HAPPY NEW YEAR!!!! HERE YOU GO!
There's a better AN at the end but I didn't want to make you guys wait any longer! Just wanna say that the next update could take just as long so to those who are still around (thank you so much I don't know what I did to deserve y'all and I really am sorry for the wait), you can choose to wait for the next update to read them together! Leaving that up to you!

—•

The three elves landed on their feet back in the palace once they jumped through that portal. Namjoon had somehow been there at that exact time, ready to bombard them with questions all about their trip. Taehyung didn't give away too much, he hadn't told Yoongi and Jimin what had went down either. He was able to avoid the questions when he told them he wanted to see Jeongguk first, which was true.

"Well before you do, I have something for you, your highness," Namjoon stopped him and pulled out a bottle of a clear liquid from his pocket that seemed to be able to carry and infinite amount of things. "We were finally able to get a hold of some elbama leaves. A much better potion," He handed the bottle over to Taehyung who accepted it carefully.

"Side effects free but I don't know if it'll work or to what extent it will erase the late king's spell," Namjoon explained and Taehyung's lips curved into a smile as he realized what it was. He opened the bottle and brought it to his lips.

"Oh, you're doing it right now," Jimin said, excited.

"Nothing to lose, right?" Taehyung said a received a nod from Namjoon. Taehyung nodded back and tipped the bottle over, not leaving a drop.

He smacked his lips a couple times. "I'm not really feeling anyth–"

A sudden wave of emotions went through Taehyung like electric shock. He wasn't getting the memories one by one like flashes of a dreams, they were just all back. He just knew, he just had them and the memories were there.

The memories of him being spoiled rotten by Namjoon and Jimin, sneaking around with Jeongguk, Uncle Taewon showing him cool little tricks, his mother's funeral, hiding behind his father as Taewon talked about how Taehyung will grow up to be just like him, the closed windows and endless days stuck in a room in fear of what used to be one of his favourite elves in the whole wide world and much more. They weren't all clear, he was so young after all, but Taehyung understood a little why his father decided to take away his memories. Taehyung didn't know if would've had the courage to stand up against his uncle after going through all of that.

He also knew he wasn't supposed to come back. Jimin was told to never reveal the truth to him until the King tells him so. He remembered how tightly his father had hugged him. Jaewon whispered into his ear, "I don't know if what I'm doing is right, I'm sorry Taehyung-ah. Be a good elf– a good boy now, okay? Your friend Jimin will help you. I love you, Taehyung," before he placed a hand over his head and took it all away.

"King Taehyung," all three of the elves were at his side with worried expression. Taehyung took in a breath and nodded, regaining his balance.

He wiped away the few tears that had slipped. A part of Taehyung wished he had gotten them back sooner. Among the the painful moments, there were also the happiest moments of his life. Especially A moment with Jeongguk he remembered as clear as day. Honestly, most of what he remembered included Jeongguk. The pouty boy filled a lot of mind.

"I need to go see Jeongguk," he said with a smile that spread to the other's out of relief.

"He's been moved to you two's chamber," Namjoon said and Taehyung quickly thanked him, for the information and the potion. He stopped in his tracks and turned back. He gave wrapped his arms around the elf and pulled him into a long overdue hug for the role he has played in the young prince's life. Namjoon was surprised at first but returned the embrace. When they pulled back, no words were needed to be said and Taehyung scurried off to see the ice elf.

When he entered the room, Jeongguk was hurriedly covering himself with a blanket.  He turned to the door and the tight fake smile he had on instantly faded away to be replaced with a real one.

"You're back," Jeongguk said softly and Taehyung nodded, walking over to him.

The elf sat at the side of his bed and placed his hands on his shoulder. "How are you feeling?" Taehyung asked and Jeongguk sighed, wrapping his arms around Taehyung's waist and pulled him in for a hug.

"Namjoon told me what happened after I... Before you say it, I know what I did seemed stupid, but it wasn't. I wanted to protect you, I didn't care about the price. I don't regret it and I'd do it again," Jeongguk said and Taehyung pulled back to look at him.

"But I am sorry," Jeongguk continued. "For breaking our promise and for worrying you."

Taehyung shook his head. "I would've done the same for you, it wouldn't be fair for me to hold your stupid, yes, no matter what you say, it was stupid, decision against you when I would've done the same. But god, never scare me like that again!"

