Taehyung readied himself to leave for Seoul. It had been precisely a week. A whole week full of negotiations and deals and prospects. None in person though. The headquarters of both mafia groups are to be concealed. Taehyung will be picked up from Seoul Central Railway station, he will be blindfolded so as to keep the way to Jeon Jungkook's headquarters a secret. Which, honestly, he found ridiculous.

They don't need to conceal anything from him because it is clear as day that Taehyung isn't coming out of it alive. His only two options are: be killed by Jeon Jungkook or be killed by Kim Woobin. None more enticing than the other.

The one good thing in this situation is him getting his rightful time with his mother. She has been staying with him at his private apartment, helping him pack and get ready for the "big move". Neither her nor him address the situation. Enemy territories are a complex topic to be talking about with your mother. Especially when you're the animal being sacrificed.

Taehyung spoke to one of Jeon's representatives, Cha Eunwoo, and has been in contact with that one person alone. Cha Eunwoo is in charge of Taehyung's stay in Seoul. Basically his personal jailer. Taehyung doesn't mind. The guy seems like a man of few words and Taehyung himself being of the same category appreciates the personality. But that does not mean he will be putting his guard down around Jeon's representative.

Taehyung is not allowed to put his guard down at any given moment.

What do you make of it? His life?

Taehyung let out a sigh. His bags are packed and tucked away in the pearl white Range Rover. His twenty-fifth birthday gift from his mum. She kisses his cheek as he steps out into the parking lot where Choi San- one of Woobin's inner circle- was waiting for him.

"What time is your flight?" Taehyung asked his mum. She's going back to Copenhagen right after he leaves for Seoul.

"4am tomorrow." She tucks a silky lock of jet black hair behind her ear. Taehyung wished he had that hair colour instead of his father's chestnut brown. The common, the usual, the boring. Everything he hates about himself comes from his father. Everything he'd love to be belongs to his mother and will be with her forever. He has nothing to offer in exchange, therefore, he won't ask.

"Be safe." He willed a smile, embracing his mother in a warm hug one last time. "We'll meet soon."

"Of course we will." She whispered back. The reality of their situation hanging above their heads like a suspended sword waiting to strike. Although which one to strike at first was not decided yet.

"We have to leave now." Choi San said, unlocking the car and opening the door for Taehyung. At least he has some respect for their doomed future leader.

Taehyung gave a curt nod to his mother before climbing in. She had tears welling up in her eyes but she knew better than to shed them. This is not a goodbye. She had convinced herself and Taehyung just last night. Whatever awaits him in Seoul is just temporary inconvenience. His life does not depend on it. It never had. If Woobin wants the Empire he can have it. Taehyung does not want a penny of his father's blood money. But, he must wait. He must wait to ensure his mother's safety first. He is already planning to move her to Venice. He has been working on accommodation for her in a secluded yet beautiful village. He knows she would love any European city or countryside; the woman lives for nature. It is just a matter of 'when'.

When would they be free enough to just pack up and leave.

Disappear. As if dead a long time ago.

The car moved smoothly through Suseong-gu traffic. Taehyung did not fail to notice how San kept to highways instead of taking the lanes and by-lanes to cut the traffic. It irritated him; its not like they could encounter student traffic of Seomun Market in the middle of school hours. The least he could do is drive through the shopping district and let Taehyung buy some dried fish for his tiring journey ahead. Maybe experience autumn in Daegu for the last time, watch the high school and university students study at a cafe or live their best life at an arcade, get hotteok and walk around aimlessly through Ajin District, window-shop through the Plaza at Keunjang-ro- he had wasted away his free days at the Mang noraebang in that very plaza. Honestly, who decided to construct a shopping mall with luxury brands near two major schools? It took away all the attention from the history and literature museum that Teahyung frequented as an adult. His heart never satisfied.

However, San was following strict orders. He drove with a destination that was not a rest stop or a leisure centre. Taehyung soon noticed the Lotte Department Store and straightened up. This is it.

San parked at the public parking lot and helped Taehyung with his bags as they made their way to the main entrance of Dongdaegu station. Taehyung shivered as he walked. The gentle autumn breeze doing nothing but reminding him of the cold that is about to arrive. They quietly made their way to Gyeongbu line platform where Taehyung finally let out a sigh. His train had already arrived.

