A/N - enjoy 9.5k unedited words y'all!!

Jungkook already had a bad feeling about the deserted town the moment he climbed out of the underground catacombs. Now he understood why Queen Miranda had forbidden him from ever stepping into District Drie every time he came to visit Taehyung. With all the destruction and putrid death before him, he was glad about his mother's decision.

Then Jungkook thought about the Helians who lived in this once lively village. He knew what this abandoned war-torn area meant for the Helians of District Drie. The angel gritted his teeth. Even if Hemel's forces aided in the war, he knew that his father wouldn't let then spend resources on innocent Helians. He hated how this war was affecting everyone. He wanted it to end.

Yeontan, who was in Jungkook's arms, sniffed the air as they walked towards the tower you had pointed out moments ago. The Hemelian prince glanced around the area and sighed at the debris and shattered rocks everywhere.

Yoongi and Hoseok were walking at each of Jungkook's sides, both facing opposite directions. Namjoon and Jimin were just ahead of the angel, the earth gem bearer glancing at the other from time to time. You, Emily and Jin were up front.

Jungkook continued to glance around the area and hugged Yeontan close to his chest. He wasn't sure if it was just plain paranoia but it felt like multiple pairs of eyes were staring right at him. His wings flapped once behind him.

Suddenly, Yeontan started to growl deeply. Jungkook stared at the three-headed dog for a moment and swallowed as he followed it gaze. He barely caught sign of something jumping up from behind a pile of debris. Then Jimin was screaming on the ground.

"Get off me!"

Jimin was flailing under a creating with sickly grey skin, its mouth lined with rows of pointed teeth and eyes pitch black. Attached to its back was a very familiar insect.

Although Kerns originated from Hel, Jungkook honestly thought that the he'd seen the last of those insects back in Tranen. When the angel remembered that Kerns were born from the King of Hel's anger, he realized that they'll never go away.

Jungkook turned away, after Namjoon had kicked the monster into the sky, when he heard shuffling from behind him. Yeontan started barking loudly as the angel turned around nervously.

As soon as Jungkook spotted more Kern-infected Helians sprout out from behind buildings and debris, he screamed. "There are more of them!"

Jungkook freed his other hand and clutched Yeontan tightly with the other. He summoned white mist over his palm as the infected came closer and closer. The angel's back collided with a broad one — Jin's. He gritted his teeth and locked his eyes on the Kerns that had latched themselves on the Helians' random body parts.

At that moment, Jungkook was suddenly filled with dread. Even though you had unlocked your Helian powers, you still weren't as strong as the only person who could kill the Kerns — Taehyung. Nobody in this group, not even him, had the ability to lay a scratch on the insects.

To put it simply, they were fucked. Despite everyone knowing — Jungkook knew through their thoughts — nobody let their guard down. Weapons and fists were in the air. The Kern-infected Helians growled at them with bared pointed teeth. Jimin whimpered a bit.

Jungkook paused when Yeontan's barking halted. He followed the dog's gaze as it started to bark excitedly and saw a tall figure nearing them as dust rose from its feet. Everyone paused. The angel could hear the faint sound of galloping.

"What the—"

"Duck!," Hoseok suddenly turned around, his eyes wide with shock. Before Jungkook could question him, he and everyone else were pushed to the ground by a strong force of wind.

And at that moment, the figure came to view. Jungkook watched as the black flame horse jumped over him and the group. He didn't even need to look at the hooded swordsman rider's face, he'd recognize Sangdol even amongst a billion horses.

It only meant one thing and Jungkook didn't like it at all — Taehyung was here. Again.

In moments, Taehyung had cut down all the infected, their bodies strewn across the dry ground. Everyone was silent as they were too stunned to say anything. Jungkook clenched his jaw, his eyes slowly shifting to his Seraphim form as the Crowned Prince of Hel transformed his sword back to his snake head staff.

Jungkook took deep breaths until his eyes went back to their normal blue orbs. Yeontan continued to bark in his arms as its tail wagged. He glanced at you and squinted his eyes at the stern expression you had. The veins of your wrist popped out as you held your katana tightly.

"Do you expect us to be grateful?," You spat loudly and caught everyone by surprise. Jungkook stared at Taehyung's back. "Do you expect us to act like nothing happened?"

"I don't," Taehyung replied in a low tone, which made his voice sound even deeper. Sangdol's flame tail wagged in the short silence.

"Then tell me, Taehyung Bristene," You enunciated your words. Jungkook was honestly surprised at your tone, especially because you were one of the only people who considered the possibility of Taehyung being on their side. "Why are you here?"

Still, Jungkook understood your anger as well. It was boiling in his blood, burning at the very sight of Taehyung. Yeontan seemed to be the only one excited to see the darkness gem bearer

Taehyung sighed loudly. He lightly tugged on Sangdol's saddle and made the horse turn around completely. Another soft gasp left everyone's lips as he pulled down his hood. Jungkook stared at his casted hand, at the single dark eye that failed to express any sort of emotion and at his leather eyepatch lined with purple thread.

Yeontan sprung out of Jungkook's arms and the angel did nothing to stop it. The dog ran across the ground and up Samgdol's leg, the horse only reacting with a small neigh, before landing on Taehyung's lap. Everyone else was silent.

"Hey, Tannie," Taehyung smiled as Yeontan yapped happily on his leg, his large nearly consuming the entirety of one of the dog's heads. His expression shifted to a stern one as he faced the group again. "I came to help."

"Help us?," Yoongi hissed, his eyes burning orange and hot blue flames crackling around him. Holly was growling as well. Jungkook was glad that his gem wasn't flickering purple. "Or help Hel find us?"

Another silence came after that. Taehyung stared right at Yoongi, who just gave the darkness gem bearer a literally burning glare. He sighed and stroked Yeontan's heads. "None of Hel's forces are aware that I have left the palace."

"And how do we know that?," Namjoon squinted his eyes and crossed his arms. Jimin was rocking on his heels behind him and was avoiding all eye contact with Taehyung. "How do we know that you aren't stalling us? How do we know that Hel's army isn't tailing you right now."

