Chapter Text
It has been two months since Kihyun came back to Paris, back to Minhyuk. However, by fear of being discovered and brought back by force to his family estate, as well as avoiding all the interrogation he would get if ever he went back to the bank, he chose not to return. He was practically enclosed in Minhyuk’s room. The girls living there started to ease around him as well and see him as a reliable confidant if they had problems and if Minhyuk wasn’t there. To make himself useful, he dealt with every business aspect of the Papillon , which Minhyuk was glad about. Also, to Kihyun’s relief, the black-haired kept his word and never attempted to force him into anything. Kihyun initiated most of the contacts they had, but never went beyond hugging and kissing. Sometimes, Minhyuk came and hugged him, but never overbearing even if he could feel he was eager for more, but still accepted and went along with his rhythm. They had something between them, simply without a concrete definition… not yet, at least.
They didn’t share the bed; Kihyun was still a bit shy and slept on the couch along the wall, even if Minhyuk insisted that he would be good. Sometimes though, he would suddenly wake in the bed in the morning with the black-haired on the couch instead. This morning was one of those. The church bells rang, the summer sun was already high in the sky, but Minhyuk was nowhere in the room. Kihyun wasn’t much worried; he could be downstairs, out for errands, or on mage duty, whatever that meant. He was often back before evening, otherwise, he’d leave a note. In the meantime, he would examine the budget then study one of his new books he bought some earlier time.
Kihyun was absorbed in his book and the sky was turning orange, when the door of the room opened. He was bracing himself to get attacked in hugs, knowing Minhyuk’s adoration for him, but it never came. It somehow threw off Kihyun, but didn’t think much of it; maybe he was tired or something. It didn’t particularly bother him, not really, and simply continued his book.
That evening, Minhyuk closed the bathroom door while preparing; he never did. He chose a dress silently; unlike he usually did. He didn’t request Kihyun’s opinion; he always did. He left for a couple of hours; more than usual since Kihyun was back with him. When he came back, he undressed absentmindedly, leaving his dress on a random chair and jewelry randomly beside the bathroom sink; he always cared for his things. He went to bed and took a small notebook and wrote inside it; Kihyun never saw him ignore him for an entire evening.
Slightly worried, Kihyun stopped reading and approached and sat over on Minhyuk’s side of the bed.
“…Minhyuk?” The other hummed.
“…are you okay?” He simply nodded.
“…if you say so…” Kihyun quickly abandoned and left a little pat on his leg. He had nothing that could’ve made him push over the issue. Maybe today was simply a bad day for him, for once.
Kihyun went over to his couch after washing and changing himself. However, he hardly fell asleep. He kept looking over Minhyuk’s way, examining any strange behavior. The black-haired continued noting in his book for a while and somehow calmed Kihyun; maybe a small diary. That would be cute of him. That thought made him relax and finally closed his eyes into darkness.
---
Another sunrise, another day, Kihyun was still on his couch this time… but Minhyuk was gone again as well as no notes left.
He came back again when the city turned amber. This time, he brought some letters that he dropped on the desk, that was now pretty much Kihyun’s, except one that he opened while dropping himself on the bed. After reading it he threw it in the fireplace; was he hiding something? Kihyun found Minhyuk’s behavior really odd and wanted to confront him about it.
“…what was that?” He asked lightly.
“Just some annoying rich man.” He simply answered before leaving to get into a milky bath. After getting inside, Kihyun surprised him by leaning over the edge of the tub.
“What-“
“…what is wrong?” Minhyuk was stunned and was just staring at him with big eyes. Kihyun sighed, “…you’ve been odd since yesterday, to the point it is throwing me off…”
“Sorry…”
“…don’t apologize for having something on your mind. but i’m here, so you don’t have to be so secretive.” He caressed his steamed locks in a reassuring motion.
