⊱☯⊰

V returned from his journey with a new urgency, discovering there the truth about notorious pirate Mage and his magic. Tae was right to be anxious because of him. He was adamant to get his hands on Hyung. The Count must have known that since he sent V here, on Isla de Sangre, the Blood Island. At first, V was oblivious of why, but as soon as he stepped on the mysterious land, he knew that it had something to do with runes. The runes were powerful and only someone with magical blood could use them. Someone like V.

V knew he and his twin were different, but he didn't know how much until he felt his blood whisper to him, rumbling under the surface of his skin, rushing and vibrating with each step he took into the fog. The fog grew ticker as he walked towards the stone altar. The entire place was eerie, full of the unknown force. The few shadows grew nearer and V saw that they were hooded figures in the long gray robes. They haven't spoken a word, they were just observing him quietly. One of them raised his hand and pointed at the altar, showing him that he should put his hand on the stone.

Hesitantly V got closer, still watching them in alert when his eyes gazed at the stone with runes on it. He looks on the hooded figure again. The man repeated the movement of placing his palm on the stone surface. V watched him for a second before he carefully placed his hand on top of the rune.

Instantly the thousands of whispers echoed in his brain, tumbling one across the other, creating a hum. V closed his eyes, using his skill he learned from Seokjin and tuned down the whispers, keeping them at bay and waiting for the right ones to come forward.

-''The Shadow Whisperer has come...has come....has come...haaaaassss....shadow whisperer....shhhhh....shadow whisperer.'' – The few whispers were the loudest. Some of them were angelic, others like whispers in the night, shushing and echoing. V kept his concentration on them.

-''Haaaaasss cooomeee....hasss....the dark one has come....cooomeee....the light....light, light, light one neeeedsssssssssssss....neeedssssss.... sssssssssssss...the light one needsss you.... Hhhhhh.....''

V's thoughts fell on Tae. He could feel it in his bones that there is something about Tae. He felt uneasiness beckoning him back...back to home, back to Tae.

-''Tae.'' – V murmured, a worried crease appeared on his brow. The whispers became buzzing at the mention of Tae's name. V was momentarily overwhelmed but tried his best to stay focused on the voices.

-''The dark m....the dark.... Mmmmm.....mage, mage, mage....hhhhhhhh......the dark mage hassssssss come....come...come...'' – The whispers stirred again, becoming more alarmed. V had difficulty separating them as they all whispered at the same time now, cutting each other, telling their own tales.

-''Kill....kill.....kill the darknesssssssssss....sssssssss........you musssssst....must musssssssssssst.......it will...will....will destroy ev...ev...ev...everything..thing...thing...''

V's body vibrated within, his blood answering the call of the spirits. He felt dull pain on the back of his head.

-''Two more left...two moooooreee....one, one, one....one he...hhhhhhe....one he will be given...given, given....hhhhhhhh....ooother will be taken....taken...taken...and hhhhhhe will have...have...have....have it all......aaaaaaaaaaaaaall....two more....all....hhh.......one......''

-''The light...light...light... must....musssssssssst...ssssssssstand......must, must, must...sssstand together.....together.....sssssstand....together.....''

V's blood was drumming in his veins, the pain was less bearable.

-''Written in blood...wrrrrrrrrriiiittteeeeeen....writen....blood....blooooood....hhhhhh.....written in blood...the truth...hhhhhhh....in blood....hhhhhh....written....wriiiteeeen....written in blood....''

-''Tell me what to do!'' – V yelled. His head was now in pain. He had difficulty controlling the whispers. There were too many of them.

-''Written in blood....written in blood....truth...trushhhhhh..truth...hhhh...blood, blood...written in blood...''

-''Aaaaaaaaaaaaaa!'' – V screamed, holding his head with one hand, his knees buckled as his other hand stayed glued to the rune. The voices were screaming in his head now. – ''Written in blood....dark mage.... Written in blood....blood...hhhhhhhhh...light....together.....ssssssssstand.....light.....together...''

