A/N - this maaaybe my new fave chap y'all will see why oho

When Jungkook ran down the stairs of the dungeon, he expected to be greeted by a row of guards standing between him and the metal door, ready to fight the Crowned Prince to prove their loyalty to the King. He already had beams of light circling around his wrists as both Irene and Mingyu armed themselves, the trio ready for battle. So, when the youngest angel slammed the door open, he was determined to go against anything if it meant saving his friends.

Jungkook did not expect was to see Hemelian guards lying on the ground, all unconscious. The prince glanced at Irene and Mingyu, the two looking just as confused as him. After examining the scene once again, he noticed that someone was standing amongst the bodies, her wings tiny compared to his, blonde hair long and flowing down her shoulders to her waist, and she emitted an aura that sent a chill down his spine.

"So, another minion of the King?," Mingyu spoke first, shattering the silence before anyone else could. The butler still had his sword raised, eyebrows creased together as he stared at the woman and stepped in front of the prince with a protected stance. Jungkook was suddenly reminded of the angel's role as both his personal butler and bodyguard. "Who are you?"

The woman only stared in silence, the tension in the room thickening. She then flicked her blue orbs towards Jungkook, who stiffened a bit at her glare. Despite how uncomfortable he felt, he went through the Hemelian woman's thoughts, intent on getting a clue of her identity.

I know that you're reading my thoughts. Jungkook nearly screamed.

"W-Whoever you are, you'll have to get through us if you want the Crowned Prince!," Irene stuttered as she raised the axe in her trembling hands, although he expression was stern.

"Please calm down," The woman spoke suddenly, voice soft and smooth compared to what Jungkook imagined. She waved her hand and he noticed that she was wearing transparent white sleeves dotted with glitter. "I work with the Queen as well. I mean no harm."

Jungkook narrowed his eyes at the woman before going through her thoughts once again. As both Irene and Mingyu continued to question her claims, the prince's eyes widened as he continued to dig deeper into her thoughts. He raised a hand, making a gesture towards his friends. "Guys, it's okay. She's telling the truth... she works for Mother."

Mingyu and Irene glanced at each other for a moment before putting down their weapons. Jungkook faced the woman once again, the latter giving him a warm smile as she placed a hand on her chest and bowed slowly, elegantly, her movements similar to that of a princess. "My name is Sooyoung but my acquaintances, most especially the queen, prefer to call me Joy. I am honored to be in your presence, Crowned Prince."

Jungkook bowed back out of instinct, although he still had a baffled expression on his face. "Please, there is no need to bow. Why... why are here, if I may ask?"

"I came to assist you under the orders of the Queen herself," Joy spoke as she stood up straight before raising a hand, a small white light glowing at her fingertip. Jungkook heard a light jingle and watched as a ring of keys were lifted from one of the unconscious guard's pocket. It floated in the air for a bit, making a small clink as it landed on the prince's palms. "You must free your friends first."

Jungkook stared at the keys and glanced at the main metal doors of the dungeon. He picked out the largest key before facing Joy, wings folding behind him. "Thank you, both to you and Mother."

"There is no need to thank us, Crowned Prince," Joy replied as Jungkook walked towards the door, small click echoing as he unlocked it. The four of them watched as the door rose, its form becoming hidden in between the solid rock walls. "We are merely doing what is right."

Jungkook smiled at Joy's words, knowing full well that Queen Miranda cared deeply for him. He was immediately greeted by a long dark hallway, eerie cells patterned alternately on each side of the wall. The prince remembered the last time he was standing in this narrow space, when King Lucius was lecturing him about the law and why they had been doomed to rot behind metal bars for the rest of eternity. He didn't really understand it at that time, after all he was just seven.

This made Jungkook think about his father. King Lucius had always been a strong man, both with his strength and beliefs. He chewed his bottom lip at the thought of going against the man who always had full control of his life from the beginning as he blindly unlocked the first cell he came across. He knew it was right but at the same time, he didn't — There was only one thing he could do, but could he do it?

Jungkook never thought of himself as that good of a prince and didn't think he deserved that title, even with the blood of a royal family flowing through his veins. He was weak. Weak, the very thing Taehyung despised and tried not to be. Weak, like what Hel claims everyone else but them to be.