"Sir Taehyung," San addressed him with respect that Taehyung was not expecting. "It would have been a pleasure to serve you."

Taehyung's heart dropped to his stomach. Then rose back up, burning with anger. He would have had loyal members had he been given the chance to become the rightful leader. Something flickered inside him. He balled his fists and scoffed before staring up at Choi San.

"Why speak of me in past tense when I am standing, alive, in front of you?" he raised a brow. "Say, have you chosen your King? Pledged your allegiance to someone who isn't me?"

San quirked at that. This was the first time he was witnessing such fierceness in Taehyung's expression and voice. Their crown prince was usually blank, expressionless as if lost somewhere within the maze of his own thoughts. Choi San, and the rest of the young members of Kim mafia, have always believed that Taehyung was deadweight, just floating through time. A puppet who had tried to break free but was stamped on by the puppeteer so hard that he never bothered to stand up on his own ever again.

San had watched Taehyung work hard for his father's approval. He was going to be Taehyung's inner circle member, he was going to be assigned to Taehyung. Kim Woobin just appeared out of thin air one day and now every young associate is under Woobin's command more than Taehyung's. And when that happened, everyone saw the fight leave Taehyung's body in an instant. The older members did not react to this unfair shift in power. However, the younger ones, who were training with Taehyung, watched him fall from grace and admit defeat in just one day.

"Ah poor me." Taehyung ran his fingers through his hair, looking in the direction of the first class luxury compartment. "I have lost all votes before the battle even began. How sad, don't you think?"

"Sir-"

"San-ah, express your guilt when I am dead. Not when I am planning in silence." Taehyung glared at San. "Express your sorrow when you fail to gather a group of men I can trust. Do you understand?"

San's eyes lit up. He would 'whoop' and jump in the air if he could. Finally. There's the Taehyung he had been training with. The kid who wanted to conquer the world with kindness and rage. The one who could feed you venom while showering you with praises for merely breathing. Seductive yet outrageously smart Kim Taehyung, the cunning Vixen, the future of the Kims of Daegu.

"Understood, Sir." San replied with the same fierceness.

"I will contact you once I figure out what's the deal with this Jeon Jungkook. Keep an eye on Woobin; and most importantly Busan."

San frowned in confusion, "Aren't you taking charge of Busan port?"

"In theory, yes. Maybe even to some practical extent. But I know Woobin will poke his nose somewhere, somehow."

"Right." San tsked shaking his head a little. Taehyung resisted the urge to chuckle. "How would you like to proceed with the matter of Yoon Jeonghan?"

Taehyung straightened up a little. This was the first time someone had asked him about Yoon Jeonghan directly. No one in the mafia was aware of his friendship with Choi Seungcheol. To them it was just business. The Chois of Daegu were always at war, however cold, with the Kims of Daegu for complete control. To the seniors the truce was a mere partnership on paper. But to the two future leaders- Taehyung and Seungcheol- it was as real as it could get. Their friendship began in middle school and grew stronger ever since. Although it is a secret, it is a very important bond in their life. Their joint effort at ending this unnecessary blood feud within Daegu. Only Taehyung knew how his blood ran cold when he received that first call from Seungcheol. Yoon Jeonghan being a part of his secret inner circle among others.

"Well, keep looking for any signs or clues. A man like Jeonghan cannot just vanish without a trace." Taehyung said as nonchalantly as he could.

"Woobin discreetly met with Kim Mingyu." said San; now taehyung's ears perked. "Seems like an alliance."

"Alliance with Seungcheol's enemy... when he is aware of our position with the Chois." Taehyung tried to think rationally. But his thoughts circled around seemingly irrelevant questions. Is Woobin holding Jeonghan captive? Is Jeonghan some sort of bait? Why? Why, Kim Mingyu? Does Woobin know?

"Watch out for a riot." Taehyung cautioned simply. "Kim Mingyu is one crazy bastard."

"Yes Sir."

"And send Choi Seungcheol a message saying we are doing everything we can to find Yoon Jeonghan."

