Namjoon shivered. The cold dead air of his cell was familiar and chilling to the bone. He closed his eyes shut and almost considered the possibility of his whole adventures in Vrede to be merely some sort of elaborate dream— Maybe all this time, he was in jail back in Korea. Maybe he had finally gone crazy and imagined a life of freedom.
Hugging his knees to his chest, Namjoon thought about the Helian nobles' words. A tainted man, a savage brute who deserved to die in an arena. He wondered if that was all he really is. A monster, someone who represented darkness. Then he remembered how Jimin literally beat up the man who said that and chuckled.
It was quite a sight to see. Jimin was always so calm and rarely released his anger so seeing him pounce on someone was surprising. Still, he was touched at how protective the thunder gem bearer was. He just wished that he'd be more careful with himself too.
Sighing, Namjoon leaned his head on the cemented wall and stared up at the ceiling. A lonely lightbulb hung from above and flickered as a few flies flew around it. The earth gem bearer hugged himself in an effort to be warm. He felt his tailbones ache due to the hard floor and the absence of a bed wasn't helping at all.
Namjoon glanced down at his chained wrists and stared at his purple arm. Now that he thought about it— How did he survive Jimin's electricity? It was weird to say the least, especially because the venom seemingly gathered on his arm instead of leaving his body. He remembered being scratched by Medusa on the hand and frowned.
Shaking his head, Namjoon decided that there were important things to think about— like how he was going to escape. Grunting, he wobbled to his feet and glanced around his cell. The bareness of the whole area made him groan loudly.
Namjoon shuffled around a bit. There was a hole on the ground, one that lead deep down underground. Tilting his head, the earth gem bearer suddenly caught a horrible stench from it. He stepped away from toilet and nearly gagged.
Ever since the incident with Medusa, Namjoon noticed how his senses have heightened. He could smell things he couldn't smell before, sometimes even hear the chattering of people far away. It was interesting yet terrifying at the same time. It made the earth gem bearer wonder if he really did turn into a monster.
"Joonie?," Jimin's voice came from the other side of the wall.
Honestly, Namjoon was glad that the cell walls weren't soundproof. If they were, he was sure that he would have lost his sanity in the span of a few hours. "Chim?"
"Are you okay?," Jimin's concern was obvious in his tone. His voice grew closer. "I heard shuffling and..."
"I'm alright, Jimin," Namjoon smiled, even though Jimin definitely couldn't see him. He leaned on the wall and slid down. "Don't worry."
There was no reply. Namjoon knew that Jimin released a sigh, perhaps it was just too soft for him to hear. "Namjoon?"
Namjoon knew that being called by his name was never a good sign. "Yeah?"
"I—," Jimin paused with a small sniffle. He was right on the other side of the wall. "I'm scared."
Namjoon felt his heart shatter into pieces. He wanted to reach out to Jimin, to hold him and tell him that they'll be okay. But the earth gem bearer knew that it was all but okay... and no matter how much he wanted to comfort the thunder gem bearer, there was a rock wall literally standing between them.
If it wasn't for the anti-magic cuffs around Namjoon's wrists, he would have punched through the wall and hugged Jimin. Instead, he could do nothing but listen to his lover's cries from the other side of this stupid wall.
"I am too," Namjoon exhaled loudly. "But I'll find a way out, I promise."
Jimin's cries softened a bit. "E-Even if we do get out, what about Taehyung and Sky? How do we know that King Michael hasn't..."
A dead silence rang. Namjoon thought about the possibility and winced at the idea of being stuck in Hel's jail cell for the rest of his life. As much as he kept hoping for the best case scenario, he couldn't help but feel worried— not just for himself or Jimin but for everyone in the universe as well.
"Jimin, those two are one of the strongest people we know," Namjoon smiled at the memory of his conversations with Taehyung. "They'll make it. I know they will."
Namjoon looked down at his purple arm again, his claws out due to him not knowing how to withdraw them. He sighed loudly.
"Jimin, I'm... I'm sorry."
"Sorry?," Confusion was evident in Jimin's tone. "What for?"
"For being tainted," Namjoon clenched his clawed hands and nearly wounded his wrist in the process. "You didn't have to pounce on that man if I wasn't—"
"Namjoon," Jimin's stern voice made Namjoon pause. "I don't regret it. He deserved it and what he said wasn't true."
"But it is," Namjoon gritted his teeth and leaned his head on the wall. He imagined Jimin doing the same on the other side. "What if— what if the venom takes over me again one day and I'll be too far gone. What if I end up—"
"Stop right there," Jimin hissed. "Kim Namjoon, you are not a monster."
Namjoon stayed silent. Even from Jimin, those words were difficult to believe, especially with his purple arm and the random urges he'd have to bite off people's necks— of course, only those he perceived as an actual threat.
"Joonie listen, you have a big heart," Jimin's tone turned soft and Namjoon found himself relaxing. "You show it in everything you do and God, I can't even articulate how much I love you because of that."
Namjoon smiled to himself. He was itching to hug Jimin and return the sweet words he was giving. Instead, the space around his arms felt cold and empty.
"You're our rock, our— my foundation," Jimin enunciated each word yet his tone remained calming. "Nothing, not even mind-controlling venom can change that. I won't let it."
