Taehyung observed from up high Water Section B of the recruits training. He looked over at them all practicing with their swords as their gifts were good enough for long-distance attacks. Neither would work against shadow creatures but those weren't the only beast Zorock conjured up. He watched them all go synchronized movements, but his eyes always found way to one particular elf.
"Your highness," General Henry greeted him, walking over to stand beside him. Taehyung nodded to acknowledge his presence.
"How are they doing?" Taehyung inquired. It's been a little over two weeks since the announcement. All eight kingdoms were of course alarmed but once all the major rulers got together and listened out to Taehyung's plan, the majority (he won by one vote) of them were in favour of it.
"Alright. We were hoping for more volunteers but it's enough. Female volunteers have been much higher than we expected so all will be good, I hope," Henry said, bringing his hands behind his back and looking at the practicing to-be soldiers. Everyone was only alerted of the weakening shield, no one knew about Taehyung's restoration plan and they kept it that way so that they would receive more recruits in this die or fight situation.
"And Jeongguk?" Taehyung couldn't help but asking.
"Oh he's a Jeon alright. Just like his father, I used to be his right-hand elf," he said proudly, a chuckle leaving his lips at the memory. "Kid's got the same fire in his eyes. I wouldn't worry too much about him."
Taehyung nodded hearing the information he already knew. That didn't stop him from worrying, though. Maybe got him even more stressed that Jeongguk was just the type to run straight into danger to protect others.
"Are you adjusting to your own personal training?" Henry inquired. "I sent you the best elf we've got."
"Yes. Well, I've gotten used to it," Taehyung replied. He then turned his body towards him to give him all his attention. "I want to tell you again that I am in no way trying to imply that I don't trust you to lead us to our victory."
"Oh, your highness. You say this every time. I know, and I'm grateful to be fighting alongside you. Grateful to be serving such a caring King."
Taehyung smile and nodded. The General gave his shoulder a strong pat and bowedbefore going back down to meet with the trainees. Taehyung took in a deep breath and returned his gaze to the soldiers. When his eyes landed on Jeongguk again, that time the younger was staring back at him. They didn't break contact until they got to last position where they put the sword back in their belt.
Taehyung looked away first. He turned around and went down the stairs to get to his personal training on the opposite side of the field. There awaited his trainer and Prince Jin.
Taehyung's brows were raised at the new guest. "What're you doing here?" he asked walking over and picking up his sword. Jin scoffed, pretending to be offended but Taehyung laughed and gave him the look telling him that's not what he meant.
"I'm here to train with you," Jin answered his question.
"Well, you're two weeks behind," Taehyung said in a joking tone.
"Actually, you're a few years behind, cousin. I'm just touching up my skills," Jin fired back and Taehyung rolled his eyes.
"But really, what's going on?"
Jin toyed with his swords. He waved his fingers, letting it float in the air and spin around. "I want to fight alongside you," Jin opened with and he noticed the change in Taehyung's expression. Jin continued before the younger could say a word.
"Before you say anything, I have my reasons, so hear me out, okay? Ever since I became a prince, I always felt as if I wasn't worthy for the title. My mother was who my Uncle and Aunt chose, not me. I keep thinking I didn't earn or deserve this rank. They say the people like me for my kindness but I don't know the words they speak when I am not around. I want to prove myself. I want to prove that I deserve to be called Seokjin, Prince of Saphia."
Taehyung nodded along to his word, understanding him and his emotions as he himself was in a similar situation. "Why didn't you come two weeks ago?" he questioned, curious about if the self-doubt was eating Jin up as much as him.
"Mother wouldn't let me. She's worried."
"And she let you now?"
"Oh, she doesn't exactly know per say. She doesn't need to either. I'll tell her, don't worry. See, I may not be as stubborn as Jeongguk but when I know what I want, I'll do whatever I can to do it. And I want to do this."
"Alright then. Welcome," he said and smiled. He was of course worried about his cousin's safety and would've surely been against it but he understood what he meant. He saw how badly Jin wanted to prove his worthiness and he recognized how it felt to feel as if you're not enough.
Jin grinned, letting the sword rest in the air as he gave his cousin a side hug and then they immediately got to training. Taehyung was quite impressed with Jin's sharp skills. He was a very powerful air elf and wondered why he never showed it off before.
"Why aren't you using your gift?" Jin asked a while after, noticing Taehyung was using the bow and arrow or energy shots from the firearm instead of blasting energy balls.
"Ehm," Taehyung hummed pretending to be tired to buy himself some time. "I want to improve some of my more physical skills today," he lied and Jin believed it.
Taehyung didn't know why he didn't use his gift quite honestly. Maybe it was the fear that he'll mess something up and the few people that do believe in him will then agree with the others. Or maybe it was the fear that Taehyung himself would lose the hope that he has in himself. Either way, Taehyung was avoiding his magic.
