Namjoon sighed. Just this afternoon during lunch, he had personally witnessed the thickest tension in the history of mankind. He had mentioned Taehyung's name as a reminder that the Helian prince was now an enemy and possibly bringing him back to the team was not the first priority.

The result? Yoongi literally breathing out fire through his nose and burning his meal, along with the tablecloth.

Jungkook just smiled crookedly and clasped his hands together. What followed was the angel's flat voice saying — "So, why was Miss Ashleya on deck?"

So, even though Namjoon wasn't the caring club leader that Jimin was, he took the initiative to call on a meeting. Now he was in his room, sitting on his bed cross-legged as he waited for the other members.

Namjoon crossed his arms, both anticipating and dreading the club meeting that was coming. Next to him was a very giddy Jimin who was practically vibrating on his bed.

"You look excited," Namjoon chuckled and smiled fondly at Jimin.

Jimin smiled back, his eyes turning into two crescents. He released a string of giggles that made Namjoon close his eyes, heart warming at the sound. Ah, why does he have to be so cute all the time?

"Sorry, Joonie, it's just...," Jimin trailed off his, expression turning solemn as he started rubbing his own arms. It took a few seconds for him to respond. "Since we won't be able to have these meetings that much in the future... I'd figure that I should enjoy each one, you know?"

Namjoon didn't really know what to say to that. He was silent as Jimin continued to rub his arms, sorrow dripping from his eyes. The earth gem bearer thought about it, how becoming Kings would give them less time to spend with each other. The club had become such a foundation for him that he couldn't imagine what it would be like without it.

But just like every story, there had to be an end. Namjoon didn't want an ending, all he sought for were new beginnings.

Before Namjoon could remind Jimin that he and the others would make sure that the club would always find a way to meet, the door swung open with a loud slam.

Yoongi stood at the doorway, an evident frown on his face as he cradled Holly in his arms, the little dragon purring at the contact. Jungkook was standing behind him, an obviously fake smile on his face. Namjoon was still getting used to the sight of the angel without wings. The two took some chairs and sat quietly.

Namjoon looked at Jimin, who nodded back at him. The thunder gem bearer clapped loudly and grinned. "Alright! So in today's meeting, we'll be doing a word relay!"

Yoongi raised an eyebrow, a scowl still on his face, grey hair nearly covering his eyes. Holly hummed and flapped its wings, making Jungkook glance at it. "Word relay?"

"Word relay!," Jimin beamed and raised a finger. Namjoon wondered if his teeth really did shine when he smiled or if it was just his imagination. "Each of us will say a word and the person next to us shares something related to that said word! I'll start."

Jimin trailed off. Namjoon stared at his face for a while and studied it, only snapping back to reality when he heard the thunder gem's voice ring with a chirp.

"Home," Jimin spoke, Yoongi instantly flicking his eyes at him. He turned towards Namjoon, who tilted his head a bit. "The word is home. You go first, Joonie."

Namjoon contemplated for a moment and wondered why Jimin had chosen that word of all things. Still, he thought about it. Home. He glanced at Yoongi, whose eyes were already flashing a faded orange color. Holly was curled on his lap, snoring softly. Jungkook was staring with wide eyes, which looked like his natural blank expression.

"Home," Namjoon started as he gathered his thoughts, eyebrows scrunching together as he massaged his chin in concentration. "I believe that home is not a place... but a person or a group of people."

With his head still bent downwards, Namjoon secretly took a glance at Jimin, who was looking back at him with a smile.

"When I first found out about my powers and my destiny as Aarde's king, I... was afraid," Namjoon reached for the gem on his choker and rubbed it in between his fingers. "I was afraid that this new world, new culture and new destiny would break me, especially because I had no home on Earth. I... only found comfort in my little cell. I thought that was the only place I belonged in."

Namjoon paused and closed his eyes, the darkness reminding him of the barely dimmed room of his cell. He sighed and opened his eyes, smiling at the sight of his fellow club members around him.

"But... I realized something after spending time here in Greta with everyone," Namjoon smiled, his deep dimples showing. "My home... was never back on Earth in that cell."

Namjoon faced Jimin and made eye contact with him. The thunder gem bearer tilted his head a bit, both a confused and amused expression on his face.

"Right here, right now... I'm home."

Everyone smiled at Namjoon's words as a short silence fell upon the club. In that moment, he felt something strike him in his chest, as if his heart had suddenly been zapped by a bolt of lightning.

Namjoon ignored how his chest tightened and cleared his throat. Turning towards Yoongi, who was staring at him expectantly, he blurted the first word that came to mind.

"Fire," Namjoon blinked at Yoongi's expression, an oh? leaving the lips of Vlam's king. "Your word is fire, Yoongi."

"...Fire, huh."

Yoongi raised his hand, a fireball forming above his palm. The flame crackled as his eyes flashed a deep orange color.

