Yeosang looked at the three male in front of him, their glowing orbs glinting with hope and worry. The brunette couldn’t understand why are they so desperate on saving someone like him, he was already sealed in such a cruel fate that none of them can go against with. There are times that he wanted to ask why must he live in such a cruel life like this, wondering why must he suffer again and again.

Why does it have to be like this?

Why am I supposed to live a life like this?

Why must every moment that I want to last ends in such a laughable situation?

He couldn’t help but look away from the three, making them flinch a bit when they saw Yeosang’s hurt expression. He envied them, them who had a chance to continue their lives while he already has a time limit that he couldn’t get away from. The green eyes of jealousy taking over him as he watches over the people that future awaits while he’s standing in the same place, his wrists and ankles shackled to the cruel fate that is creeping behind him.

“Yeosang?” He heard Seonghwa’s soft voice along with a bunch of footsteps getting louder.

“I’m sorry, everyone.”

“Hey, I don’t know why you’re apologizing but lemme tell you this. You’re probably feeling bad because of this situation but listen, you’ve done nothing wrong.” Wooyoung nonchalantly states, crossing his arms “I’m sorry if I have to be blunt but now’s not the time for this kind of situation. You’ve told us that you’ll be picking someone from the three of us so just choose quickly.”

“I can’t.”

“Excuse me?”

“Woo, I can’t pick anyone. I don’t want to leave anyone out of this, the three of you are everything that I have.”

Wooyoung can’t help but feel like his face is heating up because of what he heard from Yeosang “W-What? Don’t blurt out stuff like that as if it doesn’t mean anything!”

“But I mean it! I really can’t choose from any of you!” Yeosang blurted out, his hand clutching on his sweater.

“But didn’t you just said that someone must be left behind?!”

“Woo, stop screaming already.” Seonghwa scolded him with a light chop towards the raven-haired male’s head.

“I can’t choose. I’m sorry for being this weak.”

“Who says that you’re weak just because you weren’t able to choose from any of us?” San, who has been silent the entire time decides to speak out, getting all of their attention “You’re strong, Yeosang. And the fact that you’re still here with us proves how strong you are, everything that you’ve been through is already a warzone and you’ve survived that.”

“San..”

“I believe that you’re strong. Please stop saying that you’re weak, Yeosang. Because there are people that believes  on your strength and I’m one of those people,” San stated as he gently held Yeosang’s face, smiling a bit “You’re strong, Yeosang.”

“You’re so kind, San.”

San chuckles, pulling his hand away from the brunette’s face “Calling a demon ‘kind’ is kind of weird but then again, guess I’m an eccentric one.”

Wooyoung faked a cough, making everyone look at him “As much as the two of you are endearlingly sweet, we should be making a plan already.”

“Party pooper.” San stuck his tongue out and glared at the raven-haired male.

“Hey. Don’t argue,” Seonghwa scolded the two of them as he giggled, “But Wooyoung's right, we shouldn’t be wasting any moment now. How are we going to do this?”

“Should we face the monster already? The artifact is with them too,” Yeosang suggested.

San nods, “We should face it as soon as possible but..”

“These monsters are also going to interfere with our plans,” Wooyoung said, pointing at the creatures covered in goo that was crawling towards their direction, “As much as I’d agree on staying together, we can’t do that at all. We need to prevent these bastards from interfering with us.”

“Ah, too troublesome. I guess that it can’t be helped..” Seonghwa glanced towards their direction and smiles, “I’ve been facing that bastard inside for centuries already so instead of battling him for the umpteenth time, I’ll hold these wrenched creatures off. The three of you should go ahead.”

The three of them looked at Seonghwa with bewildered eyes, surprised that the eldest one decided to back off despite being the one that had been able to take the village chief and the elders down for centuries. Seonghwa can’t help but laugh at the trio’s reaction, making them frown.

“Seriously, you three. It’s better to head off now because you’re about to see a hideous version of me.”

“Hideous? In what angle? You’re literally a person that seems to be loved by the Gods that they’ve sculptured your entire being to become a perfect one!” San exclaimed.

“Thank you for the compliment but I really mean it, I’m about to do something risky for the first time.” Seonghwa glanced at Yeosang’s direction, sending him a sweet smile “Hey, Sang. Remember what I’ve told you about one of our past lives?”

“About me being a prince and you being a dragon?” Yeosang asks, blinking twice in confusion as he saw Seonghwa’s gentle expression.

