Chapter Text
The hallway was dead quiet. Aside from the shuffling of feet every now and then and the subtle rustling of clothes due to the sudden movements, it was quiet.
Pressed against one another when seating on the long bench, Eruhaben can only let out a long sigh. Bud Illis who sat beside the ancient dragon, flinched.
It has been two minutes since Choi Han and Raon left for the empire and four minutes since news that no response came from the baby.
And it was scary.
Clopeh who sat by the right side of Eruhaben had his hands clasped together as he kept praying. To whom? Everyone doesn't know and no one does want to know.
Everybody's head snapped up especially Dodori's. Mila was so worried her child might snap his neck at the speed.
Three helpers—dark elves—rushed passed their group and ran towards the room where Cale was in. Everyone could see the helpers trying to steady their faces but they could feel the sense of urgency.
The door shut close and once again, it was quiet.
Huuuuu...
Surprisingly, it was Rasheel who broke the silence.
He rubbed his face with both his hands as he leaned against the wall. He was the only one standing.
"This... This is,"
Well, he can't say anything. This feeling was something he definitely cannot name. He was anxious for not just the human but for the newest member of their family. (He still denies it but he's secretly glad to be part of such group)
Everyone became restless after that. Bud Illis glared at the tall vase across him. Dodori looked like he was on the verge of screaming.
"Calm down everyone. Now is not the time to react."
A calm voice spoke. Everyone turn to look at the silent dark elf sitting upright at the center. Her face was impassive but she was clearly frowning. She clenched her pants tightly when she spoke.
It seemed that, she said that to also convince herself.
It was at that moment
Phussssssssshhhh
Something bright lit up just outside Cale's door. Everyone whipped their heads to the said place. Tasha stood up and was about to approach her nephew when someone held her back. Eruhaben shook his head as he silently watched Raon and Alberu talking to themselves.
Choi Han was absent. It seemed that the swordmaster volunteered to stay behind to deal with Alberu's matters because there's no way Eruhaben or even anyone, would believe that Alberu would let anyone, aside from Cale, touch what's his and that includes his job, especially his job.
Well, today's something the blond would pass his royal matters off to someone. And besides, Choi Han is Alberu's instructor. He can trust him.
Eruhaben caught Raon looking towards him. Even without speaking, he could tell what the young dragon was feeling and the desperation to go see Cale and the pup.
He shook his head.
Moments later, Alberu entered the room and didn't even bother to glance at their direction. Understandable, everyone thinks. Raon flew towards them, down casted and seated himself on Eruhaben's lap, pouting.
Eruhaben patted Raon's round head, glancing towards Tasha. Mila was touching the dark elf's shoulder, beckoning her to sit again. Clopeh still had his head low, though now, it almost touched the floor.
"Goldie gramps?"
Eruhaben looked down to Raon, the young dragon's eyes were glossy. "Our maknae will be okay, right?"
Eruhaben quietly sighed. "They will be."
Mila and Dodori were quietly mumbling to one another, the beige dragon running her fingers through Dodori's pink curly hair. Bud Illis is holding a wine bottle but haven't drank on it yet.
The mercenary king licked his lips, turning to the gold dragon. "I haven't really told this to anyone yet because when I got here, the young master was in labour,"
It was choatic when Bud entered the castle. With helpers running wild and Eruhaben looking like he's about to crack the place open, he settled on not saying anything.
"But queen Jopis from Molden kingdom sent her regards to the Royal Family. Albeit, as of now it's tense, I'm sure it'll get better."
Bud fished out a golden letter from inside his coat.
"After all, it is the emperor and former commander's kid were talking about here."
Eruhaben slowly accepted the letter. The ancient dragon studied the Molden Kingdom's crest on the stamp. Raon's eyes followed the movement. The black dragon hung his head low after that.
And then, he felt a twinge. It was so subtle but it was enough for him to raise his round head. Everyone was flabbergasted when Raon stared intently towards the brown heavy double doors of the labor room.
"Raon-nim, is there something wrong?" Bud illis asked and readied himself for the worst.
Instead though, the black dragon whispered, "Life..."
"What?"
Raon's frown slowly faded away. His blue eyes started twinkle as he flew around the group's heads. "Mom said they're okay!" He rejoiced, not noticing that he finally muttered the m word.
Raon latched himself on Tasha's shoulders who looks like she was about the faint in relief. "Maknae-ya is okay!"
Everyone collectively sighed. Rasheel slumped to the floor whilst Clopeh silently cried, Mila silently passed him a handkerchief.
Dodori quickly latched onto Raon, smiling. "This is it! A new beginning!"