The other seemed to melt into the touch, closing his eyes and leaning towards him. They stayed like this, in silence, for a couple of minutes before he left the black-haired to his bath, letting him wash himself while he checked the new letters; most of them were economic notices. One, however, caught his eye; a beautiful parchment paper calligraphed in golden ink:
To all darlings of my kingdom,
Me, Alfre of House Gwydion, shall warn you about a dangerous being is
chasing our kind lately as they keep disappearing. I demand their capture
and be brought in front of me so they may be punished by my hand. Stay
cautious on your duties and may you have beautiful dreams.
P.S. I have some suspicion that it could be a strong Magus. Prepare yourselves.
Kihyun had to reread the note once, twice more. Changelings disappearing? How come he didn’t hear about it until now? When he turned to try and asked Minhyuk about it only to realise he was already downstairs, working. Sometimes, he really cursed his ability to focus so deeply that he didn’t feel the movement in his environment. He tucked the letter away and went to do something else, in an attempt to change his dreadful and worried thoughts.
Minhyuk entered the room later in the night while Kihyun was nose deep inside a thick novel. He dropped his laced dress to get into a simple shirt before flopping on the bed and snaking into the sheets. Kihyun felt it like a cue to go to bed; Minhyuk seemed exhausted and he didn’t want to add on top of the Mage’s worries. So, he went to lay over his couch, keeping a sleepy eye on him.
Later that night, when he was about to doze off, a shy whisper came from the bed.
“…Kihyunie?” He didn’t answer, “Kihyunie, wanna cuddle a bit?”
The red-head didn’t move; he felt like he shouldn’t, for some reason. The sheets rustled far away and heard bare feet walking slowly towards him.
“Please don’t wake up…” He heard before feeling two arms cupping under him and raising him from the couch and into the comfort of the bed, tucked in into the satin blankets. Some more movement around before receiving a sudden but gentle kiss on his forehead.
“I’m sorry…” He whispered. It felt sad and regretful. The door creaked slightly open and shut. Minhyuk was out in the middle of the night.
Kihyun sprung out of bed and dressed the bare minimum to be presentable outside and dashed out to follow Minhyuk.
---
In the warm night, the neighborhood was still quite alive; after all, the World’s Fair was still going all out and the Quartier des Plaisirs was filled with activity. Kihyun quickly lost sight of Minhyuk in the crowd. With the help of a little magic, he attempted to follow the other’s course. He had reached up to the Place de la Concorde , before it faded quickly with the mass of people affecting his senses and blending with the black-haired traces. Kihyun looked around, trying to get something as little as it could be, but nothing worth noting. He was turning heels to leave back home, when he felt a swift presence pass by the obelisk. Kihyun went to check when he saw a familiar silhouette.
“…Thomas?” He rested his hand on the person’s shoulder.
“Oh-… Oh! Sir Kihyun.” He bowed so low, Kihyun had to raise him up not to attract unwanted attention, “What are you doing out here?”
“…i- i was out to check out the city… what about you?”
“Oh, I’m just on some errands for Messire .”
“…by curiosity, have you seen Minhyuk lately?”
“No, why?”
“…he goes out often these days, so i thought maybe he would be with Hyungwon… you know, Magus stuff.”
“Ahh, but no, we haven’t seen him since your family’s event. Maybe he does work for his Ecstatic group?” Thomas looked like he just spoke out his thoughts, but Kihyun could sense his concern under it.
“…okay, then i’ll let you return to your errands. good bye” he said with a small smile and left after the other bid him farewell back.
In the end Kihyun abandoned the chase and came back to the Papillon .
---
He shouldn’t have turned back looking for him. It’s been two nights and days since Minhyuk's last outing, and still wasn’t back. Why did he let him go? He knew something was up!
After they started living together, Minhyuk avoided lying or hiding things from Kihyun. He really felt it was getting better, sharing their lives and understanding each other. And yet, there he was, alone in their room and powerless to help the black-haired. A little anger built up in him; why didn’t he tell him what was wrong? He was probably making excuses though, but the more he thought about it, the more he felt that there must be something that’s preventing him from sharing.
