Archive of Our Own

Seonghwa wasn’t sure how he got here.

All he wanted to do was practice. How was he supposed to know the old and dusty black book in San’s library was a book of the dark arts. The other witch never studied that stuff. He just had it neatly placed with his other spell books and something just drew him to it. When he saw the amount of spells within it, sure he had borrowed it. Borrowed it maybe without telling the other. He was just going to look through it through the night and then put it back the next morning. San was too busy with his cat anyway he would have never seen him grab the book.

The process of the spell also wasn’t something he thought much about. It was just supposed to be a simple summoning spell. Something he wanted to work on, he’s been left with the smaller spells to learn, but to summon something? To accomplish that at his age would be something all witches dreamed of. So of course he was just meddling in it. He stood in his room, book in hand with the symbol the book instructed him to draw in front of him. He skimmed through the pages for a moment and he had read the words carefully, sure it was a little rusty but certainly he would be able to summon something.

What he hadn’t expected was a man.

He stood there in shock book in his hand as the other stared back at him. Calculating eyes looking him up and down for a moment before he looked around the room. “So you just going to stand there all pretty or tell me how you got me here?” He had eventually spoke. It caused Seonghwa to immediately flip through the book. All he wanted to do was summon an object something small, sure the man was short, but he was a man. Well for what he knew, one look at him he could tell he was more.

“I… I didn’t meant to summon you, you can go back.” He said simply.

The man huffed and looked at him incredulously. “I can’t just go back. You summoned me. It’s not that easy.” He walked off the symbol to look around the room.

“No you can just go back I’m sure…” He said before he watched him reach for some potions and other things on his shelf. “Please don’t touch anything.”

The other turned and he grinned slightly. He pulled his hand back and placed his hands in his pockets. He watched Seonghwa casually as he looked through the book, desperately looking for an answer. “So tell me, little witch… Do you know anything about that book.”

Seonghwa shot a look up at him at the nickname. It felt demeaning and he wanted to strangle him there. He wasn’t little, he was taller than him. “I’m studying it.” He replied.

“Mhm… so you don’t know how to get me back…” He said simply.

“I don’t even know where you came from, it would make things a lot easier if I knew.” He moved to sit on a nearby chair and he plopped down before he continued his search. 

“You never asked.” He said with a shrug.

“Well, where are you from?” Seonghwa asked, looking up hopeful he would tell him.

A smirk grew on his face. “Honestly I thought it would be obvious with that book in your hands.” He replied.

It didn’t answer his question and that made Seonghwa let out a frustrated noise. He stood and put the book to the side before moving to stand in front of the other. “Look, I don’t have time for guessing games. I didn’t mean to summon you, I was just practicing my craft. Now tell me where you are from, please.” 

“Well since you asked so nicely…” He drawn it out in a taunting tone. He was about to respond but a loud thud outside made both their attention turn towards the sound. It was followed by a roar, a roar that he’s never heard before. Something that sounded not from this world. The man’s calm and collected eyes met Seonghwa’s wide ones. “You wanna know who I am? What I am?” He asked.

Seonghwa nodded immediately. Before he could say anything else the man grabbed his wrist and led him somewhere else in the house. They walked to the front door where the shuffling of a creature was heard. When Seonghwa looked at the front door then to the man he blinked in surprise, he was correct about him not being a normal man. His eyes were pitch black, horns sticking up from his forehead, and his skin a different color. “The name’s Hongjoong, you summoned a demon, little witch.”

His heart stopped and he froze in place. A demon? There was no way? He began to wonder if stealing that book from San was even smart. He couldn’t help it, he needed to advance his craft. Now here he was stuck in his house with this cunning demon and something banging around outside the door. “I didn’t… that was not my intention.” He clarified.

Hongjoong eyed him for a moment before a bang was heard at the door. They both looked that way and Seonghwa’s heart fell to his stomach seeing the door splintered already. Another bang causing the door to crack caused him to stumble back. Hongjoong was at the ready though for whatever was about to break into the witch’s home. Then it happened the whole door flew off the hinges when what seemed like a big seven foot demon walked in. This demon didn’t have human like qualities like Hongjoong did though.

His skin was a deep red, it looked grotesque and bumpy. His eyes were pitch black like the one in front of him but he had four eyes. The demon horns also were around that number surrounding his whole face. He had a massive underbite with large teeth sticking out. “Oh little witch, we got a lot to discuss.” Hongjoong said before he got into action.

The witch was in shocked awe as the demon had sped towards the other demon and jumped high in the air kicking the creature back hard. It caused the beast to stumble back and Seonghwa groaned when he fell back causing more damage to his home. The creature got up quickly and moved to punch Hongjoong, raw strength wouldn’t help him as Hongjoong had dodged each attack with speed and agility. The beast roared out in frustration.

There was a moment where Hongjoong didn’t miss a hit, and when Seonghwa saw the fist coming he couldn’t warn the other in time before he was thrown against the wall. Seonghwa groaned at all the damage coming to his home, he didn’t get a chance to think much more about it though before he noticed the ogre-like demon coming towards him. He widened his eyes and immediately backed up trying to find an escape route. “Little witch… come with me…”

Seonghwa shook his head. “No thanks.” He immediately turned to run away. The ogre demon following immediately as if he would listen to him. He ran up the stairs and turned to run to his spell room, maybe there he could figure out with the book how to undo this mess. He heard wood splintering and things clattering behind him, one glance and he saw the demon trailing on him and quickly. He closed the door as soon as he got in and even though he knew it wouldn’t hold the demon, he locked it for good measure. He turned and immediately spotted the book laying where he last left it. He opened it back to the spot where he started this whole mess. 

A loud bang startled him as the demon had thrown himself against the door. The door held him back but just like his front door it wouldn’t last long. He looked for information, anything to help him. He grew frustrated as most of it was translated and hard to understand. Why did he grab this dumb book in the first place? Another bang caused him to let out a scream. He began to panic, he needed to do something now. 

He kept looking and soon he found a note that maybe could help. 

Return the summoned

Once a summoned has arrived, to return it you have say the below incantation…

Ruptum tenebris, clausum esto.

Ex inferis redeant, viam domum sequantur.

Umbrae revertantur, lumen meum praecedat.

He read it out loud hoping it would expel the demon, he let out a gasp as he was still there banging on the door. He noticed the door was splintering away, it would be only seconds before he would come barreling in. He shouted it again hoping for maybe a sign that he did it. That he sent him back, that hen was a good witch who knew how to do his spells.

After he yelled it he heard a groan and the noise stopped. The door wasn’t being rammed against, all he could hear was his own heart beating loudly in his chest. He clutched the book to his chest before he carefully stood and approached the door. Did he do it? Did he send the demon back? To find out he gently opened the door and peeked out. His hopes deflated as soon as he saw Hongjoong on the other side panting heavily. “You need to work on your craft, little witch.”

Seonghwa groaned and opened the door fully. “Do you mind telling me what is going on here?” He snapped at the other. 

Hongjoong looked at him now back in his human form. His expression bewildered at the other’s accusatory tone. “I just saved your butt, little witch. That’s what happened here.”

“Stop calling me that! I have a name! It’s Seonghwa!” He exclaimed to the other, he was tempted to throw the book at him. “Why is it that after I summoned you, a big ogre like demon breaks into my home, breaks most of it, and then comes after me?!”

Hongjoong eyed him for a moment before he came over to stand in front of the other. He was calm and collected compared to how he felt at that moment. “You do realize what this book is?”

Seonghwa looked down at the book and then went back to Hongjoong. “It’s a book of spells. I was using it to practice.”

Hongjoong rolled his eyes. “Have you ever been told by your mother not to meddle with things you don’t know what they are?” He asked the other. He wanted to be smart and told him that his mother was dead, and was never told any of that but he kept that to himself. 

“I was going to figure it out…” He began to argue but Hongjoong shook his head stopping him in his tracks.

“This book… is a grimoire. It’s a key textbook used in the dark arts. This specific one has forbidden magic in it.” The more he went on the more Seonghwa realized how much trouble he was in. “Not only did you summon a demon, but it sounds like you opened the portals into the human world.”

Seonghwa frowned. “I…”

“That demon. Is just the start of your problems. You know what’s around the corner? Halloween! Primetime for demons! They will haunt the streets and feast on everyone’s souls. This is bad.” He said to the other. That made Seonghwa stop, he realized the situation at hand. So did the demon in front of him though. As soon as he comprehended that he looked to the other.

“Yes it is… and you’re going to help me fix it.” He said.

“I’m glad you accepted… wait what.” The demon said.

“You seem to know enough about these demons and you killed that one just now. If there’s more to come then you’re going to help me.” Seonghwa replied with a smirk on his face. 

Hongjoong shook his head. “Hell no. No offense little witch but you don’t know how to handle these demons. I don’t want to be stuck with a witch who caused this whole mess in the first place.”

“You have no choice.” Seonghwa said. That made Hongjoong look at him in confusion as the witch stepped forward with a proud mischievous grin. “I summoned you, until I send you back you’re stuck with me.”

That made Hongjoong frown in realization. He knew the other was right, it was the most common rule in a summoning. He truly was stuck with the novice witch. “What if I just let the demons kill you.”

