Chapter Text
The world is a battlefield, everyone a soldier almost without a choice. Forced to fight without a purpose, until a goal or dream to protect.
Everyone fights, an aim to achieve success, garner respect or control. But in the harsh reality, it is a means of communication.
It tells of your fears, worries, hurt, anger, wants, needs, thoughts and feelings. It helps you to understand yourself better, finally making you confident in your ability to communicate.
It builds in you resilience, should you encounter challenges or individuals who hurt you as life progresses.
If only someone had taught Jun, Pepper, Dylan and Nano before they were thrown to the forefront of the battle field.
Wearing shields that were either too big and weighed on them a ton, or too small that every hit left them wounded and battered.
Some, eyes hardened with hearts still fragile, others stone hearted while their eyes looking extremely tired. Bodies generally frail due to the severe blows dealt.
The first event was for SHIM. A brand that was a powerhouse for beauty products, jewellery, clothes and perfume.
It was a closed event by nature, due to it's social status as well as for the safety and privacy of the guests, board members and VIP.
Word on the street was that SHIM never invited people who were "small" nor did they invite people who "had no ties or connection to power, wealth and or status."
Therefore it had come as a shock, first to Dalia, then to the boys and Po, then to the little group of individuals who had caught wind of it.
What was meant to be private suddenly hit the streets and media outpoured with speculations and all what not. For some reason, the boys had mixed feelings especially with regards to a breach of trust between SHIM and ASTRA.
But SHIM had only smiled, sent them invitations after 4 zoom calls and 12 emails, alongside flowers and carefully crafted bags.
Filled with intricate details, design and style best suited for each of them.
Thame's had come in first, and for whatever reason it was: Immense love, out of empathy due to the present circumstance, because he was the leader or otherwise- The boys had heaved a sigh of relief.
Po had handled it carefully, speaking softly to him as he told him of what SHIM had sent his way, read his recovery card to him, eyes brimming with tears at the simplicity and rawness of it.
The flowers had come in daily with a new card since they had mutually agreed with SHIM.
And it was funny, because whilst Thame had no physical reaction, he could still hear the sorrow, grief and pain in Po's voice.
As he weaved his fingers through the reeds, and gardens filled with beauty beyond human description; he felt a mix of heaviness, sadness and solace all at once.
It felt like home he could come to, but was currently not permitted to. As he walked, he found invisible blocks that prevented him from travelling further along.
He pushed and blew at them, grunting from the force of exertion but they just wouldn't budge. He saw people who were happy, swinging hands and dangling feets from swings.
He met the ones who laid down like they were at the park, heard unfamiliar sounds of laughter; and for each time he tried to communicate, they only seemed to look at him like he was an outcast.
They never spoke back, never accorded him, whispers echoing around him the longer he walked around the maze fielded garden.
He also noticed that their clothes differed, halo's over their heads, eyes glowing golden, lips pink, some bodies milk toned or bronze.
Most of their feets never touched the ground, and they were bare footed, their voices sounded airy and thin; but goodness! their laughters boomed and their teeth sparkled with every smile.
He was the only one who had sandals on, dressed in Ivory, his halo flickered like the street lights struggling to stay on, his skin so red he was almost sunburnt.
When he spoke, he sounded like he had a voice box on, sounded off with how loud he was, and how annoyed everyone looked to be rudely interrupted by such noise.
Suddenly, the surface beneath his feet moved and he was whisked away to another soundless trip filled with nothing.
Colours burst before his eyes, pathways differed according to the colours.
At some point, he was stuck at a gate. The token in his hand not sufficient enough for passage.
The simple instructions being "To enter, find sufficient and appropriate tokens."
Then, he was pushed back 3000 miles backwards, to a place that was too hot and scary.
It looked like it was blazing with fire, but the flames were yellow and blue and orange.
Then, he was made to work, with wood and nails and hammers. As if he were building himself a place to stay, when in reality it shouldn't be.
He hurt his fingers multiple times with every piece of nail he snug against the boards and wood.
Struggled with sawing, sandpaper work was a hella bitch work, and assembling took an eternity.
The polishing was the smoothest, after feeling like he was too slow to catch up with the rest, who also looked like they could be content with giving up.
Then came the designing, and for some interesting reasons, he was excellent at it.
What started out with pencil work and shading, transitioned into spray painting and colouring.
Whoof! Every colour in time was availed for his use.
The longer he designed, the happier he was.
But these things come tricky, and it's not long before the reality unveils itself and stares you mockingly in the face.
