#dragonowl

The voice was raspy but familiar and he turned his head quickly in search of his brother. Kai was to his left, hooked up to a large machine, his eyes frantic as he tried to tug free from the metal cuffs restraining him.

Tao tried to move again to get to him, but he was held firmly.

“Be still,” a voice spoke sharply by his ear and he looked up at the two women restraining him, the same emotionless expression on their faces that he had come to know the few times he had been conscious. 

There was the familiar mechanical swishing of a door opening behind him, immediately followed by loud protests and shuffling. He couldn’t turn enough, but watched as Kai went pale, eyes blown wide. The sounds began to round him on the right and Tao turned to see what had caused his brother to react in such a way. Two more women were pulling in someone else who was weak and stumbling, but fighting regardless.

“Let go of me!”

The voice made Tao’s heart stop and recheck that Kai was indeed secured next to him before seeking out the other man. They were hoisting him into a machine that was a duplicate of Kai’s, giving Tao a clear view of his face. His blood ran cold as a memory raced across the back of his mind of his own doppelganger and everything that had transpired in that brief interaction. Kai looked taken aback, meaning this was possibly his first interaction with a clone.

What had the voice said earlier? Number 87? Was that the tally of clones total? Or just Kai’s?

“Beginning connection.” One of the mechanical female voices said, regaining Tao’s attention as she began to hook up wires and pads to the now restrained clone who was still fighting.

When they moved away from him, his eyes followed them, then met Tao’s gaze, making him go completely still. The clone tilted his head in confusion and Tao had to look away from the startling marine eyes that were completely different from the warm dark brown of his brother’s who he sought out for comfort. But Kai’s eyes were on the clone, his brows pinched in equal confusion and concern.

“What…?” Kai asked just above a whisper and the clone’s eyes darted to him. He repeated the observation process that he had done with Tao, head tilting slowly one way, then the other. 

Their eyes didn’t separate as the women moved away, but as they began to busy themselves with a panel, Kai dragged his gaze away from the clone and back to Tao.

“Are you okay?” he asked, then, after a beat, he swallowed harshly. “You’re— you are you, right?”

Tao nodded quickly. “I am. It’s me.”

Before any more could be said, one of the women spoke up. “Ready to initiate teleportation test.”

“Exo-subject: Time Manipulator, ready,” one of the women holding him said.

“Exo-subject: Teleporter, ready,” another said.

“Teleporter clone #87, ready,” the first said. “Initiating test.” She pushed several buttons on the panel and the equipment that Kai and the clone were hooked up to lit up. 

“Wait, teleportation test?” Kai asked. “Tao.” Their eyes met for a frantic second before Kai turned to the woman at the panel as she started to turn a dial on the machine. “Stop! Where are you sending him? You ca—” He broke off in a scream as electricity traveled through the wires connected to him, his clone screaming as well as electricity traveled to him.

“S-stop,” Tao stuttered as his eyes began to burn and anger rushed through him. “Stop it!” He began to struggle against the hold on him. A small gray circle began to form in between the clones and he gasped then doubled his efforts to escape as it grew with their screams. Once it was the size of a person, he was drug forward. No amount of fight he gave loosened their vice grip on his arms or slowed them down. Nor did they slow as the machinery began to spark uncontrollably and the gray portal in front of him shifted.

“Stop!” Kai yelled suddenly between screams. “It— ah— It’s not stable. You can’t—” He cut off in a groan, trying to hold another scream in. “Tao! I’m sorry, I ca— I can’t stop it. I can’t—”

With another scream, Tao sought him out again as he was pulled closer to the portal, tears now streaming down his face, fear replacing his anger. Sweat was rolling down Kai’s face which was strained from the pain, his muscles taught as he tried to fight the machine. 

Tao could undo this. If he could use his powers, he would be able to go back far enough and break away before the clone was hooked up. Save both of them from the torture.

Alarms started to blare and one of the mechanical voices said something about the test failing. 