Taehyung shifted his one eye at Namjoon, who just continued to squint his eye at him. Jungkook raised as an eyebrow as the darkness gem bearer plopped Yeontan on the saddle, its long dark fur bouncing a bit. Then, he bit into his palm.

Jungkook couldn't help but widen his eyes out of shock and he saw you react with a light gasp as well. Taehyung winced a bit as he swiped the blood on the snake head's staff, its eyes glowing brightly. He raised it into the air.

"I offer the blood of thee," Taehyung spoke sternly as his eyes slowly shifted to match those of his snake head staff. "Who wishes to summon the forbidden eye."

Jungkook flinched a bit when purple energy started to crackle over Taehyung's staff. The wind picked up a bit and everyone faced Hoseok, who immediately crossed both of his arms into an X and shook his head. The angel raised a hand over his face as the wind grew stronger, dust flying around in a circle.

This was something new. Air never reacted like this around a forbidden spell and Jungkook knew that even Taehyung doing it wasn't any different. Something was wrong.

"In order to see beyond what lies," Taehyung continued slowly and took deep breaths. Jungkook wasn't sure if his ears really were becoming pointed or not. "Show me the key to the hidden prize."

Taehyung paused. Jungkook continued to stare at him and further proved his theory — the darkness gem bearer's ears were pointed, fangs elongated and the skin of his hands blotching with a dark purple hue.

"Show me Hel."

A purple beam shot out from the snake head staff's open mouth and Jungkook ducked instinctively. Behind him, a glowing circular portal formed and presented a glassy image of the inside of Hel's royal palace. Everyone stared into it. It was empty, apart from King Michael on the throne, his gaze far away and blank. The angel was filled with the idea of him making eye contact with the team.

Thankfully, he didn't. The image shifted to the right side of the palace. On the training grounds exclusively for the army, archers and soldiers trained, the clashing of blades resounding, sweat and blood dripping onto the rock floor. Jungkook was still amazed at how this spell worked like a one-way mirror, making the other side unaware of them watching. He understood why it was a forbidden spell.

Soon, the Helian cavalry came into view. There were workers standing at one side, either brushing the horses' manes or shining their hooves. Soldiers were at the other side, sparring amongst themselves with their horses and blades. Standing out in the crowd was none other than Shay, who was wearing a black body suit with a long sword in hand. Contrary to Sangdol, her horse was pale white and had bright red flames as its mane.

The circle flickered before it disappeared into purple mist. Jungkook turned around and stared at Taehyung, who had his head bent downwards and was still taking deep breaths. His features were back to normal, thankfully.

Taehyung stroked Sangdol's head once before he stepped down from his horse. He tossed the strap connected to the saddle over the horse's body before turning around. Everyone was staring at him, both in anger and anticipation. Yeontan wagged its tail innocently.

"I know all of you have seen them," Taehyung sighed loudly and straightened his body, his dark fringe falling over his eyes. You gritted your teeth in anger. "The clues. And since you have, I'd like you to know that I never wanted this. It had to be done."

Jungkook raised an eyebrow as Taehyung peeled his eyes away from you and glanced at him instead. He started stepping closer. One of his hands balled into a fist as it trembled, his eyes twitching as they slowly shifted into his Seraphim form.

"Hey, Kook," Taehyung smiled. Frickin' smiled. Jungkook felt his blood boil. "You understand ri—"

Taehyung was cut off by Jungkook, who had swung his fist and punched the darkness gem bearer right at the cheek. The Crowned Prince of Hel tumbled to the ground with a loud thud. Nobody said anything for a moment.

Jungkook didn't say anything either. He almost expected Taehyung to actually say something or even apologize but instead, he received nothing but a glare. A glare. The angel's wings straightened as the darkness gem bearer rubbed his swollen cheek.

"Do you think it's that easy?," Jungkook's whisper broke the silence. He could feel everyone's stares shift to his face. "Do you really think so?"

Taehyung stayed on the ground and looked up at Jungkook with his single dark eye. Everyone was just staring at the two and the angel knew that nobody was daring enough to interfere. He wouldn't let them either.

"It's not about me not being able to read your mind," Jungkook spoke through gritted teeth, his features showcasing his full Seraphim form. The others watched cautiously and armed themselves. "You just don't let anyone in."

Taehyung continued to stare at Jungkook before he exhaled loudly through his nose. He calmly stood up and wiped the droplets of blood dripping down the corner of his mouth. The expression on his face said it all — I did what I did for everyone's sake.

Jungkook growled loudly, the sudden noise making Yoongi flinch slightly. He stepped towards Taehyung and grabbed his collar, the angel's sharp nails tearing through the cloth.

Taehyung didn't react, even after Jungkook hissed and bared his pointed teeth right at his face. It pissed him off even more.

"We are not just pawns for your plans. If you're here for that then you should have never come back," Jungkook snapped with a clenched jaw. His light gem was glowing brightly. "And I am not going to stand here just to watch you leave again."

Jungkook pushed Taehyung away and nearly made him crash into Sangdol. Wings flapping once, the angel snarled at the Helian again before he turned around and started to walk away. Someone sighed in relief — they weren't going to see the wrath of his Seraphim form today.

"I will do everything in my power," Taehyung spoke suddenly and made Jungkook halt in his tracks. "To make you and everyone else trust me again."

Jungkook slowly turned around and was greeted by a seemingly remorseful Taehyung. He wondered how much training the darkness gem bearer had until he became an expert in acting.

"Better start then," Jungkook growled one last time and walked away from the group.

There was a silence as Jungkook walked towards a chunk of rock that had somehow shoved itself halfway into the ground. He slumped into a seated position and crossed his arms over his chest, all six of his wings folding behind him. A heavy aura surrounded him, preventing anyone from coming near him.

Jungkook honestly never felt this angry before, not even towards King Lucius. He had planned to converse with Taehyung in a civilized manner while calmly expressing his thoughts. However, the moment he saw the darkness gem bearer, he had exploded into a mess of anger and frustration. Not that he regretted it — but he wished he could have handled it better.

