Okay, I know I said I would stop, I'm trying, I've been writing this chapter for the past two weeks and I guess this is a small little turning point in the story, nothing too big but definitely had to share :')

Things has never been the same in S.H.F since that day Jewel was willing to cooperate in their scientific observations.

They expected more of a reckless fight or resistance against their advances, not even an opportunity for Jewel to speak to them so soon. Everything is still fresh, a shock, an adjustment, but one thing for sure is that they have to be cautious and adapt just as Jewel is adapting to them - on his command.

Nothing has ever been the same since then.

No, now life has taken a turn, and everyone's attention mainly revolved around him - trying to understand his being and studying how the Earth responds to his nature. Seeing how what sets him off or cools him down. His behavior with plants and animals - everything. They take breathe him in as though he has the answers to the world's deepest mysteries.

Maybe he does, that alone is a mystery in itself.

No matter how eager scientists were to dive deeper into Jewel, studying from a closer lens, that's something that absolutely was denied under any circumstance. Only two people were able to get into close contact with him, and that's only Jeongguk and Taehyung. Everyone else observed from their labs and did studies from a distance, but if they needed any specific entail that cameras can't grasp, they'd have to ask Taehyung and Jeongguk to do them the favor when they see him. Based on their judgement and interactions they've had with Jewel, they'll determine if they're able to in the moment or not.

So far working like that, everything has been smooth.

Jewel allowed them to observe him, ask him questions, anything they please. At first it was perhaps a bit of a difficult task since he was doubting immensely their intentions, also cautious of this place he's in. He was defensively, no matter how much Taehyung and Jeongguk assured him his safety. He never allowed them close enough unlike the first day, and they respected the space. Little by little, more of a comfortable boundary was beginning to show the more Jewel interacted with them, and now they were able to be close enough in the same space without him being on edge.

That has a lot more to do with Taehyung's nature, since they're quite similar, so it makes Jewel to some extent feel like he has someone from his kind with him. However, that also means they bump heads often due to Jewel's territorial nature, and that's when Jeongguk comes in to make sure he's reminded that he's safe and they won't hurt him.

Everyone tried approaching this carefully. They haven't asked him any in-depth questions or personal, just to not provoke him. Based on what they know thus far, his last memories of Earth are fogged, and he's having a difficult time adjusting to the fact that his people are gone.

And that humans now are his decedents.

The question here is, how? If all of Jewel's people are gone, how are humans here now?

Why is he the only one who was caged in the ocean, and how? Jewel is powerful, how couldn't he escape?

That's something he doesn't even know the answer to either.

Throughout this period, they've been heavily observant with his abilities - especially how each ability he has connects to his hair color and eyes. When asked about his abilities, Jewel simply states that his body is connected to everything about this Earth, a spiritual and literal connection. It was a gift from Earth to be its protector, that's why his people had these abilities. He says if humans are his descendants, then no doubt they can project the same ability if they give the Earth the same respect in return. He whispers often how the Earth speaks to him, to everyone - the trees and plants, skies and water, people just can't hear them anymore.

Or refused to.

His abilities are as fluid as the wind and water through his body. The control he has over it seems so second nature to him, unlike a few species who are still trying to understand how to use their abilities - Jewel knows every single aspect of his, and that makes him both threatening yet interesting to observe.

Jewel without a doubt is breathtakingly fascinating, luring and simply remarkable. Jeongguk has grown this unhealthy obsession over him, spending all his days and some nights observing Jewel either through the gates or in the lab, with Taehyung or by himself. He can't help himself but noticing these small details about Jewel, these things that feel so human yet to him are just part of who he is. Growing more and more curious and developing questions yet fueling him with this excitement that he just can't stop digging deeper into this.

Into figuring out what Jewel truly is, or if he truly was from this planet originally?

So many questions.

Throughout these analysis and engagement with him, there's clearly something Jeongguk has caught on that he Jewel has shown behaviors of... Restraint.

Various of times while he's alone with Taehyung, his hair would vividly shift orange like his eyes. It quickly would provoke Taehyung to get defensive to fight against it, but when Jeongguk would come around then Jewel would be forced to obey to him due to his circumstance. Jewel clearly wants to set the clear domination between the two, but Jeongguk being in the picture obviously will result in the scientists and others to engage against him if the young scientist is harmed. Jewel is wise, he can pick up a thing or two on the superiority in this situation.

While observing that, it also has come to both Taehyung and Jeongguk's understanding that Jewel can easily escape from these barriers around him if he truly wanted to. He doesn't have to stay here, especially if he has the ability to control elements. He could escape underground, through the water, have enough of the sun's heat to cast a hole through it - maybe even be strong enough to punch a hole against it - yet he doesn't, and there's a reason to that.

Just like they're observing him, he also is observing them back. The world now. He's intelligent, catches onto certain phrases and knowledge quickly with it being mentioned only once to him. That's both impressive, but also quite dangerous.

It makes him unpredictable, that's why gaining his trust is crucial.

Just as it is for him to gain theirs.

In this very moment, Jeongguk watches from a distance against a tree while Jewel baths himself in the creek of a river stream, taking notes of how his skin nearly shivers in fish scales like a wave by the chill of the water roaming his body. That's something new that never has been shown before, that Jeongguk didn't waste time in noting down, even drawing it out to ask Jewel about it later.

"Jewel ok?"

