Archive of Our Own ^beta

Chapter Text

The war... was finally over.. The God of Despair was sealed.. White Star and Arm are gone.. Alberu is King.. The continent is united and finally at peace..

Everyone is,.. exhausted.. So much had happened within just 3 years. They were all running at full throttle for 3 whole years. Now it was over. It had only been a month. They were welcomed by early a warm summer, trees blossomed with pink petals and flowers bloomed within fresh grass..

Children's giggles and shouts filled the air. Naturally, this was Raon, Ohn and Hong, the wolf cubs too. Each of them had scars, causing a nearby adult to frown. 

Red hair which now reached long past his shoulders, a tall and slim figure. He was uniquely unblemished for someone who was once the supreme commander and forefront of a war. Cale. Cale Henituse.

He was happy, of course, his children had survived, and now they could live happily in seclusion and go full slacker mode. Still.. seeing scars on such tiny bodies, not even fully matured, he couldnt help but feel guilty. He hated children being hurt, he hated even more when evidence of being hurt lingered. It reminded him of Kim Rok Soo... He could only be glad that those scars are reminders of survival... Not defeat. 

Subconciously, his hand wandered over his chest, resting upon his heart.. 

"Cale-nim!"

Upon being called, his hand dropped and he turned around. It was Choi Han. The boy had become much more comfortable after finding out Cale was korean and greeted him even more enthusiastically.

"What is it?"

"me and Rosalyn finished the plant garden!" 

Ah.. Thats right, Cale had asked for help in making a small patch of field into suitable soil for gardening and farming. He wnated to teach the children while he could.... Well Seems like they finished it. A smile crept upon his face as he followed the korean. 

...It was the right decision to leave this to them. The soil was perfectly fertilised and Rosalyn seemed to have added some magic sprinklers....however....

"Why is it so big?"

"A-Ah..."

Rosalyn giggled. "We went a bit overboard, but we do have a big family so i think its suitable! I added some sprinklers because i know you arent actually wanting to do much manual labour!"

Mn Rosalyn really does get me. 

"Well there is enough space for each of the children to make their own plots, there'll be room for Vicross too." The redhead nodded approvingly, earning bright smiles off the mage and swordsmaster.

"Arent you going to have your own plot too, Young Master?"

"Ah... Uh yeah.." Cale seemed to avoid the subject... it seems he didnt actually want to farm at all! "I'll just share with one of the children.."

Speaking of...

"HUMANNN!!"

Here he comes...

Raon pretty much slammed his entire body into Cale. Knocking him over. He had grown so much already, it seems he'd enter his second growth stage soon, then Cale wouldnt be able to hold him like this anymore.. 

"Hm?? Whats this! Human! I this the 'farming' you said we'd do!?" Wings fluttered in excitement.

"Yeah, Ill teach you and the kittens soon"

"Yay!"

The adults could only chuckle. Most kids would groan at farming, a 'normal' dragon would huff and puff and say that its beneath them! Alas, Raon was raised by Cale through and through...

A bell chimed throughout the villa, courtesy of Eruhaben, when it rang, it usually meant dinner or lunch. The little black dragon helped up his daddy and dragged him by the hand to the dining hall, which looked more like a mess hall for knights and warriors at this point... Goodness gracious, at least they all had manners..(Ron and Vicross had taught them all)

It was all light meals, since it was hot, no one felt like eating a full, heavy meal. Thus Vicross opted for light and cooling meals. It was truly perfect. Cale could only smile watching his newfound family. They ate well.

Thats good. Eat well and sleep well and live a long life. Thats the best way.

"Hm? Cale-nya! Why arent you eating?! Are you ill??" Hong exclaimed, making the hall turn silent and all eyes shift to the red head. 

"No no. Im just not that hungry." A soft grin played on his lips as he ruffled Hong's hair. The red kitten only frowned. Everyone went back to talking, but they were all keeping an eye on the noble... It was true. 

Honestly, Cale wasnt a big eater, he never had been, but that didnt mean that he'd shy away from meals or skip them. But lately... he hadnt really been eating much at all. During the war, sure there were excuses, but now.... There was no excuse for him not to eat. Not to mention, even if he did feel unwell, he'd be able to stomach this food....