"I... think fire is a lot like trust," Yoongi tilted his hand, the flames dancing around his wrist. He then snapped his fingers and formed the shape of a man, one much similar to himself. "It's hostile, you see. To touch it or even come close to it brings pain. Yet... we crave it. We seek for the flame and grasp it even though it hurts us."

Namjoon gulped. He could feel the tension thickening in the air with each second that passes. Yoongi himself had an expression that was slowly becoming more and more sour.

"We each have this flame within us," Yoongi snarled, the fire forming into a heart as he moved his hand over his chest. Holly was awake now and was watching silently. "A flame in our chests, a burning passion. You... have a choice. You can let people in and give them the chance to kindle the fire."

Namjoon glanced at Jimin, who shrugged at him with a worried glance. Jungkook still had his blank yet wide-eyed expression on but this time he looked more serious. Yoongi had his teeth gritted tightly now.

"Some people keep the flame alive and burning," Yoongi whispered slowly before balling his hand into a trembling fist. Namjoon braced himself. "Some motherfucks though... they put out the flame after keeping it alive for so long, as if they want to double the pain."

Yoongi's whole body started to heat up and Namjoon could tell by how steam was starting to rise from his shoulders, eyes glowing a powerful orange. Holly rubbed its snout on the fire gem bearer's arm.

The little dragon's action made Yoongi calm down. He took deep breaths, the steam around him disappearing. Namjoon sighed and was glad that the room didn't erupt into flames.

Still, it was pretty obvious what Yoongi was trying to say.

"...But sometimes," Yoongi exhaled loudly before smiling meaningfully. "We have to learn to light our own flame."

A few moments of silence passed and Yoongi opened his mouth, making Namjoon half expect him to say something along the lines of — And that's what you missed on glee! Next? — but then he realized how outdated and stupid it sounded. Besides, did the fire gem bearer even know what Glee was?

Yoongi huffed through his nose and slowly caressed Holly's head. Namjoon could tell that he felt better after venting out.

"Snake."

Well, maybe not.

"What?," Jungkook responded robotically.

"Snake," Yoongi snapped back, teeth still gritted. Jungkook blinked at him innocently. "It's your word."

Jimin shifted in his position, the bed creaking as he shifted his weight. Namjoon faced him and could practically see the discomfort coating him like a silky veil. The purple haired man reached out a hand, intent on comforting the other.

Then Namjoon's chest tightened once more. Hesitant, he drew back his hand and looked away.

"Snake...," Jungkook started as he licked his lips, expression suddenly darkening. Namjoon almost shivered at the glare in the angel's eyes. "You humans call it the devil's pet, yeah? How fitting."

Jungkook chuckled dryly, his laugh echoing in the silent bedroom. Namjoon was pretty sure that if he wasn't using his wing concealing spell, they'd be trembling right now, both in anger and sorrow. The earth gem bearer was still impressed at how supposedly permanent wings had disappeared because of a spell.

Ashleya truly was a powerful Hemelian magical.

"Both Earth and Vrede consider the snake to be one of the most deceitful creatures to exist," Jungkook continued, the crooked smile still on his face. He shook his head, blonde hair fluttering. "At first sight, those little creatures seem so... harmless. I mean, they don't even have legs and arms and all that."

Jungkook paused as his voice began to shake. Jimin attempted to approach the angel but Namjoon made a gesture that he shouldn't. The Hemelian prince needed to let it all out himself.

"So you think to yourself, maybe all you can do is be there for the little thing, yeah? 'Cos there's nothing you can do about it having no limbs, you know?," Jungkook's eyes started to well up with tears, his nails digging into the cloth of his leather pants. "And it isn't their fault either and maybe... all they need is a friend."

"Namjoon," Jimin whispered, his eyes glassy as well.

Truthfully, Namjoon appreciated how sympathetic Jimin was. He smiled at the club leader and told him that Jungkook was going to be okay.

"So you decide to give the guy a pat, a gesture of friendship was what you told yourself. Then you know what happens?," There were tears falling down Jungkook's face now as he chewed on his trembling bottom lip. "It bites you. And like a damn fool, you tell yourself that maybe the guy didn't mean it, yeah? It's in his nature to bite after all."

Jungkook laughed sarcastically and ran a hand through his blonde hair, cheeks stained with his tears. Namjoon could hear Jimin sniffle softly, making him slowly pat the thunder gem bearer's shoulders awkwardly. Yoongi was looking down at Holly, who was staring back at its owner.

"After that... the snake decided to turn away from you every time you approached him but... you told yourself that maybe, there's something there," Jungkook paused and choked on his own tears. "But you kept going. You believed that one day, he would turn back and face you with a smile."

Sighing, Jungkook looked down on his lap, tears dripping onto his hands. Namjoon himself had the sudden urge to cry as well but he blinked them away.