Sighing, Jungkook looked up. For a while, he expected to see the bright blue sky he'd always see from the window of his bedroom in Hemel. Then he remembered that he was in Hel, the complete opposite of his home, and was greeted by darkness and rock.

A sudden urge to go up to Taehyung and kick him right in the crotch suddenly came to Jungkook. It took all of his willpower to stop himself from flying off the rock he was currently sitting on. He gritted his teeth and felt his throb. No, not again please.

Jungkook thought about why he was doing this, why he was pinning himself into emotionally and mentally stressful situations. He recalled his conversation with Kiana back home. Do it for your team and the rest of the world, it doesn't have to be just Taehyung. As much as he hated the thought, she was right.

Slowly, Jungkook felt himself calm down. His eyes shifted back into their regular blue color as his long talons turned back to nails. The angel ran a hand through his blonde hair and exhaled loudly.

"I saw that punch coming from a mile away," A voice suddenly spoke from next to Jungkook. He saw purple mist appear from the corner of his eye. "I'm surprised you didn't go for something more... fatal."

Jungkook felt her presence from his right, the goosebumps on his skin rising suddenly. He didn't need to look to know who it was. He didn't need to read her mind to know what she was thinking either. "I'm not leaving the group again. Especially not because of him."

"Actually, I was more concerned for you," Kiana replied. She had a leg crossed over the other, both her hands placed gracefully on her knees.

"Oh...," Jungkook trailed off. He turned towards Kiana and stared at her face for a moment before he continued. "You know I just can't... forgive him. Not this easily. Not this time."

Kiana turned and met Jungkook's eyes. There was a certain warmth in her dark orbs that made him feel comforted. "I don't expect you to. I... get it too, you know? I'm just here to help you through it."

Jungkook sighed. He glanced at Kiana's hand and reached out to it, expecting to feel cold skin or have his palm pass through it. When he was able to grab her hand tightly, he smiled.

"Just you being here is more than enough help, Kiana," Jungkook smiled even more when he felt Kiana squeeze his hand back. Then, he was hit with a sudden sorrow. "I just... wish you'd stay with me forever, yeah?"

A short yet deadly silence came after that. Jungkook kept his eyes on Kiana, whose expression turned more sorrowful with each second that passed. In the end, she smiled. "You know I will."

Kiana pressed a finger on Jungkook's chest, right over his heart. The angel knew exactly what she meant. "I do."

"You and your team should get going," Kiana's expression and tone suddenly turned stern. She glanced behind her and Jungkook followed her gaze to see the others conversing with the exception of Taehyung, who was standing at the side with Sangdol and Yeontan. "With twelve days left, there's no time to waste."

"Yeah, we should...," Jungkook paused once his eyes landed on Kiana's face again. "Kiana... thank you."

Kiana glanced at Jungkook and smiled. There were no words needed between the two, they knew exactly what the other was trying to say. After a while, the Helian woman slowly faded away and left a trail of purple mist behind.

Jungkook inhaled sharply and stood up. With his head up high, the Hemelian prince walked towards the group and watched their gazes shift to him one by one. Taehyung was glancing at him through the corner of his eyes.

"So, we head to the tower, yeah?"

-

Namjoon should have been used to chaos by now but nothing prepared him for Taehyung's sudden arrival. It was also note mention that the darkness gem bearer's presence caused Jungkook to explode in anger and nearly unleash his Seraphim form. He was glad that the angel had enough self-control to hold himself back.

Still, it didn't make the situation any better. After Jungkook had punched Taehyung in the face with both his fist and words, he walked away. Namjoon could see him sitting down on a root a few feet away, his gaze staring into empty space.

"Well," Jin spoke suddenly, his seemingly cheerful tone making everyone face him. He wore an awkward and crooked smile. "This all seems... horrible."

"You don't say," Yoongi hissed and side-eyed Taehyung, who was busy feeding Sangdol with apples he had packed with him. Holly growled on his shoulders.

"So," Jimin spoke with a small whimper and Namjoon couldn't help but stare at his round cheeks. The thunder gem bearer was fiddling with his fingers, lips slightly pouted as he stared at the floor. Cute. "What do we do now?"

A moment of silence came and Namjoon wondered the same thing — what now? He glanced at Jungkook, who was still sulking on his rock seat. He glanced at Taehyung, who was pretending that he wasn't listening even though he obviously was. He glanced at you and flinched slightly at the furious expression you had on, even though Emily was doing her best to console you.

Namjoon glanced at Jimin, whose hooded eyes were looking straight ahead. As soon as their gazes met, however, the thunder gem bearer instantly turned away. This made Aarde's King sigh loudly.

There were a lot of unsaid issues between him and Jimin — Namjoon knew that for a fact. He had the strongest urge to just come up to the younger boy and bombard him with questions; What are we really? Do you feel the same way about me? Do you love me?

Namjoon also knew that Jimin was both mentally and emotionally confused because of what happened back on Greta's deck. So, he knew that the thunder gem bearer needed some time and space to think.

But Namjoon wasn't sure if he had enough patience to wait, especially with his constant fear that he and Jimin's unsaid issues would never be resolved. There was Kaeva too, who would most probably become Bliksem's future queen.

Namjoon shook his head. With twelve days left until Hel's King attacks both world, there were more important things to think about. If saving the worlds meant putting aside his complicated love life then so be it.

"So, we head to the tower, yeah?"

Jungkook walked in with a cheeky smile that showed off his bunny teeth. Namjoon could tell that he was faking it but he didn't say anything.

"Yes, we head to the tower," You spoke sternly and Namjoon honestly wasn't used to seeing such a serious expression from you. "We shouldn't let any distractions stop us from achieving our main goal."

You glanced at Taehyung, who just looked back blankly. Namjoon sighed, then a thought crossed his mind. "We have to bring Taehyung with us."

Everyone, including a stunned Taehyung, whipped their heads towards Namjoon. Yoongi growled loudly. "We have to what?"

"Taehyung can't leave our sight with the knowledge of our location and plans," Namjoon's booming voice seemingly echoed across the barren plains. "It's too much of a risk."