Watchful gazes kept fixed on Cale.

The red head finally coaxed the kids to go back into the garden and play, he sat nearby on a bench under a parasol. Just watching the children and Choi Han play so roughly exhausted him. How did they have so much energy was a mystery to Cale..

A cold glass. 

"Nothing quite like a cold glass of lemonade in such hot weather, right, Young Master?" A benign smile.

"Ron... I dont like lemonade..." So he said, but the redhead still took the glass.

"Hoh? Thats news to me?"

You sly fox.

"Besides, theres nothing better than this for a loss of appetite."

Cale flinched... yeah of course Ron would notice.. He didnt respond but did bring the drink to his lips, bracing himself for that sour kick..... However... It never came. It was sweet. 

???????

"Ron...."

"Yes young master?"

"Are you ill?" Cale had genuine bewilderment on his face.

"Haha. Not at all. I just wanted to tease our puppy."

The redhead grumbled and slumped down into the bench a bit more, sipping the sweet lemonade. 

This was how it should be. Slacking, letting the children play till they pass out, napping. 

.

.

.

Today, Mila decided to surprise the children (and Cale) by suddenly showing up with Ddodori and Rasheel, in tow was a pool. The kids were ecstatic. They had never had a pool before, even Choi Han and Rosalyn got excited. It seems Choi Han had a small discussion with Eruhaben, as they both disappeared for an hour, only to return with... Water guns.

Choi Han you crazy bastard, you had the ancient dragon make you waterguns??!!!

And that was how the villa went from a chill resort, to a battlefield of water and floaties. The kittens were very reluctant at first, but once Lock and Raon eased them into it, they were even using fog to their advantage. Cale scolded them for that, saying it was unfair.. Of course he didnt enter the battlefield, he simply shouted from the sideline, looking very much like a Life guard, or perhaps a tired father.

All the boys were running around shirtless in their shorts, their socks and shoes had been discarded somewhere.. The girls were all in swimsuits or dresses. Surprisingly, the girls were actually winning the waterfight.

Rosalyn, Mila and Eruhaben refused waterguns, rather relying on mana manipulation. 

Cale wasnt gonna get involved, but being a man, did encourage his fellow boys. He pumped up his fist rather lethargically as he shouted

"Fighting~" Of course, he was mid yawn when saying this, so it didnt actually sound that encouraging, but the fight did pause, then laughter erupted. Choi Han got excited hearing a familiar phrase, thus the fearsome water fight resumed with much more vigor than before. Cale face twisted.

"Why did i have to encourage them...? Aigoo..."

Eruhaben walked up to the completely dry 'Young Master', he himself was drenched and dripping with water. Using his hand to flip his wet hair out his face he grinned.

"Oh? Is our young master too refined to join in?"

"That requires me to be physical. Not my style" The red head hummed his mouth was muffled as he had put a book over his face. "plus im not wet, nor do i want to be."

"Hmmm~" A mischievous grin spread across the dragons face. Unfortunately, Cale didnt catch this, nor did he notice Ron chuckle and move out of the way. 

"So you're not joining in because you're not wet, nor riled up?"

"Exactly!" A hand showed a thumbs up before lazily flopping down. 

"Then thats easily fixable."

"Huh?"

The book covering Cale's face lifted and the moment it did, a ball of water landed on the red head, completely drenching him from head to toe. 

"ERUHABEN!"

The dragon snickered. "Now you can play. Kids should play well right? Thats what you said."

The red head groaned as he stood up wringing out his shirt. "Yeah! Kids! Im not a kid!"

"but you're a mere babe to me."

"You." A glare met a smug grin. 

Cale huffed, fine. If thats how he was gonna play. He slowly gathered the Sky Eating Water in his hand, and then soaked Eruhaben. 

A laugh. God damnit .. He fell into the dragons trap.

Eruhaben made a break for it and ran, Cale following in tow, splashing water at each other. This soon garnered attention and caused the previous fight to stop. Everyone was shocked. Cale had actually gotten up and he was playing with Eruhaben..

Cale... Was genuinely laughing..

"Human! You're playing too???!!! yay!!!"