"Jimin..."
"I'll help you. We all will. Please don't think you aren't worth the effort."
Jimin sighed loudly, this time Namjoon could hear it loud and clear. There were small steps from the other side then a loud thump on the wall. "Ouch."
"Chim? Are you okay?!"
"I'm alright, Joonie. I just... slipped."
Namjoon couldn't help but laugh at that. He heard Jimin's cute giggles too and suddenly, his heart felt warm. Even if just for a little bit, the earth gem bearer felt joy in this seemingly cold and helpless situation.
"You two really are something, eh?"
When Namjoon heard a third voice, he instinctively turned around and raised his hands. He sighed when he remembered that his powers were being restricted. The earth gem stared at the wall across him with squinted eyes.
The voice spoke again and this time Namjoon's mind was clear enough to realize that it was coming from the other cell next to him. "Staying happy despite how deep in shit we're all in... wish I could be the same."
Namjoon rocked his brain until he fully registered the other's husky voice and bored tone. "Uh? Yoongi?"
"Who do you think," Yoongi's voice rumbled with a low chuckle. "Seriously though, you two are cute and it's disgusting."
"Is that supposed to be a compliment or."
"Well, we can't deny that we both are cuties, right Joonie?"
Namjoon chuckled. He could basically hear Jimin's adorable smile through his words. "Of course, Chim."
"Gross," Yoongi made a playful gag noise before laughing as well. Then the fire gem bearer released a loud and long groan. "I think I'm going nuts thinking of what those fuckers are doing to Holly."
Namjoon sighed. He remembered the struggle before they were all shoved in their respective cells. Yoongi was screaming as the soldiers took Holly and the rest of the pets away. He could still vividly see how much the fire gem bearer was cursing and shouting for his dragon. The earth gem bearer could only imagine how painful it was.
"And before you tell me that Holly is fine, don't," Yoongi snapped before Namjoon could open his mouth. "Because no matter how much I want to think the same... I can't. Not when he isn't with me."
Namjoon wasn't sure if he heard Yoongi sob or not and he decided not to say anything about it. Instead, the earth gem bearer glanced ahead. Light spilled from behind the vertical bars of his cage and casted a stripe patterned shadow over his face. He could see another cell a few feet away but the prisoner inside was limp— asleep, he hoped.
Every few minutes, a Helian guard would walk across the hallway with shiny golden keys clinging on one of his belt loops. Namjoon looked up. A cctv camera was screwed up on the ceiling, its lens facing right into his cell.
Namjoon started to cook up a plan. He faced the wall and imagined Yoongi laying flat on the ground on the other side. The image nearly made the earth gem bearer burst into laughter.
"Yoongi?," Namjoon called after scooting closer to Yoongi's wall. The fire gem bearer groaned as a reply. "I think I have a plan."
Contrary to what Namjoon expected, Yoongi didn't sound too thrilled about the idea. "And?"
"It involves you stealing something."
A short silence came before there was a loud thump from Yoongi's side, which made Namjoon jump a bit in place. "I'm in."
Namjoon couldn't but laugh a but at Yoongi's sudden eagerness. The earth gem bearer cleared his throat. "To start it off, you're going to have to—"
Before Namjoon could continue explaining his plan, there was a loud scream from outside. It was a foreign voice screaming in straight Vredeian, followed by crashes and sounds of crackling electricity. Something like glass shattered against the floor. He almost thought Jimin had escaped but remembered the anti-magic handcuffs.
A deafening silence followed. Namjoon swallowed as he heard light footsteps and the jingling of keys. His heart thumped against his chest as he neared Jimin's wall. "Chim?"
Jimin's breath staggered. "Joonie?"
"Do you see anything?"
"N-No but—," Jimin paused and Namjoon could hear the fear in his voice. "Oh my God. There's a shadow. Someone's standing in front of my cell and—"
Jimin halted when there was a light jingle, followed by the noisy sound of cell doors opening, the metal bars clanging as they did so. Namjoon felt his heart stop when he realized what was happening.
"Jimin? Jimin?!," Namjoon could do nothing as he heard the desperate scurry of Jimin's feet along with another's footsteps. He growled and felt his fangs graze his lips. "You bastard! Don't touch him!"
There was clanging from inside Jimin's cell then loud footsteps from him and whoever the other person was. Namjoon's claws scraped the ground as he eyed the metal bars in front of him. He was knelt down and ready to pounce as a low growl rumbled in his throat.
For a moment, Namjoon lost himself. He was only focused on the figure standing in front of his cell, his mind fueled with anger at whoever dared lay a finger on Jimin. So when the bars rattled open, the earth gem bearer blindly dashed towards the person.
Namjoon pounced and landed on top of the figure, who yelped as they fell to the ground. He growled at the person, whose face was a mere blur in his hazy mind. The earth gem bearer bared his fangs and flinched when he felt a hand run through his hair.
"Joonie, it's okay."
There was a moment of clarity in Namjoon's mind. He blinked and suddenly Jimin was under him, a smile on his face despite being pinned to the ground with his chained clawed hands. Feeling the other's hand run through his purple hair, the earth gem bearer hummed.
"That's right, just relax," Jimin whispered softly. Namjoon found himself melting quite literally in his touch. "I'm here."
