AfterMask: 41

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"...JIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIN!!!!"

Haje's scream sounded so far off. Jin was staring wide-eyed at the bolt tip, his entire body feeling icy and numb and heavy. 'I know this feeling...' He could faintly sense, as if his brother were right beside him, Yun's entire being seizing with rage and terror, every muscle between them taut with fury. 'I felt this before.'

"Are you ready to die again?"

Ji-U looked victorious, his lips curled back so far the corners seemed ready to split open. The red eyes usually so cold and detached were plump with excitement, shining as Ji-U's arm started forward, Noah lunging in slow motion to Jin's senses. In that moment, Jin finally placed where this fear had come from before.

"...BiGak?"

The blond's grin stretched just a bit more.

However, in a movement too fast for Jin's eyes to follow, the bolt was punched right out of Ji-U's hand, Jin barely catching the sound of Ji-U's bones cracking ominously, and another punch sent the blond's head into the pavement.

"GET AWAY FROM HIM, YOU INGLORIOUS SACK OF SHIT!" Haje bellowed, a light purple static coursing over his body as he stood between Ji-U and Jin. As the redheaded King watched, the static began to connect and take the shape of a boar's head, front legs forming and stomping on the ground as the pig's tusks took form, Haje looking like his mind had gone - just as Hiljo's had.

Jin's arm finally found the energy to move, and his fingers clenched tight around Haje's wrist, prompting the enraged star-eye to turn his head and see Jin-

Crying.

"Haje...You don't have to fight, remember?" Jin wasn't sure how his voice wasn't cracking, but he pushed out the rest of his words. "It's okay, remember? You can't be hurt by him anymore. You don't have to be angry anymore." He watched Haje's eyes dilate and return to normal. "He isn't the same as BiGak. He's isn't JaGwi either. You don't have to fight, or be angry, or scared-"

The Boar's Mask formed over Haje's face, but he ripped it away and held it in his free hand, trembling. "...It's because...of you...Because of you, I'm free...Hiljo and Jenna and I..." His fist clenched, and the rage returned as he glared at Ji-U, trying to stagger to his feet.

"No one will take my freedom from me. No one...will take my Kings from me."

He summoned a crossbow, and the sight of it made Jin tremble. Haje got down on his knee and aimed, Ji-U shrieking as an arrow pierced his side. "YOU PIECE OF SHIT! THE SLAVE-OWNER SHOULD HAVE KILLED YOU!" The blond roared, Hiljo and Yong bristling as Yun gave a angry snarl.

"Shut up."

Ji-U's ragged breathing hit a high note, 'HHHHHH-' as several figures showed up. MuYoung dropped into view first, Ho by his side and both aiming massive guns at Ji-U.

"Heroboy~!" Noah cried in glee as GamunBe dropped down and caused a crater with his landing, the Ox snorting and a gust of air visibly moving with the motion. The Rabbit dashed over to his lover and hugged GamunBe fiercely, looking over to where Hiljo had Haje by the back of the neck, Jin trying to talk the newly emerged Boar down.

MuYoung lifted his gun a little higher, glaring at Ji-U. "I don't particularly have any reason not to kill you except for you know where Joong is being kept. Hurry up and answer or even that will disappear."

"Heh." Ji-U sneered despite his wounds. "No wonder there was so much dancing around when it came to your subordinate and your personal feelings. Always exuding that anger, like a miasma, in the hopes that it'll keep people from hurting you by keeping them away from you. What a lonely pathetic man."

The Cat's hackles raised and his fist drew back, Ho grabbing his twin and frowning at Ji-U.

"It's okay, it's okay-" Jin was wheezing and holding Haje's face, trying to calm the Boar down as Yun held his side. "You told Mir not to be afraid of losing, you shouldn't be either, Haje."

The static began to calm, and the Boar's image slowly grew smoother in appearance, until the tusked being was left calmly staring at the Kings as Haje slumped in Hiljo's grasp, looking dazed. Mir and Yangban appeared, the Rooster rushing to Haje's side to kiss him fiercely all over his face, the Boar's image shying away with a muffled squeal as Haje blushed.

"You..." Yangban shut his fan, an ugly scowl twisting his face as he tilted Ji-U's chin upward with the end of his favorite item.

