[note: henlo. i'm feeling a bit down about this fic. i feel like it isn't that good and i might drop this? idek anymore. i feel like it's trash or smth so yeah, expect that it'll just disappear in all of the sudden. sorry.:<]

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THE young prophet sat on his well-built throne as he looked at the people who bowed down to him, he can't help but feel the burden of every single being that is present on the sacred place. But his own locked with one person's brown orbs and he lets out a small smile towards him, the other male's smile was wider though.

He was known as the country's eccentric alchemist-in-the-making, that's him. The one that the prophet has been together with ever since they were born, both proud of their friendship and boasting how long have they've been together. Being each other's pillars and strength whenever one of them is down.

"Let's listen to the recent premonition from our respected Chosen One," one of the men that is accompanying him stated.

The prophet took a deep breath as he recited the words that doesn't even have a certainty at all "The weather will be alright for the next days and our crops will be better because of the blessings that we've got from the Gods. Continue giving them the sacrifices and this will last for the whole month. Also, birth rates will definitely increase as the female',s fertility would definitely grant us more children."

"That's the good ones and here's a not-good one, intruders will be attempting to attack our country. We must prevent them on causing bloodshed to our sacred land or else, the Gods will be disappointed and will lessen their blessings. These intruders are after the royalty and of course, yours truly's life." The prophet added, not changing his expression even with the fact that his life is also in stake with his own premonition, "Take care of yourselves and don't trust the foreigners too much. As much as we're known to be a hospitable country, we should be wary of the outsiders."

The other men continued to talk along with the royalty's duke about the other topics that they should be announcing to the people that attended which includes the new rules and some altering from the old ones. The prophet just kept himself silent, stealing glances to his alchemist friend that seems to be worried for him.

It ended and when everyone left, the prophet was assisted by his men when he was knocked down to the ground and groaned in pain. He can feel something wet staining his clothes and when he opened his eyes, he saw a familiar shade of hair that he likes to ruffle then looked at his men. They didn't even tried to help him at all because they're so used to this scene for years.

"Hey, what's the matter?" the prophet asked, sitting up as he embraced the alchemist.

The alchemist kept on sobbing as he looked up, meeting the prophet's gaze "Y-You. Why are you so selfless?"

"I'm nothing but someone that can see the future of this country, dear. I am not worthy of being protected." the prophet replies, smiling sadly at his friend

"Don't say it like that!" the alchemist cried out, hugging him tighter.

"Dear, I've been telling you this again and again. Our priority is this country's well-being and sacrifices are made," the prophet stated while slowly rubbing his hand on the alchemist's hand, "It's selfless but it's for the sake of everyone."

"Who gives a shit about them?! Learn to love yourself even just a bit!" the alchemist kept on bursting his emotions out.

"Calm down," the prophet stated as he started to become worried of the younger male then looked at his men, "You can leave me now. I'll be on the hanging gardens with him."

"We'll be near your carriage, sire." one of the men stated before turning their backs on them.

The prophet's men are already aware of these two's friendship since they weren't really able to separate themselves ever since they became friends. They also trusted the alchemist to protect the prophet with all of his lifespan, aware of how the alchemist would do everything just to keep the prophet safe. When the men are out of their sight, the prophet planted a soft kiss on the alchemist's forehead which made him look up to the older male.

"Let's proceed on the gardens, shall we?" the prophet asked, smiling sweetly at him.

The alchemist stood up and helped the prophet as he looked away, "Sorry for dirtying your clothes."

"It's alright, dear." The prophet entwined his hands along with the alchemist, "Let's go."

They took their time to arrive on the safety zone, smiling in delight as they say on one of the swings made from the finest wood in their country as the phoenix above them kept on flying and singing a melody that calms even the disastrous soul out there. The prophet took a glance at the alchemist and he can't help but feel hurt when he saw how sad he is right now, calm but the sadness coming from him is too much.

"My beloved," the prophet mutters before planting an another kiss on the alchemist's forehead, "Please don't be sad."

"How?" the alchemist's voice was shaking and one wrong word from the prophet will make him cry.

"I'm still here. You don't need to be worried," the prophet said as he entwined both of their hands while looking at each other, "I will see how you become a well-known alchemist. I will continue on living with you and your silly antics. I'll still be here to hear your hyena-like laughs and I'll be here.. here for you."

"But I'm worried.. what if they'll attack you first because you're this country's prophet?" the alchemist's hands kept on shaking in fear.

"I'll be protected by my men. Fear not,darling." the prophet chuckles as he smiled towards the alchemist, "I'll live. I can see what's going to happen in the future, right? Then I can escape from Death's grip anytime."