“You won’t… you killed that one just now. I can tell you don’t want them here just as much as me.” He was confident now, cocky even. A big grin plastered on his face watching the demon in front of him trying to find another excuse. “It’ll just be until you help me patch these portals. Three days, at most.”

Hongjoong let out a dramatic sigh, it showed Seonghwa he was defeated then. “Well little witch, you’ll need less than three days because Halloween is in a day and a half at this point. Which means you’ll need all the help you can get…” He knew where this was going but he still wanted to hear Hongjoong admit it. “Fine. I will help you. As soon as all the patches are cleared up though, you send me back.”

The grin on his face grew as he reached his hand out then to the other. “You got yourself a deal, demon.”

Hongjoong eyed his hand before giving it a firm shake. “Alright, little witch.” He began, he didn’t care how Seonghwa reacted to the name, he continued. “Where do we start?”

Seonghwa had to admit, he hadn’t thought that far. He honestly didn’t think the demon would agree as easily as he did, but here they were. He had to think then, what would be a good starting point for what he had done. He looked at the book in his hands and one idea came and it stuck. He hated it because he knew he’d be scolded for it. However if he knew anyone who could at least get them started it would be him

“We’re going to visit a friend.”

✩₊˚.⋆☾⋆⁺₊✧

As they approached the door to the house Seonghwa couldn’t help but notice how uneasy Hongjoong was. He looked at him before he even knocked and tilted his head. “What’s the matter, demon, scared?” He asked almost tauntingly. 

Hongjoong shot him a glare. “I’m not scared. I’m just unsure how your friend would react to seeing a demon with you.” 

A valid response and truthfully Seonghwa wasn’t sure how to answer that. San was a witch of many emotions. He was brave and smart, one of the best novice witches he knew. He was also defensive and protected his friends. There could be a slight chance of San jumping Hongjoong, but Seonghwa would make sure that wasn’t going to happen.

“Listen, I’ll make sure nothing happens. I will reassure him you’re on my side, he listens to me, we get our answers, and boom you go home.” He said confidently as he rang the doorbell. The chime dinged through the house and they could hear it. 

“You left out the part where demons could kill you at any given moment and take over the world.” He said shoving his hands in his pockets and leaning against the railing. 

“We won’t die and the world will be fine.” Seonghwa argued. 

“Oh the little witch is confident now…” Hongjoong taunted.

He was about to scold him for calling him that but the door opened. He looked forward to see a familiar face. “Ah Wooyoung… is San home?”

Wooyoung looked him up and down before he glanced back to Hongjoong. “He is. He’s going to kill you for bringing a demon over…” He said in a nonchalant tone. 

“I’ve got my reasoning… can we come in?” He asked.

Wooyoung shrugged before he turned and left the door open. That was their okay so Seonghwa signaled for Hongjoong to follow him inside. Hongjoong looked around the home when they walked in and he raised a brow. “Where did he go?”

Seonghwa looked around, he spotted a black cat chilling on the couch then. He knew where he went but he was nonchalant about it. “Not sure…” He said with a shrug as he walked over and scratched the cat’s head. “He tends to disappear quickly. Come, San is probably in his office.”

The home is organized and tidy, shelves are filled with spell books and notebooks of all types. Like his home, which is now in shambles, there are also various potions and other witchy things throughout the home. San may have seemed neat and tidy throughout his home but his office was a whole other story. Seonghwa being the neat freak he was wanted to get his hands on it one day but San refuses to let him do so.

They approached the door to the office and when Seonghwa gave a soft knock a voice called out on the other side. “Come in.”

Carefully Seonghwa had opened the door. At the desk of many documents and books scattered stood the other witch. He was nose deep in a book when he looked up. A small smile grew on his face and he signaled him to come in returning his gaze to the book. “I wasn't expecting a visit today hyung. What can I do…” He stopped when he looked up, seeing Hongjoong right behind Seonghwa. 

“I’ve got some explaining to do…” He said holding his hand up so San wouldn’t jump at the demon. San’s eyes immediately looked at Seonghwa and then the book in his hand. His eyes widened in realization, he stood up and stared at Seonghwa in shock. “San… I know it looks bad.”

“Yeah it’s bad! That book is full of evil! I’m not even sure why I still have it in the first place… now I’m not sure why you have it!” He exclaimed to the other. His eyes then shot to Hongjoong and he understood immediately. He threw his face into his hands out of frustration. “Please tell me you didn’t summon a demon…”

“I didn’t…” Seonghwa said. San didn’t believe him as he looked at him from his hands. “I summoned a demon and opened a bunch of portals to the underworld…”

“You what?!”

“I was just trying to practice my craft! I already know how bad this is, I’ve already been lectured.” He said shooting a look at Hongjoong. “He’s going to help me though, and I need your help too…”

San gave him a stern look then, he crossed his arms then. “You realize this isn’t just a simple fix right? What you did, was already done by another witch.” He scolded.

Hongjoong spoke up then. “Elaris…”

San snapped his gaze over to him. “Yes. A demon would know her because she purposefully did what you did by accident.” He said before he walked past them. Both Hongjoong and Seonghwa exchanged a glance before they followed the other who walked to the shelves of books. The shelf of books that he borrowed the book from that started this whole mess in the first place. He watched as the other rapidly looked through the pages of a book before he turned to him. The book was placed down on a table in front of him.

Seonghwa tilted his head and he walked over to the book in front of him. It was written out in black ink, this had to have been a journal of some type. He looked up to San who signaled for him to go ahead. “Read.”

Elaris was a witch of many gifts. A promising student who many mentors thought would excel her teachings. She had excelled and proved that she was an exceptional pupil, she wanted to know everything though. She had gotten her hands on an ancient grimoire and wanted to know more of the dark arts. She was warned against it though as this book was a curse.

She ignored all the warnings and had gone mad with the book. The book had called her, called her to unlock something within the book. Open the portals from one realm to another. She did and when she opened the portals and everything was released, she was far too gone. Whatever was in the book had consumed her. 

Many witches did what they could, they struggled to contain the mess she created. In the end the only way to stop her, was to trap her in the books itself. Sealing away everything she unleashed. If this book ever unleashes the portals like Elaris does, the demons will come for the summoner, to bring back Elaris herself in a sacrifice. Do not fall for the same mistakes she has made.

As soon as he finished reading he stepped back in fear. He looked to both Hongjoong and San who knew exactly what could happen to him. “I didn’t mean to do any of this! I just wanted to learn and practice.” He was scared now, that is why that ogre like demon was after him earlier. He took the book and slammed it down next to the journal. “Take it, I don't want it. I’ve learned from my mistakes.”

San looked at him grimly. “We still have to seal those portals. The demons are strongest this time of year, if we don’t do it by Halloween, the world will fall to darkness. You have to reverse it, hyung.”

Suddenly he felt defeated as the both stared at him then. He wasn’t sure what to do but stood there trying to find the words to say. He realized then he had no choice, he could run but he didn’t want to be a coward. So he sighed deeply. “Fine, what do I do?”

The black cat from earlier made his way into the library barely brushing against Seonghwa as he made his way over to San. “You’ll need to finish what she started. You’ll need to close the portals and seal the demons for good.” He walked up to the other book with the story of this witch named Elaris. He flipped to a couple of pages and then pushed it to Seonghwa. “The elder witches knew this would happen again, so they became prepared.”

Seonghwa reviewed the page it was opened to. “There’s some things we need to get in here… are Jongho and Yeosang still selling goods?”

It had been a minute since they saw their friends who ran the oddity shop, so neither of them knew. However that list in front of him, everything on there he knew the two would have. “You’ll have to be quick, they’re on the outskirts of Seoul, you remember how far out. You’ll have to be quick.”

The black cat from earlier hopped onto the table next to San. Suddenly he shifted and Wooyoung sat next to him with his legs crossed. It was normal for Seonghwa to know Wooyoung was a shifter, but Hongjoong actually seemed taken back. The witch ignored him. “So I have to find these ingredients, then find the original casting place. How on earth am I supposed to find that?”

San crossed his arms as he turned to the demon. “Well you have a summoned demon on your side. If anyone can find it, it’ll be him.”

Seonghwa turned to Hongjoong then and he gave him a smirk. Maybe summoning this demon after all wasn’t such a bad idea. Hongjoong however seemed to have regret on his face.

✩₊˚.⋆☾⋆⁺₊✧

They had gathered everything from San’s house that was needed. The journal, the grimoire, San and Wooyoung even packed the two snacks. He wasn’t sure if the demon ate human food but it was handy and packed safely in the crossbody bag he wore as they walked. As they headed out San stopped him and told him when the demon wasn’t right there to be careful. Hongjoong may have seemed like he was on his side but trusting demons was risky. With how serious he was he knew he had to listen to San. He told him he would be careful.

Seonghwa was leading the way with the journal in his hand. ”So everyone is aware that the boy that lives with the witch was a cat at one point, huh?”

Seonghwa shot him a look. “You’re a demon, part of a big uprising from your kind and you’re shocked by the shapeshifter?” He asked the other. 

“When you live in the underworld things are different than up here.” He shrugged. He looked at the other who had kept walking but also scanned through the journal. San’s home was deep in the woods, so they had to walk to where he parked his car. That was the only way he knew he could get to the shop where Yeosang and Jongho sold the items he needed. He knew if he trusted Hongjoong to transport them there it would be risky especially with San’s warning.