"As much as everyone hates the idea, Namjoon is right," Hoseok pulled his goggles over his head and sighed with arms crossed over his chest. "If he snitches on us—"

"I won't," Taehyung leaned on Sangdol's body as Yeontan sniffed his head. Namjoon raised a brow. "There's a reason why I ran away. I'm not planning on coming back."

A short silence came before Namjoon spoke again. "Either way, you're still coming with us."

"Is Jungkook okay with that?," Jimin squeaked and faced Jungkook. Namjoon followed his gaze and saw the angel deep in thought, eyebrows furrowed and eyes fixated to the floor.

"Yeah," Jungkook said in a weird tone that for some reason made Namjoon feel nervous. Taehyung stared. "I'm okay."

"Let's go then," Emily cocked her head towards the forest up ahead.

Disregarding the noisy footsteps caused by the crumbly floor, the walk was mostly silent. Namjoon was in the back of the group, just behind Sangdol. Taehyung was still on his horse but the team had decided to position around him. It made the darkness gem bearer look like some kind of hostage.

Namjoon stared at the rows of thick trees up ahead and swallowed dryly as the nausea pooled in the pit of his stomach. There was something about the tall trunks and swaying green leaves that were ominous.

"Remember Choerry's words," You announced and glanced at everyone by looking over your shoulder. "Don't listen to the trees."

Taehyung opened his mouth to say something but ended up sighing instead. You lead the way into the forest, your shoes crunching against the falling leaves on the ground. Namjoon gulped at the shadows that consumed the others before he followed suit.

Namjoon honestly expected to be hit with noise right away, even if it was something as small as the chirping of birds or the scuttling feet of squirrels. Instead, he was greeted by dead silence. The only thing he could hear was the snapping of twigs under his feet and the nervous breathing courtesy of Jimin. There was wind too. Maybe Hoseok was nervous as well.

"It's quiet for a cursed forest with singing trees," Yoongi commented with a loud huff as Holly nodded on his shoulders.

"A little too quiet," Hoseok replied in agreement. "But I can't shake off the bad feeling I have about this place."

Namjoon felt even more nervous. If Hoseok says something is wrong then something is definitely wrong. The earth gem bearer eyed his surroundings. The tall trees extended out of his line of sight as fallen green leaves rained down from above. No signs of animals or any other living creature was present. It was all trees. Just trees.

By now, they had trekked deep into the forest, the tower's silhouette growing closer with each step. Namjoon glanced behind him. He could no longer see the barren fields and wrecked village.

"I am starting to believe that we have been deceived," Jin spoke after a long silence. Emily had an arm hooked around his own, a bow and arrow in her other hand.

"I don't think LOONA has any reason to lie to us," Namjoon said in an attempt of reassurance but only received a doubtful look from Jin.

"LOONA?," Taehyung asked, a tone of shock evident in his voice. Sangdol neighed under him, its hooves scraping against the ground. "You guys met the rebel group?"

"Yeah," You turned around and smiled, Jungkook mirroring the expression next to you. "And they were a big help too."

Taehyung didn't say anything. Instead, he looked away. A part of Namjoon felt bad for the darkness gem bearer but of all things, the prince should have known this was coming, especially with his sudden return.

"As I was saying," Jin coughed awkwardly. Emily's grip slipped away from his arm as he leaned to the side to press his hand on a tree. "I don't think this forest is cur—"

Jin yelped loudly when his hand went through the trunk, the wood consuming half of his arm. Emily released a high-pitched scream that pierced through everyone's ears before she grabbed the water gem bearer by the waist and pulled him backwards.

Both of them landed on the ground with a loud thud. Jin stared at his wounded arm in horror. Long gashes lined up from his elbow to his wrist, fresh red blood dripping from them. There was also a dark liquid on his skin that wafted a putrid smell in the air.

Namjoon wanted to puke on the spot but Jin beat him to it. The water gem bearer quickly healed and washed his arm before facing away. The poor man released gagging noises as Emily rubbed circles on his back.

"What the heck is that?," You said in disgust and placed a hand over your mouth. Despite the horrible smell, you stepped forward with your katana in hand. Namjoon was impressed by your bravery.

Emily and Jin moved backwards as you stepped closer to the tree. You carefully poked the trunk with the tip of your blade and Namjoon was absolutely disgusted by the squish sound it made.

"Don't," Taehyung's deep voice rumbled. Sangdol shook its head wildly and made blue flames flutter. "It's not a tree."

"W-What is it then?," Jimin asked with a trembling voice and was standing next to an equally horrified Hoseok.

Taehyung stared at Jungkook with eyes that were void of any sort of emotion. The darkness gem bearer merely raised a hand and snapped his fingers. Namjoon almost thought he was calling hidden Helian soldiers until purple mist appeared around the tree's trunk. He swung his hand and a loud tearing sound came as the thing was pulled put of the tree.

"That," Hoseok screamed as Namjoon's throat closed. Air exploded around his feet. "That is not a tree."

Namjoon had to do a double take to process what exactly he was looking at. It was a rotting dead corpse, his flesh decaying and releasing a horrible smell. His eye sockets were empty and instead filled with vines that looped from inside the skull. Small twigs and vines wrapped around his whole body, almost making it look like a part of the tree. In its chest was the gaping hole that Jin had accidentally made.

"It's what happens if you listen to the trees," Taehyung pet Yeontan, who was sitting quietly in between his legs. "So whatever you do, don't."

Nobody said anything. Instead, the journey continued. Namjoon glanced around and realized that almost every other tree had a corpse tied around it with layers and layers of vines. These were the trees' doing. He was glad that for now, he couldn't hear the trees' song.

Namjoon hoped he never would. He didn't think he was strong enough. Ironic, for he was a bearer blessed with the ability of strength.

Jimin suddenly stopped walking and this instantly caught Namjoon's attention. He turned towards the thunder gem bearer and saw him staring ahead blankly.

"Do you guys hear that?," Jimin's words made everyone face him. He was just smiling as he gazed around the forest with blank eyes.