Namjoon hummed again. He sat up as Jimin did the same, his hand still running through his purple hair. The earth gem bearer sucked in a breath. "I'm sorry."
A few seconds of silence passed before Jimin giggled. Giggled. Namjoon was honestly impressed at how peachy the thunder gem bearer was despite nearly getting slaughtered. He stared at the orange haired man as he was pulled up to his feet.
"Don't worry, Joonie. You didn't hurt me!," Jimin smiled, his eyes turning into crescents. Then suddenly, his tone turned serious. "Raise your wrists."
Namjoon tilted his head and raised his chained wrists without question. He noticed that his claws were retracted. Then he saw keys jingle in Jimin's hands as he carefully went through each one. The thunder gem bearer didn't have his cuffs on either.
"How'd you get those?," Namjoon questioned with wide eyes.
Jimin didn't reply, instead he kept his smile and turned to the side. Namjoon followed his gaze and spotted General Jisoo. She was leaning on the wall in between the two cells with one of her legs folded and foot pressed to the marble. The electric staff crackled in her hands.
Namjoon glanced at the pile of unconscious Helian soldiers a few feet away. "What are you doing here?"
"Uh, to free you. Why else would I be here?," General Jisoo shrugged as Jimin made a small yes. Namjoon heard a key rattle in his cuffs.
Namjoon sighed in relief once the cuffs slipped off his wrists. The moment they fell off, he felt a familiar power surge in him. His eyes glowed brown. He balled his hands into fists and grabbed one of the metal bars of his cell. With a slight tug, it broke in half.
"Just making sure," Namjoon tossed the shattered metal behind him. Jimin laughed and disappeared to free the others.
As much as Namjoon wanted to accompany Jimin, he figured that it was best to keep an eye on General Jisoo. Despite what she'd done, he still couldn't shake off the feeling of her wanting to stab one of them.
General Jisoo just stared at Namjoon, who returned the equally stern gaze. He heard another set of cell doors open behind him, which was followed by low grumbles and clattering of metal. He saw bright flames light up from the corner of his eye.
"I didn't know you were an ally of Taehyung's," Namjoon spoke softly, his gaze still focused on General Jisoo's face.
General Jisoo tilted her head, some strands of her dark hair falling over her face. She then laughed. "My orders did not come from the Crowned Prince."
Namjoon was baffled. General Jisoo didn't say anything about it and only told him that she'd elaborate once everyone is freed. And after a few minutes, with all seven of them lined up in the dungeon hallway, she did.
A silence followed. Other prisoners screamed to be released as well. General Jisoo swung her electric staff onto one of the cell's bars. The horrible sound of metal against metal echoed throughout the area and silenced all the prisoners.
"Wait a minute," Jin raised his hand. "So Taehyung didn't order you to free us... but Shay did?"
General Jisoo nodded and strapped her staff to her back. "I fail to understand why you wonders find it hard to believe."
"Shay and us, uh," Hoseok rubbed his nape. He was twirling his other hand as wind circled his palm. "Don't really get along."
General Jisoo stared blankly. "I see."
Namjoon thought about this whole situation. He still couldn't wrap his head around the fact that Shay of all people ordered their freedom. It was out of this world, then again she was Taehyung's younger sister— the sweet little girl the Helian hoped was still there.
Maybe she was.
"Listen here lady," Yoongi pushed his way from behind the crowd and stepped towards General Jisoo with burning orange eyes. "I don't really give a damn if you're on our side or not but let me ask you one thing."
Namjoon could see General Jisoo brace herself. She was already discreetly reaching for her electric staff. Yoongi was literally burning. Smoke rose from the ground where he stood. Flames licked the sleeves of his leather jacket.
Yoongi leaned closer with gritted teeth. "Where do they keep the captured animals?"
"What did he just say?," Someone said. Namjoon was too stunned by Yoongi's anticlimactic words to figure out who.
General Jisoo retracted her hand and cocked her head towards the door behind her. "First door on the right."
Yoongi immediately sprinted to the door and slammed it open. His scorching hand print was left on the metal as he marched outside. Nobody moved for a few good seconds and Namjoon only did when Jimin dragged him to tail the fire gem bearer. Jungkook joined instinctively whilst the others followed. General Jisoo stood at the very back of the crowd.
Namjoon heard a crash and stood in front of Jimin protectively. The door on the right next to the dungeon was swung open as the light from the flames inside reflected on the walls across it. There were screams, both of animals and people.
Unsure of whether it was safe to enter that room or not, Namjoon made a gesture that told everyone to stay put. There was another scream that was followed by loud gunshots.
"Uhm," Jimin gripped Namjoon's arm, his figure barely seen behind the earth gem bearer. "Shouldn't we help Yoongi?"
"I don't think he'll want that, yeah?," Jungkook had on a crooked grin, his wings folded behind him. "Besides, with how angry he currently is, he might end up burning us by accident."
Namjoon glanced at General Jisoo, who was just standing at the back with crossed arms. Her silence was strange, especially because she didn't question anything at all.
The screams died down which made the silence even more unnerving. Namjoon could hear something that almost sounded like a thousand footsteps at the same time. He squinted his eyes at the open door before Hoseok suddenly shouted from behind.
"Everyone, duck!"