They arrived to his car and they both got in. The drive at first was silent, Seonghwa got a chance to think about what was going on. He couldn’t keep saying the same excuse about how he didn’t mean for this to happen. He grabbed the book secretly from San’s library. Why did San have the book in his library if this was a major curse? All of that confused him. If he wasn’t supposed to touch it, why was it so easy for him to grab it?

The demon sitting next to him also seemed to know a lot about this too. He knew Elaris and he knew there was information in the book. It made him think back to San’s warning to not trust a demon. He glanced at him in the passenger's seat, he was looking out the window and acting calm and collected. He was mysterious and quiet, he wanted to know more about him. So he was the one to break the silence first. “So, since we’re stuck on this mission together I feel like I should get to know more about you.” 

Hongjoong turned to him then and raised an eyebrow. A smirk growing on his face. “You want to get to know me, huh little witch?”

“What did I say about that name?” Seonghwa snapped at the other. Hongjoong chuckled at his reaction causing him to roll his eyes. He went back to his original comment. “Yes, I want to know more about you. Like what’s your favorite color, where were you born, what kind of candy do you like? You know the normal stuff.”

“Those are quite random for normal things.” He commented.

“I was just saying stuff off the top of my head. Forget it, you don’t have to say anything. It was just super quiet in the car.” He grumbled as he focused on the road in front of them. Hongjoong looked at him for a moment, they were both silent for a while.

“My favorite color is red.” When he began, it caused Seonghwa to glance over at him. “I was born in a village, hundreds of years ago. I don’t have a favorite candy because I’ve never had any of it.”

Seonghwa looked at him for a moment, he didn’t realize the other would just give in like that. “Well we got to get you on that candy thing, especially since Halloween is around the corner.” 

“Demons don’t really eat.” Hongjoong shrugged. “We can but we don’t need to.”

“Still, it wouldn’t hurt to try.” He said.

Hongjoong watched him for a minute. “What about you little witch?” He asked. Seonghwa ignored the nickname again, it really wasn’t a fight he could keep fighting. 

“What about me?”

“Color, place of birth, and candy.” He said.

A small grin showed on his face before he answered. “I like the color blue, especially royal blue. I was born in Jinju, and my favorite candy is a Reese’s peanut butter cup.”

Hongjoong nodded to the other. “Then I’ll try that candy first.” He stated.

“Just because I like it?” Seonghwa asked perplexed.

“Well there must be a reason you like it, so of course.” He said simply.

Seonghwa glanced over and smirked at him. Maybe San was wrong, maybe Hongjoong wasn’t that bad after all. He didn’t get much time to think then as the ground and his car began to shake. Suddenly there problems came back into light when a demon burst out from underneath the road and knocking their car to the side. They rolled once and Seonghwa grunted when they grounded. They were the right way up so when he saw the beast coming their way he immediately moved to unbuckle and get out of the car. He barely was able to escape when a giant rock slammed into the car. 

“First my house, then my car…” He grumbled in defeat. Hongjoong was immediately by his side and helped him up. The creature was not as big as the ogre demon they dealt with earlier, but he was still taller than the two of them. 

“This is a good time to practice…” Hongjoong said to the other. 

“Right.” He replied and as he went to grab the book the demon was fast and ran at him. Seonghwa panicked and jumped out of the way before he could grab on to him. “You mind distracting him maybe?” 

“I can try, but he seems to be focused only on you.” He said. Suddenly the beast ran again but Hongjoong was quicker and tackled the beast away. For such a smaller demon he had more strength then the creature. It gave Seonghwa enough time to pull out the book and look quickly through the pages. The creature’s attention was on Hongjoong trying to fight back as Hongjoong threw punches and kicks. He knocked him back particularly good giving him enough time to turn to the other.

“Read the words!”

Seonghwa quickly looked at the spell and repeated what was written. “Ruptum tenebris, clausum esto. Ex inferis redeant, viam domum sequantur. Umbrae revertantur, lumen meum praecedat.”

It didn’t work and the beast was already moving towards Hongjoong. The demon retaliated and pushed him back again. “From your heart Seonghwa!” He shouted at him as he wrestled with the demon. “Don’t just read it, feel it… fuck… feel it in your heart!” 

From his heart? He had to think about how he could manage that. Maybe think of a memory? Think of a happy moment? He watched as Hongjoong struggled with the beast before he closed his eyes taking a deep breath. He felt a low power thrumming inside of him the second he began to think of his mother. The memories of her growing up until he was fifteen. She was the reason he was interested in witchcraft. She would do fun little spells and tell him fun stories about growing up. She was the only family he had. The power thrummed then and he knew he had to say it now. As soon as Hongjoong went flying, the beast had turned to him after throwing the smaller creature. He opened his eyes and shouted the spell again.

He watched eyes wide as the beast was suddenly melting into the ground, a portal had opened up below it sucking it down. A groan was let out from the creature then as he disappeared then, once it was fully gone Seonghwa let out a sigh. His knees felt shaky and he felt strong hands support him. He looked up to see Hongjoong, scrapes on his face and hair a mess looking down at him in concern. “Good job little witch… you did it.”

“It really took a lot out of me.” He grumbled. He looked to his car and the reminder it was completely totaled by the giant rock the demon threw at them hit him then. He let out a sigh, now how were they going to get to Jongho and Yeosang. “Well, we have to keep moving, we can’t get to the shop if we keep standing around.” He took a step forward but his legs felt shaky. Hongjoong was next to him immediately.

“Hold on Seonghwa, you pushed yourself you can barely walk…” Hongjoong was serious for once. It was different for the quick witted demon.

“No, I’m fine… I promise.” He tried to walk again but dizziness overcame him, maybe he had pushed himself but he didn’t want to admit it to the demon. As soon as he moved to take a couple more steps the dizziness took over and the next thing he knew everything went black, with Hongjoong exclaiming his name.

✩₊˚.⋆☾⋆⁺₊✧

As Seonghwa was coming back he was slow and worn out. His body felt ten times heavier than what it actually was. He heard shuffling around him and he grew confused as to where he was. He had issues opening his eyes so he listened in on the conversation, from what he heard it was Hongjoong and two other familiar voices. He recognized one as Yeosang’s voice.

“Honestly be glad I didn’t send you back myself. I would if the summoning rule was true.” He said. He approached a shelf and Seonghwa could hear glass viles being pushed around. Then he heard footsteps approach and suddenly something caused him to jerk awake, a scent so strong under his nose. He sat up and looked around with wide eyes. “Wakeroot potion… wakes anyone from the deepest sleep or from fainting. Just one whiff.” 

Seonghwa looked over at Yeosang and then his surroundings. He recognized the area immediately as Yeosang and Jongho’s shop. He looked to Hongjoong who looked concerned and walked over. “What happened?”

“You passed out. Then I was about to try and phase us but I couldn’t get the chance to before your friend here hit me with an immobilizing spell, took a lot of convincing that I was helping you.” Hongjoong said as he took a seat next to Seonghwa. He couldn’t help but notice how concerned the other was for him. The witty demon had truly showed a side of him that he never thought he would see. His gaze then went to Yeosang, a friend he hasn’t seen in a while. He was as stunning as ever, his sharp gaze stared both of them down. Some shadow and other makeup was clear on his face, but not clear enough to make it a problem. His hair waved and a pitch black midnight. Really the other witch was quite the androgynous individual. 

“I would like an explanation as to why the two of you were attacked by a demon and I found you passed out in another demon’s arms.” He said shooting Hongjoong an icy glare.

“You didn’t explain that part to him?” Seonghwa asked Hongjoong.

“He didn’t give me much of a chance to do so…” Hongjoong admitted.

So Seonghwa explained his mistake again, and just like San the witch in front of him was flabbergasted. Yes, he knew he made a mistake but every single one of his friends who practice the craft didn’t care. “I am just trying to fix this, and I need a few items.” He looked around for his bag and when he didn’t see it Hongjoong spoke up.

“The other shopkeeper is already on it. I told them we need things but they wouldn’t let me tell the story.” He said side eyeing Yeosang. Seonghwa knew he must be talking about Jongho.

“I can’t trust a demon. You should know that.” Yeosang stated. He then turned to Seonghwa. “And so should you, you can’t end up like Elaris…”

“Trust me Yeosang I know. Same speech from Sannie. Why do you think I brought that journal full of ingredients?” He asked him. He felt strength then to move his feet over the side of the bed. They both watched him as he pressed his feet into the wooden floor. “Look I already know I made the mistake I really don’t need a lecture every time.”

Yeosang frowned, a guilty one on his face. “I just don’t want you to get hurt.” 

“I know.” Seonghwa said sternly. He turned to Hongjoong then as he felt ready to stand on his feet. “Can you help me up?”

Hongjoong hesitantly nodded before he took his hands and helped him upright. The power that drained him earlier really took a toll on him. Even with Hongjoong’s help he felt his legs shake. He steadied himself eventually and he was able to warm up with a few steps. He felt warmed up as he turned to Yeosang, “Do you know how much longer on that order?” 

“It’ll be a few more minutes, you have a lot on that list you brought in.” He said simply.

Seonghwa nodded. “I’m going to get some fresh air.” He said. He looked at Hongjoong who immediately knew to follow him. They moved to step outside and as soon as they did Seonghwa let out a long and tired sigh. “They always treat me like I’m a child, I’m older than them!”

