Yeonjun returned to the Purebloods; his expression clouded with anger.

Every step that Yeonjun took dimmed the Moon's shine, causing the mirage of flickering lights. Usually, Yeonjun would watch his temper, as his feelings sometimes affected the Moon. But tonight wasn't a time to keep himself in check. He'd been working relentlessly to infiltrate the strong hold Artemis had placed around the palace, wearing away at his patience and leaving him with little control over his emotions.

Seeing Hoseok not recognize him hurt. Though he tried his best to maintain his disposition then, it didn't deter from the confusion in Hosoek's eyes. Yeonjun had been surprised that Hoseok had listened so attentively to him— Yeonjun had half expected Hoseok to yell for Seokjin. He knew his mother's magic was something not to be messed with, but for Hoseok to still remain in doubt and offering Yeonjun and his presumed enemy side some form of confidence...

Yeonjun shook his head. It wasn't time to dwell on personal feelings.

Jungkook had been the first one to greet Yeonjun. Despite Jungkook's best attempt to hide it, Yeonjun could tell from the worried lines creasing Jungkook's usually smooth forehead that he was also feeling the stress of Artemis's blessings on the humans. He wouldn't admit it, but Yeonjun knew Jungkook had been anxiously waiting for his return, needing the news of assurance that Hoseok was doing just fine.

"Hoseok misses you," Yeonjun didn't even bother a smile as he approached Jungkook. "It shouldn't take me more than two days to be able to successfully sneak you in. That is if you want to see him."

Jungkook's expression was indiscernible. "There's not much to say if Hosoek remembers nothing."

"That could be a good thing," Yeonjun reasoned, walking alongside Jungkook. "We all know how...shitty you treated him after he was taken the first time. You could try to mend things or keep them the way they were. Open up a little."

"You gave him the books," Jungkook answered, pushing the door open. "He'll figure it out on his own."

"You can be with him when he reads it," Yeonjun suggested as he walked inside. "Bring him back to reality."

"Will I be able to stay by his side for a couple of hours?" Jungkook mused, closing the door softly behind them. "You were only there for ten minutes."

Yeonjun scowled. "When you learn to master centuries of spells and sorcery, then you can come to complain at me. I am working with my mother on this, so my apologies that I am not progressing as fast as I should."

"I only tease," Jungkook grinned, clapping Yeonjun's back. Yeonjun groaned at the impact, cursing loudly before turning to glare at Jungkook. "Oops. Sorry. I forget you're not one of us."

"It's like you are trying to kill me," Yeonjun sulked, rubbing his back. "If I don't make it out alive, I'm haunting you."

Jungkook only laughed, leading Yeonjun to where all the other Purebloods were waiting. The Purebloods all sat at the circular table, Yoongi's fingers twirling a sword with carelessness, while Jimin and Taehyung were together, conversing among themselves. Sensing their presence, Namjoon looked up, eyes zeroing in on Jungkook before shifting to Yeonjun.

"Are we sure we can't just take him out of the castle?" Jimin huffed. "It's not like we can't kill all of them."

"Killing them won't provide Hoseok's freedom," Yoong answered, turning the sword towards Jimin. "We go in there recklessly; we're going to be the ones killed. He's safe for now."

Yeonjun nodded. "Watched like a hawk, but he's fine. Seokjin will not let his precious husband fall into the wrong hands."

Yoongi's expression flickered in annoyance. "I'll give him a painful death."

"I look forward to it," Yeonjun sat down, gazing at the sword. "You shouldn't play with that. It could kill you."

"I'm surprised Artemis let this stay in our grasp," Yoongi said, letting his finger run along the blade carefully. "She's counting on everything going back to the way it was. Our people are dying, and She is celebrating. Not that it matters because we can always make more. I don't think Micah has gotten that in his head yet."

Namjoon chuckled. "Artemis's goal is not to wipe away the vampires. It is to get rid of us. You're the most dangerous of us all. If Hoseok Turns, it'll be madness."

