A/N: I know this probably gets annoying, but please remember to vote if you're enjoying! It helps me a lot more than you know, and it's free. To those who are voting, thank you so much. I appreciate it more than I can express since it helps my profile grow and helps me find motivation to write more chaps for this story and other stories like it. This is a long chapter, so I hope you like it.

┊ ˚➶ ｡˚ 𝓘 𝓑𝓻𝓸𝓾𝓰𝓱𝓽 𝓣𝓱𝓲𝓼 𝓞𝓷 𝓜𝔂𝓼𝓮𝓵𝓯 ˚｡➶˚┊

He fled.

Park knew it made him a coward, but as soon as he saw the face of Kim Namjoon, he had to flee. The man known for covering his face wasn't covering it today. There was a raw, untamable fury hiding inside the dragon-like eyes of that man. Seeing as Park still hadn't been caught with the rebellion, he didn't want to start today. His life would end. No more double-agent for the rebellion, and more importantly, Park would fail.

Jihyun would die.

The thought of his brother had him dashing into the forest, panting as he searched for a way out. He wasn't familiar with the layout of New Theon. He wished Y/n or Captain Jung were by his side. Anyone who could lead him away from the chaos happening behind him. Considering Park trained Namjoon, he figured the man would recognize Park from five miles away.

Park knelt, smearing his face in mud to help him blend in. He ruffled his hair and pulled the long locks down, curtaining his face. From there, he crouched and ducked away, watching as the soldiers set fire to the houses. Park gasped and fell back, watching helplessly as the homes of the elderly burned to the ground. He didn't get around enough to know the names of the people in the town, but he knew it was mostly elders. That was how the rebellion survived: using the elders as cover. It made the town look weak. In a way, it was. It burned just as easily as anything else.

"Bring the firing squad! Round up the elders and shoot on my command!" Namjoon shouted, his voice echoing into the air.

Park ran through the forest, bumping into trees as Mimos squawked out a tone that sounded like his pants. He stumbled through the brush, kicking up dirt as the scent of smoke clogged his nose. It clung to him, clamping down on his lungs until he coughed, blood and vomit threatening to pour out.

As soon as he thought he gained some distance, he heard footsteps approaching rapidly from the right. In a panic, he darted to the left, but it was no use. A hand clasped his shoulder and threw him back. He pressed himself up against the nearest tree, catching his breath and preparing to fight. Two hands rested on his shoulder and kept him pinned to the tree. His vision cleared, and he was almost relieved. Almost.

"Jin and Taehyung are burning our tent. We need to move. Now," Y/n said, just as out of breath as him. "I've been looking for you everywhere."

"Glad to know you missed me."

She pushed herself off of him and ran a hand through her hair. "Kim Namjoon. That's the man rounding up our elderly and murdering them for no reason?"

"He has to punish someone for the Tower. I wish I knew ahead of time. Not even the Emperor told me about this."

"Do you think he's suspicious?"

"He thinks I'm being a rebellious teen despite me being almost thirty. He punishes me if I'm out too late, but otherwise, he hasn't shown signs of knowing anything about my involvement here."

"Then let's keep it that way," she said, pointing to the distance. "Let's get you to Flerry. It's not too far from here. It's the only place left with a rebellion alliance."

"Miss L/n, if I didn't know any better, I'd say you're starting to care about me."

She whipped around and pressed the tip of her sword against his chest, Park raising a curious brow as a smirk blessed his lips. "Commander, as much as it kills me to admit it, you're an asset to the rebellion. Without you, our chances of success go down significantly. If I have to keep you alive to ensure the safety of my people, I will. But I'll also kill you with my bare hands after we overthrow the Emperor."

He used the tip of his finger to move the sword away from him, stepping down from the tree and into her personal space. "Good luck, princess," he said, pausing so he could press his lips against her ear and drop his voice to a whisper. "You'll need it."

She backed away and sheathed her sword, glaring before motioning for him to follow her. "Come on, Taehyung and Jin are doing all they can to rescue the elders. Here." She tossed him a mask, him taking it and covering himself. The black hardware clung to his face, acting as a helmet, though it stopped right before his hair. His dark locks hung out, his armor covered with mud to make it unrecognizable. Y/n took off his chains and hid them in her pockets, making sure there was no way Namjoon could spot him.

"Are you ready to run?" she asked, him grunting in response. "Good. You're not allowed to di-"

'Fwee!'

Y/n shouted and fell to the ground, Park diving to join her and dodge the next arrow. He grabbed her and dragged her behind the closest set of brush and trees. There were two trees, him pushing her up against it. An arrow whizzed by. Park clutched his sword, but there was no way to attack unless the intruder came closer.

