control your power ?”

It pierced right into his heart, sighing dramatically, “That hurts,” he smiled, “but I know the rite of passing my power, and like that we could learn together.”

Minho stood up, wiping the sweat from his forehead, “I’ll laugh so hard if I know how to use it before you.”

Chan whined, “Don’t be mean.”

“Are you ready ?”

Minho nodded, closing his eyes.

Chan took a breath before slowly putting his hand on his forehead, “I, Bang Chan, Guardian of the Sacred Fire will give you a part of my being,” he looked at Minho, “are you ready to devote yourself in protecting the Sacred Fire for your whole life ?”

Minho put a hand on his heart, “I, Lee Minho, devote myself in protecting the Sacred Fire and following Bang Chan, the new Guardian.”

Chan smiled, “May it be so,” he focused eyes shut, feeling a warm part of his flame traveling his arm to meet Minho’s skin.

He could feel Minho tensed up under his hand and he tried to finish fast. Minho let out a weak groan, struggling to keep going. He felt as if he was suffocating and the pain had greatly increased.

Chan relaxed, opening his eyes and pulling his hand away, Minho’s knees buckling at the end, slumping on the ground, wheezing loudly.

“Oh my god, that was awful.”

Chan smiled before hooking his arm around his neck and securely wrapping his own arm around his waist, helping him up, “But you did well.”

Minho hummed, barely able to walk on his own. His eyelids suddenly felt heavy, mind going back and forth between dozing off and staying conscious. Chan opened the door, closing it with a push of his foot before walking upstairs with a half passed out Minho against him. “Sorry, I think we did it too early,” he mumbled, opening Minho’s room, before helping him lay on his bed.

“That’s okay,” Minho spoke groggily, giving a thumb up while hugging his blanket.

Chan smiled at him before closing the door, he walked downstairs, his gaze locking on a picture frame. He took a closer look, smiling fondly when he saw little Minho with an older woman.

They both were grinning happily.

Chan nodded determinedly, they were supposed to leave tomorrow morning at dawn to bring the animals of the farm to a village which was an hour away. He decided to use this long night to learn how to cast off his power when needed.

“Was it the last one ?” Chan asked, earning a nod from Minho.

They waved at the villagers after bringing all the animals and it was the start of their long day.

“We’re going right for the Modern City.”

Chan nodded, “Why is it called like this ?”

Minho snickered, “You’ll understand after seeing it.”

🜁🜄🜂🜃

Chan was stunned as he looked at the tall buildings dominating the sky, entering the city, the crowd taking most of the place, people loudly chatting and weird things rolling in the streets.

Chan just stared in awe, not noticing the weird looks he received, he couldn’t focus, Minho having to pull on his wrist to keep walking.

“What’s that thing ?”

“A car. It helps people go somewhere in no time.”

Chan nodded thoughtfully, “And that ?”

“A streetlight. It lightens the streets when it’s night time.”

“And that thing inside that place ?”

Minho sighed, “It’s a television,” he looked at Chan whose eyes sparkled like a kid, “if you keep asking about everything we’re never getting out of here.”

Chan smiled apologetically, “Sorry, but this place is really interesting.”

Minho smiled before looking around to find a small restaurant. “Let’s go eat.”

Chan nodded and they both entered a small traditional restaurant, smiling while Minho asked for a table.

They followed the waiter to a table and sat, Chan’s legs bouncing as he looked at the carte.

“Don’t take too much, I don’t think I have enough money,” Minho told him and Chan nodded.

But Chan kind of wanted to eat everything on the carte, looking at the prices and guessing which one was expensive.

The waiter came back and Minho simply asked for a salad, Chan deciding to take the same.

When he looked up, his gaze met a few others and he wondered why they were staring at him like this. Were they curious about something in particular ?

“They want your earring,” Minho told him nonchalantly, staring at the Guardian with annoyance. He didn’t like the place at all. “or you’re too weird for them since you came from somewhere else. Either way, people will still judge you.”

“Really ?” Chan instinctively touched the ruby of his earring, looking around to see most of them avoiding his gaze.

“Selling your earrings will give them a lot of money,” Minho told him, looking at their plates put in front of them.

Chan hummed, “You don’t really like the place, do you ?”

Minho sighed, “It’s just a place full of assholes, trying to walk on others and lying for anything they could just for money, so no, I don’t like the place.”

Chan stared at him eating silently, “Sorry, we can leave right away if you want.”

Minho shook his head, a small smile creeping on his face, “No need to, you’re kind of a breath of fresh air, it’s funny to see how you react here and you need to find another friend, right ?”

Chan nodded before snorting, “Am I really acting like a child ?”

“Completely.”

Chan held his hand in the crowd not wanting to lose him. Minho had never really rejected his touch, surely because he had been touch-starved for so long. Chan didn’t mind either, gladly showing him affection even in public.

But this time, Minho pushed his hand away, “It’s okay you don’t need to hold my hand.”

“But I want to,” Chan pouted, trying to take back his hand only to be pushed away again.

Minho shook his head, glancing around, “If we hold hands, people are going to think we’re dating.”

Chan blinked, “And ? I don’t care about it.”

Minho’s cheeks got pink, “Well, it’s not well seen here, two men dating.”

“Yeah, but you like holding hands, right ?” He tilted his head.

Minho’s whole face turned red, looking away. Why did he have to be so confident and bold in everything ?

There was a sudden shout, and they both looked behind Chan where a small passage between two buildings was. They shared a look before they walked towards the source of the scream.

“Where’s the money ?” A man kicked someone who was laying on the ground, blood dripping from his nose, while two other guys laughed.

“I told you I wanted the money today,” pressing the back of his shoe on the man’s head.

“I— I don't have it yet—”

“Remove your foot.”

The three men looked towards Minho and Chan, the injured one looking startled.

“What the fuck did you say ?” One of them snickered.

Minho hadn’t known Chan for so long, but it was clearly the first time he saw such an expression. Anger twisting his face.

Chan walked towards them, “Remove your foot and apologize to him.”

The man on the ground looked up at him.

“What the fuck’s wrong with you,” his friends snickered, before the one closer to Chan took another step towards them, “doing some shitty cosplay ?” he was about to grab his shoulder but Minho stopped him by grabbing his wrist.

“I wouldn’t do that if I were you.”

“The fuck you—” He got cut by Minho taking him by his collar roughly pulling on it before kicking his stomach hard.

He groaned in pain, falling on the floor.

“What the fuck you fucking bastard !” He lunged towards them and Chan easily avoided his punch, taking him by his arm and turning himself to slam him on the ground.

The man who had still his foot on the injured one, slowly removed it, taking a step backward, clearly starting to fear what would happen to him.

Chan glared at him with disdain, “Good, now apologize to him.”

He tried to run away but Chan threw his guandao which its tip slammed so hard into the wall that it got stuck, cracks around the area, right in front of the bully’s face who yelped.

“I asked you to apologize to him,” His voice sounded so cold that even Minho had goosebumps.

The bully had retracted into a corner, butt on the ground while Chan hovered him.

“I-I’m sorry !” He stared in fear at Chan.

“Not to me,” He glanced at the injured man Minho had kneeled next to.

The bully looked at him, “I’m sorry !”

Minho looked at him with a light smirk, “Is that enough for you, or do you want him to bow at you ?”

The man seemed to be on the same wavelength of Minho, smirking, “I want him to bow.”

Chan sighed, typical of Minho. He took his guandao before putting it on his back, inside his scabbard. He glanced at the bully who hadn’t moved, “What are you waiting for ?”

He shrieked before quickly kneeling in front of the man, “I’m sorry—” he got cut by Chan who pushed his head until he touched the ground.

“When you bow, your head is supposed to touch the ground, understood ?” He released his grip before standing up, Minho helping the injured man up.

“I’m so s-sorry, forgive m-me please.”

The man looked at his nails as if he was bored, “Fine, fine, I accept your apology. You can go.”

And without a second, he dashed away, his two friends quickly following.

Chan looked at the man, his anger disappearing into concern, “Are you alright ?”

The man nodded, wiping the blood from his nose, “Thanks for helping me.”

Now they could really take a good look at the man, young and with light brown hair, a trail of blood coming from his nose and a bruised cheek. He was wearing a black jacket with tight blue jeans, white and black sneakers.

Chan smiled while Minho just groaned in annoyance, “That’s why I don’t like this place.”

“Just, you’re clearly not from here,” The man spoke, drawing their attention, looking down then up at Chan, “or are you really a cosplayer ?”

Chan blinked, “A what ?”

Minho snorted, before looking back at the man, “I’m Lee Minho from the deserted village.”

“I’m Bang Chan, Guardian from the Fire Clan,” Looking a bit too solemn, Minho rolled his eyes at him clearly knowing where it was going, “and I came to look for comrades to—”

“That’s too long,” Minho complained to him before looking back at the man, “he just wants friends to go with him in his village,” Chan pouted.

“But this isn’t just that,” He protested, Minho ignoring him.

The man blinked, “Okay,” not sounding as sure as before, “I’m Han Jisung from the Modern City I guess ?”

And then he seemed to remember something, looking back at Chan, “The Fire Clan ? Aren’t you the bad guy then ?”

Minho snickered while Chan’s smile fell, “We’re not the bad guys—” and he cut himself when he understood what he meant before sighing, “— you’re talking about the Elements War, aren’t you ?”

Jisung nodded, “Learned it in school.”

Chan’s shoulders slumped, a frown taking his features, “Does everyone believe the same ?”

Minho glanced at him, a hand on his shoulder to comfort him.

“Yep,” Jisung said a bit too straight-forward.

“It’s true we started the war, but now we aren’t like this,” he felt conflicted, “but people still think of us like this ?” he clenched his fists, “and I had thought we had been punished enough.”

“People tend to remember only the mistakes we make anyway,” Jisung said tiredly, taking his phone out, words a bit heavier than he intended. “Do you mind that we talk somewhere else than the streets where I get beat up everyday ?”

They both winced at his sentence, before nodding.

“Let’s go to my flat then.”

“You can’t be serious,” Jisung exclaimed, staring at Chan as if he came from another planet, “you seriously don’t know what a phone is or is it some sort of prank ?”

Chan pouted, “I was born and raised in my Clan where there aren't any electronic devices,” he had the phone in hand, Jisung having put an app for him to try using it.

“Are you an alien ?”

Chan whined, “Stop teasing me,” giving the phone to Minho who easily played the game and he slumped on the couch in defeat.

“Look, even Minho hyung knows how to play,” Minho tossed him his phone, and Chan sighed.

Jisung patted the couch, staring at Chan as if he was a kid, “You are sitting on a couch , c. o. u. c.—” he  got shoved by Chan, snorting.

“I know the basics !”

Minho stretched himself before slumping back on the single sofa chair, staring at Jisung, “So, why are you getting beat up everyday ?”

The mood shifted and Jisung sighed as he sat back correctly on the couch. He looked at the ice wrapped around a tissue, half wet on the table. He was too lazy to keep it against his cheek.

“I just forgot to pay them.”

“Pay them what ?” Minho asked curiously.

Jisung stared at his small TV, “I’m just in debt and my job doesn’t pay a lot,” he looked at his lap, fingers fidgety, “I dropped off school and now I’m just a cashier in a supermarket,” he rested the back of his head against the couch, “I’m living the same monotonous life.”

“And your parents ?”

Jisung snorted weakly, “They kicked me out when I was an adult because I was too much of a failure for them.” Both Minho and Chan looked at him sympathetically.

Chan asked, “Do you want to leave this place ?”

Jisung laughed weakly, “Yep clearly.”

“Do you want to be our comrade then ?”

Jisung looked at Chan, “Your what ?”

Chan grinned, “I’m the Guardian of my Clan, and I’m looking for comrades to come with me and help me protect the Sacred Fire. Do you want to be one of them ?”

Jisung was taken aback, he hadn’t really thought of leaving the city. He just said it without thinking.

“So, you’re really not a bad guy ?” He asked suspiciously.

Chan groaned in frustration, “I am not Jisung.”

“Alright, alright,” he stared at Chan’s scars and couldn’t help but continue, “it’s just bad guys always have scars, so you kind of look like one—”

Chan frowned, “Jisung.”

“Sorry,” he looked at Minho who was enjoying their little arguments, “and you, are you his first comrade ?”

Minho nodded, “Yep, and if you need another reason, you can have the power of Fire !”

Chan glared at him, “It isn’t something to play with,” Minho slapped his back.

“Show him.”

“Fine,” Chan took Jisung’s hand before both of them started burning and Jisung screamed in horror trying to pull his hand away but Minho was already behind him adding his own on top of his.

“Stay calm, does it really hurt you ?”

Jisung stared at their hands, the Fire licking his skin comfortably and he sighed in relief, “I thought I was going to be burned alive.”

Chan smiled as he casted off the Fire, “So ?”

“I don’t know, I was just joking man,” he said, “I can’t leave that place, I have to pay my bills and my work and my debts and—” he sighed.

“And ?” Minho asked, “If these are the only things keeping you here, it’s better to leave.”

“But I can’t just live like that, I need to say a month before if I want to move out and same for my work and don’t forget my debt that I can’t even pay,” He slumped on the couch.

Chan touched his earring before smiling, “We can wait a month, we're not in a rush, and if I pay your debt, will you become my comrade ?”

“And how can you do that ? I’m sure you don’t even know what money is,” he said skeptically.

Chan took off his earring, showing the ruby in it, “But I think just this will be enough, right ?” glancing at Minho who nodded at him.

Jisung didn’t seem to believe him, “That’s clearly a fake ruby.”

“That’s a real ruby,” The expert said, Jisung blinked at his words, looking at his hyungs gaping like a fish.

“Are you— you really— what the hell ?” Jisung was more than shocked, hands on his head, while Chan laughed, “and you really will give me this ?”

Chan nodded, “Money isn’t something important for me and if it can help you, I’ll gladly give it to you.”

Jisung took back the ruby from the expert before leaping at Chan who yelped with how tight Jisung was hugging him. “Thank you so much !”

Chan smiled fondly, “You’re welcome Jisungie.”

Two weeks in the city, and Chan got a bit more comfortable with the new technology while Jisung was learning from Minho how to fight.

“How am I supposed to win against you !” He complained loudly, laying on the floor while Minho snickered.

They had reorganized the living-room to have enough space to fight. And since he was going to leave, they had given some furniture to any charity they could.

“Chanie, let’s show him !” He yelled for the older to hear him but he didn’t answer back.

They shared a look before going into Jisung's room, opening the door to find Chan, eyes closed, moving slowly, sweats building up. They stared, his movements graceful as if he was dancing, every slight move calculated, his posture solid and stable yet looking so smooth and sometimes powerful.

He opened his eyes to meet his friends’ when he finished and he smiled shyly, “I didn’t hear you, did you say something ?”

Jisung’s mouth had fallen and he clapped, “That was awesome,” Minho joining in the clapping.

“I didn’t know you could dance.”

Chan rubbed his nape, blushing embarrassingly, “It’s the traditional dance of Fire, you two will need to learn it by the way.”

Jisung groaned exasperatedly, “But how ?”

“Don't worry I'll teach you !” Chan said with a grin, wiping the sweat off his face with a towel.

Minho murmured at Jisung, “He isn't a good teacher,” earning a snort from Jisung and a glare from Chan.

They had still one week before leaving and Jisung would be free from his enslaved life. They even did the rite for Jisung, who passed out right away, sleeping for the whole day.

Chan looked at himself in the mirror, feeling the clothes he was wearing were a bit too tight and uncomfortable. He had a simple black buttoned shirt and tight blue jeans bottoms with his pair of boots.

“Is— is that really okay ?” Jisung had told him he was a bit too flashy for the city, so he had to wear the typical clothes of a citizen.

“Wow, Chan,” Minho said with a smile, looking him over, “I can't recognize you.”

Chan smiled before Minho took him by his wrist to go to the front door, “Let's go, we have three hours before Sungie comes back from work.”

Chan hummed, following Minho out.

They reached the open market, people yelling prices and chatting loudly, exchanging fruits with money and various objects Chan didn't know their fonctions.

That was until he felt something brushing his bag and he instinctively gripped it, looking back to meet the gaze of a man. He had his hoodie on and a black face mask to hide himself.

But his eyes… There was something in his eyes that made Chan release his grip, staring at him running away, his hand tingling and his heart choking on a beat.

He looked so… sad ?

“Chan ? What happened ?” Minho asked, looking at his friend frozen.

“I think I found another Guardian,” He quickly put his hand in his bag before frowning, “he took the wallet Jisung gave us.”

He started running without a second thought, Minho following him easily.

They both saw the stealer had noticed them, running in an intersection into a small alley.

Chan and Minho shared a look, nodding and Minho took another shortcut.

Chan looked at the stealer who easily jumped off the fence and sent him a cocky wink.

Before he could run away, Chan spoke, “You look sad,” he gripped the fence with his hands, staring at the back of the man.

The thief just froze for a second before looking back at Chan without a word.

“You’re a Guardian, aren't you ?” He asked, gaze locked with the thief's troubled one. Minho appeared behind the man silently.

It was weird but with his power it was like he could find out the other Guardians if he ever met one.

“How did you—” The man cut himself and shook his head as if to focus back before turning himself to run away until his abdomen was suddenly met with a knee.

He groaned as he fell on his knees, clutching at his stomach while Chan jumped, passing the fence easily.

Minho glared at the man, “Mind giving us back his wallet ?” thumb pointing at Chan.

The stealer just stared at them before looking away, “I don't know what you're talking about.”

Minho wanted to teach him a lesson but Chan stopped him. He kneeled in front of him, staring in the man's eyes.

“I'm Bang Chan, Guardian from the Fire Clan,” He pointed at his friend who had his arms crossed, “and this is Lee Minho, my first comrade.”

The man didn't seem to care, just looking around to find an escape.

Minho blocked his view on his right, glaring down at him.

The man huffed in annoyance before tossing the wallet to Chan who caught it, “There, happy now ?” he stood up, “Can I go now ?”

Minho didn't care but Chan looked at the wallet, “No,” he looked up at the thief, “we need to talk, Guardian.”

The man scoffed, “Well, I don't want to,” he turned himself but Chan gripped his shoulder.

“But I think—”

He got cut by something black wrapping around his arm before roughly throwing him against the opposite wall.

Chan winced as his back slammed hard against the bricks and Minho quickly lunged at the man only to be startled when he saw his fearful eyes, as if what he did was something he didn't want to do.

A second of inattention and Minho groaned as the shadow hit him on his abdomen, sending him against the fence before the man dashed away.

Chan quickly helped Minho up, thoughts running in his mind, “He's the Guardian of the Darkness.”

“What ? But I thought there were only the Elements Clans who had a Sacred power,” Minho asked as he dusted his clothes off from the dirt.

Chan nodded, remembering all the time his mother had taught him about the stories of all the Clans, “The Light Clan and the Darkness Clan had been the first created, making the day and the night, but they went in a war to know who could dominate and the population of the Darkness lost,” he frowned, “Their fight had made the Elements,” he rubbed his chin, “but I didn’t know they still existed.”

Minho sighed, “You want to find him, don’t you ?”

Chan smiled, “Yep.”

“Is it really going to work ?” Jisung asked worriedly.

Minho grinned, “Of course, he’s a thief, if he sees you're rich he’s going to steal from you.”

Chan chuckled as he looked at Jisung, who had expensive clothes, the tags still on them but hidden. He had typical sunglasses, a black cap, earring and necklace Chan gave him and were expensive, a few rings around his fingers and finally a bag with his wallet.