Jeongguk smiled again. He connected their lips together for a brief moment, only pulling back to hold Taehyung in his arms tightly again.

"Now what were you doing out of bed when you're supposed to be on bedrest?" Taehyung asked and Jeongguk rolled his eyes,

"Not you too. Everyone's been checking up on me, I barely get time to exercise and practice magic," Jeongguk said.

"Your gift..." Taehyung trailed, hoping Jeongguk would understand.

"Still there. Namjoon and Jimin also tried to help me try to change my age but it seemed that we don't have the same affect. Oh! Namjoon has this silly little theory, because there's always a price that comes with these things, that if you're unhappy, I'll die again."

Taehyung pulled him back again. "Hey, don't say that."

"What, there has to be some kind of effect," Jeongguk said and Taehyung sighed.

"You lied to me," Taehyung changed the subject and Jeongguk furrowed his brows.

"What?"

"When I asked you if I promised to marry you or something when we were children," Taehyung explained.

Jeongguk's lips parted, mouth hanging open. "You have your memories."

"Ah, so you also remember!" Taehyung exclaimed and Jeongguk bit his lip to hold back the smile. Taehyung almost cooed at the blushing elf.

"We were just dumb kids, it doesn't count don't worry," Jeongguk started but Taehyung shook his head.

"Unlike you, I very well intend to keep my promises," Taehyung said and before Jeongguk could even question what that meant, Taehyung reached into the pocket of his robe and pulled out a rectangular box.

He carefully opened the box, revealing a clear ring bordered by gold, one had a piece of a blue branch encapsulated in it and the other had a bluer tone. 

"So that's where that went, thought I lost it in the field," Jeongguk muttered.

"You wore it to the fight," Taehyung recalled as he had done it himself. "Sorry I took it off. I asked for these to be made before I went to Earth."

"How did the mission go?" Jeongguk asked, looking up from the rings.

"You're seriously going to ask me about that when I'm holding two very important rings?" Taehyung and Jeongguk laughed, covering his mouth with his hand to stop himself.

"Sorry, go on," Jeongguk said and Taehyung rolled his eyes with a smile. There was never a normal moment for these two.

"When I thought I lost you forever, I could only think about all the memories I still had to create with you. I wanted to build a family with you, run our kingdom together, be happy and in love for the rest of our lives, but it all came crashing down in that one second. I've realized how precious our time together is and I won't put this off for any longer. My heart is and always will be yours, there is no doubt in my mind about that."

Jeongguk's eyes began to tear up, no matter how hard he tried to fight against it. So did Taehyung's as he recalled having his lover's limp body in his arms. Jeongguk placed a hand over Taehyung's cheek, giving him the warmth to continue.

"Jeongguk Jeon, will you marry me?" Taehyung asked, pulling out Jeongguk's ring.

Jeongguk nodded first. "I want to to build a family with you too, ever since you painted that beautiful future for me on the balcony that night. I was afraid of how deep my heart desired it. I don't think I've wanted anything as much as I want this life with you, Taehyung. Of course I'll marry you."

Taehyung smiled wide as he slipped on the ring to his his finger. Jeongguk took a hold of the other in the box and slid it over Taehyung's. He set the box aside and embraced Jeongguk again, followed by a sweet kiss.

"You just made me the happiest elf on Elvador," Taehyung said against the younger's lips.

"Great! Gotta do what I gotta do to stay alive," Jeongguk joked.

Taehyung rolled his eyes again, capturing his lips once more before pushing him down on the bed. They laid down together, just staring into each other's eyes wanting the moment to last forever. It was crazy to think that not too long ago, Taehyung shamelessly flirted with Jeongguk just to get him riled up. Jeongguk would then tell him to concentrate on their training or scold him on his childish behaviour. Now they were there, at the end of war after facing so much, back in their peaceful world and very much in love. Jeongguk's eyes glowed blue, the brightest its glowed. So bright that Jeongguk could see it in Taehyung's eyes too.

"You're really in love with me, huh?" Taehyung whispered, playing with the ends of Jeongguk's hair. It had gotten much longer than the first time they met. So much has changed from that first meeting.

"Did you need my eyes to confirm that?" Jeongguk replied and Taehyung nodded.

"Well you did seem to hate me the first time we met," Taehyung said and Jeongguk couldn't help but smile.

