Jimin listened to the crunching of dry grass underneath him. He exhaled loudly and saw his breath fog in the air. Pulling the sleeves of his thick jacket, the thunder gem bearer marched forward.

Truthfully, Jimin couldn't remember the last time he visited his family's graves— or if he even did after the funeral. His whole idol life was a blur of performances, interviews and speeches. He couldn't even think of the last time he ever enjoyed it.

Throat dry, Jimin looked around the cemetery. Located in the heart of Busan, it was a fairly open area with groups of gravestones distanced from each other by at least ten feet. Despite that, he and Namjoon were the only living souls present.

Just beyond a cemented mausoleum was a black car hidden within the shadows of the trees. Jimin could see one of the ANIMA agents eyeing them from the driver's seat. He shivered slightly under his gaze.

Jimin stopped when he reached a row of graves etched with familiar names. Suddenly it was like his feet were frozen to the ground. He couldn't move. His whole body stiffened and his chest tightened so much that he couldn't breathe.

"Chim?"

Jimin froze upon feeling a hand on his shoulder. Feeling the slight graze of Namjoon's claws, the thunder gem bearer released a sigh of relief.

"Hey, it's okay," Namjoon's deep voice rumbled as he whispered. He hugged Jimin from behind. "Just breathe. I'm right here."

With a small hum, Jimin leaned against Namjoon's chest and felt his breath stagger a bit. The thunder gem bearer glanced down and gently grabbed his lover's purple hand. His claws grazed the skin of wrist.

"Joonie," Jimin took a deep breath. "Thank you."

"For what?," Namjoon placed his chin on the crown of Jimin's head.

Jimin giggled a bit at the touch. He glanced down at the graves and scanned Jihyun's name. "For staying alive... for being with me. I can't imagine how I'd deal with losing you too."

Namjoon tightened his grip around Jimin. He didn't say anything but his warmth was more than enough for the thunder gem bearer.

"I never got to say goodbye to them," Jimin whispered slowly. Namjoon held his hand tighter. "I... I didn't even get a good look at their faces before they—"

Jimin paused when he felt the tears suddenly spill out of his eyes. He sobbed quietly as Namjoon started to rub his hands comfortably.

"I felt so alone, Joonie. I— I had nobody," Jimin sniffled. He felt the tears stream down his cheeks. "I— didn't— I didn't—"

Jimin's legs suddenly gave out and he ended up falling to the ground on his knees. Namjoon fell with him, grip still tight and comforting. The thunder gem bearer held in a choked sob.

"It's so unfair," Jimin's tears dripped onto the dry ground. "My family, your mom and sister... they did nothing wrong. Nothing. And yet—"

"I know," Namjoon whispered back, his voice cracked. "But you said it yourself way back— there are some things we can't control, some things we have to deal with."

Jimin sniffled as he nodded along with Namjoon, who continued to nestle his face into the thunder gem bearer's orange hair.

"I know exactly how you feel, Jimin," Namjoon sniffled as well. Jimin realized that he could feel the other's tears drip to his shoulder. "And you don't have to keep it in."

Jimin's lips trembled.

"Let it out."

At that moment, something inside Jimin shattered. No longer able to hold it in, he let out a loud cry that echoed in the empty cemetery. Namjoon held him close and silently shed tears with him.

Jimin wasn't really sure how much time had passed or if he blacked out. He eventually came to in Namjoon's arms with swollen and dry eyes. His parched throat ached as he swallowed.

"Hey, Chim," Namjoon whispered slowly with a hoarse voice. He gently stroked Jimin's hair. "You feeling okay?"

"I feel better actually," Jimin winced a bit at his scratchy throat. He looked up and smiled at Namjoon's dimplesa. "Just a little thirsty."

Namjoon chuckled deeply. "Too bad Jin isn't here."

Jimin sat up slowly, his back aching slightly. Namjoon placed a hand on his shoulder. It made the thunder gem bearer realize how huge his lover's hands actually were.

"Is the water he uses even drinkable?," Jimin asked after a slight cough and ruffled his own orange hair. "I mean, what if it's like, sea salty?"

Both ended up laughing. Jimin sighed and leaned on Namjoon in a relaxed manner. He glanced at the tombstones again. Rotten flowers rested on the dry grass in front of each grave, along with moss that started to crawl up the stones.

Jimin raised an eyebrow. Strange. He did not remember leaving these flowers here. The thunder gem bearer thought about who would visited these graves other than him. His eyes widened when he came to a possible conclusion— Uncle Kang?

With a small laugh, Jimin shook his head and brushed away the thoughts. Namjoon glanced at him questionably. "What are you thinking about?"

"Them," Jimin gestured at the graves after a long pause. Namjoon hummed. "I think they'd really like you. In fact..."

Jimin grunted as he grabbed his knees and stood up. Although hesitant, Namjoon sat and watched curiously. The thunder gem bearer squatted behind the graves and held one of the tombstones.

"Mom, Dad, Jihyunie," Jimin smiled as he imagined them staring at Namjoon fondly. "This is my boyfriend, Kim Namjoon."

Namjoon sat comfortably, legs crossed into each other, and stared back at Jimin with that dimpled smile. God, those dimples. He noticed how his claws scratched into the dirt. The thunder gem bearer wondered if that was a bad sign or not.

"You guys would be surprised at how long it took for us to get together," Jimin laughed a bit and so did Namjoon, whose chuckles sounded dry. Then he sighed. "But... I'm really glad."

Oddly enough, Jimin didn't feel like he was about to cry. He figured that his tears had ran out due to his fit a few moments ago. Namjoon's gaze was still on him.

"He's really clumsy with those long limbs," Jimin leaned on his mother's grave with his arms folded over the stone. "And has a tendency to talk non-stop about the most random things in the dead of night."

Namjoon chuckled. Jimin honestly considered the possibility of him being in a long dream— Was this a dream? Did he really find someone like this for himself?

"But... even with all the little things he does, I know that he loves me," Jimin sighed a bit dreamily. He smiled at Namjoon. "Just as I love him."

A short silence came. Jimin pressed his cheek on the tombstone and felt the cold rock tingle his skin. He imagined how his family would react to him bringing Namjoon home. The thunder gem bearer was sure that they'd be more than happy to see him.

Jimin glanced at Namjoon, who stared back at the graves solemnly. He smiled fondly. "Joonie? Baby?"

"Hm?," Namjoon hummed as a reply.

"You're doing that thing again," Jimin sighed with a small smile still on his face. "You're thinking too much. What's on your mind?"

Namjoon froze for a bit, which made Jimin wonder if he had said anything wrong. Then the earth gem bearer bent his knees and crossed his arms over them with a loud sigh.

"I'm just...," Namjoon whispered and squished his cheek against his knees. "Would your family like me? I mean... I'm not really—"

"Namjoon, stop," Jimin spoke sternly, expression suddenly serious. "For once in my life, I am sure of something. You are one of the best people I know. My family would love you no matter what."

Namjoon smiled at that, his dimples popping once again. "I'm sure mom and Yuna would feel the same towards you."

"Really?," Jimin grinned. He sat up straight behind the tombstone and stretched his arms. "What makes you say that?"

"Well," Namjoon traced some lines on his pants with his sharp claws. Jimin eyed his movements. "Mom would gush about how small you are and—"

"Fun sized," Jimin said suddenly with a big pout. Namjoon raised an eyebrow questionably. "I'm not small, I'm fun sized."

"Cute," Namjoon cooed under his breath. "And Yuna..."

When Namjoon trailed off, Jimin thought about what he knew about Yuna. He knew that his sister was barely ten when she died tragically. He also knew that she was one of the reasons why the earth gem bearer survived this long.

"Yuna loved music," Namjoon smiled. Jimin noticed that his eyes were brimming with tears. "She'd take every opportunity to sing whenever it was quiet."

When Namjoon's expression shifted drastically in the span of a split second, Jimin was filled with worry. His grip on the tombstone tightened, nails digging into the rock.

"She always told me," Namjoon paused and inhaled a shaky breath. "That in the future, she'd sing to the world... and that I wouldn't need to work my ass off every day anymore if she did."

Jimin watched silently as Namjoon shed a few tears. "She sounds amazing."

"I know," Namjoon sniffled quietly. "She was the best sister a big brother could ever ask for."

Jimin thought deeply about it. Namjoon was staring at the ground, his tears falling without a sound. The thunder gem bearer grabbed his knees and grunted as he stood up.

For a moment, Jimin sat next to Namjoon quietly. Then he slowly wrapped his arms around his shoulders and leaned his head into the crook of the earth gem bearer's next.

"Joonie," Jimin asked in a low whisper. "Do you think Yuna would like it if I sing to her?"

Namjoon froze significantly. He then turned around and stared at Jimin with wide eyes. "Sing to her?"

"Mhm," Jimin hummed and looked up at Namjoon with a smile. "What do you say?"

Namjoon stared blankly for a few seconds then put on a warm smile. "I know she'd love that."

-

If Namjoon were to be honest, he had almost completely forgotten about Jimin's former celebrity life. So when the thunder gem bearer told him that he'd sing to Yuna, he was left confused for a few seconds.

Namjoon then realized that he never heard Jimin sing, whether in real life or through a CD. It peaked his curiosity and although he knew that his lover was definitely good, he still looked forward to hearing him.

Like Jimin, Namjoon didn't really have the chance to visit his family's graves after the accident. In his case, he couldn't even if he wanted to. The memory of the cold jail cell made him shiver.

Namjoon glanced at the rearview mirror and tried to get a glimpse of the ANIMA agent driving but could catch one of the shades' lenses. There was an awkward silence in the car. Jimin gripped his hand tightly.

"Joonie," Jimin whispered anxiously. "What do you think about the ANIMA Organization?"

Namjoon quietly glanced back at the rearview mirror. He wondered if the agent was looking at them from behind those dark lenses. The earth gem bearer swallowed dryly.

"To be honest, Chim, now that I think about it," Namjoon whispered back. He kept glancing back at the rearview mirror. "I've heard about ANIMA before."

"Really?," Jimin said a bit too enthusiastically. He immediately lowered his voice. "When?"

Namjoon's chin protruded as he thought long and hard about it. The memory was vague, something buried in the back of his mind due to all that happened so far.

Then Namjoon remembered it— the policemen dragging him to his cell and the suited men he passed by, one of them announcing their position in the ANIMA Organization. He could still clearly see their sharp gazes piercing through him.

Namjoon opened his mouth to explain but was cut off when the agent spoke instead. The suited man turned alight to the side, dark eyes glinting behind the lens of his shades.

"Your case was one of the first that ANIMA investigated," The agent slurred with his thick and grumbly voice. "Name's Lee Dong Wook but please, call me Lee."

Namjoon and Jimin glanced at each other quietly. The earth gem bearer gently wrapped an arm around his lover's waist. "What do you mean my case?"

Lee didn't say anything, which made Namjoon more nervous than he should be. The car turned a corner and the sudden swerve nearly made Jimin slide across his seat.

"ANIMA is a group that specializes in tracking down potential otherworldly threats," Lee explained as he adjusted his rearview mirror. Namjoon could now see his smooth face. "Our boss really believed there were aliens out there, even before your Vredeian friends showed up."