“Just don’t forget to make money fall and be super annoyed about it,” Minho told him with an amused smile. “like you’re too rich or something.”

“I swear if it works, I’ll call you a god,” He said, not trusting at all his plan but Minho grinned.

“Be ready then.”

“Oh my god, that’s so annoying,” Jisung said loudly, a few people judging him and he felt so embarrassed but he kept going, taking the billet which had fallen on the ground, “I have way too much money !”

He glanced around, quickly finding Chan and Minho and he smiled, “What are you looking at ?” He glared at some kids who just ignored him. He started walking, trying to act confident and cocky.

Where is he ?

He glanced around, only to be suddenly knocked by another guy and he glared at him, “Watch where you’re going !”

The man ignored him, quickly leaving and Jisung just blinked before looking in his bag to find nothing.

That was him ?!

“Yah ! You thief come back here !” He yelled and the man started running, he glanced at his hyungs who had already disappeared.

The man smirked as he lost Jisung, walking confidently, looking at the rings he took and the wallet filled with money.

“Hey, long time no see.”

The man froze, looking back to meet Chan’s eyes, one dark and one bluish white. “You again ? Can’t you leave me alone already ?”

He turned himself this time facing Minho who smirked at him.

“I can’t, I’m really curious about you, Guardian.”

Jisung had finally arrived, looking at the scene.

“Stop calling me like this ! I never wanted to be a Guardian !” He yelled, before a growing shadow hovered over him.

“I know,” Chan murmured, Minho had told him about what he saw in his eyes and the thief looked at him walking towards him.

“Don’t come any closer— I’ll— I’ll hurt you,” he choked out, taking a step back everytime Chan took one step. Even if he tried to sound intimidating, he was the one scared.

He couldn't lose control. Not again.

“No, you will not,” And his gaze looked so honest, smiling gently, trusting the thief with all his soul making him dumbfounded.

But he couldn’t control himself, a sudden headache making him wince, the shadow gaining in place, his breaths shallow, “I don’t want to hurt anyone— please leave me alone.”

Chan didn’t look scared, kneeling in front of him and so carefully taking his hand, still making the thief flinch, while a shadow wrapped around his arm dangerously.

Minho and Jisung knew they shouldn’t disturb, but seeing the shadow wrapping around Chan’s neck wasn’t helping their concern.

He took the man’s hand to press it on his chest, hoping he could feel his heartbeat, “Breathe in, then out,” the shadow started tightening its hold around his neck, but Chan remained calm, his heartbeat still the same, slow and regular.

The man looked up at Chan, tears running down his cheeks and he took a deep breath before exhaling, following the movement of his chest. He hadn’t noticed the fire plumping their hands.

Chan smiled when he could feel the shadow releasing its grip around his neck, “You’re doing great,” his voice was delicate, always looking in his eyes with tenderness.

It was weird. A stranger helping him calm down and trusting him even though they barely knew each other.

At that moment, Chan looked so elegant and the man felt relaxed under his kindness. The shadow slowly disappeared and the man sighed in relief.

Chan smiled brightly, “You see ? You didn’t hurt me.”

The man quickly pulled his hand away from Chan, blushing embarrassingly.

Minho and Jisung quickly came closer, looking at both of them, “Are you okay ?” Jisung asked, Chan nodded before extending his hand to the thief.

The man hesitated for a second before taking it to stand up, “Th-Thank you.”

Chan grinned, “No problem.”

The man glanced at his neck, which had red marks from his shadow, looking down in guilt.

I hurt someone again.

“You already know us,” pointing at himself then Minho before looking at Jisung, “and this is Han Jisung, our new comrade.”

Jisung gave a tentative smile, “Yep, I’m the guy you stole from.”

The man smiled teasingly, “Sorry but you looked like a rich annoying wimp, no offence,” Jisung snorted.

“That’s understandable.”

“And now you have to call me a god, Sungie !” Minho piped in victoriously while Jisung groaned, Chan chuckling.

The man snorted before adding, “I’m Seo Changbin by the way.”

Changbin fidgeted on the floor, feeling a bit uneasy under three gazes. They had decided to continue their conversation in Jisung’s flat, sitting on the floor, since they had to move out all the furnitures.

“So,” Minho started as he stared at Changbin, “why do you steal from people ?”

Changbin hadn’t expected it to be his first question, he cleared up his throat, looking at his feet, “I kind of live in the suburbia and I don’t have any job, I’m just—” he bit his lower lip, “— I’m just trying to survive.”

The three hummed at his words before Jisung asked, “And your family can’t help you ? I mean do you have a family ?”

Changbin took a shaky breath, pictures filling his mind too easily and he shut his eyes, “I… I—” he took a sharp breath, looking up at Chan who was smiling at him sympathetically, holding his hand and squeezing it comfortably. He could feel the warmness the simple touch held and he relaxed lightly, “— they d-died because of me,” his eyes turned glassy at the memories he tried to bury in the deepest part of his mind for so long .

“You couldn’t control your power,” Chan realized as he spoke softly, gaze sympathetic, Changbin nodded shakily, wiping his eyes roughly.

“I still can’t if you didn’t notice,” He laughed dryly.

“Wait, but I thought only Guardians and their friends could have power,” Jisung spoke with confusion.

“My mom, she was the descendant of the Guardian,” He started, gaze filled with sorrow, “when I was young, maybe seven, she gave me her power.”

The three nodded silently.

“She wanted me to bring back the Clan of Darkness in hope of destroying the Light Clan but I refused,” He licked his dry lips, “I was happy being a small normal kid,” he smiled tiredly, “but she still did it and I got scared and—” his shoulders started shaking as he sobbed, “— and m-my power killed her and the rest of my family.”

He got startled when Chan hugged him, hand rubbing his back soothingly, “I’m sorry for what you went through,” he said honestly and Changbin shut his eyes to stop the tears from escaping, hugging him back. The two others soon joined and Chan added, “but it wasn’t your fault, you were scared and your power just wanted to protect you.”

They slowly pulled away and Changbin sniffled weakly, “But I keep hurting others now.”

Chan smiled, “I’ll teach you how to use your power then.”

The three blinked before Changbin shook his head, “You don’t have to, you’re leaving anyway right ? I’ll never learn how to use my power in a day.”

Chan grinned more, “Exactly.”

Changbin frowned, “I don’t understand ?”

Minho snorted, “It means you're the third comrade.”

🜁🜄🜂🜃

“Everyone’s ready ?” Chan asked, he felt much more comfortable in his traditional clothing, grinning at them like a proud father.

He received three nods and they exited the city.

“God, I already miss my phone,” Jisung groaned, Minho slapped his back making him yelp.

“Instead of talking about something you lost, look at what you earned,” He hummed at his own words.

“And what did I earn ?”

“A family,” Chan answered with a big fond smile and Jisung grinned.

“Right, that’s clearly better.”

Changbin listened to them silently, gazing at Chan. He looked at his arms with scars on, wondering how he got them.

“Curious, aren’t you ?”

Changbin jolted up, looking at Chan who was smiling teasingly at him. He quickly looked away, ears burning, “I’m sorry.”

“Don’t be, you’re allowed to be curious,” He looked at Minho and Jisung chatting in front of them, “you can ask me, I don’t mind.”

“How did you… receive them ?”

Chan smiled, looking at those on his arm, “Some people tried to take our Sacred Fire, and I had to fight along with my father, but I wasn’t strong enough at that time.”

“Do they hurt ?”

Chan looked up at Changbin who slowly caressed one of his scars, afraid of hurting him. He smiled fondly, “No, not anymore.”

“How old were you ?” This time Jisung piped in, after they had slowed down to be on the same level as them, he and Minho were curious about it too.

“I was fourteen.”

“That’s really young,” Minho said with a worried pout.

“Don’t worry, at that time I already knew how to fight,” He looked at the sun half poking from the horizon.

“And for the one on your… face ?” Jisung asked, tilting his head lightly.

Chan’s smile fell and he brushed the long scar on his right side with his fingers, “My uncle,” sometimes the trickling pain would come as if to make him remember this moment forever.

They paused before Minho asked with a frown, “Your uncle hurt you ?”

Chan nodded, “He was greedy and tried to take the Sacred Fire,” he trailed, he remembered the day like crystal clear, “but I found him and he raised his sword against me,” he remembered the blood, the pain pulsing, the blade slashing his face and he winced lightly when the trickly pain shot up. He took a breath before sighing, “my father found us in time and he was banished from our Clan.”

“I’m sorry for you,” Changbin told him and Chan shook his head with a smile.

“That’s in the past, let’s just look forward now,” He grinned at them and they nodded, Jisung taking the chance to tell Changbin how Chan couldn’t even use a phone, laughing together while Chan pouted.

He smiled fondly at them, looking at Minho who held his hand, “Kind of missed the feeling,” he said with a flush.

Chan smiled, squeezing his hand, “No problem.”

Changbin closed his eyes, taking a long breath, sitting cross-legged, hands on his knees.

“Good, stay relaxed,” Chan whispered, sitting in front of Changbin.

Minho and Jisung were exercising a bit away, while Chan took the chance to help Changbin.

“Think of your shadow and trust it.”

Changbin sighed, feeling a weird cold feeling on top of him. He hated the feeling, it always scared him, his heartbeat speeding and his mind started coming up with the most horrible thoughts and his shadow was starting to be unstable—

“Binie, breathe,” Chan told him softly, his hand already on his chest, “trust your shadow,” Changbin was shaking, opening wide his eyes, freezing as he saw his shadow slashing Chan’s cheek, drops of blood falling and yet he didn’t look like he cared at all, not even flinching from the attack.

“Chan—”

But the oldest shook his head with a smile, “It will not hurt anyone if you believe in yourself,” he kept trusting him and it made Changbin want to believe in his capacity.

If Chan told him he could do it, he knew he could.

Changbin took a deep breath before exhaling, relaxing so easily with Chan by his side. His shadow slowly changed form into a small crow and Changbin opened his eyes, staring at it in awe. He touched the beak before the crow flew to rest on top of his head.

“I’m proud of you.”

Changbin looked up at Chan who grinned at him.

Oh Chan, you’re the flame illuminating my darkness.

“I’m tired !” Jisung groaned, “Are we even going the right way ?”

Chan took a map from his bag, completely empty.

Minho frowned, “There’s nothing on it.”

Chan smiled as he used his finger as a candle, his fingertip burning slowly before putting it under the map his father gave him. As the fire warmed the paper, darker spots appeared, revealing six names distinctly being the different Sacred Clans and a nameless dark spot.

“What ?” Jisung had his eyes widened in shock.

Chan hummed, “Only the Elements Clans can find each other.”

“Where are we ?” Changbin asked, not knowing their position.

Chan pointed at the nameless spot, “This is us,” he followed a road before it met a Clan, cut by a river, “and the next Clan is the Water Clan.”

“Will that be alright ?” Jisung asked with a worried voice, “if I remember Fire and Water aren’t good friends.”

Chan shook his head, “That was in the past, now we’re good friends. We even export our foods and they give us theirs too.”

“But why do you want to go to every Clan ?” Changbin asked curiously.

“I want to have friends from all around and I’m curious about their customs,” he grinned, “I can’t help but be excited.”

All of their eyes locked on the gigantic river cutting them. They could see something poking in the horizon, clearly the Clan which was circled by the river and they all blinked. 

“How are we supposed to go there exactly ?” Minho asked, touching the water which was extremely cold.

“By swimming,” Chan mumbled as if it wasn’t a reckless idea.

“No way ! Let’s make a boat instead,” Jisung retorted.

Changbin nodded at his words, “It’s better if we make a boat or a raft, I’m not sure we’ll manage to go there just by swimming, what if the current was strong ? We could be in danger.”

Chan hummed, not really having thought of it, “Right, I didn’t think of that.” Jisung almost sighed in relief.

“But we have nothing to cut the… trees,” Changbin said as he looked around the place. Just grass and trees around.

“You can control your shadow now, right ?” Chan asked him, Changbin nodded before he understood.

“Ah, you want me to make the boat ?” Earning a nod from the older.

“If you can, of course.”

Changbin frowned, wondering if he really had the capacity to do this, “I can try.”

The two others cheered and Chan smiled.

Changbin took a deep breath as he closed his eyes, trying to imagine a typical boat, hand just brushing lightly the water.

But what type of boat ? It should have a mast, but how does it stay still on the boat ? And we need a motor too but I don’t know how it works—

He didn’t notice but the shadow trying to form a boat was constantly changing, the particles starting to be unstable and more like a muddle mess.

Chan kneeled behind him, hands resting on his shoulders, “Hey, don’t think too hard, we just need a small boat that can float, nothing more,” he whispered.

Changbin frowned, “But how are we going to navigate there without a motor or a sail ?”

Chan smiled, he didn't ask what was even a motor, just hoping to ease his mind, “I’ll do it with my fire, don’t worry.”

Changbin hummed as he relaxed a bit, just thinking of a small boat with nothing else. He opened his eyes, looking at it floating on the water and they all cheered. Changbin tentatively put his foot on, yelping as he fell in, the boat pitching abruptly with a weight in. Changbin smiled, “It works !”

The others quickly followed, happily sitting in and Chan was the last one to sit, hands in the air behind the boat before he took a deep breath, fire bursting from his hands and making the boat move steadily on the water.

“That’s so cool you can do this !” Jisung said as he touched the water, sighing happily.

Changbin couldn’t answer him as he had to focus on keeping the boat still.

“Well I hope everything will go right,” Minho said quietly, “I kind of can’t swim.”

The three looked at him in shock, before Changbin yelled, “Why didn’t you tell us !”

Minho just shrugged his shoulders, “I didn’t think we would go on water.”

Changbin just frowned worriedly, a sudden anxiety rising, if he lost his focus they were going to— Minho was going to drown —

“Changbin,” Chan called him when he noticed the shadow of the boat starting to be unstable again, “everything’s going to be alright, don’t worry.”

Changbin looked at Minho who smiled, “Why aren’t you even freaking out ?”

Minho grinned more, “Because I know that one of you we’ll help me if something like this happens.”

Jisung nodded at his words, “I’m actually a great swimmer, so don’t worry too much Binie hyung.”

Changbin relaxed at their words, looking at them not really caring of the danger and the boat was back at its stable form, sighing.

“I swear, you’re all reckless,” Changbin sighed heavily, earning snorts from his friends.

They reached the wooden bridge for the boats and they quickly got off, staring at the Clan but all of their excitement and smiles fell as they saw the state of it. They rushed to the gates, staring in horror.

Most of the houses were destroyed, walls darkened from fires, ashes floating, corpses under some pile of debris and people crying and screaming.

Chan stared at the old, caved in temple, gaze shaky.

What happened ?

“You !”

He looked at a woman screaming at him, “You monster !” she started crying as a man hugged her trying to comfort her.

But the screams had drawn the attention of the people around, their gazes filling with wrath and disgust when they saw Chan. His friends stared at him confused and shaken up.

Chan could only part his lips, “M-Me ?”

“How dare you come back, murderer !” Another man screamed.

The people started crowding him and Chan just stared, eyes wide open and heart beating too fast, “W-What—”

“Your Clan betrayed us !” Another one yelled.

“Did you come to finish the job murderer ?”

Were they thinking he was the one who ruined their Clan ? But he never left his Clan since he was born. Why would they even think it was him ? “It wasn’t me—”

“It’s your Clan ! The Clan of Monsters !”

Chan couldn’t even feel Minho holding his hand, trying to back off. He was shaken up by what he heard.

What ?

He got startled by something hitting him on the side of his face, touching it to see an egg falling down his cheek. He glanced at the kid, clothes dirty and not even wearing any shoes, who threw at him an egg, people screaming insults towards him and Minho fuming in anger.

“Please listen to me, my Clan isn't the one who hurt you,” he tried to reason with them only to be ignored.

“You're a murderer !”

“Your Clan is filled with heartless monsters !”

“You killed my family !”

And he couldn't say anything, just parting his lips, lost and worried.

That couldn't be his Clan's doing, they would never do something like this. But why do they think it's them then ?

“Please—” He yelped when this time a tiny rock hit him on his head before others were thrown at him.

Jisung and Changbin quickly encircled Chan to protect him, Minho covering his back and the kids stopped throwing anything on him, yelling they only wanted to hurt the Fire's Guardian.

“Are you okay ?” Changbin asked.

Chan took a shaky breath, “I don't know why they think it's us,” he looked at the people glaring at him and calling him a murderer, “we devote ourselves in protecting others, not hurting them.”

The people quietened down as someone walked down the fallen temple, staring at Chan with a growing anger.

“How dare you come back here after hurting us ?” His voice was filled with wrath.

Chan passed his friends, staring at the man, trying to gain back his calm.

He looked young, dirty white hair and bangs falling on his eyes. The vest he was wearing was a light blue color, tightened around his waist by a white rope, sleeves long and hiding his hands. His pants were dark blue, almost black and was wearing black rubber shoes. Chan noticed the sword around his waist.

“I am Bang Chan, Guardian of the Sacred Fire and I want to discuss. It wasn’t my Clan who did this to you.”

“I am Yang Jeongin, Guardian of the Sacred Water, and I will kill you,” He lunged forward, Chan barely having the time to dodge.

“Let's not fight please, I just want to discuss,” Chan pleaded, everything was going wrong, he bit his lip, still readying himself.

His friends wanted to help but one gaze of Chan was enough to stop them.

Jeongin scoffed, “You should've thought about it after taking our Sacred Water !” he held up his sword, water slowly running around the blade before slashing in the air, the trail of water lunging towards him.

Chan frowned, staying still, it was the only way for him to be trusted, if he fought back it could possibly worsen their situation. The water slashed his chest to his abdomen before disappearing. Chan groaned, falling on his knees, hand on his injury, blood soaking his vest.

Jeongin walked towards him, tip of his sword raising Chan’s chin to look in his eyes, “Your Clan killed my family and took our Sacred Water. Beg for forgiveness or die from my sword."

Chan shook his head, “My Clan wouldn't do this.”

Jeongin laughed dryly, before kicking him hard, Chan falling on the ground with a grimace, blood slowly dripping from his nose, “Who would've burned our houses with your Fire then ?! Who would've worn the same clothes as you ?!”

Chan froze, gaze unstable, “That can't be possible,” their clothes were made only for their Clan and no one could find anything like this. Was it really his Clan who did this ?

Something’s wrong— what’s going on exactly ?

“Are you saying that I'm lying, Bang Chan ? How typical of a member of the Clan of monsters !”

The crowd screamed in agreement and Chan quickly retorted.

“All Clans have made the pact of living in harmony after the Elements War ! My Clan always keeps his promise !”

“How can you be so sure ?” Jeongin asked with disdain, raising his sword against him. “Look around you and tell me again.”

Chan frowned, sweat dripping from his forehead, “I trust them.”

Jeongin laughed coldly, “I hope your family will die the same way as mine,” he spat and Chan bit his lower lip. “Their necks slashed and drowned in their own blood.”

He had to find a way.

His friends stared at him, fists clenched and glaring at Jeongin, unable to do anything. They knew anything could make the situation worse.

Chan kneeled back in front of Jeongin, gaze severe, before putting a hand on his heart, wincing at the pain, “I, Bang Chan, Guardian of the Sacred Fire, is asking you, Yang Jeongin, Guardian of the Sacred Water to find the true cause of your pain,” Jeongin glared a him, “If you come with me, I could prove you the innocence of my Clan and find the real culprit.”

The screaming quieted down, staring at Jeongin in anticipation.

“What will you do if it is really your Clan's doing ?” Jeongin hissed, gaze hard.

Chan parted his lips, thoughts running and he frowned.

