When Namjoon was told that they were heading towards his kingdom (Aarde) next, he was sure that his heart had tightened within his chest. He didn't know if it was because of possibly seeing a whole kingdom reflecting himself or the overwhelming responsibility of every single citizen on his shoulders but he was sure of one thing — it was going to be a journey that would change him the way Lucht changed Hoseok. Since they left the air kingdom, he noticed a certain sadness on Hoseok's face that even his bright demeanor could hide. Since Jungkook had taken back his position as Taehyung's first mate, Namjoon was now leaning on the railings of the deck, staring at the clouds in the sky.

Namjoon definitely noticed something different about Taehyung after he exited the captain's quarters. He seemed... more confident, more sure of himself and the tension between him and Yoongi seemed to have decreased during their short time alone. The earth gem bearer wasn't sure why but somehow, he felt that tension wasn't really gone but it was still there, buried underneath the importance of saving Vrede and everyone else (with the exception of himself and maybe Hoseok, who had stunning intuitive skills) were somewhat oblivious to this.

That aside, Namjoon had also witnessed Emily and Jin conversing at the other side of the deck, which ended up with them kissing. He didn't what had went on between them but he was sure that it had something to do with their relationship and that alone made him happy. It made him wonder if he would ever find a partner in the future.

"So," Jimin slid into the scene like a snake, leaning on the railings next to a contemplating Namjoon, who wasn't even surprised at his action. "What's up?"

"You always seem to be around when I'm bothered by something, Jimin," Namjoom chuckled, strands of his purple hair flying due to the wind. Just before Jimin could switch to an apologetic look, he spoke: "No, it's okay, I actually appreciate your company."

Jimin sighed in relief, cupping his face with both of his hands and squishing his cheeks. There was a moment of silence, the two only accompanied by the wind, before the thunder gem bearer spoke. "...Hey, Namjoon, I know that this is something weird to ask because we've only been in Vrede for a few days but... do you miss Earth? Do you miss home?"

Did he miss Earth? For Namjoon, it was a question that branched out into a thousand more. Earth, it was his home planet, where he had been born and raised by a loving family with the exception of his father — a family that he had accidentally killed. He knew that it had been completely unconscious, that he had no clue about his gem's activation, that it was something out of his control but he felt guilty since he knew he could have avoided it somehow. And even when he hadn't gone through all of his thoughts yet, he already knew the answer.

"It's a mix of both missing Earth and not, I guess," Namjoon turned around, leaning his back on the railing and crossing his arms over his chest. Jimin looked at him questionably with pouted lips, which urged the older to respond. "Earth... is my home, where my heart is, where I grew and learned so that attachment won't leave me no matter what. At the same time, people back there treat me as a bad person because of my status and they think that the moment I get out, I'll be doing something illegal. Nobody wants anything to do with a criminal right? So it's the same as not having anyone... But here in Vrede, all my sins were washed away because of this small gem and... it really makes me happy that I can finally be seen as myself and not as the man behind those bars."

Jimin hummed as a reply and Namjoon wasn't sure if that was a sign of agreement of not. He watched the younger boy shift his position to free his other hand, making it rest on one of his elbows. The wind blew once more and Namjoon wondered if Hoseok had anything to do with it or not. "I understand."

It took a moment for Namjoon to process Jimin's words. "Really?"

"Yeah," Jimin shrugged before he ran a hand through his orange hair. His eyes were solemn and Namjoon could tell that sad memories flashed through his mind at that moment. "It's not like I miss Earth but it's not like I prefer Vrede either. Back there, I was known as Park Jimin, an international star, an idol to most. It gives you the idea that I was always a happy boy, right? With all the fame and the money? It... wasn't like that all. Just like you, I had no family and not even Manager Kang could compensate for my loss. I had nobody to celebrate my success with."

Jimin paused, face contorted with absolute despair and Namjoon asked the younger to not touch the topic if it was too severe for him to talk about. The thunder gem bearer shook his head, determined to tell his story, and continued. "I was always exhausted to the point that my joints would give out but that really wasn't a big deal to me. It was the media, they were everywhere, watching every single move I made and just waited for me to do something wrong so it could spread across the world like wildfire. I gave myself a strict diet in fear of what others would think about my weight and would sometimes end up fainting. I couldn't do what I want, it made me think that I was a caged up animal. It... It wasn't worth the fame. It felt like I was in jail too. But even though Vrede made me feel otherwise, that people here think of me as thunder gem bearer Jimin and not idol Jimin... it still isn't home."