Seonghwa nods, “Yes. That’s it. I’m about to transform into one right now but I really don’t want you to see me in that state, it’s too hideous.”

San noticed how Seonghwa grimaced and he rolled his eyes, “That’s bullshit. Despite being cursed, the gods favor you a lot so I think that it’s one hell of a magnificent dragon!”

“San’s right!” Wooyoung agrees, nodding “Park Seonghwa looking hideous? Not in a million years.”

Yeosang can’t help but chuckle at how the others had been acting, “I might not remember but I agree to these two, there’s no way that you’ll be looking hideous. Park Seonghwa, even if you turn into something, you’ll still look dazzling as ever.”

“You flatter me too much,” Seonghwa said, sighing as he looked at the creatures that’s about to approach them, “The three of you needs to go, we shouldn’t waste time.”

“He’s right. Let’s go, fellas.” Wooyoung urged before giving Seonghwa one last look, “Be careful, hyung.”

The other two said the same as they’ve entered the portal, leaving Seonghwa to deal with the creatures. The grimoire in his hand floats above him as he started to activate the spell, the grimoire turning into black as the male lets out a pained laugh.

“If I wouldn’t be strong enough then doing something that’s against the rules is the only way to deal with these monsters,” Seonghwa said as he can feel his consciousness fading, “I wouldn’t be too aware of everything aside from destroying these creatures unless someone stops me. San better get his ass back here to do that or else, I’m going to be in grave danger.”

The moment that the trio arrived inside the dimension, San had changed himself into his demon form as he detected the monster's whereabouts. Yeosang held to the scarf that covers his neck and took a deep breath, everything is about to end and he have to choose a happy ending for them. He was in deep thought that Wooyoung tapping his shoulder made him flinch, making the younger male tilt his head in confusion.

“Yeo, are you okay?”

“Sorry for spacing out, Woo. I’m just worried about Hwa..”

Wooyoung sighs, “Same thing but I knew that Seonghwa wouldn’t do something too risky for him to endanger himself.”

“We should defeat that damn bastard at the end of this dimension then get ourselves back to Seonghwa,” San said as he clenched his fists, “First thing’s first. Eliminate the one that started this curse.”

“San’s right. We should hurry,” Wooyoung urged as he held Yeosang’s hand, “Hold my hand tight so you wouldn’t get scared too much.”

“How dare you make a move on him while I’m just in front of you?” San raised an eyebrow, glaring at the raven-haired male.

“Your fault for being too slow.” Wooyoung stuck his tongue out playfully.

“C-Cut that out. Let’s go already,” Yeosang said, immediately stopping the argument that’s about to start from these two.

“You’re lucky that Yeosang is here or else, I’ll beat your ass.” San mumbled as he started walking.

“Take that, loser!” Wooyoung cackled as Yeosang just sighed at his bestfriend’s silly antics.

San leads the way as he kept on sensing the surroundings in case a trap or a surprise attack might suddenly appear as he held his katana tightly. He chose to use his demon form instead of his part-kitsune form in order to move in such a flexible way and make sure that he’ll be able to protect the two. He knows that despite Wooyoung acting so calm, he’s also sensing his surroundings while making Yeosang feel at ease. Despite the jealousy that he felt, he’s still thankful of the necromancer for being like that in a situation like this.

San’s red eyes glowed as he can finally see the creature that they’ve been looking for, baring his fangs at it. Wooyoung finally lets go of Yeosang’s hand, his rainbow-colored eyes glowing brighter as a bunch of golden chains appeared from the several portals as if it’s about to attack the pile of blue and black goo with some limbs and flesh sticking out of it.

“You’ve finally arrived. It seems that you’re willing to put up a fight just to keep Eve for yourselves.”

“Tough luck, buddy. We’re not giving him to the likes of you,” San said, grinning as he lets out a laugh.

“We’ll finally get rid of you,” Wooyoung which seems to be the rascal one, stated it in such a calm way.

“You wouldn’t be able to defeat us! This is our hatred! Our vengeance!”

“Everything has an end and unfortunately, your time has come.” Wooyoung stated, smiling slightly before glancing at Yeosang, “You can help us out by making barriers from blood. Protect yourself too, okay?”

Yeosang nods, “I won’t be a nuisance here.”

“You’ve never been one, Yeosangie.” San said as he smirked, “Let’s beat this loser’s ass!”

“Let’s see if you’ll be able to defeat us! We have the power of our God and hatred in our side!”