"Then, after enduring and waiting for so long, you realize one thing," Jungkook cracked a small smile and used his wrist to wipe his tears away. He sniffled loudly. "It's already been sinking into your veins—into all of you. And you don't know if there will ever be an antidote strong enough for this."

A silence. The atmosphere in the air was thick and heavy. Namjoon felt like there was a sudden weight on his shoulders as he listened to Jungkook's small sobs. Jimin was softly crying into his palm. Yoongi suddenly pulled Holly to his chest and buried his face in its neck.

After listening to both Yoongi and Jungkook, Namjoon realized how much Taehyung had impacted them. Every single one of them had already accepted the darkness gem bearer as a teammate and friend.

The mere fact that Taehyung betrayed everyone left a toll on each of the team, some worse than others. Namjoon faced Jungkook.

"Thanks for listening to me," Jungkook continued to wipe away his tears, eyes swollen and the tip of his nose a shade of red. "Really. I'm... sorry for being such a crybaby."

"There's no need to apologize, Jungkook," Namjoon showed off a dimpled smile, Jimin still sobbing next to him. "We're all here to listen."

"Isn't that what the club is for?," Yoongi chimed in with a shrug, Holly nodding on his lap. "Besides filling up the loneliness in our hearts caused by being single men I mean."

"Uh... yeah, that too," Namjoon cleared his throat awkwardly.

"So," Jimin sniffled and clasped his hands together. Namjoon was thankful that he didn't let any more silence take over. "What's the next word, Jungkookie?"

The word relay went on for a while, which didn't feel like hours at all to Namjoon. He only realized how long the meeting was after seeing the dark sky through the circular window of his bedroom.

Jungkook left first. The angel had yawned loudly as he announced his upcoming slumber before exiting the room. Namjoon swore that he kept straining his back, as if he expected to feel his wings flap behind him.

Yoongi stayed behind a bit to ask about Harry Potter and every other movie that Namjoon had seen before going to jail. It saddened him, how the fire gem bearer barely had a childhood and grew up around an abusive environment.

Still, Namjoon was glad that he could make people like Yoongi happy, even if through small talk.

Namjoon was laying on his bed, preparing to sleep, when he realized that Jimin had disappeared unnoticed. This made him sit up and wonder where the club leader had gone.

Since it was late in the evening, Namjoon made sure to be as quiet as possible. He opened the door slowly and gritted his teeth at how it had creaked loudly. Closing it behind him, he took big yet silent steps across the hallway and sprinted up the stairs.

Namjoon paused when he entered the deck. He looked up at the sky, which was a deep shade of a blue and purple mixture. It seemed like the stars were dancing above, twinkling in a rhythm. It almost sounded like they were humming to a song of the twin moons.

"You looking for Jimin?," Hoseok asked from the captain's deck as he yawned, both arms leaning on the wheel. The air gem bearer tapped his goggles and gestured ahead. "He's over there."

"Thanks," Namjoon replied as Hoseok nodded at him.

Namjoon followed Hoseok's gaze and surely enough, Jimin was on the deck. He was standing in front of the railings, staring ahead as the cold breeze made his orange hair flutter.

Gulping loudly, Namjoon felt Hoseok staring at him as he walked forward. His footsteps were loud against the wooden floor, making Jimin perk up and turn towards him.

Jimin smiled, the stars reflecting and creating small glittering lights on his face. Namjoon felt his chest tightening again.

"Hey, Joonie," Jimin cheered with a grin and waved.

"Hey, Chim," Namjoon blinked before waving back. He positioned himself next to Jimin and crossed his arms over the railings. "What are you doing out here?"

"Nothing, really...," Jimin trailed off and looked up with a sigh. "I just... wanted to see the stars and think."

"What are you thinking about?," Namjoon showed off a dimpled smile. He cupped his chin with his hand and faced Jimin.

"Hm... just destiny," Jimin stretched out his arm, which honestly made Namjoon nervous due to the thought of him falling off the deck. He curled his fingers, the stars forming a line of glitter in the sky as he moved his hand.

"Destiny?," Namjoon asked. He watched Jimin swirl his fingers in the sky and giggle at the patterns he made. There it goes again, his chest was making it really hard to breath.

"Destiny," Jimin whispered and drew his hand back. He ran a hand through his orange hair before facing Namjoon. "You know... Us meeting and forming this club? I think it didn't just happen. I think it's destiny doing its work."

"Huh," Namjoon thought about it for a while. He wasn't really a believer of destiny but it would be interesting to know what it was like through the perspective of one who did. "Why do you say so?"

"That's because...," Jimin leaned his head and arms on the railings, eyes still focused on Namjoon. "It gave me you."

Namjoon swore it took all of his willpower to stop himself from exploding on the spot. He opened his mouth to answer, even scream an I'm so glad it did but his throat failed him. He just hoped that he didn't look like a fish out of water.