“I will give you my life.”

His friends stared at him in shock, gasping, Jisung wanted to retort but Changbin stopped him.

“You will be allowed to treat me like you want, even execute me,” Chan spoke, not looking worried in the slightest. He believed in his Clan.

Jeongin gauged him before scoffing, “I'm not a murderer like you Bang Chan, but I'll take your promise,” he finished.

Chan nodded at him, standing back up.

“Leave the Clan, you’re not welcomed here,” He glanced at his friends, “but your comrades can stay, they must not have known you were from a Clan of monsters.”

His friends frowned in anger at Jeongin before Minho said with a big fake smile, “That’s alright for me, I prefer staying out.”

“Minho, that’s alright,” Chan told him urgently but Minho shook his head.

“It isn’t alright Chan, I’m not going to eat with them when they treat you like this, and I think everyone agrees with me,” the two others nodded firmly.

“Fine for me,” Jeongin spoke, and before leaving he added, “we’ll go when the sun rises.” Chan nodded at his words and he left.

They left the Clan just staying at the gate, sitting on the grass. Chan hugged his knees, looking down with a sigh.

A dark rabbit appeared and it rubbed against his legs and jumped on them. Chan picked it up, a bit surprised before looking at Changbin, “A rabbit ?”

Changbin nodded while Minho took the first aid kit in Chan’s bag, “You told us it was the first animal you saw after leaving your Clan.”

Chan smiled a bit, caressing the shadow rabbit.

“Lay down,” Minho told him and Chan did so, wincing before staring at the sky. Minho opened his vest before taking the cream bottle while Changbin took a tissue to dry the blood.

“I’m sorry, it wasn’t supposed to be like this,” he smiled weakly and Minho shook his head.

“It’s not your fault and a journey always has its ups and downs.”

“How dare he ?” Jisung fumed, walking in circles, “that wasn’t even you who did this and yet he just hurt you ?! The fuck is wrong with him ?!” he clenched his fists, “even if it was one from your Clan that doesn’t mean everyone is a bad guy !”

Chan smiled a bit before groaning in pain as Minho put the cream on his injury, “It’s alright Sungie, it’s just superficial.”

Jisung turned to look at Chan with a deep frown, “You really need to stop being so nice, it will kill you.”

Chan sighed before Jisung added, “And why did you say you'll give your life exactly hyung ?! What if it was really—”

“It's not my Clan Jisung,” Chan cut him, the younger wanted to say something but he only sighed, “trust me.”

Chan stared at the sky.

Does father know about it ?

“Are you sure it can't be your Clan's doing ?”

Chan looked at Changbin and he hummed, “I have known every member of my Clan and they would never do that.”

“Maybe it's someone from the Modern City,” Minho said quietly, putting away the first aid kit, “fire is easy to make, everyone could do it, but for the clothes…”

Jisung stared at Chan's clothes, “It's easy to find clothes like that actually,” Chan's eyes went wide, always thinking their clothes couldn't be made somewhere else, “it's like cosplaying.”

“Cosplay— what ?”

The three youngest snorted at Chan's question who pouted, “Why are you laughing ?”

“Just think of someone super popular and fans who want to look like him physically.”

Chan hummed thoughtfully, “Like a son wanting to look like his father ?”

The three nodded before Minho focused back on their main topic, “Yang Jeongin said that the man had stolen the Sacred Water, do you think he'll try stealing the three other Elements ?”

“It must be that,” He winced when he sat, Changbin quickly putting his hand on his back to help him, “after all why would he only take this Sacred Element ?”

“We need to go to the other Clans then,” Changbin said, to be sure he wasn't wrong, earning three nods.

“Binie, can you go and tell Yang Jeongin about it?” Chan asked him. Jisung and Minho would clearly do a scene and that wasn't the moment.

Changbin wanted to protest but he only sighed, “Fine,” earning a grateful smile from Chan.

Changbin walked into the Clan, earning a few glares from people and he looked at Jeongin helping a kid who was crying.

He wondered when the attack happened, it looked like at least a week. The people were already rebuilding their houses and cleaning the streets.

“Yang Jeongin,” He called and the man glanced at him before letting the kid be taken care of by someone else.

“What is it ?” He sounded polite but had a certain edge and Changbin tried not to get mad.

Who knew how his shadow would react.

“My friends and myself have decided to go to the other Clans to see if the stealer will take the other Sacred Elements,” Jeongin nodded at his words, “are you alright with this ?”

Jeongin nodded, “It's alright for me,” he looked at Changbin nodding his head, “if you and your friends are hungry we can bring you food.”

Changbin blinked, he was startled at his words and then he frowned, “Will you give food to Chan hyung ?”

Jeongin's gaze twisted, “No,” he turned himself, Changbin clenching his fists, “but that doesn't mean I can stop you from giving him food.”

He relaxed at his words, a bit confused about him. He couldn't tell if he was an asshole or just a hurt man who lost everything.

“Then we would like some food please.”

Chan looked up at Changbin coming back with three bowls of food, smiling.

“They give us food ?” Jisung was surprised, taking the bowl from Changbin which was a soup of vegetables and fish meat, noodles in the middle.

“But you only have three bowls,” Minho said with a frown and Changbin nodded.

He sat next to Chan, while the older one just smiled, “That's okay, just eat, alright ?”

Changbin swallowed some noodles before handing the bowl to Chan, “Come on hyung.”

Chan shook his head, smiling worriedly, “I don't think he'll be happy if I eat.”

“Well he can't do anything about it,” Changbin said with a frown and Chan hesitated.

“If you don't eat, I will force it in your mouth ,” Minho threatened him and Chan snorted.

“Alright.”

After eating their stomachs full, they decided to continue their training, Chan helping his three friends in learning how to use their powers. Chan was still new to all of this, but he spent almost every night in controlling his power which greatly helped him even if he lost some sleep.

Changbin had gotten better at using his shadow, now knowing that he was stronger during the night and especially on a full moon. They had even made a game to help him.

“Binie, to win you have to catch us,” Chan said with a grin, he glanced at Jisung and Minho, “you two can use the Fire power to shield yourself and I will not use mine.”

The three nodded, readying themselves, “At three, the game starts,” Chan spoke with a challenging frown.

“One, two,” he glanced at his friends, “and three !”

Changbin started running after them, his shadow growing as it tried to catch Minho.

Minho turned himself taking a deep breath before blowing fire against the shadow which disappeared at the hit. Minho grinned as he kept running, Changbin decided to let a part of his shadow fight against him.

Changbin smiled as he looked at Jisung just in front of him.

His shadow lurked on Jisung's natural one before hovering him abruptly in front of him, making the youngest to yelp as he stopped himself.

Jisung frowned determinedly before his fists and feet burned with a strong fire, punching the shadow trying to attack him.

Changbin detached another part of his shadow, letting it occupy Jisung.

His main problem would be Chan who had been trained for so long and wouldn't even use his Fire against him.

He panted as he rushed after Chan, his shadow trying to catch him but in vain. Chan's movements looked effortless, a grin plastered on his face.

Changbin stopped running, slowing down, Chan looked back at him.

“Tired ?”

Changbin shook his head, “I want to fight you.”

Chan hummed, “Alright,” he took a breath before smiling at him, readying himself, “if you make me use my power, you win.”

Changbin smiled challengingly as he lunged at him, his shadow growing on the ground to grip Chan’s ankles. But Chan jumped before it could catch him and Changbin quickly sent a kick he knew the older wouldn’t be able to dodge, Chan protected himself with his arm instead and locked his leg before taking a step forward, his fist about to hit him. Changbin’s shadow appeared to stop the hit and Chan took a step back after releasing his leg, avoiding the shadow.

Changbin was using his power and his own strength but Chan was injured and not even using his Fire, and yet he couldn’t even touch him.

“Not bad Binie,” Chan exclaimed and Changbin pouted.

He took a deep breath before focusing on Chan, staring at him, trying to read him. The thing was that Chan wasn’t serious when he fought against them which meant he was a bit reckless.

Well he hoped he was, because his shadow was lurking in Chan’s ready to attack when he wanted. But it was possible the older already knew about it. He started running to him, and he noticed Chan closing his eyes. Thinking it was his chance, he raised his fist but Chan suddenly crouched kicking his legs making him fall, his shadow raised from the ground trying to cage Chan but he jumped away, rolling on the ground.

Changbin was already behind him, feet raised in the air to kick him hard. Chan blocked it, and Changbin glanced at Minho and Jisung whining in protest carried by the two parts of his shadow.

Perfect timing.

His shadows ran on the ground, attacking Chan in sync and Changbin could see his hyung was starting to struggle.

He looked at him jumping right on one of his shadows, which immediately wrapped around his ankle, keeping him in place.

Chan was taken off guard, looking at the two other shadows jumping on him and he took a breath before his whole body was on fire, easily burning his shadows away.

Changbin panted as he looked at him, the two others had been staring in awe at their fight.

“You won,” Chan said, the fire disappearing in a gust of wind, the two others clapping at them, “you’re better at controlling your power now.”

Changbin smiled happily, “It’s thanks to you hyung,” Chan ruffled his hair tenderly, shaking his head in disapproval.

“You should acknowledge your capacity, you won because you’re hard-working and a quick thinker and really observant too.”

Changbin looked away, cheeks heating up from the compliment while the two others started teasing him.

Chan smiled fondly at them before looking towards the Clan, gaze locking with Jeongin’s.

He didn’t say anything, staring at him one last time before leaving.

I hope everything will be resolved fast.

🜁🜄🜂🜃

Jeongin was… not really cooperative.

Well, to be precise he was fine with everyone except Chan of course. And the older had tried to converse with him or anything only to be plainly ignored by the younger.

The mood of the group had dropped significantly but Chan had still not given up.

“Jeongin-ssi,” he called tentatively, walking next to the younger while the others were in front chatting.

Jeongin scoffed.

He was in a good mood today at least, “I was wondering if you could talk about your customs, I’m curious about—”

“Well we don’t kill people and steal from others nor do we start a war,” He retorted coldly, Chan sighed in defeat. “Our customs aren’t of your taste anyway, we aren’t barbarians like you.”

“Can you please at least try talking with me without insulting me ?” He asked with a sigh. He was sighing a lot today.

Jeongin frowned in anger, “Your Clan killed my family and you expect me to hold a conversation with you ?” He hadn’t noticed in the beginning but he had raised his sword against Chan.

The others stopped, looking back at them but Chan shook his head to them before focusing back on Jeongin.

“My Clan is innocent as long as we don’t find any clues—”

Jeongin clenched his jaw, taking a step, his blade pressing against his neck, “No, your Clan is guilty as long as we don’t find the proof of their innocence !” he pressed a bit more his blade enough to draw blood but Chan just stared at him with sympathetic eyes, not budging.

It irked Jeongin more, why did he look at him like that ? He didn’t need the pity of his enemy.

“I’m sorry, it must’ve been hard for you,” Jeongin frowned in suspicion trying to find any ounce of a lie or fake sympathy but all he saw was such honesty that it irked him even more.

“I don’t know how it feels to lose everything, but I want to understand you and your pain,” he smiled sympathetically, “I want to ease the burden on your shoulders.”

Jeongin stared at him.

Why ? I just insulted you and your Clan and yet…

He scoffed before cleaning his sword, slowly putting it away in its sheath.

“I understand your anger, I do,” He stared at Jeongin, “You’re a good person I can see it,” the others just stared at the exchange, “and I hope you’ll give me a chance to prove myself and we could be friends in the end of our journey ?” He gave a tentative smile.

Jeongin frowned.

He wanted to be mad at him, he wanted to insult him and to even hit him, but… Chan had never fought back or insulted his Clan. He would quietly listen to him talk with his comrades without disturbing them as if he knew that anything he would say would cut those moments of him opening up to his friends.

He shook his head quickly trying to make it disappear from his head.

He knew Chan wasn’t the one who hurt them, but he was from the same Clan and it was enough for him to remember how his people started screaming as a man and a bunch of others burned their houses in the middle of the night, of how weak he was and couldn’t even protect the Sacred Water, just staring at him swallowing it in shock, of how he could only cry as his family was being executed in front of him—

He smirked, looking at Jeongin, “You want to avenge yourself don’t you ?” he laughed darkly, “if you want to know, the Fire Clan sent me.”

— he clenched his fists and no one knew something like this would happen, except Chan when he saw his eyes. Jeongin leaped at him, fist crashing hard against his cheek making him wince before Jeongin roughly pulled on his collar his knee hitting hard his abdomen, Chan groaning at the pain coursing through his still healing injury.

“Chan !” Minho yelled, glaring at Jeongin in hatred, the others mirroring his expression.

They were ready to stop Jeongin, fists as fire while Changbin called out his shadow.

“Don’t !” Chan groaned at the pain every hit brought, Jeongin not caring for anything, kicking his abdomen harder every time, too focused on his anger to understand what they were saying.

“Chan, we're not going to look at you getting beat up !” Jisung yelled, not understanding why Chan accepted that.

A particular hit on his abdomen made him yelp, eyes shut and his gaze hardened when he looked at his friends.

Do not intervene.

Changbin clenched his fists, shadow ready to help Chan but Minho stopped him with a raise of his hand.

“Minho hyung—”

“Trust him,” Minho cut him, staring at Chan taking hits after hits without fighting back.

Changbin groaned in frustration while Jisung looked down at the ground, trying to calm his anger.

Jeongin panted as he hovered over Chan, raising his fists and punching the older with all of his might. Again and again and again until he couldn’t feel his knuckles. Until blood covered them, until his skin would be torn, until he was too tired.

“You’re a liar— a murderer—” he screamed at him in anger, “— you should die !”

Chan took every hit, blood dripping from his nose and cheeks burning. The pain was clearly nothing compared to what Jeongin must have gone through. His eyes were twisted in hatred for him but he could see the sorrow behind this facade.

He stared at Jeongin whose eyes slowly turned glassy, a few tears running on his cheeks, lower lip trembling, his punches less and less strong everytime he hit.

It was quiet in the plains only hearing the pants of Jeongin and the punches, until he let them fall limp by his side, sobbing.

“Why,” he cried weakly, “why d-did they have to die ?”

Chan just stared at him for a second before he sat, bringing the younger in a hug, knowing Jeongin was too tired to fight back.

“Why am I so weak—” his shoulders racked as warm tears fell on Chan’s shoulder, “— I couldn’t protect anyone, I-I shouldn’t even be a Guardian,” Chan slowly rubbed his back soothingly, “th-they died because of my incompetence.”

The others approached them, gaze losing their grudges to understandment. Jeongin had been through a lot, losing his family at such a young age and having to help others when he couldn’t even grieve his loss, keeping a strong facade because he was the Guardian. He had to be strong for his people.

But now, being forced to face his failure, to walk along a Fire member had been too much for him.

“It’s not your fault,” Chan told him softly, listening to his sniffles, “it’s only because of that person, and we’ll stop him.”

And Jeongin shoved him away before standing up glaring at Chan, gaining back his calmness, “He told me—” he wiped his eyes, “— he told me the Fire Clan sent him.”

Chan’s eyes went wide, his lips parting at the shock, “Are you sure—”

“Yes I’m sure Bang Chan,” he took a step back, “he told me while killing my family.”

And Chan’s all trust and confidence shattered at his words.

No, that can’t be possible— no one would have done this— b-but why did he say this ? Who even is this person ?!

“What did he look like ?” Minho asked him.

“He wasn’t alone, his friends were from the Modern City,” Jeongin stared at Chan, hatred in his eyes, “but the leader was like him, the same eyes.”

Chan just froze, heart wanting to leap out of his chest.

What ? H-How ? I don’t understand anymore—

They looked at Chan, unsureness taking their faces, a heavy silence filling the plains.

What if this whole time Chan was wrong ? What if his Clan had actually wanted to hurt others ? But why would the person be followed by citizens of the Modern City ? To hide their true nature ? What if Chan had been hiding his true face—

“No !” Chan shook his head, trying to organize back his shattered trust, “That can’t be them— it can’t be possible I’ve known them for so long—” he shut his eyes, his breaths gone fast and hands clammy.

His father couldn’t be the one, he was old now, blind and his body ached everytime he trained himself but who then ? No one looked like him and the only member of his family who had a bit of resemblance was—

— and then he understood, eyes widening in realization.

Oh no.

Why didn’t he think about it sooner ?

He bit his lower lip, gaze heavy, “I… I think I know who it is,” his voice was weak and he didn’t believe it was true.

“Who is it, hyung ?” Jisung asked in a quiet voice, fearing what he would hear.

“I’m— I’m not sure,” he looked at Jeongin, gaze shaky, “but it could— it could explain the clothes and the fire.”

And it suddenly dawned on the three others, holding their breaths.

“Talk,” Jeongin told him with an edge, “who is it ?”

“My… my uncle.”

Jeongin laughed dryly, taking his sword out and walking dangerously towards Chan. “I knew it, you’re from a family of murderers ! You owe me your life.”

Changbin was the first to react, facing Jeongin, while Minho and Jisung quickly helped their hyung.

His shadow grew on top of him and Jeongin just glared at him, “Move.”

Changbin shook his head, “There’s no reason for you to go to that extent, Chan wasn’t the one killing your family !”

“But he has the blood of a murderer !”

“STOP !” Minho screamed, putting himself between them and staring at Jeongin, “killing each other isn’t going to solve anything.”

“It will clearly help me feel better,” Jeongin spat out, water slowly wrapping around his sword.

Minho frowned, “Instead of rushing head first, listen to us,” Jeongin waited for him to continue, still glaring at them, “Chan’s uncle was a deviant, he was banished a long time ago from his Clan for trying to take the Sacred Fire, so no he doesn’t owe you his life.”

Jisung looked at Jeongin, before adding, “His uncle was the one who gave Chan his scar on his eye.”

Changbin quickly added, “He’s clearly trying to avenge himself from the Fire Clan.”

Jeongin glanced at Chan who was silent so far, looking down in shame.

“I’m so sorry,” he murmured, “if my Clan had executed him, nothing would have happened to yours and your family,” he choked out, before he bowed in front of Jeongin, his head pressed against the ground, “I apologize for our mistake, I know you don’t want to forgive us, but let me pay you back by taking care of my uncle.”

His friends stared with concerned frowns, Jisung patting his back, trying to comfort him.

Jeongin stared at him, before the water around his blade disappeared, turning on himself, “People make mistakes, but you’ve lost the right to do so,” he put away his sword. “I will be the one killing him.”

Chan winced as Jisung cleaned his injuries. It was time to sleep, his friends having prepared the two tents.

Jisung pouted for him, his injuries had worsened, bruises on his face and he had cracked ribs, Chan grimacing whenever he moved.

“Will it be alright ?” Jisung asked as he put away the first aid kit before noticing a few vials in his bag.

Chan hummed, “Thank you Sungie,” Jisung took out one of them.

“Why do you have vials in your bag ?” Looking at the green liquid, Chan smiled.

“I forgot I had those,” He sat with a small groan, “the Shaman of my Clan made them, it's supposed to help heal faster.”

Jisung opened it, smelling it tentatively before making a face of disgust, Chan chuckling at him, “Then, drink it.”

Chan shook his head, “I prefer keeping them, we never know if one of you is seriously hurt.”

“But you are seriously hurt hyung !”

Jeongin stared at their exchange, ignoring Changbin sitting next to him.

Minho had gone to take a stroll around the plains finding comfort in the silence, and the others were around a bonfire that Chan had made.

“I never wanted my power,” Changbin started, “and I was too young, I couldn’t control it.”

Jeongin glanced at him.

“I got scared and killed my family.”