A prince had to be strong. A prince had to be open-minded and selfless, someone willing to risk everything for the safety of his people and his kingdom. A prince had a voice, a voice free of prejudice and doubt, one that could reach even the most closed of hearts.

And Jungkook knew that he was no prince. No, he wasn't. He was a just a boy who was (un)lucky to be a prince, even though he was nothing like one.

Jungkook blinked as he snapped back to reality, seeing the cell door before him open. He frowned at how dark it was inside so he snapped his fingers, a glowing ball of light appearing and floating above his palm. The sight immediately struck him wit confusion.

Jimin was lying on the dirt ground, an awkward smile on his face as he seemingly posed like some kind of model elbows scratched slightly. Hoseok was sitting across the thunder gem bearer, a cross between confusion and amusement evident on his features, goggles placed on top of his head. It took a while until they finally noticed the angel's presence.

Jungkook grinned at Jimin and Hoseok's wide-eyed expressions, his mouth forming a bunny smile as he laughed softly. "Sorry I took a while. Ready to break out of jail again?"

"Jungkookie!," Jimin cheered as he sprung up to his feet, struggling due to his cuffed wrists. Jungkook stared silently as the orange head put on a very dramatic facial expression, one suitable for a high-class actor like himself, and watched as he tripped on his own feet. As the poor bearer landed face first onto the floor. Hoseok immediately bursted into squeaking laughter. "Owie."

"Uh," Jungkook glanced over his shoulder, the three Hemelians staring at the scene awkwardly. He then faced Jimin, who was still on the floor. "Are you alright, Jimin?"

"He's fine," Hoseok squeaked as hoisted himself up, the action seemingly easy without his wind powers. He walked towards Jungkook and raised his hands, lips forming a heart shaped grin. "We all know that he's the clumsiest in our team, so I'm pretty sure that— Oh, Jungkook?"

"Hm?," Jungkook hummed as he expertly flipped through the set of keys and immediately identified the right one. He swiftly unlocked Hoseok's cuffs with a click, the air gem bearer sighing in relief as the metal cuffs fell to the ground.

"Your face, most precisely your lips are really swollen," Hoseok calmly spoke as he rubbed his wrists, Jungkook freezing instantly at his words. The air gem bearer seemed oblivious to the angel's reaction because he was simply whirling air around his hands. "It's like you had a make ou—"

"Jimin! Raise your wrists, yeah?," Jungkook interrupted in a flustered state, Hoseok smirking as his thoughts emitted the answer he already knew. Ugh, such a tease. The angel huffed as he unlocked Jimin's cuffs, the thunder gem bearer's forehead red as he pouted his thick lips.

Jimin raised both of his hands, electricity crackling on his fingertips as his eyes glowed yellow. "I... can't believe I'm saying this but I actually missed my powers."

"Our powers define who we are, they're basically a part of us now," Hoseok spoke as the trio walked out of the cell. Jungkook was glad that he didn't mention his puffed face anymore. "I get you, Jimin. In that short of period of not being able to use my powers, I felt like I was going to suffocate. Having no control over air made it hard to breath, for some reason. I'm sure that everyone else felt similar to how I did, except it relates more to their abili— You weren't listening, were you?"

Jimin blinked innocently at Hoseok, who sighed loudly at his expression. Jungkook laughed a bit at the situation. "Nope."

Jungkook, fearing the possibility that an army of Hemelian soldiers would come to reprimand them, took no time to free the rest of his friends. As they rubbed their wrists and tested out their powers, the angel noted that Namjoon's first instinct was to check on Jimin and vice versa. He smiled at their similar thoughts of thank God he's okay.

"Who's that," Yoongi spoke suddenly, question sounding more like a statement as he pointed at Joy, who was standing between Irene and Mingyu with a smile. Holly, atop his shoulders, snapped its jaws in agreement.

"That's Joy. Don't worry, she's on Mother's side, which means she's with us," Jungkook explained as he faced his butler and cook, then at Joy, who was watching them all silently. "Joy, is Greta still located in front of Hemel's main gate?"

"Yes, the Queen made sure it would be," Joy spoke with a nod, hands folded over her stomach. The girl's blue eyes suddenly beamed as if she had just remembered something. Raising a hand, glitters of light danced around her fingers.