A couple hours or so later, the two were tired out and ended their session. They both thanked the trainer and went there separate ways as they would meet again later for dinner, although Taehyung's been requesting dinner comes to his study more often. Sometimes even skipping on the meal as he was swamped with work. He knew starting the talk and preparation for a potential war wasn't an easy task, he just didn't think about all the paperwork and communication with other kingdoms he'd have to do.
With all that and training, Taehyung was getting tired. He felt a lack of motivation starting to cloud over him as he slumped down in his chair. As if on cue, he felt a buzz on his wrist call. His eyes widened as he moved the garment away to look at his the alarm. It was a location alert from Jeongguk, but a blue one which meant that he wanted to meet him there.
Taehyung sighed as he saw it the balcony where they had their first kiss. Taehyung looked at the pile of work laying on his desk then back at his wrist. This could be just the motivation he needs. He used the portal to teleport to the locked ball room. The lights were all still turned off but the doors to the balcony were wide open.
Taehyung walked up the stairs slowly, taking his time. When he finally reached the top, he felt the gentle breeze hit against his skin. He saw Jeongguk leaning against the railing, looking out at the orange and purple stirred sky while his hair danced with the wind. Taehyung would've been just fine to remain still and watch the sight in front of him.
The elf took careful steps towards the younger, hoping to be quiet to savour the beautiful picture but Jeongguk was much sharper than that. His head slightly twisted to the side to get a short glimpse at Taehyung, making sure it was him before looking back out. Taehyung walked all the way beside him and copied Jeongguk's pose, letting his wrist rest against the railing.
"How was training?" Jeongguk spoke first, his words quiet but still strong.
"Good," Taehyung replied. "You?"
"Good."
This has probably been the most words the two have exchanged in the last two weeks.
"I miss you," Jeongguk whispered, his words almost blending in with the wind. The older's heart clenched for a quick a second. Taehyung took in a deep breath and shut his eyes.
"You think I don't?" he said opening his eyes again. Taehyung shook his head softly. "I don't understand why we're doing this."
"Me too." Jeongguk chuckled. "Are you still adamant on leading this war."
"Yes, Jeongguk," Taehyung responded.
Jeongguk nodded slowly. "Then I guess we have to keep doing this."
Taehyung pushed himself away from the railing and stood up straight facing Jeongguk. "Until how long? What happens after the war, god forbid it comes to that point, is over?"
Jeongguk stood up straight and turned to look at him too. "Well that depends on how well I was able to protect you."
"You don't have to protect me, Gguk. I can take care of myself. You're just going to be unnecessarily worried and so am I if you're out on there. I understand why you're so reluctant on letting me do this but I promise I'll come out of this alive."
Jeongguk gulped as he peered into Taehyung's eyes. "Don't make promises you don't know you can keep," he uttered. Taehyung looked back at him with no words to say. Jeongguk sighed and let his head fall down. He began walking out but Taehyung called him out.
"Wait," Taehyung said and Jeongguk instantly froze. "Can I... Can I have a hug?" he managed to choke out.
Jeongguk turned around, startled at the request. He then saw the desperation in Taehyung's eyes and it wasn't like the older one was the only one yearning for the other's touch.
Jeongguk walked back over and carefully wrapped his arms around the older's waist. When he felt Taehyung pull him in closer and hugging him back, both their holds on each other tightened. They shut their eyes and held each other like if was their last hug. Taehyung hand's left Jeongguk back to grab onto his head. He pulled the younger away from resting on his shoulder and connected their lips together.
They both felt the exhaustion from the day's work wear off as their lips moulded together. They felt their hearts warm up and their stomach lurch. They pulled away and let their foreheads rest on each other while they tried to catch their breath. Taehyung's hands slipped down from the side of head.
"Please think about this all again," Jeongguk whispered, leaving a quick peck on his lips again before releasing the elf from the hug and stepping back. He spared one final glance at the older and finally walked out. Taehyung combed his fingers through his hair and returned to leaning against the railing. He watched how peaceful the world looked. So this is what they call the calm before the storm.
When Taehyung returned to his study, a letter awaited him atop his desk. He noticed it was the seal of Fionesta and he knew he got a reply to his letter. He was getting a little worried from how long it was taking them to reply as letters could be transported quite quickly. Taehyung immediately opened up the note to read the content. Taehyung's eyes lit up as he finally saw some good news. He'd have to make a visit himself but that was alright, he was fine with sacrificing one day.
There was another note underneath where the letter had been left. It was a note from Namjoon he assumed since he was the only one allowed in his study without his presence. The note had a spell on it so that it only appeared for the recipient and disappeared as soon as Taehyung read it. Taehyung knew there could only be one possible reason behind the secrecy.
He put the letter from Fionesta in his drawer and went to the west tower where Namjoon said to meet him. The elf was waiting for him in front of a dead end hallway.
"Did you get the books?" Taehyung asked eagerly.
"No, I'm afraid not. It would be impossible without the council noticing and clearly getting their permission would cause an uproar. The last time someone got a hold of a dark spellbook... you know," Namjoon said in a hushed tone.