Hongjoong looked at him with a conflicted look. “Well you did do this to yourself by meddling with a book you didn’t understand.” He said.

Seonghwa snapped his gaze over to him, eyes sharp. “I don’t mean the book, I don’t mean this whole mess I created…” He ran a hand through his hair. “They always tip toe around me because I lost my mom years ago. They tip toe around me because after that I was distant from them. I’ve definitely grown stronger from that and they still act like I’m the fragile boy who lost their mother.”

Hongjoong frowned. “From the sounds of it they care about you.”

“They do. I know they do. But that was years ago and they haven’t changed one bit.” He grumbled as he moved to sit on the bench. “It’s probably my fault for completely shutting them out for weeks. I figured they would be okay, they had Wooyoung and Jongho by their side.”

“Well maybe that wasn’t the smartest move. You know that now, right?” He asked the other leaning against the building.

“Yeah I know. They know I felt bad about it too.” He said before he took a seat on the bench outside. “I just wish they could trust me to take care of this without giving me the same lecture.”

The demon hesitated but he moved to sit down next to the other. He looked forward for a moment as they soaked in each other’s silence. He then spoke. “You’re a crazy little witch…” He began and when Seonghwa snapped his sharp glare at him, he held up his hands in innocence before he was allowed to continue. “However, I’ve learned you have passion and you are trying. Especially after unleashing that power on that demon. You may need some practice considering you passed out on me, but from what I can tell I can trust you.”

Seonghwa’s careful eyes watched him for a moment before he smirked softly. The demon next to him was giving him the most trust out of any of his friends. He wasn’t sure if he could believe if the other could be trusted or not. It was hard to tell especially after San’s warning and how Yeosang looked at him. Perhaps this demon was defying the odds. They stared at each other in silence of the night for a moment as Seonghwa thought about it, and it gave him a chance to observe the other. He hated how handsome he was at that moment, and how his chest had a funny feeling when the other had smirked at him. 

The door opened and they immediately looked away, they realized how close they were and casually scooted further apart. Seonghwa looked back at Yeosang who stared at them with a raised eyebrow. “Your order is about ready, come on inside.” He said softly. Seonghwa nodded to him which allowed Yeosang to go inside. Seonghwa stood with Hongjoong, before they went in they glanced at each other again. Seonghwa felt that similar feeling in his chest when he looked at the demon, but he wasn’t sure how to decipher it. He felt maybe it was the mix of emotions that he felt when he thought if he should trust him or not. “Let’s get inside.” Seonghwa said as they turned to return back inside the shop.

When he walked back in Jongho was gathering all of his items in a sack. He looked up. “Everything on that list should be in here. Be very careful, these make a powerful mixture, and if done incorrectly can cause more wrong than the good.” He instructed.

Seonghwa nodded as he stepped forward. “Alright how much do I owe you guys.” 

Yeosang spoke up then. “Don’t worry about that.” It caused Seonghwa to turn to him. “You really need this to stop the demons from putting the world into forever darkness.” He looked to them both and a look of conflict was on his face. 

“Thank you Yeosang.” Seonghwa said.

He nodded, he looked to the demon behind him before he spoke. “Can I speak to you privately?” He asked.

He already knew what this would lead to, but he could tell Yeosang really needed this. With a sigh he nodded as he grabbed the bag and handed it to Hongjoong. “Give me five minutes.”

They walked back to a separate room and Yeosang closed the door. “I just wanted to give you this.” He said as he handed him a pendant. “It’s a protection piece. If something goes to shit while you try to seal the portal, squeeze it. You’ll have backup.”

Seonghwa observed the pendant then. It was a silver chain that held a purple gemstone on it. He looked up at Yeosang then. “Understood.”

He turned to leave but Yeosang spoke. “I want you to know, I know we have been hovering since your mother passed away, but San and I care about you. If it’s overbearing or suffocating in any way we don’t mean it.” 

The tone was sincere and Seonghwa looked at him with a sigh. “I know, I really do just try to do things on my own and if that scares you and San, I don’t mean it. However I didn’t get a chance to train with my mother as a witch, so I may just be a little ambitious…”

“Well we are about to face a demon uprising, I would definitely call that ambitious.” Yeosang teased. Seongha couldn’t help the smallest smile before he pulled Yeosang into a hug. “Please for the love of gods, don’t die stopping this.”

“I won't, I will make sure of it.” 

After he reassured Yeosang he walked out of the room and he made sure to say goodbye to Jongho. They chatted just a little, not too long though as they were running low on time. After passing out from the exertion of the power he used they wasted about 6 hours. So now the sun was rising, rising on the day they needed to get things done, Halloween was tomorrow. From what he read, the portal would be at its strongest at midnight tonight.

He walked out with Hongjoong and as they took a few steps ahead with the other he let out a sigh. “The only mode of transportation I had was damaged. We have until tonight to find this portal that started it all, and I have no clue.” He said before turning to Hongjoong. “Any ideas, demon?”

Hongjoong raised an eyebrow. “Well first things first is you need to find that portal. What does the journal or the book say?”

He looked at him wondering if maybe he was testing him. When Hongjoong gave him an expectant look he could only assume he was. They were running low on time. He wished he could just give him his answers. So he sighed dramatically as he pulled out the journal and he turned to continue walking with Hongjoong trailing behind. He opened the journal to the incident with Elaris and browsed it. Then he found the section about reversing her mistake. 

When you gather the ingredients needed to reverse the spell of the demon uprising, you must find the spot of where the spell happened originally. Where the first curse happened originally.

“Where the curse happened originally…” He wondered out loud. He then turned to Hongjoong. “It’s where she did the curse originally…”

Hongjoong hummed. “We’ll need to find it…”

“Do you know where that is or is this something you’re going to make me look up in the book?” He asked.

“You’ll need to find this one in the book, I actually don’t know.” He replied. He could see the sincerity in Hongjoong’s face so he sighed dramatically. He turned back forward and looked in the book, if her story is in here then it must have his answer. He flipped back to the part where they explained what happened and read it for a moment. That’s when he found the passage that could help.

When Elaris cast the spell originally, she did this at a place dear to her heart. Right outside of her own residence. The witch didn’t think much about her daughter being in the home next to it, she had cast the spell and when everything unraveled it happened right in front of the little girl’s eyes. We had to take her in to make sure she wasn’t abandoned.

The story of the little girl in the home caused him to frown. He wondered where she was today. He would have to look into that later when he wasn’t trying to save the world.

“Her home… do you at least know that?” He asked.

“That I do recall…” He began. “The problem with it is that it’s across the city and without a mode of transportation we might not make it by foot.”

Seonghwa raised a brow and looked over at the other. “So what do you suggest?”

“Do you trust me?” He asked the other. 

Seonghwa raised an eyebrow at the other. “People only say that when they are about to do something risky.”

Hongjoong shrugged. “Well little witch, I don’t see you pulling out your magic broom to fly us there.”

A scoff left him as he tucked his book away. “A magic broomstick? Really? Are we stereotyping now?”

The demon couldn’t help but chuckle then, he said it on purpose and Seonghwa knew it. “Forgive me, I thought all witches flew into the night with a loud cackle.”

Seonghwa rolled his eyes and turned to keep walking but Hongjoong grabbed his wrist to stop him. When he looked back he could tell the demon was done with his jokes. “Okay but seriously, I have a way to get us to where we need to go if not closer, right now your only chance of getting there tonight is with me, so I ask this again, do you trust me?”

Trust was something he wasn’t sure if he can easily give to Hongjoong. Both his closest friends had kept warning him. He wondered if maybe this one time, his friends could be wrong. From the hours he spent with Hongjoong he thought maybe he really could trust the other. Even though his human form wasn’t his true form, those brown eyes stared at him in a way that made decide in that moment he could trust him. “Fine, I trust you but you better not make me do something wildly reckless.”

The demon smirked at that. “You scared of what I can do?” His tone was taunting but Seonghwa merely stared back. 

“No I would rather not die before I try to save the world is all.” He said. 

Hongjoong chuckled before he took his hand instead. Seonghwa felt his face grow hot at how the other’s hands felt grabbing his. He also didn’t expect the other to pull him close where he was only inches away froom his face. “I wouldn’t allow that to happen little witch. Now do me a favor and hold tight, I don’t want to lose you in the in between.”

“The what?” He didn’t get an answer before the other wrapped his arms around his waist and suddenly a poof of black smoke and a feeling of shifting somewhere without moving his own feet hit him. The next thing he knows was he fell backwards onto his butt. He looked around seeing they were in a new area. “Did you just teleport?! You could have done that the whole time?!” He asked in shock.

The demon stood in front of him composed a hand in his pocket as he stared down at the other. “You insisted we take the car?” He replied with a shrug. He didn’t want to admit it, the other was right. He sighed as he got himself up and brushed off his clothes. 

“Well trusting a demon right away…” He looked up and stopped seeing two figures behind Hongjoong. Two tall towering figures, they looked like him in his demon form and not as grotesque as the other creatures he faced. “Hongjoong move!”

He was pulling out his book quickly when Hongjoong looked back. As Seonghwa hurried to the spells Hongjoong’s laugh stopped him. He looked up confused as the other was full on laughing. He was shocked as he hasn’t heard the demon laugh like that. He then grew annoyed. “What’s so funny?”