As if on cue, a horde of animals spilled out of the room. Namjoon instantly grabbed Jimin and slammed him to the wall whilst using his own body as a shield. There was a gust of wind behind him, which was accompanied by stomping footsteps and flapping wings.
Once the chaos was over, Namjoon opened his eyes. Jimin's face was mere inches away from his, cheeks flushed and thick lips trembling. Suddenly the earth gem bearer heard a voice whisper in his head— Kiss him. Take him right there.
Namjoon shook those thoughts away and shot Jimin a teasing grin instead. As the thunder gem bearer recovered, he turned around and scanned the area. Colorful feathers and footprints of various animals were patterned across the floor.
Everyone else was planted on the wall as well. General Jisoo still had that same stoic position she had earlier. Emily and Jin were hugging each other tightly (but Jin looked like he was struggling more) and so were Jungkook and Hoseok— wait what.
Hoseok coughed at the white on his face and pushed Jungkook away. "Dude, personal space?"
"Sorry," Jungkook replied sheepishly, his wings drooping on his head.
After a few seconds of squinting, Hoseok shrugged and opened up his arms. "Okay, fine, go ahead."
Jungkook blinked as a big bunny grin spread across his face. He tackled Hoseok and wrapped his wings around his figure. Namjoon nearly cooed. It made the earth gem bearer realize how clingy the angel was.
"It's okay, Holly. I'm right here."
Namjoon turned around. Yoongi casually walked out of the burning room with flames all over his body. A shaking Holly was in his arms and a large brown bag slung over his shoulder. The fire gem bearer was whispering sweet words of comfort to the little dragon.
Yoongi looked up at the group as they all stared at him in silence. He simply shrugged and tossed the brown bag to the ground. Namjoon watched as various weapons spilled out of it, including a familiar trident and bow.
"Found those in there," Yoongi hummed when Holly crawled up to his shoulders and sat. "Figured that we're going to need those when we rescue Taehyung and Sky, right?"
After everyone gathered their weapons, Namjoon faced General Jisoo. He strapped on his spiked gloves. "Where are they? Throne room, right?"
General Jisoo remained silent, which made Namjoon a lot more nervous than he should have been. "They were."
"Were?," Jin spun his trident in his hand before strapping it to his back. "What do you mean were?"
Namjoon thought about the possibilities and shivered at all the horrible scenarios that played through his mind. Jimin was standing next to him now, his grip tight on the earth gem bearer's hand. Everyone was staring at General Jisoo in both fear and anticipation.
"We must hurry," General Jisoo spoke slowly. "Before the portal is activated."
-
Taehyung slowly opened his eyes. He wobbled as he stood up, vision too hazy for him to realize where he was. Instinctively reaching for his staff, the prince paused when he realized two things— One, he was no longer chained. Two, his staff was gone.
Blinking, Taehyung stepped forward but was stopped when his face collided with thick glass. He held his throbbing forehead and fell backwards. At that moment, he had a flashback of what happened before he passed out.
Taehyung's eyes widened when he remembered where he was. Cupping his hands around his eyes, he looked through the glass and spotted an army of Helian soldiers positioned below. In the center was none other than King Michael, who was sitting on a hovering chair.
Then Taehyung spotted Shay, who was standing next to King Michael with crossed arms and a blank gaze. He almost thumped on the glass to call her attention but decided that it would be no use. She looked way too out of it.
This was a building Taehyung couldn't recognize. He figured that this area was developed during his absence. Still, seeing all the machines and button pads scattered about in semi-circle, including the shelves of vials and books screwed to the walls, he knew where he was— Hel's lab.
Wait. Taehyung had another flashback of your winged figure charging towards King Michael. The prince slowly looked down and was horrified to see your unconscious figure laying on the ground with your wings strangely gone.
"Sky," Taehyung's breath hitched in his throat. He knelt down and cupped your cheek with his hand. "Sky, wake up."
You didn't respond and Taehyung felt himself submerge in a pool of dread. He took deep breaths to calm himself as he checked your pulse. When the prince caught a heartbeat, he sighed loudly in relief.
"Oh, thank Macht," Taehyung unconsciously leaned his forehead on yours and felt his lips tremble. "If I lost you too..."
Before Taehyung's tears could fully spill out of his eyes, he heard your small voice whisper. "Taehyung?"
Taehyung instantly pulled away and cleared his throat. He made sure to keep a straight face as he squeezed your shoulder gently. "Hey, you okay?"
"I'm fine, head just hurts," You groaned and nodded as you rubbed your temples with both hands. "What happened?"
Taehyung sighed. He crossed his legs and watched as you slowly pressed your knees to your chest. Your silver hair was disheveled, lips parted as you panted. The prince shook his head when he realized that he was awkwardly staring at you.
"You charged at Father like a madman," Taehyung pursed his lips at the memory. "Do you remember?"
You paused for a bit before you shook your head. "I... don't."
Taehyung tried his best to not wince in front of you. The image of your wild Seraphim eyes and sharp claws that almost tore his face off was still fresh in his mind. Of course, it was something that you didn't need to know, something he'd rather keep to himself.
"Since your hybrid abilities are very unstable, Father was able to catch you," Taehyung remembered being knocked right before that. He could only assume. "Which leads us here."