That made the red head pause and come to the realisation of what he'd been doing.. He was chasing the dragon out of spite... but now the children had seen and were looking at him with sparkling eyes.....

Damn this is what Eruhaben wanted. 

"Aghhh, Fine! But not for long!"

Thus it rebegan, this time, a red head joining in.

.

.

.

Cale slumped to floor, calling a time out. He was completely soaked and out of breath. He'd been able to keep up so far due to his naturally fit body thanks to his famil's bloodline being built for stamina and thanks to vitality of the heart.. But good lord this was too much. he wanted a nap.

Staggering to his feet, he stumbled towards Ron, who gave him a towel.

"Im.. going for a nap..."

"Would you like me to escort you?"

"No... Keep an eye on the kids.."

....well, surely he would be exhausted. Ron just hoped his puppy would change and dry up before climbing into bed. What a disaster it'd be if he went to sleep in wet clothes!

Everyone watched the red head go inside with sincere smiles. They'd never seen Cale act his age and play around like that, they were happy that he had finally let himself relax. They were happy he felt safe.... They were happy he was safe.

.

Cale fumbled upstairs, finally making it into his bedroom, then bathroom. He leaned against the sink, stabilising himself.

'Fuck...' He was exhausted... 

He looked at himself in the mirror, his face was pale, yet his cheeks were flushed. His hair, now reaching past his shoulders, was practically plastered to his skin. 

he coughed, hunching over the sink, the cough was aggressive, causing both his eyes to close. When he reopened them, the sight he expected was indeed there. Red. A deep shiny red filled the marble sink. Some of it still dripping from his mouth. He ran the tap quickly to wash away the blood, then used his towel to wipe his mouth. He slumped to floor, having no strength left.

'was using Sky Eating water too much? That was more blood than last time..'

He took a moment to regain some willpower before lifting himself up, finally taking the liberty to shed the wet clothes which were practically clinging to his body. 

His reflection was exactly as expected.

Slim and pale. Smooth skin, perhaps a bit too slim, but oh well. Then his eyes rested on one place, his chest. His hand gently caressed a scar that was upon his heart, fingers just barely grazing the sensitive skin.

Vitality of the Heart couldnt heal this. It was first of all, inflicted by Cale himself intentionally, and secondly, it was caused by a branch of the World Tree. Of course it wouldnt heal properly.

His gaze lingered, the words of the World Tree and God of Death coming back to him.

The World Tree had warned him about using the branch. It was, of course, necessary. Cale would never regret what he did. They said there would be consequences later on. Well, he did stab himself in the heart so that was obvious.

However, he learnt the full truth of those consequences just last month.

The God of Death had reached out in a somber tone.

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

All Cale wanted was a full nights rest now the war was over... Things never turned out the war he wanted.

Cale.

He recognised that voice. He also recognised this lonely and dark weird little room..

"God of Death"

Cale.. Im sorry.

"Excuse me?"

6 months..

"????"

You have six months left.

The red head was completely silent. 

I tried everything i could... i really did..

"So i will die within 6 months?"

Yeah.. Its the consequence of using the Branch Of the World Tree..

Cale could only laugh, a defeated laugh... He had worked so fucking hard. For so fucking long... 

I will guide you through those 6 months...

Reddish-brown eyes looked empty. "Alright... just.. take care of them afterwards... I can atleast entrust that to you, right?"

You.. are taking this better than i expected.

A bitter smile, yet Cale looked... Liberated..

"death was never an easy thing.. No one i know have ever died peacefully." Empty eyes, but he looked so free.

"Theres no such thing as an easy death. Im sure you know that. Death lingers everywhere, around every corner.. Even the healthiest of men could suddenly become a victim to eternal rest...

I killed the ones i loved the most."

Cale..

"I... think its okay now... I.. dont mind it now.."

.....I will make sure you wont be in pain... I promise..

"Yeah... I dont like pain."

----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

It had been a month since then... he had 5 months left.. 5 months to make memories. 5 months to ensure the children's future. 5 months to leave no regrets. 5 months.... till he's reunited with 'them'

These last few months would be hell, yet at the same time, would bring Cale peace. 

