Curious Creatures 7

Pairing:Dragon! Namjoon x Reader

Genre: Fantasy!au; Soulmate!au; Fluff; Eventual Smut; Angst

Warnings: depressing themes; thrilling themes; mentions of blood/injuries;

Summary:Curious as to how your village came to be and having a thirst for knowledge, you venture into the Forgotten Forest in hopes of discovering the truth of your roots. But it seems you have bitten off more than you can chew.

WC:4.1~k

Note: Thank you for your patience <3 Feels great to back in Asterios and getting their stories written again! Let me know what you think of the new characters~ I’m excited for them to get the story going!

Asterios Map

Tag List: Open- DM me if you want to be added! If I forgot you/your @ isn’t working, please let me know so I can try to fix it <3

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Forget Me Not’s swayed peacefully in the cool breeze, blues and pinks dancing elegantly against the forest floor. Amongst the world of gray the little flowers were the only burst of colors around. The only joy hidden in a sea of cold and colorless life. Trees around them lay in torn pieces, uplifted from the ground and tossed away. Beauty amongst destruction.

“Well that covers the entire West side of the Forest. No sign of any Orcs left.”

Even though the area looked awful, the Forgotten Forest appeared as quiet and eerie as it always had. However Felix could feel it in the air. Something happened here. Not the Orcs destroying large areas of the forest, no… something has changed… it has changed. The Forgotten Forest was no longer the same. He could feel it on his skin, sticking to him in an uncomfortable way. Felix’s face scrunched as he gently rubbed his arms.

“I feel it as well.” Hyunjin was eyeing the area. Even though they deemed the area clear, one could not be too careful. “Something happened here. Besides the Orcs.”

Hyunjin could already see the Council getting a field day out of all the events that happened that night: dozens of Orcs destroying the forest, a Human and a Dragon wandering around Asterios, not to mention that there’s something in the air that neither Fae could place their finger on…

Too much has happened to be a coincidence.

What are the odds of all these things happening in one single night? Over the course of a few days, Hyunjin mightbelieve it to be a mere coincidence. But over the span of a few hours at most? Absolutely not. And judging by the way Felix’s eyes, a usually beautiful opal color that shimmered, were clouded with the same thoughts. Perhaps even the same fears plagued his mind as well.

While inspecting the woods the two had a chance to discuss many things. One of which were the conditions of the Humans. Felix pointed out their lack of resources, the diseases he could feel radiate off of them from time to time. The number of survivors were dwindling. It did lead to an argument, one which had Hyunjin accusing Felix of being lazy and uncaring; why hadn’t he contacted the Council?

“I have. Have been trying for the past century. No one responds.”

Hyunjin had never heard anyone mention Felix’s attempts at contact. No one spoke of any issues going on in the lone and foreign land. He had attended every meeting and heard of all the comings and goings in Asterios. Or so he thought. But why hide these problems? The Humans were sent here to survive and thrive away from the possibility of extinction.

At least… that was what they were told.

Felix sighed and turned back to the Gateway, frowning as the portal began to glow brighter. “We got more company.”

Hyunjin stood next to Felix, both Fae standing prepared, ready to face whatever came through. Felix prayed to the Gods that it wasn’t another round of Orcs. If he had to see another one of their ugly, dimwitted faces again-

“Hyunjin! Felix!”

A tall figure stood before them, hair jet black with burgundy streaks with kind, round eyes that were a cool shade of blue. He wore a dark outfit; black pants tucked into black boots with a burgundy overcoat. A brooch pin of a silver compass was clipped to his cloak, matching the silver rings that shone on his fingers, each one with a different color stone that glowed eerily. The magic that radiated off of him was powerful, a force to be reckoned with. Despite the deadly force that was thrumming beneath his veins his voice was cheery and held a tint of worry.

“Yunho!” Felix grinned at the warlock before them, tackling the male into a hug.

The Fae’s heart was leaping in his chest at seeing his friend after all these centuries. The two worked closely together during the Mortal War, Yunho being one of the best Warlocks to work with the Fae. Felix always held guilt for not informing him, and many other good allies, on their plans of saving the Humans. Yunho would have wanted to know and help them with the cause, but at the time it was safer that only a small number knew of this location.

Hyunjin sighed in relief, walking to the pair. “Thank the Gods, I was worried we’d have another Orc attack- Wait. How are you here?” He froze midstep, staring at him. Yunho never knew of the Humans and their survival-

“Thank the Gods you two are alright,” Yunho sighed, patting Felix’s back, giving Hyunjin a soft smile. “The Council informed me, wanted someone with more knowledge on various types of magic to come out here. You made all of us worried.”