Taehyung glanced at his wristwatch. His heart was racing with worry and fear. With a start he realised he should be boarding his train now. San gave a curt bow bidding Taehyung farewell. Here onwards Taehyung was not their responsibility. They did not have enough time to plan their method of communication but San trusted Taehyung to come up with something soon. As Taehyung got comfortable in his booth he watched San leave typing away on his phone, most probably informing Woobin of his departure.

"Here goes nothing."

~*~

Itaewon-ro was bustling with its usual humdrum, although the night was yet to settle in. The sky was various shades of dusk, it was the time for all the bars and pubs to start breathing now. The tourists and locals were enjoying the pleasures of Seoul and spending all their money with no care in the world. 27 ga-gil was as loud as it was glamorous but what made it the most expensive location was the luxurious sinister 'Hadescape'- a legal nightclub with flashy lights and dark vibes. A found paradise for sinners as well as angels who wished to forget their purity for a night. A street symbolic of freedom and youth at its prime. You could never do wrong in this region of Seoul. And if you did commit a crime, you wouldn't be caught; that's how powerful Itaewon is.

Jungkook nodded along the music for the evening as he entered his precious club, the ambience was royal and mischievous. Red and black tiles sparkling with flashes of spotlight, crystal studded chandeliers dangled from the metallic railings making the dome resemble a giant diamond, the air had a slight scent of cinnamon near the lavish bar. A tower of wine glasses was at the corner but was the main centre of attention. It was one the most famous legal clubs in Itaewon-dong at the heart of Yongsan-gu making it a hotspot for celebrities and politicians and tourists alike.

It was his first establishment that had skyrocketed rapidly. However, the revenue this club earned was not the main source of Jungkook's pride; it was the scandals that brought joy to Jungkook. He watched the sons and daughters of many influential people tarnish their family name in his very legal club. Although, they became the joke of the town, his club only grew in its 'exciting' reputation. His dolls were his pride, the most beautiful in all of Seoul, their private shows were highly expensive and carefully monitored by Jungkook himself. One could clearly see how possessive and biased Jungkook was of Hadescape.

Jungkook and his inner circle moved to their personal balcony with beautiful waitresses serving them their usual and greeting them. While Yoongi and Jimin kept to themselves, Seokjin and Jungkook were already booking their partners for the night. Seokjin had a small redhead on his lap curiously poking at his gun demanding to know the mechanics of the weapon. It was an innocent act, they all knew. But Jin was being entertained, the girl knew she was in for a good pay as well. It was a win-win situation so nobody complained.

Ma Youngpil, the lead manager of the club, came quickly to greet his boss and give him updates. Jungkook was twirling a jade studded dagger between his fingers. He smiled as Youngpil sat himself in one of the leather chairs around their table.

"Today's show looks extra special. Did you know I was coming?" Jungkook raised a brow but Youngpil shook his head. He usually sends a message before he arrives, that way his dolls are lined up for his selection and his time isn't wasted.

"I'm just doing my job of increasing your revenue sir. Your show-dolls attract tremendous crowds, every night is extra special." Youngpil said. "You do only take in talent after all."

Jungkook chuckled at the flattery taking a sip of his whiskey. He leaned a little towards Youngpil, eyes on the shining tip of his blade.

"How's the new one doing? Heard he's been in demand off late."

"Oh the Aussie is being loved by everyone! There have been more people coming in ever since he started performing. Christopher Bang- son of JYP- has been a regular nowadays!"

"Is that so?"

"Yes yes! His performances are always houseful. Not an inch of space in this club is empty. Christopher Bang has been paying huge tips as well!"

"Sounds like my profit is coming mostly from Christopher Bang."

Youngpil retracted, letting out a nervous laugh. "What can I say, he must be enchanted by Felix."

The manager felt his throat drying up. He reached for his glass of whiskey but could never grab it. A blood curdling scream left his mouth as Jungkook pierced his knife into the back of Youngpil's hand, through it and into the fine Oakwood table. The redhead on Seokjin's lap screeched as well. He shushed her with an irritated tone, things were getting interesting he didn't want to be disturbed.