Namjoon listened closely. He wondered why whoever ANIMA's boss was even had the idea that aliens existed. After all, that wasn't something people would normally lose sleep over.

"So when news of the accident came out, boss made us scramble to investigate," Lee pushed his shades up with two fingers. "But it made sense. A regular man like you can't just form a sinkhole out of nowhere."

Namjoon looked down at his earth gem, which pulsed in a deep brown color. He clenched it. "Then why were you there when I was imprisoned?"

"Because we tried to get you out," Lee stepped on the brakes. The car halted before the red light. "But the police wouldn't let you go, said they needed someone to blame to serve justice."

"Assholes," Jimin snapped under his breath. Namjoon was a little surprised by his harsh tone.

Namjoon gritted his teeth and balled his purple hand to a fist, nails nearly stabbing into his own wrist. Although he turned himself, he still couldn'ta believe that the chance of freedom had slipped away just like that.

When Namjoon realized that he was starting to lose himself, he took a deep breath. He felt a gaze on his face and turned around to see a very worried Jimin. Lee was looking at him as well through the rearview mirror.

Namjoon's eyes flicked downwards. He noticed that Lee's hand was hovered above the gun strapped to his belt.

"I'm fine," Namjoon smiled at Jimin and glanced at Lee. "Don't worry."

Lee continued to stare at Namjoon through the rearview mirror. Eventually, he moved his hand away from his gun and faced the road. An awkward silence fell once again.

Namjoon spent a lot of time wondering how different everything would have been if ANIMA had taken him. He thought what kind of a person he would be without the experience of being in jail. At the same time, the earth gem bearer wondered if being an agent would have stopped him from joining the team.

Which meant one thing— not meeting Jimin. And if being with him meant sacrificing everything else, then Namjoon had no regrets.

"We're here," Lee broke the deafening silence and glanced at the couple. "Take as much time as you need."

In a flash, the two were out of the car with not much words exchanged between them. Namjoon stared at the cemetery's arched entrance with a parched throat. Jimin held his purple hand gently.

"Are you ready, Joonie?," Jimin asked softly, his hooded eyes looking at Namjoon.

Namjoon nodded briskly with an unsure smile. "Yeah, I'm ready."

With that, the two walked into the cemetery. Contrary to Busan's, this one was packed with visitors. Children pranced across the streets, flowers and chips in hand as they ran. Some families in deep black clothes wailed loudly over graves. Amongst them was a priest in bright white.

Namjoon eyed the mausoleums that stood in rows. Remembering that Jimin's family were in one as well, he wondered how much it costed, especially because he couldn't afford one for his family.

So when Namjoon spotted the flat stone slabs buried in an empty field a few feet away from the busy cemetery interior, he realized how pathetic it looked. He stared at the graves and eyed Yuna's name. Dried leaves littered over the tombs.

"If only I worked harder," Namjoon whispered under his breath as his fists trembled. "Then at least they'd have a resting place worth looking at."

"Namjoon, don't beat yourself up over it," Jimin spoke softly and placed a hand on his shoulder. "They'd be proud of you either way."

A short silence passed as the two stared at the graves. Namjoon turned towards Jimin, who looked like he could burst into tears any second.

Namjoon tightly clutched the white roses in his hand. Slipping away from Jimin's grip, he slowly bent down and places a rose on his mother's grave. Then he placed a flower on Yuna's grave as well.

The wind blew from behind and made Namjoon's hair flutter. Jimin tilted his head curiously. "Joonie?"

"Hm?," Namjoon hugged, his gazes still fixated at the graves.

"Uhm," Jimin paused, obviously hesitant. "Where's your father's grave?"

Namjoon didn't say anything, mostly because he didn't know what to say. The accident that been so bad that the coroners barely even recovered his mom and Yuna's bodies. As for his father—

"I don't know," Namjoon sighed. "I don't think I'd like to know either."

Jimin was quiet for a moment. Then he stepped behind Namjoon and held both of his shoulders. "I'm sorry, I shouldn't have asked."

Namjoon smiled and held Jimin's fingers, the claws of his purple hand grazing his skin. "It's okay, Chim."

Jimin suddenly cleared his throat loudly and walked passed Namjoon. He hummed in different tones until he was standing behind the two graves. Do Re Mi— the thunder gem bearer sang repeatedly.

"Sorry if I'm a bit off tune, Joonie," Jimin hummed and put on a bright grin. "Haven't practiced in a while."

Namjoon crossed his legs and looked up in anticipation. Jimin cleared his throat one last time and took a deep breath. The earth gem bearer could tell that he was extremely nervous, even without the crowd.

Then Jimin opened his mouth and Namjoon became breathless. His angelic voice sailed smoothly through the air. The earth gem bearer swayed with the sweet melody. He closed his eyes and drowned himself in the music.

And when Jimin's song ended, Namjoon was hit by a sudden sorrow. He opened his eyes and saw the thunder gem bearer smiling at him cheekily.

"S-Sorry," Jimin rubbed his nape awkwardly. "That was a bit messy."

"Messy?," Namjoon laughed. He stood up and gently held Jimin's shoulders. "Chim, that was beautiful."

Jimin's eyes widened for a bit then a cocky grin danced across his face. "You really think so? I bet Yuna would love it, right?"

Namjoon couldn't help but smile. He wrapped his arms around Jimin and planted a soft kiss on his temple. He glanced down at Yuna's grave and imagined her smiling face.

"She would... Definitely."

-

"Hoseok, you're overreacting," Yoongi scoffed loudly. Holly nodded in agreement on his shoulders.

"Yoongi, you don't understand!," Hoseok exclaimed loudly and flailed his arms in the air. "Jia is going to be old! Like, wrinkly old!"

"If my memory is correct, you specifically said that you would still... bang her," Jungkook raised his fingers and made quotation marks in the air.

Hoseok stared at Jungkook, his eyes narrowed and lips curled down into a frown. The angel returned a confused gaze and tilted his head as the air gem bearer's thoughts rang in his head— Why are you like this, let me live.

"Well, you're right," Hoseok spoke in a matter-of-fact tone and curled his fingers under his chin. "No matter how long it's been, Jia is still Jia. That won't change a thing."

"Hoseok, I think you may have forgotten that our whole journey only took a span of—"

"Months! I know!," Hoseok wailed and ran his hands down his face, pulling the skin of his cheeks. "She waited for so long! Oh, Jia."

Jungkook was even more confused than he initially was. He glanced at Yoongi for clarification but the fire gem bearer just shrugged at him. Holly was scratching the back of its ear.

A silence fell after that. Jungkook glanced at the house the trio stood in front of. Apparently, Jia was out visiting some relatives in Seoul— oddly convenient too. So he and Yoongi decided to accompany Hoseok before exploring the city themselves.

Now the trio were standing at the gate of Jia's house. It was a simple, one Jungkook thought would fit perfectly in a town of Helian nobles. Located far from the battlefield, the area was peaceful. The angel swore that he could hear birds chirp.

A few more minutes passed. Hoseok stood in front of them with a frozen smile. Behind them, a female ANIMA agent glanced at them from within a jet black car.

"Don't just stand there, you doofus," Yoongi snapped. He was leaning on a light pole. "Go get your girl."

"There is no need to worry, Hoseok," Jungkook put on a big bunny grin. "Yoongi and I will be your motivational support."

"You mean wingmen?," Yoongi asked with a raised eyebrow. Holly snapped its jaws.

Jungkook tilted his head. "But Yoongi, you do not have wings."

Yoongi put on a stank face, which made Jungkook wonder if there was anything wrong with what he said. Before either of them could speak, Hoseok stepped forward and exhaled loudly. His breath puffed all over the angel's face.

"You know what, the two of you are right," Hoseok puffed his chest and slammed his fist on it. "I have to get my head in the game! Be like Troy! Be a Wildcat! I'm going to march in and—"

"Excuse me?"

Hoseok instantly froze when a third voice suddenly spoke. Jungkook looked over the air gem bearer's shoulder and saw an elderly woman standing at the doorway of Jia's house. Her stringy white hair fell just above her shoulders.

"Sonny, would you please keep it down by a tad bit?," The old woman smiled, her voice shaking. "My husband and I were trying to sleep."

"Apologies, miss!," Jungkook called with a thick accent. Yoongi was staring somewhere else. "My acquaintances and I were merely—"

"Jia?!"

Jungkook turned and saw Hoseok's pale face, a horrified expression all over his features. He dashed towards the old woman with teary eyes and grabbed her hand. Yoongi palmed his face.

"I'm so sorry that I made you wait for so long!," Hoseok wailed loudly, his voice somehow echoing in the open field. "Please forgive me!"

The old woman pushed up her glasses. She squinted her eyes at Hoseok. "Do I know you?"

"You've forgotten me too," Hoseok sniffled and wiped a lonely tear that dripped down his cheek. "I can't blame you. I'd forget me too if I was gone for that long."

Jungkook turned towards Yoongi, who was looking away from Hoseok. His expression was contorted into one of both irritation and amusement.

"Yoongi, I fail to understand Hoseok's predicament," Jungkook scratched the back of one of his wings. "Surely, Jia would not have aged that much in a span of a few months?"

"He's being a dumbass," Yoongi sighed loudly. "Just let him."

"Oh, Jia!," Hoseok wailed loudly once again. The old woman looked confused. "It breaks my heart to know that you've found someone else. Please know that I'll still be here for you, even as a frie—"

"Grandma, who's at the door?"

Hoseok blanked out when a familiar voice from inside the house. A brunette girl Jungkook recognized appeared from behind the old woman. Then she spotted the air gem bearer and froze.

"Jia, darling," The old woman's voice shook. "I think this young man needs some help."

Jia looked at the old woman then back at the still very stunned Hoseok. "Hoseok?"

"Jia?," Hoseok finally responded. He glanced at the smiling old woman. "Uh? What?"

"You dummy!," Jia's eyes instantly glassed with tears as she slowly pulled the old woman back. "This is my grandma!"

"Grandma?," Hoseok slipped his grip off Jia's grandmother. The gears of his mind squeaked as they ran. "So you didn't marry another man and live almost your whole life without me while I was gone?"

Jia spluttered into loud laughter. Her grandma mumbled something before she disappeared into the house. "Of course not! You've only been gone for months! Besides, I would have waited either way."

Hoseok didn't say anything for a few seconds but he eventually put on a big heart-shaped smile. He opened his arms wide, eyes as teary as Jia's.

No words were said between the two, instead Jia jumped into Hoseok's arms. The two shared a passionate kiss as the air gem bearer carried his girlfriend and twirled her around.

Jungkook was happy for Hoseok, really, but he couldn't help but think of Kiana. He wondered how differently everything would be if she was still alive. The angel looked up at the bright sky and imagined her looking down at him from the kingdom of Macht.

When Jungkook felt tears stream down his face, he imagined Kiana scoff and say— Don't cry, you dummy. Didn't I tell you to be happy?

Yoongi glanced at Jungkook, his face void of any emotion. Holly tilted its head. With another loud sigh, the fire gem bearer placed a hand on the angel's shoulder.

"Hey, Jungkook," Yoongi called. Jungkook hummed as a reply. "Which area of Seoul do you want to explore first?"

Jungkook wiped his tears away with the back of his hand. "To be quite honest, I have no idea. I trust your guidance instead."