Chapter Text

Summer was now in full throttle. Heat blazed and turned the Villa into a sauna, thankfully, having three dragons and a mage, makes summer pretty easy. After all, who else can cool an entire mansion down with just a flick of a finger? 

Early mornings and late nights became the new norm for everyone. Everyone except Cale, obviously.  One time, Choi Han tried to wake him... This is how the exchange went,,

"Cale-nim its time to get up now..."

"Mnnnn" Clearly a 'no'

"Cale-nim... The sun is already high up in the sky..."

A groan and a squinting face appeared. "And? What does that have to do with me? You want me to photosynthesise?"

Choi Han just barely held back a laugh. 

Though today... 

Dressed in light clothes, tall boots and adorned with a straw hat, the red head stood in a field leaning on a shovel. His hair was tied up into a pony tail. Tens of children stood in front of him...

Thats right, today was the day Cale promised to teach them how to garden and farm. And it seems hes been awake before event he children. He was already covered in dirt, like he'd been playing in it!

He had an assortment of seeds for the children to choose from, the wolf children each picked some and ran to their plots, taking great care into digging small holes to place the seeds into with Vicross' help.

Cale was overseeing his own 3 kids.

Raon had chosen Apple Tree seeds.

Hong had chosen strawberries and Ohn chose Sunflowers.

They were all excited as their papa helped them plant the teeny tiny seeds.

"And after you cover them up, you ahve to water them everyday, but not too much or you'll drown them"

"yep!"

"We can do that!"

"Im Great and Mighty! this will be easy! These apples will grow up big and strong tomorrow!"

Cale chuckled, "Raon, Apple trees only produce fruit 2 to 5 years after planting, maybe even 8 years if its a big tree." '...I.. Wont be here...' Of course, that was left unsaid.

The little dragon looked absolutely devastated. Tears threatened to fall.

"now now, anything takes time to grow just like you kids~"

Apparently that cheered them up as they began fawning and giggling over their freshly planted seeds, they talked to the seeds as if they could actually hear.

"Grow big and strong quickly! With the juciest apples for the human's apple pies!"

"the strawberries must be big and red! And super sweet! Cale-nya doesnt like sour things!"

"Mn. Grow big and pretty Sunflower."

Cale finished patting in some more seeds, helping Hong, smiling as he watched the the young ones chatter away, he seemed to have somehow garnered their attention as he stood up, stretching. 

"Hm?! Human! Did you not plant anything?"

"Tell us Cale-nya!"

"Id also like to know..." Even Ohn was curious.

"I did"

"What is it!?"

He sighed, they all knew what that meant! He looked at his kids, they were covered in mud and dirt, goodness you'd think they ate the soil! Or tried to plant each other!

"You all need a bath." 

"Dont avoid the subject! Human what did you plant!"

"I planted some flowers earlier"

"oh!!!"

The kittens eyes sparkled. "We heard flowers bloom quickly in warm weather! Will we see them soon??"

The redhead ruffled the kittens hair and brought Raon into his arms. "Nope~"

"Ehhhhhh??!!!!" All three complained in sync

"These flowers are special, they bloom in winter."

"What??! I didnt knwo they could do that!?"

"awesome!"

"Yep. You'll see them when it gets colder" The redhead laughed. "Now lets get you all washed."

"Yess~~"

In a large tub, bubbles and water were getting splashed around, not only had the children gotten a wash, Cale did too, he had a bath without even getting in! 

Raon chattered away about something that caught his guardians attention, who was getting towels.

"Noona, Hyung! Did you know? I read somewhere that some people go on 'holiday' when its summer!"

"i heard of them too!"

"Yes!"

"They go to a 'beach' I dont know what that is but im sure it's a great place! they spend lots of money and make memories!"

"I wanna go to the beach too!"

"But Cale-nya doesnt like travelling.."

"ah.. thats right..."

The children's voices died down, disappointed. Cale felt his heart feel heavy... Damn it.. He promised himself he'd make these last months the best of the childrens lives. He'd regret not taking them for sure...

"Should we go to the beach?"

"Huh??!!"

"Nya!!!"

"Cale-nya! Its okay!"

"Nope. Ive made up my mind. Litana said the Coast is recovered now and that its quite a beautiful sight.. So should we go?"