You tilted your head. It was obvious that you were questioning it all but Taehyung was glad that you didn't speak up about it. "And where is here?"
Taehyung licked his lips. "It doesn't matter. Grab my hand, we're getting out of here."
You stared at Taehyung for a moment of awkward silence before you reached out and grabbed his hand. The prince hummed at the warmth and closed his eyes. He felt his breathing patterns slow down as he gathered his magical energy.
Taehyung opened his eyes when pain suddenly shot all throughout his body. He leaned forward and had the sudden urge to barf as the purple mist that started to envelope both of your figures faded.
"Taehyung? Taehyung?!," You gripped Taehyung's shoulders as he coughed violently. "Oh God, are you okay?!"
Taehyung reached out to wipe the blood flowing down his nose but paused when he realized that he wasn't bleeding. Instead, he felt extremely weak, that moving even the slightest would cause his muscles to give up.
"Okay, uhm, just sit down," You gently pushed Taehyung's shoulders until he was in a seated position. "I think this glass is restricting your magic."
A moment of silence passed. Taehyung wondered why you were staring at him like that. There was something in your expression that bothered him greatly.
"You were about to teleport out yourself," You finally spoke, each word taking Taehyung by surprise. "Why did you stop?"
Truthfully, Taehyung didn't even notice that he alone was starting to fade. "I'm not leaving you."
You didn't say anything. Taehyung wondered if there was anything wrong with what he said. Still, the idea of escaping on his own was unbearable.
Taehyung watched as you stood up and looked around the area through the glass. He glanced down at his hands and stared at his glowing darkness gem. It was a solid purple, the single letter in its core still blurred. The prince wondered why he no longer bled when using magic.
You thumped on the glass in frustration. "Where are we?"
"Allow me to answer that question for you, Guardian."
There was a slight whirr before King Michael came into Taehyung's view. He rose slowly in the air until he was on the other side of the glass. The chair was similar to the throne, except it was smoother and lacked any extravagant designs. Instead it looked like a plain marble seat with buttons on each of its arms.
Taehyung glanced next to him and spotted your baffled expression. You stepped forward to stand to next to him, which made the prince see the six slanted holes on the back of your clothes. He wondered why your wings disappeared, especially with how Jungkook's were permanent.
"Did you know that Hel is home to not only Vrede's strongest magicals but also the smartest scientists?," King Michael crossed his legs and curled his hand below his chin. "Even if all the other kingdoms worked together, they could never overthrow us."
Taehyung wanted to roll his eyes. He knew that despite the rigid image Hel currently had thanks to his father, the kingdom still had a weak foundation deep under, one that would topple over in an instant if only someone dared to challenge it.
"And?," You snapped with gritted teeth. Taehyung was honestly impressed by your bravery to speak up against his father.
King Michael chuckled. He simply pressed a few buttons on his chair, which slowly turned away from the two. "It wasn't always that way."
Taehyung watched as King Michael snapped his fingers. A soldier and scientist scrambled on the ground, one carrying a table and the other with a large object that resembled a camera. The scientist wobbled as he placed the object and table and switched it on.
The projector rattled as images were flashed on the smooth white wall of the lab. Taehyung turned towards you and was slightly amused by the confused expression on your face. He could it see in your face— Isn't the projector a little over the top?
"Long ago, Hel was an ordinary kingdom," King Michael sighed deeply. "One buried so deep underground that we were nearly forgotten."
King Michael drummed his fingers on the chair's arm in a strange rhythm. An image of Hel was flashed on the wall. Buildings were short and stout, streets empty and barren. Taehyung recognized it as an old picture in the history books, one dubbed as Ancient Hel.
"Aarde ruled the lands, Tranen with the sea and Hemel with the sky," King Michael's tone was dripping with disgust. Images of the three kingdoms flashed. "Hel was nothing."
King Michael suddenly swung his fist on the chair of his arm, the noise making both you and Taehyung jump a bit out of shock. There was a click then another image was flashed on the wall— a family portrait but not of his, Taehyung noted. Instead there was only a son and his parents.
"I was tired of seeing Hel being overshadowed," King Michael's voice was a whisper that Taehyung could barely hear. "So I made a suggestion. I told my father to use the kingdom's potential to overrule all the others."
Taehyung honestly didn't think that his father was capable of making himself sound so soft and innocent. Then again, whenever there were meetings with other nobles in the past, King Michael never failed to put on an ideal dad image. He and Shay had no choice but to play along.
Remembering all the times when he and his sister had to act like they were a bright and happy family made Taehyung wince. It made him wonder if calling for help would have made a difference.
"Your grandfather didn't listen," King Michael continued, his tone louder and stern. "Instead he exiled me to Earth, said that humanity would teach me compassion."
Taehyung blinked in surprise. He didn't realize that King Michael was talking to him and Shay, who was also listening closely. Other than that, the prince was never aware of his father's exile. In fact, they were told that he came to Earth for a diplomatic visit.
"...There, I met your mother."
A tap then a very familiar family portrait was flashed. Taehyung stared. His young figure was standing next to King Michael whilst a little version of Shay was seated on Queen Loriza's lap. The prince took note of their happy smiles and sighed.