That was true. While Jimin and Namjoon had limits to their abilities, Yoongi's seemed to have no end. Yoongi had no idea what his parents had done for him to receive such a gift. Not much was truly known about his ability, not like Jimin and Namjoon's abilities, mostly because it would be too dangerous for Yoongi to fully use the extent of his abilities without causing permanent damage to the world. It had taken them centuries to figure out what gift Yoongi had because Yoongi seemed to have a firm grasp at anything he would try to practice. It didn't take him long to uncover an ability and begin to practice it. Anything he saw, he'd copy, almost to perfection.

Hecate had been the one to pick up on Yoongi's strange abilities. Intrigued, She had been the one to hone them, and She was the one that ultimately gave this ability a name.

Omnikinesis.

The ability to manipulate everything, Hecate had announced. That's what Yoongi's ability was. Manipulating everything down to the atomic level, making him the most dangerous offspring in existence. The only limit that Yoongi had, though, was that he couldn't fully change reality. He could alter history as he saw fit, dissolve lines as he'd done for Micah, but to fully manipulate reality— that skill was one only the Gods possessed.

Only Gods could manipulate reality to their will— at least, that's the way it should be. However, the moment Yoongi and his brothers were born, the power of the world shifted. For the first time, what was deemed unfathomable had suddenly become possible, shaking everyone to the core. But, instead of trying to make allies of them, they'd become the villains. Yoongi didn't mind that one bit— he could be the villain Artemis and anyone else wanted him to be, as long as Hoseok remained untouched.

Alas, that was the one person Artemis wanted to control the most.

Soulmates, as his mother had told him, complemented each other. Jimin, gifted with the ability to manipulate humans, was complemented by Taehyung, who had mastery over the elements. Complete opposites, but complement each other perfectly. Making the right conditions was necessary for human subjugation and made it easier for Jimin. Perfect match. Namjoon, gifted with the ability to manipulate the blood of any creature, dead or alive, complemented by Jungkook, who could manipulate the nervous system— nerves, neurons, brain, of any creature. Two seemingly different gifts, each with their measures of pain and danger.

If the pattern continued, there was no telling what Hoseok's ability could be.

Would Hoseok be able to do what Yoongi could not? Would Yoongi be too powerful for Hoseok to possess any power at all? Would Hoseok just match up to Yoongi's abilities? No one could know for sure, but the uncertainty was what scared Artemis.

"Have you considered asking Selene for help?" Yeonjun asked. Yoongi shook his head, frowning at the thought of such a question.

"If our mother is involved, there will be no Earth left," Yoongi breezed. "As much as I love the thought of that, we need humans."

"We can kill some of them, though," Namjoon added, grinning widely. "Some of them—many of them deserve to die. They shall. Not by our mother's hand."

Yeonjun shook his head. "I've gone to my mother, and you haven't said anything."

"Because Artemis tricked your mother to help Her," Taehyung pointed out. "Only Hecate would know what will help Hoseok regain his memory."

"He's been on the medicine for a couple of days now," Yeonjun sighed, frowning. "He didn't even recognize me. I can't tell how far he's gone. If he couldn't recognize me, then how can we know he'll be able to remember anything?"

"He'll remember," Jungkook stated, almost forceful. "Hoseok won't let himself fall for lies. He should be able to regain his memories."

"We might have less than time than we thought for that," Yoongi grimaced. "Hoseok trusts us a lot more than he does Seokjin and Micah, but not enough to fully have him switch sides. He did, however, tell me that coronation preparations are underway."

They all fell silent at Yeonjun's words.

"Hoseok doesn't want to go through with it," Yeonjun mentioned, relieving the tension a bit. "But, Micah is being very adamant about it. Hoseok hasn't been given a date yet, but my hope is that once he does, he will tell us."

Hope.

The only thing that any of them could count on.