"W-when can we see them?" Eruhaben looked oddly excited. Tasha stood up and walked towards the doors with speed.
As she was about the yank it open, someone beat her to it. Out came a tired looking Sherrit. Despite the clear fatigue and the almost fading look, she is as ethereal as ever.
Raon flew towards his mom and planted his heavy body on her white crown. Sherrit didn't even looked fazed.
"Can we see them?" Bud Illis chimed, swaying his head to the side to catch a glimpse of the room.
Sherrit took a step aside and the group blanked.
Sure, the dark elves were still pacing here and there as they cleaned up the mess but they saw no signs of the Imperial family.
"I changed them to another room." Sherrit spoke as she tucked her hair behind her ear. Raon transferred in her arms. Everyone faced the white dragon.
"I'm sorry to announce but visiting hours can occur tomorrow. Let them have today for themselves as they interact with the imperial prince."
"A prince!" Clopeh cried as he clasped his hands.
"Yes yes." Sherrit let out an airy laugh as she began walking away but not before giving Raon a fond look.
"Goldie gramps! Contact the duchy!" Raon yelled, flying around Eruhaben. The golden dragon raised a brow as he created a transportation spell to transfer their group at the Rock Villa albeit Tasha left for the Empire.
"Couldn't you contact the duchy yourself, Raon-nim?" Bud asked.
"Oh right!"
Raon got the communication device from his spacial dimension and contacted the duchy. The moment they connected, everyone can see bright red fur.
-Raon-ah! What happened to Cale and Dongsaeng? Nya!
Ohn appeared on the screen as well, slightly pushing against her brother to see better.
-Is the Emperor there? Can we see them? Nya~
-Now, Now kids. Let's behave shall we?
Ron's gentle voice interjected. The children from the cat tribe gave glances at each other before making space for the old butler to see the communication device. Ron appeared on the screen with his son Beacrox behind him.
They were silent, the head of the Molan household wearing a benign smile albeit his eyes were expectant, Eruhaben can tell.
"They're fine and the kid has been delivered safely. It was kind of bumpy but they made it."
"It's a he." Raon whispered. Eruhaben's mouth did a slight twitch.
"He's fine and resting with his parents. Visiting hours can occur tomorrow." Eruhaben informed.
-Ohohoh, we'll be paying a visit then?
Ron said but it appeared to be a question towards the children.
-Yes!
-Definitely! Nya!
Ohn and Hong agreed simultaneously meanwhile Beacrox nodded his head in approval.
-Beacrox, ready the plum juice we made for the young master.
-Yes father.
-Nya! See you tomorrow!
Hong and Ohn waved their paws. Ron came closer to the device and carried it with him. Eruhaben and the others could see Ron knocking on a door through the device.
-Permission to enter, Duchess. There's update about young master Cale and his son.
The door immediately opened and soon Eruhaben was busy informing updates to Violan. They could see Cale's siblings, Basten and Lily, looking anxious.
-... That's good news
Violan released a sigh of relief which affected her children seeing as they relaxed.
-And the Duke?
"At the palace. The Emperor's aunt went to the palace to inform The royals of the Crossmans." Eruhaben informed.
-It's settled, we'll visit the black castle tomorrow. Thank you for the updates, ancient dragon.
Violan still felt iffy and odd talking to a powerful being like Eruhaben but this matter concerns her eldest son. Statuses be damned.
Eruhaben did a nod before hanging up.
~~~
Fredo honestly thought that he was just a minor character in Cale's confidants.
Well, he can't complain. Cale's allies are all really strong when it comes to combat, magic, even when running backgrounds and their basic backings. Heck, they're the heroes of both continents.
And sure, Fredo might have acted a bit too passive-agressive when it comes to their fake father and son relationship (if he was passive agressive, Cale's brutal). And Alberu still has this bit suspicion towards him. The fake blond still remembers Fredo's declaration of how delicious Cale's blood must be.
He thought he was just an insignificant someone.
So imagine his surprise when he was one of the first few people Cale and Alberu invited to meet their pup.
Everyone gave him a look and Fredo felt like he was sweating bullets.
Timidly, he passed through the group and joined Tasha, Choi Han, Raon, Ohn, Hong, Eruhaben and Sherrit. Together they entered the room the imperial family stayed.
"If given the chance, I'd like to bless the baby under the sun god's guidance." Says Jack as he watched the brief moment the door opened before it closed again.
"Oh not a chance. Do you think that bastard would shut up throwing a chance away like that?" Cage told followed by a 'shut the fuck up!' towards a specific god.