Hyunjin nodded his head, running a hand through his jet black hair. “I should have contacted the Council this morning-”

“More like two days ago, no one knew what happened to you or Felix.” Yunho’s voice was clipped and held worry as he eyed the two. Nothing seemed amiss, except that they looked a little tired. “They were worried sick.”

There was a beat of silence.

“I think I misheard you, Yunho. Did you ask for us to inform you of last night’s events before they even happened?” The tone used was accusing, the male on edge as he stepped closer to the Warlock. “Are you stating that you knew this would happen?”

The sun was still out, the last few rays sweeping against the trees, the Human and Dragon having left hours earlier.

“Last night? Hyunjin, you left nearly three days ago.” He looked just as confused as he felt, eyeing the two Fae. “It’s been going on three days since anyone last heard from you. Since you entered the Gateway,”

The two Fae looked at one another, confusion written on each of their faces. Felix’s mind was trying to figure out how one of them lost days of time…

“It’s changed. The magic.” He breathed, looking at Hyunjin. “What we felt, the shift that something wasn’t right. Our magic that created this place has been disturbed.“

“And in doing so it disturbed time itself?” Hyunjin frowned. “Is this even possible?”

“Unfortunately we do not have a concrete answer.” Yunho shifted his feet, staring at the trees with a similar scrunched up face that Felix wore earlier. He felt it too. The magic that clung to him left him uncomfortable. “But I feel it as well, the magic that was used here isn’t of Fae. To be honest… I’ve never felt this type of magic before.”

Yunho had been around for centuries, having even spent time in the Mortal War when he was a young Warlock. He’s been in contact with all the magic that Asterios held to offer. But this? This magic was different. He could sense it. There was something dark within it, but the core was…

“Ancient.” Yunho whispered. “This magic is as old as Asterios itself. I can feel it whisper against me now…” He cocked his head. “But who in Asterios has this type of magic?” Species were listed in his mind, but none held the ability to possess such strong magic.

At least, last time he checked they couldn’t.

“Orcs can’t learn magic, they don’t have the mentality to do such things.” Felix mused. “Everything was fine until last night… Something was with them. Something that was hidden from us as we were worried about those monsters and the Humans.”

“Speaking of, did the Humans see anything?”

It had been hundreds of years since Yunho said the word ‘Human’. Not since the Mortal War, not since they were all declared extinct by the Elven King Juro. He was still in a bit of denial about the whole idea of an entire species being hidden away for this long. Right under their noses. A conversation that happened mere hours earlier…

“I trust you, Yunho. This is a secret that has been held by this Council for the past three hundred years. No one, not even our own people, know of this. We are entrusting you to help us.”

The Warlock had never seen Ji-Yong so stressed. Not since the war at least. Yunho’s skin crawled at the desperate look on his face. A leader as strong and wise as Ji-Yong, as old and skilled, to be desperate to seek out a younger Warlock’s help was a desperate cry indeed. Yunho was one of the top Warlock’s in Asterios, he was no Soojin of course, but he was heavily trusted by his allies here. Especially Ji-Yong.

“My friend, you look ill. What seems to be troubling?” He tried to lighten the Fae with a kind smile and eyes, a small attempt to ease his mind.

No one could have prepared Yunho for this information.

“No, well…” The troubled look between the two only raised his blood pressure. “There were three Humans and a Dragon-”

“Three Humans? And a Dragon?” He looked between the two. “Ji-Yong only spoke of Humans being here? Are you also hiding Dragons as well? What next, you have a Kitsune-”

“Yunho, calm down!” Felix gripped the Warlocks shoulders. “Just Humans here. The Orcs had the Dragon. I think he traveled with them, well, more like was forced to…” He sighed. “It’s a mess. We need to tell the Council all what happened and about the time jump. Who knows how long you’ve been here now…”

Yunho nodded his head. “Agreed. One of you go, speak with Ji-yong about what happened here.”

“I’ll go,” Hyunjin walked towards the Gateway. “If Felix goes they’ll be much talked amongst the people. They’ll wonder where he’s been this entire time.”

“Excellent, be quick and report back. Let us know how much time has passed.” Yunho gave the Fae a small smile. “I’ll remain here to monitor the magic and try to decipher where this power originated, and make sure nothing else passes through with ease.”

Felix knew it was best he remained there. He knew these woods better than most; he’d know if something were to even shift in the slightest. “Don’t forget our little conversation from earlier… May the Gods grant you speed, Hyunjin.”

“And you, strength.”