Reaching deep inside himself for his powers he looked at his brother as a headache began. “Kai!” he shouted, but the next moment he was shoved and lost his footing, his vision turning gray as the room vanished, quickly replaced by bright lights and colors erupting in front of him. Pain stabbed his brain as pressure built in his chest, his powers bursting forth as he lost consciousness. 

Tao’s story continues in “Time’s Castaway”

Taglist: @chaysingthesun

First, Prev, Finale, AO3

He blinked as another drip fell and someone in white stationed themselves between him and the other so that his gaze was cut. He blinked again in realization. He was awake. When had he woken up? That shouldn’t be unusual. Right?

He brought his gaze slowly to his own arms which sat unresponsive on either side of him. Another person in white stationed on his right and busied themself out of his view. Before long the blue liquid showed itself coming through the tube and needle connected to his own arm. 

This isn’t right. I shouldn’t have this.

He wanted to stop it. Remove the needle, but his arms felt like static and refused to respond. 

These are my arms...right? Why won’t they move?

The person—woman?—moved away and he tried to get her attention, to stop her, but the words didn’t come and his jaw wouldn’t move. His breathing speeding up, he focused on his arms even as his brain started to drift away. 

He had to stop it. Had to stay awake. Had to move. Get away. 

Get away.

Get away.

A moan slipped up his throat as his arms still refused to respond and his body grew heavier. White and red filled his vision, and he was pushed to lay back down. Another moan escaped his throat again as he tried to convey to the woman that something was wrong.

He needed to move.

He needed to stay awake.

Stay awake.

His vision continued to blur and something warm slid down his cheek as he fell into darkness once more.

A sudden beeping sent him into high alert, the sound defining in the constant silence. Another moment passed and warmth spread across his body, his limbs forcibly relaxing, and he blinked slowly as his brain began to drift.

He felt a warmth on his cheek, and the rustling of leaves filled his ears as he slowly blinked his eyes open, quickly squinting as he brought a hand up to block the sunlight that was suddenly blinding him. 

When familiar laughter rang out, he forced his eyes back open, slowly pulling himself up to a sitting position and looking around. His brothers were a few feet away, lounging around in the warmth and enjoying the lush environment. One of them called to him and he swayed to his feet, euphoric laughter tumbling from his lips as he stumbled to meet the others.

First, Next, AO3

“What…” Baekhyun swallowed. His throat was dry and scratchy, and he used it as an excuse to give himself more time as he started to realize what was happening. He still wasn’t sure how he’d gotten here. The last thing he’d remembered was drinking with Lara. Lara. She had been…off.

No, no. It couldn’t have been her. He needed to focus on the here and now instead of letting his brain get carried away.

“What are you talking about?” he asked. 

Instead of answering, the man stepped to the side, allowing Baekhyun a full view of a wall covered in photos and articles. His eyes widened as they darted from one item to the next. 

“We’ve been tracking a group of anomalies that appear human but have otherworldly abilities,” the man said. “Not to mention that there is photographic evidence that dates back hundreds of years. And that’s just what’s been found. Imagine how amazing it was when we picked you up on cameras traveling into and around the country. So, what are you?”

Baekhyun tried to steady his breathing as he met the man’s eyes and then dropped them a bit. “I don’t know what you’re talking about,” he said with a slight tremor.

“Of course, you don’t,” the man said, stepping back towards him. “Don’t worry. I didn’t think it would be that easy. I’m plenty prepared to get the answers I’m looking for.” He pulled his arm back and all of the air left Baekhyun’s lungs as he was punched in the diaphragm. He wasn’t given any time to recover as he was blinking away stars again. The taste of copper was sharp and he blinked to try and refocus. 

“Maybe a different question,” the man said. “Where are the others?”

“I don’t…know what you’re talking about,” Baekhyun said as he tried to catch his breath.

“Fine,” the man said. “A different method then. Bring her in.”

“Let me go.”

Baekhyun’s heart stopped as Lara was pulled into the room between two men. She struggled against them but her small frame didn’t stand a chance against their large militant builds. 

“What are you doing?” she shouted. “Get your hands off me.” She was shoved into a chair and the men stood to either side, keeping her in place. 