"Then we'll have to count on Fionesta for now. We meet them in two days," Taehyung informed him.
"It's odd that they agreed so quickly," Namjoon muttered, his eyes darting around the room, a habit he had while thinking. "Anyways, I'm to show you a different spellbook."
Namjoon pulled out a key from his clock and Taehyung watched him draw a door against the wall. The outline shined bright nearly blinding Taehyung's sight. He shut his eyes and looked away for a moment then he looked back to see a door had appeared. Namjoon then used a different key to unlock the door.
As soon as they entered the room, candles lit up by themselves illuminating the small room. In the middle of the space stood the most beautiful flower Taehyung has ever set his eyes on.
"The golden flower..." Taehyung whispered, approaching the flower kept in a glass cover - obviously more protected with magic. He didn't know why he was so drawn to it.
"It'll be moved to the main field to have direct contact with the shield," Namjoon explained, catching Taehyung's attention. He then steered him to the bookstand holding a spellbook.
"The master spell book," Namjoon introduced, stepping aside to let Taehyung step up to it. "Go ahead, only royal blood can open it."
Taehyung carefully hovered his fingers over it, feeling the roughed up leather cover. The little indent of symbols against his fingertips. He opened the book to the first page. More symbols and images he didn't understand. He turned a page and found writing but it was blurry. He couldn't make out the words properly. He flipped to the middle of the book the words were still unclear.
"Go to the bookmarked page. It's the shield spell. And concentrate," Namjoon instructed and Taehyung nodded. He went to marked page and did his best to puzzle the words together.
He shook his head, giving up. "It doesn't make sense. Why can't I read this?"
"It's not called a master spell book for no reason. I could just give you the spell as I remember it but there'd be no use in that. If you don't have the strength to read it–"
"I will. I can," Taehyung cut in and and looked again at the page. "Akas..." Taehyung read but there were too many blank spaces to continue. He let out a frustrated sigh.
"You'll get it," Namjoon consoled him. Taehyung nodded and turned around.
"Thank you," Taehyung started but there was a lot more behind that. "For believing in me. Enough to trust me with the most powerful spell books. To go along with my plan."
Namjoon smiled and shook his head. "I should have faith in our King. Just don't make me regret it."
"Oh when have I ever made you regret something?" Taehyung joked.
"Well," Namjoon stretched. "There was this time where you wouldn't leave me alone until I gave you chocolate pudding which your parents told you was off limits and with no expertise in the kitchen, the chocolate blew up in my face. Your parents would have probably been upset if they weren't laughing their heads off."
Taehyung laughed, imagining a chocolate covered Namjoon. "So you're telling me I didn't get my chocolate pudding in the end?"
"Oh you did. Jimin went out and bought it for you," Namjoon finished the story.
"God seems like you two are suckers for me," Taehyung teased and Namjoon rolled his eyes.
"I found a potion to get your back memories," Namjoon said suddenly and the grin on Taehyung's face dropped.
"Then why haven't I had it yet?" Taehyung asked knowing there was something holding Namjoon back.
"It's a new potion. It hasn't been tested yet. It might not even work," Namjoon explained.
"And side effects?" Taehyung questioned.
"Unknown."
Taehyung thought over his options. He could not risk it and wait until he restores the shield but if he can't and they have to proceed with the war, there might be some crucial information about Zorock that he knows about, his memories would be quite useful right then. Then again, if it makes him unable to fight, there would be no point.
He weighted out his options for another few minute and finally, Taehyung decided he can't risk anything. He has been doing just fine without his memories and he'll have to keep it that way. He was seven too, there can't be that much he'll remember.
Namjoon gave him the keys, telling him he had access to this room whenever he wanted as long as he kept the fact that he might not be supervised in the quiets. Taehyung thanked him one more time as they both walked down to the dining hall.
They bumped into Jeongguk on the way. Taehyung came to an immediate stop and Namjoon copied his movement confused. Jeongguk and Taehyung shared a gaze before Jeongguk looked at the ground and kept walking.
"There's still trouble in paradise?" Namjoon asked with a chuckle when Jeongguk was far enough to not hear.
"Unfortunately," Taehyung said, continuing to walk along with Namjoon.
"You want know how to make up with Jeon?" Namjoon whispered and of course Taehyung's interest was perked.
"Go ahead."
"You can't, he holds grudges 'till the end of time," Namjoon said and laughed. Taehyung groaned and gave his shoulder a light shove.
"Woah," Namjoon shrieked, rubbing his shoulder and Taehyung shot up a brow that told him to stop pretending.
"Okay, okay. I know he appears to be all tough but he's a sap for mushy romantic stuff. He's cried at every single wedding he's ever been to, even if he barely knew the people. I know it's a very difficult time right now but a little break from reality is what you both need right now," Namjoon explained.
Taehyung nodded, thinking about his suggestion. "Hmm... You're right." And Taehyung knew exactly what he could do.
—•
What's a good cheesy pick up line I am asking for no particular reason *wink wink wink*
Bye<3