“These aren’t bad demons, these two are my closest friends I have in the demon world.” He said before he turned to them. Seonghwa watched as they shifted into their human forms then. “Did you do that just to scare the little witch?”

“Wasn’t sure if we could trust him. Was wondering where you were hyung.” The one with puppy dog eyes said. The other one stayed quiet and watched Seonghwa with an intimidating stare. 

Hongjoong chuckled before he turned to Seonghwa, “These two are Yunho and Mingi.” He said before looking to his friends. “This is Seonghwa. Not sure if you heard a bunch of portals opening, but he’s responsible for it and the two of us are stopping it.”

Something came over their eyes then. Yunho, even as a demon, seemed cheerier then as he looked at Seonghwa. “You got a lot on your plate, I am sure you feel a lot of pressure, huh?”

Seonghwa stared in shock at how quickly the demons changed in front of him, he wondered then with how they acted if other demons acted this way. Like how Hongjoong did, caring for the fate of the world. His eyes then glanced to Mingi, his gaze wasn’t as intense, but it still made him immediately look away. “Yeah… I am running low on time… so if you don’t mind…”

“We are here you know?” He spoke up, he then pointed behind him when Seonghwa looked surprised. When he turned he was met with an old run down cottage, this was the birthplace of the curse. He then pulled out the grimoire, the book was almost vibrating. The power was strong here and he could feel it. “Told you I would get you here.”

He let out a sigh before he opened his book, he had work to do then. The book said it needed to be where she first did it. He wondered if it had to be exact. With the book in his hand he approached the cottage which was only a hundred feet from them. The demons behind merely watched as he walked around and explored the land. This was something Seonghwa needed to do. When he walked over some leaves the wind breezed then revealing something that caused him to stop. He tilted his head before leaning down and brushing the orange and yellow leaves away to reveal a symbol burned into the ground. As it was revealed the book thrummed harder. He needed to do the ceremony here.

When he looked up Hongjoong and the other demons were right there. “This is where it should be, the book is going crazy.” He said as he kicked aside some leaves. Hongjoong nodded as he helped him uncover the burnt sigil. “She did this many years ago why is it still here?”

“Well when you unlocked the portals it must have burnt in the ground again.” Hongjoong said observing the symbol then he looked at Seonghwa. “You should get to work, what do you need us to do?”

“Just let me work, I guess if any demons jump out, fight them off.” He said as he pulled out all the stuff from his bag and got to work. He watched as Hongjoong nodded to the demons who watched and they hesitantly moved to guard the area. He looked down at everything he had and he let out a deep sigh and cleared his mind. All that mattered right now was to focus. The sun was rising high in the sky, he was running out of time. So after a few deep breaths he looked at the bag of items and got to work.

✩₊˚.⋆☾⋆⁺₊✧

Making potions and mixing ingredients shouldn’t have taken as long as it did but with an intricate process like this, Seonghwa was finishing up as the sun had started to slowly set. He had taken small and minor breaks only to stretch his body but would get back to work as soon as he finished. He was surprised there were no demon attacks. The whole time the three demons on his side would pace. Hongjoong being the only one to check on him, as the day progressed he seemed to grow more and more worried.

Yunho and Mingi of course stayed back, keeping a careful eye on him. He had noticed the two talking to Hongjoong at one point and it was clear they were talking about him, or that’s what he assumed. They kept purposefully looking his way as he worked tirelessly at the concoction needed to reverse everything. 

As soon as he finished though he let out a tired sigh and moved to stand up. His body ached from being hunched over for the last hour on the ground tirelessly working. Hongjoong was then by his side. “You got it done?” He asked.

“Just finished.” He let out a tired sigh. “I should probably get the ritual started.”

The sun was in the horizon, the sky had turned different colors of pink and orange showing that sunset was soon. He turned and grabbed the Grimoire and he turned to Hongjoong. “When I do this will you disappear too?” He asked. The thought had crossed his mind a couple times while he worked all day. For some reason, he thought about how he would miss the other. He thought maybe he’d get over it but it kept coming across his mind.

Hongjoong looked at him with a mixed expression that Seonghwa couldn’t read. There was no smirk, no jokes, he actually looked like he would dread it too. Seonghwa didn’t want to say he was alone in this world, but somehow the jokes and back and forth with the demon felt right. “Hard to tell…”

He reached over and patted the demon’s shoulder. “It’s okay, maybe we’ll see each other again.” He said with a warm smile. The demon didn’t smile back and that made Seonghwa wonder why. 

“We should get going…” Hongjoong said. 

He stared at him for a moment trying to read him. He couldn’t though as the demon was unreadable. He nodded and turned to the book, maybe the demon knew more than he did. Maybe he was more pessimistic than the hopeful witch.

The ritual was simple, he had to take the mixed items he had just worked on for hours and sprinkle it along the sigil. After that was properly spread out, he pulled out the dagger and winced as he cut his palm a little bit, the book advised the blood of the caster must be spilled along the symbol. So he walked around allowing the red crimson to spread along the ground. He wrapped it once he was done with a cloth and then the last step was to read the reverse summoning spell. This seemed way too easy, but here he was, book in his hand, the sigil in front of him. 

Seonghwa needed to say something to Hongjoong first. “I wanted you to know, as much as you probably annoyed me or the amount of times I snapped, I enjoyed our little adventure.”

Hongjoong looked at him shocked, he didn’t know what to say for a second. The conflict in his eyes still strong and eventually he spoke. “Me too…”

Seonghwa smiled before he looked at the words in the book. He took a deep breath and said the spell. “Pair san-gwee-nem lee-gah-tum, ah-pehr-ee-oh klau-strah in-ter moon-doos. Voh-chem an-tee-quam, reh-dee ahd kar-nem too-ahm. In nok-teh soob loo-nah frahk-tah, Ehl-ah-rees, ow-dees-neh meh? Reh-dee. Reh-dee. Reh-dee.”

A power thrummed and Seonghwa gasped as the book in his hand began to physically shake. He looked to the sigil in front of him and it glowed a bright neon purple. Had he done it? Had he reversed the summoning he had caused? A smile grew only for it to drop when he saw a black smoke in front of him begin to slowly swirl, forming into something. Suddenly he felt this wasn’t right and he looked at Hongjoong. “Did I do it right?”

“I-I don’t know…” His voice was shaky, Seonghwa couldn’t understand. He should know right? When he looked forward he frowned when a woman stood in front of him. She was glowing blue, hair floating around her like her body as she stared at Seonghwa.

“Ah… it’s been too long…” She purred.

“Wh-What…” Seonghwa asked. What had he done? Who did he summon now? He shook his head. “Who are you?”

Her dark eyes turned to him and she smirked. “My dear… you summoned me you should know.” She purred.

“I didn’t summon anyone! I was trying to reverse what I did!” He argued.

Her eyes stared at him for a moment before turning to Hongjoong. “How much longer are you going to drag this out, Hongjoong? You’re just going to confuse the boy.” She said it and when she did Seonghwa felt his heart drop to his stomach. He turned to Hongjoong slowly and stared at him in confusion. The demon could barely look him in the eye. 

“Drag what out?” He asked.

Hongjoong only looked up for a minute before looking away in guilt. It caused the spirit to chuckle. “Oh my… you grew attached to him didn’t you…” She then floated over to grab Hongjoong’s face to make him look up and to Seonghwa. “Hongjoong here… unfortunately betrayed you my dear. He was sent by me to help allow me to do what I meant to do, all those years ago.”

The book in his hands dropped in shock at the revelation, he stepped back a couple steps and stared at Hongjoong. He would get back to Hongjoong because the coward couldn’t look him in the eyes. He looked to the spirit and he suddenly understood. “Elaris…”

She grinned at him and nodded. “Yes dear… you have summoned me. It’s a shame I had to go through all those years waiting for my bloodline to resurrect me.” She tilted his head when he grew more confused. She turned to Hongjoong and shook her head. “You didn’t tell him anything did you?”

Hongjoong looked up and he truly looked guilty. Seonghwa couldn’t trust it, he couldn’t trust him. “Tell me what. What else is there?!”

“You my darling… have the blood of a powerful witch. Your mother had it… and your grandmother…” She explained. He never knew his grandmother, growing up it was only his mother until she died. 

He stood on guard keeping his distance from her. He backed up a couple of steps while she stared directly in his eyes. He remembered Yeosang’s words about the pendant around his neck. His hand instinctively went up to squeeze the rock. He needed to figure out a way to fix this before something bad happens. He knew his stuff was to the right, he couldn’t use the grimoire right now, the book had fooled him. The journal though was right there. “I don’t understand… what are you trying to say…”

“A little slow aren’t you… why do you think I mentioned your grandmother…” She said.

No it couldn’t be it. He couldn’t be related to Elaris. It made sense though, that is why the book called to him when he visited San. The little girl in the journal, it was his mother, this is why he never met his grandmother. He was at a loss for words as he kept moving back, he needed to find a way to get to that journal. “Now… you’re going to help me do what I meant to do all of those years.” She said as she approached him. “Because it’s in your blood…”

Seonghwa eyed her carefully and when she got closer he let out a shaky breath, he used the last bit of his strength and ran immediately to the journal, as fast as he could. “So reckless, like your mother…”

He was right there about to touch the book when he felt her racing towards him, then a force hit him strong to where he fell on his knees. Right in front of the book, as he reached out for it Elaris stood in his way and stared down with a disapproving glare. “No no… that’s not what we’re going to do.”