Yoongi hummed and fell into deep thought. Holly licked its claws and flicked its beady eyes towards Jungkook. The angel pet the dragon's head and it hummed against his palm.

"I have just the idea," Yoongi mumbled to himself. Then he called out. "Yo, Hoseok!"

Hoseok pulled away from the kiss, which made Jungkook wonder if they really were making out for that long. The air gem bearer grinned at them with swollen lips.

"Jungkook? Yoongi?," Jia called out. Jungkook was honestly surprised that she still remembered them. "Won't you two stay for a bit of food?"

"Sorry Jia but we got places to go," Yoongi playfully nudged Jungkook's shoulder. "And a whole city to explore."

Jungkook would lie if he'd say he wasn't excited. Even after saying goodbye to the couple and sitting in the car for over half an hour, all the angel could think about was what awaited him in Seoul. At the same time, he wished Kiana was here to see the city as well.

"I think you're a little too excited there," Yoongi laughed at how Jungkook literally vibrated on his seat. "Haven't you been here before?"

"I came to Earth with a mission to find Tae," Jungkook's little head wings flapped in anticipation. "Didn't really have the time to explore, yeah?"

Yoongi nodded in understanding. He stared down at Jungkook's hand and eyed the diamond rock. "The first thing we need to do is to get some cash with that."

Jungkook raised his hand and tilted his head curiously. "This? How?"

"Well, Jungkook," Yoongi cracked his knuckles. Holly cheered in between them. "Here on Earth, we have pawn shops. Basically you give them stuff and they give you money of the same value."

"Interesting," Jungkook tapped his chin and tongued the inside of his cheek. "Is it not less complicated to trade items instead? It is what we do in Vrede."

Yoongi scrunched his eyebrows together. He paused when the car ran over a hump. "You mean you guys don't have money."

"These... diamonds are what we treat as a form of currency," Jungkook grinned and showed off his diamond. "But we rely mostly on trade to circulate goods between kingdoms and families."

"Thank the gods I'm moving out of this shit planet," Yoongi grumbled under his breath with a small smirk. Jungkook wondered what he meant by that.

Before Jungkook could ask Yoongi to clarify what shit planet meant, the female ANIMA agent called out from the driver seat. "We're here."

Jungkook's eyes beamed. He slammed his face on the car's window and winced a bit at how his nose throbbed. Despite that, the angel pressed his hands on the glass and looked outside.

Rows of colorful buildings, untouched due to being far away from the battlefield, greeted Jungkook's sight. Despite the big battle that took place just half a day ago, citizens calmly loitered the streets of Seoul. Some carried shopping bags, others accompanied by creatures that resembled Yeontan— except they had one head instead of three.

Jungkook turned around when he heard a car door click open. Yoongi stood outside and stared back at the angel blankly. Holly sat quietly on his shoulders.

"Why are you looking at me like that?," Yoongi scoffed a bit. "Come on."

Jungkook's wings flapped once. He turned towards the female ANIMA agent and put on a smile. "Thank you for the ride!"

The agent didn't say anything, instead she gave the angel a firm nod. Jungkook stepped out of the car and stretched his arms. His wings spread and flapped, white feathers rustling in the breeze.

"Mommy, look!," A little boy squealed when he saw Jungkook's feathers. He ended up being dragged away by his mother.

"You're not going to hide your wings at all, eh?," Yoongi put on a playful smirk.

"I do not think that is of use anymore, yeah?," Jungkook continued to stretch his wings. At one point he started to bend his knees. "I have been revealed to the world through your boxy screens. Besides, I do not think anyone is afraid."

Yoongi glanced around and Jungkook decided to follow his gaze. The people who passed by merely glanced at the angel's big wings, some children even wanting to touch them. Somehow, not even Holly was enough to instill fear into them.

"Still, I find it quite strange that they do not fear us," Jungkook rolled his shoulders and paused when he heard someone's thoughts. "Huh. Someone thinks we are cosplayers on crack? Yoongi, may I ask what that means?"

"Ignore them," Yoongi grumbled and gestured at Jungkook to come closer. "Stay close and follow me. Don't wander off."

Jungkook nodded meekly as Yoongi started walking ahead. Holly sniffed the air, some pedestrians flinching at the sight of the dragon. The angel folded his wings and glanced around curiously.

There was a strange scent in the air that Jungkook couldn't quite identify. He looked around the area. Rows of clothing stores filled the streets, along with a few vendors of random knick knacks. A one headed Cerberus was peeing on the base of a pole.

"Jungkook, listen," Yoongi started, his back still facing Jungkook. Holly was licking its claws again. "I don't know how beautiful you think this city is but this place is dangerous."

Jungkook continued to look around. He noticed that some people were walking around with little squares on sticks. The angel sniffed the air and realized what the scent he picked up really was. When the prince turned around, he grinned.

"Take it from someone who had to live in the streets," Yoongi crossed his arms over his chest. Holly snapped its jaws. "There are people here who would take advantage of you, especially because you're so... innocent. And naive. So you should—"

Holly snapped its jaws again. Realizing that the dragon was trying to say something, Yoongi glanced up at his little pet questionably.

"Gone," Holly scraped its nails on the cloth of Yoongi's jacket.

"Gone?," Yoongi repeated with a raised eyebrow. He turned around. "What do you mean—"

Yoongi paused when he realized that the area Jungkook stood was now replaced by empty air. A lone white feather rested on the concrete sidewalk.

"God damn it," Yoongi groaned loudly and sprinted forward. "Jungkook!"

Frustrated, Yoongi squeezed himself between the crowd of pedestrians as he desperately searched for Jungkook's presence. At one point he bumped into a suited man who was busy with his cellphone.

"Watch it, bozo," The man hissed, his eyes boring into Yoongi's face.

Yoongi considered both flipping him off and punching him in the face with a flaming fist but he held himself back. Instead, Holly roared loudly on his shoulders and bared its teeth.

The man made a run for it. Yoongi smirked and pet Holly, who purred at the touch. "Thanks, bud."

After a few minutes of sprinting literally everywhere, Yoongi somehow ended up in that part of Seoul where street vendors littered every corner. The air was filled with a mixed scent of oil and meat. Smoke rose from the various grills and pots surrounding him.

And that's when Yoongi spotted a strange crowd. He squinted his eyes and saw the vague white feathers ruffling from within the group of noisy vendors. What the heck.

"Jungkook!," Yoongi called out and grunted at the noisy crowd in front of him. "Jungkook Aurum!"

When Jungkook failed to hear him, Yoongi clicked his tongue. He glanced around and saw empty chairs and tables situated in the middle of the small food court. An idea formed in the fire gem bearer's head.

Yoongi pulled some chairs into a line and stacked three of them at the very end. Holly hummed. "What you are about to see, Holly, is what you call parkour."

Holly tilted its head and slowly flew off Yoongi's shoulders. The fire gem bearer cracked his knuckles and bent his knees. He recalled a time he had to jump over cars to run away from a police chase and smirked.

"Here goes nothing," Yoongi whispered before he broke into a sprint.

Yoongi stepped off a chair and boosted his jump by bouncing off the stacked seats. He then grabbed the shoulders of one of the tall men in the crowd and seemingly flew over them. Flawlessly, the fire gem bearer landed next to Jungkook.

"Oh!," Jungkook exclaimed with a mouthful of something. "Greetings, Yoongi."

With a low grunt, Yoongi grabbed his knees and stood up. Holly flew overhead and perched on his shoulders. Jungkook was holding multiple sticks of fishcakes in one hand and a bowl of dumplings in the other. In his mouth was a half eaten sweet-pancake.

Jungkook chewed on the pancake and it disappeared like a vacuum. He smiled with teeth filled with traces of burnt bread. "Would you like some dumplings?"

"Didn't I tell you not to run off?," Yoongi's eye twitched. He could hear street vendors around them beg Jungkook to buy their food. Huh.

Jungkook frowned and swallowed a whole serving of fishcakes. "Apologies, Yoongi. I did not mean to offend you in any way."

Yoongi scrunched his eyebrows together when Jungkook suddenly paused. A dead silence fell amongst the vendors as the angel sniffed the air like a dog. Then the Hemelian prince slowly walked towards a very giddy vendor.

"Excuse me, sir," Jungkook's mouth watered, eyes sparkling as he stared at the tray of food. "May I ask what variation of dishes you have presented?"

"This is grilled cheese lobster!," The vendor nodded vigorously and nearly shoved the tray into Jungkook's face. "All freshly cooked!"

"Lobster?," Jungkook gasped loudly, his eyes sparkling once again. He cleared his throat. "May I purchase a doze—"

"Take them all!," The vendor screeched and nearly dropped one of his grilled cheese lobsters.

Yoongi stared in both jealousy and utter disbelief. He recalled how he himself had to steal food from these very same vendors to sustain his hunger long ago. Seeing them fawn over Jungkook— that rich son of a—

"I am not quite sure if that is ideal," Jungkook quietly munched on a dumpling. "Won't other customers want to—"

"I can make more!," The vendor screamed and Jungkook visibly flinched. Yoongi wondered if he should step in. "Please, buy them all."

"Alright," Jungkook's expression shifted instantly as he put on a smile. He turned towards Yoongi. "Hold this for me, yeah?"

Yoongi narrowed his eyes at Jungkook but ended up taking the bowl anyway. As the angel dug into his pockets, the fire gem bearer quietly fed Holly a dumpling.

"Here you go kind sir," Jungkook smiled and dropped two diamond stones on the vendor's now empty tray. Loud gasps rang everywhere as the prince bowed. "I thank you for making such wonderful delicacies."

"No, thank you!," The vendor screamed and handed the plastic bag of grilled cheese lobster to Jungkook. "I'm rich, boys!"

Yoongi watched as the vendor cheerfully ran off. Holly tilted its head. At that moment, the fire gem bearer realized why everyone flocked around Jungkook like hungry birds.

"Everyone, back off!," Yoongi screamed loudly and silenced all the vendors. Holly screeched at a nearby vendor. "Sad to say but my friend here is out of diamonds!"

"Yoongi, you must be mistaken," Jungkook spoke with a mouthful of cheese. "I have a plentiful—"

"Just go with it," Yoongi hissed in a low whisper. Although confused, Jungkook nodded in agreement.

"My acquaintance is correct," Jungkook wrapped two wings instead of an arm around Yoongi. He swallowed. "I am unfortunately out of stones."

"Lies!," A female vendor's cracked as she screamed. She attempted to lunge at Jungkook. "They're hiding it from—"

She paused when flames suddenly erupted from Yoongi's body, the bright fire nearly blinding all the vendors. Holly growled loudly atop the vendors. Jungkook casually chewed on some fishcakes behind him.

"I said," Yoongi's eyes glowed a bright orange. His fangs protruded from behind his lips. "Back off."

The vendor yelped and ran off. It didn't take much for the rest to follow suit. Once the crowd cleared, Yoongi extinguished his flames and turned towards Jungkook, who was now happily eating a serving of grilled cheese lobster.

"Jungkook," Yoongi sighed deeply and pinched his nose-bridge. "You don't just give diamonds to street vendors."

Jungkook tilted his head. "I do not understand. Don't these vendors deserve to be compensated for their services?"