"The rebellion," Namjoon's voice said, Park freezing at that. "What an interesting concept. Going after the Emperor for providing food, water, security... must I go on?"

"Don't forget the crippling poverty and firing squads!" Y/n shouted, clutching her wounded leg. She got shot through her thigh, but the arrow still inside her prevented blood from squirting everywhere.

"It's not the Emperor's fault you disobey him."

"It's not our fault the Emperor decides to steal our money and kill anyone who has a different opinion."

Namjoon laughed, Park wincing from how much closer he sounded. "We've kept you safe. You disobey the rules, you know the consequences. All you had to do was stay in line, but blowing up the Tower was the better plan, hm?"

Y/n's face went dark, her gripping her sword and peeking out from the tree. That resulted in another arrow flying. Park swallowed what he could. There was more than one guard here. Not only did he hear the footsteps, but Namjoon never wielded a bow. He preferred swords and firearms. He was one of the only guards in the entire castle that was allowed to carry a metal firearm. Not even Park had one.

The footsteps grew closer. Three. Park heard three people. One was Namjoon, two were guards. Park didn't want to risk peeking. He didn't feel like getting an arrow in the head.

As soon as the steps came close enough, Park acted. He hopped out of cover and slammed into the closest guard. The other one was about to shoot, but Y/n crashed into him. Park disarmed the guard and rolled behind the tree, loading the bow and aiming it at Kim Namjoon. The man spotted Park, but the mask combined with his messy hair made Park a mere shadow of his former self.

Namjoon raised his metal firearm to match Park's bow. "Captain Jung, is that you?"

"Leave my captain alone," Y/n said, keeping her sword against the guard's neck. The other one, the one Park disarmed, staggered back, unsure of what to do.

"I'm surprised you survived. Not so snarky now, huh?" Namjoon asked.

Park replied by shooting the arrow. It grazed Namjoon's arm and caused him to drop his gun. Park yanked the quiver out of the guard's grasp and knocked him unconscious. Y/n, who disarmed the other man, slit his throat. Park staggered back as he watched her murder the unarmed guard. The hollow shell of armor slumped to the ground, Park staring for a beat too long.

Namjoon recovered and grabbed his weapon, Y/n limping her way over to Park and forcing him to go deeper into the forest. They pushed past the brush just as the gun went off, the bullets bouncing off the trees, but not hitting them.

They hit the dirt, Y/n jabbing her fingers into her wound and biting back a yell. She dripped the blood on the grass, creating a trail toward the next set of trees. She left a handprint, too. Then, as carefully as she could, she went back over to him and helped him hide in a patch of bushes. They ducked under it just in time for Namjoon to come bursting through the forest.

Thanks to the tall grass, trees, and bushes, Park and Y/n were hidden. Their hands were placed over their mouths, their breaths a mutter of what they used to be. Namjoon investigated, searching the grass until he spotted the blood. He followed it, keeping his movements slow so his footsteps weren't as loud. He kept his firearm by his side, his finger close to the trigger.

They watched as Namjoon left, following the blood Y/n left for him to track. Two minutes later, they were sure he was gone. Their thoughts were confirmed when they heard Namjoon shout in the distance. Something about firing on the elders. Park didn't know whether to feel relieved or terrified. He opted for a mix of both.

"Are you okay?" he murmured. Y/n's eyes were fluttering, blood dripping down her leg and painting the leaves a crimson shade that had his stomach swirling around itself. "Come on, let's get you out of here. Hold onto me."

She brushed off his attempts to bring her closer, but eventually, she latched onto his side. As soon as they tried to stand, she went crashing down, bringing him with her. They groaned, him banging his head off hers and adding to the pain. Still, they stayed quiet on the off chance there were guards nearby. Park took off his mask to breathe better and adjusted his gaze, glancing down and seeing her there. He was hovering above her, the girl on the verge of passing out.

"Y/n," he said, shaking her. He came closer and tilted her head up to see her neck, putting two fingers against her skin. He pressed his ear against her, listening for a heartbeat. His shoulders relaxed when he heard one.

"Park?" she asked, her voice slurring.

He slowly pulled back and met her half-open eyes, grime caking her face. He used his thumb to brush some of it off. "Can you stand?" he said, her taking a moment to process the question.

"I got shot in the thigh. What do you think?"

He paused. "Yes?"

"I can't feel my right leg. Any chance you'll carry me?"

"I'd rather get drawn and quartered. Get up. Lean on me."