Thankfully, Jimin took this as a sign for him to continue. "I'm really glad to have met you, Namjoon. When we first met and you had no idea who I was... It felt good to finally be recognized as myself and not the idol Park Jimin on stage. You... changed my perspective of the world. You changed my life. You changed me."

Namjoon licked his lips, which suddenly went dry. He then gathered his messy thoughts and looked up at the stars as well. He tried forming a constellation in his head but this time, he found the Big Dipper.

"To be honest? I didn't believe in destiny at all. Playing a role in some grand scheme? Pretty scary if you ask me," Namjoon laughed a bit, his smirk fading into a meaningful smile. He faced Jimin. "But... destiny or not, I don't think I can imagine ever going back to not ever knowing you."

Jimin suddenly put on a straight face, which made Namjoon's anxiety skyrocket. He was relieved when the other smiled instead before facing the stars once more.

And Namjoon was suddenly struck in the chest, like lightning had zapped through him. Why was he feeling this over and over again today? He stared at Jimin and studied his face; smooth skin, freckles on his cheeks, sparkling round eyes and those thick pink lips.

Namjoon swallowed dryly. He tapped the wooden railing in an uneasy rhythm. He was pretty sure that Jimin was talking again but his words sounded like mere mumbles to him.

Jimin's lips were moving in a speaking pattern, making a sound as they pressed together and separated. Now Namjoon was sure that he was talking.

Namjoon exhaled. He felt like something inside him had burst.

It all happened swiftly, at least it did in Namjoon's disoriented mind. He stepped forward once, then twice, then thrice. And then, a hand wrapped around Jimin's waist.

"Namjoon?," Jimin squeaked in confusion, hands pressed on Namjoon's chest. His wide eyes met the other's as he looked up.

Namjoon exhaled again. Jimin opened his mouth to speak but he pressed his thumb on his lips, stopping him. He moved his thumb to the younger's chin and tilted his head upwards.

Thump, thump, thump. Namjoon could hear his heart hammering in his chest. He leaned forward, time seemingly slowing down around him, fingers squeezing Jimin's waist.

Then, a clarity in his thoughts — What about Jimin? How was he taking this? Was he forcing himself on him?

Namjoon soon got his answer when Jimin snaked his hand up to his cheek and tilted his own head.

Thump, thump, thump, thump. His heart started beating faster, the anticipation in him growing.

Mind melting into a puddle of mush, Namjoon almost lost it when he felt Jimin's hot breath fanning his cheeks. Both hands were on his face now, both hands on the other's waist. Their lips brushed, trembling.

Then it was gone.

Confused, Namjoon opened his eyes. Jimin was wide-eyed, hands down to his chest as his brown orbs shook. His lips trembled as he failed to speak.

Ah, so he did force himself on him.

"Namjoon," Jimin breathed as he unlatched Namjoon's hands from his waist and stepped backwards. With both hands running through his hair, he shook his head. "I'm so sorry. I—"

"Jimin," Namjoon nodded in understanding and smiled. Jimin was staring at him with a mixture of shock and disbelief. This made him sigh under his breath. "It's okay."

Jimin stared at Namjoon for a whole five seconds before tears immediately spilled out of his eyes. Stunned, he tried to say something but paused when the thunder gem bearer ran off at normal speed and slammed the door to the bedrooms behind him.

Namjoon just stood there, not knowing what to feel. Was he sad? Angry? Maybe more of confused? He didn't know but one thing was for sure — something inside him had shattered.

Suddenly feeling sloppy, Namjoon took heavy steps as he walked backed to the hallway. He mentally scolded himself for taking the lead, especially since after what just happened with Taehyung. Hitting himself on the head once, he reached for the doorknob.

"Damn, that went well."

Namjoon paused and glared at Hoseok, who was staring at him with a raised eyebrow.

"I mean," Hoseok laughed awkwardly and peeled his eyes away from Namjoon. "You okay?"

Was he okay? Namjoon didn't even think twice to know the answer to that. Sighing, he slowly climbed up to the captain's area. "I... I'm not."

Hoseok smacked his lips together. He pulled a lever, a few noisy gears shifting before he leaned on the wheel and turned towards Namjoon with crossed arms. "If you don't mind me asking, what happened back there?"

Namjoon wanted to lay on the floor and cry as he told Hoseok what exactly went down on the deck. Instead, he inhaled and gathered his composure.

"I was happy," Namjoon started and sat at the edge of the stair's railings. He craned his neck and stared at the stars above before releasing a sigh. "For the first time in so long, I was happy."

Namjoon paused and closed his eyes, the sound of Jimin's laughter echoing in his mind. Hoseok stared at him intently.

"It was like I was a kid again and I got my favorite toy for my birthday. That kind of feeling, you know?," Namjoon chewed on his bottom lip for a few seconds. "But... I'm scared too. I'm scared that after getting that one thing I've always wanted, I'd lose it eventually."