Jeongin stared at him, lips parted in shock but Changbin remained calm, his eyes glistening in sorrow.

“I didn’t want to and yet,” He casted his gaze on the fire, “if you think Chanie hyung is a murderer just for having the same blood of his uncle, then what am I ?”

Jeongin stayed quiet.

“When I met him, he put his life in danger for me, a complete stranger,” he looked at Jisung forcing Chan to drink from the vial, “he could've left and yet… he decided to help me even after I told him what I did,” he smiled as he recalled the memory.

Changbin looked back at Jeongin, “Chanie hyung is really…” he trailed, gaze filled with emotions, before shaking his head, “don’t treat him like this just because he couldn’t choose his family member.”

Jeongin frowned looking at Jisung who made his hand catch fire to see better in the dark if Chan, who had turned himself from the fire, was really drinking the content of the vial. He wasn't.

Jeongin sighed in annoyance before standing up, walking towards them. The two stopped their bickering and Jisung instinctively put himself in front of Chan, glaring at him.

“If you came here to hurt him again I—”

“I'll heal him,” He cut him and both Jisung and Chan blinked dumbly.

“You don't have to force yourself,” Chan told him, eyes with a glint of guilt and sadness, he gave a weak smile, “I don't mind it.”

Jeongin sighed before water came out of his hand, slowly going to meet Chan's skin, traveling from the injuries on his face to those on his chest and abdomen.

His injuries slowly disappeared, Jisung looking in awe and Chan stared at Jeongin, taken aback by his action.

“Why ?”

“I shouldn't have hurt you, you weren't the one who hurt my Clan, and losing my temper like this as a Guardian is unforgivable,” Chan touched his chest where the scabs from the slash where, now his skin completely smooth and healed, “and if we want to find your uncle you need to be at your best.”

Chan slowly smiled brightly, “Thank you.”

“But that doesn't mean we'll be friends,” he added.

Chan nodded with a giddy smile, “Alright Jeongin-ssi.”

The next day, they arrived at the Earth Clan, the place hidden in a dense forest, and the state was even worse, fire still burning, people trying to put them off in vain, screams of agony echoing.

Chan nodded at his three friends while Jeongin just blinked, staring at them running in the Clan.

He frowned before looking at them, putting off the fire still burning while Changbin helped people blocked under piles of debris of their houses.

Jeongin did the same using his power to put off the fire, helping those who were injured.

Chan looked at a woman screaming as she cried, and he took a sharp breath when he understood there was still someone in the house. He didn’t hesitate running inside, sweating as he looked around and stopped the fires he could. He could hear a child crying and he rushed upstairs, the house slowly starting to fall on itself.

“Where are you ?” he called, struggling to pass through the rubbles cutting his path.

But he could hear the child crying louder as he got closer and he tried to open the door where he thought it came from only to have something blocking it from the other side.

“Hey ! I’m going to break down the door but you have to move away !” He yelled hoping the child had heard him.

His sobs had changed into sniffles and Chan took the clue to try breaking the door with his shoulder, just a few hits before it fell from the pressure.

He quickly walked in, looking for the child and seeing him, sitting in a corner and hugging his knees next to what looked like his father, half burnt. He felt his heart shatter at the view and try to smile gently at him as he kneeled in front of him, “Don’t worry, I’ll get you out of here,” he spoke softly as he took the kid in his arms, putting a blanket over his head to protect him from the fire, looking one last time at the dead man who must have tried to protect his son.

Chan dodged in time as a beam almost hit them and the floor broke under them making him yelp but still hugging the kid tightly. His back slammed against the floor and he groaned before quickly getting up and leaving the house before everything fell down.

He sighed in relief as he took off the blanket, smiling at the kid, “You see everything’s fine—”

“Monster, don't touch my son !”

Chan slowly put down the child he managed to save from the burning house, and the mother didn’t hesitate at slapping him across his cheek, taking her son in her arms, tears running on her cheeks.

“I’m sorry—”

“Your excuses aren’t going to change anything !”

Chan looked away, his cheek hurting a bit, not really liking how he drew attention.

Well, it’s going to be like this for the two other Clans, I need to get used to it.

“Stop,” A soft voice said and the woman looked in shock at the Guardian staring at her, “he wasn’t the one who hurt us, and he saved your child.”

She looked down in shame, frustrated and angry before leaving them.

Chan's mouth gaped when he recognized the man, a tight golden metallic band in leaf shape around his forehead and freckles decorating his face with sunny blonde hair. He was wearing a long pale green vest with mesh sleeves, with flowers scattered on it, a darker shade of green for his baggy pants tightened at his calves level by the string of his shoes. He had a few bruises and cuts and looked tired, limping and leaning on his scepter.

“Felix ?”

The Guardian looked equally shocked, “Chanie hyung, is that you ? What happened to your eye ?” he asked worriedly.

“Wait, you two know each other ?” Jisung piped in, wiping away the sweat of his forehead.

“Kind of—” Chan yelped when Felix literally jumped on him to hug him as tight as he could.

Minho and Changbin shared a look while Jeongin looked like he didn’t care at all.

“I missed you,” Felix murmured and Chan hugged him back, smiling a bit.

“I missed you too,” he looked at him, warmth filling his chest.

They almost forgot about the others, slowly pulling away, but Felix held his hand comfortably squeezing it.

“Right,” he smiled sheepishly a bit, “this is Lee Felix, an old friend.”

Felix smiled giddily at them, “Nice to meet you all !”

“I didn’t know you were the Guardian of Earth,” Chan spoke, a bit curious, “I thought your older sister would have—” he cut himself before quickly asking, his anxiety rising, “— is— is your family alright ?” the others stared at Felix, worried about his answer.

Felix gave a weak smile, “My father was the only one who died,” Chan frowned worriedly, thumb rubbing his skin to soothe him, “and to answer your question, she didn’t want to, she wanted to look around the world and not be chained to this place.”

“I’m so sorry for your father, may he rest in peace,” He said weakly but Felix shook his head, a sad smile plastered on his face.

“It’s not your fault, I know it wasn’t the Clan who sent him,” He frowned in anger, “I think he’s trying to make us go on a war.”

Minho hummed, “That’s mostly like it, like that he could take the Sacred Elements without being disturbed.”

“I’m kind of curious, how do you know each other ?” Jisung asked with a raised eyebrow.

They were trying to clean the Clan from the debris scattered on the ground, and helping the people.

“The Guardians of all the Clans do a meeting every ten years to talk about their situations,” Felix told them, “and if they want, they can also bring their family during it.”

Chan nodded, “And I met Felix when I was eleven, we became good friends even if it was the only time we really talked together,” Felix nodded at his words.

“We were inseparable,” he added with a nostalgic smile.

But then Felix sighed sadly as he looked around the desolated place before asking them, “But why did you come here ? It's not really a good timing.”

“I was actually doing my sacrament—”

“Wait, you’re doing it only now ?” Felix cut him without meaning too. He was just curious. Even Jeongin had raised an eyebrow in confusion.

After all, Jeongin was an official Guardian and at only his majority. But Chan doing it so late was weird, but not unthinkable.

“Father told me I wasn't ready yet, I had to spend more time training,” Chan answered him and the four men hummed in understanding, Jeongin not saying a word.

He quickly added, “And unfortunately we all found out that someone was trying to steal the Sacred Elements…” he trailed, he was still a bit worried of how Felix would react.

“His uncle who was banished is trying to take all the Sacred Elements,” Minho continued, “which is annoying and kind of like a real bad villain in the old movies.”

“Movies ?” Chan asked and the others just sighed while Felix smiled.

Jisung patted his shoulders, “You're a desperate case hyung.”

“Even I know what a movie is,” Jeongin mumbled, not really caring but Changbin snorted at his comment while Chan just whined weakly.

Felix chuckled, before regaining his seriousness, “Are you going to look for him ?”

Chan felt himself relaxed at how Felix didn't think it was important that his uncle was the stealer. He could breathe for now.

They all nodded, and Felix smiled determinedly, “Good, I'll come with you then.”

“So that’s what happened,” Felix mumbled after listening to Chan’s story, his fingers gently brushing the scar on the older’s eye.

Chan smiled a bit, “But I’m alright now, don’t worry, but what about you ?” looking at his chest bandaged.

Felix looked down at the floor, “They came prepared,” he spoke with a frown, “the men following your uncle had guns and even grenades,” the others stared at him shocked.

“What is it ?” Chan asked, he guessed it was something not good seeing the state of his old friend.

“It’s the weapons of the citizens,” Jeongin told him, he remembered how they destroyed his Clan so easily, “it’s really dangerous, especially the grenade, it explodes and destroys everything around.”

Chan hummed before looking at Felix who sighed, “We need to leave fast, they must be already going to the Air Clan.”

“Shouldn’t we look for the Light Clan too ?” Minho asked.

“We could find the Guardian and with his power he could help us,” Jisung added as he frowned.

“You’re right, and maybe he will try to attack them too,” Chan mumbled as he looked at the table which was filled with food.

They were in Felix’s house, which was half open outside, the facade having burned and fallen a bit but was still stable. This latter had cooked them food, and they looked in awe at how everything looked delicious. His family was resting upstairs from the horrific night.

“Thank you for the food,” Jisung spoke, before the others thanked him too.

Felix smiled brightly, “You’re welcome, we need to gain back our energy if we want to stop him.”

They started eating, doing small talks before Felix glanced at Chan, “How’s your family doing ?”

Chan smiled a bit, “Hannah and Lucas are still as chaotic as before,” he laughed a bit followed by a giggle of Felix before noticing the others looking at him in confusion, “right, they’re my younger brother and sister,” he smiled fondly, “my father’s alright too, he’s getting a bit old now,” Felix nodded at his words, “and my mother,” he trailed, his smile a bit weak, “she’s still sick but she’s fighting back.”

Felix smiled sympathetically, “Your mother’s truly a warrior,” Chan nodded at his words, he really hoped she was still alright.

The night came in a blink of an eye after helping the Clan and the people. Changbin slumped next to Minho on the ground, groaning tiredly.

“You good ?” Minho asked him and Changbin hummed.

“Using my shadow is a bit tiresome,” He sat, looking at Jeongin joking with Jisung. 

They all had started taking a liking of the younger, especially since his anger and hatred towards Chan had slowly disappeared.

Minho nodded at his words before he pressed his head against his shoulder, “I wanna sleep,” he whined before him and Changbin yelped when someone hugged them from behind, “yah !”

Chan grinned at them, ruffling Changbin’s hair messily and earning a whine while Minho just glared at him. “Are you both tired ?”

They hummed before Chan back-hugged Minho who just groaned, “We’re fine, is there anything we can do ?”

Chan shook his head, “Nah, we helped them as much as we could, you can go to sleep now.”

“Are you going to sleep too ?” Changbin asked with a sceptical gaze.

“I just need to talk to Lixie and those two before,” He mumbled, looking at Jisung and Jeongin from afar before standing up, “go to sleep you two,” earning nods and he left to see the two youngests.

“Hey, are you both tired ?” He asked, instinctively ruffling Jisung’s hair and Jeongin’s and freezing right away, “Oh, sorry,” he mumbled sheepishly as Jeongin huffed at him.

“It’s fine,” he answered back, looking away.

“We’re fine,” Jisung answered his question before pinching Jeongin’s cheek, “right Inie ?”

Jeongin snorted before shoving his hand away, “How dare you ?”

Chan smiled fondly at them, even Jeongin had started to talk to him even if skinship wasn’t something he accepted yet from him, “Go to sleep, Lixie prepared beds for you.”

“Okay,” Chan helped them both stand up before he started looking for Felix.

Chan walked up the stairs of the temple, most of the people had to sleep in here, except those whose houses were stable and standing. His gaze locked on Felix who was helping an older woman.

He scampered towards him, Felix smiling at him when he saw him, “Hyung ? You’re still not sleeping ?”

Chan shook his head, “I can’t sleep knowing you’re still working, let me help you.”

“It’s alright hyung, I almost finished,” Chan pouted, still following him. Felix snorted, “fine, then follow me.”

Chan smiled happily, following Felix to take some blankets and give them to those who hadn’t received them yet.

“You’re worried, aren’t you ?”

Chan chewed his lower lip, concern taking his features, “He’s clearly going to my Clan at last,” Felix hummed as he gave a blanket to a woman, Chan doing the same to a man, “I’m afraid of… of coming too late.” he shook his head, before trying to smile, “But we still have time and we need to look at the three other Clans before.”

“We’ll come in time, don’t worry,” Felix told him determinately, “and we’ll stop your uncle.”

Chan smiled at him, “Right, thank you Lixie.”

Felix grinned, “No worries hyung, if you need to talk about your problems, I’m there.”

🜁🜄🜂🜃

Felix took his bag, waving at his Clan and his comrades who decided to stay to protect the place during his absence.

He joined his new friends, slowly walking through the dense forest, chatting happily. During their walk, they all noticed how every animal they met was drawn by Felix, not looking scared as they were petted.

“How are they not scared of you ?” Minho asked in awe as a small bird rested on top of Felix’s head.

Felix shrugged lightly with a sunshine-like smile, “Being the Guardian of Earth, I think they know they can trust me.”

Jisung hummed as he pet a quokka, Changbin snorted a bit, “You look like a quokka.”

Jisung hummed with puckered lips, “Why are you laughing, a quokka is cute.”

Changbin smiled before Minho smirked, “Binie looks like nothing actually,” earning an offended noise.

“Yah ! What do you mean like nothing ? There’s surely an animal I look like—”

“A pig maybe ?” Jeongin joked, earning a shove from the said pig.

“And what do you think you look like ?” Changbin pouted.

“He kind of looks like a fox,” Chan piped in, staring at Jeongin with a smile.

“At least I don’t look like a pig,” He smirked, Changbin whining.

“I’m not a pig !”

Jisung looked at Minho, “Minho hyung clearly is a demon—” he yelped when Minho slapped his arm with a threatening smile, “— I mean a cat, a cute kitty,” the others laughed.

Chan looked at Felix, wondering for a second, “You look like… actually you’re completely a koala,” the others quickly made noises of agreement, Felix had the tendency to hug everything he could.

Felix giggled, “It’s not my fault I like hugging,” he said with a cute pout, back-hugging Jeongin. He looked back at Chan, “and you, you look like a wolf.”

Chan tilted his head, “Do I ?”

The others nodded in agreement, Jisung quickly adding, “You didn’t see him when he got mad, he’s so scary,” Minho hummed at his words.

“I even got goosebumps,” Minho added, Chan whining a bit.

“Of course, I wasn’t going to just look and not get mad,” he pouted, “and I get mad only when it’s necessary.”

“You got mad when Jisung wouldn’t wake up,” Changbin deadpanned.

“I wasn’t mad !” He retorted, “Just a bit frustrated.”

“Sure hyung, sure ,” Jisung said sarcastically, shaking his head in disapproval.

Their stomach started asking for food and they decided to rest for an hour to eat. Felix had taken some food from his Clan, passing the different boxes which were filled with vegetables, meats and fruits. They ate quietly, sharing a few stories of their childhoods and knowing each other better.

After eating, it was time for some training. Changbin had decided to fight Jeongin, Minho against Jisung and finally Felix against Chan.

Minho smirked as he could see Jisung struggling but still frowning determinately, trying to hit at least one time the older. Minho was impossible to touch, even if Jisung used his fire against him. He had still gotten so much better than before, their hits echoing as they blocked each other with challenging grins.

Changbin hadn’t expected it to be this hard to fight Jeongin. Even if he was younger, it didn’t mean he was weaker, easily dodging his shadows, water lunging to him as if it had its own mind. Changbin quickly used one of his shadows to protect himself and quickly crouched when he saw from the side, Jeongin on his back ready to take him down, avoiding the hit before his shadow caged him. But Jeongin used his water to break free with a smirk. Changbin wasn’t bad.

Chan took out his guandao, Felix smiling at him, his wooden scepter in hand. Roots started coming out of the ground, hovering the older dangerously. Chan started lunging towards him, dodging easily the roots attacking him or even cutting them with his weapon. He jumped on Felix who dodged him, using his scepter to block his guandao, both grinning. Chan quickly backed off when he felt the vibration under his feet, roots coming out and trying to catch him.

Minho shoved Jisung against the ground, fire fist raised in the air before stopping his hit only a few centimeters of his face. Jisung slumped, panting, “Oh my god it’s too hard to win against you.”

Minho snickered, standing up and helping him to do the same. “You’re really doing great, you know, you learn fast,” ruffling his hair.

Jisung pouted, “Next time I’ll win.”

Changbin groaned after receiving a kick, quickly rolling on the ground and dodging the slash of water. He focused before forming a gigantic shadow which tried to punch Jeongin without any success, being slow. Jeongin took a deep breath before blowing a strong spurt of water hitting directly the shadow before taking his sword and cutting it in two easily. Changbin yelped as he avoided the sword, a bit overwhelmed by his constant attacks before he tripped on the ground, tip of the sword close to his face.

“I won,” Jeongin said with a smile, Changbin slumped on the ground.

“You’re stronger than I thought,” Changbin said, breathing heavily.

Jeongin snorted, “I’ve been training since I was six,” he put away his sword, helping Changbin to stand up, “but you’re strong too, I thought you'd lose quickly but I was wrong.”

Changbin smiled happily, “Of course I’m strong,” earning a roll of eyes from Jeongin.

Chan panted as his guandao caught fire, eyes determined. Felix quickly made a dome of roots protecting him from the slash of his weapon only to be startled when it caught fire easily, fastly going to ashes before Chan jumped on him hugging him with a grin making him yelp as they had fallen on the grass.

“I won !” he said happily, both of them sweating but Felix smiled as he hugged back Chan tightly.

“Wow, you only have half of your power and yet,” Felix said, amazed by his capacity. “you’re so strong.”

Chan laid down next to him, shaking his head in disapproval, “I’ve been training longer than you, that’s why I won.”

Felix puckered his lips, “There’s something more than that,” he stared at Chan, “I guess it’s because you’re so… Chan.”

Chan snorted, “What does that even mean ?”

Felix smiled softly, “It’s just,” he trailed before shaking his head not knowing how to put his thought into a sentence, “you have something more, people easily get drawn to you, don’t you think ? And I feel like the fact you have to protect others, it’s your strength.”

Chan looked at the blue sky, wondering, “I… I guess ?” his ears reddened a bit at the compliment, burying his face in his hands, “don’t say something I’m not ready to hear.”

Felix giggled before they both stood up.

“Chan.”

The Guardian of Fire looked up at Jeongin, “Yep ?”

“Let’s fight.”

The others frowned a bit worriedly, not really knowing where it was going.

Chan raised an eyebrow but didn’t say much, “Alright.”

Jeongin nodded, “And don’t go easy on me, I want to know your strength.”

Chan nodded while the others slowly hurried to the side to watch. He took his guandao, Jeongin took his sword, raising it.

“I’ll do the countdown !” Minho yelled, looking at them readying for the fight. “Three,” Jeongin frowned, “two,” Chan took a deep breath before exhaling slowly, “one,” water appeared around Jeongin while Chan’s guandao was on fire, “go !”

They charged at each other, Jeongin raising his sword to hit him but Chan blocked it with his guandao before he took a deep breath to blow fire, Jeongin quickly backing off before he sent a slash of water, Chan jumping away.

Their blades met hard, sending hits and blocking each other, Jeongin sent a kick Chan blocked with his arm before trying to punch him at his abdomen level but Jeongin quickly put his sword in front to protect himself, his feet slipping on the ground from the impact. They stared at each other before they both threw their weapons on the side, Chan’s hands and feet on fire while Jeongin had water running around him.