Namjoon realized that he and Jimin were different yet similar in other perspectives. They both had lost their families in situations that were out of their control and ended up blaming themselves for it. However, their images back in Earth were polar opposites — a criminal and a celebrity. Despite this, they were both caged up, both trapped in their own unhappiness, and due to this he understood Jimin even more. "...You didn't have to tell me all this, Jimin."

"I want to, Namjoon," Jimin mused after a moment of silence, curling his lips into a small smile. "Because I know that among everyone on this ship, you relate to me the most. We're friends, right? And friends know even the most intimate details about each other."

Friends. Namjoon wasn't really an expert when it came to making friends, especially because of his criminal status and how the other prisoners mistreated him for his crime. But, he guessed that he had found a friend within Jimin who, contrary to what he initially thought, actually went through something similar to him. "Yeah... yeah, of course we're friends, Jimin but... why did you ask something like that?"

Jimin blew a raspberry, finally standing up straight and stretching both of his arms, even kicking upwards, his foot almost his own cheek. Namjoon's jaw nearly dropped at how flexible he was then he remembered that he was a dancer. "I don't know, I have a feeling that we'll end up staying in Vrede permanently after reclaiming our kingdoms. I mean, if we become the Kings then we can't leave, right? Hoseok will have to leave Jia and his family behind... Jin, too. We'll basically live here."

Namjoon racked his brain and was suddenly overtaken by remorse when he realized that Jimin was right — they were going to have to stay in Vrede for the rest of their lives after all this is over. He didn't know if the others had realized it yet or if they've thought about it but he wasn't sure if he could take that responsibility and leave everything behind.

But, Namjoon also realized, there wasn't anything to leave behind on Earth.

"If it's what we need to do in order to bring peace in both Vrede and Earth, then it's a sacrifice we all have to make," Namjoon said with determination, which slightly caught Jimin off-guard.

Jimin attempted to reply, then his eyes shifted to the view beneath the ship, resulting in him putting on an expression of shock. Namjoon followed his gaze and gasped softly.

Contrary to Lucht's floating kingdoms, the landscape was now full of rocky mountains and formations, which pierced up to the sky, barely grazing bottom of the ship. Since they were high up, Namjoon could barely see the trees down below, which were covered by thick fog that nearly made him blind, his vision becoming useless. He nearly jumped when he felt a hand on his forearm but relaxed once he realized it was Jimin, who was trembling out of fear.

"I can't see a thing, Namjoon," Jimin whispered with a shaky voice.

"Just hold onto me, Jimin," Namjoon reached out and tried to pat Jimin's back but ended up ruffling his hair instead.

"Neuken, the fog is too thick," Despite how far away Namjoon was from the captain's deck, he still heard Taehyung grunt loudly. "Jungkook, could you help me out here?"

"I thought you could still see," A shuffle, followed by the sound of wings flapping. There was no doubt that it was Jungkook speaking.

"Just because I'm— Just because I bear the gem of darkness doesn't mean that I can see in the dark."

"Fine."

With that, a pillar of light shot out of Jungkook's palms, giving Namjoon and everyone else a better view of where they were really located. The earth gem bearer's heart stopped when he noticed a strange rock formation that branched out from a tall mountain, one that was heading closer to him by the second. If Jimin hadn't pulled him out of the way, he would have been smacked right in the face.

Both Namjoon and Jimin tumbled to the ground as a loud crash was heard from below, wood splinters flying around as the rocks grazed against the ship's body. There was a moment of confusion, of the ship violently shaking under their feet, of Taehyung screaming in frustration as he wildly spun the wheel. Jungkook was clutching onto the railings, wings flapping desperately.

"Taehyung, dodge the damn mountains!," Jungkook screamed, nearly slipping once he got back onto his feet and flung himself towards the navigation screen.

"Can't you see that I'm trying?!," Taehyung spat furiously, the ship rocking sideways as the fog cleared, revealing a valley of tall rocky mountains and them being right in between it all. "Namjoon, Jimin, get your asses inside the captain's quarters!"

"How?! We can't even stand!," Jimin yelped when he rolled around the deck, barely dodging a rock spike from a mountain. Namjoon wondered how the sails of the ship were safe from all this chaos.