"Loriza was a wonderful woman," King Michael sounded soft, there he was again. Taehyung would never get used to it. "Despite not knowing of my origin, she..."
King Michael paused. Taehyung took this moment to think of the old days. They used to be such a happy family back then that it he himself almost couldn't believe it. Everything changed drastically after their mother passed away...
"Your grandfather was not as pleased when I brought home a human to be my bride," King Michael tapped his chair again. What flashed was a photo from their wedding. "He only warmed up after a few years into our marriage."
Again, Taehyung wondered why King Michael was telling his life story, especially with the knowledge that you were listening. Remembering your presence, the prince turned around. You were leaning on the glass and looked slightly bored.
"My children, do you remember why your mother passed?," King Michael was still facing ahead so Taehyung wasn't sure whether he had to answer that or not.
"Mother contracted an unknown disease," Shay replied from below. She was leaning on the head of her staff, which was standing upright. "And was killed."
A silence passed. Taehyung could still vividly remember the day Queen Loriza passed. He remembered how much he and Shay were crying. He remembered how King Michael remained as cold and hard as a stone. He remembered the day after the burial, when he was hit for the first time.
"Your mother didn't contract just an unknown disease," King Michael waved a hand and the scientist scrambled to shut off the projector. "It was a common cold. A Vredeian one. Her human immune system couldn't protect her from a damn cold."
Taehyung was left stunned. Never did he imagine that his mother's death would have been caused by something as small, as simple as that. He felt a hand squeeze his shoulder and turned around to meet your sympathetic expression.
Lips pursed, Taehyung glanced at Shay. She was just staring at the ground and the angel of his current position prevented him from seeing her expression.
"I realized something that day," King Michael finally turned around. Taehyung was shocked to see his father's eyes glazed with tears. "To protect those you love, you have to be strong. And it doesn't matter how much you need to sacrifice."
Taehyung reached out to hold your hand tightly. You immediately returned with a tight grip, the warmth making the prince sigh in both comfort and relief.
King Michael eyed their intertwined hands and scoffed loudly. He pressed a few buttons and his chair turned away. "Now onto more important things. You two are the last key components needed to activate this portal."
"Portal?," You paused as your eyes slowly widened. Turning towards Taehyung, you shook your head. "Taehyung, does that mean—"
"Let me answer that question for you, guardian."
Slowly, King Michael's chair lowered. Once it was set on the ground, he stood up and stepped towards the control panel below. Scientists flocked the area as the screen glowed with moving line charts and statistical measurements. Since Taehyung was too high up, he couldn't read the text on the screen.
"Initially, when we first developed the portal, we planned to use the power of the stars to activate it," King Michael crossed his arms and gestured towards the scientists, who rushed to press a few buttons. "But after a few experiments, we discovered something."
Suddenly, the ground beneath Taehyung's feet started to shake. He immediately wrapped his arms your figure as the glass started to glow. There was whirring from above and he looked up to see a large hole atop as wind blew towards it. That was when the prince noticed the thick tube connecting the glass container they were in to the portal below their feet.
"Taehyung?," You were tightly gripping both of Taehyung's arms as your lips trembled. "W-What's happening?"
As much as Taehyung wanted to answer, he himself had absolutely no idea of what was going on. Still, the way the machine whirred louder with each second that passed instilled fear into the prince.
"There is a type of energy much more powerful than stardust!," King Michael's voice boomed through the machine's noise. He raised his hands in the air. "Magic! Pure magical extract!"
Taehyung slowly put two and two together. When he realized what King Michael was truly planning, his eyes widened. He turned and stared at your shaking figure. With the expression you had, the darkness gem bearer could that you've figured it out as well.
Shay was staring at King Michael now, her eyes wide in disbelief.
"You two are one of the most powerful magicals in all of Vrede," King Michael chuckled at the horrified expressions on both yours and Taehyung's faces. "The magic of both of you combined will be more than enough to power the portal."
The machine whirred louder. Taehyung looked up and was horrified to see that the large hole above the glass was starting to glow. He felt a tug on his skin and a breeze start to form around them.
"Father," Shay's hands trembled as she gripped her staff. "What happens when you drain them of their magic?"
King Michael didn't answer the question, instead he gave Shay a grin. Taehyung felt his heart shatter in his chest. He charged at the glass and thumped it with all his strength as he screamed for them to be let out.
At that moment, Taehyung caught sight of the portal's reflection on the lab's white walls. The portal was about thirty feet high and had wires coiled all around its circular body. Atop was the glass container that encaged them. Now he could clearly see the long tube connecting the glass to the portal's body.
The machine's whir was so loud that Taehyung could barely hear his own thoughts. He watched in desperation as King Michael pushed through the crowd of scientists and to the front of the control panel. Despite how high up the prince was, he could still clearly see the red lever placed in the middle of all the buttons.
Taehyung latched onto you when King Michael grabbed the lever. He pushed it just slightly and there was a loud click.
Suddenly, Taehyung felt like his soul was being sucked out of his body. He watched in horror as purple mist rose from his body and swirled in the air before fluttering towards the hole above. The prince traced the tube outside and watched it glow in a light purple hue.
Taehyung fell to his knees, his legs suddenly failing on him. With his chest tight, the prince struggled to breath. Then he heard your deep breathing and was horrified to see light purple mist rising from your body as well. His grip around you tightened.