Then she suddenly flew at him, the first thing Seonghwa felt was an icy cold grasp on his mind, eyes widened in shock.. Immobility took over immediately as he wasn’t able to feel any part of his body then. He threw his head back as things were changing and as soon as he realized she was possessing him, it was too late. His vision blurred and everything went to black. He could have sworn the last thing he heard was Hongjoong, screaming his name.

✩₊˚.⋆☾⋆⁺₊✧

Hongjoong had regretted everything he had done the second Seonghwa genuinely began to trust him. He never thought he would care for a witch the second he was given the mission by Elaris. All he could think of was the fact she would grant him and his friends the freedom from the underworld. He was a selfish man taking the challenge to receive what he had always craved. Somehow, being with Seonghwa for a day and a half, truly changed how he thought.

He was hoping when this whole thing was over he would be able to move on. He didn’t think that would be enough time for a witch like Seonghwa to change everything. The second he asked him if he would see him after he reversed everything, that’s when the guilt truly settled. The feeling didn’t feel as strong as it did at the very moment. Elaris never mentioned anything about taking over his body. So now he watched helplessly as her spirit went directly into Seonghwa. The witch had then collapsed and he knew then, he needed to stop this. 

Without thinking he ran over to Seonghwa. He leaned down to his limp body. “Seonghwa! You have time, fight it! Seonghwa!” He begged the other. As he went to touch Seonghwa’s arm the other’s hand immediately clamped around his throat. The demon didn’t particularly need to breathe but it shocked him. His eyes wide as Seonghwa stared up at him. He stood and lifted Hongjoong off the ground.

“He’s gone Hongjoong, just remember you did this.” It was Elaris who spoke, but Seonghwa’s voice. It was very confusing, but he didn’t get a chance to try and get used to it. He felt his body be thrown harshly against another tree. He groaned as he fell to the ground and tried to steady himself. Yunho and Mingi, who had been watching from the sides unsure what to do, were by his side. The witch with a dark overcast of a look on his face merely stared before he glanced to the sun that was now fully setting in the horizon.

When he turned back a devilish smirk grew on his face. “See you at midnight boys.”

Then suddenly Seonghwa disappeared and the demons were left alone. Hongjoong grunted as he pushed himself up. “We need to stop him…”

Mingi let out a huff. “Why do you care about this human…”

“What Elaris is doing is wrong, I was selfish when I agreed to her deal. I didn’t realize what I was doing until… until I got to know him. Now he’s not even in his own body.” He said sternly. He eyed the two for a moment. “You don’t have to help me, but I hope you don’t plan on stopping me from trying to fix my mess.”

He knew Mingi had a hatred towards humans, even if he was one at one point. He knew he had a terrible upbringing, but that wasn’t going to stop him. Yunho looked conflicted, his upbringing wasn’t as bad, but he knew just as much as the rest of them that this battle against Elaris would be a tough one. 

However Yunho’s next words shocked him. “I’m in.”

He looked at Yunho and he nodded before he looked at Mingi. He looked conflicted as he looked between the two. A dramatic sigh came from him before he nodded. He knew he couldn’t let Yunho do this alone. “Alright I’m in.”

Hongjoong nodded. “Alright, we need to get some backup, and I know exactly who to ask.”

✩₊˚.⋆☾⋆⁺₊✧

The door was opened and Hongjoong met the eyes of the cat shifter again. His dull eyes looked at the three of them before he raised an eyebrow. They silently stared at each other for a moment before Wooyoung spoke. “San, we have guests!” He shouted.

Wooyoung walked away from the door and when they stepped in he had already shifted into a cat. Hongjoong still couldn’t understand that but he was used to it more than the two friends. When the witch showed up he stopped short to see the three of them. He looked at them for a moment before he spoke. “Where’s Seonghwa…”

He knew the other needed to sit for this so when he had him seated and explained everything, anger grew in San. He stood and immediately grabbed his collar and pushed him against the wall. “I knew you were nothing but evil!” He shouted in his face.

“He’s trying to help!” Yunho argued to San.

“Back off, or I’ll kill you next!” He snapped at Yunho.

“Can you just calm down for a second!” Hongjoong argued trying to get San’s grip off of him.

“You lied and deceived my friend! There is no calming down!” He was about to strike but suddenly he was thrown back. He hit the floor and when Yunho and Hongjoong looked at each other they realized neither of them did it. It was Mingi who was silently watching from the side until he had enough. The demon glanced between them and shrugged. 

“I had to do something.”

Hongjoong rolled his eyes and against his better judgement he hurried over and helped San up. The witch is still wary of the other. “Listen, I get it. You have every reason to not trust me, not trust demons. Right now I need you to try and trust me at least until we get Seonghwa back. We don’t have a lot of time…”

San stared at him, his gaze hard and uncertain. He brushed off anything off his clothes before he sighed. “Even if I did help, you know how hard it was to take her down last time.”

“Yes. This time though she’s using Seonghwa, without him she’s weak.” He said. “I need you and Yeosang to help me get some sense into him. Maybe have him fight and get her out.”

San stared at him for a moment. “There will be a fight.”

“That’s where these two will help.” He said signaling to his friends. “We know how to hold off the demons while we try to get Seonghwa. Once he’s out we do the spell.”

There was silence, tension between everyone, even the black cat Wooyoung shifted into stared at everyone with a calculated silence. When the silence lingered too long Hongjoong broke it, they were running low on time. “I wouldn’t be here if I wasn’t serious about this. As soon as everyone is put back as well as Elaris I’ll go away for good. I won’t bother anyone ever again.”

San eyed him longer and eventually he let out a long drawn out silence. “Fine. I’ll call Yeosang and see if he can meet us. Do we know where she even took him?”

Unfortunately he had known the plan all along, minus the possession, so he nodded. “She wants to do it where the center of life is. Where everyone is going to be out on the streets.”

San eyed him. “She’s going to do this in Seoul?”

He nodded. “We need to be quick.”

“Okay.” He grabbed his keys and was about to head out to his car but Hongjoong stopped him. “What?”

“We’re going to need to be faster than a car.” When he said that San grew confused until he realized exactly what he meant. He looked at the three and let out a sigh. 

They were immediately in front of Yeosang and Jongho’s shop again. Just like San when they told him everything, Yeosang had threatened to kill the demon. Unlike San’s strength Yeosang had pulled out a knife. San had stopped him though and eventually he was convinced. Now there were seven people gathered, three demons, two witches, and the companions of the witches. They all gathered around “So what’s the plan?” Yeosang asked.

Hongjoong then felt all the eyes on him, he took a deep breath before he stepped forward. He remembered everything he was told from the spirit. She only gave him the basics so they needed to be careful.

“Elaris wants to unleash all the demons tonight in the center of Seoul itself. Halloween events will be happening everywhere, mass chaos will happen if we don’t stop. We can stop it from happening if we can separate Elaris from Seonghwa’s body. Once she’s separated we have to send her back as well as the demons. She will most likely have demons on the guard, just in case. I need Yeosang, San, to help me try to get to Seonghwa. Yunho and Mingi will help fight off the demons.“ He then turned to Wooyoung and Jongho. He honestly didn’t expect them to be able to help but they waited anxiously for what to do. “Can you two make sure to get Seonghwa to safety? Elaris will immediately try to get back in, we have to make sure she doesn’t get a chance.”

Wooyoung and Jongho nodded at the instruction and when everyone seemed clear on that plan they broke apart to gather everything they needed. This was a job that ten of the most powerful wizards could hardly do all those years ago, they were less than that. They had to ensure they were fully prepared. For if they weren’t this time, all of Seoul and soon the rest of the world will face the darkness swallowing it whole.

✩₊˚.⋆☾⋆⁺₊✧

They had traveled to Seoul in seconds thanks to the three demons. It was freshly night time as the sun had just set. Midnight was coming closer and closer, they needed to act fast. San turned towards Hongjoong. “So where do you think she has him?” He asked.

Before he could even get a word out a loud roar was heard and they barely got the chance to jump out of the way when one of Elaris’s guard demons had thrown a car. It was a ghostly grey. His arms were abnormally large and his black beady eyes counted to at least eight. They were already starting out strong, looking like being discreet and not causing mass chaos with citizens would be out the window. 

“Not far if that thing is coming at us.” Hongjoong huffed. “Yunho, Mingi.”

The two caught on and quickly moved to take care of the beast. They were swift like Hongjoong and tag teamed the creature to distract it and try to send it back while the other three got to work. “I sense a huge portal nearby, I think that’s what she’s trying to rip open. If he’s anywhere it’s there.” 

They ran that way as the roar of the demon signaled the other two had taken care of him. Seconds later they were by their side following quickly. Wooyoung and Jongho were ordered to stay discreet and be at the ready so they did that and when they found Seonghwa in the middle of a busy street they ran off to stand by.

The chaos of the civilians was already set. People were screaming and running away as they saw creatures popping out from the beginning of the portal. The police and the firemen were standing by unsure what to do as the possessed Seonghwa was chanting and working on the portal. The sigil he created was glowing a bright purple, beats of light trying to push through the surface. Yunho and Mingi got to work on the creatures causing issues for the civilians.