"That is good to hear...," Jungkook trailed off as he weighed the situation he was currently in and thought of all his possible options. He knew that he had a choice to confront King Lucius but he didn't think he even had the slightest chance against his father.

You're perfect just the way you are, my little angel. Jungkook recalled how Queen Miranda always told him this whenever he was open about his insecurity. Still, he had been consumed by King Lucius' dissatisfaction towards him, at how everything he did was always wrong and never right.

Jungkook then grew up thinking that he could never satisfy anyone, including himself. He thought his own thoughts and opinions were irrelevant, that the only way to survive was to adjust to the people around him. The prince himself was surprised at how he had talked back his father regarding Hemel but figured he had snapped due to how Taehyung was insulted.

Taehyung. Jungkook turned behind him saw the darkness gem bearer standing within group, glancing secretly at him, seemingly relaying a message through his dark eyes. His friend was the kind of person who didn't care whether the person he disagreed with was a blood relative or not, the angel knew that. The Hemelian wished he had that courage, the courage to fight for what was right.

For so long, Hemel had been silent throughout the war. For so long, Jungkook had been silent about a lot of things, from Taehyung's plan to his King Lucius' way of rule. And he was tired of it. He was tired of letting everything happen, of being an invalid onlooker who had power against anything.

Jungkook knew that he had almost to no chance against King Lucius. But, if there's something he learned from his adventure, from the wonders overcoming personal issues to reclaim their kingdoms to Taehyung leaving everything behind because he knew what was right, it was that he had to fight for what he believed.

And Jungkook knew what he had to do. With balled fists, he faced Joy once again, expression full of seriousness and determination. He stood up straight as everyone stared at him with a mixture of confusion and shock. Only Taehyung was unfazed. "Irene, Mingyu."

Irene flinched a bit at the sudden call of her name whilst Mingyu bowed slightly. They both spoke in unison. "Crowned Prince?"

"Take everyone to Greta and knock out anyone who tries you to get in your way," Jungkook said sternly, the butler and cook both nodding at him. "Joy, would you kindly bring me to Father's throne room?"

"Interesting. Queen Miranda mentioned that this decision would be a possibility, Crowned Prince," Joy nodded with a small smile, wings flapping behind her back as the glitters of her clothes started to shine. "Yes, I would be honored to."

"What about you, Jungkook?," Jin asked curiously as Irene and Mingyu started handing over their weapons, which the soldiers had stored away in the prison. The water gem bearer spun the trident in his hand before placing it on top of his shoulder. Jungkook faced his friends and scanned their expressions, most of them looking worried except for Taehyung, who as always had an unreadable expression.

Jungkook cracked his neck, baby blue eyes glowing as he answered. "I have some things to take care of with Father."

"No offense but I don't think Hemel's King is really up for a conversation," You spoke slowly as you checked the magnet on your arm and placed your shield on it, choosing your words carefully in fear that you would accidentally insult Jungkook. "I mean... he's a bit of a—"

"Jackass," Emily shrugged, the string of her bow snapping as she checked it. You were staring at her in disbelief. The protector didn't seem to be bothered by what she was saying. "What? It's true. His dad is a jackass."

Jungkook wondered why Emily had called King Lucius a donkey for a bit but brushed it off as some kind of strange Leveian insult. He then smiled, intent on reassuring his friends. "I'll be fine, Emily. You guys should go ahead. I'll catch up with you guys soon."

Turning around, Jungkook was about to nod at Joy when he heard Taehyung call from behind him. "Hey."

Jungkook glanced at Taehyung, whose staff was now strapped onto his back, arms crossed as he stared at him. The darkness gem bearer was squinting his dark eyes at him, face void of any emotion.

With an awkward smile, Jungkook replied as he flicked his eyes away. "Yeah?"

Taehyung stepped forward slowly. Jungkook's flight instinct almost kicked in but he stood his ground, staying still as the Helian got closer and closer. The Hemelian did not expect his wrist to be grabbed with a firm grip. Neither did he expect to be pulled into a tight hug.

Jungkook was frozen. He wasn't sure how to react to the fact that Taehyung was hugging him, arms wrapped tightly around him. The angel carefully reached his hands and hugged his friend, becoming hit suddenly with nostalgia.