Jeongguk stares at his poor drawing of the scales, the eraser of his pencil pressing stubbornly on his bottom lip, "I've been giving him his space, watching from a distance," He murmurs, feeling Taehyung's presence sitting beside him, "He's aware I'm here though."

Humming lowly, Taehyung casts a glance to Jewel, seeing his hair vividly red as he stays underneath the river stream, fingers running through the long threads, "Doesn't trust other scientist."

"I know."

"Torture," Taehyung says, making Jeongguk stop his drawing, "Won't forget what they did, that's why no contact with them."

That week when Jeongguk was unconscious, where they took samples of Jewel while Vernon was keeping his mind occupied, Taehyung did mentioned Jewel was aware of what was done to his body - he felt it all. Without Jeongguk, Taehyung has no voice besides being the leader of Alpha, so even if he would've wanted to intervene, it was nearly impossible. But that also bring in the question, how would Jewel know if the two of them weren't there?

Gut instinct? Didn't hear their voices? Who knows.

Another question to note down.

Jeongguk grimaces and spares a look back to Jewel, who carelessly lies back to surface of the water before diving under, "I will need to conduct a physical examination on him as an update from when we first found him," And he looks at Taehyung, "He will have to go inside, eventually."

Taehyung sends a cautious look to Jeongguk, not at all agreeing on this yet, "Remember, Jewel animal. Won't feel comfortable."

"But maybe he will when he sees other people who are like him."

"Or threatened."

"But doesn't he sees you as the alpha," Jeongguk sourly spats back, "Doesn't that mean he'll listen to you?"

Taehyung purses his lips, shaking his head, "No fight or mate, Alpha title not claimed. He see me powerful, yes, but competition. Still believe can beat me."

Jeongguk chews the inside of his mouth, grinding his teeth, "We'll you're going have to do something to make him cooperate."

"Cooperate?"

Both men startle upon hearing an unexpected voice, snapping their eyes to the creek to see Jewel leaning over a rock towards them with his brown eyes. It's still strange having him communicate with them after figuring out ways for so long on how to do so, and his voice alone is so soft unlike how behavioral characteristics. It's a voice no one really expects from, yet it compliments him well. This all just doesn't seem so real, his voice sounds something of a dream.

It's a sound that's hard to shrug off.

Jeongguk closes his notebook, attention now on him, "Well, we have to run a physical examination on you-"

"By we you mean you?"

Taken back by his words, Jeongguk blinks at him subtly before nodding, "Yes, but for that you have to go inside the facility-"

A harsh snarl hisses out Jimin's lips, eyes immediately going thin, "No."

That was expected.

Both Jeongguk and Taehyung shared a glance to each other in unease to his thick tone, before Taehyung snaps his glare to him to somehow manage the situation, "You must."

"No!" The creek water suddenly began to freeze as Jewel's hair began to shift blue, "Why? So they can experiment on me again? Yank my teeth and steal blood-"

"We won't let that happen -"

"I DON'T TRUST YOU!" A brutal snarl echoed from his snarl, just like the steam that escaped his lips, the creek now entirely frozen, "They will hurt me, and then I won't ever leave-"

"Scared," Taehyung whispers, seeing the way Jewel was heaving heavily with his harsh blue eyes in clear distaste, "Me like you, remember? Trust me."

Now Jewel's gaze grew harsh, sharp teeth growling, "I don't obey you."

Way to go Taehyung. Jeongguk looks at him, trying to maintain themselves calm, "Jewel, you do not have to go now, whenever you're ready, but eventually it's something that must be done just to check your health."

"I refuse," He sneers back slowly, "My health will not depend on humans. I'm good, and if I wasn't I will be alone."

Taehyung growls back immediately, "Must listen to Jeongguk-"

"NO!" The water suddenly bursts, along with Jewel's hair draining in red immediately with the fire glowing behind his eyes, "You no leader, I am. Don't dare challenge me!"

And with that he goes back underwater, leaving Taehyung to frustratedly grip the bridge of his nose with a frustrated growl while Jeongguk look to where Jewel once was, shoulder falling heavily with eyes closed.

Trust definitely won't flutter so easily for him, or maybe at all. What could they honestly expect from him? He's been prisoned under the ocean for thousands of years, and his people is gone with now coming back to this - a new world and being welcomed back by being mentally closed off and taken as a lab rat to take samples of without his consent.

No, he's not going to comply, and good from his part.

He won't be so easily fooled, however he needs to acknowledge them as equal if he wants to leave these walls, and that comes by doing it his terms.

Even if means crossing boundaries.

Slowly Jeongguk looks to Taehyung, and he just couldn't stop staring at him. After Jewel has came into the picture, things has became a little unusual between them - something they aren't used to in their relationship. Thoughts they never thought they had, or even feelings, but one thing for sure is that they feel this connection between each other they haven't felt before stir up.

It's anything but humane, and that's something they need to understand more as a couple.

So that takes the first leap of faith.

"You know I trust you right?"

Taehyung suddenly looks at his partner, the aggravation mellowing down immediately to Jeongguk's soft gaze, "I trust too."

"You would never do anything to hurt me, right?"

Taehyung was silently for a long moment, just before he places his hand to his heart and bows his head, "Loyalty with you sir."

"I know," Jeongguk whispers, looking back to the creek, eyes now heavy, "I know."