"I didn't hate you," Jeongguk said in a sing-song tone. "I'd never hate you. I just didn't expect you to be so flirtatious. And, I was, you know, nervous to meet you again after all those years," the younger explained and exhaled a loud sigh. "Scared you wouldn't like the elf I'd grown to be."

"Boy were you wrong," Taehyung, pressing a kiss to his fiance's cheek because why not. "Very wrong. I love you."

Jeongguk chuckled. "As do I, my love," he said, connecting their lips again but this time, he didn't have any plans to pull away.

•—•—•

Taehyung walked down the dungeon halls with a straight posture, preparing himself for the elf he was about to face. The elf that had taken almost everything from him, nearly Jeongguk too. He was the reason he'd been sent to Earth in the first place. Namjoon followed right behind him but had no intention to the enter the room with him. He opened the door and Namjoon closed it for him.

Behind the protective transparent barrier was Zorock sitting on a bench reading a book as if he hadn't just lost a war. He flipped the page but Taehyung could tell he stopped reading.

"Where'd you get the book, Uncle Zuro?" Taehyung asked and he saw the physical shift in the man's expression.

"You remember," the elf whispered, closing the book and setting it to the side. It was among the few memories Taehyung could see clearly. Probably at the age of four, he was surprised he even remembered. They would play pretend where Taehyung was the superhero who beats up supervillain Zorock, except he couldn't say Zorock properly, and saves the kingdom.

Taehyung nodded, approching the window. "Took the game a little too literally, don't you think?"

That got a good chuckle out of Taewon and for him to finally look at the King. "While my brother was yelling at the top of his lungs, demanding why I was trying to destroy everything, you came running from the hands of your mother. You said, 'Don't worry dad, I got this, I always win against the supervillain Zorock. Super Taehyung, to the rescue.' I guess game over, you won."

Taehyung gulped, he had slight sight of that memory. It was the first time he was able to pronounce the name. He chose not to reply, wondering how a child could be that naive.

"Was sent in with my food," Taewon then said, lifting the book up before putting on the bench and standing up. "It's about this elf who goes through a series of conflicts where he realizes how precious family and love is."

"Doesn't sound like your style," Taehyung said and Taewon remained silent.

"Why'd you kill my mom?" Taehyung's been wanting to know since he got back his memories of the kind elf. He missed her so much.

Taewon's face hardened and he looked away. "I didn't."

"Excuse me?"

"I didn't," he repeated. "Your aunt did. I didn't know until after she approached me. I would never do such a thing, she's one of the few who believed in me. I was furious, but what was done had been done. She proposed a deal to help me if she let the blame fall on me and I took it."

Taehyung stepped away from him, taken aback from the new piece of information. He'd already felt betrayed for what she had done but he could still somewhat understand she did it to feed her hunger for power and for her son. To go as far as killing your own sister? Taehyung didn't even know how to react. To think he'd been eating at the same table as a murderer. Of his mother no less.

"You weren't supposed to come back," Taewon changed the subject. "Brother wanted you to be hidden from this world after he saw what they did to me. Your advisor believed otherwise, I assume."

Taehyung wetted his dry lips. "You did this to yourself. Even if he didn't know, my advisor made the right call," he said before turning around and heading towards the door.

"Tell your advisor he's got a terrible taste in literature," he said just before Taehyung left. Namjoon looked at Taehyung, silently asking if everything was alright.

Taehyung gave him a small smile, obviously fake but Namjoon knew it was one where Taehyung didn't want to be questioned about it as of yet.

"As much as I hate him, I still hope he could change. Then he could start to actually feel guilty for the rest of his life in there. You should also go talk to him, I'd rather not become the messenger," Taehyung said and Namjoon's eyes widened. "I can go back on my own," Taehyung added before patting the side of the older's shoulder and heading out. He went to see Linda before he left.

Taehyung stared blankly into his aunts cell. He could see her but the elf couldn't see him. She sat the corner, hugging her knees. She looked as if she hadn't gotten sleep in days and her clothing had gotten dirty as she had refused to change into normal prisoner wear. Linda denied to see anyone, just once her son. Although Prince Jin had no desire to visit her, he needed answers. She kept going on and on about how her sister was always favoured and that it wasn't fair she got such a grand life.