The girls downstairs had no clues where she could have gone for so long. She was the type to inspire trust but wasn’t talking much about her self a lot. (Seemed like Minhyuk always had been a little cut off from the world). Hyungwon was probably the only person who knew the most about Minhyuk, but he didn’t know where to even find him, outside the possibility of being in Paris since he saw Thomas in town, unless they were just passing. Kihyun was at a loss of what to do. He couldn’t appreciate his favorite book anymore.
LEAVE US ALONE!!
He suddenly heard cries in the private area. He rushed over to see a dreadful sight; a tall and bulky silhouette was holding one of the girls, sobbing, her dress torn up and exposing her slim and white body, while two others were trying to stay calm and reassure her.
“Where. Is. The. WITCH!?” His low and feral voice resonated in the hallway and the main area.
“Let her go! We don’t know what you are talking about, it’s true!” one of the girls screamed.
“I’m not going without an answer!”
“…Daven…” Kihyun recognized the tall man; Daven, a Redcap Changeling as well as his childhood friend, at least was. He was wounded and old traces of blood running on his skin and clothes, but nothing that wasn’t healable for their kind.
“Ah! Pleasure to see you, you’re Majesty . You’re on their side now?” Pure sarcasm pronouncing the title.
“…nice to see you so fragile.” He wittily answered. Daven glared at him.
“You wanna play, little Prince? ” he said as he opened his mouth, wider than humanly possible, revealing an arsenal of sharp and pointy teeth. He tilted his victim’s head to access her neck easier and approached, cackling somberly. The other two girls cried louder, terrified from the view.
Cursing at himself, Kihyun shouted, more like sighed loudly, a strange amalgam of sounds like he was imitating a swamp ambiance, not at all normal. It stopped the Redcap automatically in a strain, like he was fighting against an invisible force.
“…put. her. down.” Kihyun’s tone was firm, despite the whisper. The tall Changeling obliged. The naked girl ran to the others crying and left the scene.
Kihyun and Daven were simply staring at each other.
“You got so low.”
“…say that to yourself.”
“You’re with the humans-“ Kihyun cut him off.
“…i’m with nobody. the Court abandoned me, and humans are humans, but she- they were innocents. that’s pretty cheap for a knight, don’t you think.”
“Where’s the Witch bitch…” Kihyun scoffed.
“…how the fuck would i know… you come here, attack innocent and screaming like a madman. now, you will leave.”
“I want revenge!”
“He doesn’t know!” A new voice chimed in from behind the red-head. “This poor child doesn’t know.” It came closer beside his ear.
“Tanu… Why are you here?”
“Nothing, but you’re free to follow me.” The newcomer shrugged and turned around to leave as fast as he came. Daven threw one last deadly stare to Kihyun before joining Tanu out of the Papillon . Kihyun sighed in relief and reassured the girls that they were safe. He even suggested they cancel work that night since their funds were all right, but they refused as they wanted more to help their closed ones. Kihyun had to oblige.
---
His encounter with Daven troubled him, even two days later. Why was he here? He always hated humans and their world. He probably meant Minhyuk by the witch . What did he want with him? He clearly wasn’t on good terms with him. On top of that, the black-haired had disappeared for a little less than a week now. Did he know he was pursued and left before it became out of hand? What if he didn’t talk about it because it was Changeling’s matters. Was he the dangerous Magus the Court wanted captured? If it was the case, Minhyuk should return soon. Right?
A knock pulled him out of his train of thoughts.
“Kihyun, sir?” a gentle and shy voice came through the door. He got up and opened to see two girls in casual dress. One of them was the one who was attacked.
“…yes?”
“Euhm… We hope we aren’t bothering you?” said the second.
“…no no, it’s alright.” He felt their relief, “…are you alright enough to go out?” He asked the first girl.
“Ah, yes. I won’t be alone so it’s okay.” She answered lightly, looking at the other beside her, “We came here because there was a letter dropped for you at the door. Also, we wanted to let you know we’re going out for groceries. Mindy usually does them, but she hasn’t returned yet…” Kihyun hummed, took the letter and smiled at them.
“…be careful then.” The young girls blushed at his smile before saying goodbye and leaving while giggling lightly.
Kihyun opened the letter and stared at the familiar golden ink:
To all my darlings,
The threat has been captured and shall be presented to the entire
court tonight.
I, Alfre of House Gwydion, call upon your presence to pay respect
for our lost Kiths and curse the Magus for their doom.
We will also discuss their punishment and other issues worth mentioning.
The last thing Kihyun wanted. The thought of not going was strong, since what the Court did to him. He was a resentful person. He could use that time to wait for Minhyuk or even go out and look for him. Instead, he’ll reluctantly go as he didn’t need to get in more trouble with fellow Changelings.
He started dressing himself to suit the Court, but nothing extravagant, just to annoy the rest of the gentry; a black trouser, cream shirt with a frilly collar going down his chest and a light blue overcoat, with subtle lighter damask pattern and simple black ankle boots. He took the letter, and headed for the damn river under the Pont des Arts . Kihyun looked at the moon and dived backwards in the river, the letter on his chest.
---
Kihyun opened his eyes, laying on a stone pavement. The sky above him was of a vivid dark blue filled with thin clouds moving constantly, with beautiful lights dancing slowly, like a moving painting. A small wave caressed his hand, making him look to the side where a river was calmly flowing. It was comfortable outside the small headache that was starting to pound him. A small movement on his bare chest attracted his attention, only to drop his head back on the fresh stone and sighed.
“…Fuck you.” he scoffed out, his voice coming out gently.
A small ashen black furball was slightly moving and a small head sneaked out upon his words. It climbed up to his neck and pinched him.
“You bit me? You’re the one who disappeared! A coma for a week, how does that sound to you.” It squeaked once, “Fine, let’s go… But let’s keep it a secret for now.”
Kihyun got up in a sitting position, letting the ball find a quiet spot on him. He stood and checked himself quickly to make sure he was fine; which he was if you excluded the cold and colorless skin and how he was way thinner and skeletal. He had arrived to destination.
He followed the path up to a huge wall, which was really a humongous willow trunk with a door-shaped hole and entered. He went down a long set of stairs, small fireflies lighting his steps. Only a large double door was standing at the end, with two tall blue-skinned Trolls guarding it. As Kihyun approached, they opened the door to let him into the room.
Inside, many others were already there, composed of a large quantity of children, crowding in front a large moon-shaped stage where an overly elegant and slender Sidhe woman was standing, talking with others of own kind. A large chandelier illuminated the room like diamonds, giving it a royal ambiance.
Kihyun slipped towards the back of the room, avoiding people as much as possible. Everyone here were Changelings, his Kind, yet he didn’t particularly like them. On his way, he spotted a familiar silver head and decided to join but stayed silent.
“Well well… We meet again, Prince.” Kihyun nodded.
“…we do.” He whispered. He was glad he didn’t comment on his new appearance, his real appearance.
“You shouldn’t stay with me though. I might be here, but I’m not as well regarded as you and your kind.”
“…I don’t mind.” Kihyun kept his sentence short to avoid unwanted attention; he didn’t want people to come to him, talk about politics and Banality.
The furball moved and tickled Kihyun’s neck, which made him twitch. Hyungwon had surely seen him, but chose not to comment on it.
“How’s Minhyuk? I know you’ve been back to him.” Kihyun nodded once again.
“…I-I don’t know.”
“What do you mean?”
“…he’s gone.” Hyungwon didn’t seem as shaken as Kihyun expected him to be; they were friends, weren’t they?
“Must be doing Ecstatic things. Go on a whim, explore or achieve something-” He was cut by the echoing voice of the lady on the stage calling out to the people.
“Welcome, Darlings! We shall discuss various matters and announce the consensus. Commoners can appreciate the drinks in the far right, while I would request all Nobles to assist me.” She ends with a smile, but her posture clearly meant she was in control.
Kihyun was utterly disinterested, all about territories and politics, until they brought up Changeling kidnappings and murders; the main issue.
“Since a certain number of weeks, people of our Kind have been disappearing. Most of them were found dead and thrown in the streets. The people who did that knew about us and how to get to us. Many of us,” she pointed to her Noble council, “suggested the actions of a Magus that we found and captured here.”
Lady Alfre signed to Trolls and they brought in a cage that could tightly fit a sitting adult. Inside was a thick wooden plank going through the width of the steel bars. Something was limp on the ground, stripped, with two short chains holding its two slim wrists to the board. One of the two guards knocked on the cage to wake the thing inside. It slowly raised its head but had no energy to keep it up. Even though he looked posed and cold as usual, Kihyun felt Hyungwon twitch at the sight.
“…This is a joke, right?” The silver-haired mumbled lowly.
He wasn’t alone to see how the captive was beaten up and tortured. There were fresh wounds that were still bleeding on its fair skin.
“ This is the evil that plagues our nights! We have still yet to find where Changelings are held, but it will come soon enough.”
The crowd started booing at the captured Magus. A vulgar-looking man got upstairs and headed straight towards the cage; guards unable to block him.
“Now, it’s your turn, witch !” He snarled, grabbing and forcing the other’s face up, causing it to yelp. Kihyun recognized it well; his blood froze in his cold body.
“MINHYUK!” He screamed, a real one, a loud one. Hyungwon restrained him by the shoulder, preventing him from going to him.
The crowd quickly turned towards where Kihyun and Hyungwon were.
“Something to say, Prince Kihyun?” Alfre called out, her stare crushing him through the room.
“Yeah… Where’s your proof?”
“What?! You side with the witch now!” The tall man’s loud voice resonated; of course, it was Daven, and his proximity to the Mage stressed him.
Lady Alfre signed the Redcap shut, still glaring at Kihyun, “You’re a man of many words for a Sluagh…”
Kihyun did for a fact speak clearly and not whisper like he always did. “Like you actually care.” If he hadn’t offended the Sidhe yet, then she was right at this moment; she hated being talked back at.
“Very well. Daven came back from the Magus’ basement, wounded, where he was captured for over three months. How’s that proof to you?”
“Daven attacked innocents and Minhyuk took care of me despite being… this !”
“He burned your place!” Daven yelled back.
“That was your damn Chimera!” Hyungwon spoke up after a while.
“Don’t you dare think of yourself equal to us because of a sprinkle of Fae blood, Death witch .” Alfre pointed out. Kihyun started walking up, releasing himself from the silver-haired now loose grip. He even followed him, in fact.
The Sidhe attempted to block their path, but Hyungwon countered her and defied her straight, staring into each other’s eyes venomously. Daven was now back to him to play with his sharp knife into Minhyuk’s bare skin, loving the other’s pain. Deciding he wanted more, the Redcap opened the cage and stabbed Minhyuk’s thigh, who let out a loud whine at the contact of the blade in his flesh. He was about to stab the other when Kihyun rushed through the stage and stepped in between them, causing him to receive the hit in his shoulder.
Enraged, Daven attempted to grab Kihyun, but he was always so nimble and dodged every swing. The crowd didn’t know where to look anymore between the all-mighty royalty that always led them and the two strange people that chose to oppose themselves.
“Why a witch, Ki? We’ve been together forever, and you switch sides just like that?”
“Say that again, but after knowing that I’ve been stolen from and refused entry and abandoned by my own kind! From everyone here, he cared. And you, who I called my friends, had to come and poison me.”
It seemed to have stunned the other enough for Kihyun to push him away from himself and Minhyuk, who seemed wavering towards unconsciousness. However, something stinged him; a dart appeared onto his arm. He kneeled weakly and clung onto the black-haired in a protective stance. His eyes felt heavy until darkness covered him completely and thoughts, gone…