With a shaky breath, Namjoon inhaled and blinked his tears away. Hoseok nodded, urging him to continue.

"And... I think I just did."

Hoseok pulled his goggles off his face, the strap snapping loose. He stepped closer to Namjoon, who was still looking up. "This... is about Jimin, isn't it?"

Namjoon glanced at Hoseok, who immediately got the answer through his expression. The air gem bearer didn't look as surprised as he expected him to be, instead he nodded in understanding.

"I'm... so confused," Namjoon whispered and felt his heart hammering against his chest once more. "I... feel like something inside me is about to burst and... I'm so scared that admitting it would make it real."

"But it is real, isn't it?," Hoseok spoke in a serious tone, one Namjoon never expected to hear from him. "What's so wrong about that?"

"Everything, Seok!," Namjoon exclaimed and ran both of his hands down his face. Hoseok tilted his head at him. "It could change everything! I can't have that, not right now or ever. I've never had something so good in so long."

"So you'd rather keep it in?," Hoseok's tone grew sharper and Namjoon felt like a little boy being lectured by his mother. "And continuously break down like you just did?"

Namjoon inhaled and hopped down to his feet. He could feel Hoseok's glare boring into his skull, the wind around them blowing stronger. "If it's for the better then yes. Won't it be easier?"

Hoseok narrowed his eyes and Namjoon could almost hear him screaming This boy is a god damn idiot in his head. The air gem bearer sighed and crossed his arms.

"Maybe for other people, it would be, but you?," Hoseok scoffed and shook his head, brown hair swaying as he did. "It would be too unfair for you, Namjoon. The very idea of it will destroy you."

Namjoon went silent, knowing very well that Hoseok was right. Stepping in front of the captain's wheel, he looked ahead into the sea of stars, Jimin's smiling figure appearing on the deck in his mind.

"Listen," Hoseok stepped forward with a loud sigh and grabbed one of the wheel's handles in a tight grip. "You and I literally have powers because of little gems and are in a floating ship in the sky of an alien planet."

Hoseok laughed a bit then he stopped when he noticed that Namjoon wasn't.

"Point is, we can't help it when things change, Nams," Hoseok pulled the lever again, gears shifting once more. He started handling the wheel. "But change doesn't always hurt."

Namjoon contemplated for a moment. He felt his chest tighten again, the sensation of electricity surging through his veins making him shiver.

"So it's okay, Namjoon," Hoseok held Namjoon's shoulder and squeezed it, a warm smile on his face. "Breathe."

Breathe. Namjoon exhaled, unaware that he had been holding in air for quite some time. He thought about it, how he had been suffocating for a while, at how the pressure of his new destiny had choked him to tears at one point.

And then like an angel sent from above, Jimin walked into his life. He was like a miracle, that boy. Whenever he was around, Namjoon felt no fear, no sadness, no pain. He only brought him happiness.

Jimin was Namjoon's breath, the air in his lungs. And he was also like lightning that zapped him back to life.

Namjoon's lips trembled as he let the tears lose, Hoseok staring at him with wide eyes. Chuckling, the earth gem bearer ran a hand through his purple hair as he felt something burst in him once more, this time completely.

"You're right," Namjoon whispered, the tears dripping down his chin. "Seok, you're right."

Hoseok was speechless for a second. "Nams—"

"I'm in love with Park Jimin."

-

Jungkook was thirsty. Yawning, he kicked the blankets off his body and stretched his arms, pausing at how weird it felt to have no wings. He rolled his shoulders and almost felt them flap behind him.

Truthfully, when Ashleya told Jungkook that she had a spell that could temporarily remove his wings, he was stunned. It somehow felt like he was stripped of his title as prince. After all, what was a Hemelian without their wings?

Still, Jungkook knew it was necessary. Since they had to sneak around Hel, he couldn't have all six of his back breaking wings flapping around behind him.

For some reason, Jungkook couldn't sleep. He had been laying on his bed for quite some time but ended up staring at the ceiling for hours. Was it because he overheard Kiana explaining everything to you? The angel wasn't sure why that bothered him so much. Maybe it was the way they looked at him after he was caught eavesdropping.

Jungkook opened the door, which made a small creaking noise as he exited his room. The hallway was dark, barely illuminated by the small window across the hallway. Intent on chugging down a glass of water, he started walking towards the kitchen.

What do I do?

Jungkook froze as the unknown person's thoughts entered his mind. Ever since unleashing his Seraphim form, he had learned to close off other people's thoughts.

The very fact that Jungkook could hear this person's thoughts despite blocking them out told him how desperate he was.

I'm so confused. I don't know what to do...

Jungkook turned around and listened closely to the person's cries. He slowly walked towards the stairs leading to the deck and wondered who, besides himself, could be awake at this hour. Once he reached the stairs, he flashed a beam of light from his palm and looked up.