Going back to the lab felt like arriving to a spaceship or time capsule by how different the world where Jewel, and how heavy the tension in the air is. It's no surprise how everyone is watching the screens of scattered cameras around the forest, but more specifically they're focused on the one where they could clearly observe the three's minor altercation between each other earlier.

Hoseok didn't waste time in approaching Jeongguk the second he stepped into the monitor room, tablet in hand, "Assuming your plead for examination failed, we thought of a solution to show him our trust."

Jeongguk sits down on his desk, Taehyung standing beside him with arms crossed while Hoseok demonstrated him the screen of the tablet, which was various animal species, "There's no wildlife in that area he's in. So, what if we did add them in so he can be able to grow a trust with them, to which could lead with him trusting in us."

"Flaw," Taehyung immediately says, snapping Hoseok's eyes to him, "Still no trust, could use as army against us the more he studies. Needs people like humans."

"Well wouldn't that be more of a safety hazard?"

"Wouldn't it be for the animals too?"

Jeongguk glances between Hoseok and Taehyung, grimacing. The two never seem to get off on the right foot with each other, reasons clearly unknown. From Taehyung's perspective, he doesn't have any hard feelings since he's not built to be emotionally sensitive to notice things, so he just does what he thinks is the right thing. Hoseok on the other hand believe Taehyung has too much of a voice to Jeongguk's thoughts, and that alone is troublesome to a certain extent.

Honestly, Jeongguk prefers not getting involved in whatever it is between the two and sticks to what he knows makes sense, "Jewel is a specie oriented around animals and plants, so perhaps him being around those elements wouldn't be a bad thing, however I have no doubt he has already made contact by using the Earth as a navigator. You both underestimate Jewel a bit too much, but one thing we cannot deny is that he is observing us. If he isn't attacking it's because he's sticking to me and Taehyung's word, so we respect it. We need to follow his lead, and from there we'll figure out the rest."

The two didn't say anything back in objection to this, but their eyes suddenly shifted to the screen when they see Jewel in the creek, but he's moving around the surface with his bare feet while he playfully shoots arrows to a makeshift being from the water. All three now focus on this, from the bigger screen instead of a computer, watching as Jewel laughs and jumps around with this makeshift body as they tackle each other or dance around under the sun.

Jeongguk's lips parted.

Hoseok waves a hand around, "S-Status! Is this an actual being?!"

"No sir," Naeun chimes in, eyeing the screen with its data, "Seems like he's controlling the body of water to create..... This. Like a puppet master."

"Well that looks very humane to me to be a mere puppet."

"His people," Taehyung whispers, watching the way Jewel suddenly created more of those bodies playfully played around with them in the creek, grimacing in sadness, "Seeing his people."

The more everyone stared as this occurred, the more this heavy tension settled within the room. It's as though a dark cloud whispered within the air, laying on their shoulders to feel the bitter sadness of the loneliness Jewel must be feeling now that everyone is gone. His memories are insanely vivid to project his people into elements and make them come almost alive, with his control of them. This is the first time any of them is seeing him do something like this, and it not only shows how in control he is of his power, but he easily he can leave here if he truly wanted to.

Even with an army.

Jeongguk frowns, "See, you both underestimate him too much," He eyed Jewel's smile and the tears glistening his eyes, cascading like shooting stars down his cheeks, "He is simply observing us, and it means he's giving us the chance to prove he can trust us, as much as we could trust him, and what we do from here on out is completely up to us."

*Smut*

The forest is usually as silent as a quiet waltz, only hearing dashes of wind or music of the night insects communicating in a beautiful song within each other.

Nights are usually Taehyung favorite, mainly because he escapes is duties to curl with his partner in their bed, and just quietly embrace the nature together in each other's arms. After that night, something about their relationship has changed in a way. At first Jungkook would be hesitant with Taehyung's touch on his skin so intimately - not like it was any of their faults, it just made him on edge - but after a while, it seemed as though he began to crave it after so long being without it.

He got a taste of Taehyung's more animalistic side, and that was all it took for him to feel something awaken inside him. As masochistic as it sounded, he wanted to feel that again. There was this moment in between that had Jeongguk feeling something burn up inside him. It was this pain mixture of fear and .... Something explosive inside him. It triggered him in a way that made him near mad in the moment but now he's left curious, trying to figure out if he'll ever feel that way again.

And he has tried.

He craved Taehyung's large hands grazing over his skin, holding him securely as though it made him feel like a safe cocoon over his body. It was as though after that night, his trust in Taehyung somehow grew stronger, and blindly he knows that Taehyung wouldn't cross that boundary again for the sake of not wanting to hurt Jeongguk.

And best believe Taehyung has kept that word.

He made sure Jeongguk felt protected, even though he knows he's a monster yearning on the inside to shred his precious human because of his hunger for lust. His care restrains him, keeps him grounded, for the fear of seeing Jeongguk's teary eyes facing him again.

Even though deep down inside, they both know that will happen again, whether they wanted to or not.

Ever since Jewel has demonstrated Orange to him, Taehyung has never been settled. He has been gravely relentless in such a hormonal need that it's been driving him crazy, yet of course he holds it back from Jeongguk. He knows if he opens his mouth, he would be tempted to let the monster in him escape, especially by how insanely attracted he is to his partner.

He doesn't want him to worry, so he'd rather keep himself from involving him.

But he couldn't fight these urges for long.