"Kookie! Come back tomorrow, okay?"

"I sure will! Let's play again, Tae!"

Returning the tight hug, Jungkook folded his wings and partly concealed the both of them. He wasn't sure long it had been since he last felt Taehyung's warmth and couldn't even remember the last time they had been this intimate with one another. But he was glad that somehow, he had his closest friend back.

Taehyung pulled away first, a smirk appearing on his face as he scanned Jungkook. "You're such a crybaby."

Jungkook then realized that he had actually been crying, fresh hot tears streaming down his face. He recalled a few moments of him crying randomly when he was younger, a small smile appearing on his face as he wiped his face with his wrists. "Always been one, yeah?"

Taehyung chuckled with his deep voice before grabbing Jungkook's shoulders, the angel noticing that everyone was watching in shock, minus you who looked proud at what was happening. The darkness gem bearer then moved his hands to his cheeks, squishing them between his palms. "Are you okay? What did they do to you? I swear to Macht, if they hurt you too—"

"Tae, I'm fine," Jungkook's words were muffled due to his cheeks being squished, lips pouted. He slowly lowered Taehyung's hands and smiled softly. "Seriously, I am."

Taehyung sighed and crossed his arms before stepping backwards. He then looked Jungkook in the eye, their opposing eye colors meeting. The angel felt like he was going to melt under his stare. "You better make it out in one piece or I won't be able to see you again."

Jungkook let out a small laugh and shook his head, blonde hair swaying as he did. "I'll be fine. I promise."

"Don't promise me," Taehyung said through gritted teeth, his tone sharp. He then inhaled deeply and Jungkook could tell that he was trying to deal with his temper. "Show me."

Jungkook's eyes widened for a bit before he nodded at Taehyung. "I will. Now go. We don't have much time."

Taehyung stared at Jungkook for a moment before nodding back and turning around. The Hemelian prince watched as Irene and Mingyu lead his friends out of the dungeon, the group disappearing up the stairs.

"Crowned Prince," Joy spoke, making Jungkook peel his eyes away from the stairs to face her. The Hemelian magical nodded and made a gesture towards the second set of stairs behind them. "We must go."

Jungkook was surprised at how easy it was for them to walk towards the throne room but he figured that it was because Joy would blind every single person they came across with a beam of light before knocking them unconscious. Now he was standing in front of the throne room and was staring at the angel carvings on the high golden doors.

Another sensation of needles poking from under the skin of his back made Jungkook groan. He rolled his shoulders, grunting continuously due to the pain.

"Are you alright?," Joy spoke in concern, although her eyes were blank.

"Yes, I am fine," Jungkook sighed through the pain before attempting to knock on the door. He then paused and turned towards Joy, seeing the Hemelian magical watching him silently. "Joy... I believe it would be better for you to accompany the others. They'd need your help more than I do."

"It is Queen Miranda's wish for me to accompany you in your confrontation against—"

"Joy," Jungkook cut off with a soft voice, making sure that he didn't snap at Joy. "Please."

Sensing the tone in Jungkook's voice, Joy nodded before bowing formally. "I see. I bid you good luck, Crowned Prince."

Jungkook watched as Joy whipped her arm, a veil of light wrapping around her before she disappeared completely. Sighing, the angel turned around and raised his hand to knock on the door once again. He paused once again and released a huff as he grabbed the handles and pushed the heavy doors himself, wings flapping as he struggled.

This caused a loud screeching sound to echo throughout the throne room. Jungkook glanced around, seeing the red carpet on the ground with golden string, along with curtains and hanging veils from the ceiling all colored in a sparkling shade of gold. He stared at the tapestry in the middle of the room, one that had the royal family embroidered as its design. Staring at his stitched figure, the prince looked down from it and spotted the white marble throne, two golden angel sculptures positioned at each side of it.

King Lucius sat on the throne with legs spread and hands resting on his knees, hands clasped together as he stared ahead, crown crookedly place atop his blonde hair and cape resting on the headrest of his feet. Once he noticed Jungkook, he stood up with an expression of disbelief. "What are you doing here?"

"I'm here to do what's right," Jungkook snapped as his eyes started to glow, along with the light gem resting on his chest. He cracked his neck again and looked down at his black outfit before facing King Lucius again. "And that's by going against you and your way of rule, Father."