She agreed, him helping her stand while darting his eyes around. He saw no one, but his veins pumped with adrenaline anyway. By the time she got up, he heard more footsteps. Park threw his mask back on, guiding her to the tree on his left. She rested on it as he grabbed an arrow and raised his bow, pointing in the direction the footsteps came.

A twig cracked, Mimos cawing as they soared into the sky. Smoke filled the air so much that Park could taste it. That and the dirt and mud he ate from all the times he hit the ground today.

"Y/n?" a familiar male voice said, Park keeping himself on guard.

"That's Tae," Y/n replied, but Park stayed in front of her.

"You don't know them like I do," Park whispered, narrowing his eyes behind the mask. "They'll use your friends to bait you out. Don't move until we know it's him and only him."

Soon enough, Taehyung burst through the bushes and made eye contact with the arrow Park aimed at the man's forehead. Taehyung raised his hands, Y/n limping forward and almost falling. Park moved back so she could clutch his shoulder.

Jin popped out a second later, out of breath with blood all over his face. "They're psychopaths! They burned everything to the ground!"

"Everything?" Y/n asked, her eyes bulging.

"We barely got out in time. I'm sorry, Y/n. We couldn't save anyone," Tae said, lowering his head.

Park finally strapped his bow around his back, putting the arrow back in its proper place and wrapping his arm around the injured girl beside him. "Save it. We need to move before Namjoon sends Hellsirs after us."

"Do you think he brought them? All the way from the Emperor's Farm?" Tae asked, his mouth falling open. Then, in the distance, they heard it.

'Bark bark!'

A Hellsir

Park huffed. "Does that give you your answer? Let's go. Now."

They agreed, Y/n groaning and holding onto Park for dear life. He made sure she didn't fall, holding her back and guiding her forward. Taehyung guarded the rear, Jin taking the front and cutting through all the bushes and leaves. Park glanced back, seeing the smoke fill the sky. He frowned. At this rate, he'd never get back to the castle on time.

So, he mentally prepared himself for the shackles.

┊ ˚➶ ｡˚˚｡➶˚┊

"Can you slow down?"

Park replied by tightening the gauze, Y/n hissing and hitting the top of his head. He grunted and continued to wrap the fabric around her, the bloody arrow sitting in a tray behind him. He kept himself kneeling in front of her while she sat on the bed. Jin was busy shooting a promo explaining what happened in Thermus Boulevard, which meant Park was now the best medic they had.

They were in Flerry, a cute village not far from the now-destroyed town. Park figured he'd go back to the castle tomorrow. Or never. He wondered if it'd be better to stay with the rebellion forever, but he knew that'd result in a punishment for his brother.

Flerry

"Calm down, it wasn't that bad," he said, making sure the gauze was in place before finishing the job. She hurriedly stood and pulled her pants back up, Park sitting on the backs of his feet and giving her an eye roll.

"What? I don't want to be the first girl you've seen the skin of," she replied, but due to her injured state, she ended up plopping on the bed again.

"You're not the first," he said before he could stop himself, Y/n freezing at that.

"But I thought you said you've never had a relationship-"

"You're not the first," he repeated, harsher than he expected. "And you won't be the last."

They went quiet after that, Y/n sinking in the mattress as the fire cracked in the corner of the room. Although Thermus was the larger of the two, Flerry had better quality. Their houses were made of cobblestone with wooden accents to make up the floors and roofs. The bedroom they were in was part of a two-story home, owned by an ally Park was yet to meet. Jin and Y/n were adamant about keeping Park as hidden as possible.

"Does the Emperor...?" She trailed off, Park standing and going over to the window. At least this one he didn't have to carve out. Despite how the room was barren aside from the bed, he enjoyed the window in the corner. There were black curtains hanging off it, Park adjusting them so less light poured in the room.

"Do you feel the need to dig into my past?" he asked, not taking his eyes off the window.

"I didn't mean to pry. I'm sorry."

"It seems you have a knack for prying. I'd suggest you stop asking questions about me, otherwise I might use that bow."

He moved to the corner of the small room, where he kept the bow. Although he was better with swords, he had a fascination with bows. His brother did too. Back when Park was a young man, he used to sneak Jihyun out of the castle. Jihyun learned to shoot thanks to Park's instruction. However, when the Emperor found out, he chained Park to his wall and made sure Jihyun would never be allowed out again.

Commander Park's bow

Park picked up the bow and leaned against the window, tracing his finger down the side of the wooden object. The quiver stayed in the corner near the fireplace, the heat seeping out and hugging them. Park wished he could stomp on the fire, but for Y/n's sake, he didn't.

The floorboards creaked, Park not bothering to move as Y/n slowed to a stop next to him. She took the knife that she hid in her left boot, handing it to him. He quirked a brow.