- - ┈┈∘┈˃̶༒˂̶┈∘┈┈ - -

More snow had fallen. The roads were covered in a blanket of cold white, Asterians bundling themselves in layers of clothing and thick boats to protect against the icy element. The night before held an icy wind that bit into your cheeks, dusting them in soft shades of pinks and reds. The brutal winds left your nose runny, face with a small burn, and body feeling weak and agitate.

But you had to keeping moving, the fear of stopping plaguing your mind.

Your hand shook ever so slightly, fingers dancing across the hard scales as Soojin placed more ointment on him.

“He won’t wake.” Your voice shook, eyes darting between the Dragon and Sorceress. Anxiety pranced through your veins like deer in the meadow; jumping and soaring quickly throughout your body.

The bag was weightless across your shoulders, feet moving swiftly and quickly across the old beaten path. Clothes swaying gently in the cool breeze, a small warning to move faster and get to your location faster.

“Draengon is the land of Dragons, where you must go next. This map is magic infused; it will lead and guide you.” Soojin shoved more and more items in the bag. Another magical item; no matter how much you toss in the cloth, it’ll never gain any weight. It’ll remain lightweight and easy to hold. With gentle hands she lifted the sleeping Dragon carefully. “The side pocket inside is where Namjoon will rest.”

Your fingers reached into the bag, gently touching the small head that nestled deep in the pocket. Hidden and safe. His body no longer holds the same intense heat you were accustomed to, adding on to your worry and only making your feet move faster. The snow crunched softly beneath every step.

“It’ll take a few days, but I know you can do it.” Soojin placed the bag over your head, Salem giving off a soft ‘meow’ in agreement. “Follow the map and what you’ve learned, Y/n, and you will save him.”

It was late when you left A Couldron’s Kiss, the sun was setting in the sky as you quickly left Silverwynn. Hood up, head down, steps fast. You didn’t dare stop, didn’t dare rest. There was no time and you wouldn’t be able to sleep a wink with Namjoon being in this grave situation. He needed the magic of his home to rest in, Soojin had explained that every species healed best when they were in their own homeland. The same magic that ran through Namjoon’s veins ran through Draengon.

“He’s been away from his home for far too long. Decades if I’m not mistaken. Pair that and being beaten this bad…” She locked eyes with you, gold eyes reminding you of liquid gold. “He needs the magic of his own kind. My magic can only do so much. He needs his home to fully heal and get better.”

You vowed to yourself that no matter what Namjoon would be home and safe. No matter the cost. You calculated that three days of traveling could easily turn into just over a day if you moved at a steady pace nonstop. When the late afternoon turned to evening you kept moving, kept traveling. Your feet might drag but you’ll get there sooner. And the little Dragon you grew fond of would be healed.

“Where in Draengon do I go? Where do I take Namjoon?” You had just finished dressing in the new outfit from Soojin, she kept the same color scheme of green’s and creams. The clothes were sturdy and laced with a bit of magic from Soojin- shielding your scent and being from others so no one could detect you were Human. Instead they’d assume you were a meek Witch, one with hardly any power. A perfect way to hide in plain sight.

“That’s the beauty of magic from home my dear. Once you cross the border, he’ll start to get better. It’s amazing how drastic the change will happen too. Just keep moving my dear.”

And so you kept moving, kept your head and moved forward. Fingers gripping the bag tightly as if someone would try to snatch the satchel from you. It was odd, having spent a few days with the small creature you found yourself growing rather protective of it. At time you wondered what would happen once you finished this mission…

‘Where will I go once I set you free?’ The snowy woods were quiet as your worries and thoughts grew louder and louder as more time passed. You figured you’d head back home…

Home…

Associating Arcrine with that word made your heart squeeze painfully. The village was never home…

Where was home?

The sun was slowly rising higher in the sky, casting golden orange rays across the frozen ground. Ice and snow turned into sparkling diamonds in the sun’s kiss, your cheeks absorbing the small amount of warmth it offered. The burn from last night still holding it’s sting on your face. The forest was silent, perfect for traveling though nerve wracking. You could easily see yourself making it no time, a small glimmer of hope rising your chest-

“Such a small, fragile girl shouldn’t be traveling alone…”

A voice, raspy and deep, spoke from right behind you. A shiver slithered down your spine as your steps faltered, cloak swaying to a stop as you stared at the ground. Your fingers screamed as you gripped the bag. Slowly you turned, head rising to meet the strangers gaze-

Your heart sank.

Before you stood an Orc, just like the ones that destroyed that Forgotten Forest a few days prior. A wave of panic washed over you as the creature gave you a smile full of rotten teeth.