It was like the liquid fire rushed through his veins. His magic waking up from a very long sleep. V screamed and sobbed as the pain rippled through his body. He never felt pain like this before. It was unbearable. His head was about to burst from the voices and drumming of his heart pumping the magic through his vessels.

-''Kill.....kill....kill....musssssssssst....mussssssst.... blood....written in blood...blood...blood....light neeeeeeeeeeed you....together...light...together...go....go....GO!''

V was pushed from the altar with such force, that he flew few meters and fell on his back, still gripping his head, sobbing in pain and panting heavily. He felt something carving into his brain, something powerful and new. It hurts...it hurts like a motherfucker.

He felt arms raising him from the ground and carrying him somewhere, but he couldn't do anything, his head was splitting in half. The echoes of the whispers were still there, repeating itself, like in a loop. V felt the hand on his brow and the pain stopped. It left him gasping for air, still sobbing. It took him a few minutes until he calmed sufficiently enough to become aware of his surroundings, eyes wide and icy blue. He was laid on the soft grass, in the woods, not far away from the fog. He saw a clear night sky filled with stars and ever-present sense of vibration in his bones. One of the hooded figures took his hand and placed a small rune stone in his palm, closing V's fingers around it. V felt vibrations calming down until they were just a hum.

V gasped loudly, controlling his breathing and trying to come back to his senses. It was hard, the hum of the shadows still rang in his ears, carving themselves into his brain, slipping through the veil of mystery and adding the magic of the runes. V's eyes were lightened with icy fire, blue flames dancing as the newly released power settled on its rightful place in his being. V always felt confined, like some parts of himself were locked or bounded within his chest. Like his own blood haven't flown properly, hiding the secrets deep inside. Now, however, it was free and V felt the surge of energy that he didn't know he had. If he was scary before, he was terrifying now as he stepped back into the fog, the hooded creatures fleeing away from him so he might pass.

As soon as he escaped the mist and reached the shore, V shuddered, his eyes returning, once again, to his normal icy blue color, no longer burning. But the aura was different, he felt different, strange almost. He knew that he needed to get home. He knew that his twin needs him. He felt the disturbance deep in his heart, as he always did, whenever Tae was in distress. He barked an order to take him back to the ship and he was on his way to Bangtan, two hours later.

When he arrived he found his house empty, beside Nanni, who informed him that Master Tae has been gone for five days now. V felt certain dread crawling into his bones, and he went to the library to see if any messages have been left. He couldn't find any written one, to be sure, but he did notice a thumb smudge across the white parchment. He took it to examine it closer, bringing it to his nose. He smelled cinder and he looked on the ceiling instantly.

He was out of the window in the second, climbing the walls and roof tiles until he reached his favorite spot next to the chimney. He observes it carefully and remembered the loose brick. Maybe....he thought and went to claw it slowly with his fingertips. When he found Tae's message, he knew that something was terribly wrong.

He read it twice and archive it to his memory before he climbed down, holding the note above the flame of the candle and setting it on fire. When all the trace of the message were turned to ash, he rushed to their armory at high speed. He found out that Tae's equipment was missing as well as his outfit.

Fuck Tae, where are you? He wondered, grabbing at his weapons and putting it on. He had to find him. He saddled his horse and went on running.

He rushed to see Yoongi first, figuring that Tae would go there for the supplies, but was surprised when he found that Yoongi left as well as the stable boy witnessed. V cursed and rode to the Inn, in search of Jungkook. He was so close to his brother nowadays and even though V knew that his brother wouldn't give away their secret, he must have told Jungkook something, leave him a message of sorts, so the latter won't worry. The old Innkeeper said that both Hoseok and Jungkook haven't been in their rooms for days, which was strange since all of their stuff was still here. V felt his blood grew cold. He thanked the old man and went out calmingly, nodding to some people in greeting, but inside he was trembling with energy. As he reached the gates of the city, he nudged his horse into a full gallop. Heading across the fields, when suddenly a light black and gold carriage flew past him. The four velvety black horses were steaming, their muscles tightening as they ran. The sharp turn on the right and the carriage barricade the way making V's horse rear. He had to tighten his legs around the animal's sides and pull at the reins, so he wouldn't tumble down.