"We have cash for that."

"Is there anything wrong with overcompensating?"

Unable to think of an answer, Yoongi scoffed instead. He turned around and gestured at Jungkook to come closer. "Let's just go. We don't want you to get mobbed. Word travels fast here."

Jungkook just nodded and tailed behind Yoongi, nearly dropping his food in the process. The fire gem bearer eyed the people they passed by and made himself alert for anyone who'd try to jump at them.

Thankfully, nobody approached them on the way to pawn shop. Yoongi figured that it was because he'd glare at those he think were standing to close to them. Still, the fire gem bearer was relieved.

"King's Pawnshop?," Jungkook scrunched his eyebrows at the barely lit signage above. "Strange. It does not feel that royal to me, yeah?"

Yoongi had a quick flashback of his encounter with you. He smiled to himself quietly. Jungkook glanced at him questionably as he gently dabbed away the crumbs of bread on his face with some tissue.

At the same time, Yoongi suddenly realized the possibility of the same thing happening again. With gritted teeth, he stepped in front of Jungkook protectively.

"Stay behind me," Yoongi hissed. Holly's ears perked up.

"Yoongi, I am more than capable of defending myself," Jungkook neatly placed the now empty fishball sticks in the plastic bag. "I am quite sure that whatever threat lying within the establishment will not be a problem."

"Fine," Yoongi grumbled in slight irritation. "Don't blame me if you get stabbed."

Jungkook didn't say anything, instead he tailed behind Yoongi as he entered the pawnshop. A small bell above the door jingled as the fire gem bearer opened it slowly. Seeing the lack of customers hit him with a strong sense of de ja vu.

"Welcome to King's Pawnshop!," The employee greeted suddenly from the counter. "Where you can feel like a king!"

Yoongi would be honest to say that he nearly jumped out of his own skin. Still, he figured that the dude's liveliness was a sign that he probably wasn't a tentacle monster. Despite that, the fire gem bearer kept his guard up.

"Yoongi, I do not feel comfortable here," Jungkook whispered with scrunched eyebrows.

"You'll get used to it," Yoongi grumbled as a reply. Holly sniffed the air once more. "Hey bud, we'd like to exchange some stones for cash."

The employee stared right at Yoongi's face before glanced at Holly, who tilted its head at him. "No pets allowed."

Holly groaned in both shock and confusion. Yoongi scrunched his eyebrows. "What?"

"No pets allowed," The employee repeated and pointed at something behind Yoongi. "Didn't you see the sign?"

Yoongi felt his eye twitch as he turned around. Surely enough, there was a paper sign plastered on the pawn shop's glass doors. It was of cancelled out figure of a dog with the words No Pets written in big red letters.

Jungkook was staring at a shelf of random knick knacks, his back turned towards Yoongi. The angel had his hands in his pockets as well.

"Are you serious?," Yoongi scoffed loudly. Holly was silent. "I literally saved your city's ass from an alien invasion and you're telling me that I can't bring Holly in here?"

"First of all, that's a dragon. Second, rules are rules," The employee shrugged and looked back at his phone screen. "I won't accommodate you until you let that thing out."

Yoongi had the strongest to just burn this idiot to a crisp but he held himself back. Before the fire gem bearer could say anything, he felt a tap on his shoulder.

Jungkook smiled at Yoongi as he stepped towards the counter. The employee still had his eyes glued on the phone screen. With a frozen smile, the Hemelian prince slowly placed a diamond on the countertop.

"That is sad to hear," Jungkook slowly revealed the stone to the employee, whose eyes nearly popped out of his skull. "It seems that we would have to visit another establishment then?"

"Wait," The employee pocketed his phone and leaned close to the diamond. "Are there more of these?"

Surprisingly, the transaction went smoother than Yoongi anticipated. In a flash, Jungkook had exchanged most of his diamonds for a bunch of cash. There was so much money that they had to be put in huge bags that the fire gem bearer could barely lift.

As a result, Yoongi carried all the food. Jungkook, on the other hand, held all the money bags without a problem. The fire gem bearer scoffed at the angel's strength.

"That went a lot better than expected, yeah?," Jungkook grinned. His arm muscles popped. "Now Yoongi, what shall we do with all this money?"

Yoongi chewed on a dumpling and glanced around. Then, he smirked. "What else? We spend it all."

-

You closed your eyes as the cold air blew on your face. The hill's grass danced as the wind fluttered by. Down below was the former land of the orphanage— now reduced to a charred terrain. A tall shrine was located in the center with numerous names of dead children etched on the marble.

"To be honest, I disliked like that place," Taehyung spoke as he walked in and stood next to you. "For a supposed home for children, it was reeking with despair."

You laughed a bit and ran a hand through your silver hair. "That's a lot of words for someone who stayed for one day."

Taehyung scoffed then put on a small grin. "I only came for you."

Your cheeks flared slightly at Taehyung's words but you quickly composed yourself. "I never got to ask."

Taehyung glanced at you silently. You returned the gaze and stared at the triple scars that lined down his right eye. His dark hair fluttered in the wind.

"How did you find me?," Your voice was low, almost a whisper. "Why did you find me?"

A silence passed. You glanced back down at the orphanage's shrine and noticed that there were dried flowers surrounding it. For a moment, you wondered if you'd find yours and Emily's names on the marble.

"As you already know, my father wiped out all the guardian candidates," Taehyung paused, his voice cracking slightly at the mention of Kiana. "So when I got word that an existing one lived on Earth, I had to get to you before he could."

You ran your hands through your silver hair once again. Taehyung continued.

"I will be truthful to you Sky and I promise I will always be from this point onwards," Taehyung sighed loudly and crossed his arms over his chest. "Before, I did not see the point in having a guardian. After all, anyone could step up and find the wonders if they wanted to."

"What changed that?," You asked softly and tilted your head. "What changed your thoughts?"

Taehyung shut his eyes for a few seconds and exhaled loudly. "You did. You changed everything."

You smiled a bit to yourself. Taehyung was looking away but from your angel you could see the tinted pink color of his cheeks. The cold breeze continued to blow.

"I hated how you were so... so kind," Taehyung's jaw clenched. His hands balled into tight fists. "Despite how much of a jerk I was, you respected me. Even without knowing I was a prince—"

Taehyung stopped suddenly and screwed his eyes shut. You watched silently as he took a deep breath. Then he finally faced you with a stern expression.

"Sky, I am truly am thankful," Taehyung put on a boxy smile that caught you slightly off-guard. "Thanks to you, I have opened my eyes to a lot of things."

"I should be thanking you instead," You smiled back at Taehyung. "You've saved me more times than I can remember."

"You say that even after all I've done?," Taehyung narrowed his eyes at you. The darkness gem pulsed purple. "At one point, I could have killed you with my bare hands."

You instantly noticed the drastic change in Taehyung's tone. He just stared at you silently. There was something about his gaze that didn't sit well with you. His darkness gem pulsed purple.

Somehow, you weren't afraid. You did think the darkness was terrifying in a way but after seeing Taehyung control it, you felt different. With pursed lips, you slowly stepped closer to the Helian prince.

"But you didn't," You gently grabbed Taehyung's shoulders. He glanced at your hands. "You fought it and won. That's what matters."

Taehyung didn't say anything to that. Instead, he slowly held the sides of your face and rubbed circles on your cheeks with his thumbs. You hummed at the warmth.

You didn't even realize that something changed within that split of a second. So when Taehyung put on a playful smirk, you scrunched your eyebrows. Then you saw his pupils dilate slowly.

Not again. Before you could even open your mouth to speak, Taehyung pinched both of your cheeks. "Ow!"

"Sorry, sweet cheeks," Taehyung chuckled and continued to pinch your cheeks lightly. "I have held myself back long enough. It is about time I pinch those soft cheeks of yours."

"Let go," You pushed Taehyung away and rubbed your throbbing cheeks.

"Oh come on," Taehyung laughed as you continued to push him away. He raised his arms in a sarcastic motion of surrender. "Don't be like that."

You scoffed loudly and rolled your eyes. Taehyung continued to stare at you with that sly grin. "Why are you even here?"

"Well," Taehyung shoved his hands into his pockets. He leaned forward smugly. "Since the prince has not learned how to fully control me yet, I decided to pay you a little visit."

You groaned in frustration and turned away from Taehyung. With heavy steps, you made your way down the hill's grassy terrain. Just ahead was a stone path leading to the orphanage's shrine.

"Wait up," Taehyung jogged behind until he was walking right next to you. He tilted his head. "Come on, sweet cheeks, why are you mad? Did I ruin a moment between you and the prince?"

You ignored Taehyung— rather his gem as you continued to walk down the stone path. It made you wonder how you were going to deal with the darkness gem bearer's constant shift of personalities in the future.

"Hey," Taehyung called out again. "Are you really going to ignore me? For one, I know you can't resist the prince."

You clicked your tongue. "I'd much prefer to have Taehyung here instead."

"Ouch," Taehyung chuckled playfully but even you could tell there was a bit of sorrow in his tone. "No need to rub it in."

You halted in your tracks and inhaled deeply. Turning around, you caught Taehyung's constant smug gaze. He was staring at you in anticipation, almost as he was expecting you to do something.

"Listen," You paused when the cold breeze blew again, the noise nearly buffering your voice. "I'm sorry if I'm rude to you. But please understand that you're not exactly the type to trust."

Taehyung tilted his head, his eyelids half-mast. He curled his fingers under his chin and hummed. "You being alive and safe around me right now... Isn't that more than enough proof?"

"Of what?"

"Of trust," Taehyung smirked. "I told you before. I won't hurt you."

You narrowed your eyes at Taehyung, who just patiently waited for a reply. The darkness gem was a solid purple, its color no longer pulsing. A heavy sigh left your lips as your thoughts conflicted.

"Besides," Taehyung spoke again. "There's nothing wrong with a little quality time, hm?"

Those words made you think. You looked back up at Taehyung— the gem, who didn't look as smug. Instead, his expression was sort of blank. It was the first time you've ever seen him look at you that way.

"Fine," You slapped your lips together. "But promise me that if I ask for Taehyung or if he himself wants to take over—"

"Of course I'll let him, not that I can decline," Taehyung chuckled deeply and stepped forward, his hand suddenly slipping under yours. "What? You have your condition. This is mine."

With the knowledge that there was nothing you could do, you just went along with it. Taehyung's grip on your hand was tight as the two of you walked down the rocky path.

Strangely, Taehyung was silent. Throughout the walk, you expected him to comment about everything he saw but instead he just stared at you from behind. You could feel his gaze bore into the back of your skull.

Your heart stopped when you finally reached the orphanage's shrine. Now that you were closer, you could clearly see the dead flowers scattered around the area. The lack of visitors and the barren land made the sight even more depressing.

The marble shrine was so tall that it seemingly rose to the clouds. You stared at all the names written and thought back to the moment the orphanage burned down. Screams of children and cries of pain rang in your mind.

"Sweet cheeks," Taehyung's soft tone surprised you. "You okay? You got a sweaty palm."

You put on a wry smile and nodded at Taehyung. "Yeah, I'm fine."

Taehyung didn't say anything for a moment. He turned towards the shrine silently. "So this was your home..."

"If by home you mean a place where I can eat and sleep properly," You chuckled dryly to yourself. "Then I guess."