“Give me the bag and come with me peacefully.”

No, Namjoon-

“Or I’ll use your bones as toothpicks.” The Creature, a male you assumed, stepped closer. “Your choice, little Human.”

- - ┈┈∘┈˃̶༒˂̶┈∘┈┈ - -

“So this is the last of the Human race…”

Yunho’s voice was soft and in awe, his green eyes watching the little village wander about. Before them was the village of Arcrine, a place as gray and dreary as the forest that surrounded them. Felix and Yunho remained hidden in the trees, silently watching the mortal beings go about their day. To be honest he thought there would be a large amount of Humans thriving; hundreds, if not, thousands. However Felix informed him of the struggles they had faced: famine, disease, lack of resources, and now the magic in the forest going haywire…

It’s no wonder that species before him were so different from the one he had known.

The difference between the Humans he knew and the Humans he saw before him were startling. The Humans in Asterios were always loving and warm; smiles graced their features and they would always lend a hand to those in need. No matter their background. Their auras radiated with warmth and brightness. It had always amazed Yunho that a species with the shortest lifespan in Asterios could show the most amount of love he’s ever seen.

“We know our days are severely numbered Yunho. That’s why we smile and live each day as if it’s our last!”

He could hear his old friend’s voice in his head. Ruben was always the life of the party, always making those around him laugh. And his laugh, a deep and boisterous noise that caused everyone around to laugh with him.

These couldn’t be the same people.

The Human’s he was watching were staggered, heads down. There was no life in their faces, instead he saw nothing but pale lonely faces. Tired. Worn. It looked as though this land had beaten everything out of them.

But could anyone blame them?

Their ancestors were hunted like animals, slaughtered… They lost their homeland. They lost their heritage. Nothing but a hole remained in their past. Yunho could feel that hole ache for each of them, the soft wondering of if there was more to life than the same routine each day…

“You should have told us.” Yunho whispered. There was a bitter tone to his voice as he watched this Arcrine, Felix informed him of the name the earlier Humans chosen. “We would have helped.”

“So more people could know about them? So they could be hunted once more? No. This was the best choice.” Felix snipped back, not bothering holding back his tone.

“You would rather let them live like animals than try to give them life.” A dry laugh parted Yunho’s lips as he turned to face Felix. “They’re dying, Felix. Look at them. They barely have food, we have to-”

“Yunho.”

He’s never heard Felix sound so tired, so broken, so old before. He had to stare at his friend to ensure it was really him Yunho was talking to.

“When they see us, they will try to kill us. We are creatures to them, monsters if you will. There are generations of differences between them and the Humans we knew.” He leaned against a tree, watching a group farm in the distance. “I’ve sent several messages to the Council. No one ever listens to me when I reach out… It’s as though they stopped caring.”

“Why didn’t you send me a message through the Gateway? Hyunjin?”

“The Gateway only works one way. It sends directly the ones in charge, the Council. I can’t leave this place without fearing the Human’s safety. And whenever I send them a message I get silence.”

“You think… in the Council?”

“That there’s a mole.” Felix nodded his head. “I told Hyunjin this as well.”

“That’s the conversation you spoke of before he left. You warned him.”

“Precisely, while he’s there he will uncover as much as possible as quickly as possible.” Turning his gaze back to the Humans he sighed. “I’m praying that this is the start of something good. Something better for them.”

Yunho watched the village as well. He could only nod, not daring voice his opinions on the matter.

Doubt was the last thing they needed.

- - ┈┈∘┈˃̶༒˂̶┈∘┈┈ - -

He knew.

He knew and he was going to kill you. Kill Namjoon-

“No.” Your voice rang out before you could think. There was no fear in your words, no hint at the panic that beat down on your lungs. Your words sounded icy, a firm answer to the creature before you. It surprised you, but something deep within you was ready to fight.

For Namjoon.

He scoffed and barked out a laugh. “No? You think you have a choice here-?” A scowl appeared on his face, a thick finger pointing right at you. “Some weakling like you stands no chance against me-”

“How about me then?”

A new voice, one that sounded soft and smooth compared to the Orcs. The two of you jumped a little, the newcomer having appeared out of nowhere to your left. Despite the small frame and average height, the woman stood tall and held a power to her that made even the Orc flinch. Her hair was a deep brown with eyes to match, eyes that seemed sweet were glazed with a coolness that caused a chill in your bones. She nearly blended in with the snow around you; whites and creams were what her outfit consisted of. The only color on her wardrobe was a black brooch pin, the shape reminding you of a jagged heart. Inside was a red stone that was steadily beating like an actual heartbeat.