"Hear what?," Jungkook said slowly, his Vredeian accent strong in his trembling voice. Namjoon's heart was thumping against his ribcage.

"The music," Jimin breathed out, his smile growing. He slowly turned around and walked a towards a tree before gently pressing both of his palms on the trunk. He looked up. "It's all around us."

Namjoon felt like he had plunged into a sea of dread. He turned towards Taehyung, who looked back at him with wide eyes and shook his head. Slowly, the darkness gem bearer spoke.

"The trees."

All thoughts of hesitation and space flew out the window at that moment. Namjoon ran towards Jimin, who was just standing frozen in front of the tree. Everyone else was screaming the thunder gem bearer's name but he was stuck in that trance and didn't react at all.

"Jimin? Listen to me," Namjoon stood next to Jimin and paused when he noticed that his usually bright brown eyes were now glazed in a creamy white texture. He gritted his teeth. "What you're hearing right now is the song of the trees. Don't let it consume you!"

Jimin didn't reply. He just continued to stare up at the green leaves with a blank expression. Namjoon saw small vines grow from the trunk and start to wrap themselves around the thunder gem bearer's wrists. Panic instantly filled his system.

"Jimin," Namjoon gently cupped both of Jimin's cheeks with his hands, his heart shattering at the other's current state. He had the strongest urge to plant a kiss on his full lips but held himself back. "I'll get you out, I promise."

Namjoon stepped behind Jimin and carefully wrapped his arms around the thunder gem bearer's waist. He could feel everyone staring at him due to his words but he thought nothing of it. Before the earth gem bearer could ask for help, he saw purple mist appear from the corner of his eye.

Taehyung was standing next to Namjoon, his arms wrapped around Jimin's waist as well. If the situation wasn't so dire, this would have been an uncomfortable situation for him. He nodded at the darkness gem bearer gratefully.

Nodding back, Taehyung summoned a purple lasso around Jimin's waist and tossed the rest of the rope behind him. Namjoon noticed the blood starting to flow down his nose. "Everyone, pull!"

"You heard Taehyung!," You screamed after a moment of silence and grabbed the rope, which was surprisingly smooth to the touch. "Pull!"

Everyone grabbed the rope and started pulling. The moment Namjoon applied his strength, Jimin's body moved backwards slightly but the vines around his arms and legs halted the movement. The earth gem bearer gritted his teeth and pulled harder, the soles of his shoes digging into the dirt.

"Let go of Jimin you greasy, indigenous plant!," Jungkook screeched as all six of his wings flapped behind him.

"Is that the best insult you could think of?," Yoongi scoffed a bit. Holly was biting the edge of the rope and was pulling it as well.

"Shut up and pull!," Emily roared in frustration as she continued to pull.

Namjoon was getting frustrated because Jimin was not budging at all. The vines around the younger's arms and legs were thicker and stronger. He angrily grabbed one of the vines with his hand and screamed.

"Get off him!"

Once Namjoon pulled the vine, it was torn right off the trunk. The tree wailed and Jimin was freed. Everyone else crumpled to the ground and struggled to stand due to the piercing screams in their ears.

Namjoon wondered if he had super hearing because the moment Jimin spoke, the tree's cries were suddenly gone. "Joonie?"

"Chim?," Namjoon gently moved Jimin so that he was laying on his lap. The thunder gem bearer's eyes were still glassy white as he stared above blankly. He imagined the other staring back at him.

"Don't you hear the music?," Jimin extended a hand upwards and reached out for the trees. Namjoon hesitated before he grabbed it and smiled when the tight grip was returned. "It's beautiful."

Namjoon didn't say anything. As much as he wanted to hold Jimin close like this, he wished that it wasn't under these circumstances. For a moment, it seemed like all the problems and pains have disappeared and all he cared about was staring at the whole world, at the man laying down on him.

Jimin extended his other hand, seemingly in an attempt to cup Namjoon's face. He waited for the touch to come but paused when a vine suddenly shot up from the screaming tree and wrapped around the thunder gem bearer's wrist.

Namjoon screamed but the tree's cries returned to his ears so he could no longer hear himself. Vines wrapped around Jimin and pulled him back to the same tree. The thunder gem bearer whimpered as his back slammed onto the thick trunk, vines continuously wrapping around his whole body.

"No!," Namjoon stood up despite the pain in his ears. Glancing behind him, he saw that Taehyung was the only one standing upright although he too was clutching his ears. He turned back towards the tree. "Jimin—"

Namjoon paused when the cries faded. Instead, he heard the faint sound of a soft melody. It sounded like the strumming of a harp's strings, along with the harmony of wind chimes and the soft humming of a beautiful, oh so beautiful voice.

It seemed like Namjoon had fallen into a trance but he himself was not aware of this. Taehyung was screaming at him, telling him not to succumb to the music, but he could not hear this well.

Namjoon just stood there and listened to the music that filled his system. He felt goosebumps rise on his skin as he was consumed by the feeling of relaxation. The voice of the trees seemingly whispered — I know what you truly want.

Eyes glazed over with a creamy white color, Namjoon let the vines wrap around him and pull him towards a tree. The screams of the others were mere mumbles. As the vines wrapped over his eyes, he fell into a deep illusion.

-

When Namjoon opened his eyes, he was lying on a bed and was buried in thick yet soft duvets. His vision cleared and he immediately saw the spinning ceiling fan from above, its yellow bulb shining brightly in its center. Confused, the earth gem bearer kicked off the sheets, only to be greeted by chilly air.

Namjoon immediately sat up and wrapped himself in the thick blankets once again. His eyes widened when he realized that he was wearing dark blue pajamas printed with a Ryan, his favorite character, pattern. Head suddenly throbbing, he rubbed both of his temples and groaned.

Although the place was unfamiliar, Namjoon felt strangely comfortable. The walls were painted with a bright beige color that contrasted the pillars, dark wooden floor and window frames. Next to the bed was a large glass window that nearly took up the whole wall, giving him a perfect view of the winter forest outside, white snow seemingly glowing as the fell from the sky.