Ji-U only continued to sneer, his pupils dilated. "And you, you, you are the WORST. Your mask is the only claim to the term 'aristocrat' that you have, and you cling to that title like a child to its safety blanket. You can't let anyone be close, even when you want them to be, because you can't bear the thought of your title meaning nothing and you in turn mean nothing to them." The cold TAL's eyes flew wide open, and Ji-U smirked. "You're pathetic."

"DAMMIT ONLY HIS FAM CAN ROAST BANGKOK YOU FRECKLED ASSHOLE!" Noah yowled, Usagi screeching as it blocked Ji-U attempting to stab Yangban while the musician was distracted. Yangban slightly moved as the Yongma drew him back into the safety of the group, Noah placing his arm in front of the elder TAL.

The blond got to his feet, still grinning as his beast returned to his side. "Oi, Rabbit. I've been wondering this, but...That guy. We've been hitting and attacking him successfully every encounter, but he's withstanding everything we throw at him, and keeps recovering quickly enough to face us again sooner than he should." MuYoung pointed out. Noah blanched and the Cat scowled. "So what Chau Yong was saying before...The beast can't feel any pain..."

"So it stands to reason neither can I?"

The Kings group bristled as one, huddling together as Ji-U drew to full height, smirking. He then calmly ripped the bolt Haje had fired into him out of his side, blood gushing from the open wound - until blackness seeped from Gip-Yun and began to thread over Ji-U's side, stemming the flow and fading to the Chachaoong's skin tone. "I do wish you'd stop wrecking my clothing. I'm not Rabbit TAL, I have no interest in stripping in front of strangers."

"Hey! I only strip for Hero-" Noah began in an indignant tone, GamunBe tiredly glowering at Ji-U as he slapped his hand over his mate's mouth.

Ji-U's grin widened as Gip-Yun's full form returned to blocking the intersection. "But I got what I wanted anyway. Another TAL's emerged, and that's our goal. So relax, dear Kings, today's been fulfilled. And even with my injuries repaired, I'm nearly out of energy to move. Why not call this a draw?"

"You haven't given back Monkboy, so no, bitch." Noah growled, ears forward and down in aggression.

The blond only smirked in reply. "Isn't one victory enough?"

"Return my family!" Jin demanded, still standing in front of the Laons. Haje's TAL uniform had finished materializing, and Hiljo seemed conflicted over the clothing his son now wore.

Ji-U shrugged. "It's not up to me on his return. Didn't you realize that?"

"Bastard..." Yun uttered with venom, Gotoya and Ryu standing between the Kings' positions.

Their enemy folded his arms as Gip-Yun's form shifted, dark shapes drifting around his feet. "It's a stalemate, Kings. I don't have what you're after, and you've got no reason to keep attacking me." Ji-U pointed out.

"Just because you imply torture won't work-" Yangban began, cut off as Mir opened his fan in front of his face with a placid look.

Ji-U shrugged. "Maybe it could? Of course, I still wouldn't say much." He chuckled as Yun's fist shook, Gotoya grabbing his master's arm to steady it. "I'll leave you with one thing, though. Joong remains unharmed. It's in our interest to keep the TALs intact." The darkness began swirling around him, Gip-Yun's form fading from sight.

"Next time we'll be going home with Gasun." Yun declared as Ji-U and his beast teleported away.

Noah sighed, turning to try and cheer up Jin and Yun - when his voice died in his throat. Haje's TAL uniform was a long-sleeve black top with grey gloves, purple bands securing the wrists, and his trousers were dark blue, tucked into black combat boots. His Mask, the snarling face of a blue-grey Boar, its pale gold tusks shining even in the weak light left by the clouds overhead, was over his head - over his left eye.

Haje's now sheepishly shy gaze inched up to meet Noah's, turning to horror as the Rabbit keeled over backwards, GamunBe just barely catching his mate with a grunt.

"...See if you can mod this. As good as you look in it, I don't much fancy having that be his reaction." Mir sighed.

-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-

JuJu looked up at the sound of Logan's bedroom door opening, watching as Gasun walked out with the gentlemen happily behind him.

Gasun had on a sharp-looking tan suit much like Logan's attire, his hair groomed back in a ponytail, and his face smooth and clean-shaven. As his eyes slid open, JuJu took immediate notice of the dark near-red shade of Gasun's irises. "It would seem the drug has done the trick..." Logan chuckled, lifting Gasun's arm to kiss the Joong's wrist, Gasun giving no reaction but to stare ahead blankly.