Thats right, the coastal villa Litana built Cale had never been used till now, despite the Jungle having recovered. So why not put it to use to make his kids happy? He wanted to be the one to take them to the beach for the first time..

"yay!" Water splashed everywhere....

.

.

.

It was a very sudden development. Cale had come downstairs and told everyone to pack 2 weeks worth of luggage. Everyone obeyed before even asking where they were going. 

Finally Rosalyn spoke up. "Young Master Cale.. Where exactly are we going?"

"The beach."

"Excuse me?"

"The children have never been, and i figured it'd be great to put the villa Litana gave me to good use"

"But.. you hate travelling.."

The red head just shrugged, now knowing the destination, Eruhaben opened up the teleportation device. 

The family quickly chose their own rooms and threw their luggage in, then made a b-line for the sea. It was a brand new experience for almost all of them. Seeing their giggles and smiles, Cale felt he made the right choice. 

"The sand feels so weird!"

"It does!!"

"Blegh! The water is super salty!"

Everyone looked completely relaxed. Eruhaben nudged the red head.

"Whats with the spontaneous outing?"

"The children wanted to come to the beach... I felt if i didnt take them now..." His voice trailed off into a silent whisper "I wouldnt get the chance again.."

Eruhaben tilted his head but let it go. He knew Cale's nature. He was lazy through and through.. thats probably what those last quiet words were about.

Each day was a new adventure, the first few days were filled with salty water and sand ridden beds and clothes.  Then the children began getting brave and began using the jungle trees as climbing gyms. It seems they still found ways to train even while on holiday... Goodness..

Every now and then, Cale would feel a gaze linger on him from the dark shadows in the jungle.. He just ignored it, after all, no animal would dare hurt them whilst there were 2 dragons.

A week in. Cale was in pure bliss. Lounging around, building sand castles, scolding Choi Han for encouraging 'dangerous' stunts in the trees. But.. he didnt reall move much. It wasnt unusual, it shouldnt have been unusual, however Eruhaben felt something was wrong. He didnt know what, there was just something.

The red head was walking leisurely across the sand, shoeless and kicking a shell or two. That gaze again. He was alone, Eruhaben had gone off to find Ohn and Hong and the others... 

A large black body revealed itself, golden eyes glared. A massive beast, Cale took a step backwards.

"Dont you dare.." His voice was quiet..

The beast growled and pounced. 

With a cloud of sand being picked up, the red head was pinned beneath a big panther.

"Tenn!" Cale felt he was about to have a heart attack. The panther just liked his face, nuzzling into him. 

God.. He scared the shit out of me. The panther finally moved and sat beside Cale, gently nudging him with his nose, prompting him to get up.. The problem was, Cale couldnt. All the strength had drained from his body... just like last time.. damn it.

The God of Death promised there wouldnt be pain, but in exchange for being painless, he'd get moments like these, or times where he just couldnt move. Worst cases he'd be hacking up blood and vomiting.

"Not now Tenn..." Cale's voice was finally showing true to his condition, it was quiet and tired. He felt nauseous. Tenn looked concerned, letting Cale use his body as an aid for stability.

"fuck..." He could hear the childrens voices chirping away. He couldnt allow them to see him like this. "Tenn.. Take me to my room."

The panther obliged, letting the redhead climb onto his back, and he carefully pounced onto the balcony of the villa, letting the noble flop into a chair. Then he laid down at his feet. 

Cale's body felt heavy. He let out a deep exhale, it was really hitting home that his own body was failing on him..He didnt even realise he passed out..

He awoke to Tenn resting his head on his lap, he could just barely make out the panther before blacking out again.

.

.

.

The children came barrelling into the room, only to fall silent and pause.... Cale was sleeping again, and Tenn! Tenn was here, resting his head upon the Human's lap. They did want to show him some cool shells they found, but even they had noticed how tired he looked today.... Lets just.. let him sleep..

.

.

.

Cale finally awoke for a second time a few hours later, the sun was beginning to set, his hand fell weakly upon a furry head. Tenn purred in response. He finally took the time to drag himself to bed, with the panther's help, drifting off again..

.

.

.