Namjoon saw multiple framed photos of him and Jimin screwed on the wall— Wait, what. He had to blink profusely to fully process what he was seeing. The pictures were of the two of them during different dates; candlelit dinner, carnival, movie nights, etc. Each one had them in the same pose, faces pressed together with bright and genuine smiles spread across their cheeks.

It took Namjoon a few minutes for his mind to absorb all the information. He turned towards the bedside desk and picked up the framed photo placed on top of it. It was a selfie of the two in bed, Jimin's head leaning on his chest, a peaceful yet ethereal smile on his face.

Namjoon didn't know what to think. His head was throbbing and he didn't know why. He couldn't remember anything before waking up but his gut told him that something was off. Now he was inside a cottage bedroom in the middle of a winter forest, surrounded by pictures of them together. Together. The thought alone was bittersweet.

The door from Namjoon's other side creaked open and he nearly jumped out of bed. He raised his fists next to his face but paused when he heard a sweet, honey-like voice.

"Morning, Joonie."

Jimin was standing on the other side of the door, a ceramic cup of smoking hot chocolate in his hands. His orange hair was disheveled, eyes and cheeks slightly swollen. The thunder gem bearer wore a loose plain white tee and dark blue shorts that hung just above his knees.

Namjoon choked, both at Jimin's sudden appearance and at the thighs threatening to burst through the shorts in any possible second.

"I didn't want to wake you," Jimin smiled, his eyes turning into two crescents. God, that smile. "So I made hot chocolate!"

Namjoon stared at Jimin as he plopped his ass next to him and giggled after he nearly spilled the hot chocolate. He scanned the thunder gem bearer as he swung his feet playfully, the tips of his toes scraping across the wooden floor.

"Eyes up here, bud," Jimin said, smirk growing wider at Namjoon's face reddening.

Namjoon looked down instead, taking a sip from the drink Jimin gave him. It was the warmest thing in the room. The unfamiliar room, residing in the middle of nowhere. His thoughts are muddled up like the thick snow outside.

"I didn't say that I didn't mind you looking, you know," Before he knew it, he felt Jimin hold his chin to turn his direction on his eyes. He doesn't remember if he's ever been able to get this close before.

Namjoon finally peeled his eyes away from Jimin, his grip on his chin slipping away, and stared at his drink. He saw his reflection through the dark liquid of the hot chocolate and noticed that his purple hair was sticking out all over the place, cheeks slightly swollen as well.

Jimin smiled again as Namjoon finished the hot chocolate. As he placed the cup on the bedside desk, he thought about a lot of things. One of them was why being right here, right now felt so wrong yet so right at the same time. A part of him told him he didn't belong here but another part told him he did.

"Hey, Joonie," Jimin squeaked and made Namjoon turn towards him. His full lips unconsciously formed a pout as he stared right back with sparkling eyes. "Wanna... wanna cuddle?"

Namjoon didn't say anything at first. He just stared at Jimin, wondering how all of this was real, if all of this was real. The thunder gem bearer stared back in anticipation. "...Of course."

Jimin smiled and slowly pushed Namjoon until he was leaning on the wooden headrest of the bed. His eyes widened as the younger crawled onto his lap, his ass cheeks rubbing against his thigh. The thunder gem bearer then hooked an arm around his neck and bent his legs before laying sideways.

Namjoon instinctively wrapped one arm around Jimin's shoulders with the other hooked around the younger's folded legs. He could feel his breaths fan the crook of his neck, which sent cold shivers down his spine.

"Namjoon," Jimin's whisper instantly caught Namjoon's attention. His tone came softly. "You're doing that thing again."

It took a moment for Namjoon to reply. "What thing?"

"The thing when you think too much," Jimin giggled a bit and Namjoon could feel the vibration of his body on his chest.

Namjoon pondered for a bit. He gently rubbed small circles on Jimin's shoulder with his thumb. "There's just... a lot to take in. Isn't there something off about all of this?"

"Not really," Jimin shrugged. He unlatched his hand from Namjoon's neck and grabbed the bed's headrest. Pulling himself up slightly, he smiled. "You're here, aren't you? That sounds just about right to me."

Namjoon stared at Jimin again and struggled to believe that this was all real. Being alone together in a cottage in the middle of a winter forest, no longer bother kingly duties, superpowers or villains who threatened to kill them with every chance — it seemed like his bud of a dream had sprouted into a beautiful flower before his very eyes.

"How about I help you get some stuff off your mind?," Jimin's voice suddenly had a deeper and more seductive tone. "You know... take the edge off."

Namjoon started to internally panic when Jimin leaned in. He instinctively attempted to scoot backwards but realized that the wooden headrest was right behind him. His heart thumped against his rib cage once again.

Jimin had both of his hands pressed on the wall next to each side of Namjoon's head. The earth gem bearer opened his mouth to say something but was stopped by a pair of lips on his.

Namjoon froze for a few seconds and failed to process what exactly was happening. It was only when Jimin started moving his lips that he realized what was going on.

The Jimin effect — it's what Namjoon decided to call the sensation he was feeling at this moment. It felt like electricity was pulsating through his veins, striking across his body with even the lightest touch.

Namjoon closed his eyes and indulged. He gently curled his fingers in Jimin's orange hair and kissed back slowly. Their lips moved in sync, the thunder gem bearer's hands running up and down his chest.

Jimin shifted his position and was sitting right on Namjoon's lap and the latter had to swallow the noise he almost released. Small hands cupped the earth gem bearer's face as the kiss deepened with more passion.

Namjoon let out a low groan as Jimin released his lips. They made short yet meaningful eye contact before the thunder gem bearer started to trail soft kisses down the other's long neck.

"Jimin," Namjoon bit his bottom lip and swallowed back a groan once more. Jimin was ruffling his purple hair. "W-Wait."

Jimin pulled away hesitantly and furrowed his eyebrows in a mixture of frustration and disappointment. Namjoon glanced at his swollen pink lips and felt his throat run dry.

"I can't," Namjoon was taking deep breaths. He slowly up and was left speechless for a moment when he noticed that his pajama shirt was half-way open, three of the buttons already popped out. "I can't do this."