Chan moved first, sending rough punches and kicks Jeongin blocked but started to feel overwhelmed at the pace of the hits. The water around him lunged to Chan but this latter quickly dodged.

Jeongin was already in front of him, his water almost touching his face, Chan having to do a back handspring to dodge, before trying to kick him, Jeongin dodging and taking a step, hand in front of Chan who was suddenly wrapped in a big bubble of water, quickly cutting his respiration.

Jeongin smirked, “Do you give up ?”

Chan frowned, shaking his head.

“You know you can’t get out of this ?”

Chan closed his eyes, trying to relax while the others started to be more worried.

“Wait— you’re not going to release him ?” Jisung asked, voice slightly panicked.

Jeongin stared at Chan, shaking his head, “He thinks he can get out of his own,” he scoffed, “he doesn’t even have his full power and he thinks he can—” he cut himself when he saw the bubble water starting to boil, a small fog leaving on top, “— h-how is that possible ?”

Chan opened his eyes, his whole body burning so strongly that the water dissipated, letting him fall on the ground before he lunged at Jeongin who looked too startled to react, yelping as Chan hugged him a bit roughly.

“Got you !”

And Jeongin just blinked for a few seconds before he regained his calm, “Yah get off me !”

But Chan tightened his hug, sighing happily and Jeongin stopped fighting back, groaning in annoyance. The others snorted at them.

“Nice fight !” Felix complimented them, hugging them both and the others quickly joined, laughing as Jeongin let out a heavy sigh.

Chan patted the top of his head happily, burying his face in the crook of his neck. He had been wanting for sometime to cuddle with Jeongin but he was afraid of stepping on a boundary. But now, seeing how he reacted, not mad but just being himself, he decided to give it a try.

Chan smiled happily while Jeongin snorted, “That’s enough hugging, get off me.”

“We’re almost there,” Chan spoke as they had been walking for a few hours, some starting to be tired.

Changbin anxiously looked up at the Clan from the horizon, before glancing at Jisung slowing down next to him, “You alright ?”

Changbin grimaced, “I’m a bit worried, I mean it’s the Clan of Light after all, maybe they’ll not like me since I’m from… the Clan of Darkness.”

“Nonsense,” Jisung said with a childish grimace, “they’re not eight or something, they’re grown up adults, just because you’re from another Clan doesn’t mean they’ll hate you.”

Changbin just stared at him pointedly before pointing at Jeongin then Chan. Jisung snorted before shaking his head, “That’s different.”

Changbin sighed, “Well I hope.”

Reaching the Clan they were surprised to see it completely intact, looking at the people walking around.

Two guards stopped them, “What is your visit for ?”

“I am Bang Chan, Guardian of the Fire, and we’re here to meet the Guardian of Light,” Chan told them, “it’s important.”

The guards shared a look before letting them enter into the Clan. They followed one of the guards, looking at the temple in all its splendor.

A few people stared at them curiously, kids pointing at them and giggling.

They walked up the stairs of the temple, looking in awe at the gravure on the walls before they stared at a young man sitting in the middle.

He had black hair, a short white vest buttoned up with long puffy sleeves, his grey pants looked comfortable, not tight but not baggy either, before finishing with a pair of black boots.

“Guardian, you have visitors, they say it's important,” the guard spoke before leaving them after he received a nod.

The man opened his eyes, standing up gracefully, before looking at each of them, “How can I, Kim Seungmin, Guardian of the Light, do for you ?”

They all introduced themselves quickly before Chan spoke, “Guardian of Light, we need you to help us stop my uncle who's trying to take every sacred element.”

“He already has the power of Water and Earth,” Jeongin added, “the next one will be the Air Clan.”

Seungmin had been staring at Changbin a bit more than the others and the latter stiffened a bit, “May I know more about the situation ?”

“I refuse.”

The others blinked, before Jisung asked in disbelief, “What do you mean by I refuse ?”

Seungmin glanced at him, “I can’t leave my Clan, compared to the Elements, the Guardian of the Light Clan doesn’t have any comrade, giving a bit of my power isn’t in our tradition,” the others wanted to retort but they kept quiet to let him finish, “and after what you said, I’m afraid of him coming here.”

“He’s not going to come here, clearly,” Minho said with a roll of his eyes, “he would’ve already destroyed it since this Clan is closer than the Air Clan.”

Seungmin stared at Minho, “We never know, I prefer not taking the risk,” he looked at everyone, hands on his back, “and I believe you’ll manage to win without my help.”

Chan was conflicted, staring at Seungmin, “Seungmin-ssi, we can’t force you to follow us,” he started, “but having you by our side will greatly increase our chance of winning and if my uncle managed to have every sacred elements, we will not be enough.”

Seungmin stared at Chan, parting his lips, “You don’t need me, you already have the Guardian of the Darkness with you, it will be enough,” Changbin looked away, not really knowing if Seungmin didn’t care about him or hated him.

Chan hummed a bit disappointed, but Jeongin piped in, “So you prefer staying there doing nothing while the others are losing people and their Sacred Elements ?”

Seungmin was a bit taken off guard by his aggressive comment, blinking, “Guilt tripping me won’t work.”

Jeongin huffed before looking away and Felix added, “But we need you !” he pleaded, “so many people are going to be hurt by this man and if you help us it might not be a lot.”

Seungmin hesitated, looking at them who had hopeful eyes before letting out a long sigh, “I’ll talk with the Chef,” they cheered happily at his words.

Changbin was sitting on the stairs of the temple, the night already welcoming them when they went into the Clan. He looked at the stars, shiny and scattering the dark blue sky like pearls.

He was a bit worried about Seungmin, after all he was the Guardian of Darkness while he was of the Light.

He didn’t look up when he heard someone sitting next to him, already knowing who it was.

Chan leaned on his hands as he looked up at the sky, “How do you feel ?”

Changbin just shrugged his shoulders, there wasn’t any point in telling him his sudden concern. Seungmin wouldn’t hate him right ?

He looked at Chan’s hand patting his thigh, “You’re worried about something, aren’t you ?”

Chan could see right through his walls as if they were completely transparent, his eyes shining like the stars but with a glint of worry. “I’m there if you need to talk.”

Changbin puckered his lips, he got easily defeated by Chan’s empathetic side, “I’m just…” he sighed, “I’m worried about what Seungmin thinks… of me. Since I’m like… his opposite,” he blushed embarrassingly, why was he even worried about something like that ? He wasn’t a kid. “I’m so dumb,” he whined.

Chan hummed in realization and he shifted a bit closer, arms wrapping around his middle and pressing his head on his shoulder, Changbin had given up on refusing his hugs a long time ago, “I talked with him and he’s not seeing you like an enemy, more like someone he could learn from.”

Changbin blinked, “What ? Learn from ?”

Chan grinned, before lifting his head to stare at him with his usual proud gaze, almost like a father, “He wants to train himself with you and possibly make both Clans finally be in peace with each other.”

Changbin just blinked, “But my Clan was dissolved a long time ago, all the members are now in the Modern City.”

“What ?” Chan stared at him with a shocked expression, “I… I didn’t know, I thought you ran away from your Clan.”

Changbin shook his head snorting a bit, “Nah hyung, I don’t even think the members actually care now and most of them forgot our history.”

Chan hummed painly, tightening a bit his grip before letting go, “I’m sorry,” he pouted a bit, “Seungminie’s going to feel bad too.”

Changbin just stared at the sky, “It’s okay, just tell him it’s in the past.”

Chan nodded before standing up and ruffling his hair, “Don’t stay out too long Binie,” earning a nod before he left.

Changbin took a deep breath before exhaling.

“Yah ! You don’t come in ?” Jisung asked as he looked at Changbin. “You need to see this !”

The older stood up, stretching himself, “Alright, alright.”

“Minho hyung already knows the dance of Fire !” Jisung added brightly while Changbin raised an eyebrow.

“The dance of Fire ?” he followed Jisung in, stopping when he saw Minho.

This latter had his eyes closed, frowning in concentration as he exhaled, movements slow and smooth.

Changbin stared in awe, the only sound coming from Chan who was murmuring something he couldn’t understand, looking at Minho, content.

Drops of sweat dripped at each powerful move and Minho opened his eyes as he stopped. He was a little out of breath, the others clapping at his dance making him grin.

“That was amazing !” Felix yelled with a bright smile, the others nodding in agreement, even Jeongin.

“I know I’m great !” He said with a pose earning a few snorts.

Jisung gave him a towel and he wiped the sweat off, Chan complimenting him.

Changbin was so much taken off guard by the beauty of dance that he could only blink.

He remembered when his mother had tried forcing him to learn the dance of his own Clan. He used to cry a lot at those moments especially when his mother would turn violent if he didn’t follow her correctly.

He never managed to dance it correctly, only having vague souvenirs of the moment. It wasn’t like he wanted to dance it anyway.

But maybe, just maybe he was a tiny bit jealous. If he had learnt his dance, he wouldn’t feel like an outcast at the moment, just staring at them from afar.

He could see the two oldests glancing at him with concern but they didn’t approach him.

“I apologize if I was rude to you.”

Changbin flinched at the voice, looking at Seungmin who was next to him and had managed to come without him noticing. “You scared me.”

Seungmin just smiled puppy-like.

“What are you sorry for ?”

“Chan-ssi told me I made you a bit uncomfortable,” He started and Changbin held his breath, “I’m sorry if I made you feel like this, it wasn’t my intention.”

Changbin sighed quietly, “It’s fine, and I guess he told you about my Clan ?”

Seungmin nodded, his gaze glinting in guilt, and before he could say anything Changbin spoke.

“It’s in the past, I don’t really care about what happened,” He glanced at Seungmin with a grin, “let’s forget about that, alright ?”

Seungmin was a bit startled, nodding his head before giving back a smile, “Alright.”

“It’s decided,” Seungmin spoke, gathering everyone’s attention after their breakfast, “after talking to my mother, the Chef Clan,” he trailed, looking at everyone one by one, “I will help you.” Some smiled while others nodded relieved.

“That’s great ! We should get ready to leave then,” Chan told them all, the sun was starting to rise.

It was disappointing to leave this early without even knowing the customs of the different Clans. But they had to be fast to stop the man from finishing his greedy quest.

Seungmin had taken a bag, filled with first aid kits, a warm scarf and a small tent for the night, he knew for the food, they would find some animals during the long day, no need to burden himself more.

He bowed to his mother and father who sent him their blessings, hugging him gently, making him smile. His parents were always protective.

“I’m glad you accepted,” His mother told him with a proud smile, earning a firm nod from his father.

“You’ve been neglecting yourself to fit into your role,” He added before ruffling his hair, “we know how much you care about our traditions, but sometimes, you have to break them to look outside.”

Seungmin nodded at his words, he had been trying to take his father as a role model and be even better if possible. So far he was doing great but the sudden call for help the guardians sent him had made him wonder what he should really do.

“We’re proud of you for making this decision,” His mother caressed his cheek.

“If… if I had chosen to stay here,” He trailed worried of what they would have thought, “would you still be proud of me ?”

They both smiled fondly at him and he couldn’t help but look away in embarrassment.

“Of course,” She answered with a smile, “you listen to your heart when needed and no matter the decision you make, we’ll be proud of you.”

Seungmin hummed, heart at ease, he should’ve expected this. He suddenly hugged them tightly before backing a bit, “I need to go.”

They nodded at him, looking at him with such a caring and fond gaze, Seungmin could only smile brightly, bowing in respect.

He left to go behind the temple, and finding a small flowery place, looking at the white jasmine almost bloomed. He kneeled in front, carefully brushing the sealed petals before he closed his eyes.

“I’m leaving Noona, I hope when I’ll come back, your soul will be free from the flower,” he opened his eyes before standing up.

He stared at it a bit longer than he intended before bowing and leaving, without looking back.

He looked at the others waiting for him and he smiled at them.

He would help stop the man.

🜁🜄🜂🜃

Chan looked at his friends talking in front. He had always put himself in the back by reflexe, content by just seeing them interact. It was amazing to see how easily they got along.

Seungmin had a fond spot for Jeongin seeing how he always annoyed him while the others would still ask him several questions to get to know him better.

He looked at Jisung who slowed down to be at his level, “Why do you always look like a dad ?”

“It’s not my fault you’re all children who need some special care,” He joked, taking the chance to hug Jisung who struggled against him.

“Yah ! I’m not a kid, but all of them are,” He murmured the last part Chan giggling, “and you’re the old man, right.”

Chan shoved him on the side while Jisung laughed, “I’m not that old ! I’m just 23 !”

Jisung laughed loudly, “You look so much older actually—”

Chan sulked before chasing Jisung who quickly ran away, the others laughing at their antics.

“Chan-ah, leave the kid, it’s not good to run at your age,” Minho said with a smirk and Chan yelled in fake offence, the others laughed heartily.

“You’re just a year younger !”

“Minho hyung is the mom now ?” Changbin said with a snort, earning a glare from the so-called mom.

“But I don’t look like an old man,” Minho retorted to Chan who just sighed exaggeratedly in defeat.

“Why are you all mean,” he pouted while Felix patted his back.

“But we love you hyung, even if you’re old,” He smiled brightly and looked too honest Jisung bursting in laughter.

“Thanks I guess Lixie,” He said with slumped shoulders but still laughing along with his friends.

“Changbin hyung.”

Changbin looked at Seungmin, “Yep ?”

“Let’s have a friendly fight.”

He was startled but being curious of how Seungmin fought, he agreed. The others looked by the side, letting out words of encouragement. They readied themselves, shadows coming from under Changbin’s feet while Seungmin took a deep breath.

“Are you ready ?” Jisung asked, looking at both of them and receiving nods.

“Let the fight start !” He yelled and Changbin’s shadows lunged at Seungmin.

This latter jumped away and just when his foot touched the ground he disappeared. Changbin blinked before frowning.

“What ?”

“Focus Binie and listen to what’s around you,” Chan told him, “don’t forget he can use the light as he wants.”

Changbin relaxed back, closing his eyes, ears suddenly twitching when he heard something on his left. He quickly sent one of his shadows which tried to cage anything.

“You actually heard me,” A voice murmured behind him and he yelped before trying to send a kick, Seungmin appearing back, blocking his hit before hitting his abdomen, Changbin groaning.

He’s strong with the sunlight, I need to do something about it.

Changbin’s shadows merged together before making the largest dome he could, stopping filtering the light to enter their fight place.

Seungmin awed in stupor, not having expected him to do this, “It must take you a lot of energy.”

Changbin grinned, “Not that much actually.”

He shouldn’t be able to use his invisibility—

Just blinking one time and Seungmin was already behind him, making him freeze.

“You forgot about lightspeed,” He whispered before sending a kick that Changbin barely had time to block.

He quickly attacked back but Seungmin blocked them easily, giving small hits in return that Changbin couldn’t even see, just making him more frustrated. His shadow forming the dome grew thick enough, the whole area in complete darkness.

Seungmin hummed as he shot a laser from his finger making a hole in the dome which quickly closed back. He closed his eyes, trying to hear Changbin, he decided to walk into the lion’s den just to see if he could win.

He heard rough steps on his left and didn’t hesitate at punching it only to freeze when he felt with the touch that it was a shadow.

It was a trap—

He quickly turned himself, kicking another thing which turned out to be another shadow taken the exact same appearance of Changbin. The noises of footsteps only increased and he kneeled, making a burst of light echoing of him destroying the dome.

But then someone jumped on his back, hugging him, “Got you !”

The others clapped at them, not at all having seen what happened but still knowing it must have been great.

Seungmin sighed, underestimating his opponent was an amateur move, “I learned a lot, thank you for the fight, but if you could get off me please.” Changbin just tightened his hold.

“You’re strong, how the hell can you make yourself invisible ?” he asked in awe.

Seungmin hit his ribs with his elbow making him yelp, releasing his back-hug, “I can control light, as long as it doesn’t reflect on me or absorb it, I am invisible, but I need too much energy for this.”

“That’s so cool ! Can you make me invisible ?” Jisung asked with shining eyes like a child.

Seungmin stared at him pointedly, “No, I’ll just waste my energy,” his words making Jisung pout.

“You could’ve made some light in the dome, right ?” Jeongin asked with a suspicious gaze.

“I could’ve, but I didn’t want to,” Changbin stared at him.

“No seriously ? You could’ve won ages ago !”

Seungmin shrugged his shoulders, “I wanted to know if I could do it without my sight.”

“That was a great fight !” Chan ruffled both of their hairs, the two men not fighting back.

“Well, let’s keep going, we’re almost at the Clan,” Minho told them, seeing a mountain from afar.

Walking to the mountain was fast, they looked up and the tip was so far up they could barely see with the strong fog.

“Do we need to go up ?” Seungmin asked, glancing at Chan who took out his map.

He stared at it before nodding, “The Clan must be on top.”

Jeongin sighed, “It’s going to be hard, the air usually lessens as we will go up.”

“It’s going to be alright,” Jisung said with a grin, “let’s just go !”

“Oh god I’m so tired !” Jisung panted, hands on his knees as he tried to calm his rough breathing.

He glanced at the Guardians who were ahead of him, except Chan who decided to stay behind if anything happened, and not looking tired at all.

“Am I the only one who’s dying ?”

Minho looked back at him, panting a bit, “Come on Sungie, we’re letting you there if you keep complaining !” Changbin was just next to him, breathless and tired.

Jisung rolled his eyes before following them, feeling more tired at every step.

Chan stared at him, “Do you want me to carry you ?”

Jisung shook his head, waving his hand at him, “Nah don’t worry I can do it, after all I’m one of your comrades !” Chan smiled at his comment.

The forest was thick and as they slowly reached the top, it was almost non-existent. Only plains and a cold breeze.

“We’re almost there !” Seungmin yelled for everyone to hear him as he could see the Clan, gates wide open and looking wrecked, fire burning some houses and trees.

“Fire !” Jeongin screamed and without a second they all ran in, Jisung complaining a bit but still running up to them, all of them separating to help as many people as they could.

Seungmin could use the speed of Light to save anyone still inside the houses even if he could only use for a short period of time, managing to help a dozen of persons, while Jeongin focused on using water to stop the different fires, Chan, Minho and Jisung doing the same and Changbin using his shadow to lift any debris on people and getting them out.

Chan looked around worriedly, seeing all of his friends helping people. He stared at the temple who had half fallen on itself and he quickly ran towards it.

What worried him was that he didn’t see the Guardian of this Clan.

Something must have happened to him.

He entered the temple, looking around but the place was dark with most of the light blocked from the debris. He made his hand burn steadily as he could finally look around and gasped when he saw a figure under a mountain of debris.

He kneeled next to him, putting his not burning hand in front of his nose and mouth and sighing in relief as he could feel the breath of the man.

He looked at the heap on top of him. If he tried moving away, he had a high risk of all of it crashing on the unconscious Guardian and possibly killing him.

He stood up before passing by, hands at either side of his mouth, “Changbin !” He yelled loudly.

He could see almost all of his friends looking at him and he quickly gestured at the Guardian of Darkness to come to the temple.

He took a torch lying on the floor and burnt the tissue wrapped at the tip before his friend came in, “I need your help to take all of the debris away,” Changbin looked at the man under the pile, cursing.

“I’ll try, but I’m not sure if I’ll manage.”

Chan nodded at his words, staring at him, “I trust you Binie, trust yourself too.”

Changbin kneeled, digits against the floor, his shadow crippling between the small spaces of the debris which were directly touching the floor. He took a deep breath before exhaling, the shadow growing around the pile of debris and oh so slowly lifting it, a few rocks falling on the sides. Chan readied himself, waiting for his signal.