“We need to stop this before this breaks through, if this breaks open there’s no closing it.” Hongjoong told Yeosang and San who stood there in shock at their friend, he didn’t look like himself. Elaris had truly drained the life out of him causing him to look like someone he wasn’t. “I need you guys focused.”

They both looked over, it was definitely a jarring sight and Hongjoong understood why they reacted in that way. “I’ll distract her first see if you guys can get behind and see what you can do.”

They both looked at each other then and they both just looked at each other and had come up with a plan. The two demons returned then after fighting off a couple of them.  “Yunho and Mingi, be on stand by. I just know she’ll pull more than what we just experienced.” Hongjoong said to the two towering demons behind them. 

Yunho and Mingi nodded, they had shifted into their demon selves preparing for the worst. Like Hongjoong their skin was a different color, horns stuck out from their foreheads and their eyes were a dark pitch black. They needed any strength they could get, in their demon forms this was their strongest. So San and Yeosang watched as Hongjoong shifted too and looked at them. “Let’s go…”

He watched as the witches hurried to the other side, being stealthy. He made sure they were in position before he approached the possessed Seonghwa. Here goes nothing…

“Little witch!” He called out. He knew that name would hopefully trigger something. He remembered all the times Hongjoong would say it and it pissed Seonghwa off. So when Seonghwa opened his eyes and his head snapped over, he knew he had more work to do. He stood his ground as Seonghwa smirked and closed his book. A tilt of his head as he examined him coming closer.

“So you decided to come for him after all? Honestly Hongjoong, your desperation is beginning to anger me.” He taunted.

Hongjoong stared directly at his feet firmly where he was at. “I’ve come to bargain.” He said.

“Bargain? My dear you have nothing I want.” He then stood in front of Hongjoong, he didn’t care about the height, all he cared about was freeing the other. 

“I will if you hear me out.” 

He tilted his head eyeing the demon for a second. “What is it then?”

“Let him go but take me instead.”

“You? You’re a demon, a broken one at that.” He scoffed. “Why would I trade for that…”

“Because like him I was also human… I have made mistakes, I like the color red, I was born like every other human in a small village, and I don’t have any candy preferences but I’ve heard a Reese’s peanut butter cup is delicious.” He hoped maybe remembering that small bit of information would make Seonghwa try to wake up. When all he did was stare he continued. He could see the other witches in his peripheral he couldn’t let them be caught so his eye stayed glued on the boy in front of him. “I know he likes the color blue, especially a royal blue and he was born in Jinju. I know he cares deeply about his friends and even though he lost his mother years ago he tolerates how overbearing they are. He won’t tell me he feels alone but I know it just from our talks. I want him to experience life… when he’s barely lived it. I have so if you want anyone, take me..”

That’s when a glimmer of hope started to shine through. Instead of her cold emotionless expression he almost saw vulnerability. He could see Seonghwa trying to push through. That was all the distraction the demon needed, the witches were at the ready behind him. “Seonghwa… I know you’re in there. I know I’ve only known you for so long but I know one thing for sure about you, that your strong. Please…”

Hesitation and confusion came across his face, almost as if he was battling the ghost that possessed him. This was the perfect point, he noticed Yeosang preparing behind him and just as he was about to shout the spell Seonghwa’s confusion dropped and Elaris took back control. “NO!!” He screeched

He turned and held his hand out the two witches behind her suddenly grew entangled in vines that broke through the ground. Stopping them from getting a chance to do anything. Hongjoong widened his eyes and hurried to Seonghwa to stop him as he knew his first plan didn’t work. Right as he was about to jump on him, he had phased out of the way causing him to stumble. He looked over to him just in time for him to be thrown back hard against a car. Groaning as soon as he hit the pavement he looked up too see Seonghwa staring at him in a way that sent shivers down his spine. That was a lot considering what hells he has seen. “You don’t understand what I am doing for this world, for demons like you!” 

He tried to stand up then and before he got a chance Seonghwa sped over and pressed him back against the same car. A hand around his throat as he stared deep into his eyes. “S-Seonghwa…” He gritted out. 

“He is gone!” He shouted at him with venom dripping.

“He is not! I know he is in there. I know damn well he wouldn’t let anyone die without a fight, and you know that. You know that too… and you’re scared.” That caused the demon to smirk and Seonghwa’s face to falter. He let out a chuckle hiding the fact that he was trying to stay calm right now. “Isn’t that right Elaris…”

He was too quick despite all the distractions, he had sensed the creeping demons behind him and he dropped Hongjoong to encase the demons in the same vines. She must have been running out of ideas. Despite that though, the portal was still pulsing and ready to burst and everyone except him was bound. “Little witch! I don’t know how many times I have to beg…”

His gaze snapped to him again, the side of Seonghwa he had never seen before physically sent a shiver down his spine. He approached him and tilted his head. “You’ve begged enough… honestly I was trying to free all the demons, maybe I should send you back forever. Immobilis…”

As he tried to get up then before she could do more, he couldn’t move. The same spell Yeosang used on him. Damn witches and their damn spells. He looked at Seonghwa while gritting his teeth. “I’ll find a way back… little witch!” He said the best way he could without being able to move a muscle.

“Oh my… so hopeful…”

✩₊˚.⋆☾⋆⁺₊✧

All Seonghwa can remember is that he was in the same spot, unable to move. It was dark, he was kneeling, and his body was bound to the point where he couldn’t move. He remembers his eyes being closed as if he was half awake but on the border of sleep. All he has been doing was trying to figure out how to move, how to break free. No matter what he did he couldn’t move. He would hear things, things he couldn’t fully recall. Until he heard his voice again. “Seonghwa! You have time, fight it! Seonghwa!”

That was the only thing he had properly heard, he felt betrayal fill his gut then. Why was Hongjoong trying to empower him? He wanted this, he wanted to turn him in for his own selfish desires. He should have listened to San and Yeosang. He should have never wanted to push himself that day and summoned the stupid demon. He was foolish to think the demon wanted to help him.

He heard his voice again a little later, it had interrupted Elaris’s chanting. The one phrase he had grown to hate. However when he heard it this time he almost felt relief. that he was there. He wasn’t sure why but hearing him shout “little witch!” freed something, he was able to move his arm just the slightest. He tried it again shortly after but it was immediately tightened again. There was some hope, he just needed to pust past this barrier.

That was when he heard Hongjoong again. “I like the color red, I was born like every other human in a small village, and I don’t have any candy preferences but I’ve heard a Reese’s peanut butter cup is delicious.” The way he said it, it made Seonghwa actually open his eyes for a moment. The conversation they had in his car. He remembered and sounded genuine about everything. Why would he though? He never cared about him. Or maybe he did? Elaris took control again and felt his body constricted once more. 

“I know he likes the color blue, especially royal blue and he was born in Jinju. I know he cares deeply about his friends and even though he lost his mother years ago he tolerates how overbearing they are. He won’t tell me he feels alone but I know it just from our talks. I want him to experience life… when he’s barely lived it. I have so if you want anyone, take me..”

He felt strong then, shocked that the demon would even sacrifice himself. He felt the restraints slowly loosening, he just needed to keep pushing. He gritted his teeth when Elaris screeched and fought back. He could see through her eyes what was going on, his eyes widening seeing his friends. The vines tightening around them, they could be killed if he doesn’t do something soon. The more he pulled he felt no give, he strained so hard doing what he could to free himself. When she spoke the immobilize spell he looked up, he frowned seeing Hongjoong. 

Something in him snapped right before she could do anything.

Suddenly he stumbled forward in his own body, he panted looking at his hands and his surroundings. It was safe to say he was back, he still felt her presence so he needed to be quick. His eyes snapped to his friends and the other demons and with a wave of his hand the vines wilted away. Then he stared directly at Hongjoong, his eyes full of hurt and concern for the other. “Dimmitis…” He gritted out causing his body to fall from being released. She was crawling back and he knew he didn’t have much time. “GO! She’ll kill you…”

Hongjoong was quick to stand and he shook his head. “Not without you! Yeosang! San! Hurry!”

She had crawled right back and before he could fight her he was thrown back into where he was before. “NO!” It was his voice but also Elaris as she tried to stop them. He felt the constricting bindings again, he wasn’t going to let her take over again just like that. He broke out being able to give enough strength to speak. “GO NOW!”

He heard Yeosang beginning to chant the curse loudly and it caused Elaris to twitch inside of Seonghwa. Her fight and hold on him was weak, he could feel it and feel her concern. He watched as she turned immediately to the symbol and before anyone could catch on she broke it open.  Broke it open right as Yeosang finished the chant that caused Seonghwa’s body to fall as her soul was forced out of his body. He was back, but he felt weak, it didn’t stop him from seeing the symbol cracking open to reveal the biggest portal, they were too late.

He felt hands on his and when he looked up Wooyoung and Jongho were trying to get him away. He shook his head, he couldn’t stand by while everyone else fought, no matter how dizzy he felt. He watched as Yeosang and San chanted a spell and watched as Elaris’s spirit screeched in agony as she vanished. She was gone, but the portal to hell began to spill out demons. He felt one more tug from Jongho before he turned his fierce gaze to him. “I’m not leaving them to do this themselves. This is my mess, let me go to help them.”