“Whatever, let’s end this already.” Wooyoung stated in such a cold tone as a staff made out of gold and silver had materialized in his right hand, “We’re going to eliminate you and that’s final.”

“I’m getting a bit nervous on how the two of you seems to change personalities in all of the sudden,” Yeosang muttered as he smiled slightly, “But just like what you’ve said, let’s end this already.”

“How confident. Let’s see how long will that confidence lasts..” The pile of blackened ones started to chant something as the goo’s form slowly changed into a giant serpent, “Imbeciles! You’ll never get rid of us! We’ll get our Eve back!”

“Hey, San.”

“What, Wooyoung?”

“Let’s show him what the WooSan combination can do,” Wooyoung said as a scary grin was plastered in his face.

San grinned as he nodded, “Sure! Let’s show him that he shouldn’t mess with the WooSan combi!”

“I’ll never let you do that!”

San immediately charged towards the snake as spikes appeared in the ground, making the blond male evade them as Wooyoung wrecked them with the chains from the portals, Yeosang creating a barrier to protect San from the attacks. The serpent hissed in annoyance as its tail is about to crush San but with the demon’s flexibility, it was able to dodge and tried to slash it.

“Fuck!” San gritted his teeth as he leaped backwards, “My katana isn’t able to cut them.”

“Fool! Our scales is from our joined hatred! This hatred of ours wouldn’t be able to be cut by any of your weapons!”

“Wooyoung! Try something!” San screams.

“On it!” Wooyoung said as the chains tried to cut through the scales but to no avail, it just bounced back “It’s not working.”

“How are you going to defeat something that you wouldn’t even be able to hurt?” the serpent mocked, “Give us the Eve and we’ll spare the two of you.”

“Ha? Are you deaf or just plain stupid?” San said, raising an eyebrow “We already told you that we’ll never give him to the likes of you, dickheads!”

“You’ll regret this!”

“Oh. No, we won’t! We won’t let you ruin Yeosang’s life! You’ve already done a lot!” Wooyoung gritted his teeth as he glared at the serpent, preparing to cast an another spell.

“How stubborn. All of you. If you won’t hand us the Eve then we’ll take him by force!”

Spikes appeared from the ground once again as Yeosang casted an another barrier, protecting the three of them as they kept on attacking the serpent just for it to deflect the attacks because of its sturdy scales. San kept on dashing from side to side as he kept on trying to injure the monster even if it’s just a little slice in order to cut it up. Unfortunately, the blond seems to be unaware of the tail that’s about to hit him in seconds.

“Damn it, San!” San gasped when he felt like he was being dragged by Wooyoung’s chain from an another direction to evade the incoming attack.

“Thanks, Wooyoung!” San grins, showing his white fangs as he went beside him “Got any plans? We can’t stab or cut right through it.”

“We can’t get rid of it from the outside.” They looked at Yeosang which seems to fix his gaze on the serpent itself, “As sturdy as it is, there must’ve been a blind spot for it.”

“You’re right, Yeo.” Wooyoung agrees, “It should be something that isn’t covered by the scales.”

“Then it means that we should hit it from the inside, but how can we even get there without us getting eaten by that disgusting creature?” San asks, raising an eyebrow as he looked at his two companions.

Yeosang sighs, “First, attack its eyes. It wouldn’t be able to see and it’ll be an advantage to us then launch an attack in it mouth.”

“I see.” Wooyoung nodded before glancing at the monster, “I actually need an idea but before that, I need both of your cooperation on this.”

“On it.”

Wooyoung took a deep breath, “San, let’s attack on different sides. Make sure that its attention is on us.”

“Alright!” The blond chirps.

After discussing the plan, San’s katana materialized into a longer one, oozing with dark magic in it as Wooyoung materialized a dual sword for himself. One was coated in gold while the other one’s silver, both seems to be made by the greatest blacksmith that ever existed. Yeosang can’t help but be amused at how his other friends are going all out yet he can’t help but worry for their well-being because he knows how exhausting it is to use magic. He knew that they have to get rid of the monster as soon as possible or else, they’ll be drained from their own magic and meet their end in this place.

“One.”

“Two.”

“Three.”

“Let’s go!” Wooyoung and San screamed in unison before launching themselves towards the serpent in different sides.

Yeosang doesn’t want that to happen. Wooyoung and San deserves better, they deserve to be happy and safe. Yeosang just dragged everyone in this curse, if only he didn’t accepted Yunho’s hand and get himself back to his friends, they wouldn’t be in a situation like this. In the end, it’s all his fault.