"Your brother," she said, Park stiffening at that. "Mark his initials on it."

"Why would I-"

"Don't be stubborn. I already deal with Jin's stubbornness, I don't need yours too. Mark his initials."

Park did as he was told, marking 'PJ' on the inside of the bow. When he was done, she took the bow and knife from him. She carved a pattern on it, Park watching as she did. At first, it seemed like a series of lines. Then, she added the details, and his eyes widened as she handed it back to him.

"There," she said, Park gazing at the little drawing of the sea she did. "When this is all over, take your brother to the sea. Visit the Islands. Live."

He bit back the urge to grin. "I didn't know you were an artist."

"I watch Tae paint all the time. I'm not much of a painter, but wood? I love carving it into trinkets and weapons."

"Ah, weapons. The life of a rebel."

"If you ever need a sharp wooden shiv, you know where to find me," she said with a small smile. "We'll need it if we're gonna take down Kim Namjoon. Any chance you know a lot about him? Anything that'll help?"

"I trained him myself. Born and raised in the castle, apparently he's the son of a higher-up. The Emperor adores Namjoon. Same with a man named Min Yoongi, our primary intelligence officer. How do you think I found you in Thermus Boulevard? Yoongi tracked you on the cameras, gave me the directions so I could find you. Both Yoongi and Namjoon aren't like me. I grew up with Yoongi, he's the closest thing I have to a friend, but he's ruthless. He'll kill me if it means serving the Emperor. Same with Namjoon. He'll have no sympathy for his mentor."

"That's not what friendship is," Y/n said, her lips twitching into a frown. "Friendship is what Jungkook and I have. Taking jogs at ungodly hours and teasing each other when we can't keep up, or exploring the forest and climbing trees, or cooking meals and sharing a drink. That's what friendship is, not... killing each other for an emperor."

"That's why I'm getting my brother out. He needs friends. People who care about him. People like you."

Y/n froze, tilting her head at him. "Did you just compliment me?"

"You're a petty asshole, but you have a heart, I'll give you that."

"That's the nicest thing I've ever heard you say."

"Doesn't take much, sweetheart."

"And you ruined it. Good job, Commander," she said, the two chuckling at that. Park rested his hand on the windowsill, her doing the same. His pinky skimmed by hers, him pretending he didn't jolt at the contact. He fell into his memories, glancing at her injured thigh. The hole in her pants showed where the arrow entered, but she was fixed now. He only hoped she'd be back to running speed by the time the hotel plan rolled around.

The hotel.

Park felt nausea eat away at him at the thought of his encounter with the Emperor at the hotel. It pricked and pricked at him until tears burned at his eyes. He wanted to scream and fall to his knees. Instead, he let out a breath and said something he knew he'd regret.

"The Emperor sells me."

Y/n's shoulders tensed. "Sells you?"

"There haven't been any attacks from Moros recently. Why do you think that is?" Park asked, Y/n lighting up with a mix of horror and understanding. The color of rage filled her irises as she whipped around to face him.

"Because he sold you," she whispered, Park's silence giving her the answer. Then, as if she couldn't hold back, her mouth flied open. "He fucking prostitutes you to random strangers, and you haven't tried to slit his throat yet?! I can't accept that! We need to storm the castle right fucking now-"

"Y/n," he said, calmly. She broke off and gripped the windowsill, heaving out breaths. He came a bit closer, knitting his brows together. "It's okay-"

"It's not okay! How can you stand there and tell me it's okay?!"

As soon as the tears showed in her eyes, his heart jumped around his body, spiraling out of control. "Hey," he murmured, placing his hand over hers. "Hey," he repeated, rubbing his thumb across the back of her hand. "I'm okay. I promise."

She laughed, but there was no humor in it. It sounded like it was clogged with tears. "Promise? Now you're making me promises I know you won't keep?"

He kept his mouth shut, her moving away from him. Her hand slipped back, him cursing at himself for missing the touch of her skin on his. She wiped her tears and left the room without a word, Park wondering if he should go after her. He decided against it, instead mumbling to himself and keeping his gaze on the window.

The village was full of life, unlike Thermus Boulevard. There were elders selling goods at their markets, kids skipping around, and teenagers fighting each other with long sticks. There was more nature than Park imagined. He just hoped he wouldn't see any Hellsirs. Namjoon sent them after the fleeing group, which meant it was possible the Hellsirs picked up on Park's scent. Or Tae's. Or Jin's. Or even Y/n's.