Jimin stared at Namjoon with watery eyes as the latter buttoned up his shirt. His lips started to tremble. "What's wrong? Was it me?"

"No!," Namjoon didn't mean to shout and felt even more guilty when Jimin flinched. "I mean... you're perfect, Jimin but... all this is just too perfect."

Jimin's eyes were glassy and Namjoon feared that he's break the moment the thunder gem bearer would start to shes tears. With a shaky breath, he continued.

"It's too good to be true."

"But it is!," Jimin exclaimed and leaned forward. His eyes were wild and desperate. Namjoon felt extremely uncomfortable. "It can be! Everything you want, Joonie. I can be that."

Namjoon gently cupped Jimin's cheek and caressed the soft skin with his thumb. "But all I ever needed was you..."

Jimin opened and closed his mouth in a pattern. "I—"

"And I know you well enough to know that the real you feels otherwise," Namjoon dropped his hand down to Jimin's shoulder and released a breath he didn't know he was holding. "I'm not yours."

It seemed like a brick hit Namjoon square in the face as those thoughts entered his mind. I'm not yours. He wasn't Jimin's and Jimin wasn't his.

None of this was real.

"But I still make you happy anyway," Jimin tightly gripped Namjoon's hands tightly in both of his small ones. His tone was a mixture of a question and statement.

"Yeah... you do," Namjoon smiled, his dimples popping. He stroked the top of Jimin's hand. "You're like lightning that just... struck right through me and I haven't been the same since. And that — that's what's real."

Jimin's expression fell suddenly. Although his eyes still sparkled with tears, he didn't look as desperate. Instead, he wore a sorrowful frown.

"You're willing to set all this aside," Jimin waved a hand around, the tone of his voice softer. "For that reality?"

"I think that world trumps this one," Namjoon's free hand clutched the soft duvets of the bed. "It's the one where my friends are in. It's the one where he's in."

"But you're not happy there," Jimin whispered in a matter-of-fact tone, his grip on Namjoon not as tight.

"Well... If the world is safe and he's happy...," Namjoon trailed off, the memory of Jimin laughing with him on Greta's deck making his heart swell. "I think I can learn to be."

A silence fell. Namjoon saw the snow continue to fall out the window through the corner to his eye. Jimin just stared at him, expression now as blank as a slate.

"Ah," Jimin's flat tone made Namjoon's eyes widen slightly. The fake thunder gem bearer slowly slipped his hands away from the other's grip. "My algorithm can never compete with that sincerity. A first."

Namjoon stared at the fake Jimin as he crossed his arms over his chest and sighed deeply. Above him, the light started glowing brightly. He wasn't sure whether the area was shaking or not but his surroundings started to fade away into dust.

"For what it's worth," The fake Jimin said just as he himself started to fade. He smiled. "In case he doesn't say it, I think your heart is a good one."

Namjoon thinks that's the most genuine thing an illusion could ever muster.

-

Namjoon snapped his eyes open and gagged at the bitter taste of wood in his mouth. He sighed in relief when he realized that he was back in Hel's forest. Pain shot up his body as the vines around him tightened. Frustrated, he started to wriggle.

The trees continued to sing into Namjoon's ears but this time, he wouldn't let it get to him. He stopped wriggling when he realized that any movement he made only made the vines tighten. From the corners of his eyes, the earth gem bearer spotted all his friends pinned to separate trees, leaving Sangdol and Yeontan panicking in the middle. He could hear Holly crying but couldn't locate the dragon.

Namjoon gritted his teeth, the thoughts of both his friends being in danger and the precious time currently being wasted fueling his anger. His eyes glowed a dark brown as one of his hands balled into a fist.

The pebbles in front of Namjoon started to rise as the ground cracked. Opening his palm, the earth gem bearer summoned a layer of rock that shot up from the ground and mimicked the shape of his hand. He wriggled his fingers and smirked as the rock followed suit.

Namjoon closed his palm as the hand-shaped rock swiped forward and tore through the vines that were wrapped around him. He fell to the ground with a thud and covered his ears when the tree started to scream in pain.

Struggling to stand, Namjoon wobbled as he got on his knees and seeing as nobody else was reacting to the cries, he assumed that he was the only one who could hear. The earth gem bearer then turned around, just in time to see vines shoot towards him.

Namjoon pressed a palm on the ground and summoned a wall of rock. He heard the sickening crunch of snapping vines as he glanced around. If he wanted to free the others, he needed to free the person who could help the most, someone who could burn.

Following Holly's voice, Namjoon instantly spotted Yoongi's tree. The poor dragon was flying around the trunk, crying as it scratched the vines with its claws in an attempt to free the fire gem bearer.

Namjoon yelped when a vine wrapped around his angle and pulled, making him fall to the floor face first. Thankfully, he had instinctively pulled up his face mask before he could break his nose.

With gritted teeth, Namjoon sprinted towards Yoongi. He continued to create rock walls to defend himself from the vines as ran. Once close enough, the earth gem bearer nearly threw himself on the tree and tore through the vines with his hands. Holly gnawed on some with its teeth.

Namjoon took a deep breath as he laid Yoongi on the ground, too distracted to notice that the trees had stopped attacking. Holly perched on the earth gem bearer's shoulders and wailed loudly. Honestly, he was a bit surprised that even someone as strong as Yoongi had given in to the trees.

"Yoongi," Namjoon lightly slapped Yoongi's cheek and hoped for some sort of response. The fire gem bearer's eyes were glazed over in a creamy white color, gaze blank as he stared ahead. "Come on, man."

Yoongi didn't say anything at first. Then, a small smirk spread across his face. Namjoon almost thought that he was actually responding to him, until he whispered a single word. "Dad..."

Dad. Namjoon recalled one of the meetings of the Single Men Club. Yoongi had mentioned that his mother had started to become abusive after his father left the household.

"Yoongi," Namjoon squeezed both of Yoongi's shoulders. He glanced behind him and saw a tree start to extend its vines. "Please snap out of it. The trees show you what you want but not what you need."

