Aqua sat on the fountain's base and took a deep breath. