ninim

Poke.

Poke.

Poke…

The food on his plate has lost its steam long ago, still Baekhyun pokes it around. Nothing that he’s prepared himself looks remotely interesting. Life seems to be duller these days. The hues of life are slipping from his fingertips; grasping them tightly never seems to help, so Baekhyun lets them go. He stands up and throws his food into a container and puts it in the fridge. Maybe he’ll try to eat it later.

Back in his room, Baekhyun plopped down on his bed and stared at the ceiling. Time on Earth is precious and most of it has been a wonderful adventure. Sure, nothing is perfect. There have been some less than pleasant experiences as well. Every adventure is a blessing from Mother Sun.

Was this hairpin really that much worth to go to the merchant to find it? He could understand it being worth quite a sum due to its origins but still- it was something else to come to him. Maybe Baekhyun did not understand this. He hummed lightly at the other and nodded. “Of course you get to keep it.” he answered with a smile. “It is a deal then, I will have to get a vial…” he looked around and opened a few drawers of his desk. A quick glance would reveal trinkets and some papers but not what he was looking for.

“Come then,” he said as he gestured the other to follow him as he moved and exited the study- instead he walked swiftly and arrived in the artifact chambers. A large room where magical artefacts were displayed in enchanted glass domes. For looking and studying but not keeping. Here the vice-principle kept most of his stuff that had to do with the items he protected and kept neat. “Have you ever visited these rooms?” he asked the other with a smile as he unlocked another office, this one had a lot more tools and maps on the walls with red crosses and pictures of ancient texts and items.

Poke.

Poke.

Poke…

The food on his plate has lost its steam long ago, still Baekhyun pokes it around. Nothing that he’s prepared himself looks remotely interesting. Life seems to be duller these days. The hues of life are slipping from his fingertips; grasping them tightly never seems to help, so Baekhyun lets them go. He stands up and throws his food into a container and puts it in the fridge. Maybe he’ll try to eat it later.

Back in his room, Baekhyun plopped down on his bed and stared at the ceiling. Time on Earth is precious and most of it has been a wonderful adventure. Sure, nothing is perfect. There have been some less than pleasant experiences as well. Every adventure is a blessing from Mother Sun.

Baekhyun was foolish not to be worried about the vice-principle. While he would not hurt a student there was not a purely ‘good’ person in front of the other. Key, like many creatures here, worked on his own set of morals and did not concern himself with what the world thought to be right- no, he had his own right and wrong.

Right now, however, Baek had nothing to fear from Key for he was not out for the other’s soul or anything- this was a simple fetch quest. “I would like a lock of your hair and a vial of your blood as payment.” he stated as he looked at the younger and as he got up he somehow felt taller and his eyes more devious than the calm cool eyes he had as a teacher. He was the merchant after all- a man who many older creatures knew only by reputation. Oh- and how he loved to slip back in that persona like a comfortable pair of pants.

“Eleni?”

He felt his stomach drop as he stared at the man and then frowned. He looked at Dover and nodded to let him go- he wasn’t going to freeze Jinki right there and then. At least not yet- he couldn’t make any promises for the near future. Ah- he was getting distracted. For now he decided that it was worth checking if the other was speaking the truth.

Not many people knew that Key lost a daughter and even less people knew her name. Key was a very private person after all and he did not like people meddling in his personal life. His part was a sensitive subject specifically, not something he enjoyed talking about.

Dover let go of the elf reluctantly and glared at the stranger as he put some money down on the table and watched Ninim leave with that guy- he did not trust it but knew well enough that Key was strong enough to deal with this on his own.

At the other’s apartment, Key looked around and then looked at the other with suspicion. He did not sit down- instead he stood near the door to make a quick escape if need be. Looking around and taking in the surroundings as he wondered what kind of person the other was and then looked up as Jinki returned. “Fun is not really how I would describe it-” the elf answered, voice stern and cold. Distant- creating distance even with his heart pounding in his chest.

Hesitantly, he reached for the envelope but hesitated as his resolve wavered. He did not know whether he should- was it a trap of some sorts? then again… He took the envelope and studied it- the way his name was written, he knew that handwriting anywhere and he let out a small gasp.

Taemin was pushing his luck, and he knew it. He'd overheard that Key was getting summoned to...handle things related to the warlock that got him into so much trouble with Key in the first place. He hadn't heard a ton of the information, but it was enough to make the chesire want to go and help, not be in the way like he'd been before...

But asking Key was probably would of the question. Begging would probably also be out of the question. They were still on thin ice, and Taemin understood why the other was still upset at him...but he also wanted the snow elf to trust him. He wanted to be partners, and learn to be able to protect Key if something ever happened. Sure, he had powers that were stronger than others--but he knew he could learn more.

So when he saw the all too familiar carriage preparing to go pick the snow elf up, he sighed and probably made a stupid decision...which he could still be kicked out of, but maybe if he was already there..

The carriage wasn't getting Key in this location, so Taemin took the chance to sneak onto it while it was being prepared, since he assumed no one would check the inside again until they got to the vice principal. His stomach was in knots, and he had a feeling he may cry in all this, but--he just had to do something. Especially after seeing how powerful the warlock was before.

The meet-up point was further away than he thought, and he'd plopped down onto the long bench near the front of the carriage, not really able to hide anywhere unless he took to the shadows under the seats. He'd even had a bag ready for a bug-out situation, so this had worked out. The moment the carriage stopped he shot up from dozing, rubbing one of his cheeks and wanting to shrink back into the corner he was now sitting in. Ohhh maybe he was regretting this decision...where the hell even were they? He'd thought they'd pick Key up a lot closer to the Academy, but apparently the snow elf was off doing other business.

The door was opened and he tensed, waiting to meet the man's bright violet eyes, trying to keep himself sat up straight, but he automatically slouched down a little. "..hi," good start. "I saw the carriage and--I want to come," he wouldn't admit to eavesdropping in the possible mission details being given before. Maybe if Key didn't know what he knew it would be dangerous he wouldn't be angry. Maybe.

"Please, Key," begging began. He shifted to straighten up again, scooting a little closer to the door, his hands pressing against the spot beside him. "I promise I won't get in the way.."

Well, not thoughts for now. He had been summoned again and he wished the world would calm down for a moment. Make sure my carriage is at the meeting point he had instructed the invisble riders as he went to tend to other responsibilities. Picking up some supplies and trading in some souls for artefacts that could help. He felt a bit uneasy and could not place the feeling. Instead he looked at Gildin as if the staff would have an answer. It didn’t, instead it was silent and even seemed to keep it’s light down.

He huffed as he rolled his eyes and arrived at the village where his carriage was. He already felt the presence there and he had half the mind to send the carriage back to the academy- person in it and all. Instead he sighed and took a few moments to gather his thoughts before he went into the carriage and his own pink eyes found Taemin’s. He did not speak as he saw the other in the carriage and he felt that rage again. He felt the anger and there was some ice under his feet.

“Oh, so you decided you could come?” Key said as he stepped fully into the carriage and closed the door behind him and put his cloak on a small hanger and placed Gildin against the wall and hissed in Elvish stay to the staff.

“Like last time?” he asked coolly and looked at Taemin- something broke inside him again. The other did not care for what he wanted or what he asked. He did not sit down next to Taemin; instead, a chair materialised on the other side of the carriage and he sat down there, crossing his legs as he pulled a book out of his bag and opened it, licking his finger to flip the page.

Poke.

Poke.

Poke…

The food on his plate has lost its steam long ago, still Baekhyun pokes it around. Nothing that he’s prepared himself looks remotely interesting. Life seems to be duller these days. The hues of life are slipping from his fingertips; grasping them tightly never seems to help, so Baekhyun lets them go. He stands up and throws his food into a container and puts it in the fridge. Maybe he’ll try to eat it later.

Back in his room, Baekhyun plopped down on his bed and stared at the ceiling. Time on Earth is precious and most of it has been a wonderful adventure. Sure, nothing is perfect. There have been some less than pleasant experiences as well. Every adventure is a blessing from Mother Sun.

Ninety years was long in human time but not for him, he looked at the other still uninterested. “Powerful things can be small,” he said, not to make the other feel better or anything but just as a fact. He sighed and then looked up at the mention of it being ‘made of sunlight’.

“When you say it was made of sunlight, is that a metaphor or is it actually made of sunshine?” he asked as he frowned at the other and then nodded as he recalled the other’s student information. Being from the sun and having an artifact from there made sense. “Items from the sun are incredibly rare,” he said as he got up finally interested. “I would be able to find it if I knew a general location and we would have to work together since it belongs to you, it won’t answer to me.” He paused as he tapped his fingers together a few times.

He did not pay mind to the bartender and owner of the bar but there was something off in the air. He could feel it- maybe it was superstition but something in the air made him nervous. And it wasn’t Dover’s horrible moral compass. He noticed the barman staring at him and glared at him some more. Not interested buddy.

“I am sorry,” Key said at the first words that left the barman’s mouth and he was about to freeze his dick off for such a rude comment. “Do you have any idea who I am?” he stood up as he turned towards the man and Dover jumped up too, holding onto his friend and trying to calm him down.

Key had been in a bad mood for months and this was just the asshole to get his anger out on. “What do you mean start over-”

“Hey now, Nin, let the man explain.”

The mention of a shigofumi and then- letters from the dead made the elf pause as he shot a look at Dover and then at the strange barman. “Who would write a letter to me?” he asked “Many have died that I have known but I can’t think of anyone who would write a letter to me.” That was a lie, there were a few- and most were either family or people pulled away from him too soon or too quickly. There was a pit of anxiety in his stomach by the mere idea of this being… true?

“Are you sure you’re not hitting on me?”

“Eleni?”

He felt his stomach drop as he stared at the man and then frowned. He looked at Dover and nodded to let him go- he wasn’t going to freeze Jinki right there and then. At least not yet- he couldn’t make any promises for the near future. Ah- he was getting distracted. For now he decided that it was worth checking if the other was speaking the truth.

Not many people knew that Key lost a daughter and even less people knew her name. Key was a very private person after all and he did not like people meddling in his personal life. His part was a sensitive subject specifically, not something he enjoyed talking about.

Poke.

Poke.

Poke…

The food on his plate has lost its steam long ago, still Baekhyun pokes it around. Nothing that he’s prepared himself looks remotely interesting. Life seems to be duller these days. The hues of life are slipping from his fingertips; grasping them tightly never seems to help, so Baekhyun lets them go. He stands up and throws his food into a container and puts it in the fridge. Maybe he’ll try to eat it later.

Back in his room, Baekhyun plopped down on his bed and stared at the ceiling. Time on Earth is precious and most of it has been a wonderful adventure. Sure, nothing is perfect. There have been some less than pleasant experiences as well. Every adventure is a blessing from Mother Sun.

He used to be known as ‘the merchant’ and collected many things from around the world to sell. His own ‘humble’ beginnings. It had led him here- all the knowledge he had gained and the allies he had made both with the lighter species as well as those from the worlds below. He was a well-known entity and most knew where to find him if they needed something. These days it was less requested- since his responsibilities as vice-principal were taking over most of his time.

He had been sitting in the same position too long- bend over the desk to clean a small pendant he had gotten in the mail from an old friend. It was a merfolk artifact and his friend had requested him to clean it up and check the magic still remaining in the little thing. It was fine- he did not think anyone messed with it. Just long forgotten and now up for a new life. Getting up he decided it was time for lunch and a small walk- he needed to keep moving. He might be immortal but he would not be the first elf to sit for so long that he petrified.

As he got up and closed the hall behind him he played with the pendant and in his other hand he held a few books. The elf was always dressed in some sort of white or blue robe in the academy- to signify he was important and magical. Today he wore a white set that accentuated his lilac eyes.  What was that? Someone was at his door. “Hello,” he greeted the student as he approached and unlocked his office with a light touch and opened it for the young man next to him.

He tried to think- who was this? Ah- “Baekhyun,” Key said as he put the books down on the desk in his office. The office was clean but shelves filled with books and magical things lined the walls. “What can I do for you today?” he asked as he let the necklace with the pendant glide over his head and then looked at the other curiously.

The elf wasn’t wearing his usual almost regal clothing and instead wore some loose fitting gray pants and a  black shirt that was obviously luxurious but nothing too fancy. Next to him was the red-haired giant of a merman who had hugged him a little too tight upon entering the establishment and was now telling Key about his latest experiences in the bedroom.

Though he did not speak about Key- a stupid name the man stated and insisted on using his Elvish name. Ah yes bartender, I’m Dover, how nice this place is, is it yours? I usually only go to nightclubs but Ninim here insisted on coming here. Key made a face at the last statement. “Only because it is smaller…” he muttered slightly embarrassed by his loud and talkative friend. We would love to start with a large beer and the best Elvish wine you have on stock- and some snacks. Do you have anything deep fried? I prefer fish. “Really Dover, you’re a chef how can you enjoy fast food-” Key protested but Dover shushed him.

He did not pay mind to the bartender and owner of the bar but there was something off in the air. He could feel it- maybe it was superstition but something in the air made him nervous. And it wasn’t Dover’s horrible moral compass. He noticed the barman staring at him and glared at him some more. Not interested buddy.

“I am sorry,” Key said at the first words that left the barman’s mouth and he was about to freeze his dick off for such a rude comment. “Do you have any idea who I am?” he stood up as he turned towards the man and Dover jumped up too, holding onto his friend and trying to calm him down.

Key had been in a bad mood for months and this was just the asshole to get his anger out on. “What do you mean start over-”

“Hey now, Nin, let the man explain.”

The mention of a shigofumi and then- letters from the dead made the elf pause as he shot a look at Dover and then at the strange barman. “Who would write a letter to me?” he asked “Many have died that I have known but I can’t think of anyone who would write a letter to me.” That was a lie, there were a few- and most were either family or people pulled away from him too soon or too quickly. There was a pit of anxiety in his stomach by the mere idea of this being… true?

“Are you sure you’re not hitting on me?”

Key accepted the hug with a sigh, acting as ever like he did not appreciate the affection and the love the doll so freely tried to give him- Minwoo chuckled in the corner as he watched the two and then he made a face.

“Yeah okay, it wasn’t for your… makersday- but still, I brought you to a party.” A weak defence but he chuckled before wrapping his arm around his son, Sanori as he watched the other two affectionately.

Key sighed and pulled away from the hug as he straightened his cloak and watched the other two before returning his gaze to the girl. “Well, it is a shame that no one treated you right before this.” he would have to have a stern talk with Namjoon when (and if) the other ever came to chat again. “But today is a day to celebrate, we, ah, I asked miss Belle-Lilith to help with some of the activities.” he gestured to Belle who looked excited as she walked over.

“Heyyyyyyyy, I made sure we did enough girly stuff because you know how men can be- Jooojoo we will start with drinks and food. I know you can’t really eat for sustenance but I got a buffet with a bunch of different textures and flavours, have you ever had caviar?” she giggled as she took the girl’s hand and pulled her to the large table with food.

Sanori was so happy to see Irene but shy as he handed her a small painting of herself, it was delicately painted and detailed with glitters in her eyes and hair. Hemlock just nodded at the doll and while it wasn’t entirely clear why they were there they were and sipping bloody mary’s as they watched the chaos that was all around them.

“Actually, Mr. Key organised this for you.” Minwoo said, outing the other’s philanthropy, making the elf scowl. Though Key smiled at the doll and nodded after. “Well, don’t call so many people daddy.” he tried (Minwoo had given up on that venture a long time ago). “Do you like it?” Key asked as he gestured around. “You haven’t? Have you never thrown one? Nor did anyone for you?”

Jinki was excited he was rolling out a new happy hour special at his bar, he was tired of seeing the same customers seeing the same people who come in the second we open the door to the last call every day. He would never actually complain because money is money but still. He had an idea of doing a happy hour, bring a friend and get drinks 75% off. It was unsurprisingly popular with the locals and even the travelers. His bed and breakfast was booked out for the night which meant people and creatures alike were getting blasted tonight. 

Jinki was just happy to have new people coming in. Walking through the double doors he was hit with the smell of alcohol and the loud voices of the crowded bar. It put a smile on his face. As he walked up to the bar he greeted his regular customers as well as thanked others for coming. 

He immediately got behind the bar and started to help with drinks, he moved around for a while until he got to the end of the bar where two people were sitting by themselves, he noticed the one of the violet eyes first.  

He glanced just above their heads before approaching, his steps faltered when he noticed the blurred info from one of them. His Shigofumi powers would usually show him a persons information right above their heads, normally used to deliver letters and make sure it’s getting delivered to the right person. 

But not being able to see anything from the person with violet eyes peaked his interest. 

 The only time that usually happened would be with older supernatural creatures. He must be dealing with someone much older. It wasn’t the first time he’s noticed it but it still caught him off guard. Smiling he walked over, making sure to be polite as he could.  “Hello you two! Having a good night I hope? I’m Jinki the owner of this place, can I get you guys started with anything?”

The elf wasn’t wearing his usual almost regal clothing and instead wore some loose fitting gray pants and a  black shirt that was obviously luxurious but nothing too fancy. Next to him was the red-haired giant of a merman who had hugged him a little too tight upon entering the establishment and was now telling Key about his latest experiences in the bedroom.

Though he did not speak about Key- a stupid name the man stated and insisted on using his Elvish name. Ah yes bartender, I’m Dover, how nice this place is, is it yours? I usually only go to nightclubs but Ninim here insisted on coming here. Key made a face at the last statement. “Only because it is smaller…” he muttered slightly embarrassed by his loud and talkative friend. We would love to start with a large beer and the best Elvish wine you have on stock- and some snacks. Do you have anything deep fried? I prefer fish. “Really Dover, you’re a chef how can you enjoy fast food-” Key protested but Dover shushed him.

So- This was how the nightclub was partially closed off for the public and Key made sure everyone was there that Irene knew. - - -  So that was quite a lot. He was pleasantly surprised to also see Belle-Lilith the newer addition to the staff of Insolitus but worried as soon as he saw Ethirdil and Alastair (two of the more questionable inhabitants of the academy in his opinion). Still, Key would not judge who Joohyun chose to befriend (openly).

The party had changed the largest part of the nightclub into a Barbie-pink mega fest. Minwoo had warned Key that the doll hated the Barbie-thing itself but was sure that the colour pink was appreciated so the branding of the famous toy had been scrubbed away and instead everywhere Joohyun’s name was in bedazzled and neon lines on the walls.

The elf sure hoped this was what the other would like- after all, he had never actually raised a daughter. And the one he tried to raise and get to know later died and was frozen in time in a tomb at a sacred and secret spot.

She is close, she is close! Ethirdil chirped as he dashed into the room and everyone hid as Joo entered and everyone, including Minwoo and Key, yelled a loud. “HAPPY BIRTHDAY!”