He's halfway through the designing, when suddenly his hands begin to itch and ache.
His vision tunnels, body jerking uncontrollably, screeching sounds resonating within him.
His nose bleeds profusely, his skin swells and his nerves are restless.
His heart slows until he can't feel alive anymore, only to start up and speed until he collides with something unnameable.
His throat is hoarse, like he's down with cold but not cold. Maybe, it's the sawdust stuck in his throat, but no matter the amount of coughing, it doesn't clear.
He feels suddenly hot, air too stuffy and he panicks. He spills his essentials and drops unceremoniously to the ground.
He scrambles to salvage the situation, but his limbs suddenly no longer cooperate.
He fights and fights and fights until his eyes start to dim, everything going dark and eerily silent.
That's when he catches a glimpse of something he has never seen before.
A mirror embedded into his woodwork. A reflection stares at him.
One distorted and constantly moving and speaking. He reaches out to grasp at the edge but it slices him every time he does.
It begins to crack and he's terrified of the scream he lets out, that gets swallowed up by the void.
The distorted creatures snarl at him angrily, one particularly looks hurt and weary.
Another one stares blankly at him, completely devoid of emotions, another paces about like it's the only way to retain a semblance of normalcy.
With the other one, the eyes burn passionately but sadness envelopes her...Wait is that a he?
He's utterly confused at this point.
Just before his eyes slip shut, he sees the last one. Standing way at the back, like they aren't meant to be there.
Uncertainty bleeds through their eyes, but they are the strongest and most coherent one amongst all.
There's determination and will, but it's a comsi comsa situation. The only person who has on the right armour for battle and looks brave enough to fight.
He nudges the people and creatures around him until they give way. Not without a fight of course, but he never gets to see it.
As the distortion soft pedals, the images are clearer and it would entirely shock him if he saw what they formed.
SHIM holds the new event in Barcelona this time. A place of culture, style and harmony; absolutely fit to hold such a ceremony and an event.
The trip to Barcelona had been on a private jet sent by SHIM. The boys had been reluctant to go, but God knew it was too complex for them, and he had made a call for them.
SHIM had provided full security detail, provided detailed information about the event and it's entire programme.
Po had had to make a difficult decision by staying behind for Thame.
It wasn't because he didn't want to be there for the boys, rather he just couldn't leave Thame alone after barely saving him from the jaws of death yet again.
It had been 72 hours since the last episode. It had been scary for better lack of words.
God! He thought he would have to start planning a burial with the way Thame battled life.
He was truly a fighter, because despite everything his body had gone through, his heart just always found a way to kick-start.
His brain had miraculously not also shut down.
On that note, he had chosen to stay and the boys perfectly understood.
They would too, if they could knowing that their hearts truly were not at peace given the situation.
Surprisingly, Dalia panicks for the first time. A truly spectacular emotion to see on her face.
She had spent the last 72 hours constantly in touch with Po after he had called her to inform her.
She had sobbed into her palm, thinking Po would be too worried over there to hear or notice.
But as the phone was on speaker, his hands were seemingly busy, Jun had momentarily halted what he was working on at the wobble in her voice.
A layer of her had cracked open at the weight of it all. She was human too, and although she showed love and care in a rather unconventional way, it didn't exonerate the fact that she was capable of it.
Dylan was out with Nano to get essentials, and last minute errands, whilst Pepper was on a conference call with Mr Luke and Pat, Amirah, Neo, Drew and Coker.
Mr Luke was the oldest and most trusted manager, and after speaking to the management as well as the stars he managed, they had been able to whisk him away on the trip.
The discrete and professional way SHIM treated them was all too foreign.
There was a synchronisation that stemmed from years of trial and error, understanding, attention to detail, perfection and value.
As they made their way to the beach mansion where the event was to take place, they marveled at the beauty of the city.
A translator available to translate and ease their trip within the city. Designated driver, proper welcoming and refreshments well as provision of essentials that would make them feel warm, welcomed, understood and cared for.
Their first meal had reminded them of home, first bath drawn for them, reminded them of motherly care and their first sight seeing bringing back memories from childhood.
It was a 3-day event: A show for the release of new collections, A fund-raiser for nations under siege and a Dinner - An announcement of some sort, following closely thereafter.
When it comes to events, SHIM will always stand out. This time was no exception as they had outdone themselves. The set-up so magnificent, it sparkled.
From the venue, to the choice of music, to the meals, services provided, to the curated and customised outfits for each individual guest according to their preference.
