The Growing Agony (1/2)

<b style="color:rgb(0,0,0);font-family:'Times New Roman';font-size:medium;font-weight:normal;">Hyoyeon’s hands were shaking as she grabbed her phone over the end table. The growing pain in her head was killing her faster than she thought. She carefully dialed her sister’s phone number.

“Hello?” The other line answered. Hyoyeon coughed as she put the phone closer to her lips.

“Unnie, the poison of the Snake had been activated. It’s killing me.” Hyoyeon slowly muttered. She grabbed her hair, trying to endure the pain.

“What? Okay, I’ll call Min and Kikwang before I go there. Endure it okay?” Taeyeon said before she hang up. They both knew what was happening. Snake had already discovered Hyoyeon’s real identity and now they were about to use her against the Clan.

After a few minutes of agony, Min, Kikwang, Taeyeon and Wooyoung managed to help Hyoyeon who was slowly losing her consciousness. Kikwang, like Hyoyeon, used to be a spy inside the Snake territory where he learned most of the poisons used by the Snake and their compatible antidotes.

“Hyoyeon, where is the previous shot?” Kikwang asked as he helped her to sit down properly. Hyoyeon weakly pointed to her nape in response.

Kikwang and Min looked at each other upon seeing the scar. It was twice as big and there was blue engraved outline the mark.

“Here. This is a temporary antidote.” Min said as she handed him a syringe from their kit. Taeyeon and Wooyoung was appalled. They can’t lose her now, knowing Hyoyeon was one of the people that know the Snake the best.

As Kikwang slowly shot her with the antidote, Hyoyeon flinged as another wave of pain hit her. Now she was seeing scenes that she haven’t. They were manipulating her, trying to brainwash her against the clan.

“They are getting closer to me. They’re filling my head with lies that I can’t stop. Sooner or later, I will hurt you guys.” Hyoyeon said as she stared at them. Furious, Taeyeon hugged Hyoyeon tightly.

“We won’t allow that.” Taeyeon said, as she tried calming Hyoyeon down. Wooyoung shot a glance at Kikwang who was staring into space.

“Kikwang, do you what is the cure?”  Wooyoung asked, as she glanced at Hyoyeon. Kikwang bit his lip before he answered.

“I can’t remember exactly but Doojoon was talking about a particular antidote and he said it is found somewhere we can’t imagine what’s inside.” Kikwang muttered.

Hyoyeon clenched her fists, trying to regain her senses. With what Kikwang said, she knew she wasn’t the only one being manipulated.

“The culprit is in the Clan and we are ought to find him.” She muttered, everyone turned to her, gaped.

“How did you know?” Min asked. Hyoyeon gritted her teeth before she replied, “I think I met him in the Clan before. I just can’t remember when.”

“I always see him talking to Doojoon but he has a black, emotionless mask. How did you meet him?” Kikwang added. Hyoyeon tilted her head to the side.

“There was this one day, I saw a glimpse of his face. It was vague but I can recognize him. Plus, he was wearing a particular ring.” Hyoyeon said before another wave of pain hit her.

“A ring huh?” Wooyoung mumbled. All of them stayed silent when Min spoke, “I’m afraid that later, we’ll going to suffer like Hyoyeon if we’re not quick enough in finding the culprit.”

Suddenly, Wooyoung received a text from an unknown number. “The Clan is not as clean as you think. Hurry up.”

“Guys, look at this.” Wooyoung said, as he showed the message to the rest of them. The room was filled with silence as Wooyoung tried to track the sender. They don’t understand whether it’s a threat or a hint.

“I’ve decided that I’ll go to the Snake until I have my senses.” Hyoyeon blurted out. Everyone insisted but she knew she had to do this for the last time.

“We can’t act against something we’re oblivious of.” Hyoyeon said as she stood up from her bed. Taeyeon grabbed her hand, trying to stop her.

“Don’t go, Hyo. It’s too dangerous.” Taeyeon said, pleading.

“I will be okay, don’t worry.” Hyoyeon said as she headed for the door. Before she closed it, she muttered, “Don’t tell Junho.”

Dumbfounded, everyone just stared at each other. They knew none of them can stop her from her plans. Yet, they’re afraid if her plan backfires. She will not only hurt them, but herself.

“We have no choice.” Wooyoung said as he grabbed his phone. Taeyeon gazed at the door. “Sorry Hyo, he’s the only one you’ll listen to.”

Wooyoung nodded before he dialed a familiar contact. Junho. After a few rings, Junho answered, “What do you need, Wooyoung?”

“Someone needs you. She’s headed towards the Snake.” Wooyoung muttered. Min and Kikwang was just staring at each other, confused at what’s happening.

“Who?” Junho asked. It was two in the morning and he was wondering what’s the hurry.