It took a few moments for Jungkook to register what he was seeing. Jimin was standing in front of the door leading to the deck, which was slightly open to reveal a crack of the night's light. The thunder gem bearer was sitting on the floor, knees to his chest as he panted heavily.

What do I do, what do I do, what do I do?

"Jimin?," Jungkook whispered after noticing that Jimin was trembling in his place. "What... what are you doing out here?"

Jimin slowly stood up, eyes fixated to the floor as he quietly closed the door. The orange haired man rocked on his heels and fiddled with his fingers, an awkward silence falling over him and Jungkook. The tension in the air was heavy, suffocating even.

Jungkook bit on his bottom lip, suddenly feeling nervous. He opened his mouth, intent on asking Jimin why he was sitting in front of the deck's door at such an ungodly hour, when the thunder gem bearer's thoughts gushed into his mind like a waterfall.

Gasping, Jungkook's eyes glazed over as he witnessed Jimin's thoughts play like some sort of movie. He saw Namjoon on the deck, his voice echoing as he spoke. He saw their bodies press together, their heads leaning. Then there were tears.

Jungkook nearly stumbled once the thoughts stopped playing. He leaned on the wall and planted as he flicked his blue eyes towards Jimin, who was staring at him with creased eyebrows and shaking lips. His eyes told him that he knew.

It took a moment until Jungkook was oriented enough to speak. "Jimin—"

There was a zap as Jimin ran down the stairs and tackled Jungkook with a hug, a trail of charred path left on the floor leading to his feet. The thunder gem bearer started to sob, fingers digging into the Hemelian prince's clothes as he trembled.

Jungkook stood there for a moment, still frozen due to the thoughts he had read. He slowly rubbed Jimin's back and shivered slightly at the wetness on his chest. He moved his head, orange hair rubbing against the leather fabric.

"Jungkookie," Jimin sniffed, his voice muffled due to his face being pressed on Jungkook's chest. "I... I don't know what to do."

Jungkook tongued the inside of his cheek. He glanced at the door to his room and exhaled before rubbing circles on Jimin's back. "Let's go to my room, yeah?"

"...You already know, don't you?," Jimin whispered, his voice barely audible.

Jungkook squeezed Jimin's shoulder as he lead him to his bedroom. "Like I said before, I read minds, not hearts. Tell me how it made you feel."

For what seemed like hours, Jimin sobbed on Jungkook's bed. The angel wasn't exactly sure how long he had been watching his friend shed tears but the numerous empty tissue boxes gave him an idea.

Jungkook carefully listened to Jimin as he explained everything from an emotional perspective. Truthfully, he never thought things would go this way for him and Namjoon. Sure, the two were stuck together like glue, but the thought never entered his mind.

Now that Jungkook thought back to all their meetings and interactions, he realized that the signs had been there all along.

"So what you're saying is," Jungkook paused when Jimin literally tore tissues off a box and loudly blew his nose on it, creating a weird sniffling sound. "You have no idea what you feel about the whole thing?"

Jimin nodded as he wiped his tears with more tissue. "It's... hard to explain. I'm confused... and scared too."

Jungkook went silent for a bit. He shifted his position and crossed his legs over his bed, which creaked as he moved. "Jimin... I think you already know this but Namjoon really likes you. In a more than friends kind of basis, yeah?"

Jimin turned away and curled his fingers on the tissue box in his hands. This time, Jungkook blocked his thoughts. He figured that the thunder gem bearer needed some privacy in his own mind.

"I know how it feels to be confused about your feelings for someone," Jungkook frowned at the thought of Taehyung but immediately put on a smile. "You just need some time to thi—"

Jungkook was cut off by a loud buzzing noise and a vibration in his jacket pocket. Blinking he fished into his pocket and pulled out a triangular device, its screen glowing with a Vredeian inscription — Mother.

Confused at how he had somehow taken his phone from his bedroom, Jungkook glanced at Jimin before answering the call. "Mother?"

"Dear," Queen Miranda's voice spoke along with a bit of static from the other line. Jungkook pressed the phone closer to his ear. "I apologize deeply for slipping the phone in your pocket. I wanted constant communication with my only son. How have you been?"

Jungkook opened his mouth to speak then paused when he had a realization. Turning around, he saw Jimin staring at his hands, seemingly lost in thought. An idea popped into the angel's head.

Queen Miranda was an expert in terms of complex emotions and feelings. Jungkook? He was stupid when it came to that.

"Mother," Jungkook spoke slowly, eyes still focused on Jimin. "May I request for some help that a friend needs?"

Jimin snapped back to reality, eyes widening as he processed Jungkook's words. As the thunder gem bearer wildly flailed hid arms around, the Hemelian prince gave him a gesture of reassurance.

"Of course, dear," Queen Miranda replied in a heartbeat. "How can I help?"