“Attacking on different sides? How foolish. Do you think that just because you’ve outnumbered us, you can defeat us? How pathetic of you!” the monster mockef as it swings it tail towards Wooyoung’s direction, making the male evade it and get himself pulled by his chains.

“Wooyoung, just keep on attacking him once that you’re near this piece of shit!”

“San, I know!”

“Be careful for its tail and for its head!” San screams as he tried to slash some of the scales but it was just too sturdy. It makes him annoyed at how these people’s hatred could be as powerful as this is, if only they’re in the real dimension, he could’ve pulverized them already.

Wooyoung, on the other hand, had been evading the attack of the monsters using the tail and tried to slice on the other side just for his attacks to be deflected “We can’t hurt him here! It’s their dimension!”

“Let’s just keep on doing it until we can get an opening!”

The serpent let out a mocking laugh as the two kept on attacking him on different side, “Give up and give us the Eve instead. You’ll never be able to hurt us with this puny attacks, you’re just going to run out of energy and we’ll crush the two of you.”

“Just try and you’ll regret it.”

The serpent was about to turn its head towards Yeosang when it felt a sharp pain from its left eye, black and blue goo splattered around as it let out a scream in pain, writhing too much. Unfortunately, it was trashing too much that its tail managed to hit Wooyoung and San as they’ve been thrown away towards the fleshy wall, groaning in pain because of the impact. Wooyoung almost let out a wail as he felt like his rib was broken but bit his lips and tried to focus on the monster.

The moment that he met Yeosang’s gaze is the moment that he knew Yeosang is about to snap, the fear and worry that Yeosang shows with bi-colored eyes. The despair that was plastered in his face as he witnessed how his and San’s body was thrown away as if it’s just a crumpled paper. The monster kept on screaming, making Yeosang glare in it. Raising the bow that was coated with crimson red as if it was blood, an huge crimson arrow materialized and Yeosang gritted his teeth as the arrow hits the mouth of the serpent, stabbing the back of its throat.

“It hurts! It hurts!”

“San! Burn it with fire! Now!” Wooyoung managed to cry out as he coughed up blood.

“Woo!”

He glanced at Yeosang as he was struggling on standing up, “Don’t worry about me that much, Y-Yeo. Finish this wrench first.”

San, which seems to be limping immediately casted a fire spell and made it land into the serpent’s mouth “Blue flames that doesn’t just burn the vessel but also the soul and drags it to the deepest part of hell. This is my payback, motherfucker.”

“It burns! No!”

“It hurts!”

“Make it stop!”

“I’m getting burned once again. No!”

“Monsieur, save us!”

“Monsieur!”

“These children mocked you and our intentions!”

“It burns! Make it stop already!”

“We have to get the Eve! They’ll make it stop!”

Lots of different voices were heard from the serpent monster as the blue flames started to consume it, Yeosang can’t help but feel scared as its right eye met his gaze and in a second, lots of spikes have appeared in the ground. Yeosang was a second late on casting a barrier for the three of them as it pierced and caused a cut but luckily, none of it was fatal. But they’ve already had too much injuries and about to run out of magic, they need to exterminate this monster as soon as possible.

“Wooyoung, can you still cast some of those chains and bind them so they won’t trash too much? I know that you’re too injured but if they hit us with its tail, the barrier will disperse since Yeosang’s about to run out of magic from casting too much barrier!” San said as he growls at the serpent.

“Roger that! Just make it fast!” Wooyoung coughed out blood once again when the chains appeared and wrapped itself around the serpent, making it screech more.

“I’ll bring them down to hell.” San’s eyes glowed as they can feel his energy surging towards the serpent and the flames spreads throughout the serpent.

San started to chant as his horns grew longer and something that seems to be ancient writings and patterns appeared on his skin, Wooyoung and Yeosang watched as the serpent kept on asking for help and screaming for Monsieur until it was burnt into crisps. Yeosang can’t help but feel relieved, the creatures that made his life miserable for centuries already disappeared. The ones that cursed him and Seonghwa was finally defeated, tears started spilling from his eyes as he felt like the needle that was pricked in his heart was finally removed.

With his remaining strength, Yeosang went to Woo and carefully went to San as the dimension starts to crumble. The trio held hands and hoped for the best and with a blink of an eye, they’re back in the Kang manor’s yard. Yeosang looked around and was hoping for the azure skies and the starts that accompany the lonely moon just for his hope to get crushed as soon as possible.