"You didn't like it here?," Taehyung paused suddenly and nodded in understanding. "Ah. The prince just informed me that it was a place of despair."

You scrunched your eyebrows in confusion. "Taehyung talks to you while you're out?"

"Well, yeah," Taehyung put on that smug expression of his again and smirked. "It's pretty chill in there, you know. Just sit back and watch stuff happen, maybe even mess with his thoughts for a little fun."

You thought about what it was like to be an entity living inside someone else with nothing to do but watch everything happen. It almost sounded lonely. It almost made you wonder if that was what the gem truly felt.

"I still find it strange," Taehyung looked down at his hand and flexed his fingers. "Humans and Vredeians are structured so similarly... yet both species are so different."

As Taehyung stared at his fingers, you realized that the gem was an entity. It didn't have a physical form. All of this, being in someone's body to gain full control, was something... special to it.

You scanned the names in front of you in search of Emily's or maybe even your own. At the same, you thought about the previous darkness gem bearer's and wondered why King Michael didn't use its power for himself.

"Did the former bearers let you go out like this?," You looked up at Taehyung questionably. He stared at you. "I mean... use their bodies and all that."

"They used to," Taehyung replied sternly. "But at one point they sealed that ability of mine away. Those fools were afraid of me overpowering them."

Ah. Now you understood why the gem was so giddy about everything. You opened your mouth to speak but paused when Taehyung let out a light chuckle.

"In a way, I am thankful to the prince," Taehyung smiled but this time it wasn't smug or cocky. "For giving me this freedom."

A short silence passed as the cold breeze blew once again. You just stared at Taehyung, who had his eyes glued to the orphanage's shrine. His grip on your hand was tight.

"Well, guess my time is up," Taehyung's— the gem's regular smirk was back. He winked playfully. "See you around, Sky."

Before you could react, Taehyung closed his eyes and jolted forward. You barely caught him as he lost balance. Then the darkness gem bearer pulled away and you were greeted with his regular eyes— pupils no longer dilated.

"Taehyung?," You asked just to make sure and placed a hand on his cheek. "Are you... are you okay?"

When Taehyung failed to reply for a few seconds, you were filled with worry. Then he slipped his hand away from yours and grabbed both of your cheeks again.

"I'm okay," Taehyung replied softly. "Don't worry."

You sighed in relief and turned back to the shrine. Glancing at the shrine once more, you scanned the names in search of your own. There were many unfamiliar names, which made you realize how much of an outcast you truly were.

"The gem is... something," You whispered as Taehyung's hands dropped to your shoulders. "I can't tell whether he's being serious or not."

"He truly is a strange one," Taehyung smiled and stared at the shrine as well. "But do not think badly of the gem. His tendency to take control... I feel that he is quite lonely."

"Yeah," You replied softly, now knowing what the gem felt free. "Me too."

Somehow, in that moment, your intention to find your name suddenly left your mind. Instead, you thought about what Taehyung said back in Hel, when the both of you were trapped in the portal's glass cage.

You looked up at Taehyung, who was still staring at the shrine. "Taehyung?"

Taehyung hummed as a reply and turned towards you questionably. Suddenly, you heard your heart thump loudly against your ribcage. It was almost like all of your emotions were crashing onto you.

"About what happened back in Hel," You trailed off and let out a sarcastic laugh. "Actually, I don't know where to start."

Taehyung just waited patiently, which you appreciated. You took a deep breath and tried to find the words to say. Instead, your throat kept closing on you.

When you opened your mouth, Taehyung stopped you by placing a finger over your lips. The motion surprised you, especially because you knew that the prince wasn't exactly a touchy person.

So when Taehyung leaned in and planted a soft kiss on your lips, you were caught in surprise. Despite that, you instantly melted into the kiss and held the prince's nape with both hands.

Taehyung's every movement was gentle and sweet. His lips brushed over yours slowly and you could tell that he was being extremely careful with you. You inhaled deeply and felt yourself shiver.

Little by little, Taehyung's gentleness changed. His kisses turned passionate and it was almost difficult to keep up. He placed his hands on your waist and you shivered more at his touch.

"Tae... Taehyung," You breathed in between the kisses. "I love you."

There was a pause. Taehyung pulled away from the kiss, his eyes widened. "What did you say?"

Still caught up in your feelings, you looked up at Taehyung questionably. Then your cheeks flushed when you realized what you just said.

You laughed at your own idiocy and smiled at Taehyung. "I said I love you."

Taehyung's cheeks slowly turned pink, the sight almost making you break out in laughter. He then put on a big boxy grin and pressed his forehead against yours.

"I love you too."

You giggled as Taehyung stared to plant kisses on your cheeks. At that moment, you caught sight of the shrine again. "I found me."

"Hm?," Taehyung hummed and followed your gaze.

"See? Right there," You pointed forward. Surely enough, your name was carved onto the marble right under Emily's.

"Huh," Taehyung wrapped an arm around your shoulders. "That is quite odd. Were the police not after you?"

You shrugged and leaned on Taehyung's shoulder. "I don't know... I'm just happy that it's all over."

Truly, the end of this adventure saddened you. But being here right now, with Taehyung by your side, you knew that the future ahead was bright.

Especially with him.

-

"Brother," Shay scrunched her eyebrows. "There is something that I fail to understand."

Taehyung tilted his head questionably. "What is it, Shay?"

"These... aircrafts that Earth provides for its citizens," Shay curled her fingers under her chin and hummed.

"Airplanes!," Jungkook chimed with a big grin from the other row.

"Yes, airplanes," Shay nodded in agreement and crossed her legs. "Why is the interior so... tight?"

Taehyung glanced around and remembered how Jin called it his family's private jet. Truly, just like Shay said, there was a limited space inside this aircraft. All of the team could barely fit inside.

Somehow, Taehyung and Shay were given the privilege of sitting in the front row. On the other side sat both Jungkook and Yoongi. He wondered why there were plastic bags placed around the angel's feet.

"Planes aren't usually like this," Namjoon replied from the back, his head peaking from behind Taehyung's seat. "Regular ones are big and have a capacity of hundreds."

"The reason why this is a small plane is because it's for private usage, hence the name," Hoseok added from the row across Namjoon's. Jia nodded next to him.

"In other words," Yoongi snickered. Holly laughed as well. "Jin is just a rich boy."

Taehyung heard loud shifting from the very back of the plane. He craned his neck and peaked. Jin's figure appeared from within the last row of seats, his blonde hair disheveled and eyes swollen.

"Although that is true," Jin paused and yawned loudly. He rubbed his eyes. "I do not like being called a rich boy."

"Sorry," Yoongi grumbled and slumped on his seat. Holly transferred to his lap.

"I wish I had my own private jet during my idol days," Jimin whined, his figure barely seen behind the seat.

"You didn't?," Namjoon asked, his voice laced with concern. "Then the airport mobbing..."

Jimin didn't say anything and Namjoon didn't push the topic further. Taehyung could feel the sorrow tense in the air around the couple.

"I see," Shay nodded sternly. "So personal aircrafts are available here on Earth. Brother, must we purchase our own in Hel?"

"I do not quite see the point in that Shay," Taehyung turned towards Shay with a meaningful grin. "After all, we both have the ability to fly."

Shay hummed in agreement. Taehyung turned towards Jungkook when he heard the ruffling of plastic. The angel was digging through some of them with a mischievous grin. Yoongi eyed him from his seat.

"Kook?," Taehyung called out with a raised eyebrow. "What are you doing?"

Jungkook glanced at Taehyung and put on an innocent grin. "Nothing."

Although Taehyung was dying of curiosity, he didn't push the topic further and continued to watch Jungkook dig through the plastic bags. Holly sniffed it loudly.

"Wait," You suddenly called out from the back, voice loud and clear. "Emily?"

"Yeah," Emily replied. Judging by the sound of her voice, Taehyung assumed that she was sitting next to you.

"I love your new ring!," You squealed a bit. Taehyung couldn't help but smile. "Is that a real diamond stone?"

"Yep," Jin replied groggily, his morning voice hoarse and deep. His body was sprawled across his personal row of seats. "Give credits to moi."

Huh. Taehyung thought about purchasing gifts for you in the future. The prince nearly slapped himself when he realized that he fully wasted the opportunity to do so. Shay stared at him.

"Ah, what a sweet boyfriend," Jimin cooed. His eyes widened when Namjoon stiffened. "D-Don't worry, Joonie! You are more than perfect to me!"

As Namjoon and Jimin bickered playfully, Taehyung fell deep into his own thoughts once again. Boyfriend. Although unsure whether that was his current status, the prince couldn't help but think if he was a good example of it or not.

Taehyung froze when he remembered fighting you under the gem's influence and nearly killing you in the process. The prince sighed and ran his hands down his face.

"Hey, I'm still sorry about that," The gem whispered in Taehyung's mind. "No hard feelings?"

Taehyung decided to ignore the gem.

"Brother," Shay tilted her head. "What are you thinking about?"

Taehyung wasn't really sure how to reply to that, especially because there were a thousand thoughts clashing in his head. It didn't help that the gem was there to contribute as well. So the prince ended up staring at Shay awkwardly.

"Shay," Taehyung spoke with a straight face. "Do you think I would make a good boyfriend for Sky?"

Shay looked genuinely confused, her expression unchanging. "Uh, I do not think I am in the position to—"

"Oh my God!"

Jia screamed suddenly. Taehyung peaked behind his seat and saw her freaking out next to Hoseok, arms flailing and all that. Shay sighed in relief and knelt on her cushion to glance at the scene.

"Jia, what is it?," Hoseok asked worriedly, his goggles ruffling his hair.

"Hobi, don't you see?!," Jia pointed at Emily, Taehyung assumed it was at her ring. "That's an engagement ring! I'll definitely recognize one!"

A silence passed as everyone processed Jia's words. Only Emily and Jin weren't as fazed as the rest. Taehyung himself was still taking in the information. Shay squinted her eyes.

"No way," Your voice broke the intense silence. "You're getting married?!"

"Well," Emily smiled and glanced at Jin. "I did say yes."

Somehow, Emily's words made everyone register the information. A chorus of cheers and gasps rang from the team. Shay was clapping loudly yet her hands moved gently. Taehyung imitated her.

"Dude, are you serious?!," Namjoon nearly screamed, his eyes widened. He put on a big dimpled grin. "Congrats, man!"

"The first wedding in the team!," Jimin cheered and clasped his hands together. "I'm so excited to attend!"

"May I suggest being the groom's best man?," Jungkook asked with a hand over his chest.

"No way," Yoongi protested. Holly nodded on his shoulders. "I've been with him the longest. I'm pretty sure I'm the only one who has rights as the best man."

Hoseok was strangely quiet. Taehyung glanced at his seat and saw the air gem bearer sweating profusely. He was speaking with a very excited Jia.

"Guys, please calm down," Jin spoke with a light laugh and raised his hands. "We still haven't gone into the details of it yet."

"I can't believe it," You cooed and gave Emily a tight hug. "I always joked that you'd marry first but I didn't think it would actually happen."

"Is that a compliment or an insult?"

"Hm, maybe a bit of both."