Jungkook glanced at Jimin and mouthed the same question to him. The king of Bliksem pursed his lips into a thin line and contemplated for a moment. Finally, after a few minutes of painful silence, he spoke.

"Is... is it possible to contact Bliksem's castle?"

-

"Where does true power come from?"

Shay trembled as she stood up straight, tears threatening to spill out of her eyes. Her head was bent low, giving her a view of thin legs, which were dotted with splotches of swollen bruises and red scratches. She bit her bottom lip and desperately held in her sobs.

Through the corner of her eye, Shay saw Taehyung standing next to her. Even though his balled fists were trembling, he kept a straight face and looked ahead with a piercing glare. A fresh bruise was on his cheek, dried blood caking the corner of his mouth.

Shay wished that she could be brave and fearless like Taehyung. He always knew when to put up a fight, even against their own father and even if it would lead to his own pain.

But Shay? She was a coward, the embodiment of the word weakling.

"I said," King Michael repeated with a sharper tone, making both Shay and Taehyung flinch. "Where does true power come from?"

"D-Doing your best!," Shay replied instantly with a trembling voice. Taehyung glanced at her, wide eyes filled with shock and despair. "True power c-comes from doing your best. B-Because the effort is enough."

A long silence came afterwards, making Shay wonder if she said anything wrong. Taehyung was still staring at her, eyes now glassy. Recognizing her brother's expression, she stared back in horror.

Shay screamed when a strong force struck her cheek. The princess heard Taehyung desperately call her name as she fell to the ground and cried loudly. She could barely make out he figure of King Michael looming over her with a raised hand through her tears.

"Doing your best?," King Michael screamed as he pushed Taehyung away, preventing him from coming to Shay's aid. The poor girl shivered on the floor as her cheek throbbed. "Are you fucking joking?! Doing your best is never enough!"

"I'm sorry," Shay whimpered and pressed her hands to hear head, tears soaking. "I'm sorry, I'm sorry, I'm sorry—"

King Michael growled and raised his hand once more, making Shay curl into a ball. She braced her herself but gasped in confusion when she felt nothing.

Shay took a few moments to convince herself to look up. When she did, she saw Taehyung standing in front of her, shoulders rising and falling as he took deep breaths. Purple mist was fading around her brother's feet.

"True power," Taehyung breathed, his voice shaking. "Comes from strength."

It seemed that King Michael was somehow satisfied by Taehyung's answer because he lowered his hand stepped backwards, gesturing at the prince to continue. Shay scooted behind her brother and clutched her jeans.

"And strength comes from using any means available to you," Taehyung spoke slowly, his balled fists trembling as he gritted his teeth. "No matter what."

There was a silence that came afterwards. Shay, thinking that something was coming, was filled with dread. She shivered behind Taehyung, who was giving King Michael a piercing glare.

"At least you aren't as stupid as your sister," King Michael hissed and stepped forward, both siblings flinching at the action. "Dismissed."

In a flash, King Michael walked out of the training room and slammed the door behind him. Taehyung released a sigh of relief and slumped to the ground next to Shay.

"Taehyung," Shay whimpered and clutched onto Taehyung's arm, tears still streaming down her face. "P-Please don't leave me. Please..."

Taehyung glanced at Shay with a blank stare for a moment before he sighed once more. He pulled his sister closer and engulfed her in a tight hug. The prince rubbed the girl's back as she sobbed into his chest.

"I'll never leave your side, Shay," Taehyung whispered slowly before planting a short kiss on Shay's forehead. There was a look of determination in his glowing purple eyes. "Whatever happens, I'll always protect you."

Taehyung went silent for a moment.

"I promise."

Shay opened her eyes, awaking at the loud knocking on the door. She was lying on her bed, both arms and legs barely covered by her duvets. Blankly staring at the ceiling, the memory seemed to be burned in her mind as played over and over again in the hours that passed.

I promise. Scoffing, Shay knew that promises were nothing but empty lies. Taehyung was a true Helian, someone who would use any means necessary to climb to the top. It would make sense for him to use his sister for his own benefit as well.

That was it, Shay thought, Taehyung's motive. He was back for his throne, nothing more and nothing less. Now everything made sense to her. The prince had used the wonders to become stronger so he could be fit to be King.

And Shay hated it. She hated how Taehyung was strong in everyone's, including their father's eyes. She hated how she was the young princess living in the shadows of the men in her family. She hated how she was tagged as weak. She hated it.

Shay didn't even bother to turn around when the door of her bedroom opened. The princess heard a small step inside as the door creaked open. From the corner of her eye, she saw a head peak from behind the doorway.

"Shay," Massimo spoke and paused as he scanned Shay's figure. She finally faced him and saw his metal arms tapping the wall in a rhythm.

"What?," Shay snarled. "Did I not tell you to—"

"I know but that's the point," Massimo spoke before Shay could finish her sentence, a loud sigh escaping his lips. He pushed the door and opened it wider. "We're at Hel's gates."

