That seemed like his cue, Hoseok liked making an entrance. Not that he was a God exactly. In a few more hundred years perhaps? What he was right now was a snake. A giant snake, with impenetrable scales and a black pearl embedded in his forehead that seemed to glow faintly.
He had been hiding for a while, but now he moved over, seemingly coming out of nowhere and closing in on Ten. He turned his head, inspecting the way he was chained and thinking about how best to free him.
Wait. He caught Ten's eyes, tongue darting out, the pearl glowing just a little more.
Ten screamed out and whimpered in fear, his back hitting against the wall as he looked dead ahead at the monster before him. No, not a monster, a God. The Gods had heard his rude words, they'd come to punish him too! Oh no, he knew he should have kept faith. He should have prayed. He knew this God from his picture books, from the family crest and all their prayers.
His family worshipped snakes, they knew how important they were, the closest to their creator and ruler .... and here he was, disrespecting them in his father's home.
The snake may have told him not to be afraid but Ten almost fainted with fear.
"I--I am so sorry. God, please, forgive me! I know you love me! Even if I am ungrateful, I will prove myself. I am sorry." He swiftly started to pray, as fast as he could, reciting his verses so the God knew he was devout.
Hoseok moved his head, lowering it until the pearl touched the chains and they dissolved, simply falling away. Moving his body swiftly he made sure that Ten would land on it as he collapsed, not wanting him to hurt himself further. His tongue flicked out again to ensure that no one was coming, then he turned until he could look at Ten, wishing he had his different vision.
Really? The Gods wanted to save him? He could have cried. Cheon believed all he said was nonsense but if the Gods didn't exist then how did his chains melt do readily? Either this was a dream or finally, someone had come for him.
Weary and tried, he wrapped himself around the snake and tried to breath.
"Save me, please." Dream or not, he wanted the best possible outcome. "Tomorrow he gives me to his men. Don't let that happen. I beg you, powerful one. Save me."
Maybe there would have been a safer way to transport him, but he didn't have time to think about safety. Ten's situation was a lot worse than he had thought. He moved quickly, simply going out the window and onto the roof, moving faster than any carriage, than anything on two or four legs. He only slowed down whenever he felt Ten's grip loosen and never for long.
It was hard to stay attached, he didn't want to hurt the beast by clinging but he moved so fast, sometimes he almost jolted loose. he buried his head against him, wondering which of the Gods he was and how best to tribute him. Was he Vasuki? Takshaka? Was he male or female? His voice was hard to be sure of. Perhaps it was a she, perhaps she was Nüwa.
He kept mumbling prayers as if to power this creature and get to freedom, his voice weary and tired but his faith was unshaken. Someone had come for him.
There will be water. Let it cleanse you and do not let go.
They had left the buildings behind, they had moved through a forest, there was a clearing, a hill and, at long last, a waterfall. Hoseok slid smoothly into the water, careful to keep his body on the surface, not wanting Ten to drown. He swam toward the waterfall and moved through it, his pearl lighting up and the water seeming to glow as well.
It actually had cleansing properties, healing as well, at least just then. As sacred as he was. He felt that Ten could use some healing, inside and out. Finally they made it through the water and into a cavern. It was still damp at first, but then less so. The walls had crystals growing out of them, many of them glowing, shining their light on their surroundings. Hoseok had always thought it was beautiful, even before he'd taken residence. It was a long, winded way, but he moved fast and he hurried. Ten would have time to marvel later, when he'd be better able to appreciate it.
Ten was his God's loyal servant. He asked, Ten did. He didn't let go and he let the water bathe over him, warm and refreshing, not too cold or harsh. His body ached less as he clung onto his God, still weary and tired but improving. Getting better. He was ready to serve him however he wished, as long as he never had to go near Cheon again. Maybe even if he did. Perhaps suffering was the way to be closest to the Gods.
He took in the beautiful cavern with awe, part of him vaguely wondering if he died. Did the chain choke him? Was he finally at peace? It was so beautiful here. Like heaven. He could have wept but he felt no desire too. "So pretty."