When they hesitated he took that as an opportunity to run into the fight. They shouted but he didn’t look back. San noticed him first and he furrowed his eyebrows. “Seonghwa get out of here!”

“No! I’m here to help.” He argued.

“Seonghwa your body is weak, go!” Yeosang piped in. They both looked worriedly as Hongjoong, Yunho, and Mingi were eliminating each demon coming out. 

“NO! I need you trust me this one time… I want to help, I can help. Stop being so overprotective, I get it I have made mistakes and fucked up a couple times but I can’t stand aside while you guys get killed and I can’t do nothing about it!” The emotion in his voice was raw, it was from seeing everyone being attacked by Elaris. All he could do was stand there helplessly, now he was here to not let that happen again. 

San clenched his jaw before he sighed. He and Yeosang exchanged a knowing glance before they nodded. “Fine… we need to come up with a plan…” San said

“The portal is open, we have to take extreme measures, that simple spell before this isn’t going to do anything.” Yeosang added.

San nodded. “There is one extreme reversal spell but it’ll be a lot… there’s one more thing.”

Seonghwa looked at him, when he saw how he was looking at him he frowned. “What.”

“All demons have to go back, and sealed off for good.” Yeosang added.

That made Seonghwa’s heart drop, for good? That seemed a little drastic, he looked to Hongjoong then and an unfamiliar feeling crawled up in his chest. God, he was pissed at him, but he was the first one to genuinely not feel lonely. His friends were always there for him, but this lonely feeling oddly enough was fixed by Hongjoong. His friends saw his hesitance and they sighed. “Seonghwa it’s the only way.”

He knew that, god he knew they would mention that. He fought back the tears as he watched the demons send the demon back, nothing came out yet so the demon looked over then. “I need to talk to him first.”

“Make it quick, we don’t have much time.”

He nodded and when he looked back over he could tell the demon sensed something was off. He approached him slowly and when he did the tears fell out. “Why are you crying?” He asked

“You piss me off so much. You taunt me, you act nice, and then I find out you betrayed me. Do you understand how heartbroken I was, the fact I was told to not trust you and when I thought they were wrong, you proved them right.” He said to the demon, he was surprised he was bringing all this up now.

“Seonghwa…”

“Shut up.” He said sternly. He then let out a shaky sigh. “What pisses me off the most, despite you doing all those things, you still make me feel things that I shouldn’t. I want you but I can’t have you…” 

“What’s this about?” He asked in shock.

Seonghwa let out a shaky sigh then. “In order to close this portal, we have to do a reversal spell that seals it off for good.”

Hongjoong eyed him carefully, there was a conflicting emotion in his eyes. One that Seonghwa couldn’t even read even if he tried. They stood there in silence and he was about to tell him to say anything, but he did. “Seonghwa… if it is the only way….”

“You idiot, I just told you I basically like you and you’re telling me now that you are willing to go like that? Like it’s easy? Honestly, why do I even bother?! You should go back for all I care…”

He was cut off when he felt the other press his lips to his. His eyes widened in shock and his body rigid the second he pulled him close. He melted in his embrace then and he kissed him back for a moment just as the demon pulled back. He looked at him now quiet. “Is that the only way I can get you to stop yelling at me?” He asked with a smirk. “You think it’s easy for me?”

“Well it seems I’m wrong.” He said softly.

“I was never meant to be here in the first place. I messed up, and I’m sorry. If this is the only way to fix everything then I’ll go back.” He said softly.

Seonghwa frowned and felt the tears threatening to spill. Why was he immediately forgiving Hongjoong, the feeling of betrayal and confusion still tugged at his heart. He wanted more time, more time to forgive him. To give him a second chance eventually, but it seemed that wasn’t the case. 

“Seonghwa!” San shouted as a reminder.

Seonghwa glanced back and cursed under his breath. His lips still tingled in remembrance from the other’s kiss. He looked to Hongjoong who met his eyes and his hand gently rested on his cheek then. “You mustn’t waste more time.”

“I’ll try to find you again some day. I promise.” He said as he began to back up.

Hongjoong looked at him, a bittersweet and defeated look on his face. “Don’t rush into it. I will wait.”

Seonghwa looked away as he walked back, he couldn’t bear to look at him. Not now when he’ll never see him again, god he felt pathetic. He approached the other two witches who gave him a sympathetic look. “Let’s do this before it’s too late, it’s already an hour til midnight.” Yeosang said.

In order to do this reversal spell, all three of them had to gather around the portal that bursted with the neon purple light. They had to repeatedly chant the spell in sync while everything sucked back in. So they did, it was loud and they could hear each other shouting over the loud noise coming from the portal. It almost sounded like a gust of wind bursting through. As Seonghwa was chanting he noticed the bursting wind slowly beginning to reverse. It was working, they needed to keep going.

This spell took a lot of power and he could see it with the other two, he had to keep pushing though even if it fought back against them. He gritted his teeth and gave it all he got, pushed as hard as he could. He noticed while doing that the portal had began to repair itself. They had to keep pushing, he felt weak almost dizzy.

Not yet, keep pushing.

Almost there.

That’s when he noticed Mingi and Yunho out of the corner of his eye. They glowed as they slowly began to dissipate into the portal. He gave them one last apologetic look as they were sucked in, then his eyes went to Hongjoong. The look on his face was sad but at the same time he had accepted his fate. Seonghwa gritted his teeth pushing back while watching him. “Not too bad for a little witch…” He called out. He started to glow too as his body was calling him to go back. He glanced back and then to Seonghwa. “I’ll see you around.”

Seonghwa let out a gasp at how fast he went in. He couldn’t even reply before he disappeared just like that. He couldn’t be distracted now, they were so close. So he pushed the last bit of effort he had to shouting the reversal spell and closing the portal. As soon as it was closed for good his body gave out on him and he fell to his knees. He felt dizzy as he recovered then, catching his breath. They had done it, but he didn’t feel a sense of relief. 

His mind was on Hongjoong then, that promise he said as he disappeared just minutes before. They both knew they’d see each other again but he wasn’t sure how long it would be before it would even happen. He wouldn’t stop practicing until then, he would find a way to safely bring him back.

He felt a warm hand on his shoulder, he looked up to see San. Concern laced through his features, he reassured him as he pushed himself back up on his feet, he was exhausted but he wasn’t going to faint. Not again. He felt a familiar black cat brush against his leg and Jongho had also hurried over. When he looked around, he knew they had stopped everything from happening. They would be safe, for now.

✩₊˚.⋆☾⋆⁺₊✧

A whole year had passed since the incident. The disaster was so severe that the upper witch council had a lot of fixing to do. All three of them got a scolding of a lifetime, but they were commended for sealing the portal for good. Needless to say, no one but the witches knew what happened that Halloween.

Seonghwa had gotten much better at his craft, with his friends a bit more understanding on how he felt, they helped. Dare he say it, he was slightly better than them combined. He kept his mouth shut though, and didn't want to make them feel too bad about it. After all, he was a humble witch.

He stood in his home, which was thankfully fixed right after the incident. Memories of the ogre demon tearing it up still cross his mind here and there. Thankfully he wouldn’t have to worry about that creature ever again. He pulled his slightly longer hair back as he stared at the book in front of him. This was definitely a better book to study than the grimoire, San had sworn about it.

“And you swear this will do the trick?” Seonghwa asked nervously looking at the page he opened.

San nodded with his dimpled grin on display. Today was a big day for Seonghwa, he was excited for him. “Yes, as long as you follow the steps.”

“And no portals will be opened?”

“Just one, and it’ll bring you what you want.”

Seonghwa let out a deep and shaky breath before nodding. This was it, this was the moment he had been looking for since the day after everything had happened. He had picked up the book and turned to the symbol he drew, it was different than a year ago, not as intense as what the grimoire made him draw. He held out his hand and began chanting the spell.

“Per umbram ambulavi, per flammam solutus, Non daemonem voco, sed unum. Corde vinctum, non maledictione aut catena, Ad me per amorem, non dolorem, revertere. Ubi astra dividuntur et silentium texitur, Nullus mundus retineat quod amor credit.”

He had repeated the chant a couple times, calling out to the demon almost. His heart being deep within his chant. He almost worried maybe he wasn’t doing it right when he didn’t see anything or anyone. Feeling defeated he was about to stop when he saw the symbol glow in front of him. A bright white made Seonghwa widen his eyes. “Continue, it’s working!”

He listened to San and continued it until right in front of them, stood the demon. His back faced away but when he realized where he was he turned a little too quick. He was shocked staring at Seonghwa and San. “You did it… without the grimoire?”

Seonghwa smirked as he held up the book in hand. “I’ve been practicing demon.” He felt relief swell in his chest to the point where he had to resist the tears. He had moved on from the betrayal, he had learned to understand the demon was changed. What matters now was he was back.

San smiled fondly. “I’ll give you guys some space.”

As soon as they were alone Hongjoong stepped forward. He observed Seonghwa for a second and that made Seonghwa flush at how intense he looked at him then. “Is there something on my face?”

Hongjoong smiled then, a big smile showing off his white teeth. “No, your perfect little witch. You’ve just changed so much.”

Seonghwa tilted his head. “I’m still me.”

Hongjoong chuckled then. “I agree, you still are my little witch…”

The End