Which was interesting, because they had never been asked their preferences neither had they filled any survey or revealed anything to anyone.
The first day started with an exhibition in the gallery of the mansion they didn't know existed, not until they had been escorted there.
The first card had read "Dress casual but smart", and the boys had wondered just how that would look like until when they stepped out.
Behold, a world of fashion expanded before them.
Most people in dress pants, t-shirts that looked expensive, scarfs that were made of silk, satin and designed so richly, it spoke power, class and wealth.
Some others dressed in gowns, pleated skirts with blouses that felt too soft and too smooth on their skins.
Jewellery very light, that glittered and showed glamour. Some were barely visible, but the moment you caught a glimpyof it, you were enamored and your gaze would always seek them out.
Shoes polished to a state of spotlessness, watches a fashion accessory that almost held time at a standstill, a perfect description of who was whom and what.
Bags and pouches crafted to a state of perfection, sleek by their sides and probably held wealth and contact that would make your knees tremble.
Fragrances that didn't particularly scream attention, rather it screamed recognition, confidence, announced titled and status.
The kind that if it came in contact with skin or clothing, would need at least two laundry visits to rid of them.
A single handshake, or mere collision could alter your own fragrance if not careful. Leaving you smelling like them, but absolutely not feeling like them.
Connections that stemmed from generation and ages of familiarity, hardwork, labour, probably theft too if we're being honest.
Not to comment on the expensive smiles, handshakes, some sort of socialization that revolved around secrets, unity, diversity, match-making, envy even perharps.
A medium to mingle, flex, bond, build webs of connection and amass power and respect.
But beyond that, it was especially a time to showcase talent, art, craft and skill.
Simply because the way to the Rich's heart was through art, craft, talent and skill.
Basically, almost a means of control, to reel them in when the noises in their head get too loud, keep them occupied and entertained.
Enable and encourage competition, also to keep them interested knowing fully well that most of them spent carelessly.
A few of them spent wisely, and a couple of them truly cared about the richness and continuity of such heritage, culture and craft work.
For every piece displayed, ranging from clothing to watches, shoes and bags, then to jewellery, customised perfumes and samples of skincare and beauty products before their official release; it was visible that this had been carefully and meticulously hand selected.
They were the best looking, and just the mere though of beholding them unlocked something in you. It left the boys in awe.
It was evident in the way they were packaged and stored, the way they were hung and displayed, the way they were shaped, styled, designed and coloured.
In it's weight, texture, component, material, design, type and functionality.
Each piece reflecting time, season, period, culture and nature.
It overflowed with dedication, passion, hardwork, and so much more than could not be named. But above all, it spelt SHIM.
They mingled, got introduced to some of the finest designers, most beautiful models, some really powerful and classy people, the managing directors, some board members and a bunch of other influential celebrities.
They were stunned at being recognised despite considering themselves as little. A few people noticed the absence of Thame and expressed it.
Although they were gloomy, they mustered up the courage to handle it well. Careful with their words, whilst responding and receiving encouraging pats, words and hugs.
Some expressing a desire for his quick recovery, as well as the release of a new album soonest from ASTRA.
Oh! Only if they knew the wars that were waged against them; that raged all around them.
But they would overcome, because they were more than conquerors.
PREVIEW
Reporter from TNC: It's not very often that idols are invited to such occasions?
Perhaps, do you think your hardwork and dedication played a role in your appearance here today?
Reporter for BT: Speculations are ongoing that your work with SHIM may not just be temporary.
Are you all rather looking to working with them long-term in the future?
Reporter for GHAZY: If you decided to pursue on another career path in the near future, would you consider the world of fashion?
As you all know, you're fancy and an eye candy. But I wonder, if you all will be cut out for the life of fashion, seeing as you have rather interesting choices of style.
Independent Paparazzi: Your fans would love to know, if things don't progress with Thame, would you proceed ahead with your groups plans?
Without him, so he doesn't become a weight that drags you behind?
We all know the fans can't wait forever, as fame and tide moves swiftly in your line of work!
Independent Reporter 1 (Unfamiliar Face): Being here today, I noticed that you all seem to be relieved and excited for your future journey with SHIM.
Is there a particular reason?
Independent Reporter 2 (An Anti-fan or...): Word on the street is, Thame has been the centre of attraction for too long, although it's rather unfortunate he isn't here at the moment to be part of this occasion.
I'm sure it must be a relief that he isn't here, giving room to the rest of you to feel seen and heard.
Do you plan to take advantage of the given circumstance?