// Chapter 20 \\

Oh, how they worshipped. Oh, how they lovingly needed. They'd bow and praise and call me the ultimatum.

I was their everything.

I couldn't stop myself from staring into those blue vivid icy pearls that conveyed all the longing and comfort I'd forgotten had been stripped away from me. I wanted them. I wanted it all for a moment. Everything that was supposed to be taken, and then nothing but to take those eyes that stared at me in a pleasing gesture. I was helplessly drawn towards those eyes— to him.

Go ahead— a voice that sounded like an enticement of my own spoke sinisterly— Say it.

Say my name.

"Star! Star, snap out of it!" Hongjoong's desperate holler blurred in the back of my mind.

I'd almost let myself prance back into the fog of my thoughts when my vision cleared into realizing how close I now looked in the eyes of the once-lover before me. San beheld a devilish smirk on the clear complexion of a lovable face, eyes glimmering in what appeared to be amusement at mine. Unlike before when he first entered, he seemed to stand right before me. We no longer stood at a great distance from each other. I couldn't feel the presence of my companions beside me, and the floor did not feel this elevated beneath me before. Several chills rippled through me then— I'd somehow walked to be directly in front of San.

I quickly spun back around— to where my friends were. I needed to run—

I froze.

The two companions I had of good childhood kneel before me— no. They were shaking, wary, weary, and weak. They were fighting to stand from where they kneeled. That's when I noticed the burning seers of dark stains like ash coating either of them.

Yeosang was much closer against the floor. His head shakily rose from a small stain of ash the size of a palm beneath him, a drop of blood dabbling into the grey dust from his mouth. His eyes were on the ground, a rare glimpse of shock coursing through them as he grunted, shaking, and then falling back to the ground with a gasp of breath. He'd still risen enough for me to see ashen marks along his chest as if something burning had struck him.

If it wasn't evident in him, it was evident in Hongjoong. He was shaking to remain upwards as he did, the ashen scar of a long strip of a blow across his chest. It had cut through his fabric of clothes to his skin. From it were small slivers and drips of blood staining cloth and skin alike, however shallow, was a terrifying sight. Neither of his hands moved up to clutch at such a wound as he braced both hands on the floor to keep himself upright. His eyes were wide and in panicked desperation. Those grey and blue eyes that had tears in them, from pain and what appeared to be loss or wanting. They blinked once, allowing clumps of water to make its way down either of his cheeks. They were on me and they were so far away.

The shaking of shock from my body was like my voice, "Who— h-how."

San merely let a dark chuckle pass through him, drawing my attention back around to where he stood. I turned to him and I wished I'd never done that.

A hand was quick to take my cheek, chilling yet embers of warmth and passion soon flamed over the touch— the mere feeling of reminiscing love overpowering that chill. This only increased as he brought his face only breaths apart from mine before he murmured wickedly:

"You did that."

Then he directed my chin downward, pulling away from my face. He didn't need to angle my head downwards much for me to realize what he wanted to point out— I caught a glimpse of the darkness from the corner of my eye. Except it wasn't darkness.

I brought my eyes all the way down to glance beyond my torso to my right arm. The tan skin of my elbow transitioned into a darkened space of galaxies. There were only faint glows and glimmers of stars in the background compared to the bright sparkles of diamonds of the main stars— what had been mere dots of freckles on skin before. The lower half of my arm was pure starlight.

My look of fear merely increased from this as curiosity did. I could still feel my arm. It felt normal only that the rest of my body felt the radiant sheer bitter power that slithered into the air. It was a burning infinity of cold eternal power. Perhaps the only difference I felt from my arm was an unknown greater strength that bestowed it.

I raised my arm in front of me, feeling lighter than the air. Nothing else in the room mattered as I looked towards the unknown power of mine. My clear peripherals gazed into the infinity of space beyond my arm— so similar to a galaxy I'd fallen into in a dream. It was so clear of truth, it couldn't compare to the blindness of my eyes. Like how I'd been blind moments ago, that I couldn't even recall the damage I'd caused. I didn't need a second thought to know that I somehow struck the trusted figures behind me with such powers.

That was when my hand began shaking.

I... I attacked my friends.

Suddenly the galaxy within my arm quickly faded into the tan smooth form it had before, specks of darker markings the only remains of bright gemmed stars.

How was it possible: an arm to turn to starlight? A blindness of my mind and vision that would cause a lash of my powers that I cannot recall?

San let out another chuckle which had my thoughts fade away, but I did not look up to meet his face. My heart was thundering, rattling against the cage of ribs in my chest. My blood pumped faster through my veins as more chills ran down my body as I realized how scared I was to look back up to that face— to get lost in those eyes again.

"Oh, Starlight," San spoke in a coo of affection that I would've easily embraced if it weren't for the chilling change in tone at the name he called me, "You really did surprise me there. I didn't think you'd have it in you in this state. Or..." That's when I saw the creamy texture of his hand as it grabbed my chin.