When he had most of the debris barely lifted, Changbin nodded and Chan turned the man and quickly wrapped his arms around his chest before pulling until he was away from the pile, Changbin exhaling as he let all of it fall back down.

Chan carefully carried the Guardian out of the temple, Changbin making it easier as his shadows moved away the debris.

“Jeongin !” Changbin called him as Chan laid down the Guardian on the ground.

Now that he could look at him without any struggles, the man had grayish hair, top half of it into a bun, the rest free. His vest was dirty white, left arm with a long sleeve while his right arm was sleeveless, scratches and cuts decorating his smooth skin. He was wearing gray baggy loose trousers cut open at various areas, blood tainting the tissue and boots stopping at half his calves.

Jeongin kneeled next to the man, closing his eyes as water traveled from his fingers pressed on the man’s chest to his skin, going to his injuries.

In a blink of an eye, Chan was shoved on the ground, the Guardian on top of him, knife pressed against his neck, glaring at him. Before the others could react, the Guardian’s gaze changed to confusion but didn’t move, staring at Chan.

“You’re not the man,” he frowned, “did you come to finish the job ?” he hissed.

“No,” Chan answered back, not fighting back.

The man gauged him before standing up while Chan sat on the ground, the others sighing in relief.

“We want to stop him too,” added Seungmin, “seeing the state of your Clan, he must have left not long ago, we can catch him before he reaches the Clan of Fire.”

“How are your injuries ?” Jeongin asked as he stood up from the ground.

“Fine,” he answered before staring back at Chan, “isn’t he from your Clan ?”

Chan grimaced, “We banished him years ago and now he’s stealing every Sacred Element.”

“He already has all of the elements except the Fire,” Changbin added as he crossed his arms.

The Guardian of Air hummed before finally putting away his knife, “I need to find my family,” he mumbled before running back into the temple, the others staring at him.

“Inie, can you go with him, please ?” Chan asked him and Jeongin nodded before following the man in.

Jeongin entered the temple, looking at the Guardian of Air walking downstairs in the back to find the room of the Sacred Element. He looked at him kneeling in front of an older man, injured and Jeongin quickly followed, “Let me heal him.”

The man looked at him anxiously, looking at the water running from his fingertips to the injuries of his father. He held his hand, squeezing it.

When the man suddenly breathed, only did he relax, sighing in relief as he pressed his head on his father’s chest.

“He should be alright,” Jeongin looked around, “and where is your mother ?”

The Guardian shook his head, “She died during the fight,” voice strained with glassy eyes, “can you help me get him out of here ?”

Jeongin nodded, both lifting the man who was now barely conscious. They reached outside, slowly laying the man on the ground. The others had gone to see if they could help.

And only a few minutes later, they came back to them, streets filled with people crying and comforting who they could.

“We helped as much as we could, but they have nowhere to rest,” Minho said as he reached them.

“Is the temple stable enough for them to rest in ?” Seungmin asked as he looked at it.

“I could stabilize it with my power,” Felix said, not wasting time going in front of the temple, roots coming from the ground and using it to reinforce the different pillars or make new wooden ones.

Jisung kneeled next to the man, patting his back comfortingly, “Are you alright ? I’m Han Jisung by the way, comrade of the old man,” earning a whine from the said old man.

The man looked lost, just staring at his unconscious father, “Hwang Hyunjin, Guardian of the Sacred Air.”

“I’m Bang Chan, Guardian of the Fire,” he smiled before pointing at Minho then Changbin, “this is Lee Minho and Seo Changbin who’s the Guardian of Darkness—”

“Yang Jeongin, Guardian of the Water,” Jeongin cut him off before pointing at Felix who was still working on the temple, “and it’s Lee Felix, Guardian of the Earth.”

“And I’m Kim Seungmin, Guardian of the Light,” he finished.

Felix came back with a sympathetic smile, “The temple is safe now.”

“And you’re all going to catch him ?” Hyunjin asked as he put down his chopsticks.

It was late, all of the survivors were taking refuge in the temple and sleeping from this hard night while the Guardians were talking about the situation. Hyunjin’s father was resting with the other injured persons.

“Yes, we’re trying to have as many chances as possible,” Seungmin told him, “if you come with us, it would be even better.”

“What’s his next destination ?”

“Clearly the Fire Clan,” Jisung said.

“And there’s no point in going to the Clan of Darkness, it will be completely deserted,” Changbin added as he crossed his arms. And even if there were some people left, clearly Chan’s uncle wouldn’t waste time going there.

Hyunjin hummed, “I’ll come with you then, but we need to leave now then,” he frowned determinedly, “we could still catch him before he managed to take the last Sacred Element.”

“Are you sure ?” Felix asked worriedly, “It only had been a few hours since the attack, your people are going to feel overwhelmed by your absence.”

Hyunjin shook his head, “My father who is the Chef Clan will take care of everything, we don’t have to worry,” he pensively looked at the table, “but they already are a lot ahead of us, we need to catch them during the night.”

Chan nodded as he glanced at everyone, “Then we leave now but walking all night isn’t a good idea, we’re going to be tired and reckless, we’ll have to rest at some point.”

“Do you have any horses or something like that ?” Jisung asked even if he already knew the answer.

Hyunjin shook his head, “At this height, it wouldn’t have been good for them.”

“I could use my power.”

They all looked at Changbin who looked like he had this thought for a long time. “I can make horses and when we’re tired I could make a covered wagon.”

“It’s going to make you too tired and we’re going to need you to help us stop him,” Chan told him, “and you need to stay awake to use your power.”

“Maybe, but if we do that it’s possibly going to take us hours, I will be alright.”

Jisung took the map from Chan’s bag, before pointing at the distance between the Fire Clan and the Modern City, “How long did it take you to go from there to there ?”

“Well I walked five hours to Minho’s village and then when we left it was… maybe three or four hours ?” Glancing at Minho who nodded at his words.

“Yep, so nine hours for you.”

“Then if we use horses, it’s going to take us only a few hours right ? Maybe one or two,” Jeongin replied, “it should be alright then.”

“A horse literally runs at least thirty kilometers per hour,” Deadpanned Jisung.

Chan hummed in realization, “Right, I forgot how fast horses are,” he looked at everyone, and Changbin could clearly make them run faster if he wanted, even if it would consume more of his energy, “then it’s settled, let’s all prepare ourselves and go.”

🜁🜄🜂🜃

“I don’t think they decided to rest,” Jeongin spoke loudly for the others to hear him as their shadow horses galloped fast.

Chan chewed on his lower lip anxiously, a knot forming in the pit of his stomach. It had been almost an hour and they were supposed to arrive at his Clan, which meant that his uncle hadn’t rested and decided to attack right after.

Minho glanced at Chan, worried, “If he’s already at the Clan most of them must be tired and all, we can still stop them.”

“Except if he manages to take the last Element,” Seungmin retorted.

“Hyung don’t worry we’ll stop them !” Jisung tried to ease Chan’s anxiety, but this latter couldn’t even hear him, head swimming in horrid thoughts.

Please be alright.

“How many are they ?” Felix asked, during his Clan’s assault he knew they were several but the exact number was unknown.

“At least fifteen or more,” Hyunjin answered, the image of a few hours ago still fresh in his mind.

He frowned angrily, he would avenge them and punish this man the most horrible death he could. He promised.

Chan held his breath as he saw the fire emanating from his Clan, heart beating so hard that it was as if it wanted to come out of his ribcage. The screams and cries got louder as they came closer and a nauseous feeling clawed at his throat.

“I’ll go first,” Seungmin said as he jumped from the horse and disappeared at lightspeed.

Arriving at the gate, wrecked, he hopped down the shadow horse, staring in horror at the state of his beloved Clan.

Fire everywhere, screams, cries, people killed while others laughed, explosions echoing and making his ears rang, overwhelmed by those horrible images, he came too late —

— Jeongin roughly took him by his shoulders, shaking him enough to make him focus on him, “Chan, this isn’t the moment to freak out, you’re the Guardian of your Clan !”

Chan swallowed his lump, throat feeling so tight of emotions and he nodded, his family— he had to know how they were, “Guardians go to the temple I need to find my family,” they nodded not wasting time, “Changbin and the others go stop those men from the Modern City,” earning nods as they charged at them, Seungmin had already gone before them.

Chan quickly ran, as fast as he could, looking at his house, in a pitiful state, and his hands started to be clammy in fear.

Please please please—

He entered by the wrecked front door, “Mother !” his whole house was a mess, furniture burning and he quickly stopped the fires he could, going to her room and freezing as he burnt this image in his mind—

— he put a hand on his mouth as tears welled up, kneeling next to his mother, lower lip trembling as he stared at her, neck slashed and blood having soaked her clothes and eyes half open, lifeless.

I came too late.

He clenched his jaw as he closed her eyes before standing up and running upstairs, hoping, praying— begging for his younger siblings to be alright— please — be alright —

— he choked out a sob as he found Hannah in the corridor, completely unmoving, blood still dripping from around her neck, eyes staring at him with a broken promise in them and blaming him so strongly that he fell on his knees, crying weakly.

I’m too late.

He shook his head, coming closer to her before closing her eyes and standing up on wobbly legs, his hope had gradually disappeared, afraid of looking in the room where blood was seeping from under the door.

He opened the door, shoulders racking as he tried to calm his breathing and looked at the pool of blood, eyes locking with his younger brother— he slumped on the floor, tears never stopping falling as he cried, the vision of horror would never stop replaying in his mind, the blood, their empty eyes—

— he closed Lucas’s eyes carefully, “I’m so sorry,” he choked out before standing up, staring at the mess of blood.

His father wasn’t in the house, he clearly must be in the temple. He took a shaky breath before leaving his house, heart shattered and mind dripping guilt.

He didn’t even look at his friends fighting off the subordinates of his uncle, a rage growing from what he saw.

He took a sharp breath as he saw his father laying on the floor near the entrance and he rushed to him, “Father !”

He could see red dripping from his neck and he quickly kneeled, his father took his hand, “It’s alright son,” Chan couldn’t say anything as tears kept falling from his eyes and his father pressed his hand on his forehead, “Bang Chan, you came back with comrades you could trust, your sacrament is at its end,” Chan closed his eyes, trying to stop his messy sniffles.

Warmness spread from his father’s touch to his whole body and Chan exhaled shakily as the fire sat on his heart, opening his eyes when the warmth of his father’s hand disappeared, falling heavily on the floor.

“Don’t let your anger blind you,” He croaked out, “you’re the Guardian of the Sacred Fire Chanie,” Chan bit his lower lip, eyes glassy and puffy, nodding his words as his father lost the liveness of his eyes in an instant.

He held his hand, squeezing it as he shut his eyes, “I’ll stop him, I promise father,” he closed his eyes slowly before standing up, taking his guandao from his back.

He rushed downstairs as he could hear yelps and groans of pain and someone laughing, torches illuminating the place. He frowned as he saw a glimpse of his uncle and then his gaze locked on the Sacred Fire still there.

They came in time.

Or his uncle just wanted to force them to see him swallow the Sacred Fire and look at their desperate expressions.

In both options, they still had a chance.

He slashed in the air, a wave of fire lurching at his uncle who finally noticed his presence, simply waving his hand in the air, a strong gust of wind making his fire disappear and letting go of Seungmin who slumped on the floor. He must have been fighting him since the beginning, but again he wasn’t surprised if his uncle focused on him more, his power was the strongest of them, getting rid of him was the smart move.

“Ah, Chan, I was wondering where you were,” he said with a light smirk, completely not caring of the attacks from the other Guardians, easily blocking them all, “I thought you had run away.” Chan frowned at him and then he smirked, “did you like my little gifts ?”

He didn’t answer him, gripping harder his weapon.

His uncle sighed a bit, “Do you know what Hannah and Lucas said just before dying ?”

Chan clenched his jaw at his words, how dare he talk about his family like this ?

“Chan will save us,” He mimicked their voices, letting out a snort as if it was the biggest joke he heard. “Your mother didn’t even fight back she kept saying you’ll stop me,” he smiled, “and your father was the same, pathetic beings—”

“Don’t you dare say one more word,” Chan spoke coldly, eyes filled with angry tears, “we’ll stop you and you’ll face your punishment,” his guandao burnt strongly and his uncle simply smiled.

“I’m your uncle Chan, I came back after so long and this is how you welcome me ?”

Chan clenched his jaw, “You were never welcome in the first place !” he lunged at him, raising his guandao only to be blocked by roots coming from under them. The roots were thicker and harder to slash through, Chan dodged those attacking him, Hyunjin with his traditional fans in hand sent a rough twist of wind that his uncle blocked by sending a wave of air stronger. Jeongin quickly joined Chan as they tried to hit him with their respective weapons, working in sync but his uncle easily dodged everything.

Felix blocked the roots with his own scepter pointing up, sweating and body weakening with how fast the roots tried to hit any of them, he had to keep focus on the roots to stop them from hurting his friends.

Seungmin wasn’t in the state of fighting anymore, tiresome aching his muscle, after using anything he could. Chan’s uncle was stronger than he thought and he needed time to gain back some energy and hopefully stop him.

Minho blew fire on one of the underlings who screamed as it burned him. He didn’t care about being seen as a murderer or anything, those people did worse, their fate was deserved. But they were still so many, it was as if when he killed one another would pop from nowhere. He glanced at his friends trying to fight them off before taking a sharp breath when he saw the grenade thrown behind Changbin, “Changbin behind !”

Changbin’s shadow immediately leaped at the grenade, plumping it to keep the explosion in but it was too late, exploding and throwing him a few meters away. Minho quickly rushed to him, avoiding any shots he could and clenching his jaw as he felt a bullet tear through his thigh. He fell on the ground next to Changbin who was unconscious. He quickly turned him, relief washing as he was still in one piece but with a lot of cuts and injuries.

Jisung was still fighting who he could and protecting the different people. He was starting to tire out.

“Jisung ! Take Changbin to the temple !” Minho told him, and Jisung was already by his side, Changbin pushed on his back as he started running towards the temple.

Minho quickly dodged a hit before kicking the underling on his stomach, punching him hard enough to knock him out. The man fell on the ground and Minho panted tiredly.

They could do it.

“You manage to make every Guardian follow you,” his uncle stopped, “and I wanted all of you to go to war.”

“We’re not going to give you this pleasure,” Hyunjin hissed as he clutched at his arm, numerous cuts on it dripping blood.

The man snickered, “What a pathetic sight, all the Guardians at my feet.”

All of them had been pushed to their limit so fast, it was horrifying. Seungmin was barely conscious, Jeongin had passed out from being almost drowned in his own element, Hyunjin hadn’t much left of energy and Felix had a root stabbing his shoulder and making him lose too much blood.

Chan panted as he stood up, wiping the blood from his scarred eye. His uncle had found it amusing to open back his scar, legs trembling in exhaustion, guandao in hands. “We’re not going to let you do what you want.”

“Ah Chan, always trying to ruin my plan, aren’t you ?” His uncle said with a disappointed sigh. “Then I’ll have to kill you.”

He yelped as his back slammed against the wall hard, falling on his knees and coughing up blood.

A strong air was sent to him and he froze as Hyunjin quickly put himself in front of him, trying to block it but he had been too weakened, a slash of air cutting his chest, blood coating his vest as he sank on his knees before falling.

“Hyunjin !” Chan quickly turned him but he didn’t have time to stop the bleeding as roots wrapped around his neck shoving him hard against the wall and making him wince.

He glared at his uncle, “Why do you do this ?”

His uncle just smiled, “After my own brother banished me, I had to go to the Modern City,” he trailed, looking at the fire burning on its pedestal, “and I’ve learnt so much from those citizens,” he smirked, “if I have those power I could easily make my own empire and take over these places.”

Chan frowned, Minho would have clearly called him a cliché villain, “What would you gain by doing this ? Others will fight back.”

His uncle laughed, sinister, “A lot of things actually, and they will lose, I’ll take over with my new comrades.”

Chan glared at him, “You’re insane.”

And then his uncle smiled creepily, changing the subject, “I have another idea,” he lifted Felix with the root stabbed on his shoulder, this latter groaning in pain at the movement, “what if I kill all of your friends ?”

Chan’s blood ran cold.

“Or,” he trailed off as he threw Felix at the opposite wall, his body slamming hard and moaning at the pain, Chan clenched his jaw, “you could join me and help me.”

Chan frowned at him, hands catching fire as he pressed them harder on the root around his neck, burning it slowly, “Never.”

“Too bad I guess,” He said, walking casually toward Seungmin and Chan tried to quickly burn the root.

“Don’t touch him—” His breath caught on his throat as his uncle roughly pulled on Seungmin’s hair to make him look up, his uncle staring at him with an amused glint in his eyes.

“I didn’t know the Clan of Light still existed,” Seungmin glared at him, his uncle stared back at him, “if you knew how to use your power correctly you would have defeated me.”

He let go of Seungmin after sending a rough kick at his face before standing up satisfied.

“I’ll kill you,” Chan spoke with wrath as he finally freed himself.

His uncle laughed, looking at Chan doing his damnedest, trying to hit him while the roots he controlled easily protected him, his eyes shining with rage and without a second, Chan was suddenly wrapped in a bubble of water, choking him. He stopped breathing, trying to use his fire to boil the water while his uncle took Jeongin’s sword walking towards the younger.

“Chan, my dear nephew,” he said with a sickening sweet tone, “you can’t fight back.”

Chan couldn’t do anything, his body begging for oxygen; he opened his mouth on instinct, water filling his lungs easily, choking him fast. He shut his eyes, hands around his neck, no— he had to get out of here— he couldn’t let his friends die— not before him—

His uncle stared at Jeongin who slowly woke up, struggling to put himself on his knees, glaring fiercely at the man who destroyed his whole life. He didn’t back off as the sword was right in front of him.

His uncle made the bubble of water disappear, Chan falling on the floor and coughing up water, dizzy. He gasped loudly, heartbeat thrumming in his veins and when he could see back correctly he froze.

“Look at how you couldn’t even protect your friends.” Sword raised ready to kill Jeongin, Chan’s eyes wide open in fear, no please—

Jisung quickly put Changbin on the floor of the temple, avoiding the sight of a man dead next to the entrance.

“Changbin hyung,” He tried to wake him up and was startled when he heard shuffles coming from the outside, looking at the numerous men with guns in hand, cold sweats covering his back.

“Jisung,” This latter quickly glanced at Changbin who was slowly waking up, “what… what happened… ?”

Jisung stood up, readying himself, “I’ll take care of them, rest hyung.”

Changbin could just blink, head pounding and body aching as he heard the shots echoing and some groans. He struggled to sit, he had to help him. Jisung couldn’t win against so many heavily armed men.

He groaned as he looked at Jisung dodging and punching kicking those men, but he looked more and more exhausted.

But his eyes locked on one of them who aimed at him and he held his breath, not enough strength to make one shadow— he was going to die—

“Changbin !”

Changbin shut his eyes as the shot echoed but when he didn’t feel anything hurting him he opened his eyes to pause in shock.

Jisung fell on his knees in front of him, a weak smile on his face as blood started dripping from his back before falling on the floor with a heavy sound.

Jisung got shot. Jisung protected him and got hurt—

Changbin’s whole world turned black.

Chan moved on instinct, feet heavy and echoing, feeling as if everything was going in slow motion, taking his guandao and protecting Jeongin as the sword cut it easily, blade slashing his arm and making him groan as it cut off his limb, falling on the floor heavily.

Jeongin stared in shock, Chan’s face was twisted in pain as he took a hold of his left arm, blood running and making a pool slowly growing, the dreadful burning pain making his face turn red in pangs.