While outside was chaotic, inside is very peaceful. The group could hear the soft beat of the golden music box gifted by former king Zed. The room smelled strongly of earth, like the feeling of early dawn where everything is wet from condensation. It smelled strongly of soil and grass with a hint of apple and milk.
The Crossmans drenched the whole place with their scent to welcome their pup.
Eruhaben, the prime that he is, snapped his fingers, muting everyone's scents omitting the couple's.
The king sized bed was placed by the center. The brown translucent curtains surrounding the bed and covering the terrace blew softly against the cool wind.
They heard Cale's rare coos, it made Raon flutter his wings in excitement. Alberu appeared behind those curtains dressed in simple light brown tunic and cream colored slacks. He looked tired, blond hair uncombed and dark rings under his eyes.
But he looked so damn proud.
"Esteemed guests..."
That sounded so foreign to Fredo's ears. Esteemed guest? Who? Him?
Alberu pulled the curtain and everyone awed at the sight.
Cale in loose clothing and has his hair tied loosely to a ponytail but strands were slipping out. His face looked so fond and loving as he watched and cradled a small bundle in his arms.
"Oh Cale..." Tasha sighed dreamily as she approached her in-law first.
Albeit Raon and the children from the cat tribe outrun her first. The children landed on the bed with soft thuds and immediately started sniffing.
Hong sneezed because he was overwhelmed by the scent of milk but eyes twinkled in wonder. Ohn tilted her head to get a clear view of the child's appearance and wondered why Cale won't show it.
The omega crooned as he smiled, putting a finger against his lips. The children immediately got the message and calmed their movements.
"Gather around."
The bed wasn't plastered against the wall so there was space behind the headboard. The adults stood behind while the kids nuzzled closely to Cale. Alberu sat himself on the bed beside his omega.
"Now, I want you all to be quite. Aster was not having it a while ago. I don't want him tossing and turning again." Cale spoke as he slowly took off the soft towel that covered his baby's face.
"Aster..." Eruhaben whispered just to test it out. His heart started pounding when he realized he gets to call that name to a new grandkid.
And then,
"Pfft..."
"Well, why am I not surprised?"
Choi Han covered his mouth to hide his chuckles but his face clearly evident from blushing while Eruhaben crossed his arms and shook his head fondly. Tasha has literal stars in her eyes and Fredo.... Fredo, he blinked.
"Huh? It's Alberu."
Tasha frowned. "What? No you dummy, that's clearly Cale's cute nose right there."
Choi Han cleared his throat as he began studying the pup. The alpha hummed, eyes twinkling. "Ah yes. That's definitely Cale's nose right there."
He chuckled once again when the baby shifted. "I'm sorry to say this but besides that feature, His Majesty's genes dominated this masterpiece."
Fredo laughed. "Yeah. Beautiful..."
They began to quiet down when they noticed Cale and Alberu's gazes were fixated on the children averaging from 10-12.
Now that they shifted into their human forms, their expressions were more clear and evident. Right now, they looked so curious and happy.
"A baby brother..."
"Look at our Dongsaeng...!"
Ohn and Hong mumbled whilst Raon's blue eyes studied the pup intently before looking up and meeting Cale's eyes.
"He looks like the Emperor." He noted, smiling so brightly.
It warmed the Omega's heart as he saw his children interacting with the newest member of their family. Hong raised his finger and Aster, the little miracle he is, grabbed it with no hesitation.
Hing gasped in admiration. "Look! He has his eyes closed but he took my finger!" He rejoiced quietly, blushing in excitement.
"He trusts you that much hyung!" Raon agreed before lightly poking the baby's soft brown cheek. "Soft..."
Ohn was silent but Alberu chuckled breathlessly seeing the fire burning prominently in her eyes, proud and excited.
"Eherm, but seeing as we were chosen as the first few people to meet the prince for the first time..." Eruhaben stopped before his golden eyes briefly flashed towards Alberu.
"It's his appearance right?"
The happy moment immediately turned solemn, the children realizing the real matter.
Cale's eyes softened as he softly thumbed his baby's cheek. Alberu sighed as he watched. "Yes, Eruhaben-nim. It may not seem obvious but Aster is still part dark-elf."
Aster's dark elf appearance isn't so evident like Alberu's, but it's still prominent enough to be noticed. His ears aren't that long and pointy like Alberu's but it's eye catching and the color of his skin is a healthy color like Cale's sister, Lily.
However, it's the aura. It's very different and complex, dangerous even.
And they must mask that.
Eruhaben sighed when he noticed everyone looking at him, expecting.
"I can't mask it for long, you have to make something that'll mask it on the long run."