"What the fuck." The child's chibi chirped flatly.

Logan showered the unresponsive Gasun in affection. "The new drug contains a potent sedative and muscle relaxant. He's under my power but he's a tenacious fighter, for certain." JuJu watched as the Joong's expression never changed even with Logan pawing at him. "But now he is the most obedient little pet we could have hoped for. His treue is mine now." Logan purred while kissing Gasun's ear, his hands on the Joong's hips.

The child squinted at him. "Gross."

"Now now." Logan chuckled. "Don't be so quick to judge." He made a gesture with his hand, and Gasun woodenly sat down. Logan handed him a book, JuJu perking as Gasun mechanically opened the cover.

The TAL's eyes shut for a moment, then reopened to show a lighter shade of red, a very kind but muted gaze now raising to the child across from him. "Would you like a story, my dear? Hansel and Gretel?" Gasun asked in a soft tone, JuJu across the space in seconds to hop into his lap. The redheaded child made himself into a cozy ball as the TAL slowly began to read, Logan's Ability translating each unfamiliar word in the book to the language Gasun's mind recognized.

"Made him into a babysitter? Well, it'll keep the kid quiet for a while."

Logan's fond gaze that had been resting on the two turned venomous as he turned to find Ji-U, nonchalantly sewing his shirt as Gip-Yun perched atop his head. "He is not cruel at his core, Fischermen. A task such as this will keep his mind from becoming turbulent."

"Just remember. He's your toy, but we're Her toys as well. Try not to believe too hard in a happy ending. All those stories and fables of yours never have one, either." Ji-U forewarned, waving with the needle in his fingers as he walked away. Logan watched him go until the darkness in the hall swallowed even Ji-U's bright coloring from sight.

As Gasun continued to read to JuJu, Logan gritted his teeth. 'I will MAKE our happy ending, Fischermen. And if you become a hinderniss, then I'll make you regret crossing me.'

-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-

"So ya retreated."

SaeHa huffed and blew a smoke ring into the air, Noah sighing as GamunBe massaged his back. "As frustrating as it is, we had no choice. If that asshole can't feel physical pain, and he's fucking mental enough that emotional pain is outta the question, then we'd be going until the end of time trying to break him."

"Jin, you okay?"

The TAL looked over, the redheaded King curled up in EunYul's arms with Yun next to them, his head in a frowning Gotoya's lap. "Head hurts. I think I got hit too hard."

"I feel like shit too." Yun mumbled, grabbing Gotoya's arm and trying to put it over his head.

Noah frowned. "Weird. I didn't see any of the poison on you two during the fight." MuYoung and Ho were guarding the doorway to the yard and the Yongma were all in a pile around Ryu.

"No...It's been like this for a while." Jin shifted, and it occurred to Noah that there were shadows under the normally upbeat golden eyes belonging to the younger King. "But it's been getting worse. It comes and goes, and it's like my entire being hurts all at once." Yun groaned, Gotoya looking annoyed as he was dragged even further and made to lay over his master like an aggravated blanket.

The Rabbit TAL stood up and stretched. "Here, lemme try to help. Ya really shoulda told me sooner, though, baby Jin." He reached for Jin -

And was abruptly knocked across the room on his back, blinking owlishly up at a startled Mir whose lap was now occupied by Noah's long mane. "...Uhm...Ow?"

"Hy-Hyung!" Jin yelped.

Noah was pushed upright by Hiljo, the Rabbit rubbing his head. "That...Was...Weird?"

"Rabbit?" MuYoung and Ho were leaning on one arm each, looking pensive. Yun and Gotoya had bolted up at the reaction, the beast's arms gripped by his master.

Finally, Noah regained his senses fully. "That...felt like..." He frowned. "...Jin? Yun? When did you two start feeling unwell like this?"

"Uhm..." Jin looked to Yun. "About...the time of the meeting at school? No, maybe before that? I just thought it was stress from the whole exposing our kind but..."

Sarah appeared in the doorway, tilting her head as Darkness slunk over to join the pile, laying across Ryu's leg and grunting. "Hey, Oppa. Mind letting me feel that in replay?" Noah gawked at her until she raised a perfect lilac eyebrow in reply, and he sighed heavily, reaching for her hand. A moment later, Sarah's body jolted, but Noah's grip relieved her of the worry from falling over. "...Yeah. It's the same. It's the same old energy that I feel from the seeds on the Infected."