Everyone else's voices tuned out as Taehyung fell into his own thoughts once again. For some reason, his mind drifted to the battle of Seoul. The image of his half-dead father was branded into the very depths of his mind.

Taehyung could still see it clearly. King Michael, even in his last moments, gave him that menacing grin. His expression mocked him. It was almost as if he was saying— My son, my blood and flesh, you grew up to be just like me.

And Taehyung didn't want that yet there was nothing he could do. He was a physical reflection of his father. His every action breathed him. Every move he made was a reminder of him.

Taehyung flinched when a hand held his shoulder. He turned and spotted Shay with furrowed eyebrows.

"Brother, are you alright?," Shay asked in worry. "You're..."

Shay didn't say anything. Taehyung was about to speak but stopped when he felt a tear drip down his cheek. He immediately wiped it and turned towards the window.

A short silence fell between the siblings. Taehyung could still hear the others freaking out about the engagement. "... Shay?"

"Yes, brother?," Shay replied sternly, hand still on Taehyung's shoulder.

"When Father died," Taehyung paused and sucked in a breath. "What did you feel?"

Shay took a moment to answer. She sighed and slipped her hand off Taehyung's shoulder. "Taehyung..."

"I don't know what I'm supposed to feel," Taehyung chuckled dryly and leaned his head on the seat. "For one, I am more than glad that our monster of a father is dead. Now he can no longer bring harm to anyone else."

Taehyung thought about everything before this. He imagined his life before their mother's death and how much of a happy family they used to be. The memory was distant and bittersweet.

"But at the same time," Taehyung whispered. His voice could barely be heard by Shay. "I wish... that there would have been a way to save the universe without killing our father."

Shay didn't say anything to that. She stared at Taehyung silently. His gaze was fixated down to his fiddling fingers. The rest of the team continued to bicker behind them.

"It's just... I think of what could have been," Taehyung laughed dryly. His lips trembled slightly. "If mother was still here, maybe father would have kept his sanity. Then he would be... we would be..."

Taehyung sighed loudly and ran both of his hands down his face. He thought of the distant past, of all those nights watching plays with the family, of all those days taming horses and practicing spells.

All the memories made Taehyung want to burst into tears. But with Shay sitting right next to him, he held his ground.

"He was right, you know," Taehyung pressed his hands on his face and covered his eyes. "My whole life was spent on planning his death. Now that I've succeeded, I'm just like him. Me taking his place on the throne..."

Taehyung sobbed quietly in his hands. He felt his tears pool in his palms.

"Why do I feel like I have taken his place as the monster?"

For a moment, there was silence between the siblings. Taehyung couldn't hear the others' voices anymore and feared the possibility of them overhearing his words. Or maybe he was too clouded by his own thoughts to hear anything else.

Shay slowly and gently held Taehyung's arm. "Brother, if it is any consolation, father died by my hands."

"Because I told you to," Taehyung lifted his head and turned away from Shay. He wiped his tears on his pants. "I... I could not bring myself to do it. I was—"

"Afraid," Shay finished the sentence instead. "So was I."

Taehyung swallowed dryly and finally turned around. Shay's expression was stoic although her eyes trailed downwards sadly. Her grip on the prince's shoulder tightened.

"You are lucky, brother," Shay put on a small yet meaningful smile. "You got out before father could sink his teeth into you. If anyone is a reflection of him... it is not you, rather..."

Taehyung felt his guilt build up even more. If only he had taken Shay with him that night. She wouldn't have to suffer as much as she did in Hel.

"Please do not drown yourself in guilt," Shay's voice was soft. Taehyung couldn't remember the last time she spoke like this. "I would not have done it if I didn't want to."

Taehyung continued to stare at Shay, who returned a bright smile.

"And although I failed to see it before, everything you did was for the sake of everyone else," Shay squeezed Taehyung's arm even more. "That's why you are not a monster. That's what sets you apart from our father."

Taehyung smiled a bit and leaned back on his seat. "That's not what our people think."

"Then show them," Shay spoke through gritted teeth. She took a deep breath. "Be the king our father never was."

Taehyung thought about the image of himself sitting on Hel's throne with the royal crown on his head. Long ago, it was all he ever wanted but now he doubted it. But despite his unsure happiness, he knew that it was his obligation to rule.

"As the princess and your sister, I know that you are the ruler Hel needs," Shay smiled and held Taehyung's hand. "Because I trust you, just as all your friends do."

Taehyung's eyes widened as Shay continued to smile at him. Now he knew why he felt so incomplete despite finally killing his father. This was what he wanted, to finally have his sister's trust and be by her side without fault.

With a big sigh, Taehyung engulfed Shay in a hug. "Thank you, Shay."

Shay froze for a bit but eventually wrapped her arms around Taehyung's broad figure. "You are most welcome, brother."

"Guys, I think we're here!"

Hearing Jimin's chirpy voice, Taehyung pulled away from the hug and stared out the window. Shay peaked from behind his shoulders. Surely enough, the private jet landed in a very familiar airport, one that harbored both good and bad memories.

Taehyung realized that the last time he and Shay were on Egypt together, they were fighting to the death. He decided not to speak of it.

Whilst stretching his arms, Taehyung made his way to the plane's exit as the others tailed him. When the door opened, a blinding bright light basked him. The prince hovered a hand over his face to block the sunlight.

Once Taehyung adjusted to the brightness and the heat, he saw the empty airport and the swirling sand in the wind. Truthfully, the prince appreciated the silence. At the same time, he expected a cheering crowd awaiting them.

"We made sure that nobody will follow you guys here."

Taehyung turned around and saw Mr. Song stepping down the plane's stares. He almost forgot that the ANIMA agent was with them in the private jet.

"Figured that you guys would want some peace after all that," Mr. Song smiled. Ms. Huang followed and trailed silently behind him.

"Thank you so much," Jimin bowed deeply as Namjoon stared at his back.

"No need for that," Mr. Song waved his hand and smiled. "I think it's us who should be thanking you for saving our city— and the rest of the universe."

"Just doing our job," Hoseok put on a heart-shaped grin and tapped the lens of his goggles. "We'll be right here the moment you need us."

Taehyung thought about Hoseok's words and came upon a realization. He dug a hand into his pocket and fished out his cellphone. With a flick of his fingers, the prince swiftly reconfigured the device. Soon, the logo of Hel flashed on the screen.

Shay stared questionably but stayed silent as Taehyung slowly stepped towards Mr. Song. "You will need this then."

Mr. Song stared at Taehyung's device and slowly took it. He stared at the pulsing purple. "And what exactly is this thing that I need?"

"A homing device," Taehyung smiled. "I configured it so its signal can reach Hel's palace. Press that button when you gravely need our help."

Mr. Song nodded in understanding and pocketed the homing device. "Thank you again, wonders, and we apologize for stalling your leave."

"It is quite fine, yeah?," Jungkook put on a bunny smile. "After all, we are not in a hurry."

With that, the team waved goodbye to both Mr. Song and Ms. Huang. Taehyung watched as Jin's private jet flew out of view. The prickling heat of the sun seemed to be burning his eyes.

Taehyung blinked when he felt a cold breeze brush by. He turned around and spotted Jin blowing snowflakes from his palms. Everyone stared at the water gem bearer. Yoongi stepped backwards once.

"What?," Jin a cracked a grin. "It's hot."

Nobody said anything, instead the team made their way through. The area was all too familiar to Taehyung— the streets markets, grainy sand and narrow alleyways. He could still clearly remembering running through the crowd after strangling Jungkook by accident.

"Again, I was having fun," The gem groaned. "Don't blame me, it gets boring in here."

"We have to work on your methods then," Taehyung grumbled under his breath. "Violence is not the ideal solution."

"What do you have in mind, prince?," The gem sounded curious, tone lacking sarcasm. Huh.

"I don't know," Taehyung replied absentmindedly as he stared at a group of children who ran by. "Work out or something."

"Seriously," The gem scoffed, his voice echoing in the depths of Taehyung's brain. "I have no physical form. What do you expect me to do?"

"You literally have the ability to do things a body cannot, start looking."

"Damn, sick burn."

"Brother," Shay asked suddenly and looked up at Taehyung. "Are you speaking to the gem again?"

Taehyung would admit that he was slightly embarrassed. He couldn't even bare to imagine the very sight of him talking to himself in the eyes of others.

"Yes," Taehyung answered simply. "He is... talkative."

"Am not," The gem protested a bit too loudly. Taehyung ignored him.

"I see," Shay pondered and paused for a bit. "The idea of another being living within you is interesting. I would like to speak to the gem one time."

Taehyung didn't even have time to think. He could already feel the gem slowly crawling its way out. "I mean, if that is what the princess wishes—"

"No."

"Ugh, fine."

Taehyung sighed loudly and scanned the area. He froze a bit when they passed by the fountain of Cairo's town square. Again, the prince had a vivid flashback of the past. He could see himself brawling with Shay in the air.

Shay herself was staring at the fountain but she soon turned away from it.

"Huh," Hoseok chimed. "Guys, I think we have a problem."

"Again?," Yoongi groaned loudly in frustration. Holly gnawed on its tail. "Holly, don't bite your tail."

Taehyung raised an eyebrow at the sight of tourists flocking the pyramid's entrance. They weren't inside due to a barrier, thankfully, but there were definitely too many people surrounding the area.

"I knew they wouldn't ignore a giant hole that appeared on the pyramid out of nowhere," Namjoon shook his head.

"I suggest flying over them!," Jungkook mused. The plastic bags still hung on his arms.

"Not everyone can fly, though," Emily shrugged next to Jin, who was still blowing snowflakes into the air.

"We can teleport?," You flinched a bit when all the gazes turned towards you. "I mean, combining my power with Taehyung and Shay's... We might pull it off."

"The guardian is right, brother," Shay nodded in agreement. "Our combined magic will be more than enough."

"Alright, everyone link together."

The team shuffled until they formed a circle. Taehyung looked to his left and nodded at Shay. He turned to his right and was greeted by your smiling face. The prince smiled to himself.

"Okay," Taehyung inhaled. His eyes glowed a powerful purple. "Hold your breaths."

Taehyung shut his eyes tight. He felt a strong gust of wind blow around them as the dark strands of his hair fluttered. His feet levitated off the ground for a split second then his soles touched the ground.

When Taehyung opened his eyes, they were in the pyramid. It was the same, seven colored logos were branded into walls. Below each kingdom's logo was a trail of their signature color that lead to the middle of the room, where Greta once stood.

"Wow, this is so beautiful," Jia gasped out loud and glanced around. "Hobi? Which one is yours?"

"That one!," Hoseok replied enthusiastically and pointed at Lucht's logo. Jia walked closer to it.

"Tae?," Jungkook called suddenly, his blue eyes round and filled with curiosity. "Was that there before?"

Taehyung scrunched his eyebrows and followed Jungkook's gaze. Instead of an empty space, there was a podium right at the area where all seven lines of color met. There was a glowing circle in the middle of the rock.

"I do not think so, Kook," Taehyung answered and stepped closer to the podium.

Ancient Vredeian letters were etched all around the podium. Taehyung stopped in front of it and tilted his head. The circle in the middle pulsed with a dark purple hue.

"What is that?," You asked after walking up next to Taehyung, who shook his head as a response.