"Guards, get him and take him to the dungeon!," King Lucius yelled in a frenzy as multiple guards stationed inside the throne room hesitated before charging towards Jungkook with spears and swords.

Jungkook raised an eyebrow at the group of guards surrounding him, threatening with obviously filtered words. He held his light gem and stared at its blue glow before closing his eyes. As he took slow breaths, he could the guards charge towards him after he didn't respond.

Shine. Jungkook opened his powerfully blue eyes as bright beams of light shot out of his gem, hitting all the guards around him before knocking them out. He looked up at King Lucius, who was staring back at him in shock. "Stop with the nonsense. I only want to talk."

King Lucius squinted his eyes at Jungkook, who was returning a burning glare. He then sighed and crossed his arms before spitting out his next words. "I will only listen to you if you have something noteworthy to say—"

"Then you better shut up and hear me out," Jungkook snapped, surprising King Lucius with his words.

King Lucius slowly stepped down the few steps of his throne as he continued to stare at Jungkook with a mixture of shock and disappointment. Slowly, he shook his head. "You... dare to disrespect me? I am your father!"

"Maybe you should start acting like one then!," Jungkook screamed as he hissed loudly, stunning King Lucius once more. Remembering Taehyung dealing with his temper, he inhaled deeply until he slowly calmed down. "Listen to me. For once in your life as my father, listen to me! I don't get it. I don't get why you think Hemel is better off not doing anything about this war. How can you sit there like a fool while knowing that Vredeians die every day in this war?! How—"

"Did you not listen to me during breakfast?!," King Lucius' voice boomed and Jungkook could not stop himself from flinching at his father's tone. "Hemel is a peaceful kingdom. It has done nothing to start the war and it will not contribute to it for as long as I live."

"You're a fool," Jungkook scoffed loudly as he shook his head, a sarcastic smile on his face. "Don't you know that taking a neutral position between an oppressor and the oppressed basically means that you're in favor of the oppressor? You're basically siding our kingdom with—"

"You... you don't understand," King Lucius hissed softly, although his words were filled with venom. He marched towards Jungkook, who made sure that his stern expression didn't falter. "It has been in our family's legacy to protect Hemel and the people from all that is violent and wrong. I am just doing my part as the King!"

"Then as long as I am alive, I'll never pass on a legacy that has a kingdom prosper in expense of others!," Jungkook snapped back through gritted teeth, eyes glowing as he ignored the strange sensation in his stomach.

"You have learned nothing then, even after all your training!," King Lucius screamed right at Jungkook's face, their noses almost touching. "Wasn't the death of that witch enough of a lesson?! What more do I need to do for you to finally learn?!"

"Kiana...," Jungkook trailed away at the mention of her, a memory of her smiles and laughter crossing his mind before his already balled fists shook. He stepped forward angrily, the marble concrete cracking under his feet. King Lucius looked down with wide eyes. "She is not a witch. She is the love of my life! And you killed her why? Because she was Helian? Because she was with me?!"

"I killed her to save your life!," King Lucius' words silenced Jungkook as he staggered backwards. The prince nearly slipped out of shock.

"W-What?," Jungkook stuttered, his blue eyes shaking. "What are you—"

"When King Michael found out that you and Kiana were meeting in secret, he wanted both of your heads for violent the law that forbid Hemelians and Helians from interacting," King Lucius was speaking more calmly now but that really didn't make the situation less stressful for Jungkook, whose head was starting to throb. "So I contacted him and offered a deal."

Jungkook didn't want to hear what was coming next because he knew, he knew what King Lucius was about to say. He wanted to cover his ears but couldn't. Instead, the young angel was frozen.

"He agreed that if I'd give over Kiana to him, he'd spare both you and the entirety of Hemel," King Lucius continued with a smirk, one that looked very mischievous in Jungkook's point of view. "A kingdom. You, the continuation of its legacy. All of that in exchange for a mere scheming witch. A simple deal with a perfect trade off."