“Chan, you never learn do you ?” His uncle spoke tiredly, “I gave you a chance.”

Chan looked up at him, glaring one eye shut, “I will not accept it,” before suddenly blowing fire to his face but his uncle used his water to protect himself creating a strong fog.

“Fog ? Do you want to take me by surprise ?” He laughed, “You’re really desperate, aren’t you ?” Swiftly moving his hand, sending a gust of wind, the fog disappearing fast.

He looked where the two were supposed to be only to find the place empty. Jeongin had gone to wake the other Guardians knocked out, exhausted and starting to desperate.

The uncle looked where the Sacred Fire was only to freeze when he saw Chan swallowing it, “You little insolent !”

Chan felt a sudden hot pain taking his body and he screamed in agony, his inside burning while his uncle laughed.

“You’re naive to think the Fire will accept you, you’re too weak for this !” He smirked, “I’ll take it from your dead body.”

Chan clenched his jaw hard, shutting his eyes as the pain blinded him, his ears ringing. His muscle burnt, trembling as he tried his hardest to not let the Fire consume him, he had to do it, the others counted on him. His whole body was burning, making the underplace heavy and uncomfortable, sweats dripping.

Please, I need to stop him.

His severed arm was burning so strongly, as if it was trying to stop the bleeding by clotting the open wound, his uncle’s smile falling, Chan screaming even more in pain, veins appearing on his neck from how hard he screamed.

But then nothing.

The fire had disappeared from him.

Chan panted, gaze pulsing at each heartbeat, looking at his hand which was trembling in exhaustion.

“That can’t be possible !” His uncle raised his hand towards him, roots destroying the floor to lunge at him.

If it wasn’t for Felix stopping them with his own roots, glaring at him, “Don’t touch him,” he spoke coldly, his shoulder healed thanks to Jeongin.

The uncle hissed before quickly dodging the sword of Jeongin, but his slash of water merged with a tornado and hit him, cutting him in various places.

Hyunjin frowned determinedly, Jeongin had his sword raised, cornering the man.

Chan wasn’t tired anymore, he had the strength of the Sacred Fire within him, looking at his body burning strongly, eyes shining red like the fire and the passion.

It accepted him.

“You lost, you can’t take every element,” Seungmin spoke, head still pounding, but now he had enough energy to use his lightspeed.

The uncle smirked, “Oh I can, just need to kill him,” glancing at Chan standing up.

Chan frowned, and his body caught fire, the water lunging at him evaporating just before hitting him.

“What ?” His uncle spoke in frustration.

He barely had the time to dodge Seungmin who kicked his side hard, sending him against a wall before Jeongin made a dragon of water that Chan’s uncle blocked with his own.

Felix made a cage of roots that the stealer easily broke free only to be taken off guard by the strong presence of fog, making it hard to see at all.

But when he saw a figure he didn’t hesitate to use his wind to make it disappear, but he didn’t expect the fog to come back as fast.

“You think you can win against me ?”

Using his water to slash the different forms only to understand they were illusions.

How—

“Light can do a lot of things,” Murmured Seungmin as he sent a strong punch before dodging his hits and using his lightspeed to send as many attacks as possible.

The stealer groaned in frustration before sending another strong tornado of wind that Hyunjin quickly redirected towards him which made it disappear.

“You stupid brats !” He groaned as roots lunged at the different forms only to be taken off guard when his roots burnt to ashes and in a blink of an eye, Chan appeared in front of him, fist as fire as he punched him hard.

The man took steps back only to be barely able to dodge a ray of light piercing just next to his face the wall behind him.

“There’s something you forgot,” Chan said, his body burning with an overwhelming intensity even stronger when his uncle used the air to hit him, “when you’re using the Sacred Elements for your own selfish need, you taint them.”

His uncle laughed, “You still believe these stories ?” his roots lunged at him but Chan didn’t back off, the roots changing to ashes before they could touch him making his uncle frown.

And then something pierced him, looking behind to see Seungmin who had shot a ray of light, Hyunjin whipped a harsh wind sending him against the wall and cutting him in various places, blood dripping slowly. He didn’t have the time to dodge or use his power, Felix’s roots stabbing him to the wall at four different places. He screamed in pain glaring at Jeongin who stopped in front of him, tip of his sword pressing against his neck, exhaustion started to win over.

“You made our Clans suffer, it’s time for your punishment.”

Minho panted as he stared at the sky, black filled with white stains, his gaze starting to be blurry from his blood loss. He pressed his hand weakly on his stomach, his ears ringing with the noises of chaos. He had been shot too many times and his legs were too weak to even keep him up. He coughed weakly blood, a few shots echoing in the night.

He hadn’t even managed to save a lot of people, children shot, eyes filled with fear carved into his mind and making his guilt seep from his eyes.

He couldn’t even protect Chan’s family.

And now that was it, he was going to die alone.

The worst death for him, just slowly leaving his body in the middle of burnt houses and screams of agony.

He closed his eyes.

He hoped the others were still alright.

Please be alright.

Chan felt all of his energy drowned out, a ball of fire coming out of his chest and making him fall to his knees, gaze dizzy and world turning. Jeongin panted as he cleaned the blood from his sword, all of them looking at the different translucent orbs with colors of the Elements, coming out of Chan’s uncle, gravitating towards each other.

“I don’t think it’s going to be safe—” Felix couldn’t finish, the Sacred Elements merging together a strong wave of light sending them to the walls making the temple tremble and part of it falling apart in a sway of dust.

Chan groaned in pain, pushing away the debris on him, looking around to see the white translucent sphere. He looked around, standing up, his legs burning in exhaustion, “Is… is everyone alright ?”

He heard another groan and he quickly walked towards it, being careful at leaning against the wall and trying to stay awake as the adrenaline dripped off. He saw Jeongin under a pile of debris and he helped him up before they looked for the three others.

Felix shoved away the debris, helping Seungmin up and Hyunjin groaned tiredly as he stood up, cleaning away the dust.

“We need to go,” Seungmin wheezed, he had used too much of his energy, Felix was helping him walking. They all were tired.

Chan glanced at the corpse of his uncle, neck slashed and drowned on his blood, barely nodding at Seungmin’s words before Jeongin pushed him against the wall, “Let me see your arm—”

The temple shook and it was their cue to leave, “Let’s go out first,” Chan croaked out, he didn’t know if he could still walk up the stairs.

“What should we do with this ?” Hyunjin asked as he pointed at the flying orb of light.

“I’ll take it,” Seungmin spoke, slowly approaching with the help of Felix before the sphere rested in his hand, but levitating enough to not touch his skin.

“I still have my power,” Jeongin suddenly said as he made a small bubble of water.

“That’s weird—” Hyunjin was cut by something loudly falling and making the temple tremble stronger.

“Let’s talk about it outside,” Chan added, frowning at the pain aching his mind.

Jeongin helped him, leaving the underground, the others following behind, everything finally came to an end, they had stopped his uncle and everything would go back to normal, hopefully they would still keep contact or even see each others later—

— Jeongin froze and Chan looked in horror, adrenalin pumping his lucidity back, mind’s fog disappearing when the realization hit him.

Changbin lost control.

And Chan noticed the inert body of Jisung, blood around him, “Jeongin, go take Jisung I’ll take care of Changbin,” he looked behind, “you all go outside and see if you can help anyone,” they nodded at his words quickly doing as he said.

Jeongin quickly kneeled and carried Jisung while Chan tried to draw Changbin’s attention.

“Changbin !” Chan called, staring at how the white of his eyes were completely black, numerous corpses scattered on the floor. His shadow was so unstable, black particles attacking whoever was approaching him and looking menacing as it almost made the whole temple filled with darkness.

Jeongin took the chance to run out of the temple with Jisung in his arms.

He coughed weakly before he tried taking a step closer, quickly protecting himself when he saw the shadow lunged at him. He winced when it slashed his side, gaze blurry and dizzy from losing so much blood.

He panted, using his last force to go closer to him, “Changbin ! Please listen to my voice !” he called, quickly dodging a shadow shaped into a spike.

Chan’s vision got dark for a second and he yelped as one of the shadows stabbed his shoulder, knocking him to the floor, “Changbin ! I know you can hear me !”

He pushed away the shadow, legs buckling weakly in exhaustion when he tried to stand up. He hadn’t taken care of his other injuries, blood pouring out more and more, on the verge of passing out.

But he groaned, standing back up, forcing a step then another. If he fainted now, Changbin could finish hurt and feel guilty and he would not accept this.

“You can control them ! Remember how we used to do it !”

He looked at the shadows dividing multiple times, attacking him in sync, Chan struggling to dodge them all. He groaned as he got kicked hard on his abdomen, sent against the wall.

“Binie,” his vision filled with black dots, breath ragged but he saw the shift of Changbin and he frowned determinedly. Changbin could hear him, “I’m there for you !”

He limped towards him, not caring of the shadows which started to be unstable, missing their attacks while others managed just to give him superficial cuts.

Chan fell on his knees heavily just in front of Changbin whose eyes were completely black wide open in fear, tears running on his cheeks, trembling and Chan smiled gently as he hugged him, his only hand caressing the base of his hair, “I’m there, I’m there.”

Chan’s body flinched, an enormous pain stabbing him from the inside and he slumped a bit more against Changbin, gaze barely seeing anything but darkness, “It’s alright, you’re alright, I’m there and everything will be fine,” he managed to say before he threw up blood on his back, pressing himself more against Changbin.

Changbin trembled as his eyes found their true color, looking around and taking a sharp breath at the view. So many people killed and where was Jisung ? Did he— did he hurt him too ? But the place was suddenly so calm that he almost missed the warm presence pressed against him.

“Are you back… Binie ?”

Changbin’s eyes widened in dread, a knot of anxiousness in his stomach as he looked down at his hand, covered in Chan’s blood — “Ch-Chan hyung ?” — his voice trembled as his arm stabbed him on his abdomen, the particles around his bloody hand to his forearm disappeared, looking at how his fingers trembled.

“It’s okay,” Chan mumbled weakly, trying to stay awake because if he fainted Changbin would feel horrible, “I’m okay,” voice barely a whisper, he couldn’t see anything, vision completely dark, trying hard to stay awake.

“Chan hyung no—” Warm tears ran down his cheeks as the situation finally dawned on him, just staring at his friend, falling on the floor heavily, breaths shallows, “— no no no—” he shook his head as he quickly turned Chan on his back pressing his hand on his injury, body trembling in fear, “— I’m so sorry— please stay with me— don’t die don’t die don’t die—”

Chan put his hand on top of Changbin’s, pale and looking where the voice was, hoping he was staring into his eyes, “N-Not your fault.”

Changbin bit his lower lip, sobbing pitifully, “Don’t die please— don’t please—”

Chan was barely breathing, and yet he forced himself while talking, “S-Save others.”

Changbin shook his head frantically, tears blurring his vision, “No— I’m not going to let you here— I’ll find a way— there’s always a way—” looking around in hope to find the others but there was only them, “— s-stay awake alright ? I’ll— I’ll find Jeongin and— and Seungmin and they’ll heal you—”

Chan shook his head, coughing up before he turned his head, throwing up an amount of blood that made Changbin’s back have cold sweats, “Oh no oh no oh no— please don’t die—” he cried, his body racking.

Chan barely noticed his own tears running on his temples, smiling weakly, cheeks and chin covered in blood, “... ’s okay.”

Like this he could go follow his family. His time had surely come and he didn’t mind. He managed to stop his uncle, he had brought peace to the different Clans and he met amazing persons during his journey.

He would be satisfied if he died now.

But the cries of his friend and the fear in his eyes… what he minded was his second family. And making them suffer wasn’t something he wanted.

Changbin… he’s going… to… to feel guilty… I can’t leave… need to… to stay awake…

Changbin clenched his jaw, slowly passing his hand under Chan’s back and legs before standing up, legs wobbly as he tried to find an exit, tears almost making him fall, “Stay awake— keep talking to me alright ?”

Chan closed his eyes, “Tired.”

Changbin glanced at him, heart wanting to come out of his ribcage, he needed to be fast, god where was the damn exit ?! “Chan— please keep talking to me, I’m begging you !” he couldn’t even use his power, too exhausted and barely able to run, he knew if he stopped just for a second he would fall to the floor.

He quickly saw a gap big enough for them to pass by and he ran faster there.

Fuck— where are they where are they where are they—

“JEONGIN !” he screamed as he came out of the temple, agony in his choked out voice, “SEUNGMIN !”

Chan had slumped in his arms, shutting his eyes in pain as he threw up blood, dirtying Changbin who couldn’t panic more.

He quickly ran down the stairs, but his legs were on the verge of exhaustion and he yelped as he fell, hugging Chan’s body tight as he closed his eyes, hoping to be the one hurt. He opened his eyes in surprise when he felt a gust of wind wrapping around them and making them meet the ground carefully. Hyunjin panted as he slumped on the ground, Changbin quickly laid his friend on the hard surface.

They could barely see anything, the sky still dark but the dawn was closer, sky starting to change to a light blue and merging in the horizon with orange like hue.

Jeongin had managed to stop Jisung’s bleeding with his power, unconscious at the time. He stared in shock at Chan’s state, cursing as he kneeled, pressing his hand on his chest, using his power and hoping he had enough energy.

Changbin sobbed as he looked completely powerless.

“He’s not going to survive,” Jeongin spoke with a frown of desperation, “he lost too much blood.”

Changbin slumped on the ground, crying messily as Hyunjin could only hug him tight, making him look away of the scene, “It’s my fault— I lost control again— and— and I hurt him—”

“Not your fault.”

They looked at Chan who had talked weakly, barely a whisper, eyes opened but looking in the void.

Jeongin stared in shock.

How can he still be awake ? He lost at least half of his blood.

“Chan hyung—” Hyunjin shut his mouth before saying, “— stay awake and don’t you dare die, okay ?” Voice breaking at the end, tears pooling out of his eyes. They weren’t together for a long time, but they all already felt like family for him.

And Chan smiled weakly, “N-Not dying.”

“You better,” Felix spoke, voice shaky as tears ran down his cheeks.

Changbin’s eyes were glassy looking at him with so much hope, they still had a slim chance of Chan surviving.

Seungmin limped towards them, carrying Minho in his arms. He groaned as he fell on his knees, delicately putting Minho next to Jisung. Thankfully, he had managed to come in time for Minho but he could only stop the bleeding with his power. Jeongin needed to heal him correctly. He glanced up at Chan barely conscious before kneeling next to Jeongin, putting his hand on top of his, hoping what was left of his power would help, “He can survive— he will survive.”

Jisung whimpered as he opened his eyes, the piercing light of the sky making his eyes water.

The day had come.

He sat, groaning at the aching pain of his body looking around before finding Minho next to him still unconscious, alarmed by the amount of dried blood on his shirt. “Minho hyung ?” he called softly, the latter blinking slowly before shutting them back, groaning annoyingly.

“Am I dead ? Why is it so bright in Hell ?”

Jisung let out a relieved sigh before snorting at his comment, “Don’t scare me like that,” he whined earning a small smile, “how do you feel ?”

Minho touched his abdomen before relaxing, “Doesn’t hurt anymore,” he glanced at him, feeling tired, “and you ?”

“I’m just tired,” He struggled to stand up, he could feel the bandage around his waist, his legs wobbling making Minho laugh weakly.

“Rest, we fought all night.”

“But I wanna know where the others—”

Minho looked at Jisung, waiting for the end of his sentence, only to be met with a pale face. Minho winced as he sat, looking behind him, his breath caught in his throat.

They both rushed to the Guardians, almost stumbling multiple times before they fell on their knees, looking at their friend unconscious.

“What happened ?” Minho asked as he stared at the empty space his arm should take, Chan lost an arm —

Jisung stared at the dried blood that hadn’t been cleaned yet around his mouth and it was so much it scared him to even try to know if his friend, his hyung was still alive.

“He protected me,” Jeongin answered them, a certain emotion in his words, “and lost his arm.”

“But we won,” Hyunjin added, still not feeling like it at all.

They lost so much in two weeks.

“We need to take him to the hospital !” Jisung stressed them, just seeing the bone made him nauseous.

“He’ll be alright, the bleeding has stopped but he can possibly have an infection,” Seungmin told him, “and we don’t have anything to go to Modern City, we’ll have to wait for him to wake up first.”

Minho didn’t listen to the answer as he looked around, an uneasy feeling scratching his back.

“Where’s Changbin ?”

A sudden heavy silence filled their talk.

Jisung looked around with frown eyebrows, “Right, where is he ?”

Hyunjin sighed, “He’s in the temple, he wants to be alone.”

Jisung and Minho shared a look, “Why ?”

“You should go talk to him,” Seungmin told them as he cleaned Chan’s injuries they didn’t have the strength to treat.

They nodded before standing up and going to the temple, struggling to walk up the stairs, both groaning with annoyance.

“Binie, why are you hiding yourself in the temple ?” Minho groaned childishly, hands on his knees as he tried to calm his breaths.

Jisung stretched his arms before going in, passing through a gap, followed by Minho.

“Binie hyung ?”

They stared at Changbin’s back, not able to see his expression, but their eyes locked on the large pool of blood on the floor.

“I hurt him.”

Jisung tilted his head as he looked face to face Changbin whose gaze was locked on the blood, tears falling silently.

“Who ?” Minho asked as he held his hand, trying to comfort his sorrow.

“If you’re talking about me, it wasn’t even your fault—” Jisung said with a bright smile, “— and I’m completely fine !” wincing lightly at the sudden pain.

Minho shot him a confused gaze and Jisung mouthed him a “Later,” before focusing back on Changbin.

But Changbin shook his head, “I almost killed Chan,” voice choked out with sobs, crying quietly.

The others’ gaze turned to sympathy, and Minho quickly told him, “But he’s alright—” Changbin pushed his hand away, wiping his eyes.

“He could’ve died— I— there was so much blood—” he didn’t push them when they hugged him burying his face in the crook of Jisung’s neck, “— I lost control— I could’ve killed him and— and he just kept saying it was alright—”

Changbin cried quietly, his sniffles echoing in the wrecked temple before they turned him around, this time Changbin burying his face against Minho’s neck, forcing him to look away from the blood.

“Chanie hyung is still alive, but if you keep thinking of what could’ve happened, you’re never going to stop worrying,” Minho murmured to his ear, ruffling his hair.

Changbin just sniffled, not saying a word. He hadn’t slept with the guilt waking his worst thoughts one by one.

“And Chan hyung clearly doesn’t care, he’s still alive and that’s what counts,” Jisung added, drawing circles on his back soothingly.

But Changbin would never forgive himself.

He pushed them away, wiping away his tears, looking oh so broken, “I decided to leave.”

Chan could barely comprehend what was happening around him, hearing a few muffled voices.

“Changbin, where are you going ?” Minho's voice. He sounded worried and tired.

“It’s better if I leave,” Changbin this time. He added, “I’ll just hurt you all if I stay.”

“Chan isn’t going to like this nor do we.”

“It’s all for your sake.”

Chan opened his eyes, gaze blurred and he looked where the voices were coming from, just seeing two foggy forms, one slowly walking away and he bit his lip.

“Changbin, please,” He choked out weakly. The world around him kept swirling whenever he tried to focus on one thing and it made him nauseous, especially when his brain finally registered that Changbin wanted to leave him and the others.

Changbin stopped himself, looking down at the ground and refusing to meet Chan’s eyes. Because if he did, he would break down.

