This chapter contains graphic violence, torture, and child endangerment. Reader discretion is advised.
"STOP! Let him go!"
Suho's voice cracked through the abandoned garage. The sound of shoes slapping against the concrete echoed with each step. His breathing ragged but he didn't slow down. His eyes were shining and red through unshed tears. He took shallow breaths.
He was panicking. Terrified. Scared.
He was just a child. What could a nine-years-old could do against huge men?
But his body moved on his own. He couldn't let the small child suffer the same pain he had to go through. The boy could live his life without going through such trauma.
The sudden presence of unexpected audience startled the men. They were confused and exchanged uneasy looks. The man crouched down, stood up, leaving Hajun's small trembling body. Hajun quickly crawled back, arms wrapping around himself covering his body, sobbing. He was shaking.
"What the…" the scarred man growled with venom lacing his voice. "How the hell did this brat get in here?"
"…"
The men in suit were silent and nervous, glancing at each other. "The fuck you all silent for? I asked where the fuck this bitch come from?"
They flinched when their boss shouted. One of them with buzz cut and sigil tattooed at his nape stepped forward, head down avoiding his boss's eyes. "B-boss… we don't know, sir."
"What do you mean, you don't know?!" The man with scar raised his voice, his breathing ragged. "Do you know what this means?" His eyes wide and burned with rage.
The men nodded in negative making the scarred man even more furious. "You… fucking fuck-"
While their focus was on each other, Suho took the opportunity. Suho scanned the area and saw the silver metal rod near the pile of crates. He slowly and quietly dragged himself, feet barely making the noise. His heart pounded against his chest.
Hajun was watching Suho's every move. He bit his lips and glanced at the suited men, then back at Suho. He slowly stood up and limped towards Suho.
Suho quickly picked it up and saw Hajun moving towards him. He was about to reach Suho when the scarred man took the notice.
"Hey… what the hell do you think you're doing?"
Hajun froze. He began panicking and his breath hitched. Suho quickly understood the situation and ran to Hajun. Suho threw himself in front of Hajun and shielded the small boy, spreading his arms around him.
"Get that little bitch," the scarred man growled, ordering his men.
Hajun whimpered and clung onto Suho's back, hiding his face against his shirt. Suho tightened his grip on the rod, holding it with both of his hands, pointing towards suited men.
Hajun was sobbing behind Suho, nose running, cheeks blotchy and voice cracking. "P-please… save me."
"Don't worry… I'll protect you."
Hajun's hands clutched tightly on Suho's shirt, and gave a tiny rod, tears still falling. "O-okay…"
"Hah! This brat really thinks he can fight?" The scarred man smirked and chuckled along with other men. They were mocking Suho. They circled around like predators trapping their prey.
"What could your tiny body possibly do?" one of them mocked.
Suho swallowed hard. He was scared. Terrified. His hands were slick with sweat, the metal rod slipping in his grip. He was outnumbered. Outmatched. Suho was nothing against them. He can't even fight even one of them. He knew it.
He couldn't even rely on his magic. He hadn't awakened it yet. The reality hit him hard. He is nothing, but powerless, weak and pathetic child. But still-
The scarred man tilted his chin pointed to Suho. The man with sigil tattoo and buzz cut stepped forward. His steps were slow. Each step he took, the anxiety in Suho and Hajun increased.
They stepped back until Hajun's back hit against the wall.
"Stop! Don't you dare come closer!" Suho's voice cracked.
The man with sigil smirked chuckled, his eyes showing excitement. "Show me, little prince… show me how you'll protect him."
"…"
The man with sigil smirked before marching towards Suho. Suho's instincts roared as he swung the rod with both hands, putting his every ounce of his strength. Somehow, he was able to land a hit-
Crack! The metal rod slammed against the man almost knocking the man out.
The thug staggered, head dizzy from the impact. He clutched his head as the blood trickled between his fingers. His eyes were wide with shock. He didn't expect that.
The others saw that and burst into laughter. "Seriously? Knocked out by a kid?!"
"Man… you are really fucked. Hahaha!"
The man with sigil had his pride hurt. His eyes darkened with rage. "I'm going to kill you, brat!" He lunged at Suho again.
This time, with no hesitation, Suho swung the rod. The rod smashed into the man's face. With a sharp yelp, the man with sigil got knocked out and his limp body crashing to the floor.
"…" The room fell silent.
"Pathetic," one of them snorted.
The man with red rose tattooed on his nape of neck stepped forward along with bald man with black snake with golden eyes tattooed on his neck stretching up to the shoulder.
The man with red rose grinned darkly. "You're a hell of a feisty little bitch. If public magic use wasn't banned, I'd burn you right here… watch your flesh bubble under my flames."The bald man chuckled while cracking his knuckles.
Suho pressed his lips into a thin line and glanced back at terrified Hajun. His voice warm and gentle. "I need you to let go. Don't worry… I'll protect you."
Hajun hesitated, then slowly released his shirt. He pressed himself against the dirty wall, biting on his lower lip and nodded.
Suho stepped forward. The bald marched first. Suho swung the rod, but the man twisted his neck avoiding the hit. Suho stumbled a little but regained his balance before turning to red rose man.
Whack! The rod cracked against the man's arm. He cursed and winced in pain, stumbling a little. Suho saw his chance and slammed the rod against the man's head, knocking the man out.
But Suho was distracted by red rose man that he didn't notice the bald man.
Thick arms spread around him, trapping him between them. Suho thrashed and wriggled trying to set himself free, but the man was strong. "Gotcha…" The man growled.
"Let me go! Let me go!" Suho tried to hit the man with the rod, but he snatched it from his hands. He yanked it away. The metal clanged against the concrete, the sound echoing.
The bald man's eyes darkened, and lips twisted into a grin. "Now what, little hero?"