“Why?”

The eyes and the fleshy ground disappeared but it’s still the starless sky and they’re just back on the town, seeing that the other side was already engulfed by the fire. They can’t help but feel uneasy with the quietness of the area, not even spotting Seonghwa around.

“What’s happening? Why isn’t the town going back to normal?” Wooyoung muttered.

“Woo, just sit down for a while and let Yeosang heal you a bit. I’ll check. Stay alert.” San stated as put his hand on the ground, sensing the area “I can’t sense any blackened ones but there’s something wrong with the town.”

“Where’s Hwa?” Yeosang said as he was healing Wooyoung’s injury a bit, seeing how his magic is starting to fade — a sign that he used it too much.

“If Wooyoung can stand up then let’s look for hyung.”

“I can manage..”

Despite Wooyoung’s response, they still helped him stand up and started to walk around the yard as they looked for Seonghwa. The crimson red-colored skies with eyes seems to fade slowly along with the flesh that covered the ground. There’s still not a sign of Seonghwa, making Yeosang worry for his soulmate. He can still sense the older male but it’s too faint, they had to find Seonghwa as soon as possible.

“There’s something wrong with the entire area,” San muttered as he looked around, “I can sense Seonghwa but I can’t locate his whereabouts.”

“Likewise, Sanie. It’s quite faint too, he must’ve used his powers too much. He probably needs our help,” Yeosang replies, still attempting to sense Seonghwa around the manor.

“H-He’s still around the manor. That’s all that I can say,” Wooyoung whispered as he kept on gasping whenever he took a step “I agree with the two of you. Seonghwa could’ve been easy to locate because of his powerful life force but we can’t even find him.”

“I wonder where he is right now,” San said as they kept on walking while assisting Wooyoung.

“I have a bad feeling about this.” Yeosang is getting anxious of their current situation, the dimension is disappearing in such an agonizingly slow way as if they’re still not able to get rid of one thing.

“I feel like I’m going to pass out,” Wooyoung blurted out as he kept on gasping for air.

“Hang in there, we’re still trying to replenish our energy in order to heal you a bit.” San can’t help but look at the youngest in worry, dried blood staining his lips as he kept on gasping for air because of the injury that he got from the blackened ones.

“No, it’s not because of my injuries. I can feel something else,” Wooyoung croaked out, gritting his teeth “There’s something wrong with this place.”

“What is it?” Yeosang asked.

Wooyoung kept on gasping for air in which made the other two stop so the youngest one can take a break for a while, talking while walking in his current state is quite taking a toll on his depleted stamina “I still have a few energy left to cast a healing spell in order to lessen the pain even just a little bit but the thing is that—”

“You can’t use it.”

The trio was too exhausted to realize everything and the moment that they turned around, a strong gust of air hits Wooyoung and San, sending them a few meters away as they let out a cry of pain when their injuries got in contact with the ground. Yeosang felt a hand choke him, making him gasp out for air as he was held upwards as if he was just a sack of rice. The moment he saw the perpetrator, he felt the same dread just like his nine-years old self.

“Yeosang!” He heard Wooyoung and San screamed, making him struggle as he held the hand that kept on choking him.

“The three of you seems to be in ease with just walking like that, too confident because you’ve gotten rid of the blackened ones?”

“Damn it!” San gritted his teeth, attempting to stand up but metals appeared from the ground and wraps itself around his ankles and wrists, binding him to the ground. Wooyoung also got the same treatment and despite struggling against it, the metal’s too sturdy.

“Demon child, you should’ve killed me when you had the chance!” the malefactor laughed in such a mocking way.

“I’ll kill you!” San growled, baring his teeth as he kept on struggling.

“Struggle with all your might! You’ll never get away from it!”

“I knew it.” Wooyoung mutters, clenching his fists “Someone blocked our sensors and then, blocked our powers. That’s why I couldn’t heal myself despite trying it again and again.”

“As expected from someone that consumed the soul of a person like me, how outstanding!” the person mocks, “Would you like me to stamp a star on your hand for such a good answer?”

“Fuck you,” Wooyoung spat.

Behind the culprit, Yeosang saw Seonghwa in such an unexpected state. The oldest male slumped on the floor with a huge slash in his stomach as it kept on writhing in pain, blood dripping from his lips. This is the first time that he saw Seonghwa in such a pain, the most powerful being in their circle of friends is in this state. His tattered clothes with slashes in it, ruining the pearly white skin that Seonghwa used to have.