That's why instead of being in his warm, cozy bed with his partner, he's walking out the door of the gate facility - stepping into the whispers of the quiet night and trees glistening before him, letting out a heavy breath as he steps into Jewel's territory. This probably isn't the greatest idea to do while everyone is fast asleep, and if he's caught then no doubt they'll be suspicious of him more than before, but it's something he knows he has to do.

He can't be hiding it back for long, and it has to be settled tonight.

Without thinking so deeply about it anymore, brushing Jeongguk's wide eyes out of his memory, Taehyung walks through the trees without his armor through the dark heaviness of the night. He sniffs the air around him softly, using his grey eyes to see through the night while he looks for him.

For Jewel.

He's well aware of where he could be, since Jewel has made himself home in the shadows of a cave underneath the leaves. It's a source of a trap in case intruders come in, in that way he can attack easily, and it wouldn't be so alarming for him if he's asleep.

Smart, but not smart enough for Taehyung's expertise.

He's been trained to stay hidden after all for surprise attacks in his planet, but this time he's not trying. He wants to be seen.

And it didn't take long for that to happen, but not in the way Taehyung expected.

Suddenly up ahead something unusual occurred, something Taehyung has never seen happen before here on Earth specifically.

The plants glowed.

Various colors of green, blue, pink, purple - vividly bright colors right before his eyes in a narrowed pathway leading to him, with the sound of ruffling echoing from deep within the trees. Taehyung stops in his tracks, just as the trees and plants around him glowed, just as Jewel emerges from behind a tree with vivid golden eyes.

Glowing golden eyes.

He seems confused for a moment the second he spots Taehyung but guarded, clearly unsure why he would be here so late. Taehyung didn't waste time in flashing his sharp teeth, hissing aggressively at him.

Jewel immediately got defensive, hunching back while snarling, keeping his hands to the ground protectively while the plants instantly stopped glowing to his command. The two circle each other, Taehyung feeling his claws ease out the more threatened his body began to feel around the other male. Taking note of this instantly, Jewel pierces a hiss like a shriek, just as Taehyung lunges to him, but Jewel spats dirt on his face before slamming his hand against his head - forcing Taehyung to smash to a tree beside them, snapping it in the process.

Taehyung quickly uses a hand to lunges himself to the side, right when Jewel abruptly tackles him with his now silver eyes, but before he could do anything with the weather as a distraction, Taehyung kicks him over and slashes his claws against his chest.

Grunting, Jewel looks down to the claw mark - that's now bleeding - before slowly glaring at Taehyung, who stands over him sternly, but Jewel's eyes immediately exploded red before spatting fire out of his mouth, forcing Taehyung to fly back through the sky and trees before abruptly crashing to the creek. Quickly he attempts to swim to the surface, but he didn't last long before the water around him shoots up, along with him in it, and sways through the air before crashing to the ground beside the creek. That didn't take long before suddenly he froze on the ground except for his head.

Feverishly fighting to move, he looks to the side to see Jewel approaching him with his glowing blue eyes and a clear unamused expression on his face.

He knows now why Taehyung is here, and he's going to take advantage of that agenda to prove who's the strongest between the two.

Without distractions.

Just as his eyes slowly began to shift to orange, Taehyung snaps his eyes shut and forces his body into armor, breaking through the ice roughly before grabbing a block and throws it at Jewel - who defrosts it immediately, but was not expecting the punch that shot to his face, plummeting him back to the ground from the unexpected force. Taehyung immediately gets on him and continues to throw punches after punches, shrieking through every hit before he grabs a fist full of his long hair and screeches a roar of obedience. Jewel throws one back at him, just before his eyes shifted green, but Taehyung knew what was coming and ducks when a branch attempts to swing at him, now gripping Jewel's neck tightly.

A stubborn growl forces out Jewel's lips, fighting back with everything to push Taehyung back, but the other man only grips his neck tighter with a shackle back to the stone under him - proving to him who he should listen to.

Jewel's eyes glowed orange once again, and Taehyung couldn't look away.

He refused to, even if he could resist it.

And he lets it run through his body like a slow poison as it unlocks the demon inside him.

That heat.

The desire.

The way his dick immediately hardens in arousal, pressuring harshly to the tightness of his abdomen of that puncturing ache - letting it flow like water droplets oozing down his skin.

His mouth drooling, and suddenly he grew relentless, and he couldn't stop.

The noises escaping his throat transformed completely, and he hisses loudly to Jewel's face with an impatient screech. Jewel's sharp nails claws against Taehyung's shirt and practically tears it off, fingers now on his skin before clawing on his possessively. Taehyung snarls and violently bites Jewel's neck, gripping his hair tightly that had Jewel mewling, but he refusing to let Taehyung go as he proceeds to claw his back almost feverishly.

Taehyung pulls back, lips now glossy with Jewel's blood as he stares down at him with his mouth twitching. Jewel continued to demand for superiority, even as Taehyung removed his underwear along with his. It wasn't until Taehyung pushes his throbbing cock inside him that had Jewel finally submitting, accepting defeat as he grows hot in heat. Growling to the tightness yet the wet walls of Jewel's anus, Taehyung couldn't hold himself back. Jewel even through the loss of battle, still demanded control as he rolls them over so he's on top - riding on his cock with moans mix in hisses through his teeth while he bites on Taehyung's shoulder. Taehyung's feverishly claws Jewel's back, forcing open wounds to reach all the way to the end of his tail bone, forcing cries out of him but that made him move faster in satisfaction to the pain. Taehyung sits up, spreading his legs as he forces Jewel on his dick fast and hard, feeling every single layer of him from the top to the base of his dick, grinding against his balls and forcing adrenaline to coat over every inch of his body.