"How dare you," Jungkook leaned more towards Youngpil's shaking frame. "Did you forget, no doll can be booked for private shows without my permission? Hmm?"

Youngpil whimpered when Jungkook pressed the knife further down.

"Felix is my showdoll. How dare you let that son of bitch near my property?" Jungkook's dark eyes shone as he tilted his head, locks of raven hair falling over them. "How blinded were you by your greed, Youngpil?"

Youngpil shook his head in disagreement.

"Is your pay not enough to keep you obedient?"

Youngpil shook his head again.

Jungkook scoffed, "did you accidentally assume yourself to be the owner?"

"N-no sir..."

"Then how do you explain this mess?" Jungkook twisted the knife. Youngpil shrieked, his blood flowing like a river along the table and onto the floor. The music was blaring but the balcony was at a standstill, silent.

"Chris-Christopher Bang wanted t-to buy Felix I j-just came up with t-the next b-best offer s-sir."

"Was it now?"

Youngpil nodded desperately.

Jungkook's aura darkened, "I fucking hate liars. How long have you been working for Bang?"

"N-no-"

Jungkook pressed the dagger down completely, the blade pointing out underneath the table. Youngpil's scream merged with the redhead's and got lost in the music. His blood a wider stream.

"S-s-six months!" Youngpil heaved falling out of his seat and onto his knees. He should have known he couldn't beg for mercy. Jungkook wasn't the merciful type.

Jungkook tsked letting go of the knife, "What an ungrateful pig. I give you everything you desire and this is how you choose to repay me? Seriously?"

Youngpil was a scrambling heaving mess on the floor, begging and apologising. If only he hadn't been so greedy. If only he hadn't gone behind Jungkook's back.

Jungkook lit up a cigarette taking in a swift drag and smoking out a puff of grey cloud. He leaned back on the couch, expensive leather squeaking as he shifted to get comfortable. He took another drag before speaking.

"Kill that doll and send a gift to his master. Wrap him up with this traitor's blood."

Seokjin and jimin didn't need to be told twice. The redhead was already off of Seokjin's lap. He had pushed her away when she had started shaking. Jimin took hold of the hilt of the beautiful dagger and pulled it out in one swift motion, tsk-ing at the screams. Seokjin grabbed Youngpil by the back of his collar and dragged the kicking and screaming ex-manager away from their VIP booth. Jimin followed closely, careful of the blood on the floor.

"We need a manager." Yoongi stated matter-of-factly. 

"Of course we do. But this time look for someone loyal."

"Youngpil was loyal enough." Yoongi shrugged. "You just hate that Christopher Bang got to your new performer before you."

"Hmmm."

"Waste of valuable product."

"We have many more."

Yoongi rolled his eyes but didn't push further. Instead, he diverted to an unexpected topic, "We should start heading back. Eunwoo will be reaching soon."

Jungkook stared at Yoongi for a full minute before responding.

"I didn't think you'd want to be there."

"I don't. Seokjin and I need to test run something. I just want to get to my lab."

"Seokjin is the lab rat again?" Jungkook chuckled exhaling another puff. "How do you get him to agree will be a great mystery."

"Was it necessary?" Yoongi asked out of the blue. "The performer could've been misguided. Your informant could've been jealous of him and lied to you."

Jungkook tilted his head back bringing the cigarette to his lips, "Now that could be possible."

"I have seen Felix, he is unique. Very beautiful." Yoongi was calm. But Jungkook recognised the agony in his voice. Yoongi found Jungkook's verdict unfair and was attempting to save the performer. Although not fully pushing Jungkook to change his decision. Yoongi did not believe in forcing people to do anything, he liked nudging them gently or subtly.

"I am tired Yoongi, why don't you look into this matter?" Jungkook sighed. Yoongi nodded.

They sat there in silence for precisely ten seconds before Yoongi was on his feet, making his way downstairs. He had his phone out, texting Jimin quickly. His expression blank as he spoke to Jungkook again.

"I'll send a chauffer to take you to the mansion. Your guest should be arriving in an hour."

"Kim Taehyung isn't a guest."

"Like I care." Yoongi pivoted, leaving Jungkook with his whiskey in a pool of blood.