“What did you do to him?” Yeosang managed to choke out some words as he glared at the culprit.

“Oh, the cursed one? Just like a hero from a certain fairy tale, I defeated him with a sword that could drain his powers! The moment that I’ve arrived, he was a monster that kept on ruining the entire area so I did my best to prevent more damage and trasmuted a sword that can exterminate something as hideous as him. Isn’t it amazing? I did it just like that certain hero, he’s going to die sooner or later.” the culprit boasted as he grinned at Yeosang’s expression “How amusing, so the expressionless Eve can look like this.”

“How dare you—” Yeosang wasn’t able to continue when he was choked harder, making him gasp for air.

“You seem to be forgetting your current situation.”

“Either way, you’re going to kill me.” Yeosang gritted his teeth as he felt like he was about to pass out, “Just like nine years ago, right?”

“Exactly.”

“Y-Yeosang..” Seonghwa held his head up to meet the brunette’s gaze before muttering a chant.

In a split second, the metal that binds Wooyoung and San were broken as the two feel some weird energy flowing towards them, healing their injuries just enough for them to move their limbs. The culprit widened his eyes in surprise as he felt the transmutation circle that he made was removed, making him look at the only person that can do it right now. Seonghwa lets out a smirk, different kinds of writings and symbols appearing in his skin while scales seems to appear in some parts of his skin as if he fused himself with his dragon self.

A forbidden spell was casted by someone that is unlikely to do such a risky thing. Yeosang can’t help but feel the guilt because everyone kept on sacrificing a lot of stuff for him just for everything to end in such a miserable way. Seonghwa is probably feeling a lot of pain because of that spell and it’s all his fault. All his fault.

“I knew it!” The culprit exclaimed.

“I’ve let you go once but don’t expect me to do it this time. I’m going to rip you into shreds!” San said, eyes widening in pure wrath.

“An alchemist luring a fellow alchemist? How rude. People like you must be punished,” Wooyoung said as he glared towards the culprit, “You’ve been a pain in the ass ever since

“Just because you’ve cancelled it doesn’t mean that it’s over!” the culprit screamed as a force field surrounded him and Yeosang.

“Yeo!”

“Ha! I used to work for the Kangs! Of course, I know how magic works! Even if this is a simple one, you wouldn’t be able to get through this until I’m out of strength!”

“Let him go, you fucker!” Wooyoung ran towards the force field as he started to hit it with his magic and his own fists just for it to  be deflected and he was thrown in the ground.

“Your comrades are such a bothersome trio, bastard child. It’s time for you to die,” the man stated as he grinned towards Yeosang, “You’re nothing but a cursed child that should’ve died a long time ago. Cursed people doesn’t have anywhere to go, their future are already blocked by Fate itself.”

Yeosang can alredy feel his consciousness slipping in and out, barely even hearing the voices that comes from his precious friends. Despite his efforts of struggling against the man that tried to kill him nine years ago, he’s running out of strength. He immediately gasped for air when the man lets go of him but immediately cried out when a dagger was stabbed in his neck, blood splattering on the ground as Seonghwa along with Wooyoung and San watched in agony. The crazed man laughed in triumph when Yeosang lets out a painful expression, coughing out blood as his scarf was cut in half— blood staining the fabric along with his sweater.

“Yeosang!” Hearing Wooyoung's cries made Yeosang want to run towards him yet the pain was so unbearable and everything hurts whenever he moves.

“I can finally kill this bastard child!” The man screams in triumph as he stabbed Yeosang in the neck once again, causing the blood to spill on him and towards the ground.

“Fuck you! Stop it already!” Wooyoung kept on bawling his eyes out as he looked at Yeosang that is also looking at him.

Yeosang tried to fight the urge to close his eyes as he kept on looking at Wooyoung, his bestfriend that has been through a lot. He can't help but smile a bit as he mouthed 'I'm sorry for breaking our promise. Please don't cry.' as if he's comforting him from their distance despite him dying already.

“Damn. You really can't die despite being stabbed twice,” the man said in disgust as he stabbed Yeosang in the chest, causing more blood to spill out of the brunette's body, “Are you that desperate to survive?! Let me crush that hope of yours!

Yeosang felt like everything starts to shut down but he still kept his gaze on Wooyoung while smiling in such a comforting way despite the blood that spills on the corner of his lips, he kept on looking at him despite his life fading slowly until nothing is left.