"You... you never saved me," Jungkook spoke slowly, as if he was in some kind of trance. He kept shaking his head in disbelief, tears once again spilling out of his eyes as he continued to speak. He'd rather die if it meant bringing Kiana back. A big part of him wished that it was him who had burned at the stake instead. "Kiana was my love, my heart and my future. You took that away from me. You took away that life I was supposed to have. You... you..."

Jungkook paused at yet another stinging pain from his back. It was bearable but then he was hit with a splitting headache. Grabbing his head, the prince screamed in pain as he fell to knees, King Lucius calling out to him in worry.

Sobbing, Jungkook felt like all his bones were ratting, his whole body aching as he trembled. The angel's wings started shaking violently as the he felt a tearing sensation at his back. On his chest, the light gem was glowing furiously as it turned into a pale mixture of white and blue colors.

And at that moment, something inside Jungkook snapped as his vision darkened.

-

Shay stood at the deck of one of Hel's fighter ships, half of her toes over the edge of the ship as she stared at the blue sky ahead. The wind blew as her dark hair and long cape fluttered in the air, both hands tightly gripping her staff as she placed it between her feet. Up ahead, she could see the silhouette of Hemel glittering city of gold not so far away.

Thinking about the plan, Shay cackled at the thought of war breaking out in what was once the peaceful kingdom of Hemel. Knowing that Taehyung was there with the guardian, protector and the rest of the wonders gave her the perfect opportunity. The vengeance she had sought for could finally be paid.

"Taehyung dares to betray the mighty kingdom of Hel then replace his own blood relatives with a bunch of Leveian weaklings?," Shay scoffed loudly as she twirled her staff in her hands, purple mist and energy crackling around her. "Let's see what dear brother will say when I slit the little guardian's throat right in front of his sorry ass."

Imagining Taehyung losing his mind as the outcome, Shay failed to stifle in her laughter as she continued to cackle loudly, causing a few Helian soldiers to glance at her questionably. When the princess ran a hand through her hair, she paused when she felt a bump, a scar on her scalp. With that, she had a flashback.

"B-Big bro Taehyung," Little Shay sniffled as she knelt at the foot of Taehyung's bed, bruised body trembling as she continued to sob.

"What did I say about crying and shedding your tears, Shay?," King Michael of Hel spoke coldly as he stood at the doorway of Shay and Taehyung's shared bedroom, eyes narrowed as he watched the Helian princess weeping on the floor pathetically.

Shay sniffled and opened her eyes. In her small hands was Taehyung's favorite blanket, a purple cloth printed with little red demons as its design. She noticed that her brother's favorite doll was nowhere to be seen before she turned slowly to face her father. "Crying... and tears... they make you weak. And Helians like us would rather die than be weak."

"Exactly," King Michael snapped, arms crossed over his chest as he fixed the crown on his head. "So why are you crying?"

Shay sniffled. Closing her eyes, she recalled sleeping soundly in bed before hearing tapping footsteps in the kitchen. She remembered sneaking passed the King's bedroom and spotting Taehyung stacking boxes and chairs to reach the high window of their castle. She remembered her brother telling her that the two of them could escape and live freely, that they could stop all the war and suffering their father was causing. She remembered the fear consuming her.

She remembered saying no.

And she remembered Taehyung leaving a faint trail of purple mist as he disappeared.

"Shay," King Michael stepped forward slowly as Shay froze in her place. "Taehyung has sinned greatly against Hel and against us. Do you know why?"

Shay trembled as King Michael's shadow loomed over her, tears flowing down her face as she prepared herself for incoming pain. She yelped loudly when her father tugged at her dark hair and pulled her backwards. Sobbing, the Helian girl screamed out her brother's name. "T-Taehyung! H-Help me! He—"

And nobody answered her.

"Look at you calling out to Taehyung. Don't be stupid, Shay! He left you behind to rot," King Michael spat as he lifted Shay in the air, the poor girl sobbing continuously as she felt the strands of her hair tug at her scalp. The King of Hel's next words came in a low and intimidating growl. "Your brother, my son, is nothing but a traitor from now on!"

"Y-You're wrong!," Shay stuttered as he she clawed at her hair. "Taehyung, h-he's coming back! He promised!"

Shay yelped once more when King Michael released her hair, the princess crumpling to the ground head first due to how she had been struggling. She felt a sludge of thick liquid behind her head and felt it, trembling when she saw her own hand coated with blood.