-''What the fuck!'' – V growled, trying to calm his agitated horse as he continued to neigh and nicker, when the door of the carriage opened and the Marquise de la Choi stepped out.

-''A thousands of pardons, but I believe you are going the wrong way.''

V bristled with inside rage as he jumped down his horse to face the man. They were almost the same height, the Marquise having a few inches more. V's voice was dangerously serious when he spoke, getting closer. – ''You cut my path sir and dare to tell me that I'm going the wrong way? I should be calling you out for this insolence.'' – V growled through gritted teeth.

The Marquise chuckled. – ''Oh, by all means, do.'' – The Marquise's eyes gleamed amusingly, starring at V's without blinking, unaffected by its death stare. He took a step towards V and smiled wickedly. –''But first I need you to listen very carefully Vante.''

V's eyes narrowed, becoming sharper as he waited for the man to speak.

-''Do you know who I am?'' – The man Marquise asked and V took a deep breath to try to calm his anger as his eyes flicker to the sigil on the carriage door.

-''His Grace, Marquise de la Choi.'' – V spoke. – ''I should say I'm pleased to make your acquaintance, but I am not in the mood, so please your Grace, spare me the protocol.''

V knew his address was highly improper, but he didn't care. If the bloody Marquise don't step out of the way, he would be one very dead Marquise soon. His Grace, on the other hand, was far away from insulted, but rather amused. He arched his eyebrow, still maintaining eye contact.

-''You are been summoned to the G-Kwon Hall.'' – The Marquise spoke calmly. V hasn't said the word, his body strangely unmoving for the storm he was feeling in his chest. He knew who was summoning him, he knew he ought to go. Dragon never sends his envoy like this, unless it's extremely important. He held the Marquise gaze unblinkingly for several moments. Finally, he spoke.

-''My compliments to the Count, but I must decline. I've been needed elsewhere.'' – V started, but the Marquise just smiled slightly, tilting his head ever so slightly as he leaned in to whisper to V's ear.

-''This is not the request, this is the order from the Dragon.'' – He said, raising his right hand slightly, his body hovering over blonde man, hiding them from the men at the carriage. V's eyes followed the Marquise's hands as he took off one of his sapphire rings from his finger, turning his palm up.

V's blood froze. Down on the insides of Marquise's ring finger stood an Assassin's mark, carefully tattooed into his skin. The ring hid it from view as well as the Marquise's entire persona. V's eyes went wide as they shot to look at the Marquise.

-''Nothing is true.'' – The Marquise said the secret words of the Order.

-''Everything is permitted.'' – V answered quietly. They starred at one another. V wondered in which way the Marquise was involved with the Count if he is an Assassin.

-''What's one Marquise, moreover an Assassin doing by executing the orders of a spy?'' – V asked, his suspicion raised once again.

-''We will talk some other time brother, now there is no time to spare.'' – The Marquise spoke, his eyes grew softer if it was possible. – ''Things were set in motion that cannot be stopped, but they might be controlled, so we must hurry.'' – He said, but V interjected. 

-''My brother...''

-''Your brother is already there, together with your Hyung.'' – The Marquise spoke quietly, only for V's ears.

-''Jin Hyung?'' – V breathed silently. The Marquise nodded.

V ran his hand through his blonde hair, but before he could say anything else, the Marquise spoke. – ''Did you get what you've been sent for?''

V starred at him, his untrusting nature was severely shaken and he used all of his senses to try and read the enigmatic man in front of him, which proved to be extremely difficult. The Marquise was a closed book. Still, there was something so strong and honest in his unnerving eyes, that V finally let the breath he was holding.