He didn't know why he seemed to hate her more than than Taewon at that very moment even though what they both did isn't too far off from each other. Despite the fact that Linda was to blame for only one death, before the war at least, when Taewon's list went on. Maybe it was because even though Taewon's goal was to also only steal his brother's throne, he hadn't purposefully targeted his life to get it. Or maybe because he saw the potential in Taewon to be better. There was no going back for her.

Namjoon turned to the door and took in a deep breath before he placed his hand on the door handle. With a little twist, the door was opened.

"Back so soon, little troublemaker?" Taewon asked without looking up from his book. Namjoon let the door close behind him with replying. Taewon's head snapped up hearing silence.

"You," Taewon said and got up, rapidly approaching the window. "You ruined everything. I was so close. And with such a measly little thing."

"You'll thank me one day for stopping you from making a terrible mistake," Namjoon said and Taewon rolled his eyes, turning his head to the side with a groan.

"You could've just pushed me away, hit me with one of your spells. You're just using me as an excuse for having seconds thoughts."

"How's that elf?" Taewon ignored him and Namjoon shot a brow up.

"The one who jumped in."

"Alive, nearly didn't make it," Namjoon said and call him crazy but he saw a bit of relief in the younger. He wanted believe the Taewon he fell in love with is still there. The one who would've put the life of his people before his own.

Taewon turned his head back and the scowl on his disappeared, replaced with a frown. "Don't look at me like that."

"Like what."

"Like–" Taewon searched for the right words to say but he just couldn't describe that feeling. "Like you're still in love with me."

Namjoon's breath hitched. Was it that obvious? Even so, Taewon should've known his feelings ran too deep to be forgotten.

Taewon shook his head. "Fuck," he cursed under his breath, blinking rapidly. "How the fuck did I get here?" he muttered, letting his forehead fall against the clear window. "Fuck." He shut his eyes. "It wasn't supposed to be like this."

Maybe it was just false hope again but Namjoon heard a bit of regret behind his words. He walked closer to the barrier. Hesitantly, he rested it forehead against where Taewon banged his on.

"This could change," Namjoon whispered. Taewon opened his eyes, meetings Namjoon's. He didn't flinch, or step away, or look disgusted. It's been years but the closeness was still familiar. Afterall, Namjoon wasn't the only one still in love.

"No it can't," he whispered.

•—•—•

"Look who's here," the elf said cheerfully as he opened the door for Taehyung and let him come in while the younger elf followed behind closely. Taehyung smiled and embraced his father for a long-awaited hug. His mother quickly came behind and got her turn with her son.

"Thought you forgot about us," Marie joked pulling away.

"I'm sorry, I've been so busy. I missed you both," Taehyung said and stepped back. He had last come to visit them before casting the shield spell just in case something went wrong.

"Ah, Jeongguk is also here, welcome to our home" Dave said leading them all to the living room.  They've never gotten the chance to have the proper "meet the parents" but all their little encounters thus far have given them a good impression of each other.

"Thank you, Mr. Bennet," Jeongguk said, taking a seat beside Taehyung while his parents sat in front of him. He had been nervous the entire trip there but Taehyung managed to calm down his nerves.

"Oh, please, call me Dave."

"And Marie. Do you prefer shiokio tea or ackapot tea?" she asked, ready to get up and make them all a cup.

"After, mom. We have something to ask from you both," Taehyung said and the two looked at each other with a curious smile before turning back to the young couple.

Taehyung grabbed Jeongguk's hand and held it within his as they stood up. "We'd like your blessing on our engagement," Jeongguk said the line he had been practicing all night. Taehyung had cover his mouth with his hand as the low mutters kept him up as well. They knew it was more common to ask before proposing but they still wanted their blessing.

Marie and Dave's face had instantly brightened up as they broke out into big smiles. "I- This is amazing-
Of course, we're so happy for you both," Dave said getting up with Marie to give them both a celebratory hug.

"Oh our baby is growing up," Marie said, tearing up. She hugged Jeongguk and heldhim by his forearm when they pulled back. "I promise my son will take good care of you. I've taught him a thing or two about keeping a happy husband, don't worry," she said and Jeongguk chuckled while nodding.

They stayed for a little longer, had their tea, and talked more about what the marriage would look like. Later on in the day, when they returned to the palace, they told the special news to the rest of Leonava. They were all, as expected, very excited for the couple and they had sorta already guess with the rings. Namjoon thought it would also be good for the the whole kingdom for a royal wedding. An occasions like that would be just what is needed to lift the mood.