"Y-Your Highness?," A scientist squeaked from below, the glasses on her nose crooked. She pointed at the screen, which was showing an incomplete pie chart that glowed with a red fifteen percent text inside. "We need more power."
"I know," King Michael was staring up at you and Taehyung, his face void of any expression. "Prepare for maximum output."
The head scientist shouted out an echo of King Michael's words as the others scrambled to press various buttons. Taehyung wanted to shout, to scream at his father to at least let you go. But the mere effort of thinking made his mind woozy. The prince felt like he would pass out in any given second.
"Taehyung?"
Taehyung looked down. You were gripping his shoulders tightly, figure suddenly small since the prince had his arms wrapped your body in a hug. He could tell by your dull eyes that you were also weakened greatly.
"I... never thanked you," You gasped, like every breath was a struggle. "For saving me that day."
"Two minutes until maximum output!"
Taehyung felt his lips tremble. Truthfully, the possibility of death never scared him before. He figured that if he would die to save his kingdom, his friends or the whole damn universe then maybe it wouldn't be so bad.
But now that Taehyung had your trembling figure in his arms, suddenly death was not an option. Now that he had met a circle of true friends he cared for, he didn't want to die. He wanted to live to stay by your side, to mess around with Jungkook and hang out with the rest of the team until his last breath.
And Taehyung didn't want to spend his last breath inside a glass cage whilst unwillingly aiding King Michael in taking over Earth. But right now, he couldn't think of a way to get out, especially with both of your magic getting drained with every second that passed.
Taehyung's hand shook as he slowly reached out to intertwine his fingers with yours. He felt you flinch a bit at the touch. "Sky..."
You didn't reply. Taehyung figured that speaking was taking too much effort.
"I'm so sorry for bringing you into this mess," Taehyung pulled you closer and felt warmth radiate through his body as you buried your face into the crook of his neck. "I... should have confronted father on my own."
"Shut up," You laughed dryly, your sharp tone catching Taehyung by surprise. "I would have accompanied you either way."
Taehyung couldn't help but smile a bit at your stubbornness. He snaked his hand into your puffy silver hair and stroked the soft strands. At that moment, the prince realized one thing— if this was the end, there was something he had to do.
"Sky," Taehyung felt his throat close as his voice cracked. "I... don't really expect you to say anything. It's okay if you don't."
"Thirty seconds to maximum output!"
Taehyung gulped dryly. He felt you stiffen at the scientist's words. "But I want you to know that I—"
The machine suddenly whirred at its loudest, the noise blocking Taehyung's next words. At first the prince expected a reaction, then he saw your baffled expression and realized that you didn't quite hear him.
"I said."
Taehyung gasped when his head spun suddenly. He blacked out for a few seconds but quickly recovered to meet your worried expression. Taking a deep breath, the darkness gem bearer used all his remaining strength to scream out loud.
"I love you!"
In those few courageous moments, Taehyung realized two things. One, the machine stopped whirring and he no longer felt like his soul was being sucked out of his body. Two, this meant that the prince ended up screaming I love you right in your face without any background to filter it out and he had to live with that embarrassment for the rest of his pathetic life.
You just stared at Taehyung with wide eyes and he wasn't really sure if that was a good thing or not. Still, he pursed his dry lips and turned around. The darkness gem bearer was met with a shocking sight.
King Michael was griping the lever but stood still due to the staff stabbed through his chest. Shay stood behind him with gritted teeth and glassy eyes as the blood flowed down her staff's metal body.
"Shay," King Michael croaked out as he turned slowly to meet his daughter's burning eyes.
"If you want to hurt my brother," Shay's jaw trembled in fury. Taehyung, despite how weak he felt at the moment, smiled. "Then you have to get through me first!"
With a loud battle cry, Shay heaved and swung her staff. She kicked King Michael in the gut as his body slid off her bloodied staff and across the ground. The scientists and soldiers just stared at the bleeding king on the ground for a few moments.
"The princess has betrayed the king!," One of the soldiers screamed and pointed their spear at Shay. "Kill the traitor!"
Before anyone else could react, Shay spun the staff in her hands and slammed it on the ground. A ripple of purple mist shot through the air and knocked down all the nearby soldiers surrounding her.
Shay lunged at the control panel and instinctively formed a forcefield behind her. She scanned words written on the screen and wildly pressed buttons before there was a ding. The words reverse output glowed on the screen.
As Shay grabbed the lever, she paused and turned around. Taehyung met her eyes and smiled as she returned the expression, something the prince never thought he'd see again in his lifetime. Then, she pulled the lever.
Taehyung gasped at the sudden surge of magic that entered his system. He heard your breath hitch as the light purple mist dissipated once it hit your skin. The darkness gem bearer's eyes glowed a powerful purple as he tightened the hug.
In a split second, both you and Taehyung were on the ground. When the prince opened his eyes, the first thing he realized was that he was laying on top of you.
Taehyung's cheeks flared as he stood up and pulled you to your feet. Too embarrassed to look at you in the eyes, he turned and saw King Michael's bleeding body on the ground. The prince stared, unable to conclude what exactly he was feeling towards the sight.
Only Shay's voice snapped Taehyung out of his trance. "Taehyung!"