Jewel drops his head back, moaning louder and higher pitched as Taehyung grips his shoulder from his back, forcing him down while biting on the other side of his neck with his own desperate moans as he picks up his speed - breathless and near hyperventilating while Jewel began refuse to stop and he clearly had the stamina for that too. Taehyung's eyes grew thin, and he sinks his claws once again on Jewel's back, unable to help himself from having the urge to ripping him apart.

And he couldn't stop himself.

Abruptly Taehyung shots up, Jewel's back is snapped to a tree, rummaging inside him hard as Jewel hisses to impact but took it upon himself to turn around and giving Taehyung the angle to thrust into him from behind while he grips his hair tightly through it claws. Every thrust felt as though Taehyung was going to tear him in half from the inside, and it pleased every bone in his body that Jewel took it all as he persistently urged Taehyung against his body to go anything but easy. To clawing on his skin, near dismember his bones and muscle, possibly the same for Taehyung too from Jewels eagerness, they fed into it feverishly.

All the way until they ended up crashing back on the ground before Taehyung suddenly cums inside Jewel mercilessly. Jewel didn't last too far long behind, cumming as well while riding it out for both of them sluggishly before he collapses back on the ground, breathing deeply in exhaustion. Taehyung remains still, panting in his breaths as well before managing to get to his feet, glowering down to Jewel with a snarl.

Nothing more needs to be objected now.

"Obey me," He growls, fists on his side, "Clear?"

Jewel looks at him through his eyelashes, scowling but closing his eyes, "Keep safe, correct?"

Taehyung snarl subtly nudges, frowning, "Protect, promise."

"Then I will protect you too," And he opens his eyes, now pitch black and he looks past him, "And Jeongguk."

Taehyung furrows his eyebrows, slowly looking behind him to see the camera Jewel caught through the trees.

That's on.

Tracing it back into the lab, Jeongguk watches this with lips pursed while he quietly takes notes to what he saw.

And he saw everything.

Of course he did. There's nothing either person does in this relationship that the other doesn't know about, after all there's no secrets between him or Taehyung.

They need Jewel to cooperate, and that's by speaking it through his way. He never saw Taehyung as someone equal to him, but as a competition and if that wasn't removed, then they will never get anything out of him. He's an animal, he's only going to cooperate based on his instincts, and now his instincts will obey to Taehyung as his leader.

As strange as it is.

Something is.... Odd about this. Really odd.

Scrolling back through their fight scene leading to them mating, Jeongguk began to catch onto something interesting.

Jewel was going easy on Taehyung, purposely.

The last fight clearly showed how resilient he was to not end with him on the ground, but he gave in easily. Sure, Taehyung is hard to resist, but Jewel always has his guard up, and he wouldn't drop it just because he knows him since Taehyung was giving his everything into it - he had every intent on it leading it to kill him if it had to just to stand his ground. Jewel could've ended this so easily, after all, he was at an advantage, but he didn't.

He let Taehyung win, claiming superior.

Or so, that's what he wants them to believe.

Jeongguk crosses his fingers, staring to the way Jewel eyed the camera back - as though he was staring directly at him.

As though he was sending an indirect message just for him.

Jewel.... What are you hiding?

"I'm sorry, you want to do what exactly?"

Jeongguk and Taehyung stand before Dr. Jung Hoseok - who's staring at them as though they just told him they were expecting a child together. Well, his reaction was expected, but facing it definitely didn't feel the greatest. Enough time has passed by now, and it's been surrounded on just studying from afar Jewel's behavior - same task they've been doing since he has cooperated with them. He has not demonstrated any signs of being a possible threat as long as he knows he's in a safe environment, and that has a lot to do with how the planets resonate with him. Besides, it's not like he can go back to his own planet since he's from Earth.

This is his home.

And he deserves to explore the island more, including interacting with other species.

His kind relied on being in social settings, such as a pack. Lately his vital levels have been growing lower and lower despite being fed and having the sufficient field to explore to exercise, and no doubt that has to do with how lonely he is. Even though he doesn't want anything to do with the scientists, doesn't mean he can't start growing bonds with other species who are similar like him and Taehyung.

After the night Jewel and Taehyung mated, Jewel has grown more obedient towards Jeongguk. Any questions Jeongguk had, Jewel answered without hesitation and would allow him to physically touch him to observe his skin and hair - from a more personal stance. Of course that raised questioning eyebrows to other scientists of Jewel's sudden leap of comfortable boundaries, but Jeongguk nor Taehyung explained as to why. Jeongguk made sure to delete the tape of that night before leaving the lab either way.

Despite what the two did, Jewel and Taehyung's relationship clearly didn't change. Jewel obviously is more unedge, but still is aggressive around Taehyung no matter what had happened. Jeongguk isn't sure of the behavior, since Jewel immediately steps back when Taehyung respond violently back, so either he could be taunting him or perhaps thinks he has a chance to out strengthen him again. Taehyung said Jewel seems to want to keep Taehyung on his toes, as in to keep his guard up - which raises another thought; perhaps he wanted to prove something.

Jewel says the Earth speaks to him, so maybe he wants the Earth to see Taehyung as one of them. By provoking him makes Taehyung respond, to which results with everyone watching - showing that Taehyung can make even the most powerful being obey him.