"It's a transporter," The gem spoke suddenly. "Scan your gem."

Taehyung didn't see the harm in trying so he did what the gem suggested. He slowly hovered the darkness gem over the circle. The ground shook wildly and a bright light appeared right behind the podium.

"What the?!," Yoongi screamed from the ground. His ass was in the air. "Give us a warning at least?!"

Taehyung didn't say anything. Instead, he peaked into the giant oval portal. He recognized the familiar throne and golden walls. "This is—"

"Hel's throne room?," Shay exclaimed with wide eyes. "Brother, move your gem away."

Taehyung stepped backwards. The portal closed the moment the darkness gem was out of the scanner's range. Everyone was silent for a moment.

"I see," Shay nodded with a stern expression. "It is a transporter. Scanning your gems will open a direct portal to each kingdom."

Nobody spoke for a few seconds. Taehyung could feel a heavy tension of sorrow fill the air suddenly. You slowly grabbed the prince's hand and squeezed it.

"So this is it," Jimin chuckled dryly and put on a big smile despite his glassy eyes. "This is where we part wa—"

"Wait!," Jungkook screamed suddenly. Everyone turned towards him questionably. "I... erm... bought gifts for everyone, yeah?"

Taehyung palmed his face once Jungkook noisily dug through his plastic bags. The sorrowful tension died instantly. Jimin started to giggle at the angel's antics. In a flash, the Hemelian prince distributed his gifts to everyone.

"This is so cute, Jungkook!," Hoseok cheered. He held a dancing flower in a plastic pot. A smile was on the plant's face.

"It reminded me of you," Jungkook scratched his cheek with a grin. "According to the clerk, it needs sunlight to charge."

"Uh, Jungkook?," Namjoon asked awkwardly next to a giggling Jimin. He raised the Do Not Disturb sign in his hands. "Can I ask— why this?"

"Private times for the lovely couple!," Jungkook grinned innocently. Namjoon started to sweat. "I purchased one for each of you, yeah?"

"Oh, Jungkookie!," Jimin cooed and held his sign. "This will be so useful in the future!"

"Uhm, Chim, what does that me—"

"Ha! You have a great sense of humor, Jungkook!," Jin literally slapped his own knee. He let out a fit of squeaky laughter. "I love these!"

Jin raised his shirt and Taehyung took the opportunity to read its print. On the white cloth was the text— Don't go BACON my heart. A strip of curled meat was underneath it.

"I have to be honest," Emily smiled and raised her own matching white shirt. "This is kind of cute."

Emily's shirt had the text— I couldn't if I FRIED. A fried egg was underneath it. Taehyung honestly doubted that Jungkook understood whatever Earthly humor that was supposed to be.

"For the record, it was my suggestion," Yoongi smirked and pointed a finger at Jin. Ah, that explains it.

"He gave you a saxophone?," You stifled your laughter and held a hand in front of his mouth.

Taehyung stared at the large instrument in his hands. He honestly could not understand how Jungkook managed to carry this with him the whole time.

"Sax... ophone?," Taehyung spoke with an odd accent.

"Saxophone," You repeated with a laugh. Taehyung noticed the brush in your hands. "Blow on it's mouth and press those keys."

Although confused, Taehyung did as told. He hummed at the deep note that came out of the saxophone. "I see. It uses wind to creat sound. Interesting."

"The shopkeeper told me that those things are the lead instruments for jazz!," Jungkook spoke triumphantly. "Is that not what you mentioned to be your favorite genre of music, Tae?"

Taehyung smiled at how Jungkook remembered something he said long ago. He snapped his fingers and the instrument faded into mist. A purple number appeared on his wrist.

"Thanks, Kook."

Jungkook grinned and turned towards you. "That comb is useful for brushing your wings, yeah? Wing maintenance is difficult, especially because it strains your back."

You laughed again and sprouted your wings suddenly in an explosion of light purple mist. Both Jungkook and Taehyung jumped.

"Thanks, Jungkook," You brushed one of your black wing's feathers.

"Okay guys," Namjoon sighed heavily and dropped his sign in the plastic bag. Jimin clung onto his arm. "Who's going first?"

Another silence fell. Taehyung stared at the podium and wondered if he should suggest stepping through the portal first. At the same time, the prince wanted to stay a little longer, even for just a few minutes.

Taehyung was hit with a sudden wave of sorrow. Suddenly, he felt despair. He didn't want this to end. He didn't want to be separated from everyone again— but it was inevitable. They all had responsibilities waiting for them.

"We can go," Hoseok piped up with a raised hand. Jia smiled and leaned on his shoulder. "I mean, we got to set up some stuff right? Gonna give Jia a castle tour too."

Again, there was silence. Taehyung heard someone sniffle but couldn't really tell who it was. Hoseok and Jia slowly walked towards the podium.

"I still can't believe your parents accepted my explanation that easily," Hoseok laughed and wrapped an arm around Jia's waist.

"They trust you that much," Jia grinned. "Besides, you're way too honest. They'd believe you even if you didn't float around the house."

Hoseok smiled and scanned his air gem. The podium glowed green as a portal opened in front of the couple. On the other side was Lucht's throne room. Tree Maria stood lush and tall behind the wooden throne.

Before Hoseok could step in however, he was stopped by a pair of arms around his waist. Jimin sobbed loudly into the air gem bearer's back.

"Hoseokie," Jimin cried. Namjoon started to sniffle. Jungkook turned around.

"Hey, Jimin, don't be too down," Hoseok wore his signature heart-shaped smile. "This isn't a permanent goodbye. We can skype each other any time!"

"What's a skype?," Shay whispered at Taehyung, who just shrugged back.

"It's not the same."

Everyone turned towards Jungkook, who was silently crying. The angel hugged himself and gripped his arms tightly. Fresh hot tears streamed down his face.

"I am sure Jimin feels the same, yeah?," Jungkook laughed despite the tears. "You all are my best friends. I feel— no, I know that thanks to everyone, I've grown to become a better person. Being away from everyone is— is—"

Jungkook couldn't continue and ended up crying into his palm. Taehyung walked towards him slowly and gently held the back of his head. He pulled the angel into a hug and let him cry on his shoulder.

Taehyung wasn't sure how but the team ended up doing a group hug. He still kept his arms around Jungkook's crying figure. The Helian prince himself felt like he wanted to shed tears but knew that he shouldn't— at least not now. His best friend needed him more.

"Kook," Taehyung whispered and pulled away from the hug. The group hug dispersed. "Come on, where's that smile of yours?"

Jungkook put on a big bunny smile.

"There you go," Taehyung smiled back. "Kook, there is no need to be sad. Hoseok is right, there are many ways for us to see each other again."

"I know," Jungkook said with a sniffle. "I'll just really miss you guys."

"We all will," You whispered softly next to Taehyung, who barely heard your voice.

"Dang, what a mood drop," Hoseok cocked his head and clicked his tongue loudly. He turned towards the portal to Lucht. "Almost makes me want to stay."

"Not to sound like an ass," Namjoon chuckled, his dimples popping. He patted Hoseok's shoulder. "But Lucht is waiting for you two."

Hoseok sight loudly and turned towards Jia, who gave him a firm nod. "Yeah... we know."

Everyone went silent as the couple slowly walked towards the portal. Hoseok stepped through it first and like magic, his attire changed the moment he did so. Suddenly the air gem bearer wore wooden armor with a green cape textured like leaves flowing behind him.

Hoseok paused when he noticed the change. On his head was the twisting branches that made up Lucht's crown. He smiled and extended his hand.

"Jia, let's go!"

Jia smiled and grabbed Hoseok's hand. Her attire change as well when she stepped through. Her clothes were similar to the air gem bearer's except her cape was lined with rose buds and flower petals.

Hoseok held Jia close to him and grinned as he waved. Taehyung could see the air gem bearer's eyes well up with tears. "Bye, guys! See you around!"

Everyone waved back sorrowfully and Jimin even screamed enthusiastically— Bye, Hoseokie! Then the portal closed and the team was left in silence. Taehyung felt like a huge chunk of him had just been torn out.

Namjoon let out a loud sigh. "Chim—"

"I know, Joonie," Jimin nodded with glassy eyes. He slowly grabbed Namjoon's hand. "Let's walk together?"

Namjoon nodded and gently pulled Jimin as the two stepped towards the podium. Again, a silence. Taehyung felt like there was a lump in his throat and swallowing would cause it to hurt.

In one swift movement, Namjoon scanned his earth gem. The podium glowed brown and a portal opened up. On the other side was the familiar throne room of Aarde, its rocky foundation strong and rigid.

Namjoon turned around and held Jimin's hands up to his face. "Chim... I have to go now."

Jimin nodded. He tipped on his toes and gave Namjoon a short yet sweet kiss. "I love you, Joonie."

"I love you too, Chim," Namjoon put on a dimpled smile and looked up. "Single Men Club members?"

Both Jungkook and Yoongi perked up. They stared at Namjoon with smiles.

Namjoon made a playful salute gesture. "Till our next meeting."

Taehyung expected Jungkook to burst into tears so he stood close to him. Instead, the angel nodded with a smile. Yoongi huffed loudly but there was a smirk on his face. He pet Holly gently.

Namjoon kept his grip on Jimin's hands and stepped backwards into the portal. His armor was a dark brown shade that almost resembled bedrock. The light cape fluttering behind was branded with Aarde's logo. On his head, the crown glowed.

"Bye, Joonie," Jimin whispered one last time.

Namjoon shed a few tears and finally let go of Jimin's hands. His smile remained as the portal closed. Since the thunder gem bearer was standing close to the podium, it started to react to his gem.

Jimin instinctively moved away from the podium. He turned around and glanced at the team's remaining members. No words were said. The thunder gem bearer smiled and scanned his gem.

In an instant, the podium glowed yellow and another portal opened. Taehyung could almost feel the electricity tingling the skin of his arms. Bliksem's throne room was a lot brighter than it was before.

"Jungkook, Yoongi," Jimin called out. The tears in his eyes made them sparkle. "You heard what Joonie said, right? As the club leader, I have one last thing to say..."

Jimin took a deep and shaky breath. His thunder gem pulsed yellow.

"Don't be strangers, okay?"

Jungkook nodded. His eyes were glassy but he didn't shed any tears. Yoongi however looked like he was about to cry. Before Taehyung could catch the sight, the fire gem bearer turned away. Holly groaned sadly.

With that, Jimin stepped backwards into the portal. His outfit transformed into royal clothes as well— long gloves sparkling and dark body suit clinging to his body. The armor blended in with the tights, almost making it look like he had none on. His bright yellow cape was bright and electrifying.

Jimin tilted his head. Bliksem's crown swayed atop his orange hair. Despite the tears, he waved enthusiastically. "See you guys later!"

Jungkook waved back with equal excitement whilst Yoongi did the same with his back still turned. The portal closed and the area darkened. Taehyung found it strange, how the absence of the other three wonders made him feel incomplete.

"It's our turn, isn't it?," Jin let out a heavy sigh and ran a hand through his blonde hair. "Well, here goes nothing."

Jin started to walk towards the podium but Emily turned a corner. Instead, she sprinted a bit and tackled you in a big hug. Taehyung stepped back a bit to provide space.

"Thanks for standing up for me all the time, Em," You wrapped your arms tightly around Emily.