“Don’t leave me too ,” His voice was shaky, before he sat, clenching his jaw at the pain, Jeongin hadn’t finished healing him yet. His whole body was burning in aching pain but he didn’t care. The others tried to stop him but Chan refused, staring at Changbin’s back, warm tears running on his cheeks, eyes desperate, “I already lost my first family, I don’t want to lose you too.”

Changbin bit his lower lip, leaving Chan now when he just lost his cherished family and Clan had made him feel ashamed of his act.

But he had to.

“If I stay with you, I could kill you,” he told him, voice breaking at the end and he quickly bit his tongue to stop any sound from coming, “it’s better if I leave.”

“Binie,” he mumbled weakly, hand pressing on his injury, Changbin thinking how it was unfair of him to use his nickname,  “I’ll— I’ll be incomplete without you by my side,” he sounded so heartbroken that Changbin wanted to go by his side and hug him tight and promise he would stay with him forever. “please.”

“I’m sorry Chanie, I really am,” He sobbed out before walking away, not daring himself to look back at his once family. If he did he would clearly ran back to them and apologize for being so stupid.

But at that point he needed to learn how to control himself now, he couldn’t put them in danger anymore just because of his trauma.

Chan tried to stand up to catch him but Seungmin and Minho stopped him, struggling to keep him down, “Chan, let him go,” Minho told him, hugging him, hand carding in his hair.

“I can’t — I need him,” He cried out, tears running freely on his cheeks, staring at Changbin’s back which got smaller and smaller as he walked away, “Changbin.”

“You can’t force him to stay,” Jeongin said as he looked at the horizon, “you’re a Guardian, Chan hyung,” receiving glares from the others. He actually didn’t mean to sound this heartless but Chan needed to understand. Everything would be alright in the end.

Changbin would clearly come back, right ? Well, he hoped.

“Yang Jeongin,” Jisung started with anger, hands as fists and ready to burst, “let him fucking cry, he just lost everything !” Jeongin didn’t answer back but Jisung was having none of that, “or maybe you’re happy his whole family died like you wanted—”

“Jisung please,” Chan cut him as he wiped his right eye, Jisung closed his mouth, “he’s right, I need to act like the Guardian I should be.”

“Chanie,” Minho called him softly, cupping his face to wipe away his new tears, “it’s okay to fall, we will be there to help you stand back up. Just take your time for your bereavement.”

Chan nodded, eyes puffy and red, “Thank you.”

Most of his people were gone to the temple, grieving their own loss and trying to sleep after such a horrible night which would clearly haunt their dreams.

Chan kneeled in front of the corpses of his family, laying on the ground, eyes closed and looking peaceful. He should thank his friends for bringing them outside.

The others were just looking from afar, not wanting to disturb him.

Chan took a shaky breath, “I’m sorry,” he started, a weak sob leaving his mouth, after crying for so long he thought he didn’t have the strength to cry again but he was wrong, “I failed at protecting the Clan, I failed you.”

He put his hand on his father’s forehead, looking at him one last time before closing his eyes, “But I didn’t break my promise,” his tears pooled out of his eyes, “I promise you to be the Guardian you wanted me to be, and I stopped uncle, I’ll make you proud now.”

He took a deep breath before exhaling, fire burning his hand, his father slowly catching on fire, “Father,” he then looked at his mother, doing the same as she caught fire, “mother,” he sighed, “with the Sacred Fire running in my veins, may you rest in peace,” their bodies burnt and Chan stood up, staring at them slowly turning into ashes. “I hope the wind will take you where you want to go.”

He looked at his younger brother and sister and he felt as if he was about to break down again. They were so young, he still remembered when they would ask him to read a story for them or play with them. He bit his lip as he kneeled between them, hand resting on top of Hannah’s head.

“Hannah, Lucas,” he glanced at them, looking at their closed eyes, “I’m sorry, I wasn’t a good brother,” his body racked as he cried, “I’m sorry for coming too late,” he couldn’t calm his sobs, feeling hopeless of losing his family, “I’m sorry for not protecting you two.” He took a breath trying to calm his need to cry, “I promise you, I’ll protect those I can with all my might and I’ll help whoever I can.”

He closed his eyes, “With the Sacred Fire running in my veins, may you rest in peace,” his palm started to burn, before he did the same for Lucas, the fire running on his younger brother and sister until they were covered with it.

He stood up, looking at his family turning into ashes, the wind taking some wherever they wanted, Chan wiped his not injured eye slowly, “I love you all,” he murmured in the night while his friends decided to hug him tightly, even Jeongin.

He closed his eyes, letting himself be embraced in the warmth of his second family, burying his face in the crook of Minho’s neck.

It was alright, they lost a lot of people but they would stand back up.

They always did.

Hyunjin was about to exit the temple when he heard a glimpse of a discussion. He looked at Jeongin and Chan sitting next to each other on the stairs, backs facing him.

“I’m sorry for saying this,” Jeongin said quietly, looking down at the dirty ground, “I never guessed it would’ve happened to you.”

Chan patted his back comfortably, “I know,” he turned his face enough for Hyunjin to see his weak smile, “you were upset and I completely understand that.”

Jeongin hummed as Chan looked back up to the sky.

“Why did you protect me ?”

Chan didn’t answer back right away, letting the silence fill in for a few seconds. Then he looked at Jeongin with a more genuine smile, “Because you’re my friend and I didn’t want you to be hurt.”

Jeongin just stared at him, “Even after everything I did to you ?”

Chan nodded, “You were hurt and grieving Inie,” he started, “I’m not going to make my opinion on your personality only on that, I know you aren’t like this.”

“You’re too… sympathetic Bang Chan, it will kill you one day.”

Chan let out a weak laugh, “Maybe I am, but that’s okay,” Jeongin stared at him, “I prefer being hurt than hurting others.”

Jeongin snorted, “You’re really something,” he stood up stretching himself, “good night Chan hyung.”

“Good night Inie,” Chan answered back as Jeongin turned himself to lock eyes with Hyunjin.

He didn’t say anything as he passed next to Hyunjin, just murmuring good night. Now Hyunjin was wondering if the older one needed some time alone. He, himself, didn't have the time to grieve the loss of his mother, everything going too fast. And now tomorrow they would talk about their future plans now that their threat had been taken care of.

“Are you coming, Jinie?”

Hyunjin blinked, he had thought Chan hadn’t noticed him yet but clearly he underestimated him. He walked downstairs, until he sat next to him.

It was silent for some time, Hyunjin glancing every now and then at Chan. He looked tired, exhausted . He didn’t know the man for so long but he looked like the whole world weighted heavily on his shoulders.

“How’s your arm ?”

Chan squeezed his arm where a bandage had been applied, wincing lightly, “It’s alright so far,” he had lost a lot of blood and his mind would suddenly fill with fog and make him disoriented, his body heavy at every move and aching, his breaths weak and sweats building up too easily. But he didn’t need to tell them that. They deserved some rest after this long day. He looked directly at him, “and you, how’s your injuries ?”

Hyunjin smiled a bit, “Inie and Minie took care of them.”

Chan nodded slowly, staring at the stars. He felt really exhausted, as if his breaths took all of his energy.

There was another silence, just hearing some villagers crying and lamenting in the temple. Hyunjin sighed a bit.

“I don’t really know you and the others,” Hyunjin started, rubbing the back of his nape, “but what I know is that Changbin hyung will come back.”

The older looked startled, staring at him and Hyunjin noticed how puffy and red his eyes were.

Hyunjin grinned at him, “Don’t get worried too much, you’ll have wrinkles.”

Chan snorted and then Hyunjin added, “Oh, right you’re already an old man,” earning a shove and making them both laugh.

“But for real hyung,” Chan looked up at him and his eyes shone with gratefulness, “we’re there for you,” and then he added with a pout, “and go to sleep you literally lost your arm yesterday.”

Hyunjin woke up to people yelling. He whined as he sat, rubbing his eyes tiredly before looking at his new friends. Weirdly, they weren’t the one making such a fuss, looking at the villagers who had angry eyes and pushing everything that went wrong on Chan’s shoulders.

He didn’t fight back, just apologizing.

The Guardians clearly knew this, having gone through the same insults and glares, the same twisted words for not having protected their Clan well, for being failures as Guardians. For letting them be hurt, heart scarred forever. They couldn’t do anything, because they knew it was their fault for being so incapable .

Hyunjin looked at Jisung sitting next to him, tiredly looking at the scene unfolding. Chan didn’t want them to intervene.

“You hungry ?”

Hyunjin hummed, looking at Jisung who seemed to speak telepathically with Minho, seconds after a bowl of soup in front of Hyunjin.

The Guardian of Air literally devoured his breakfast, only noticing now how hungry he was. Jisung snorted at him, while Seungmin and Jeongin sat with them quickly followed by Felix who back hugged Hyunjin making him choke on his soup.

“Sorry,” Felix said with a sheepish smile earning a few chuckles while Minho gave a glass of water to Hyunjin.

“So, what’s the plan ?” He asked when the silence came to be replaced with yells from the villagers. He didn’t like that atmosphere.

“Me and Sungie, we’ll go to Modern City for Chanie hyung,” Minho spoke first, earning nods of understanding. Chan needed to be treated.

“I’m going back to my Clan to talk about the Orb,” Seungmin patted his bag where it was, “I’ll possibly pass by every Clans or ask for a meeting if I learn more about it.”

“I mean, now we don’t have anything to protect, except the Orb,” Felix piped in, “what are we supposed to do now ?”

“And our Clans have been half destroyed and hurt,” Hyunjin added, “the situation’s still a mess,” he puckered his lips after putting down his bowl.

“I have a solution, but I don’t think everyone would want to do that—” he cut himself when he saw Chan coming towards them. “— how did it go ?”

Chan sighed as he sat, “Could’ve been worse I guess,” thanking Minho for the bowl of food, “I’m just glad we managed to stop him before it could get too horrible.”

He looked at an empty space and his heart ached bitterly, the picture of Changbin leaving them too fresh in his mind. He didn’t notice how long he stared, but his gaze had turned unstable and he got startled when he felt hands on his shoulders to steady him from falling on the side. He blinked dumbly looking at Felix who looked at him worriedly.

“Hey, how do you feel ?” Minho asked him, Chan blinked too slowly, the words still processing.

It was only now he understood how much of a mess he must be.

“We told you to stay in your bed, hyung,” Jisung scolded him when Chan hadn’t answered yet, “I was wondering how you manage to even move around after losing an arm and so much blood.”

His brain seemed to finally catch what Minho said, “I’m fine.”

All of them literally rolled their eyes, before Felix drew circles on his back soothingly, “Hyung, you should eat and then go to sleep.”

Chan shook his head, “We need to talk about…” his brain worked too slowly, mouth dry, “about what we will do now.”

Seungmin hummed, “Let’s talk about it tomorrow, after your surgery hyung.”

Chan groaned tiredly, maybe he should listen to them, “Alright.”

Chan grimaced painfully, his stump jolting every now and then, the trickling pain keeping him up at night. He wiped the sweat of his forehead, his breaths ragged but quiet. He couldn’t sleep at all.

He sat, rubbing his eyelids harshly before glancing at his friends one by one, the light of the moon enough to see their peaceful expressions. He smiled a bit before flinching when his left arm jolted again, gripping it and shutting his eyes. He didn’t expect it to hurt after losing his limb.

He could hear his blood pulsing in his ears and echoing in his body and he was just so tired.

But maybe it wasn’t the only reason. Maybe he couldn’t sleep because everytime he closed his eyes, he would see his family, eyes empty and blaming him or Changbin leaving him—

“Hyung ?”

— Chan looked at Jisung who was rubbing his eyes with a yawn, smiling apologetically, “Sorry, it’s nothing you can go back to sleep.”

But Jisung just blinked before frowning, “Does your arm hurt ?”

Chan shook his head, lying easily, “I just can’t sleep.”

Jisung pouted, before crawling towards him and sitting next to him, pressing his head against his shoulder, “And why can’t you sleep ?”

“I… I don’t know.”

Jisung closed his eyes, before holding his hand, squeezing it gently, “Then I’ll keep you company.”

Chan didn’t have to argue back, especially when he felt someone hugging him from behind, pressing his face on his shoulder, “Don’t lie, Chanie.” Minho.

Chan just smiled tightly, “I’m just… I don’t really know.”

“I hope you know nothing that happened during these weeks was your fault,” Jisung spoke, staring at him and gauging his reaction.

Chan chewed on his lower lip, deciding it was better to not answer him even if his silence would do it for him. Minho lifted his head and Chan swore he could feel his gaze on the back of his head.

“It wasn’t your fault, it never was and will never be.”

The oldest just nodded, looking down at the floor and trying to stop his eyes from letting burning tears down his cheeks.

“I… “ His voice sounded choked, cracking a bit, “I couldn’t save my family.”

Jisung rubbed his thumb on his skin, while Minho pressed himself more on his back. They could only comfort him with their presence, listening to his quiet sniffles. They already knew the others were awake and acting asleep to give them some sense of privacy. And all of them knew, they knew that pain too well.

“We’re so sorry for your loss,” Jisung rasped out, “it’s going to take time for you to heal but please, don’t give up.”

Minho hummed in approval, “It wasn’t your fault, you did your best and we’ll be there to help you.”

🜁🜄🜂🜃

Chan smiled as the first ray of sunlight illuminated his bedroom. He sat, stretching himself happily before hopping down the bed and going to take a quick shower. He looked at himself in the mirror, looking at his left stump. After doing his surgery in one of the hospitals of Modern City, they had told him he could have a prosthetic arm but he refused. He didn’t mind having lost an arm, it was nothing compared to losing a life. And the shaman of the Clan had given him vials to help him against the twitch of his phantom limb or to ease the pain when it would be too much for him.

He smiled at himself before going into the shower.

After a dozen minutes, he came out with a towel firmly messing his hair to dry them and wore his favorite clothes, he didn’t know but Seungmin was great at sewing, saving his vest from the trash. He walked downstairs, noticing he was alone in the house and making him pout. Usually he was the one waking up first, but guessed his friends were too excited for today.

Today there was a lot of work to do for the night.

He took his bag and put his boots on, walking out of his house, greeting a few people he met and grinning when he found Seungmin doing his usual lessons for several kids outside.

When he noticed him, he smiled at him before focusing back on the children.

It was cute, the children had been devouring every story Seungmin said and their favorite was of course what happened to them only a year ago.

All of the Clans had merged together to make one big Clan, based on what used to be the Light Clan but bigger. Seungmin had this idea. Now that the Sacred Elements were together, it was a great option for everyone to finally be at peace. Him and the others were now the Guardians of the Fundamental Element. They still had their power, maybe faith had decided they needed to, to continue protecting the Sacred Orb.

Chan yelped when he felt someone jumping on his back, “Yah ! Lixie !”

Felix grinned happily, hugging him tight, “Morning Chanie hyung !”

Chan smiled at him, Felix hopping down his back as they walked to the temple, “Morning, Lixie,” Felix took his hand a bit too happily making Chan smile fondly.

“You look too excited and it’s just morning.”

Felix nodded, “I’m waiting for tonight ! It’s going to be great !”

And without them knowing, Hyunjin jumped from the sky to the floor, smiling, “Hey ! Did you practice your dances ?”

The two nodded and Hyunjin easily walked by their side, “It’s going to be so amazing to see everyone dance in sync !” he looked ecstasing at the idea, clapping his hands.

Tonight was the Sacred Fundamental Dance where the different Elements would dance all together to celebrate their unions.

They passed through the big market, loud people laughing and smiling and it didn’t seem a year had passed since the night they stopped Chan’s uncle, everyone was so friendly. In the beginning not everyone agreed to this but after days changed to months, everyone had passed the boundaries of enemies and became friends. There were still people reluctant about it but most of them had gladly accepted this new life.

“Minho will be alright, but I’m worried for Sungie, he’s stressing himself too much for this,” Chan pouted.

“Well, my hugs will help him I’m sure !” Felix said with a mischievous smile making the two others snort at him.

They looked at the temple, rebuilt with Felix’s help and looking more majestic than ever. It was big enough to welcome at least half of the population.

They walked up the stairs, eyes locking with Minho and Jisung who were waving at them.

“Ready for the preparation ?” Minho asked, sharing hugs for greeting before Felix leaped at Jisung, making him yelp.

“Don’t stress yourself, everything will be alright !” Jisung smiled at his words, hugging him back.

“I’ll do my best !” Jisung retorted with a newly found determination.

“Where’s Inie ?” Hyunjin asked as he looked around but the place was so big, he could probably miss him.

“He went to buy food for all of us,” Minho answered as they went into the temple going to the left wing where there were rooms and a place to eat.

They barely had the time to sit, Jeongin came with a big grin followed by Seungmin, hands filled with food.

“Morning everyone !” Earning back a bunch of greetings as they helped him set up the plates on the table before starting eating.

It was all peaceful, Chan looked at his friends— his family, one by one, a fond smile on his lips, looking at them chatting loudly and happily.

He was so glad.

But his eyes locked on the empty seat at Jisung’s right, gaze faltering and heart still missing one piece to feel back alive.

The night came in a blink of an eye, people slowly filling the central area which had been decorated with torches burning and illuminating just enough.

The Guardians were in the middle of the place, readying themselves. All of them were circling Seungmin and were followed by their comrades.

They nodded at each other and musicians accompanied by drums, gayageums, janggus started, music filled the quiet place. The Guardians slowly began.

Hyunjin’s movements were strong, air waltzing around him, fans in hand as he closed his eyes, looking breathless.

Jeongin was smooth, water plumping him and following his every movement, like a dragon dancing with him, using his sword easily.

Felix was soft in his moves, scepter in hand, flowers sparkling the floor at each of his steps and looking so delicate. It was fairy-like.

Chan had maybe an arm missing but his movements were still firm and powerful, moving his guandao easily, which had been repaired, Minho and Jisung easily following him as their hands burnt warmly, before blowing fire up in the air.

Seungmin was bathing in sunlight, movements sharp and yet elegant, eyes closing and looking effortless.

The people were roaring, cheering as they saw the spectacular dances merged together, looking at how their power mixed well together like it always was supposed to be.

Chan smiled as everything went well, panting and sweat dripping slowly.

Their movements were synchronized and it was hard to make their own dance, fitting all of their powers without one of them taking the spotlight more than the others. It felt right as he looked at the wind merging with his fire and disappearing up in the temple, before a fog started at their feet, flowers passing through the cracks of the tiles and making all look elegant. Seungmin had small stains of light making it even more pretty, everything was perfect.

Chan tried not to think how the dance would have been if Changbin was with them, heart aching in a certain way.

They breathed softly, each holding the wrist of the one next to them before they looked up and all blew, fire, water, air, wrapping around a beautiful trunk grew from the floor, decorated with flowers, light shining on it and growing as a tree, majestically, branches and leaves hovering all the central area.

They smiled happily when the crowd clapped loudly.

But then Chan looked behind when he felt his heartstring pull on him, freezing on the spot, the others following his gaze.

A dark shadow loomed from his right before disappearing in particles, finally showing a man, dancing slow and rough, shadows growing on his back before disappearing when the man gave sharp movements. The shadows bursted into particles as the man moved effortlessly, expression serious. The musicians hadn’t stopped and it was incredible to see the man’s movement in tune with the music.

The crowd was silent as they could only stare in awe, looking at the man bowing his head before looking up at them with a big grin.

“Hey, missed me ?”

And just like that, Chan smiled shakily as he stared at Changbin looking so much better, smiling dazzlingly, the others not wasting a moment as they rushed to him.

And with that they were all back together, his heart finally full of love and bursting in joy and alive.

His family he loved so much.

“Welcome back Binie.”