Shay was taking deep breaths as she sprinted towards you and Taehyung. The blood from her staff (their father's blood, the prince reminded himself) dripped down to her hands and some portions of her shoes.
"Are you alright?," Shay turned towards you and let out a small sigh. "Are you two alright?"
"We're fine," Taehyung smiled and reached out to squeeze Shay's arm. Surprisingly, she didn't flinch at the touch. "Thank you."
Shay smiled back at Taehyung. She laughed and slid off his grin, her expression baffling the prince a little. "You have a strange way of proclaiming your love, brother."
Once Taehyung realized what Shay meant, his cheeks flared again. He heard you laugh from next to him but currently didn't have the courage to look at you.
Suddenly the doors of the lab slammed opened, the sound so loud that Taehyung nearly jumped off his own skin. He turned towards the source and saw Namjoon standing in the middle of the doorway. Both of the concrete slabs (that used to be doors) were shattered against the walls. The earth gem bearer's expression was stern.
Behind Namjoon, an orange fluff bounced. Taehyung realized (after a few very confusing seconds) that it was actually Jimin. He stepped forward and raised his arm. There was a wrinkled paper with chicken scratch handwriting in the thunder gem bearer's hand.
All the soldiers and scientists just stared at the wonders (plus General Jisoo) gathered in front of the doorway. Taehyung wondered why they did nothing. It was as if they were mindless puppets without the king's orders.
"We have come!," Jimin spoke with a straight face and shoved the paper forward. "With a defecation—"
"It's declaration," Namjoon whispered.
"A declaration of war!," Jimin's voice boomed. Taehyung almost felt more embarrassed than he did a few minutes ago. "Release our friends or your asses will get—"
Jimin finally paused when he saw you, Taehyung and Shay standing in front of the control panel. He slowly lowered his hand and tugged at Namjoon's sleeve before pointing at the trio with a pout.
"Oh," Namjoon said simply and flashed a dimpled smile. Jimin slid until he was hidden behind his tall frame. "Hey guys."
"Tae!"
Jungkook pushed Namjoon and Jimin away, his large wings nearly hitting both of their faces. The angel put on a big bunny smile as he shook his head in both relief and disbelief.
"Told you I'd see you later, yeah?"
Taehyung smiled. He opened his mouth to speak but paused when he saw a laser beam pierce through the air in the corner of his eye. The prince didn't think twice to lunge himself at you and Shay. As the trio fell to the ground, the laser barely missed the darkness gem bearer's head.
King Michael chuckled as he slowly rose from the ground, his dark tone making chills run down Taehyung's spine. Despite the fear, the prince instinctively stepped in front of you and Shay protectively.
"You," King Michael clutched the wound in his chest, which was glowing as it was coated in purple mist. "Just what... do you think are you doing?"
"What I should have done long ago," Shay gritted her teeth. She spun the staff in her hand and pointed its sharp edge at King Michael. "The right thing."
Taehyung raised his hand. His staff slid from General Jisoo's grip and collided with his palm as he mirrored Shay's pose. Proud was an understatement when it came to what he was currently feeling. The prince was glad that he could finally fight by his sister's side and not against.
Soldiers were still circled around King Michael but Taehyung could tell by their expressions and distance from the king that they were terrified out of their minds. You rubbed your hands together. Hot light burned in your palms until it formed a purple sword.
"The right thing?," King Michael chuckled dryly then his expression suddenly distorted into one of pure anger. "All I've done is prepare you two for the world! Do you think that either of you could have survived this long without my guidance?!"
"Guidance?," Taehyung laughed sarcastically. "All you've ever given us was a reason to be afraid."
A silence came after that. In that moment, Taehyung realized that you were standing in between him and Shay, ready to attack at any moment. "Hey, Sky?"
You glanced at Taehyung questionably as Shay did the same from next to you.
"Will it be alright for you to step back a bit?," Taehyung flashed a smile, then he turned towards King Michael with a burning glare in his eyes. "This is a family matter."
For a moment, you just stared at Taehyung and Shay. Then you lowered your sword and nodded in understanding, whispering a low Be careful, okay? to the prince's ear before sprinting towards Emily and the wonders.
"Well, Father," Shay smirked and tilted her head at King Michael, who just stared at the siblings with a stoic expression. "You wanted to see how much we've improved, yes?"
Shay turned towards Taehyung, who still had the word we echoing in his mind repeatedly. She nodded at the prince, who was more than glad to be finally going against King Michael with his dear younger sister by his side.
"Guess you'll find out."
-
A/N - Me and everyone else: (credits to hotricebowl for making this meme)
AAAAA IM SO GLAD THAT SHAY FINALLY JOINED THE GOOD SIDE LIKE YES GIRLY !!! FINALLY!!!! FIGHT ALONGSIDE YOUR BRO YAS
anyways minjoon here is lit relationship goals i want smn like that when i fin get a boyfriend :(( poor joonie struggling with the venom still inside him BUT jimin's got him!!
also tae fin grew the balls to say ily and ofc it had to be in an almost death situation and ofc the machine had to stop at that moment for everyone to hear hahhahah
so a lot of bombs dropped and ill just leave yall to suffer until the next update BYE
ps add me on zepeto my code is SV9G7L thanks bye