Perhaps not the response one would expect from a terrifying snake god, but Hoseok had never been one to care too much about expectations. They finally arrived and what he supposed was his inner sanctum. There was what looked almost like a natural fountain in one corner of the cavern, a basin that was a lot deeper than it looked, the way he usually entered. Not something he could do with the human on his bed.
Other than that, there was a lot of stuff that seemed man-made, if very ornate and beautiful. Hoseok had expensive tastes. A whole area was just soft, silken pillows and blankets, all as shiny black as the pearl on his forehead. That was where he brought Ten for now, sensing that it was sleep and proper rest that he needed above all.
Ten still didn't dare to let go of the God. The one who protected and saved him, even if he was dreaming or making this up, the dream had to be sent to him some way? He was loved. Wanted. He buried his head into the Snake's scaly back and almost cried with joy. "Am I dead, holy one? Is this the afterlife? I should hope I can be worthy of it."
He wished to see his family again. His father, mother, his nine brothers who fell first. "How do I address you? I do not wish to be disrespectful. Teach me to worship you."
"It's beautiful. You are magnificent. My father have always shown me snakes since I was a boy, I have held and loved many but you are by far the most beautiful and awe-inspiring." Also he scared the shit out of him. He was so big! He petted Hoseok, not sure if it was patronising or not, he just wanted to show his appreciation and feel those scales.
"You heard about me?"
Ten blushed. It was embarrassing to think his sorry tale was spread out but then, he knew how much Cheon loved to brag.
"I am not a whore, my lord." He just wanted to clarify. "Or a slut or a pet. If you have heard as I think you have. I am a prince, noble born, and I will do my best to be worthy of your kindness."
You are a prince. You are beautiful. You are sweet. I know who you are.
I've heard you pray, my Ten.
Unfortunately he couldn't hear much of anything when he changed his skin. Or see, for that matter. He slid away from Ten now, only a little bit, coils of his body moving into a circle and then he transformed. It wasn't something he had ever let someone witness - everyone saw him as either one or the other - but here he was now. Clad in a colour a lot like his scales and a pearl embedded in his forehead. It was smaller now, as was him, but it still glowed and he was smiling when he looked at Ten.
"I wanted to see you with my other vision." This time when he talked, his lips moved. Just as if he was human.
Ten stayed low on his knees, refusing to offend his saviour as he watched him, powerful and terrifying, move with such purpose. He hadn't expected the transformation, he was dumbstruck at the sight of it and found himself unable to find words. He just stared, mute and lost in wonder, unable to believe that the snake could so easily become a man. That a God could pretend to be one of them so easily.
"You're beautiful."
His voice was strong, masculine and controlling. Definitely male. He watched him, fascinated, lowering his head as politely as he could. "I am yours, Hoseok. Do with me as you wish."
"So sweet." Hoseok smiled and walked back over, leaning down to cup Ten's face with his hand, tilting his head up so he could look into his eyes. "I will give you something to drink. I can tell you need to regain your strength. And then you should sleep. I would like to sleep with you. I will feel better knowing that you are safe in my arms."
He had worried about him, after all. Ever since he found out about his fate. "Don't be so scared, my sweet one. You were always my favourite, don't you know that?"
His favourite? No, he had no idea. He shook his head, eyes wide and curious.
"How did you know of me? Were you always listening? I would have thought you'd favour my brother and sisters." All strong, all well accomplished. Not that Ten wasn't but he was younger, he had a long way to go to reach their kind of glory. Tenth in line to the throne. He never thought he'd ever be the last one standing. He leaned into the soft touch, the mercy of his God. "I lost faith in you. I'm so sorry, I don't think I'm worthy to be your favourite. I thought the Gods hated me."
"I can't exactly blame you for that." Hoseok still wondered whether someone would have known when he was gone, when he wouldn't be able to interfere, but there should be no way for anyone to know. Perhaps it had merely been bad fortune. "I was listening whenever I could listen. My heart is broken for your family and everyone, but if you had been taken from me too? I believe my heart would have shattered."
Hobi moved to pull Ten up, only so he could take him into his arms, feeling how cold he was to the touch. He would have to warm him quickly or risk losing him after all. "Your heart is pure when you speak of loving me. You must know that a love like that can't go unrequited."