This is what Jeongguk often talks about that Jewel is hiding something far more than he lends on, and for that he clearly wants to utilize Taehyung for it - to make sure he's alert, all the time.

As for Jeongguk, strange enough Jewel has never been.... Intense with him, even when he should since he's a scientist. On contraire, Jewel is gentle and has indirectly taught him things about him - such as what each noise mean by using it on him; whether it's something that pleases him, triggers him off, or even makes him upset - he makes sure Jeongguk understood it well.

And he did.

From there, Jewel usually lets Jeongguk quietly observe him as he uses his abilities - really looking into how he does it, what triggers certain abilities and how he is able to use it fluidly through his body. The scientist has learned that a great portion of his abilities comes from his emotions, and in order for him to control it then that means he has to be a great manipulator to how he feels. There's still a fog understanding it, since Jewel does more showing than telling, and that's the only way Jeongguk will understand - just by simply watching. It's as though he's spilling his quietest secrets to him by doing this, since he knows he's being watched. Jewel is aware Jeongguk catches on quietly to things, and he clearly doesn't want anyone else to understand his core as well as Jeongguk.

So you could say that night changed things between all of them, and it has led to this point.

For Jewel to be released from here.

So Jeongguk and Taehyung proposed the idea of having him on the Alpha unit; in that way he's near Taehyung in case he needs to be detained, and grow more trust in the facility.

If he's going to stay here, they have to co-exist somehow.

However, there's a risk - and that's the side Hoseok is clearly looking into.

The risk that Jewel goes his own way and brings this place to shit. One small thing can set him off and they're all suddenly dead because of it. It's a valid risk, and the fear is understandable, but Taehyung feels sure about this - As someone who's similar to Jimin to a certain extent, and part of the Alpha unit - so if he's confident about it, then there's nothing they have to fear to a grave amount. He wouldn't want Jeongguk to be at risk, since he's a human, and if he's sure about this then that means it is safe.

They just have to give Jewel that same trust to receive back, just so he can feel like he's equal.

He can't be a prisoner behind these walls to be gawked at for the rest of his life.

Jeongguk purses his lips, clearing his throat to speak up, "We will be attentive of him and make sure he's aware of protocols here, but he can't stay in there. Not like this. Not as a lab experiment. His body vitals and functions will eventually slow down more than they have, and it's likely because he's depressed of this continuous routine. He needs to learn, to train, and build connections - to be challenged. That's one of the best ways we can know more about him and for him to open up about what happened."

No matter how much times passes and the repetitive questions of this topic, Jewel never revealed as to what occurred to Earth and his people. When the topic would come up, he immediately would isolate himself - even when Taehyung demanded it from him, he would still refuse.

He doesn't trust them yet, but clearly that's a sensitive topic, and it won't help if he's caged up to feel like opening up.

Hoseok looks between the two sternly, "Does he know about this? Let alone, does he want to associate with anyone else?"

Taehyung steps up, firmly, "We introduce idea after approval."

Once again is Hoseok silent, contemplated. It's clear to see that he wanted to believe them, but the risk of putting the rest in danger nudges his conscious, so Jeongguk leans over the desk with heavy eyes, "I have been studying him since we woke him up and believe me when I say that Jewel needs this. We need this. If I'm wrong then fine, I take responsibility for it and face the consequences, but for now I know as his specialist that Jewel needs be let out. We will be sure that he's behaving by the time Namjoon returns to Earth."

Hosoek stares at Jeongguk with a stiff expression, heavily against the idea, but regardless of his thoughts, he sighs heavily in defeat, "No leaving the island, that's my condition. Not until we know fully well about his being, completely. If he starts going rouge, back to inside gates he goes."

Jeongguk and Taehyung didn't waste time. They rushed quickly to the gates and Taehyung was off through the trees in search for him. Jeongguk quickly checks on his watch to where the cameras point to where Jewel could possibly be, but to his surprise all the cameras are off.

Jewel undeniably hates electronics, no one can deny that.

Pressing on his earphone, he asks, "Any visuals on Jewel?"

"Negative sir, he has -"

Naeun's voice slices off, completely.

Any noises through the earpiece as a matter of fact is gone.

"I thought I stated your electronics are invasive."

Jeongguk freezes on his steps, the familiar voice holding him in place with his mind empty of thoughts, yet he still forces himself to turn around to see him - Jewel.

The man is laying back against a tree while sitting on a thick branch, brushing his long hair with his slender fingers that reach the ground easily. The length of his hair doesn't seem to bother Jewel the more time he spends with it, actually admiring it as he takes his time in taking care of it tenderly - nearly in awe so to say. No doubt if he was human, his hair would get plenty of popularity for its length.

Attention he would clearly hate.

"Yet you allow us to observe you."

"No," He states, glancing his brown eyes to Jeongguk, "Just you."

There's a way Jewel has with words that his bluntness could easily sound near endearing to fragile ears. It could make anyone weak to trust and believe it, letting it manipulate to believe he holds deeper emotions than what it truly is. Truth is, Jewel doesn't hold anything deeper. He has an objective here, and he isn't swayed so easily by others as easily others can be swayed by him.

He lets things be because he allowed it to.

Just like he only allows Jeongguk to study him, and the rest watches from afar.

Grimacing, Jeongguk eyes his smooth leg rising up to rest his elbow, "Well get used to being friendly, you're about to have to practice on your socializing skills."