-''I'm not sure as off yet, but I did bring something.'' - The Marquise nodded, stepping back and pointing at his carriage for V to enter.

-''One of my men would take care of your horse. Please.'' – He bowed his head slightly and V swallowed before he enters into the carriage, followed by the Marquise.

⊱☯⊰

They arrived at the G-Kwon Hall after dusk, where their host, the Count was waiting. V was surprised that the Hall looked closed for the visitors as if the Count himself was not there. The entire place was rather gloomy and quiet, only a few lanterns light the way.

-''Finally, you came at last.'' – The Count said, his red hair was glistening in the light of the flame. He was dressed rather plainly, in black breeches and coat, with a white shirt and stockings. His legs were long and elegant and his fingers and ears were adorned by silver, which is completely opposite of what high fashion required. He was not here to be seen, V thought, but rather to be unsuspicious. Someone should have said something about his hair, it was anything, but unnoticeable.

-''Your Grace.'' – V bowed and Jiyong's eyes gleamed at the sight of another twin.

-''There's no need for formalities young one, we stand on no ceremony this time. This is a friendly visit.'' – He said, raising his eyebrow slightly for V to catch the meaning behind it. 'I am not your Grace now, I'm a creature of the night, just like you.' His hidden words spoke. V licked his lips and swallowed before he nodded in confirmation.

The Count's eyes darted towards the Marquise. – ''Precious, you've done so well.''

He cupped Seunghyun's cheek and the man exhaled slowly through his mouth, closing his eyes in the process. The moment was so intimate, that V was bewitched in its simple beauty. In any other way, he would be delighted to stay and watch, but now he had pressing matters to attend to. He cleared his throat quietly. – ''Jiyong Hyung, my brother and Seokjin Hyung...'' – V started and Jiyong's eyes slipped from Seunghyun's face towards V again.

-''Well of course...follow me.'' – He went on through the hall and the two men followed. Once they reached the lower floor, Jiyong paused. – ''Have you got what I sent you for?'' – He asked, scanning V. The twin returned the look but didn't answer. Jiyong stepped closer, his eyes narrowing as he observed V's pupils intently. Suddenly, as if finding what he was looking for, Jiyong's face relaxed and a small smile formed on his lips.

-''Good.'' – He murmured. – '' Very good indeed.''

He turned and went further down. He unlocked one door that leads to the dungeons and V felt uneasiness. Sensing the alarm in the blonde twin, Jiyong hurried to assure him. 

- ''There is nothing to worry young one. You are not being led to a trap, nor are your brothers in there.''

-''That's exactly what the dragon would say before he leads his victims into his lair from which they will never escape.'' - V said calmly.

The Count laughed quietly, utterly amused, but Seunghyun put a hand on V's shoulder in a calming manner.

-''Your skills are needed here. As soon as you are done, the faster we can get out of there.'' – The Marquise's voice, low and deep, had a strangely calming effect on V, who nodded yet again.

The loud bang jerked them suddenly, followed by the animalistic scream. Jiyong's and Seunghyun's eyes met and they hurried towards the cells.

Inside there were few people gathered around the double steel cage. The man with a silver hair and amber eyes sat calmly inside his cage, his gaze glued to the very enraged man with a crossbow pointed towards the prisoner.

-''Taeyang!'' – Seunghyun's voice boomed. – ''I've told you to leave him be!''

The man, Taeyang was shaking from rage. He was an Assassin. V remembered him from long, long ago, after he saw him only a few times before Jin took them away.

-''I don't care what you've said Seunghyun! He killed more of our brothers and sisters than any villain combined!'' – Taeyang shook, but V knew that he had the caged man well on his aim.

-''We need him alive.'' – Jiyong said calmly, which made Taeyang spit in his direction. – ''I don't take orders from fire lizards. You have no power over me.''

