A/N: ^generic, I know, I just really love the beat of this song and was listening to it when I was writing lol also, welcome to the emotional rollercoaster

The cold stopped briefly in a backstreet, shedding their cold-weather gear, striping to tank tops, pants, and running shoes. Jaehee slicked her hair back into a ponytail, a determined look on her face.

Yoosung unpinned his hair, tousled it, then walked to the front to stand by Saeran, who was handing their prisoner over to Zen. 

"Hey," he said quietly, and Saeran glanced over.

"Hey, you." He smiled tightly.

Yoosung could tell he was nervous. "It's gonna be okay," he reassured the leader.

"I know, it's just... please be careful, alright?"

"I will, you too. Do you think we'll see Saeyoung?" He asked the last part soft enough that only Saeran could hear. Saeran's face twisted into an odd expression.

"Maybe," he said simply.

They took off at a run, the whole group following quickly in suit.

The warm humidity settled over their bodies as they jogging through the streets. The giant heat lamps that were far above on the ceiling were off, as they powered down at curfew, but the heat still remained.

The Cold's feet hit the stones with light taps, and they began passing the residential houses. Their dark shapes moved through the allies with ease.

It was a few minutes later that Yoosung caught a glimpse of a night dweller. He gulped and reported it quietly to Saeran.

"We're getting close to Mortem then?"

Yoosung nodded. He knew these streets. He'd been walking on them for years, especially at night.

One more turn... Saeran stopped short at the entrance of Mortem Avenue.

Night dwellers and Vendors looked up. The Cold halted as well, gazing uneasily at the supernatural beings.

The street was long and narrow, lined with stands. The Vendors looked like humans, but their skin was black, as if it had been covered in soot, and there was little to no light in their eyes. They didn't look scary so much as irrevocably sad.

That was the fault of the dwellers. Tall,
black shapes with luminous white eyes that leaked a milky white substance. They had no other facial features, but their long-fingered hands were usually clasped in front of their chests, as if they were begging for something.

Night dwellers fed on life. They sucked the happiness out of someone until the human was a night dweller as well.

Yoosung turned to Saeran. "We need to be quick, and silent. Noise sets them off. I say we go straight down the middle in single file."

"Alright." 

The night dwellers stared at the group, eyes glowing. 

"Single file, silent," Saeran passed over the group. "Ready?" He gazed wearily at the dwellers. "Go."

Saeran launched into the street, and Yoosung followed close behind, the Cold snaking through the entrance of Mortem Avenue like a snake. 

The vendors began calling out immediately, unearthly shrieks and groans, pointing at them and wailing. The noise riled the dwellers up even more than before, and they reared their heads at the passing Cold, never once making a sound of their own. They reached out with clawed fingers, catching on clothing and hair.

The Cold members felt their endurance begin to sink as the dwellers ate away at their energy. Saeran pushed himself into a flat-out sprint, urging his legs to move faster. They couldn't stop, never stop running on Mortem Avenue or you're as well as dead. 

Vendors hissed at them as they flew past, faces grotesque, gnashing their black teeth angrily. Yoosung knew that he had seen some of these people in the courtroom, yet had done nothing to stop their punishment. His heart ached at the fact that he could never save them. It was his fault they were here. Yoosung fought back against his mind and pushed himself to run faster. 

The end of the street was in sight now, but still a long way off. The dwellers were getting frighteningly aggressive, white eyes growing brighter with hunger, like beacons. Yoosung felt the scratch of nails on his back and he stumbled, almost collapsing from the sudden, intense fatigue. 

They were nearing the end of the street now, except the largest, burliest night dweller that Yoosung had ever seen was standing in the way, eyes dripping luminescent, pearly tears. Saeran rushed forward, grabbing his dagger from his belt, and stabbed the dweller in the arm. The being froze, recoiled, and then fell to the ground, clutching his arm. 

Saeran shuddered as it silently crumpled, only holding it's limb limply as it bled the same silver substance. 

Cold members tumbled into the square, wheezing for breath as they crossed the threshold of Mortem. The night dwellers could not follow them into Central Square, and they glared angrily at the Cold before drifting forlornly back to the vendors. Yoosung heaved a sigh of relief.

Saeran let the effects of the dwellers wear off for a few minutes, but then called the members back together. 

"We go straight down the center of the North District," he pointed behind him to the giant brick-and-stone castle. "As I'm sure you all know, I'm not really one for detailed plans. We're not going for stealth, really, once we get in. Knock out as many guards as you can. That way, when we get to Jumin, he's completely helpless. Make it up as you go, and make good choices. I trust you all with our lives. Let's not waste this only chance." Saeran spoke quickly and softly to the Cold before grinning. "Let's go." 

...

Members crawled quickly over the gates to the castle, slipping deftly over the wrought-iron spiral posts. Two guards lay crumpled on the cobblestones in front of the gate, unconscious. 

"Split!" Saeran whisper-yelled, and the army dashed through the open front door, splitting off into fighting groups of 5 or 6 to different passageways. 

Yoosung, Saeran, Vanderwood, Jaehee, and Cylus stayed together.