"We never once cursed you, I swear. My father prayed to you up to his last moments. He never expected a miracle, only love. Then he could go to a better place, yes?" He leaned into the other's arms and shivered, cold and desperate for the heat. He missed clothes, he missed feeling like a person and not someone's pet or whore. He was happy that his God had come for him, that being devoted had given them some sense of salvation.
His heart ached for what he'd lost so terribly but he knew now that the Gods would reward them. Nothing was in vain. They placed their trust on the right Gods. "Please, love me. Take care of me. Keep me away from that monster."
"Your family is in a good place. They have earned it. Don't worry about them any longer. They likely worry more about you." Hoseok wanted to comfort him and he didn't know what else to say, so he stuck to the things he knew to be true. He guided him over to the softer surface, helped him lie down and moved one of the silken blankets over him. "I will be right back. And don't worry, my sweet, he can't find you here. You are safe now, as I've said. Forever."
He intended to keep that promise. Perhaps this bond was already too personal, but he didn't care. He loved this boy and he wanted him to know it.
He would be safe from Cheon. Who still sat on his throne, hurt his people and killed their pets. So many snakes had been killed, eaten or tormented by these cruel men. What else was to be expected? It hurt his heart to know that Cheon had something so precios to him. Ten crawled under the blanket and curled up, eyes trying to follow hobi but they just got tired and weary.
He wanted love. He wanted kindness and mercy. And, deep down, stirring in him, he wanted revenge. He wanted Cheon to suffer. "I love you." He just felt like he should say it aloud.
"I love you too." Hoseok responded readily and then returned, a steaming bowl of broth in his hands. He helped Ten sit up and held the bowl to his lips, watched him as he drank, satisfied when he felt colour and warmth return to him. He finally let him lie back down and this time he curled up with him, his arms around him under the blanket, keeping him close and protected, wanting him to know that he had meant it when he'd said he was safe.
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no subject
He had been hiding for a while, but now he moved over, seemingly coming out of nowhere and closing in on Ten. He turned his head, inspecting the way he was chained and thinking about how best to free him.
Wait. He caught Ten's eyes, tongue darting out, the pearl glowing just a little more.
Don't be afraid.
no subject
His family worshipped snakes, they knew how important they were, the closest to their creator and ruler .... and here he was, disrespecting them in his father's home.
The snake may have told him not to be afraid but Ten almost fainted with fear.
"I--I am so sorry. God, please, forgive me! I know you love me! Even if I am ungrateful, I will prove myself. I am sorry." He swiftly started to pray, as fast as he could, reciting his verses so the God knew he was devout.
no subject
Hoseok moved his head, lowering it until the pearl touched the chains and they dissolved, simply falling away. Moving his body swiftly he made sure that Ten would land on it as he collapsed, not wanting him to hurt himself further. His tongue flicked out again to ensure that no one was coming, then he turned until he could look at Ten, wishing he had his different vision.
Well, soon.
Hold on to me. I am taking you.
no subject
Really? The Gods wanted to save him? He could have cried. Cheon believed all he said was nonsense but if the Gods didn't exist then how did his chains melt do readily? Either this was a dream or finally, someone had come for him.
Weary and tried, he wrapped himself around the snake and tried to breath.
"Save me, please." Dream or not, he wanted the best possible outcome. "Tomorrow he gives me to his men. Don't let that happen. I beg you, powerful one. Save me."
no subject
Maybe there would have been a safer way to transport him, but he didn't have time to think about safety. Ten's situation was a lot worse than he had thought. He moved quickly, simply going out the window and onto the roof, moving faster than any carriage, than anything on two or four legs. He only slowed down whenever he felt Ten's grip loosen and never for long.
no subject
He kept mumbling prayers as if to power this creature and get to freedom, his voice weary and tired but his faith was unshaken. Someone had come for him.
no subject
They had left the buildings behind, they had moved through a forest, there was a clearing, a hill and, at long last, a waterfall. Hoseok slid smoothly into the water, careful to keep his body on the surface, not wanting Ten to drown. He swam toward the waterfall and moved through it, his pearl lighting up and the water seeming to glow as well.