"And you're certain there's no way to see him," Yoongi emphasized, looking at Yeonjun. Yeonjun nodded. "Fine. If there's no progress within the next five days, I will contact my mother. For now, go to Hecate. Send Her our warmest welcomes."

Yeonjun nodded once more.

"We have instructed any vampires to Turn as many humans as possible," Yoongi said. "Not children, of course, but anyone that's siding with us. Micah's subjects— they're scared for their life. Scared of death. Immortality is being seen as a legitimate option. Guaranteed with protection, you can give anything to these people. I'm in the mood to kill some guards, though. Get my anger out."

Namjoon licked his lips, the glint of his fangs peeking out of the corner of his mouth. "They have been running rampant and killing our kind. I'm not opposed."

Jimin chuckled. "Sounds fun."

Yeonjun stood up. "I'll take my leave now then. Don't have too much fun without me."

"Never."

"I'll see you when I get through Artemis."

With that, Yeonjun disappeared, letting his body become nothing but essence as he made his way to his mother.

🩸

Hoseok woke up with a slight headache, but other than that, he was feeling fine.

He frowned, exhaling in disappointment. He'd foolishly expected to recover his memories overnight as if he hadn't been medicated for it many times before. It was possible that YJ was lying to him, but, Hoseok didn't think he would be lied to.

The history books, as YJ claimed them to be, were hiding safely in Hoseok's drawers. From the moment he'd woken up, Hoseok was itching to get his hands on them, to begin reading, but every time that he so much as let his fingers slip through the leather bounded pages, he'd hear Seokjin coming into his room, disturbing any form of progress Hoseok wanted to make.

It was frustrating. It was as if seokjin knew that something had happened and how he was entering Hoseok's room at the most inconvenient times to ensure that what he was doing was what Seokjin deemed to be appropriate. Hoseok made a mental note in his head to kick out Seokjin the moment he got the chance, but the chance never came.

YJ hadn't returned yet, much to Hoseok's disappointment. As the hours thinned out the day, replaced by night, Hoseok had yet to see a trace of him. He was given his medicine, which Hoseok had managed to successfully throw away, and when he returned from the bathroom, he anxiously peered out the window. Seokjin noticed, looking at him strangely.

"You keep looking out the window," Seokjin commented, "Is everything alright?"

Hoseok smiled. "Just nervous, my love."

Foreign, even though Hoseok knew he'd addressed Seokjin like that many times before. Even saying those words stung. It didn't feel right anymore, making Hoseok feel queasy to his stomach, but it was fine because Seokjin was quick to believe them. Pet names that meant absolutely nothing to Hoseok, ones that meant the world to Seokjin— opposites and still stuck to the same place.

"About?"

Seokjin gently massaged Hoseok's back, smiling softly as he continued to gaze lovingly at Hosoek. Hoseok pressed his lips together, trying to come up with a plausible lie.

"Coronation," Hoseok whispered. "This war. Everything. It's starting to feel real."

"You have nothing to worry about," Seokjin murmured in Hoseok's ear, pressing a kiss against his earlobe softly. "You have me. I'm not leaving you. We'll fix this together."

"What are we waiting for?" Hoseok asked, clearing his throat. "In terms of coronation. I'm surprised it hasn't already been done."

Seokjin sighed. "Your father wants to catch the Purebloods to ensure that we won't be interrupted like last time."

Hoseok cocked his head, confused. "Last time?"

"Well, yeah," Seokjin ran his fingers through Hoseok's hair. "They interrupted our wedding, remember?"

Hoseok did not.

"It's okay; we managed to get them to leave," Seokjin hummed, feeling Hoseok's tensed stance. "We just want to make sure you stay with us."

"You told me that we had a private ceremony," Hoseok said, turning his face towards Seokjin. "That we didn't have our public wedding yet."

Seokjin stilled.

"Are you lying to me, Seokjin?" Hoseok asked, fully facing Seokjin. "How would you forget the state of our wedding?"