The leader walked over to her and grabbed her face, making her go completely still as she met his gaze. “What do you think?” he asked, then turned to Baekhyun. “Do you know what I’m talking about now?”

Lara’s eyes left the man to follow where he was looking and they went wide when she saw Baekhyun. The doubts he had tried to bury were coming back, but he couldn’t believe them yet. 

“B-Baekhyun?” she stammered. Her eyes darted around the room and then landed on him again. “I-I don’t understand what’s happening.” 

The man let go of her and walked back towards Baekhyun. “Answer my questions and nothing happens to her. I can guarantee you her safety.”

Of course he could. 

But if she wasn’t with them they would kill her. 

“You think I believe that?” Baekhyun said. He wouldn’t play their intimidation tactics. If he could reach his powers he could get them both out. Even without his powers, he should be strong enough and fast enough to escape. “You all work the same. Even if I don’t know anything. Or even if I do, you’ll kill us. You wouldn’t let us go after what we’ve seen.” He looked at Lara. “I’m sorry,” he said. “I’ll get you out of this.”

“What?” she asked. “What do you…Are you crazy? Just tell them what they want so they’ll let us go. Please, Baekhyun.”

He sat back a bit. 

Oh. 

This isn’t what he wanted. He didn’t want to be right.

He sucked in a breath and looked away from her. Trying to fight away the tears.

“Did you know the whole time?” he asked suddenly. “Is that why you approached me?” He looked up and met her eyes. She’d gone rigid and her eyes were widening slowly. 

“What are you…?” she trailed off. Then a sob was forced out of her throat and she looked down at her lap. “How could you think….”

His shoulders slumped. “Please, Lara,” he said, looking down again. “That’s not like you. You could have tried a bit harder to the end.”

“I guess he knew you too well,” the leader said. “Should have just stayed silent.”

“It’s not like I knew he would fight back,” she spat.

Baekhyun listened as her restraints were removed and her chair scraped as she stood. 

“How did you figure it out?” she asked.

He didn’t answer her. Couldn’t. He’d nearly compromised all of them because he’d let his guard down. His mind thought back to the beginning of the evening. Over the last several days. Little things that he’d ignored. 

“Fine then,” the man said. “Back to the hard way.” His heavy footsteps were all the warning Baekhyun got before he was gasping for air again as his chest ached at the new blow. Several followed and the chair creaked from the movement. Baekhyun tried to hold in the pain. Tried to pull for his connection to turn out the lights. Maybe then he could get away. 

Pain shot across his face again and he had to blink away new stars.

“I’ll stop if you just answer this question,” the man said. “Tell us how to find the others. You don’t have to be the one to suffer.”

Baekhyun spat at the man’s feet. Blood and saliva splattered onto the militant shoes.

“Fine then,” the man said, then made a motion to two of the men as he pulled out his gun. They grabbed Lara and forced her back into the chair she had previously occupied, keeping their hands on her shoulders as she started to fight back.

“What are you doing?” she asked. “I did my duty. I fulfilled my mission.”

“Perfectly I might add,” the man said. “You became his weakness.” He lifted the gun toward her torso and turned back to Baekhyun. “Tell me what I want to know or I’ll make her death long and slow right in front of you.”

“Do you think I still care about her?” Beakhyun challenged, putting as much venom into his voice as possible even as his heart ached again. “Besides, she’s one of you. Do you think I actually believe you would?” Baekhyun hissed. His eyes landed on Lara, who had stilled, eyes trained on the gun. Resigned. 

The gun went off making Baekhyun jump, but he quickly refocused on her. She groaned in pain and leaned in on herself, pulling away from the men holding her. They pulled her back straight and Baekhyun watched as blood began to spread across her stomach. His heart sank.

“That one’s not fatal,” the man said. “Provided she gets attention before she loses too much blood. You can bluff all you want, but I can tell you won’t let me kill her. Even if she hurt you.” 

He couldn’t speak. Thoughts collided in his brain as he tried to think of something and then the gun clicked. The next shot was prepared. He looked back at the leader as the gun was raised towards Lara again. 