Seunghyun was next to him in three long steps, hand wrapping around Taeyang's throat in a blink of an eye. – ''Be careful now brother, show some respect towards your host and be content that he doesn't bare you ill will after your reckless words.'' – Seunghyun spoke in a dangerous tone, squeezing the man's neck more and more with every word. Taeyang, strangely, didn't do anything to defend himself and V couldn't help but wonder if Seunghyun has some mystery in his blood too, just like he himself did.

-''That's enough.'' – Jiyong said gently, placing his hand on Seunghyun's arm. – ''Let him go.''

Seunghyun's released the man instantly and the man went on coughing and gripping at his throat.

-''Fuck Seunghyun, sometimes I do wonder where your loyalties truly lie.'' – Another Assassin spoke from the other side of the room. He crosses it quickly and grabbed Taeyang's arm, hissing in his ear and pulling him aside. – ''Calm yourself and be patient.'' –Taeyang throw daggers as he glared at Seunghyun and Jiyong, but obeyed silently.

All those time, the man in the cage silently observed, his rage now more controlled as he grinned at the men in front of him. The dimples on his cheeks gave him a rather innocent expression, even though his eyes screamed wickedness.

-''And why are you grinning Namjoon?'' – Another man with a light and a playful voice spoke from the opposite side, leaning on the wall. –''It seems that you are in no position to be so amused, considering the situation you are in.'' 

His hands were crossed over his chest as he witnessed the drama in front of him. He was dressed in a blood red coat with golden buttons, high brown leather boots, and dark pants. His undergarments were made of white ruffled tunic and leather vest embroidered with gold threads. His hair was at his shoulders lengths and he wore a bandana on his head. His sword was rested on his right hip, while his four golden pistols were attached to his chest. His body was lean and elegant, while he had wicked, but clean face. Dark eyes burned mischievously, while his mouth was constantly in a state of a smirk. Several golden hooks adorned his earlobes, while one long pearl earring made a statement of the eccentric attire that could only belong to pirates.

-''That's because I'm entertained Crow, aren't you?'' – Namjoon said, eyes flicking towards the pirate. V noticed Jiyong saying something to the Seunghyun, who then left the cell.

-''Oh but considering your fate now, you should be more condescending, don't you think?'' – The pirate spoke amusingly and Namjoon chuckled.

- ''Oh not I. I'm merely here on a vacation.'' – He said smiling. – ''But I don't quite know what are you doing here Crow? Seems to me that you are trying to betray me to this lot.'' – Namjoon said it casually and this time it was the man who chuckled.

-''Well, it's something of the sort. They made an offer that is hard to refuse and I accepted it.'' – He said casually. Namjoon smirked at that. 

- ''Aaah, pirate's honor, steady as the knife sticking in the back.''

-''Funny you should say that since you got one knife in your back quite literally.'' – The Count interjected and Namjoon flashed his eyes at Jiyong, opening his mouth to hiss some retort, but thought better of it and kept his silence instead. Jiyong smirked at him through bars, only to turn towards the other men.

-''Gentlemen, please step back now. We have a new addition to our gathering.'' – Jiyong said and all eyes suddenly became aware of the figure standing in the shadows. V took a large breath through his nose and step forward. Namjoon's eyes went wide. There was an alarm in them, something that V was glad to see.

-''Vante I believe you realized by now who the man in the cage is. The notorious 'Sea Monster' Captain himself, yes. The other one...'' – Jiyong pointed at the pirate. – ''...is Heechul, a pirate.''

-''A very ambitious pirate.'' – Heechul added, smiling.

-''Indeed.'' – Jiyong agreed, smiling also, but then turned towards two of the Assassins. – ''I don't know if you are acquainted with Taeyang and Donghae? They are your fellow Assassin brothers.''

-''Only by the face and name.'' – V said and bowed his head slightly, putting his palm across his chest and the two men returned the greeting.