To this Jewel snaps his head to face Jeongguk completely, "What?"

Jeongguk eyed him carefully and thinks carefully of his words, "You're being given options. Usually when we have beings from other planets arrive here, they stay momentarily before being given a choice. You're not from another planet, so you leaving Earth is out of the equation, so you can either stay here in this place where you are now, or you can join Taehyung in the Alpha unit."

Jewel now stares at Jeongguk in an empty stare before slowly getting to his feet and jumping off the branch, landing on his feet calmly to stand in front of him. He continues to look at Jeongguk as though he was pulling some type of trick, so Jeongguk proceeds delicately, "I have studied your behavior and vital signs and you're growing ill by being alone here. You weren't made to be captive, you need to be free to roam and explore, so for your health you are able to do that but only with the condition that you are in the Alpha Unit and stay in the island. You cannot go far into the ocean. Not until we can trust each other."

No words still escape Jewel's lips, studying between Jeongguk's eyes so intensely as though he was drinking in his every word so seriously like a sacred rule or law into his head. He definitely grasping this amount of trust so bizarre, but judging by the faint slump on his shoulders as he relaxes, he's hesitantly relieved by it.

Or appreciating at least.

"Your choice," Both men snap their eyes to Taehyung, who leans against the tree by the shoulder on the same branch Jewel while resting on, staring at him with arms crossed, "Will make sure safe, but no alone anymore. Make pack, form companions, happy."

Jewel's gaze subtly falls to this, and he looks between Jeongguk and Taehyung, "But we are a pack, no?" He whispers, clasping his hands together, slowly easing it back to reveal three flames of fire with his red eyes before they turn yellow of gold, the flames coming together to form light, "Strong together - Mind, body, and soul. One."

He.... Sees them as his pack?

Have they underestimated him in that case? Of his gestures and actions?

Sure, probably familiar enough to be comfortable, but a pack so soon?

Taehyung and Jeongguk stare to the light between Jewel's palms, giving it a long stare as the light slowly vanished and Jewel looks at Jeongguk, "I know you mean well, but I'm fine with just us three."

This is so sudden from him, but judging by his bright brown eyes, that's just how he feels.

He probably got comfortable enough by them around, he assumed it was natural.

Jeongguk lips purse tightly together, slowly shaking his head, "You're not well Jewel. Your being is family oriented, a larger and stronger pack. We can always have more people -"

"No-"

"Please just listen," He states softly, seeing the clear hostile of Jewel's snow-white eye intensifying to silver, but he mellows it down to Jeongguk soft tone, "I want you to be free Jewel. This is the whole point with this facility, it's to understand and help. I don't want you to be caged behind these walls. Just... Join Alpha, we will still be there, maybe even more around - especially with Taehyung. If they see you stable and, on our side, you can even be given the permission to explore more the world outside, but with that comes time and cooperation. Please."

Jewel carefully listens to his words, seeing the sincerity in Jeongguk's eyes of his promise, not before whispering, "Explore together?"

"If that's what you want in a future, yes."

There's still an edge in Jewel's eyes, but the second Taehyung gets down from the tree and places a gentle hand on Jewel's shoulder, his eyes shifts back to brown immediately, carefully glancing to Taehyung - who only nods assumingly to him, "We together in Alpha, never alone," and Taehyung hesitates with the next thing he was about to say, "But conditions."

Jeongguk felt a twitch of unease to this, but Jewel's attention is completely on him, "Conditions?"

"Yes," Taehyung replies, "No destroy world. Alpha Unit intense, fierce warriors, fight to death for people be safe. Will test strength and break to rebuild as soldier," He states firmly, "Emotions need to be stable. Trust in us as team, pack. We trust you as team, pack. Please."

That was definitely a concern both Jeongguk and Taehyung have discussed before considering this. Jewel undoubtably has a temper, and just as easily he could tear this world apart with everyone in it with a small provocation. He needs to be on the same agenda as everyone here in order to be able to be free from this place.

And they both really want that for him.

It's his world after all.

Jewel face sterns to this, not before extending a hand. On the palm levitating suddenly appeared a flash of light, a flicker of flame, drop of water, piece of Earth, wind in rotation, all of them slowly moving in a circle, "The Earth is more than a planet for me. More than a world. It offends me when you speak of it so carelessly."

And he crushes his hand, merging the elements together, "World is air we breathe, land we walk, water we drink, heat for coldness and frost for fever. It's the light of day and darkness of night. Everything in this world is a connection to the veins in our body, our soul. Our spirit. My people were guardians of the Earth, protecting it and gave thanks to the nature for it being welcomed, in returned it gave us abilities to help protect from anything."

Suddenly the elements shifted to dust, "But we failed, and now I'm the only one left, with a second chance," And the dust faded, now Jewel looks at them firmly, "I love this planet, and it trusts in me too. I will protect it with my last breath, and that means I demand respect from those harvesting on it," He states with his voice stern, "No matter how well these species from other worlds can control these elements, they control with mind. I become one with it, it's personal, so they will listen to me because of the respect I give. If the planet feels threatened, and the hope is gone, it will demand for me to do what I must, and I will obey their word."