After a few minutes of silence, Park put out the fire and joined the others downstairs in the living room. It was only slightly larger than the bedroom, with wooden floors and a round table with snacks on it. Jin and Tae were munching away, devouring several bags of snacks Park didn't recognize. Y/n was missing, but Park didn't want to press. However, an older man took her place. He had graying hair and a receding hairline, wrinkled, tan skin and hazel eyes that lit up the dim room. The lanterns shone and showed off the man's fading mustache and the mole on the side of his thin nose.

"Park," Jin said through a mouthful of chips. "This is Kastor."

Kastor's eyes jumped. "Is that the commander of the Emperor's army? Standing in my living room?"

"He's a double-agent, working for us. Tells us all we need to know about the Emperor," Jin said, Tae humming in agreement, although he was a bit preoccupied with his snacks.

"You want me to trust the Emperor's bitch?"

"Kas, that's not very nice," Jin replied.

"He has a point," Park said, stepping closer to the couch Jin and Tae sat on. He placed his hand on the side of it, Kastor shifting closer to the door. "I know I've hurt people. Probably people you know-"

"You killed my sister."

Park sighed. "Yeah, I don't have a great reputation. I killed Captain Jung's husband, but he still wants me on the team. That's got to mean something, right?"

"Captain Jung has about as much optimism as my dead sister," Kastor said, grunting and crossing his arms over his chest. "Get him out of my house."

"Not happening. He's one of us," Jin said, placing his snacks down and standing. He got in front of Park. "He's given us vital intel on the hotel we're breaching soon. Without him, the rebellion is screwed. You really want that?"

"If it means I don't have to see the face of a monster."

"I know he's not a good person-"

"He kills people for a living," Kastor interrupted, Jin pausing for a second before shrugging.

"Well, yeah. I can't argue with that. But that means he's a great fighter who'll help us win the war. He's our best chance at killing the Emperor and taking over New Theon once and for all." Kastor didn't budge.

Park pushed his way past Jin and faced the older man, keeping his posture as strong as he could. "I didn't kill your sister, sir. Everything I've done has been the work of the Emperor. You think I like my life? You think I like being the Emperor's little bitch? He has my brother held captive in the castle. If I don't do what he says, my brother dies. I am so, so sorry about your sister, but I can't take back what I did, just like how if you kick me out of here, you can't take back the consequences that'll have. If you want to take me out back and beat my ass, so be it. Just don't kick me out. Please."

Kastor narrowed his eyes. Then, he softened. His lips twitched into something that resembled a smile. "Keep an eye on him. If he tries anything, let me know. I'll kill him myself." The man walked by, bumping into Park as he went. Park took it, not bothering to wince or groan. He turned to watch Kastor go, the oldest of the bunch leaving without glancing back.

"You'll get used to it," Jin said, placing a hand on Park's shoulder. He flinched, Jin taking the hint and stepping back. "He lost his kid a few years ago. Hasn't been the same since."

"Was it me?"

"You'd be dead if it was. Yukaset."

"The hell is Yukaset?"

"It's a disease," Tae said, his voice quiet and his eyes on the ground. "Inflamed lungs, runny nose, dry mouth, migraines. Should be easy to treat, but in our conditions..."

"We lost a lot of friends to it. It's supposed to be treatable, but we sleep in our shit and haven't taken a proper bath in years," Jin finished, going over to Tae to comfort the boy. They embraced, Tae clutching onto Jin's back. Park glanced around the room, noticing how rundown it was. Even for the 'better' town of the two he had stayed in, it was still a wreck. He could have sworn he saw mold growing near the wall by the door.

"I'm gonna go make some arrows. We have wood out back?" Park asked, clearing his throat.

"There's an axe out there. You know how to use it?"

"Oh please, the Emperor trained me with every weapon New Theon has. Maybe I should film a promo."

"Not a chance," Jin said. Then, he chuckled just as Park turned around. "Congratulations."

Park stiffened and stayed in his spot. "For what?" he asked, although he wasn't sure he wanted the answer. When he turned around and saw Jin's soft eyes and smile, his heart beat faster.

"You're officially part of the team."

┊ ˚➶ ｡˚ 𝓘 𝓑𝓻𝓸𝓾𝓰𝓱𝓽 𝓣𝓱𝓲𝓼 𝓞𝓷 𝓜𝔂𝓼𝓮𝓵𝓯 ˚｡➶˚┊

A/N: Hope you enjoyed this long chapter. Lots happened, lots of character stuff too. Thank you to all my Wattpad readers who have been going crazy (no pun intended) to help Like Crazy succeed. I really appreciate all the votes. Thank you to my Quotev readers as well, I've received so many nice comments from you guys. I'd recommend reading in on Wattpad since there are a lot of gifs and visual storytelling. Remember to vote and add to your library for more! Thanks guys!