Suddenly, Namjoon had a flashbulb idea, so he let himself roll until he was leaning on the wall next to the entrance of the captain's quarters, Jimin safely landing next to him. Rocks, everything around him were made of rocks so they were close to Aarde. He was the bearer of the earth gem. He could control rocks. With that, Namjoon held the edge of the wall tightly with one hand and raised the other, eyes flashing brown and teeth sharpening.

Jimin stared at Namjoon for a good ten seconds before he realized what the older was trying to do. He looked up and met Jungkook's confused eyes as the angel tried telling them to get inside safely. "Jungkook, I think Namjoon is on to something."

Jungkook shifted his gaze towards Namjoon in silence as there was a strong vibration from the other side of the ship. Taehyung groaned in frustration. "You two should head inside and reassure the others about what's going on. At this rate, the ship is going to crash and at this height—"

"I won't let that happen," Namjoon cut off Jungkook, teeth gritted in determination. Both the angel and Jimin faced him questionably, a bit stunned at how his eyebrows were furrowed and how his chin was protruding as he focused. "Aarde is right below us, my kingdom is right there and I won't let anything happen to us until we get there. We are landing safely. I'm the bearer of the earth gem, these rocks will move under my command. Jimin, get inside, it's too dangerous out here. Leave it to me."

Jimin fell in silence for a moment and once he saw the sparkle in Namjoon's eyes, he knew that there was nothing he could do to make the older boy change his mind. So, he nodded, sparing a glance at Jungkook before entering the captain's quarters quietly.

Namjoon wiggled his fingers and glared at the rocky spikes, releasing a grunt when he balled his hands into fists. He wasn't sure if he had enough ability to move mountains but he would never know if he didn't try. "Taehyung, move the ship the way I so!"

Truthfully, Namjoon expected Taehyung to disagree because of how he was against authority so he was stunned when the bearer of the gem of darkness hummed in agreement, his brown fringe falling over his eyes. "Got it."

"Jungkook, could you carry me higher? I need a better view of the mountains," Namjoon asked slowly, a bit unsure of leaving Taehyung behind without a navigator, which was the same as operating the ship with a blindfold on.

As if Taehyung had read Namjoon's mind, he spoke. "I'll be fine without a navigator. Just be quick."

Namjoon glanced over his shoulder, making eye contact with Taehyung's blank expression before he nodded at Jungkook, who spread his wings, soaring in the air before picking him up. As he got higher and higher in the air, the more he realized how damaged the ship was. Both sides have been punctured by the rocky mountains, creating big holes, pillars of smoke rising from them. The mountains were so tall that the bottom couldn't be seen and it didn't help that there was a layer of mist below. There wasn't enough space for the ship to fly downwards and going upwards would possibly wreck the sails so there was no other choice but to go forward. Looking behind him, he spotted an opening but they had to go through the valley of rocky mountains before they could escape.

With these facts in mind, Namjoon realized that he couldn't move mountains as big as that, at least not yet. However, there was another way to do it. He won't be moving the whole structure, he'll be controlling pieces of it — to be specific, the parts hitting the ship.

"That's genius," Jungkook commented with a big smile, which made Namjoon smirk at the compliment.

Namjoon twisted his wrists with open palms, the mountains cracking until pieces of rock started to float away from them, moving away from the ship. He focus on the area around the ship's side to prevent damaging it any further. Jungkook's jaw dropped at the sight of rocks floating in mid-air, almost at the same level as them. "Taehyung, I see an opening up ahead! Keep heading straight and I'll move the rocks away from your path!"

Taehyung nodded below, pulling a lever, making the propellers spin stronger so Namjoon made himself more alert and moved the rocks in a quicker pace. He watched the ship move in a constant speed, the opening getting closer by the second. He then saw a figure exit from the captain's quarters but Taehyung screamed at the person — a girl with a jacket, was it you or Emily? — to go back inside, so she did.

Namjoon only realized that his assumptions were wrong when an orange haired figure, Jimin, exited the quarters and took over the captain's position. Taehyung, on the other hand, levitated in the air and positioned himself next to Jungkook, purple mist covering his hands as he summoned a forcefield around the ship.