“No! Stop!” Baekhyun screamed, pulling against his restraints. He tried to think of anything as he continued to struggle and then he felt it. Just below the surface. A whisper. He reached for it as much as he could until he felt a pressure build until it burst from him. 

Several people in the room grunted as light shot out from him, uncontrolled. The bindings dropped from his wrists and, though disoriented, he got to his feet as quickly as he could. When he was steady and focused again he watched as the leader rushed from the room, pulling Lara with him. A few of the men tried to intercept Baekhyun, but they were still recovering. He flipped the first one that came towards him and kicked out at another. Metal scraped against the ground as the man dropped his gun and Baekhyun grabbed it as he ran after Lara.  

Their footsteps echoed in the stairwell as they made their way to the roof, and Baekhyun pushed for the energy to catch up, but the speed he needed wasn’t coming. The man looked over the edge and Baekhyun spotted him just in time to dodge a gunshot. It slowed him down and he struggled to regain his momentum.

He came out onto the roof, gun ready, but stopped short. 

“Put the gun down,” the man said. His arm was wrapped around Lara’s throat, gun pointed at her head. “Put it down or I’ll shoot her.” 

Baekhyun fought the tears that were blurring his vision but kept his gun ready. 

He met Lara’s eyes which were shining with her own unshed tears.

“Please,” Baekhyun spoke carefully. “Just let her go.” 

“I’m sorry,” she mouthed silently and Baekhyun tilted his head back as a tear fell. 

“I said put down your gun!” the man screamed, pressing the gun harder against her head. She pulled against him suddenly, stepping on his foot. There was a shout of pain and then a gunshot. The man let Lara go and Baekhyun lost his breath as she fell limp to the ground. Too far away for him to reach. The man stepped away and trained his gun back on Baekhyun, and Baekhyun’s attention shifted back to the man as he pushed aside the sorrow, and anger took its place. One gunshot rang out and then another, but Baekhyun didn’t pay attention to the outcome, already moving towards Lara. 

He dropped down next to her and reached out a hand slowly to her shoulder, trying to ignore the pool of blood soaking her hair. He shook her once, twice. 

“No—,” a sob broke off his plea and he stumbled away from her as bile rose into his throat. He made it to the other side of the roof before he collapsed as sobs wracked his body, and everything forced its way to the surface. 

He panted for air as he finally calmed, leaving his body trembling with exhaustion and he looked back towards Lara and the man confirming that his shot had been fatal. 

“Aaaaaaargh!” his scream echoed across the roof and he stumbled back to his feet. He started slowly towards Lara and then stopped. He wouldn’t be able to do anything for her now. Authorities would come, or perhaps more from this group. Another sob left him and he forced his eyes away from her as he started making his way to the stairwell. He needed to get away.

First, Prev, Next. AO3

Tag List: @chaysingthesun

Author's note:

Hello! Another late post, but hopefully this is the last one for the rest of Pathcode. We're in the home stretch friends!

All my love to Baekhyun stans. Sorry about this chapter...

For those that are curious, the story between Baekhyun and Lara is from the vcrs at Baekhyun's Light Concert. When those dropped online it was clear where they belonged in the story.

I've started editing part 3 and everything continues downhill from here for a while. We're almost caught up to what I've written chronologically so I need to buckle down and get to work on part 4. I have so many parts from farther in the future, but it's been hard writing the beginning of part 4. Once I get past that, I think it will flow out pretty easily.

I hope everyone has enjoyed part 2 so far. It looks like we might have some new readers too. Hello! Welcome! If anyone wants to be added to this and future tag lists, please let us know.

Exciting news as well! I'm going to see Baekhyun! I didn't think it was going to work out because the closest venue is 7 hours away, but my friend (I'll call her Ice Bear) and I decided to try for tickets last minute. I'm honestly still a little shocked it worked out. Now to decide on an outfit lol.

That's all for now. Thanks for stopping to read! Hope you have a blessed Memorial Day everyone.