Her ears came to a sharp point, but you couldn’t tell: was she Fae or Elf?

“The biggest differences between the two species: An Elves ear comes to a harsh point compared to their cousin, Fae, and an Elf cannot lie. They can never lie.”

You tried to remember what Felix and Hyunjins ears looked like but your mind went blank. You never paid much attention to their ears. They did look similar to this female’s ears… Was there a difference between the male and female Fae? You were never taught if there were. Soojin warned you to hide against all the species, especially Elves. The history of Asterios was enough evidence for you to try to stay away.

So if she was an Elf, you needed to leave. Now.

But your feet would not move. You were watching the scene before you with eyes wide, darting with each movement one of the creatures made.

“What’s wrong? Can’t go against a little girl like me?” Her voice held a mocking tone that made the creature growl.

In a moment the Orc took after the female, large arm raised to swipe at her in a bone crushing blow-

Crack!

Your mouth fell open as the creature was suddenly turned to stone. Cracks began to form throughout its form and in seconds it fell apart.

She didn’t even raise a hand at the Orc. Not a single eye was batted as she stepped over the now stoned being. No, her gaze was now fixed on you. Except the coolness was gone and in its place was curiosity.

“Did it hurt you?”

You blinked a couple of times, waiting to see if she would turn you into stone as well. “No… I’m fine.” You swallowed and eyed her up and down. She wore civilian clothing with a cloak much like yours.

'Can I trust you?’

“Orcs don’t usually travel around these parts,” She glanced around the woods. “It’s quite rare to see them here. Was there something he wanted from you?”

'Lie. Lie. Lie.’ “Just money I think.” ’Do better-’ “I didn’t even hear him approach me. Let alone you…”

Changing the subject back to being on her, you studied her, waiting for any indication of any fowl planning. “I apologize. I smelt his scent and wanted to investigate. Many women travel these roads alone, and, well, you know the rest.” She gave you a weak smile and stepped closer. “My name is Siyeon.”

“Call me Seeker,” You answered, offering a polite smile. Names held power, that much you were warned about. “It was a pleasure meeting you…” You turned on your heel to leave.

“W-wait!” Siyeon jumped forward, stepping next to you. “Let me travel with you!”

“I-what?” You frowned, head cocked. “Why?”

“You have weak magic,” She gave you a sad smile. “I fear what else might come for you. I’m also heading down this path. Actually I’m heading to the mountains in the South- Hope’s Height to be exact!”

Soojin spoke briefly of the location, Thunderbird territory. “Oh? Business with the Thunderbirds?”

Siyeon giggled. “Kind of, I’m meeting my sister there for a wedding. What about you? Where are you heading?”

One small truth. “I’m heading to Dreangon, to see the tropical lands and waterfalls.”

“Oh! That sounds wonderful!” Her smile seemed genuine, teeth as dazzling as the snow that surrounded you. “What do you say? Travel with me?”

'No. No. Not with him in my bag. Not while I’m trying to save Namjoon.’

The thought of the dragon resting in your bag only made your heart race even more. You needed to get going. Siyeon was extra baggage, yes, bit she was strong. She might be of help…

’…No.’

Something in your heart whispered weakly. Deep down there was a pull, as if a chain was tugging against your heart. It was so weak…

You had two options- deny the request, look suspicious, and see her down the same path eventually. And knowing your luck you’d run into her quite often.

Or…

'No.’

The whisper in your heart was stern, weak, and pleading. The chain was tightening, pulling desperately.

She could tag along, assist you until you reach Draengon. It was only one more day of traveling and she could help if you ran into more trouble…

'No. Please-’

“Yeah, let’s go.” You mimicked her smile. You ignored your heart, shaking your head a bit with a small laugh. “Fair warning, I’m in a bit of a rush.

You were sleep deprived. It was making your anxiety rise for no reason; if she wanted to harm you she would have done so the same time she killed the Orc. Judging by that move she was powerful, powerful enough to snap you with the snap of her fingers.

Travel with the Asterian, allow her to escort you safely to Dreangon as quickly as possible. No sleeping. No stopping.

Keep moving. It’ll be okay.

Simple.

“Good! I’m in a rush as well, I’m always late to these things!” Linking your arm with hers she grinned. “Let’s go!”

She gently pulled you further down the road, her voice feather light and warm as she spoke. There was even a skip in her step as she giggled about something she said. You smiled back, ignoring the chain that was still tightening around your heart. You didn’t even hear the small words whispered from somewhere within you.

'Y/n… please…’

- - ┈┈∘┈˃̶༒˂̶┈∘┈┈ - -

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