"Which way?" Cylus asked quietly. 

"Yoosung, you know the layout of the castle better than any of us. Where should we go?" 

"Guard lounge," The blonde replied toughly, "That's where the guards go on break. If we take them down, no one can call for reinforcements."

"Lead the way."

...

Saeran was smiling. There Yoosung was, standing to his left, facing three opponents and kicking their asses. 

You've grown so much... You've learned... You've opened my heart and made a home for yourself with me. I'm addicted to you, in the best way. Yoosung... I love you."

Saeran tripped the last guard on him, turned to Yoosung, who was waiting, and kissed him quickly on the lips, keeping his eyes open to etch that beautiful violet into his mind. 

...

They were outnumbered. Yoosung was fighting back to back with Saeran, landing quick punches on guards as more replaced them. Saeran fought with his dagger, Cylus with a sickle, and Vanderwood had somehow dug up some nunchucks and was waving them around wildly while screeching profanities. Jaehee was in another room, but Yoosung could hear her fighting as well. 

Yoosung was heaving, face red, but more and more guards came at him, bloodying his fists with heir tough armor. 

They were overwhelmed in less than ten minutes, but not before leaving half of the guard's forces on the ground. 

The guards ripped Saeran from Yoosung, who cried out, and pinned their arms behind their back painfully, carting them out of the room. The others were forced to follow. 

...

Jumin was waiting for them at the top of the tower. He faced a window, hair slicked back and clothes immaculate in every crisp detail. 

"Hello, Cold. The rest of your warriors have been captured. They will be joining us shortly." He spoke softly. 

"How did you-" 

"Did you not think I would have spies around my city after I sent my messenger? I was updated on your every move." 

Saeran fumed at his stupidity. 

"Here we are~" Jumin hummed at a clamor and shouting that could be heard. Soon, yelling Cold members flooded through the doors, all struggling against their guards. Jumin turned and gazed at the group.

Vanderwood was on his knees, several guards around him with knives at his head. Jaehee was being held up by her ponytail, her face contorted in pain, a knife at her throat. Saeran was being held next to Yoosung, with handcuffs on, and Yoosung could feel the sharp point of a knife below his shoulder blade, directly behind his heart. 

Jumin walked towards Saeran, slowly, then turned to Yoosung, who glared back into those steely grey eyes. Jumin held eye contact with Saeran as he placed his hand over Yoosung's heart, then trailed his fingers down his small chest to his waistband. Yoosung flinched and looked away.

"Don't touch him," Saeran growled, thrashing. 

"Touchy, touchy," Jumin said silkily, cupping Yoosung's cheek in his hand. Yoosung bit back pain as guilt and sadness piled up on his chest. All this training... and for what? He wanted to apologize to Saeran, and the whole Cold too... he had been so confident that this would work...

Jumin walked around Yoosung slowly, then took him by the arm and led him forward, in front of the Cold. They were silent. 

"Kneel," he purred. Yoosung stayed standing. "Kneel or I'll kill your boyfriend." 

It was a weak, pathetic, threat, as Jumin would never be so stupid as to kill Saeran, who had valuable information, but one look at Saeran, motionless as he was held by the guards, the knife drawing beads of blood on his throat, made Yoosung drop to his knees. 

"I exiled you almost a year ago, in this very room. I thought I'd never have to see you again. You embarrassed me in front of my court, you defied my ruling, and you lost me one of my subjects, as the Joker went missing. You caused me enough trouble when you were a citizen, but now here you are again."

Jumin smiled, a toxic, deadly smirk, and placed a finger under Yoosung's chin to make him look up. 

"Here you are, a poor little boy, leading a tiny band of miscreant animals to try and what? Overtake the castle? Do you know, do you remember, what kind of punishment we would assign to a case like this, Yoosung Kim?"

Yoosung's eyes widened a fraction in fear. 

"Oh yes, you do remember." Jumin chuckled darkly. "And who am I, to deny you that right, hm? No, I mustn't go against the law, you know." Sarcasm seeped through his every word. 

Saeran hated the look on Jumin's face, that sick smirk that made Yoosung, his poor, beautiful Yoosung, cower in fear. Saeran struggled with every ounce of muscle he had to break free, but the guards held fast, the knife cutting a deepening sliver across his throat. 

"And what an audience, too! All your rebel buddies get to watch you, not to mention your loverboy over there. Personally, I think you have bad taste. Falling for a fake bad boy like him?Pft." Jumin watched in amusement as Saeran glowered at him, struggling forcefully against the guards. 

"Well, I don't want to bore any of you, so let's just got this done and over with."

Jumin pulled Yoosung up by the arm and dragged him over to what Saeran then realized was a hole in the wall, a window even. Jumin wouldn't... And then Saeran suddenly knew, Jumin would. 

Jumin stood a shaking Yoosung in front of the window, facing the crowd, and then turned to face the Cold, grinning manically. 

"You are beaten! You have lost! I will show not one of you mercy, no matter which kingdom you've traveled." He looked pointedly at Emille, who's chocolate-colored skin shone with sweat.