Seokjin pressed his hand against Hoseok's forehead. "You're burning up, sweetheart. Maybe it's time for you to rest."

"That doesn't answer my question," Hoseok protested as Seokjin gently pushed Hoseok onto his bed. "Seokjin, answer me!"

"Hoseok, I'm trying to protect you," Seokjin grimaced. "I don't want to alarm you of such tragic memories. Now, stop asking me. I won't tell you. You don't know what you're talking about right now. Go to sleep."

"So you're lying to me," Hoseok scoffed, pushing Seokjin's arms away. "Stop tucking me in like a child and tell me what's going on. You're lying to me about something."

"I would never lie to you, Hoseok," Seokjin stated carefully. "You're delusional if you think that."

But as Seokjin's eyebrow twitched, Hoseok knew that Seokjin was lying to him.

"Liar," Hoseok hissed, sitting up. "You think I don't know your telltale signs. I can see right through you. Tell me."

Seokjin's face hardened.

"Goodnight, Hoseok."

Without another word, Seokjin left the room. Hoseok immediately jumped up, stumbling a bit to chase after him, but as he heard the door to his room lock from the outside, he screamed. He hit the door with his hand, yelling curses at Seokjin. He didn't know why Seokjin was making him feel irrationally angry, but he could feel the tears starting to water in his eyes.

Seokijn had been caught red-handed.

He'd lied straight to Hoseok's face about something as important as a wedding. Could that mean that they hadn't been married at all? If Seokjin had ever been telling the truth, then he wouldn't have mixed up his stories. Seokjin was a good liar, but Hoseok could tell. He could tell with Seokjin's actions that he was being lied to.

What the hell was happening?

"Calm down, Hoseok, you're going to break the door."

Hoseok turned to the sound of the voice, a smile widening in his features as he noticed a familiar figure.

"Jungkook."

Jungkook stepped into the room. Next to him was YJ, who was grinning madly. There were bags under YJ's eyes, ones that weren't there before, which was adding to his maddening complexion, but Hoseok felt relieved at seeing familiar faces.

"So Seokjin lied to you," Jungkook mused, stepping closer to Hoseok. "What else is new? I told you I didn't like him."

"Hoseok, we're back!" YJ exclaimed, slurring his words slightly. "I'll be taking your bed in the meantime. We brought snacks, though! You have a busy night ahead of you."

"Busy night?" Hoseok inquired, looking at YJ curiously. Jungkook smiled.

"Now that I'm here, the real party can begin," Jungkook winked. "I heard you've missed me, Seok. Is that true?"

Hoseok stepped away from the door before running into Jungkook's arms, hugging him fiercely. The latter was taken by surprise, but he laughed, hugging Hoseok back carefully. YJ watched the interaction, smiling softly, as he walked towards Hoseok's bed, lying on the mattress. Jungkook pulled away briefly, sighing at YJ's actions.

"He's exhausted," Jungkook explained. "He stayed up all night and day trying to figure out how to get me here. I told him I could handle being here by myself, but YJ insisted on being here just in case we had to teleport somewhere else quickly."

"I'm not going to sleep anytime soon," Hoseok sighed, looking at YJ's already sleeping state. "I don't think anyone's coming in here for the rest of the night. Seokjin knows I'll just tell him to leave."

Jungkook smirked. "I'd like to see that."

"You've never seen me yell at Seokjin before," Hoseok rolled his eyes. "That'd be so entertaining for you."

"Listen, Hoseok; I haven't been truthful with you," Jungkook sighed. Hoseok nodded. "You know I'm on the Purebloods' side, but you don't really know why."

"Yeah," Hoseok responded, arching an eyebrow. "I couldn't figure out why you would join the supposed enemy if you're one of us."

"That's because I am not one of you," Jungkook said, pressing his lips together. "I'm one of them."

Hoseok gulped, immediately understanding. "At least you're being honest now."