No—

He moved my head up to see his eyes, more vibrant and livid with its brighter crazed ring and notches that came around his pupil. It merely added to the stunningness of his eyes. He smirked as our eyes met, "Maybe it was because you saw me."

There was a loud pang of a smack and I didn't even realize what I was doing before I saw the red coral tinge of a hand print across the profile of San's face. I'd been so fast, I didn't realize I slapped him. The only evidence was that mark and the burning sensation from my hand.

Slowly, San's head turned back as he stared at me with a blank expression.

I let out a noise of a shutter as I panted before I began backing away. I only realized then that he'd also let me go. I stepped away from him, faster than I could count the placements of my feet and I didn't realize at first when suddenly the ground disappeared beneath a foot. I'd been on a higher surface— I had somehow managed to get myself up on the table where he was. I gasped as I began to fall backwards.

However, something chilling with a zing of passion grabbed onto one of my hands. A powerful solid grip, but I felt the chills more evidently now. San had grabbed my hand as he worked with one small tug from his arm to pull me back up, wrapping his other arm around my waist so we were embraced. I gasped as we came face-to-face with each other.

His expression was emotionless as he stared into my terrifying face. Then, all at once, it turned into one of desperation. His vivid icy eyes became ones of a hollow spirit— like he was somehow in a dark hallway and he was staring at the only source of a light. He gave me a look like...

Like he still loved me.

But the look was gone in a blink, replaced with one more serious with an equal undertone of sinisterness.

"We're running out of time, Starlight," San cooed in a low murmur before he moved his lips up to my ear, whispering in a cool sensual breath, "I need you to take it."

"Wh-What?" My strangled breath of the small string of composure sounded— it sounded more like a low whimper. I heard the struggle of my companions for a brief moment before San recaptured my attention.

"Take it." He crooned in whisper, "Take it all." He inched his face away from my ear, looking into my eyes. It almost seemed like his eyes flickered in a longing lust, accompanied by something else underlying to what he actually meant.

Nonetheless, I couldn't help the way my chest rose and fell at a hasteful pace. His body lightly brushed up against mine, causing me to let out a shuttering gasp as I felt the thrum of what laid inside him.

"That's right. You know you want it," San whispered as he slightly arched his neck, bringing a hand up to brush through my hair. The sensation that brought was something I also grew delirious in.

"NO!" Came the scream from Hongjoong before something hot and seething was felt from my right. Then there were the bright red and blue flames. Flames fueled with a sort of determination I could only mark as the sense of Hongjoong.

San had let go of me at once, leaving me to tumble once more, as the feeling from him left as fast as the curse that left his mouth. I turned to see Hongjoong, eyes glimmering as they reflected the bright hues of reds and blues, his mouth open in rage as the flames spewed out of it. That powerful large mass of flames that practically would've incinerated San and I where we stood if he hadn't desperately shoved me away before backing up himself.

San glared over to where Como stood who heaved of concentration to use his powers to combat the water.

"Can't you get rid of his little emotional tantrum?" San scrutinized, a command more than a critical observation. He clearly expected more from the Captain of the Guard.

"You think I can?" Como barked back before he grunted, trying to refocus his concentration. The water pulsed slightly.

San glowered towards the Captain of the Guard with vivid eyes in the form of an impatient warning, "I would advise not taking an attitude with me."

But Como didn't bother to change the attitude of his voice— it seemed no one could take that from him.

"I can't hold this," Como gestured towards the broken pane of glass with great effort, "Much longer."

As they argued, I could feel the sparks of their powers within them. That's what I felt— their power. The water lapses that drained out of Como and something like ticking mixed with a bright however dimming and flickering light within San.

I could feel Hongjoong and Yeosang as well, but it was so familiar I thought I must've felt them this entire time.

There was a protective dignitary mane surrounding Hongjoong's, fire embers flaring out of every end along with the invisible impenetrable shields there. All there along with the sliver of remedy— the gift of healing that swelled within him.

Yeosang had a saturated bloom of colorful flowers lavishing the entire form of his power. It was the grand scheme of beauty in his that almost hid the ticking within him along with the great antlers surrounding it all.

But that's also when I felt something else. It was like a hand, large and invisible, working to apply enough force on the two companions behind me. A constant command from an unknown force of gravity controlling the mind— resisting their natural urges of rising to their feet. My powers were still latched onto Hongjoong and Yeosang's minds. I was using my powers on their minds. It must have happened in the time I didn't remember then. Once I realized that, I let go at once.

I thought they struggled to stand from the injuries I'd somehow inflicted upon them, but even without memory of it, it showed I never wished to truly harm them. The wounds they were afflicted with didn't keep them from standing and doing so with great stride. Yeosang and Hongjoong were on their feet the moment I relinquished my control from them.

I let out a shaking gasp of relief from this but I didn't say a word to the two and we all shared silent stares for a brief moment.

Our connection.