"Yes, you can." the alchemist took a deep breathe before looking straight in the prophet's eyes, "But you're as selfless as a saint."

"What is that supposed to mean?" the prophet tilted his head.

The alchemist pouted his lips, "It means that you won't even hesitate on trying to save the people in danger and Death might get you because of that."

"Darling, hush. Stop worrying about the future and focus on the present, okay?" the prophet stated in a calm tone before leaning close to the alchemist, "I'll be here for you. No matter what happens, I'll be here."

"Promise?" the alchemist mutters.

The prophet chuckled once again and nods, "I promise."

The alchemist smiled as he closed the gap that is separating them, letting their lips touch as he closed his eyes. Maybe he's actually overthinking a lot of stuff lately and wasn't able to enjoy his life. Maybe he should loosen up and let fate decide on what should happen.

If only he knew that he should've stayed alert.

----

[june 10,20××, second day]

HONGJOONG opened his eyes and he stretched his whole body, satisfied after sleeping for more than four hours for the first time ever since this incident happened. He immediately took some clothes from his bag and decided to take a shower, feeling the sweat makes him irritated. And he looked at the mirror, making an annoyed grumble when his dark circles are too obvious and he got thinner. He should take some rest after this shitty incident because it's going to take a toll on his health-most likely, Seonghwa would be the first one to assist him on getting healthier after this.

He went out of his and Seonghwa's shared room, heading to their headquarters just to see Wooyoung looking at a necklace with such loving eyes. But as he saw Hongjoong, he immediately changed his expression and smiled a bit.

"Hello, hyung." the younger male greeted him.

"Good morning, Wooyoung!" Hongjoong greeted him back as he sat on one of the swivel chair that they've stolen on the mall, "So what happened during the hours that I'm in dreamland?"

"Not that much," Wooyoung replies, "We're okay on our stocks again and it might last us for three days with that."

"But aren't we critical on the medicines?" Hongjoong asked, raising an eyebrow.

"Not anymore," Wooyoung replies.

Hongjoong blinked in confusion, "Huh? Why?"

"The traitor got it for us," Wooyoung stated while rolling his eyes, "Acting up without even using his brain. Such a pathetic loser."

"Hey, hold on. Stop badmouthing Yeosang," Hongjoong scolded the younger male that just scoffed, "What happened?"

"They barged into the pharmacy and Emily slashed his neck, he almost died just to play hero because the fucking bitch is about to get both Jongho and him so he sacrificed himself without even hesitating." Wooyoung clenched his fists in annoyance, "Selfless as ever."

"Oh. Now I know why you're fuming," Hongjoong said as he laughed, "You're worried about Yeosang."

"Am not!" Wooyoung shouts, puffing his cheeks in annoyance.

"Yes you are~" Hongjoong stated, laughing once again before he took a deep breath "So, how is he?"

"Unconcious for now. San said that it was just a scratch and he patched it up already," Wooyoung replied, crossing his arms.

"Why don't you visit him? Maybe he's awake by now?" Hongjoong asked.

Wooyoung furiously shook his head, "Never."

"Fine." Hongjoong immediately gave up he knew how hard it is to convince Wooyoung when he's being stubborn "Just inform me about the latest update about this shitty incident."

"The blackened ones have infiltrate the mall and that's why Yeosang and Jongho have to get medicines on the pharmacy despite Emily guarding the area and Yunho along with San have to go to convenience stores. It seems that they knew that we've been scavenging food and literally surrounded the mall to prevent us on getting the resources that we needed." Wooyoung immediately showed the papers with neatly typed words from the typewriter that they found in the factory's basement.

"So they're aware of that already and is waiting for us to be desperate enough for resources and get our dumb selves to danger by attempting to raid the mall?" Hongjoong massaged his temples, he's not ready to deal with thus bullshit "Any news on the blackened ones?"

"Still searching the whole area for the Eve," Wooyoung replies casually as he stood from the chair, "I think you should discuss about the invasion on the library with Seonghwa-hyung already. It's been the fifth day and I don't even know if the others can handle this anymore."

"Don't worry, Wooyoung. We'll do our best to get ourselves out of here," Hongjoong stated, assuring the younger male that is already on his way out of the room.

Hongjoong sighed. He can't handle this alone. But he should work hadd and grit his teeth for the sake of everyone else. He'll save them. He'll do everything to save them from this nightmare. He can't do much but provide a safe haven in this hellhole but he promised that he'll do everything to protect all of them.

~°~•~°~

THE moment that Yeosang opened his eyes, he felt so warm. It wasn't like the warm from their heater or the warm from the hot springs. It was the warmth that he hasn't felt before but it gave him a nostalgic feeling. It's the warmth that he's yearning for.