Tasha and Alberu smiled. "We have been working on something similar to Alberu's necklace ever since Cale conceived. It's not as powerful but it's enough to contain his dark genes." Tasha informed.
"Well, if willing, I hope he gets to walk under the sun freely in a specific place." Alberu said out loud as Cale stared at Fredo by his peripheral vision.
Fredo took in a huge amount of air as he felt chills down his spine. His lips began to quiver as he tried his best not to cry from happiness.
He bowed deeply. "It is an honor and Endable kingdom welcomes him with open arms."
Choi Han puffed his chest. "Of course."
"I'll make sure..."
Everyone whipped their heads to Cale who spoke as he kept caressing his baby. "I'll make sure, soon, he gets to walk in broad daylight in his own skin. Soon... Aster, let appa do it for you." Cale promised before planting a soft kiss on the baby's forehead.
Alberu gave a solemn smile before he cradled Cale in his arms and also planted a sweet small kiss on the top of his head. "Soon, Love..."
Alberu closed his eyes. It's infuriating knowing Cale keeps saying he wants a slacker life but wants to do anything just to ensure that he and his pup gets to walk freely without any restraints or any need to mask their identities soon. Not to mention, peace won't be long knowing these 'Hunters' keep causing ruckuses. Cale definitely would take care of that matter first before slacking off.
"Hah... Up till now you're driving me nuts."
"Huh? Enough for you to marry me?"
"...shut up."
It was at that moment when Raon gasped.
"Human! Look! He's opening his eyes!"
Cale and Alberu parted from their hug, unaware that the rest of the adults felt like they're interfering something private. Nonetheless, they gathered around the bed once more.
"Oh I take back my words." Choi Han muttered.
Ohn giggled into her hands. "He got your eyes, Cale nya!"
Aster got Cale's lovely red brownish eyes and they're adorable. Alberu cooed beside him. Tasha cried, "I'm literally the proudest aunt here. My nephew got 4 kids and they're all miracles!" She blew her nose then.
Eruhaben shook his head. "It's ashame to cover this all up." He began gesturing his hands as he summoned his magic, gold dust flying around. "But I guess, the world was never fair."
Cale hummed, "that's right. You have to fight for it."
He felt Alberu's hold slightly tighten around him. "So I'll do anything to protect the ones I have." He firmly declared.
Something stirred inside everyone's heart. Eruhaben sighed. "Unlucky bastard..."
~~~
It was time for the Cale's family to visit alongside former King Zed.
Violan cried but still looking as graceful as ever. "Cale," she called out as she bent down and wiped Lily's tears away. "I'm so proud of you. If you need advices, I'm here."
Duke Deruth was bawling. "Cale, he looks beautiful!" He cried as he carefully held the baby in his arms.
Cale and Alberu shared a look as they listened to the quiet sniffles and cries echoing in the four corners of the room.
Basen kept wiping his eyes with his sleeves as he stood beside his father, watching the baby.
Zed was standing by the background. A simple glance and his eyes met his son's. It was somewhat an awkward encounter, at least on Alberu's side.
But with a simple nod, the iffiness broke. Alberu was actually dumbfounded when the former king smiled at him before smiling at the pup then leaving quietly. No one even noticed he left except for the imperial couple.
Deruth returned the baby to Cale who sat on a rocking chair. "Cale-" The Duke blew his nose. "I'm so- so happy for you..."
Violan came up to him and guided him outside. "Excuse us, we need a moment." Cale flashed a small smile and wave to his siblings.
"And as we do so," Violan landed her eyes towards the Father and son of the Molan household. "You can do as you please." She said. The duchy left the room shortly.
There was a brief silence that bestowed upon them but it shattered when Ron walked towards the couple. The heels of his shoes clanking against the wooden floor, Beacrox followed not long enough.
And when they stopped in front of the couple, they knelt.
Bewildered, Cale frowned. "What are you-" Alberu's question cut short when the younger Molan suddenly declared,
"The Molan household swears to protect, aid, and support the young master until the last of our walls crumbles." Until the last head falls.
In a flash, the children from the cat tribe, Ohn and Hong also appeared and knelt alongside them. Cale widened his eyes and Raon who was invisible, appeared as well.
"And I, Raon, swears to be the mightiest brother Dongsaeng could ever have!"
All of them could hear Ohn and Hong giggling after that.
Ron raised his head and was an eye level with Aster. His benign smile turned raw and genuine that his wrinkles became prominent.
In that moment, Ron looked like an innocent grandfather and not an assassin doing dirty business in the dark world.
"And this old Ron swears to serve young master Aster-nim until his dying breath."
The corners of Aster's mouth curled up before his eyes crinkled and giggled, gums on full display.