"We can't afford the ship to get any more damaged and Jimin is the only other person who can control this ship. Don't get any funny ideas," Taehyung hissed before Namjoon could question his actions. Jungkook was smiling.

-

It took nearly half an hour until the ship slipped out of the valley of mountains and since it was damaged enough, Taehyung had to land it in the middle of the forest, hiding it within the trees to prevent any Helian soldiers from spotting it. Thankfully, nobody was hurt by the incident (except a nosebleed from Taehyung after overexerting himself) but the majority of the gang, who had been inside the captain's quarters during the ordeal, were confused so Namjoon had to explain everything.

Now everyone was on the ground, standing around the ship and staring at the damage. Jungkook ruffled his blonde hair, flapping his wings to get rid of the smoke that was starting to surround him.

"To be quite frank, we can't fly the ship in this condition," Jin mused while scratching his cheek. Emily was standing next to him, looking just as worried as the rest. "So what do we do?"

"We fix it," Taehyung shrugged whilst he picked on his black nails with his teeth.

"No shit," Yoongi rolled his eyes, arms crossed over his chest. "But how exactly do we fix it? Even if hooded emo kid over there has the ability to repair it, we don't exactly have spare wood lying around."

Taehyung paused and raised an eyebrow at Yoongi, who was just smirking at him cockily. "Did you just call me—"

"Guys," Jungkook interfered before the two could bicker because he could already hear Yoongi spitting bars in his head. He pointed behind him with his thumb, making everyone face the thick forest. "We're going to have to trek through the forest. Taehyung mentioned a rebel group, right? Maybe they could help us."

"I doubt it," Hoseok sighed before pushing up his round glasses. He no longer wore the crown because it was locked in a safe deep within the ship for safety. "They're a rebel group, Jungkook. We don't have much information about them but as far as I know, rebel groups will attack anything or anyone they deem as dangerous and nine strangers walking around the forest of Aarde isn't exactly something they'll see as not suspicious, especially with the war going on here right now."

"Hoseok is right," Namjoon nodded, puple strands of hair falling just above his eyelashes. "We aren't even sure if the rebel group is going to trust us."

"But won't they recognize you, Namjoon? Like how the Luchtians recognized Hoseok's identity the moment they saw the air gem?," Jimin asked innocently, blinking slowly with puffed cheeks. Jungkook raised an eyebrow when Namjoon's mouth straightened into a thin line, eyes closing as the word cute chanted in his mind in a loop.

"Jimin has a point," You nodded and stroked your chin, standing next to an awfully silent Yoongi. Jungkook wanted to stab his own eyes because of Namjoon's endless cooing. "There's an equal chance of the rebel group capturing us or not and we can't just stand around while Vrede is endangered more and more each day. We have to take that risk."

"It's two sides of the same coin," Emily agreed and Jungkook raised an eyebrow at how Jin had a tight grip around her waist. Then he went through their minds, smiling once he figured out why. "Let's just hope that we get the right side after flipping it."

With that, the team trekked across the forest in a line, Taehyung leading since he was the only one with vague knowledge about Aarde's landscape. Jungkook licked his lips, sticking his wings close together to dodge the thick leaves from the trees, which seemed like they were watching the group, swaying towards their direction. The grass crunched under their feet as crickets rang, birds cawing as they flew high above.

Standing right between Taehyung and Jimin, Jungkook started at the exotic flowers and the bizarre insects in awe. Due to the angel's royal status, he had spent most of his childhood within the four walls of his castle, only sneaking to Hel with his mother in order to meet Kiana and Taehyung. One insect — something that resembled a bee but it's stinger itself looked a tiny bud, skin shimmering in a bright blue color — flew right above his head and he caught sight of its diamond like eyes and hairy legs. He was glad that Hoseok hadn't seen it because the insect was as big as his hand.

Suddenly there was a scream from Jin, who was behind the line, and Jungkook turned around just to see him jump into unamused Namjoon's arms. Emily was staring at the scene with a mixture of confusion and doubt.

"What in McDonald's name is that?!," Jin flailed his long arms around, pointing at the creature on the ground. Jungkook stared at the small creature sitting down innocently, it's doe eyes big and blue, cheeks puffed and little hands curled into its brown fur. It's button nose sniffed the air as its multiple tails swung behind it. The angel couldn't understand why Jin was afraid of something that looked so cute and helpless.