It actually had cleansing properties, healing as well, at least just then. As sacred as he was. He felt that Ten could use some healing, inside and out. Finally they made it through the water and into a cavern. It was still damp at first, but then less so. The walls had crystals growing out of them, many of them glowing, shining their light on their surroundings. Hoseok had always thought it was beautiful, even before he'd taken residence. It was a long, winded way, but he moved fast and he hurried. Ten would have time to marvel later, when he'd be better able to appreciate it.
no subject
He took in the beautiful cavern with awe, part of him vaguely wondering if he died. Did the chain choke him? Was he finally at peace? It was so beautiful here. Like heaven. He could have wept but he felt no desire too. "So pretty."
no subject
Perhaps not the response one would expect from a terrifying snake god, but Hoseok had never been one to care too much about expectations. They finally arrived and what he supposed was his inner sanctum. There was what looked almost like a natural fountain in one corner of the cavern, a basin that was a lot deeper than it looked, the way he usually entered. Not something he could do with the human on his bed.
Other than that, there was a lot of stuff that seemed man-made, if very ornate and beautiful. Hoseok had expensive tastes. A whole area was just soft, silken pillows and blankets, all as shiny black as the pearl on his forehead. That was where he brought Ten for now, sensing that it was sleep and proper rest that he needed above all.
You are safe now. Forever.
no subject
He wished to see his family again. His father, mother, his nine brothers who fell first. "How do I address you? I do not wish to be disrespectful. Teach me to worship you."
no subject
Honestly, he wasn't sure about addressing him. It wasn't as if he really cared one way or the other and he doubted that Ten would ever disrespect him.
You are not dead. I found out about you, so I came for you. I would have been there sooner, but I just changed skins. Do you like my new skin?
Well, he wanted to show off a little.
no subject
"You heard about me?"
Ten blushed. It was embarrassing to think his sorry tale was spread out but then, he knew how much Cheon loved to brag.
"I am not a whore, my lord." He just wanted to clarify. "Or a slut or a pet. If you have heard as I think you have. I am a prince, noble born, and I will do my best to be worthy of your kindness."
no subject
I've heard you pray, my Ten.
Unfortunately he couldn't hear much of anything when he changed his skin. Or see, for that matter. He slid away from Ten now, only a little bit, coils of his body moving into a circle and then he transformed. It wasn't something he had ever let someone witness - everyone saw him as either one or the other - but here he was now. Clad in a colour a lot like his scales and a pearl embedded in his forehead. It was smaller now, as was him, but it still glowed and he was smiling when he looked at Ten.
"I wanted to see you with my other vision." This time when he talked, his lips moved. Just as if he was human.
no subject
"You're beautiful."
His voice was strong, masculine and controlling. Definitely male. He watched him, fascinated, lowering his head as politely as he could. "I am yours, Hoseok. Do with me as you wish."
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He had worried about him, after all. Ever since he found out about his fate. "Don't be so scared, my sweet one. You were always my favourite, don't you know that?"
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"How did you know of me? Were you always listening? I would have thought you'd favour my brother and sisters." All strong, all well accomplished. Not that Ten wasn't but he was younger, he had a long way to go to reach their kind of glory. Tenth in line to the throne. He never thought he'd ever be the last one standing. He leaned into the soft touch, the mercy of his God. "I lost faith in you. I'm so sorry, I don't think I'm worthy to be your favourite. I thought the Gods hated me."
no subject
Hobi moved to pull Ten up, only so he could take him into his arms, feeling how cold he was to the touch. He would have to warm him quickly or risk losing him after all. "Your heart is pure when you speak of loving me. You must know that a love like that can't go unrequited."
no subject
His heart ached for what he'd lost so terribly but he knew now that the Gods would reward them. Nothing was in vain. They placed their trust on the right Gods. "Please, love me. Take care of me. Keep me away from that monster."
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He intended to keep that promise. Perhaps this bond was already too personal, but he didn't care. He loved this boy and he wanted him to know it.
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He wanted love. He wanted kindness and mercy. And, deep down, stirring in him, he wanted revenge. He wanted Cheon to suffer. "I love you." He just felt like he should say it aloud.
no subject