"Have you not learned from your mother?!," King Michael slammed his fist against the wall, Shay flinching as she covered her ears and whimpered. "Promises aren't real. They're meant to be broken."

"Shay."

Snapping back to reality, Shay's eyes widened as she failed to recognize the voice. With trembling arms, the Helian princess whipped out her staff and shot out a purple beam. Massimo, the person who had called her name, barely dodged the purple laser by ducking slightly. Unfortunately, a Helian soldier merely passing by was struck by the beam, killing him on the spot.

Neither of them reacted to this and only watched as a few soldiers came before dragging the dead body away. Massimo then towards Shay with a deep sigh as he touched his cheek, which had been grazed slightly by the laser. The skin of his face turned into metal as he healed himself before turning back to flesh. "Shay, calm down. It's just me."

Shay seemed out of it and only stared at Massimo as her hands continued to tremble. Once the Helian composed herself, she took deep breaths before setting down her staff, the tip's glow purple glow fading away. Her next words came with a loud scoff as she rolled her eyes. "What do you want?"

Massimo stayed silent for a moment and stared at Shay, who raised her eyebrow at the unreadable he was giving her. He then sighed before releasing a small smile. "Come in. I think you need to destress yourself with a short brawl."

Shay wanted to say that a brawl was exactly what she needed but she kept those thoughts to herself. After all, her opinions were never helpful, at least according to her father. So, she merely stepped forward, her dark hair nearly brushing against Massimo's shoulder. "What are you waiting for then?"

Massimo didn't say anything, instead he released a low chuckle before trailing behind. Shay rolled her eyes as she opened the door to the ship's interior and fled down a flight of metal stairs, each footstep she made echoing in the hallway. The main pipes that circulated steam above them, resembling veins tangling with one another as it pulsated with a pattern of loud clangs.

Shay finally reached the sparring room after walking across the noisy and piped filled hallway for a few minutes. Using a purple beam to swing the door open, the leader of the Great Six raised an eyebrow at Animo sitting on the chair, facing something out of her view.

Knowing that Animo couldn't practice using his powers even if he wanted to, Shay brushed it off and entered the sparring room, Massimo tailing behind her. She saw two of her other team members standing at each side of the room, while a big green cobra and mutant purplish Venus Flytrap fought to the death in the center.

Belladonna was surrounded by giant plants and flowers, as per usual. Thick vines were wrapped around one another, coiling to form a swing that the young girl swung on happily, poison ivy wrapped around her small fingers and dotting her pink hair. She giggled happily as her plant devoured the snake in two bites. "See, Medusa? I told you I'd win again!"

"Why do I even try," Medusa whispered to herself as she sighed from across Belladonna before checking her nails. She then shifter her reptilian eyes towards Shay after sensing her presence. "Oh, leader. Are you here for some sparring?"

"Yes, I am. Get out of the way," Shay demanded as Medusa flicked her long tongue before she slid out of the view. The Helian princess rolled her eyes as she cocked her head at Massimo. "Get over here."

Massimo as he playfully jogged and positioned himself in front of Shay. "Here, captain!"

"We all have to train as much as we can, we're going against Hemel, a kingdom almost as powerful as Hel. Although we have the advantage of surprise, we still need to prepare," Shay spoke and ignored Massimo's remark. She exhaled and took a step backwards before taking the staff from her back and spinning it in the air. Making a small turn, she aimed the glowing tip of her staff at her sparring opponent, eyes turning purple. "Come on, Massimo."

Shay smiled, excitement filling her system due to the incoming war.

"Give me your best shot."

-

A/N - I'm finally done omg!! This was 5.8k unedited words fksnka I'm sorry that I wasn't able to update last week I was suddenly bombarded with exams and assignments :(( but now that I finished it all I was finally able to update!!

Jungkook's arc is going to be very different so expect a lot of surprising twist and turns for this one!! Seriously oho

Well I don't have much to say cos it's 12am here so I hope you guys enjoyed this chap!! Sorry for all the typos and mistakes and I hope this semi-rushed chap that I wrote in 2 days didn't suck ;;

Jungkook vs his papa in the next chap? :0 Anticipate it! See y'all in chap 65!

PS I absolutely love Taehyung's character development bye