"It's... a squirrel?," Hoseok stuttered behind Yoongi, both hands on his shoulders. By now, the whole group was staring at the animal in a circle.

After staring at the thing for a while, Jungkook realized that the creature was actually familiar to him, that he had seen it long ago but any information regarding it was stored at the back of his mind. He rubbed his temples, clenching his jaw and trying to remember. Taehyung was glancing at him with a similar expression.

"It looks so cute," Jimin cooed and kneeled down to the squirrel's level, reaching a hand out as it walked closer. "Come here, little guy."

"Uh, Jimin, I don't think that's a good idea," You warned from behind Yoongi.

"Relax, Sky, it's just a small helpless—"

At that moment, both Jungkook and Taehyung remembered what the creature was but it was too late. The skin of the squirrel's cheeks tore open as its mouth widened, revealing multiple rows of teeth, its tails sharpening, and a long red tongue. Jimin fell on his ass and crawled away with wide eyes whilst Hoseok and Jin screamed in unison.

"Yoongi! Burn it!," Jin, still in Namjoon's arms, shouted with a cracked voice.

"I ain't stepping an inch towards that demon!," Yoongi was shuffling backwards with the same pace as you.

Before more people could scream, purple mist surrounded as it pounced in the air. Everyone faced Taehyung, who was just chewing his bottom lip in boredom, and the squirrel was catapulted out of sight with a snap of his finger. He merely rubbed his hands together whilst everyone still processed what had just happened. "It's called a Vergifhoorn. It's a cross between two creatures — I think you Earthlings call it a squirrel and a poison viper. A bite from it is lethal and could kill you in seconds."

"You could have told us earlier? Before I approached it?," Jimin asked while Jungkook helped him stand.

"I wasn't sure if I was looking at the right one, okay?," Taehyung snapped, voice thick with his Vredeian accent. He turned around and stepped forward, half of his body disappearing within the trees. "Come on, I can sense the presence of the rebel group. We just have to walk a little further."

Jungkook nodded at Taehyung and led the way with him, the others trailing behind the two and no longer approaching any animal they saw, no matter how small and harmless it looked. Again, it seemed like the trees watched their every move. Somehow, the silence made him reminisce his childhood, how he and Taehyung used to be inseparable but know they won't speak to each other unless absolutely necessary.

A bit saddened by this, Jungkook looked away and stared at the plants surrounding them instead. He wondered if his friendship with Taehyung was ever going to be stitched back together because despite the few civil conversations and a few (rare) signs of care, there was still a hole between them, keeping them apart. Jungkook knew that incident was the main reason why they drifted apart but he wished they could resolve their issues, after all it's been years since.

Jungkook was snapped out of his thoughts when his eyes caught sight of a bright red butterfly, its wings big and strong, reminding him of his own. He raised his hand and allowed it to land his finger, watching it with his head tilted. He heard the others gasp in awe as a swarm of butterflies passed by but instead of feeling happy by the aesthetic beauty — a memory flashed in his mind instead.

"Are you sure about this, Jungkook?"

Thirteen year old Jungkook was sitting behind a giant boulder, legs crossed over each other on the floor, arms wrapped tightly around his little body, tight white shirt making his thin frame more noticeable. His wings were bent towards, signaling his sadness, blonde bangs swept above his eyebrows. Next to him sat Kiana, who wore a long dark purple coat that fell off her shoulders, over a long sleeved black shirt and matching shorts. She was hugging her knees close to her chest, her silver hair falling down to her knees, piercing purple eyes full of sorrow.

"Yes, Kiana, I'm sure of this. We've done as much as sneaking out of our homes to get here and we can't back down now," Jungkook deadpanned and grabbed the object resting on the ground between them — a glass jar which contained a beautiful ruby butterfly, one that had been caught straight from the forests of the Aarde — and clutched it against his chest. It was a gift for Taehyung. He glanced at Kiana, his heart sinking when he noticed her remorseful expression. "What's wrong?"

"It's just...," Kiana pressed both of her palms against her face before she sighed loudly, shoulders trembling against the cold rocks. "It's been seven years, Jungkook! Seven years since we've last seen Taehyung! Ever since that day, he and his sister have been shut off from the world by their father and... I'm just so afraid. I'm afraid of the situation he's in and I'm afraid of what would happen to the two of us if we get caught—"

Before Kiana could continue, Jungkook held her shoulder in an effort to comfort her. However, there was no use denying the truth in her words because, indeed, Hel's laws had changed drastically after that day. No Helians were allowed to exit Hel and foreign citizens were forbidden from entering the kingdom. It took months of planning for Jungkook to sneak out of Hemel's castle and enter with no problem but to him, it didn't matter.