San's attention had gravitated back towards me— to the two that were successfully recovering behind me— just as our attention went to him.

"No." San seethed in a look of hatred as he stared down to Hongjoong and Yeosang.

However, his look of hatred was counteracted— equally matched with the angered and protective looks shining within Hongjoong and Yeosang. Whatever had thrown them off before they were trying to put behind them as they had a stare-off with San.

Once more, Hongjoong let flames burst from his hands and Yeosang allowed his sword and dagger to form into his hands. Neither wasted time or energy as they began their attack.

Hongjoong hurtled his flames towards San. They were blue burning spears of fire, piercing the air with its scorching heat as several made way towards their target. The flames were fast, but San was faster. Or rather, smoother.

He was practically like air as he weaved and twisted past the spears of flames. Not a single one touched him and Hongjoong moved faster in producing more of them, however San only moved to be just as fast.

San then reached behind himself, under a few clothes of the black robe, before producing a black object which was folded in on itself. In a split second, there was a slight crank as his weapon extended behind him and he quickly used the black scythe as a shield after it quickly formed. The spears of fire collided against the cool dark metal before dissipating— emanating a bong sound from the scythe. This happened repeatedly, overlapping as San quickly moved the metal to counteract the flames.

Yeosang grumbled in irritation as he noted San's movements. I glanced over to find his cyan eyes sending a glare straight towards those vivid blue eyes. San immediately slowed in his movements just then, beginning to reverse his motions. Yeosang was using his powers on him— the powers he claimed to be the Crescent's. I sensed the other-worldly power imitating from him as he did so and I knew my assumption was no mistake.

Hongjoong didn't even stop to think as he sent spikes of fire towards the now-defenseless enemy.

This time, I decided to act from my neutral state. With a pang of my heart, I quickly sent a lash of gold in the wake of San— hot, burning, and deadly as the night sky.

San saw this with widening eyes. He was doomed, my heart panged a bit. He was utterly doomed in his slow, ticking-backwards state.

But that's when his eyes narrowed. Those vivid irises were quick to take on a glare that ticked faster in time than Yeosang's. He was, however, using the same means of powers as Yeosang's.

He held his breath as his eyes widened once more with that glare, the flames of reds, golds, and blues stopped and so did the golden lash of the night. Slowly, the magical powers of Hongjoong and my own began to reverse along with the ticking which quickly picked up speed.

"What?" Yeosang's tone was so raw in complete shock and fear. Complete shock of his powers being used by another. I knew his face had to have conveyed that, but I didn't dare to look at him then.

Not as the ticking grew faster and our powers picked up speak until the lights of magic convulsed.

I was faster than I thought I could be in reacting, drawing out massive silver wings before I curled them in on myself as a shield.

There was an explosion, the sound of claps of thunder couldn't compare to the sound or the searing heat then and after. My wings felt the scorch of it before its sore tenderness was the only remains of the great explosion of power. Everything in the room seemed to sizzle afterwards.

I panted before I quickly unfolded my wings from myself, quick to take in my surroundings.

Yeosang and Hongjoong had both backed away, but I could tell by how Hongjoong clutched his wound, the explosion had made it worse. Yeosang glared, holding an expression of something— so mixed in a tie of composure he tried to hold, I myself wasn't sure what emotion he was failing to keep hidden from his expression.

Both of them were panting, but both rose, not looking my way but towards what we all had our attention on moments ago. I looked across the now ashen room to San who was backing away a bit from a now broken in half, destroyed dining table. His dark scythe was in his hands and hair was dishevelled but out of his face, making his eyes all the more apparent. He scanned Hongjoong and Yeosang before his eyes lingered to me. There was a craving there, however, he seemed to only keep panting, never conveying through words what his eyes were.

No, he spoke something else entirely.

San spoke simply through a pant, "Let the water pour in."

My heart practically stopped, as I clearly heard San's words. And his words were insane. This place would flood with the ocean beyond in a matter of seconds. We were deep under its depths and we could not breath underwater. There wouldn't be a way to escape.

"No." I whispered in a ghostly sound, shaking my head in terror.

The words weren't directed at any of us, however. They were directed to the traitor in the corner of the room who managed not to get scratched from the explosion.

However, Como seemed to think the same as me. His brows furrowed despite his deep concentration. Despite the side he'd chosen, he seemed confused by his accomplice's words. He glanced up and over to San, "What?"

"You heard me—" San reeled as he glared over to the taller male, though no matter the height, not a soul couldn't keep their fear within from the look San gave, "Stop holding it back!"

I wished Como's stubbornness had held then. At once, the guard had let go of the magical grip he had on the water and those wild salt waters of the eternal ocean beyond did not waste time as they came crashing in.

REMEMBER:​​​​​​

1. Smack dat butiful star

2. Leave a comment talkin abt dis tea

3. Share dis tea induced book with yo fwends

WHY? Because I appreciate it 🥺

\\ See u in the next chapter! \\