Emily sniffled and pulled away. You were a bit surprised to see the tears staining her face. "I should thank you for being my best friend. I wish we could still room together like the old days, you know?"

"Please, you've got a fiancé right there waiting for you," You gestured at Jin, who waited patiently at the side. "I'm pretty sure you'll be fine without me."

Emily smiled at Jin. She stared at you for a moment but her gaze turned rigid when it shifted to Taehyung.

"Take care of her for me," Emily spoke sternly. Taehyung nodded and even bowed a bit as a response.

"The pleasure is mine," Taehyung glanced down at you with a smile. You returned the expression.

"Hey," Yoongi spoke suddenly, his voice hoarser than usual. Holly wiped his tears with its tail. "Seokjin."

"Yoongi?," Jin raised an eyebrow and put on a small grin.

Yoongi kept his gaze away and crossed his arms over his chest. "Good luck with the wedding and... be careful."

Jin let out squeaky laughter and pat Yoongi's shoulder with a loud slap. He then smiled meaningfully. "Thanks, best man."

Yoongi's eyes widened. He immediately turned towards Jin. "Best man?"

"Precisely," Jin shrugged and faced a slightly disappointed Jungkook. "Sorry, Jungkook."

"It is alright," Jungkook beamed with a bunny grin. The little wings on his head flapped. "I understand completely. Besides, I am quite sure that I will be someone else's best man."

Jungkook eyed Taehyung with a burning gaze. The Helian prince glanced back at the angel in confusion but decided not to question his strange expression.

Yoongi shoved his hand in his pocket and started to grumble under his breath. Taehyung couldn't understand what he was saying. Then the fire gem bearer grabbed Jin's hand and placed something in his palm.

Jin eyed the shiny blue seashell enamel pin in his hands. Yoongi scoffed and turned away. "...Early wedding gift."

A moment of silence passed before Jin swung an arm around Yoongi's shoulders. Holly flew overhead. "Thanks, Yoongi!"

"Tch," Yoongi clicked his tongue. "Just go before I take it back."

Jin laughed and grabbed Emily's hand. The two shared a quick glance before they walked towards the podium. Once the water gem was scanned, the portal to Tranen opened.

Taehyung actually expected water to pour into the room and was surprised when it didn't. Instead, the water floated in a layer at the other side of the portal. Jin tapped it and the liquid rippled.

"That's so cool," Jungkook whispered with sparkling eyes.

Jin took a deep breath and attached the enamel pin to the collar of his jacket. He slowly stepped through the portal and his whole figure started to glow. When the water gem bearer went through completely, his legs transformed into that familiar golden koi tail.

Shiny golden scales dotted Jin's arms and face. The enamel pin was now an actual blue seashell on his blonde hair. Tranen's crown sparkled with it's white pearls.

"Em," Jin reached out a hand, which went through the portal. "Come on."

Emily took one final glance at you and smiled when you nodded. She gently grabbed Jin's hand, her engagement ring glinting as she walked through the portal. Her pink fighting fish tail was more than familiar to Taehyung. This time, however, she wore a pearly crown— a queen's crown.

Jin spun Emily for a bit and gave her a peck on lips. Then the couple glanced back at the remaining members and waved.

"See you guys at our wedding!," Emily screamed loudly. The last thing Taehyung saw was Jin's flushed face before the portal closed.

Nobody said anything for a while. Yoongi broke the silence by groaning loudly. Holly croaked sadly. "Fine, fine, I'll go."

Yoongi took a few steps towards the podium but paused suddenly. He sighed and dug his hands into his pockets. Everyone stared at the fire gem bearer questionably.

"Yo, Jungkook," Yoongi hissed. Jungkook's little head wings straightened. "Come here."

Jungkook excitedly stepped forward with a big bunny smile. Yoongi tipped on his toes and trembled a bit as he attached something on the angel's collar. Both you and Taehyung stifled in laughter.

"There," Yoongi was sweating a little too much. Holly perched on his shoulders. "It's a rabbit angel enamel pin because you have big teeth like... you know, a rabbit... and you're an angel so—"

Yoongi was cut off by a big hug from Jungkook. The fire gem bearer coughed at all the feathers that smothered his face.

"I thank you for this wonderful gift, Yoongi," Jungkook squished his cheek on the top of Yoongi's head. He swiftly pulled away. "I too have a present for you."

Yoongi didn't even get to talk because Jungkook's palms were already glowing white. There was a small poof of light mist then a skateboard appeared in the angel's hands. It was painted with a pattern of flames mixed with light and a text that read— BE LIT! by JK.

"Since you mentioned losing it before, I ordered a customized one in secret!," Jungkook cheered and clapped. His wings flapped as well. "I wanted it to be a surprise, yeah? Just a small token of thanks for the tour and being a good friend of mine."

Yoongi stared at the skateboard for a while and smiled. Holly sniffed it. "Thank you, Jungkook."

Jungkook beamed and glanced at his enamel pin. Yoongi then turned towards you and fishes something out of his pocket. Taehyung watched as he produced a gold chained necklace with a white cloud hanging at its center.

"Hey, Cloud," Yoongi put on a warm smile. "Just something to remember me by."

You smiled back and pulled up your heart. Yoongi silently clasped the necklace around your neck. Taehyung could see it in the fire gem bearer's eyes— he was still in love with you. And the Helian prince felt guilty for taking you away from.

"It's beautiful," You whispered and held the cloud pendant. "Thank you, Yoongi."

Yoongi nodded. He turned towards Taehyung, who stiffened slightly under his fiery gaze. "Do what you promised."

Taehyung cracked a smile at the memory of the promise he made back in Vlam. "Of course."

Yoongi sighed loudly and stepped towards the podium, which was already starting to glow red. Holly crawled into his arms as he scanned the fire gem. In an instant, the portal to Vlam opened.

With no hesitation whatsoever, Yoongi stepped through the portal. His royal clothes were literally burning— the cloth dark and hot. The cape fluttering behind him was made of pure flame. Even his gloves were glowing red.

Holly roared loudly. Yoongi chuckled as his crown glowed. "Translation— see you guys when we see you."

And just like that, the portal closed. Taehyung did a count off and realized that Jungkook was the last one who had to leave. The angel himself wasn't moving, instead he kept his eyes on Yoongi's rabbit angel enamel pin.

"Kook," Taehyung nudged Jungkook's side lightly. "You have to go."

Jungkook smiled and rubbed the enamel pin with his finger. "Let me spend a few more minutes here, yeah?"

Taehyung smiled at that. He then heard a loud sigh from behind him and was slightly stunned when Shay stepped forward. Jungkook glanced at his sister questionably.

"I am quite sure that brother will find a way to visit you, Jungkook," Shay crossed her arms over her chest. "Besides, we can try and fix the secret path for easier access to Hemel."

"Secret path?," Taehyung furrowed his eyebrows. "What secret path?"

There was a short silence before Shay cracked a grin. "I will explain later."

"Wait, so you knew that the path existed?," You asked and looked just as confused Taehyung.

Shay nodded. "I knew that the Hemelian royals wouldn't stroll in through the main entrance. It was too dangerous."

"And you didn't tell King Michael?"

Shay shrugged and looked away. "Guess not."

"Apologies, Shay," Jungkook shook his head sadly. "But I do not think it is possible to repair the path my father destroyed."

Shay put on a meaningful smile. Everyone turned towards the princess in confusion. Taehyung caught wind of the fact that she wasn't going to continue the conversation and spoke instead.

"Kook, go before Queen Miranda worries," Taehyung said jokingly.

"Ah yes, mother awaits," Instead of going straight to the portal, Jungkook gave Taehyung one final firm hug. "Thank you again, Tae, for being my best bud."

"No," Taehyung whispered into Jungkook's ear. "Thank you for sticking with me until the very end."

Jungkook pulled away from the hug with a smile. He nodded at both you and Shay before walking towards the podium. As Hemel's portal opened, there was a quick flash of bright light.

Taehyung squinted his eyes and even rubbed them at one point. He could have sworn that he saw a figure standing next to Jungkook for a split second. A woman clad in dark purple clothing and long silver hair with her hand pressed against the angel's back.

But before Taehyung could register the sight, the figure disappeared. The prince smiled, knowing very well who he probably just saw.

Jungkook's attire didn't change that much after he stepped through the portal— or maybe it was because was used to seeing the angel's bright white royal clothes. The Hemelian prince put on a big bunny grin.

"Let's see each other in a bit, yeah?"

With one formal bow, Jungkook's figure disappeared just as the portal did. Taehyung honestly felt empty. He looked around and failed to see any of the other wonders. The reality of it all hit the Helian prince like a brick in the face.

"Brother," Shay suddenly called out from his left. "We must not keep the people of Hel waiting."

"Taehyung," You called from Taehyung's right and squeezed his hand. "We have to go."

Taehyung smiled and nodded at the two. He stepped forward and felt the two girls tail behind him. After swiftly scanning the darkness gem, the portal to Hel opened. He stared at the familiar throne room, one that held both good and bad memories.

For a moment, Taehyung thought about it. Stepping through this portal was going to be the start of another chapter in his life, one that he could proudly spend with both his sister and the woman he loved.

Taehyung knew it was time— to move forward, to move on. So with determination, he and the other two girls stepped through the portal.

The pyramid was left in utter silence. One by one, the colors of the kingdoms' logos faded until the podium was left. Its center pulsed in an alternate patter of seven hues— the mark of the seven wonders.

-

A/N - oh my goodness.... the final chapter..... wattpad is lagging so hard right now but omg

First of all— I am SO sorry for the super late upload! It was a mixture of hectic requirements, a constantly changing schedule, preparing college grad requirements and the lowkey reason to stall t7W from ending (lol) but ANYWAYS IT IS HERE!! and ended up being 17k words oops

Ahhh i literally cried while writing the the end banner. Writing t7w for three to four years has been such a journey. I literally wrote it all throughout my college days and I know every single chapter and every character (bts or not) will hold a special place in my heart.

Of course, I want to thank all of my readers as well. I don't know why you guys stick with me and my story but thank you. Thank you for being with me in this journey and supporting my passion to share my stories to the world. Thank you for loving BTS, The Seven Wonders and me (uwu)

Lastly, there is going to be an epilogue to seal this story to the golden 100 chapters! But i honestly dont know when i'll upload it cos i'm super busy with my college grad stuff huhu i was thankfully able to squeeze in writing the final chap

AND! I'm glad to announce a special QUESTION AND ANSWER portion! Just drop your burning (or freezing) questions in the inline comments of this paragraph and I'll answer them in the next chap (or a special one idk) You guys can ask anything— plot wise, certain characters or maybe even random facts about the story

Ahh I'm crying again ;; The Seven Wonders is my baby... I swear on my SOUL that I WILL get this published as my own book

LASTLY! I actually commissioned an artist to draw Taehyung, Jungkook and Kiana!! Or in their published version names— Taieri, Venturi and Kiana (same lel)! Enjoy hehe

Yes, Jk/Ven had long hair before... but he cut it short after Kiana's death ANYWAYS

Thank you so much again!! I love you guys!!! See you guys in the epilogue and the future chapters of Hell's Watchdogs!!! btw I'll probs start HW by MAY!

Goodbye!