All that mattered was that he and Kiana were going to see Taehyung again. Maybe.

"We are not getting caught, Kiana. I won't let that happen," Jungkook shifted his hand and grabbed Kiana's squeezing it tightly, in fear of losing her. He raised her hand and let it rub against his cheek. "You don't have to be afraid. I'm right here. As long as I'm here, I promise that you'll be safe and that you don't need to be scared. Okay?"

Kiana fell silent for a moment before placing his other hand on Jungkook's, making her cage it in her own. "Okay."

With that, Jungkook nodded, glad that he somehow was able to reassure Kiana, even just by a little bit. He peaked over the rocks, spotting a few guards roaming around the entrance to Hel's castle. The thought of Taehyung suffering behind those doors made him ball his fists in anger. "We need to make it to the entrance without getting spotted but how? It will stupid to fly or run..."

"I-I think I can help," Kiana wiggled her fingers, purple mist appearing around her hands at the action.

Jungkook stared before his expression shifted to one of worry. "Kiana... are you prepared? You haven't finished your magic training, right?"

"I haven't but... I think I can do this, Jungkook," Kiana's determined expression told Jungkook that he had no choice but to agree.

Kiana whispered a short Vredeian chant before the purple mist around her hands flew and surrounded the two. Before Jungkook could question it, she spoke. "I put an enchantment on both of us. We'll be invisible to everyone but Taehyung. I'm... not sure if it's working right though, I'm sorry..."

"It's fine. There's only one way to find out if it does," Jungkook intertwined his fingers with Kiana's, catching her off-guard, and pulled her to up, wrapping his wings around her for protection. He gestured the girl to hold onto the jar as well so they were both holding it. "Stay close to me, no matter what."

Kiana nodded, anxiousness evident in her expression. Jungkook walked slowly as she followed, being silent in case the enchantment wasn't strong enough. However, even when they were so close to some guards that they almost bumped into them, no eyes were shifted towards the two. It told them that the spell was successful.

It took no time for Jungkook and Kiana to reach the door, which was big and tall, a bit intimidating for the children. Before any of them could knock, however, it swung open loudly.

Jungkook gasped at the sight presented before him and Kiana. Behind the doors stood Taehyung, who looked a lot more taller and muscular than the angel remembered. He was wearing a black hoodie, the sleeves short, failing to hide the bruises painting his arms and neck. His face was pale, drops of blood still dotted at the corners of his mouth. His eyes were sunken and dead, contrary to his bright demeanor all those years ago.

"T-Taehyung," Kiana had a hand over her mouth, eyes widened in both shock and disbelief. Jungkook had the same expression. "W-What happened to you?!"

Taehyung didn't reply, only scowling as his gaze shifted towards the ground instead of their faces. Jungkook's eyes turned glassy at his best friend's condition and it took all his courage to speak. "Tae... we came here to get you."

"Get me?," Taehyung finally spoke, his surprisingly deep voice laced with doubt, something Jungkook has never heard from him.

"Yes, Tae, we're getting you out of here and you'll be able to have fun with me and Kiana again like the old days, you know?," Jungkook grabbed Taehyung's arm, the latter not reacting and only staring at him with a burning glare. "Come on—"

Jungkook was stunned when Taehyung slapped his hand away, face contorted in anger. Silence fell and Kiana was so close to bursting into tears.

"Don't touch me," Taehyung hissed and bared his fangs. Kiana was trembling badly now.

Jungkook stared at Taehyung, trying to find his best friend hidden underneath the mask of anger but he couldn't find anything. The cheerful and bright person he knew was gone and replaced by... this thing, this thing that can't even look at his friends with joy after being separated for so long. He was angry because he knew that Taehyung's treatment from his father had a big contribution to this development.

Kiana, on the other hand, quickly snatched the jar from a frozen Jungkook's hands and placed it in Taehyung's grasp. As expected, there was no reaction. "Taehyung, please... You should at least take this. It's a reminder that we will always—"

Taehyung slapped the jar out of Kiana's palms and everything went in slow motion as it shattered upon contact with the ground, the red butterfly fluttering away like a lost dream. Cold air was present as it hit Jungkook but nothing was more chilling than the fury and hatred present on Taehyung's face.