Yeosang died while his eyes are still opened, smiling towards his bestfriend as if he's comforting him even with his last breath. The three could only watch as Yeosang tried to strugge away from Death’s embrace just for him to end up being cradled by it— losing his life in front of them.v

“Finally!” the man lets out a laugh as he let the body fell on the floor, “You're finally out of our lives! Everything will return to normal now!”

“Y-Yeosang..” Tears kept on falling in Wooyoung's eyes as he stared at the lifeless body that still looks at him, he can see the dimmed eyes that used to shine whenever the owner of it was elated.

“No. Not again.. please..” Seonghwa stood up, ignoring his injuries and the effect of the forbidden spell as he kept on hitting the force field, attempting to wreck it in order to save the cursed male.

“Sangie..” San mutters and he felt numb despite the intense pain that he's into.

The man walked towards Wooyoung as he held the male's hair in such a harsh way, making the necromancer whimper.

“There goes your cursed bestfriend. Good as dead!” he screamed, as the force field gets wider while he kept on walking towards Wooyoung and dragged him inside of it “You’re the last thing that he saw before dying! How does it feel?! It hurts, right?! Serves you right!”

“Yeosang..”

“Not responsive, huh? Does his demise shook your existence that much?” The crazed man grinned maniacally as he raised the dagger, “Don’t worry, he won’t be alone any longer! You’re going to die too!”

Wooyoung doesn't care anymore. He's tired, tired of everything falling into pieces. He just let himself close his eyes as the maniac's laugh was heard, mocking him for being too weak. He could’ve protected Yeosang if he was a bit stronger, he was the one that’s the closest from Yeosang. Only a few steps and he could’ve dragged Yeosang away but he couldn’t, he just froze on the spot that he’s standing at when Yeosang was thrown to the ground and stabbed to death. He saw his bestfriend got killed in him once again and he couldn’t even do a thing about it.

He felt the man gripped the collar of his shirt, wrinkling the fabric as he kept on laughing. Maybe dying is the right thing to do, maybe dying in the hands of Yeosang’s murderer is enough to make him repent for not saving Yeosang in time. Besides, if dying means that Yeosang would be saved, he would even do it with his own hands.

“W-What..” Wooyoung can hear the cry of pain coming from this lunatic and he wasn't even feeling the pain that is supposed to be felt when he's stabbed.

But when he opened his eyes, he couldn't believe what he saw. He doesn't even know if he should be happy or devastated on this situation, the grip on him wasn't tight anymore and he was able to escape on it as he gasped for air and held his neck. He still kept his gaze on the lunatic which was crying in pain as a hand went through his stomach from behind.

Behind the lunatic was something that everyone isn't even expecting at all. Everything felt like a dream dressed like a nightmare.

Behind him was Yeosang yet the male's skin turned paler than it used to, black and blue veins visible throughout his body as the hazel brown eyes that used to spark joy was nothing but black, even his schlera was black but instead of looking hideous, he still look as beautiful as he is.

Seonghwa gasped as he literally couldn't control his emotions and cried, “Yeosang!”

The newly turned blackened one took his hand away as crimson red blood splattered as the lunatic managed to take a few steps backward while maintaining his posture despite the pain that he's feeling.

“It couldn't be! You’re supposed to be dead! The curse is supposed to end!” the lunatic cried out, “Your death is the end of this!”

Yeosang tried to say something but the fact that his neck was brutally stabbed made him let out nothing but mouthing something as black and blue blood flows from his mouth whenever he opens it. The lunatic seems to understand it as he looked at San with rage but before he is able to exorcise the demon in pain, Yeosang was too quick to prevent it, pouncing towards the lunatic as he bit his right hand where the catalyst is drawn and ripped it from the lunatic's arm making him cry in pain.

The blackened one spat the hand as he pushed the lunatic that fell on the ground, still crying in pain and Yeosang scratched him with the claws that grew from his fingers after turning into a blackened one.  The lunatic kept on crying out in pain as bits of his flesh splattered around the area, the force field dispersing and appearing because he’s slowly losing control of his own powers. The blackened one kept on slashing and stabbing him, skin peeled and in some parts of his body, his bones can be seen. The newly-turned blackened one kept on attacking until the lunatic lets out his final cry and not responding towards the attacks. The force field dispersed as it caster was exterminated.

“Yeosang.”