Jeongguk shivers, having a shiver of admiration sparkle up to Jewel's words of this planet, Earth. No one has ever spoken of Earth in such a manner for as far as he has been into this life. No one cares to listen to the trees whispering and healing your bodies against their ears, or the planets breathing out oxygen for the people to breathe in, even embrace the water to which we drink as a gift from Earth. This world now is poisoned by technology and world problems to not take a moment and find peace in the same planet in which they live in.

Taking advantage of this one single life that they have managed to be placed in, with all its gifts.

What are the odds out of millions of souls that can be gifted to step foot on this planet gets to live in it it's one of us, and that thought just made Jeongguk feel a little more grateful to that around him - to look at the trees and plants different than just some product of study.

Every day the planet is helping him live, meanwhile the world if finding ways on how it dies.

Cruel society they live in now.

Taehyung stares attentively at Jewel to his powerful words, and he places a hand to his chest, right to his heart, "Respect. We want to live in Earth, live together to protect," He states, "One more thing, no orange."

Now this took another reaction out of Jewel that had his eyes flickering that color, but immediately detains it back when Jeongguk glances to him, "Why?"

"No mate. Mate only without orange. Cause fight, some species no resistance, can be killed."

"But mate to reproduce -"

"No need for it-"

"But my kind is for protect and mating, that's the whole point why -"

Taehyung growls, "No mating," And he looks at Jeongguk, "Right?"

That was also an issue spoken about, and it was about orange.

Orange is a powerful ability Jewel possesses and it's true what Taehyung says, it provokes an animalistic instinct out of someone - and some species won't be able to handle Jewel's hostility in a fight - not as well as Taehyung can. Not someone who's just as a monster as Jewel. Jewel's nature is to dominate in a fight, and be in charge as a leader, but this could be difficult for others and be taken as a threat.

If he's going to be mating or whatever the case may be, it has to be without orange being the cause.

So Jeongguk clears his throat and nods, "Correction, no mating while orange," He avoids Taehyung's glare, "You are free to do as you please, but orange is dangerous and threatening for various of reasons and mainly because of how it can mentally mess up someone's conscious if they can't handle it. Orange is out of the equation."

Jewel frowns deeply, "Never be orange?"

"When you find a suitable partner than yes, but as for now, no. Not until you know someone will be able to handle it."

There's a long moment of silence Jewel stays without a word, but then he looks down and nods, "If humans are like scientists, then they be killed," He whispers quietly, "I'm not dangerous, I do what my being was created for, but you're right, some species can't handle it. So I won't use orange unless," He pauses, glaring at Taehyung, "I'm threatened. I'm no human. I'm like animal more than I am human, and we animals demand dominance and make sure others know not to threaten our territorial nature. Stand ground. Provoke me, and I will state my place."

Taehyung grimaces to this, but nods, "In this world, must agree on submission, cannot mate without consent."

Jewel furrows his eyebrows, "People reject mating?"

Jeongguk and Taehyung grimaces, that topic hitting a bit of a nerve point, before Jeongguk nods, "Yeah, it's not okay to mate without consent or if the person doesn't want to."

"But my people when we are defeated, we accept mating. We enjoy, it's fun, never to hurt anyone. States dynamics."

"The world has changed since then, and most humans don't like to mate," And Jeongguk glances at him, "Besides, your people had higher..... Sexual hormones than us now. So not everyone who is defeated will want to mate. It can make them feel bad."

Jewel blinks slowly and then looks at Taehyung, seeming a bit concerned, "We mate, did I make you feel bad?"

Oh he really went there.

Taehyung's cheeks immediately flustered, glancing at Jeongguk and then to Jewel in panic, "N-No!"

"But no verbal consent, you sure?"

"I-I um-" Taehyung couldn't stop looking at Jeongguk now, not knowing what to say, "Um - Good? Yes? Um - I -uh-"

"Because I enjoy and had fun, so I'm confused -"

Jeongguk cuts in before this got carried away, "I have a lot to teach you, don't worry. Just know that.... Things are just a little different now with humans and how your people were."

Jimin seems to have grown a little sentimental to the idea, since the mention of his people immediately made his eyes a bit glossy, but he sighs weakly and nods, "Understood. Um - So no mating?"

"You can, just no orange and other person has to agree since not everyone has that... Instinct to do so."

"Okay," Jimin nods, agreeing to their conditions, "So, what happens next?"

Jeongguk and Taehyung glanced at each other with a relaxed smile. This went far better than expected. Either Jewel is eager to leave these walls, or he's really feeling comfortable around them.

Whatever the case is, they're not going to take advantage of it.

This is only the beginning.

_____________________________

A/N:

Alrightttt as we can see, a small turning point! We are definitely about to see a lot of action, a lot more going on, so get ready.

Now I also want to direct you on how to find the story, since I know many of you want to read it but don't know how to use the website AO3.

So, you go on any search platform, and look up 'Masquerade16 AO3'

From there it'll take you to various of options, my profile should be the first to appear and you click on it. My profile picture is also the same, and you'll see many of my stories there.

Click on it, and that's how you can proceed to read. 

Now on how to make a profile there, there's a lot of restrictions. If you're under 13, they will not give you permission to have an account. Do not tell me if you're under 13 in this comment section, I want everyone's information here to be private - privacy is a major thing here, especially since you may never know who can be lurking online. 

Anyways, from there, you will be sent an invitation to create an account, and that does take a while not going to lie, and then once you're cleared, you can proceed in creating an account. If you don't want to do all that, you can just find Jewel how I instructed above and that works too.

I hope this helps!

I PURPLE YOU! <33