"Kletskoek!," Taehyung screamed with a thick accent, his dark eyes burning, voice making Kiana flinch as she started to sob. Jungkook wrapped his arms around her with a mixture of anger and pity towards his best friend. "You guys have the nerve to show your faces to me after leaving me alone for seven years. If you really cared, you should have come sooner. Don't you dare show yourselves to me ever again."

Jungkook was frustrated, not because Kiana was crying messily next to him but because Taehyung failed to see the reason why the two of them have come so far just to see him. Maybe all the pain and suffering had blinded him from the truth. Maybe all the abuse made him despise anyone who cared. No words were said because both parties knew that no conversation would change their situation. The angel wasn't sure about anything except for one thing so when he dragged Kiana with him and left Taehyung standing by the doors with no expression whatsoever, only one thought was in his mind — Taehyung was gone.

And, not wanting to look weak in front of Kiana, Jungkook made sure that he had turned away before he started to weep.

"—kook. Hey, Jungkook."

Blinking rapidly, Jungkook found himself back in Aarde's forest, the chirping birds returning and the scent of leaves entering his nose once again. After collecting himself, he turned around and saw Hoseok staring at him with a raised eyebrow, looking extremely worried.

"You were staring into space. I was calling your name but then you crushed that poor butterfly in your hand and—," Hoseok paused when he noticed something, squinting his eyes as he leaned closer to Jungkook, who was a bit uncomfortable at the closing distance between them. "Hey, are you crying?"

Jungkook was about to question Hoseok then he felt something drip on his hand, which had the remnants of the poor red butterfly in between his fingers, and realized that there were fresh hot tears streaming down his face. He immediately wiped them away with the back of his hand, sniffling before he put on a bright smile. "No, no, it was just allergies. There's no need to worry, Hoseok, I'm fine."

Hoseok kept staring at Jungkook as he dusted off the dead butterfly from his hands and it was obvious that the air gem bearer didn't buy his words at all. Before any more questions or lame excuses could be made, there was a loud snap, followed by a scream.

"Jin!," Emily screamed once Jungkook entered the scene and saw a large net hanging from a tall tree, Jin flailing inside it. The rest were staring in shock, frozen because of the sudden trap.

"Why do things like this always happen to me?!," Jin whined as his limbs got tangled in the rope and Jungkook could see water rising up his arms. He realized that it wasn't a problem since he could easily get himself out.

"The rebel group is near," Taehyung suddenly said while glancing around, fangs bared. With the fresh memory in his mind, Jungkook couldn't even look at him in the eye. "I can sense them all around us."

"All... around us?," Jimin said slowly and processed Taehyung's words.

The tension in the air thickened as everyone fell into silence and instinctively crowded towards each other, forming a circle around Jin, only the sounds of him cutting the rope with a water slicer evident throughout the area. Jungkook took deep breaths and scanned the area with his baby blue eyes, trying to hear a foreign mind or catch leaves tussling.

"Could you hurry up, Blondie?! We don't have all day!," Yoongi snapped as his eyes turned orange, flames engulfing his hands and arms.

"Can't you see that I'm trying?!," Jin snapped back, eyes ocean blue. "The rope is too—"

Jin was cut off by the sound of something piercing through the air and somehow, Jungkook saw everything happen in slow motion. A wooden arrow had appeared from within the trees and was now heading straight towards you. He was about to scream, shout your name even, but Taehyung reacted first and created a portal in front of your face, the arrow going through it and piercing a tree far behind the group.

"They're here," Taehyung whispered, just as armored soldiers popped up from the trees in unison.

-

A/N - This was literally the saddest chapter I've written so far because I relate to Jungkook so much it ain't even funny... losing a close friend because of their change in character was one of the most painful experiences ever...

Anyways! I've completely forgotten about the fan art contest lmao and I decided to extend it to the end of July because I didn't get the amount of fan art I wanted? Yeah lol

Also this story will get deeper as it goes and I'll start touching some themes like abuse, corruption in regards to politics and women empowerment (next chapter) and I hope you guys will stick to me throughout this development!

Thanks guys! 'Till the next chap!