The blackened one looked towards Wooyoung and slowly walked towards him, Wooyoung knew how dangerous a blackened one is. It stopped in front of him, Wooyoung thought that it’s going to kill him and just met its gaze. The hazel brown eyes was replaced by the black schlera, losing its life. Maybe this blackened one would kill him and he deserves it after failing Yeosang.

What he doesn’t expect is a gentle caress on his cheek and the newly turned blackened one just looked at him. San was quick to respond and immediately held Yeosang, casting a healing spell as he gently placed his hand on Yeosang’s neck. Seonghwa limped all the way towards their direction before kneeling as he checked on Yeosang’s current situation, his soulmate turning into the ones that he despised the most.

The blackened one just stared at the three of them, he was quite surprised that he turned into a blackened one. Maybe it’s because he’s from that village too and as a collateral damage from Seonghwa’s curse. But he knew that this should end, they wouldn’t be able to go back to the real world if there’s still a blackened one that’s still alive. He couldn’t sense anyone like him so this should be done as soon as possible. He’s tired of running away from his fate so this time, he’ll face it without hesitation.

“Kill me.” Yeosang says on the moment that San was able to heal his neck.

“No!” Wooyoung immediately shook his head in denial.

“Kill me,” Yeosang repeated as he looked at San, "San."

“I c-can't. I can't do that,” San looked so desperate as he shook his head.

“Hwa, please.” He looked at Seonghwa which immediately shook his head.

"Please kill me," Yeosang pleaded.

“Sangie, we can’t.”

“You’ll be stuck here unless I am exterminated from the world of the living,”  Yeosang reasoned out.

“If that will make you stay with us then we would rather stay here for eternity because an eternity with you is way better than a day without you.” San was already crying as he held Yeosang’s hand tightly.

“Please let go of me.”

“I won’t! You might go away if I’ll let go of you!” San cried out, “So I’ll never let go of your hand!”

“San..” Yeosang can’t help but sigh as he muttered a foreign name, making them look at him “Freeze them.”

“How rude. That name left a bitter taste in my mouth so better not call me with that once again!”

The trio tried to struggle but their bodies were frozen as Yeosang slipped out from their grasp and went towards him, Wooyoung can’t help but grit his teeth. Yeosang just looked at them and smiled slightly, feeling a bit guilty but this is going to be the last time that they’ll suffer like this.

“I’m sorry, everyone. But I’m not going to be a coward anymore, I will face the consequences of my existence so nobody can experience the same fate that we had.” Yeosang smiled apologetically before looking at him, “Hey, are you up to an another pact?”

“Of course, what is it?” the male in black asked, bowing slightly.

“Bring them back. My other friends, bring them back to life. They don’t deserve to die from something like this,” Yeosang firmly stated.

The male nodded, “As you wish.”

“Well then, let’s do it. In exchange of my soul, you will be freed from the chains that is binding you and everyone will be spared. This is a win-win situation.”

“Indeed, Yeosang.” the male looked towards the trio and sighed in relief, “I’m quite relieved that they couldn’t talk right now, I can already imagine Wooyoung screaming nonstop.”

Yeosang giggled a bit before sparing the trio one last glance and offered his hand towards him, “Leedo, let’s go.”

“If that is what you wished.” A portal appeared in front of them and Leedo held Yeosang’s hand, “Don’t worry, they’ll just be asleep when everything is back to normal. Just like what you’ve wished, they’ll be alive but your existence will still be remembered along with this situation. That is all that I can do for you, Yeosang.”

“That’s fine. As long as I’m able to save anyone, I’m fine with anything at all.”

“Alright. Off you go.”

The last thing that the trio have seen was Yeosang’s back before they’ve succumbed to Hypnos’ cradle. The entire dimension cracked as if it was made out of glass before crashing into bits, not even a single hint of the other dimension was seen. Around the town, seven people are asleep in different areas as if they’re having such a long dream that they’ll be waking up to anytime.

“Open your eyes.” A voice was heard and seven pair of orbs snapped open.

♠♥♣♦

A/N: That’s the true end, folks. Sorry for being inactive for months, it’s been a shitty years for everyone and I just got back on writing. There’s going to be an epilogue but since I’m still trying to get myself back into writing, I really don’t know when will I be able to post it.

Thank y’all for reading this fic. I really appreciated that, votes and comments are highly appreciated. Also! I might open writing commissions so if you’re interested then DM me in twitter or in this account because I need money hhh