The next day, the children were up bright and early again, skipping downstairs, talking about what they'd do today. Unexpectedly they were met with a face they got excited over. Cale was awake! he was awake early!

"So. Whats the plan for today?"

Eyes sparkled. 

.

.

.

When they finally returned back home, it was nearing the end of the seventh month of the year. There was a festival planned in Rain City, and once again, Cale brought it up, suggesting they should go.

Although strange, no one hated this proactive Cale. It was refreshing to see.

At some point though, they had split off from the redhead, only to find him eating a candied fruit stick an hour later. 

"Where did you go?" Eruhaben questioned with a suspicious gaze.

"Hm, Bought some stuff."

"What stuff?"

"surprise"

...The dragon realised that he was unlikely to get anything more out of Cale.. Something was definitely wrong. Sure the unlucky bastard was secretive at times, but never evasive. Not like this. Just what was he hiding?

The Gold dragons suspicions only intensified from then. The childrens testimonies solidified and justified it even more...

Late into the night, he'd often see the redhead sneak out of the bedroom to go to his office. He'd be writing what looked like letters. When asked, or caught, he'd hide them away into his spacial pocket. 

Then the children would mention how he'd wrap up gifts or stash away money, and would become flustered what they questioned him, waving them off.

He was doing something.. And what worries Eruhaben is that no one knew. 

.

.

.

In Cale's office, Ron was currently holding a handkerchief to the redheads nose, keeping his head bowed. Cale was having quite the nasty nosebleed. What was concerning is that he didnt even seem bothered. When it happened, Ron even caught his quiet 'Again?'.. Meaning this was a common occurrence.

The butler had picked up that lately his puppy was acting differently. He had raised him since he was in diapers, of course he'd notice this change.

How lately Cale was rather clingy.

How he'd buy more things for the others.

How he plans things that he doesnt like spontaneously.

How he was clearly exhausted and not wanting to move, yet acts alright when the children call.

How he's slowly losing his appetite. 

How he's sleeping more.

How hes not even reacting to tastes.

The others seem to be putting this down as him finally getting his slacker life.. But Ron saw differently.. These symptoms, he had seen so many times before... he just hoped it wasnt true.

"Young Master... Are these nosebleeds frequent?"

"Ah?" Cale looked up with his eyes, since his head was still bowed "Uh, Sometimes? Uh no i mean no. Fuck"

Of all people to slip up in front of.. it had to be this assassin..

"Sometimes? Young Master, please elaborate. There is something wrong. yes?"

Think. Excuses. Anything.

"No its not that... its just.. everything is finally catching up to me.."

Ron's eyes sharpened, but he let it go.. It was plausible, and deep inside, he felt relief.

"Rest some more."

"yeah..."

Chapter Text

Ron had informed everyone that all the strain the war put on Cale was finally taking its toll, and to be more careful around him. Eruhaben nodded, that made sense with his actions... Still. whats with all the letters and gifts?

As Ron said, Cale was becoming more and more lethargic. Autumn was approaching. 

The redhead gazed out the window, watching green leaves transition to red and slowly fall off their tree. He had just woke up again. Small snacks were placed on the table in front of him.

He had shit to do for fuck sake.. Yet he couldnt bring himself to move..He let his eyes close.

Another hour, his eyes flickered open, it was noon. He finally had the strength to get up. he really had to thank the crybaby, she was working overtime to keep Cale moving without raising concerns with his family. He wandered downstairs and was immediately met with hugs.

"Shall we go to the Capital?"

"We're going out? Nya!"

"Human! Are you sure its okay! Its cold now!"

"Mn. Lets go see my dear Hyung-nim"

.

.

.

A smug grin met an exhausted face.

"Oh your majesty! Sun of Roan Kingdom! My dearest hyung-nim! How this humble donsaeng is-"

"Stop. How have you gotten even more irritating?"

"You flatter me"

"Not a compliment."

The blonde sighed deeply. As if he wasnt busy enough, this walking headache just had to show up. 

"What do you need?"

"Watch the children for me ^^"

"Hah!"

....Alberu realised Cale wasnt joking.... 

"ahh! whatever! Just go! Go!" The King waved off his demonic precious donsaeng.