Jungkook nodded. "I was sent to infiltrate the palace for the Purebloods, back when you were a prominent enemy. That's why they're telling you to forget about me. I helped the Purebloods get to you. I won't apologize for my actions, but I will apologize for lying to you. I'm sorry, Your Highness."

Hoseok silenced at the weight of Jungkook's words. He could see the sincerity in Jungkook's expression, hear the low strain in his voice. Jungkook's head hung low, almost as if in a shameful bow. Hoseok scoffed, shaking his head. While he couldn't say that he was happy with the development, at least Jungkook was being honest with him for us.

"You're fine," Hoseok said, smiling. "I don't understand why, but I know that it must have been necessary. You're a trustworthy person."

Jungkook smiled. "Thank you, Hoseok. We got off on the wrong foot last time, and I wanted to make things right."

Hoseok had no clue what Jungkook was talking about.

"How much do I know about you?" Hoseok asked, eyebrow raised. Jungkook looked up at him, shaking his head.

"Nothing," Jungkook responded. "But, you could. Have you read anything yet?"

"No," Hoseok pouted. "Seokjin kept appearing every time I was starting to. They're in my drawers."

In a flash, Jungkook had grabbed a book, speedily flipping through the pages. Hoseok stared wide eyed, trying to wrap his head around how comfortable Jungkook was being. It was weird to refer to Jungkook as a vampire, but from the looks of it, that's exactly what it was. There were many more questions lingering in his brain, but he decided not to ask them. Instead, he waited until Jungkook gave him the book.

"My section starts here," Jungkook said. "I'll be here making sure you don't lose yourself."

"You're really going to let me read about you?"

The question sounded strange. Hoseok had never expected Jungkook to be in a history book, much less telling him to read his history. It felt somewhat intrusive, but from the relaxed expression on Jugnkook's face, Hoseok knew that it was okay.

"I know everything about you, Hoseok," Jungkook said, crossing his arms. "It's only fair that you learn about me. I'll be here when you're done."

Section II: JEON JUNGKOOK'S AWAKENING

As Hoseok began to read, the scenery around him started to fade. He felt everything dissolve into pitch black, but he kept reading, letting the words integrate into his head until he could finally open his eyes and see the scenery before him.

The first thing he felt was the cold gust of wind that blew into his face. Hoseok shivered, taking one step forward, cringing slightly at the sound of twigs snapping because of his feet. He looked around as if he was looking for someone, though he didn't know what. When his eyes finally locked with someone, he felt his lips widen, a sigh of relief passing through his lips.

"You showed, Kim Namjoon."

Namjoon stepped out of the shadows, his red eyes glinting dangerously as he neared Hoseok. Though Hoseok's first reaction would have been to step back, he found himself going forward. There was no fear in his decision, only relief and an urge for peace.

"When my brother told me there was a commander wanting to speak with us, I was expecting someone more...dangerous," Namjoon said, expression remaining neutral. "What is it you want to speak about? I hope this is not a trap. If it is, it will be your blood staining the purity of the snow."

Hoseok shook his head quickly, voice sounding frantic as he spoke, "I want to help save them. My people are dying, and I need your help."

Silence.

And then, Namjoon smiled.

"Tell me everything, Jeon Jungkook."

a/n: jk's story up next <3 not putting it in this chapter b/c we are at 3k, hehe, but i needed a transition, so here we go! thought i would provide some background though, and go more into depth with their abilities (considering that i didn't thoroughly explained this)

did want jk to make amends (even if hoseok doesn't properly remember), bc jk is still a big softie, even though he tryna put on a brave face. 

remember, everything i write is on purpose (;

saw that we are at 10k, and i'm in so much disbelief like WHERE DID HUH YOU GUYS COME FROM IM GLKJDDLKJFHDF THANK YOU SO MUCH FOR SUPPORTING ILYSM ❤️❤️❤️ ABOUT TO YEET AWYA RAH

tysm for continuing to read and support! wouldn't be here without you <3