"No!" Saeran yelled, and tears were in his eyes as he pleaded Jumin, "Please, I'll do anything." Jaehee gasped, appalled at his surrender, not realizing what Jumin would do to Yoosung. "I'll give you anything, just don't hurt him."

Jumin merely taunted Saeran with a mock-apologetic smile, and turned back to Yoosung. 

"The downfall of your revolution!" Saeran screamed in agony as Jumin shoved Yoosung, from his chest. 

Yoosung's face was one of sadness, not of anger, or pain, just sadness, as he watched- in slow motion, his balance lost- Saeran break away from his guards to lunge for Yoosung, but by then he was already falling, arms outstretched, wanting to grab Saeran's image, wanting it to be the last picture in his mind. 

He fell from the window, the wind in his ears, and Saeran's beautiful mint eyes as his last goodbye. 

Saeran threw himself to the windowsill, blocking every sense out as Yoosung fell away into the mist, gone. 

The room was silent for a moment, and even Jumin was gazing at his hands, questioning his choice. 

But then the tower's silence was pierced by one noise, the clatter of metal falling to stone. The guard that held Jaehee had dropped his knife, and it now lay on the grey slabs of the floor.

Jaehee's broken sob turned into a fierce battle cry, as she grabbed the knife her guard had dropped and flashed it back across her taut ponytail gripped in the man's hand, cutting the thick, glossy strands off at the bottom, before stabbing back into the man's shoulder, then an elbow to the face sent him reeling to the ground.

She went to help the others, but they were already doing well on their own, voices raising. Yoosung's death, the death of their queen, the death of their king's lover, the loss of their hope, had given each individual a new, strong reason to fight, tears streaming down their faces as they were given a second chance to fight.

In the midst of it all, Saeran numbly sobbed by the window, mourning to the mist. No one noticed when six guards surrounded him and carried him to the dungeon. There he lay, in a cell, as the battle raged above him.

...

Days, then weeks, then months passed, and Saeran lay in the same corner of his cell, broken, being force-fed food he couldn't taste. His muscles softened from lack of use. He was done. He had lost.

He had lost his only love, he had lost his brother who he was never able to apologize to, he had lost the only family he had ever known, his kingdom. He didn't listen to the whispers of other prisoners. He had given up. 

...

MC pushed to wagon down the long, dark hallways of the dungeons, eyes scanning each prisoner. Near the end, she stopped, recognizing the figure she was looking for. He lay in a small, curled position in the back left-hand corner. His white hair and pale skin were almost brown with dirt and grime. His clothes were old, dirty, worn.

"Saeran," MC called softly. When he did not respond, she tried again, a bit louder. The man stirred, and two giant, glowing mint eyes blinked open slowly. Saeran did not speak to the strange girl with long hair and brown eyes that were nearly hidden by her long bangs. He didn't even notice the wagon in front of her. 

When she knew he was awake, or in some sort of similar state, she unlocked the cell to Saeran's right, which was empty, and then slowly dragged the wagon inside, all the while, Saeran's luminescent teal eyes followed her. 

MC was the keeper of the keys. She was the one who fed Saeran as she took care of all of the other prisoners. When the wagon was situated, MC walked out of the cell, locked the door, and then turned and walked away. 

Saeran was about to fall back and forget this whole encounter when he heard a slight ruffling from his right. His eyes opened again, and he slowly turned his head to the right. He hadn't noticed that there was something in the wagon before. He didn't move, just watched. 

The thing moved again, and Saeran noticed it was covered by a blanket. The thing shuddered again, but this time, Saeran noticed something in the dim light of the dungeon. It was the color yellow.

Saeran turned away, his heart throbbing painfully. Yoosung was yellow too. 

Saeran turned back, but his heart suddenly missed a beat. The blanket had slipped more. Saeran's eyes widened. The figure slowly unfurled itself, and the blanket fell away. Saeran's heart pounded. He wondered if he had died. This wasn't possible. Slowly, the figure's head turned to face Saeran.

It fell roughly from the wagon, crawling to the bars that separated the two of them. Saeran was frozen, tears streaming down his face. He hadn't spoken in 4 months, and now... 

Saeran unwound his limbs, and slowly worked his way over to the figure. He couldn't speak, at least not now. They were both crying. Their hands met through the bars, just barely touching before interlocking tightly, shaking as their fingers overlapped. 

Saeran reached his hand through the bars to rub over the figure's cheek, thumb over his lips, pressing his palm to his jaw to make sure he was real.

Yoosung was missing an eye, his arm in a crooked cast, and his hair was dirty and matted, but Saeran had never seen someone so beautiful in his entire life.

...

wow, this took a long time :P so here it is, my longest chapter so far, reaching just over 3000 words... holy shit XD I really hope that you guys liked this, and I apologize for being predictable and not being able to actually kill Yoosung (honestly, who could?) and so this is what ended up happening. this was sorta based off a video that i love too much, which is below. we're getting really close to the end of this story, so just hang on a bit more. thank you guys for supporting me so much, and ill be coming out with another chapter sometime in the next two weeks (im hella busy with stuff from school) but we should be done by mid-june ;) thank you for reading! 

(okay now go watch something happy bc this is really sad)