Yoongi didn't respond and only continued to stare blankly into space. Namjoon opened his mouth to speak but paused when he heard Holly screech behind him. Turning around, he saw the dragon desperately trying to cut itself loose from the vines around its ankles.

Namjoon nearly jumped in an attempt to save Holly but the dragon's cries said it all — Save Yoongi first.

With a parched throat, Namjoon turned back towards Yoongi, Holly's cries still ringing in his ears. "Yoongi, listen to me. I know that the trees are showing you what they're making you think is your ideal family."

Namjoon paused when he heard the cracking of vines behind him. He immediately summoned a wall of rock and flinched at the whipping sounds from the other side.

"But please remember that we are your family too!," Namjoon winced as Holly continued to cry. He could hear more vines whip against the rock walls. "Remember Jin! Holly! Sky!"

Yoongi's eye twitched, his expression unchanging.

"Yoongi, please!," Namjoon screamed, just as the thick vines broke through the wall of rock. He couldn't even turn around before the plants wrapped around his waist.

Namjoon's heart stopped for a moment when he was hoisted up high. The earth gem bearer growled loudly and tore the vines with his hands but there were too many of them. Soon, all his limbs were pinned. The music rang louder in his ears and he screamed.

The trees sang — I know what you want, it doesn't matter what you need. Give in and live your dream.

Right before Namjoon could break, he suddenly felt the air heating around him. He opened his eyes and saw flames licking the vines around him, although he himself wasn't harmed by the fire. The screaming tree then dropped him to the ground.

Namjoon landed on his feet and turned around, just as he heard the now freed Holly howl in joy. Yoongi was standing, flames burning over his hands and eyes glowing bright orange.

Yoongi blinked as Holly excitedly perched on his shoulders. He grabbed his head. "What the— Gods, my head hurts. Namjoon, what—"

"I'll explain later," Namjoon balled his fists when he heard the other trees start to attack. His eyes glowed brown. "Yoongi, you need to burn the trees. It will agitate them enough to release the others."

Yoongi smirked as his flames turned hot blue, red scales dotting his cheeks. Holly cheered and flapped its wings. "Cover me."

The moment Yoongi shot out pillars of flames from his palms, the trees screamed as the fire licked the wood. Holly was flying around, avoiding the swinging vines as it also burned the trees with its fire breath.

Namjoon raised his fists, two hand shaped rocks rising from the ground and mirrored his movements. He pulled at and tore the vines that were aiming towards him and Yoongi. The trees screamed louder and made his ears ring.

When Namjoon heard a scream that was definitely not from a tree, he turned around. You were on the ground in front of a tree, screaming as you covered your ears. There were burnt vines and flames surrounding you.

Yoongi glanced at Namjoon, his burning gaze seemingly speaking to him. The earth gem bearer ran across the burning grass and immediately grabbed your arms to help you stand.

Due to the shock, you almost punched Namjoon in the face. You looked around with a wide eyes, a hand still pressed on your temple. Then, you saw Yoongi shooting flames in the middle.

Your expression changed instantly as you turned towards a stunned Namjoon. "I'll help get the others. We have to gather around and let Taehyung teleport us out of this forest. It'll be the quickest way to escape."

Namjoon nodded and spotted something shine from under the burnt vines. He pushed the charred stems away with his hands and saw your katana and shield buried under it.

You took your weapons and nodded back at Namjoon before you sprinted across the field while slashing at the vines with your katana. The earth gem bearer then ran to the nearest tree and continued to free the others.

A few minutes later, everyone was gathered behind Yoongi. Namjoon currently had an unconscious Jimin slumped over his shoulders. He couldn't help but feel bad for the thunder gem bearer, especially because he had been under the trees' influence the longest.

Namjoon was also shaking Taehyung's shoulders, the darkness gem bearer still slightly disoriented, eyes a mixture of purple and white. You, Yoongi and Hoseok were deflecting the vines, which seemed to multiply more each second.

"Taehyung, listen," Namjoon was sweating due to all the flames around him. He heard Sangdol neigh in panic behind him. "You have got to teleport us out of here."

Taehyung flicked his still semi-white eyes towards Namjoon and took deep breaths. The earth gem bearer was impressed at how he could still respond properly in this state. "Is everyone here?"

"Yes!," You replied a little too loudly and slashed your katana, cutting down a group of tangled vines. "We have to go!"

"Everyone, gather around!," Taehyung's grip on Namjoon's sleeve was tight. The darkness gem bearer's eyes flashed a brighter purple behind the layer of white. "Make sure to link with someone or you'll get left behind!"

Namjoon clutched Taehyung's arm in return and watched as he held hands with a flaming Yoongi, who was right next to him. The fire gem bearer then held Jin's shoulder, the latter intertwining hands with Emily. The protector hooked an arm around Hoseok's elbow and you did the same to the air gem bearer. Yeontan and Holly sat on top of Sangdol, whose leg was being held by Jungkook.

When Namjoon felt Jimin's hands tighten over his chest, he glanced at the side. The thunder gem bearer was exhaling loudly, a meaningful sparkle in his eyes as he nodded.

Namjoon smiled just as Taehyung screamed and they all disappeared to leave a trail of purple mist.

-

A/N - credits to hotricebowl for helping me write Namjoon's dream!! thanks babe xoxo

I'm so sorry for the late update djjsjs exams killed me but I revived and am back!!! I've got like 2.5 weeks of vacay before the sem starts so I'll do my best to update then!!

ALSO OH MY GOD I WAS CONTACTED BY A PUBLISHING COMPANY??? THEY ARE WILLING TO PAY ME TO DISTRIBUTE MY BOOK?????

them: she's meditating
me: no im died

ANYWAYS i'll update y'all about this hopefully it isn't like a spam lol

This chap contains a ton of feelings!!! And proves how much Namjoon really loves Jimin find you a man— and JK finally giving Tae a piece of his mind!!! That was so satisfying to write tf

Anyways I hope y'all enjoyed this long-ass chap!! See y'all in chap 78!!

#DoraxBTS