V returned his gaze on Namjoon and took a few steps towards him. Jiyong made a movement as if to stop him, but thought better of it. The door of the cell suddenly open and Seunghyun came back, followed by someone else. As soon as V's icy eyes met his brother's warm ones, his worries evaporated.

-''V.'' – His brother said, hurrying towards him. They intertwined hands and placed their foreheads together, their eyes closed as they always did whenever they were separated for long. They were quite a sight since every man in this room was in awe. The silent hum stirred between the twins as their energy rejoiced at being reunited once again, but this time it was different. This time V was free and his twin still restricted with his inner bonds.

-''Where is Hyung?'' – V asked quietly.

-''He is sleeping. We can't wake him up.''

V moved his head back, his brows furrowed as he looked at his twin. – ''What do you mean?''

Tae turned his head and nodded towards Namjoon. – ''This bastard did something to him. We can't wake him up.'' – He hissed angrily, his warm eyes were full of fury.

V's rage exploded in his chest and he bore his stare on the man in the cage. There was a buzzing sound that filled the room at that moment and V purposely walked towards the cage, placing two of his hands on the bars. The cage started bending inwards with an awful screeching noise as it was being squeezed by a big hand. Namjoon looked alarmed, willing his power to protect himself and push the pressure out. The runes of his cage banned his magic to get out but allowed him to use it within.

-''V...'' – Tae warned, eyes wide from shock. He felt there is something different with his twin, but he couldn't put his finger on it yet. His intuition kicked in and he put a hand on his brother's shoulder, squeezing it slightly. – ''Calm down we need him...''

V growled low at his words, his magic swirling inside him, ready to clash with Namjoon's.

-''We are better off without him.'' – The creaking sound of the cage was deafening as the alarmed voices around them.

-''No V, we need him...'' – Tae grunted, cupping his brother's face to force his eyes on his. – ''He is the only one who could wake up Hyung!''

At those words, V faltered. His eyes starred at Tae's for a few moments, growing wide. The creaking of the cage stopped as V let go of his breath. He closed his eyes and allowed to be pulled away from the cage and in Tae's embrace, breathing heavily from the exertion.

-''Something changed...'' – Tae whispered in his ear. V felt the energy coursing through his entire body. He nodded slightly. He could hear that Tae licked his lips as before humming again. – ''We need to talk.''

V nodded again and lean back from Tae's embrace, still staying in his arms reach. His eyes turned to face Namjoon's, who was staring at them in a mixture of hate and fear, arms still spread as if to hold the cage from collapsing. V thought that this was exactly what he was doing with his magic.

He took one step closer to the cage, burying his eyes in the amber ones. – ''We are not done.''

And with those words he turned to leave, with Tae's hand in his own. Jiyong stepped in front of them.

-''You can't leave yet, there are still things to be....''

-''There is nothing to be done until I speak with my brother and see my Hyung.'' – V interrupted and walked pass the Count, who raised his eyebrow high, not used to be disobeyed. As the twins were to reach the door, the Marquise stepped in, blocking their way.

-''Move.'' – V hissed, not in the mood for that play.

-''Uuu he is the feisty one.'' – Heechul mused from the other side.

-''Heechul be quiet.'' – Jiyong said calmly, moving his eyes from V to Seunghyun. Their eyes met and Jiyong nodded slightly. Seunghyung huffed, casting his eyes down and then raising them to up to give V such a deep warning stare that everyone wondered how the young man didn't step back, but V returns the gaze in the same intensity, speaking volumes without a voice until Seunghyun stepped aside to let them pass. Holding Tae's hand tightly in his grip, V hurriedly walked through the door and into the darkness.

There was silence. Each man had their eyes towards the door, as they were waiting for the twins to come back. The sight of them was rare and so magnificent, that their minds still didn't comprehend what just happened. Not until one amused voice spoke. -''Well that was dramatic.''

Jiyong rolled his eyes as he turned to look at grinning Heechul, who looked very pleased, for a reason known only to him.