Shay paused and took a moment to process Massimo's words. When she finally did, she floated off her bed with a veil of purple mist and walked towards the door. Brushing passed her teammate, the Great Six's leader sprinted across the hallway and to the nearest window she could find.

Hel's gates stood tall, its dark yet golden metal body spreading wide. The gate itself was designed to resemble claws that opened up to welcome its visitors, snake heads baring its fangs sitting on each spike. Two tall pillars stood at each side of the gate and penetrated through the rock ceiling above. Shay noticed the shards of rock and bones that were littered on the ground. As usual, the area was dark, no source of light present.

Sighing, Shay stepped backwards and headed to the stairs. Dashing up the steps, she slammed the door open as she entered the deck.

The rest of the Great Six were already standing on the deck in a row, making Shay wonder why she didn't hear Massimo pass behind her. Closing her eyes, she inhaled deeply at the thought of coming back to the palace. She was both frightened and angered by the idea. Of course, she didn't admit it.

Shay squinted her eyes at the row of people in front of her before tapping her staff on the ground. "Where is Taehyung?"

"Haven't seen him," Medusa shrugged while glancing at Shay through the corner of her eyes, snake tongue flicking. The smirk on her face was strange.

"The prince said he was on his way to meet you," Animo spoke with a monotonous voice, hands clasped behind his back as he stared ahead.

Shay raised an eyebrow at Animo's words, especially because she didn't see Taehyung in the hallway she was in just moments ago. Opening her mouth to speak, the princess was cut off by the loud slamming of a door.

Taehyung was standing at the doorway, wearing a completely different yet familiar set of clothes. His buttoned coat was a misty mix of purple and black, patterned with a snake skin design. He had on an equally dark shade of gloves and slick pants. Clipped onto the collars of his coat was a long dark violet cape that fell to the floor.

Recognizing Taehyung's royal clothes, Shay scoffed under her breath.

Moving some strands of hair away from his face and revealing his eyepatch, Taehyung stepped forward, his staff tapping the floor. "I heard that we have arrived?"

"Indeed, Crowned Prince," Belladonna replied as she placed a hand on her chest and bowed, the venus flytrap next to her doing the same. "We are at the gates of Hel."

Taehyung stared ahead, expression blank as he studied Hel's gates, seemingly in deep thought. Shay squinted her eyes at her brother with gritted teeth, the anger inside her burning. She stepped closer to him.

"Enjoying what you left behind?," Shay hissed, a sarcastic smirk on her face. Taehyung turned towards her, the still blank expression on his face irritating her more. "Wouldn't have pegged you as the sentimental type. You were quick to leave after all, brother."

A silence. Taehyung and Shay stared at each other, the tension between them thickening. The other members of the Great Six watched them with a mixture of anticipation and dread.

"More like enjoying what I have returned to," Taehyung replied after a moment of silence, dark eyes still blank. Shay was annoyed at how calm and composed he was being. "You should try it. Could help lighten up the mood, you know?"

Shay gritted her teeth, hands balling to fists. She stepped closer to Taehyung and nearly bumped their chests together. Just when she was about to scream at her brother about how long he had been gone and how much it had affected Hel, she was cut off by the loud screeching of the gates.

Instead of the light that greeted them at Hemel's entrance, Hel gave them dark mist and heavy, humid air. As the gates opened completely, Shay raised her eyebrow at the sight of seemingly a huge chunk of the Helian army standing behind the gates. They all stood in rows, weapons pointed upwards and hands on their chests. In front of the group was a general.

"The King of Hel and all Helians welcome you back," The general's voice boomed as he went down on one knee and bowed.

Shay glanced at Taehyung, who smirked silently. Grabbing the side of his cape, he gently swayed it over his chest and bowed. The princess scowled, both at his formality and at how she wasn't acknowledged at all.

"Prince Taehyung Bristene."

-

A/N - so did y'all cry,, I feel so bad for my baby Shay huhu

I love Minjoon too huhu and just to clarify yes, Minjoon is an official love team! Surprise ehe And why did Jimin want to contact Bliksem's castle?? ohohoho

I'm so sorry for the late upload i've been busy with finals ;; anyways I defended my thesis and wanted to celebrate with a chap yay!

Also T7W hit 900k reads????? wtf????? okay i haven't prepared any kind of celebration (i do have one for the 1M party sshhhhh) BUT i decided to finally reveal my potato face ha hah a

this me LOLJK anyways this my real face

((removed))

#Happy900k i'm sorry bye

ANYWAYS let's ignore my face and talk about some other important stuff lol I accept all kinds of fanart and fan stories! Just hmu in my inbox or tag me so I can see them hehe

Oh and about the story, did anyone pick up the clues? Hehe ;)

^ Medusa seeing Tae in his prince clothes lol

anyways ba-bye! hope we survive this comeback and rip wallets for world tour