And on the moment that he opened his eyes, he saw a pair of eyes that is looking at him while arms are wrapped around him. He blinked a few times before realizing that it's San that's currently looking at him and embracing him, the younger male smiles at him and Yeosang can't help but feel the relaxing warmth from the blond male.

"Good afternoon, Yeosang." the blond greeted Yeosang, still not letting go of the brunette.

"Afternoon?" Yeosang asked.

San nods, "You've been knocked out for like... eighteen hours? You've passed out around 9 P.M. last night when the blackened nurse slashed your neck."

"Eighteen hours?" Yeosang mutters then widened his eyes in shock when he remembers the blackened nurse and the blood that splattered out of his neck, making him gasp.

"Hey, calm down." As if San's words have an effect on him, everything started to feel fuzzy and he isn't scared anymore- feeling the warmth comforting him "It's alright. You're safe now, Yeosang."

"I t-thought that I was a goner.." Yeosang muttered, closing his eyes.

"But you weren't." San smiled wider as one of his hands travelled from Yeosang's back up to his cheek to hold it with gentle and care, "You saved Jongho too. You've done well. You've worked hard, Yeosang."

"I'm glad that Jongho's alright." Yeosang smiles in relief, enjoying the warmth that he's feeling.

San snuggled closer to Yeosang, making the older male smile in delight. The more that San gets closer, he feels getting giddier. He can't understand why San makes him feel like this after experiencing how it is to feel like you're dead for almost a decade- San makes him feel alive.

"Yeosang-hyung, we should head to the rooftop. They're currently observing the blackened ones up there," San stated as he lets go of the brunette, almost making Yeosang whine when all of the warmth disappeared, "Since you're still weak from what happened last night, I prepared a hot bath for you. It's a good thing that we've managed to steal a bathtub on the mall a few days before you've arrived."

"What?" Yeosang asked, "Stole it?"

"Indeed. A bathtub, some swivel chairs, a nice table, lots of mattress and pillows, lamps and even a laptop." San boasted as he put both of his hands on his waist.

"In the middle of an incident like this?" Yeosang asked.

San nodded, "Yes. It was difficult because there are blackened ones lurking around but we've managed to kill them before they're even able to see us! Me and Wooyoung's combo attack while the others carry the stuff. We've lost some citizens because of that and we've made an oath not to do that again."

"Oh."

"Do you need help with standing up or anything?" San asks.

Yeosang nods, "Yes please. I-Is it alright?"

San smiles really wide and nodded as if he's anticipating for it, "Of course, it is!"

San carefully carried the brunette and took him to the room's bathroom as he slowly put the older male down, helping him on standing up which made Yeosang feel embarrassed because he was being helped on doing simple stuff. He felt like he's a burden but whenever he looks at San, all of the negative thoughts seems to disappear. He was used to getting drowned on negativity yet when this blond male's around, everything seems to disappear and he's not used to this.

"Are you okay now? Do you even need help on stripping your clothes?" San asked, smirking at the brunette.

Yeosang can't help but felt like he's blushing really hard right now, "N-No!"

San chuckles, "Alright."

"Thank you," Yeosang replies.

San lets out an another sweet smile towards the brunette, "I'll be outside. Take your time as I fix some stuff on the room. Use the spare towel here, the pink one."

San closed the door as Yeosang looked at the bathtub filled with with bubbles in it and he can't help but chuckle softly when he saw a rubber ducky in it, he slowly put his hand in the bath and noticed that it's warm as he smiled in delight. He discarded his clothes as he slowly entered the bath, sighing in relief as the bath made him feel comfortable. He felt so fuzzy and warm that he kept on smiling, not even wanting to get out of it.

This is weird. Yeosang thought because he was used to feel numb for a long time yet that kindness coming from San is different. The anger and disappointment that he felt from Wooyoung is different. He can't help but feel nostalgic towards everyone that he have interacted in this factory as if they have been a part of his life just like what they've told you. This warm feeling feels so good but I'm scared.

Yeosang has been empty for a long time and now that he have been filled with different emotion makes him panic, not used to something like this. It's like he's alive and just like any of those normal humans.

He knew that he wasn't an ordinary one. With all those security and therapies, he knew that something's wrong with him. And this is what he's going to do in this place, with his hometown being the only forbidden place for him to go, he took the opportunity to arrive here and know the truth behind his existence and the forgotten memories yet he was welcomed with such an incident.

Yeosang just sighed as he lets himself lie down on the bath, eyes half-lidded because of the warmth that comforts him. Maybe it's alright to be comfortable for now, he'll deal with everything later.

•••
note pt. 2
just a filler chapter and yes, i suck at writing. sorry about that :< if there's anyone readinv this.. uh.. thank ya kindly :>