Taehyung and Jeongguk grabbed Jimin to the side to pop another question. "Will you be Jeongguk's best elf?" he asked and Jimin couldn't stop jumping. Taehyung would've asked him to be his but there was another elf he so dearly wanted to be a part of it all.

Taehyung went to find Prince Jin as he wasn't in the room. He'd been a little distanced since finding out his mother's true colours. From what Taehyung could tell, he was more afraid of being associated with his mother's malicious intentions rather than his mother being a traitor. He seemed to cope through that pretty well though, casting her aside for what she had done.

"Your highness," Jin said, getting up from the seat on his desk and bowed.

"Since when did you do that, Prince Jin?" Taehyung asked and Jin's lips curved into a small smile.

"I don't deserve that title. I never did," Jin said and Taehyung frowned. He walked over a took a seat at the edge of the table so that he was right beside him.

"You do. You have as much rights as me here. You've done so much for your people. Remember which elf had gone to the front lines and risked his life? You are Prince Jin of Saphia and nothing can change that."

Jin's smile got a bit more wider, more real. "Thank you, it really means a lot coming from you."

Taehyung nodded. "Anyways, I came here to discuss other matters."

Jin's face instantly fell and Taehyung realized how that could've sounded to him. He was expecting the king to bring up his mother.

"I proposed to Jeongguk," Taehyung said and Jin gasped, his eyes lighting up.

"What did he say? Well– that's obvious, it's a yes of course. Oh, this great! Congratulations." Jin grabbed his cousin to give him a hug that Taehyung gladly return.

"I'd like you to be my best elf," Taehyung said and Jin abruptly pulled away from the hug.

"What?"

"My best elf."

Jin could only blink back at the younger. "Are you serious?"

"Of course, you're my cousin and more importantly, one of my dearest friend and well wisher. Are you saying no?"

"Of course I'd love to be your best elf, it's just so surprising. What about Jimin?"

"I wanted it to be you. I've already talked to him, he's absolutely fine with it and Jeongguk wanted to make him his best elf. No worries."

Jin released a breath of relief and nodded with a smile. "That's good. You really wanted me?"

Taehyung nodded with a grin as he saw some of the warmth he'd always seen in Jin return.  

"Also, I got some of my memories with you back."

Jin clapped his hands together. "Ah, so you took the potion! I was really worried."

The two continued to talk more about their childhood and Jin helped him clear up some of the more fuzzy memories. They laughed and reminisced and Taehyung would like to say he tore down the little bit of wall that Jin had been starting to build up.

Then it came to their last stop for personal invitations: their parents' graves. They needed their blessings too, after all. They visited Mr. and Mrs. Jeon first. Jeongguk had a casual conversation as if they were standing in front him. From what Taehyung remembered, General Jeon gave the best piggy-back rides.

"You were right dad, we're going to be best friends forever," Jeongguk said as a tear slipped and Taehyung held his hand more tightly.

At the late King and Queen's grave, Taehyung couldn't hold it in. He broke down on his knees while Jeongguk tried to comfort him by his side. Now that he actually remembered them, their warm smiles and loving words, Taehyung would do anything to see them again. Would do anything to have his father to take him on pegasus rides or hear his mother sing him a lullaby one more time.

He realized neither him or Jeongguk had the time they deserved with their parents.

"They'd be so proud of you, my love," Jeongguk whispered and Taehyung cried harder.

—•
IM ALIVE!!!
I'm so sorry for the wait guys, there's really nothing I could say to make up for the months of time it took to put this out.

Even though they won't see this, another sorry those who actually enjoyed this fic but dropped it cause of the long wait (which I totally understand)!

Here is somewhat of an explanation! I'm a senior in high school now! Yay! But, that also means uni apps :((( I really want to concentrate on my essay + portfolio + interviews + a bunch of other stuff my choices are asking and make sure my grades are as best as they could be. I hope you can understand!

Other than that, the next chapter will be the end! It might take a while, which I am once again very very sorry for, so a big shoutout to my dedicated readers who will hang around for that <333
+ Fun fact, this was supposed to be the last chapter but I realized there's a lot more that needed to be wrapped off loool

Bye<3