Once he was out of Palace grounds, Cale let the sweet smile upon his face drop. He immediately aimed for a teashop. This was one of Billos' branches, and at the moment, the man himself was here in the capital. This was one reason the redhead came here.

A piggy bank-looking man smiles and chirped happily seeing his customer, who was a familiar face.

"Young Master Cale! What a pleasant surprise!"

"Billos"

"What brings you here?" Billos' tone dropped. He really was quick on the uptake.

Cale pulled out a spacial bag and slid it to the Flynn. 

"Do not open it until the first snow fall has passed. And when you do, follow the instructions inside to a T."

"Hm? Whats in it?"

"Curious?"

"As a merchant, its only natural."

The red head tossed a few gallions. "You'll find out soon."

"Pleasure doing business with you!"

With that taken care of, Cale set forth for another destination. He stood in front of a large black church.

The Church of the God of Death.

The moment he stepped foot inside, his body felt incredibly light. A priest approached, bowing and without any words, led Cale to a secluded room. 

The red head let himself relax into a chair. At least this damn god has the decency to provide him some relief whilst in his domain.. He wasnt in pain, but the pressure on his chest grew heavier day by day, only here did it lift. He let his eyes close.

Child.

mn

Your time is nearing.

i know

What else will you do?

depends what the children want... I have to go see Basen and Lily too..father and mother aswell

How fun

Im tired

I know..

i...

I'll support you as much as i can.. Just..accept my blessing this once

..okay..

Rest for awhile.

-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Alberu was stuck with three pouting children. Cale had been gone for several hours now, and the kids were getting anxious..

"What if he fell asleep somewhere?"

"HO! Youre right! Cale-nya keeps napping everywhere!"

So he's really living that slacker life huh..

Then, Raon perked up, His tail wagging and wings fluttering "Human!"

"Sorry kiddos. I didnt think that would take so long"

"Hm? Cale-nya! You smell different!"

"a new scent, its yours but yet not..?"

"Noona and Hyung are right! Human! Where did you go!?"

Sharp little things... "I met with Billos and walked around abit, thats probably what you smell."

The children were not convinced at all, but let it go. Mainly because their papa looked more refreshed than they'd ever seen. He looked healthy, happy, himself.

Alberu frowned. he also smelled this new scent. However,, unlike the children, he knew what it was.

Death.

He smelled like the God of Death. Why?

"Thank you hyung-nim~"

"...Whatever.. seriously only you would treat the king as a baby sitter... what ridicule."

Cale grinned, patting Raon. "Bye bye~"

"Get lost."

.

.

.

The next day.... Cale was back in Alberu's office. This time, there were no children. No flowery words, no oiled tongue... Just... Together. The redhead gently flipped through documents, he had offered to help decrease the blonde's workload. The help was welcome, Alberu would admit... Its just... the help was coming from Cale. Its not that he didnt trust his donsaeng. Not at all. There was something bothering him.

He wasnt one to beat around the bush, and he knew the redhead wasnt either. So he just straight up asked.

"Cale. Why do you smell like death?"

A pause. "hah... Of course.." The redhead put down the document he was holding, he suddenly looked exhausted.

"Hyung-nim.. If.. one day"

"wait. Dont-"

Cale smiled weakly. "Take care of them all for me."

"You bastard, you're-" Alberu's voice trembled.

"Just kidding!" A snicker. "Wow you took that way too seriously~"

Alberu almost cursed. He was joking.. thank god... He shouldve known.. that bastard was a good actor. Still, something deep down kept tugging at his gut. The way Cale smiled... that weak but sincere voice.

No.

Not even Death would want to take that menace.

Alberu shook those thoughts out of his head, returning to work.

With the pair of them working together, the documents that once piled up high were now dwindling, many of them being used as fuel for the fire place. The sun set earlier now, thus it growing dark not long after dinner.

"Cale go home."

"?"

"Leave, being around you is starting to corrupt me again."

"How dare you Hyung-nim?"

"Go you bastard."

"Fine fine~" The red head purred, as he tore the scroll, he spoke on last time. "Dont forget your promise."

Promise? Whats he on about now... God everytime he's here  get a migraine..

----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------