"What?!" MuYoung gaped as shock ran through them all.

The Monkey seated herself next to Noah. "Calm down. I'm not saying it's coming from them. Rather...It's going through them? It feels like, in a way, they're conducting it, like a lightning rod catching the energy from a storm." Her chibi had a chubby finger raised as she explained, Noah having the stray thought that it looked adorable.

"Wait, so...the thing that's causing the Infection...Our aches and this weird pain is coming from it too? I thought humans were the ones being affected?" Jin waved his arm.

Teora Hao appeared then, gaze focused on Sarah. "Blocking my Ability by blocking me from everyone's thoughts is a good strategy, ChongGak-Oppa, but it feels like you have me in a chokehold." She uttered without looking over her shoulder. "Should I start calling you ChokeGak-Oppa then?"

"HUK-PFFT!" Noah wheezed and snorted in one breath, gagging as that caused him to choke himself, Mir whacking his back.

The Lost TAL had a very placid gaze as he sat down by her. "That has to be either Rabbit's or Rooster's influence." Mir looked away smirking. To annoy the Lost TALs Sarah had been commonly coming over to Chau Yong's apartment to play chess with the elders and Mir.

"But rather, that was about the time you both fully accepted your roles as King." Sarah pointed out.

Noah's ears appeared, to the delight of the girls. "Hey, waitaminute. That was about the time we started seeing more and more of the Infected. Maybe you're getting headaches because it's some kind of reaction to the Infected appearing?"

"But then wouldn't it be going off all the time?"

MuYoung and Ho yelped and sprang away, Lotte standing at the doorway with an umbrella under his arm. "Ah! It's class leader~!" Noah waved.

"Call me Lotte dammit." The redheaded teen groused, setting his umbrella aside. "I've been talking to the other student council members. And while they wouldn't divulge any names, it seems that there have been several students who've been...exhibiting strange powers."

Jin blinked. "Wha...Were we, er, was I not the only Chachaoong at school?!"

"Not exactly." Lotte pulled out a notebook, and handed it over. "From all of the accounts, after you and Ja Yun-Hyung stepped forward, the class presidents each had several classmates come forward with the confession that in the last semester, they had begun noticing unique and strange abilities and changes."

MuYoung was frowning.

"This coincides with the appearance of the Infected appearing more frequently. Though, again, I have no names, but-" His eyes narrowed and seemed stormy, "-I think that if the Infected are considered what happens when the transformation fails, these students are what happens as a result of it succeeding."

Jin and Yun traded uneasy looks with each other. "We've been so busy with the Infected I didn't even stop to think about looking for the non-failures..." The redhead admitted quietly.

"There might be more." Lotte pressed on. "I noticed a pattern and with the information Doctor-Nim was able to give me, I put together a crude timeline. I think that the same time Infected pop up, these people will gain abilities and powers and such at the same time or at least a little after."

Mir raised an eyebrow. "How the hell did you catch onto that?"

"I watch crime shows to pass my free time in the winter." Lotte deadpanned.

Yun and Jin were looking at the pages upon pages of info Lotte had in the notebook. 'This looks like way more than just 'passing the time' Lotte-Nim!' Jin sweated. "S-So...That's probably why some of the groups have been having a more easy time with catching the Infected. Having their own Abilities would explain it..."

"Which means that in actuality, there's even more seeds that activate than we even knew." Lotte replied.

Noah's ears fell as he frowned in thought. "So if the source of the Infection...I wonder...Could it be that, the Kings have some sort of link to the source?" Jin and Yun both went wide-eyed. "Even better...What if you two could influence it?!" Noah started grinning.

"L-Like how you do with your link, Hyung?" Yun stuttered on a yawn, clearly tired.

The Rabbit TAL smiled, seeing how exhausted the two were at the moment. "Possibly. But for now, you two need your rest." He pinched his fingers together and created a shimmering bubble, carrying it over to the two. "We'll figure things out eventually, so...Good night for now, baby Kings."

He popped the bubble and showered them in the dust, Yun and Jin's eyelids drooping as they laid their heads down (in Jin's case, to EunYul's chest) and shut their eyes drifting off to sleep.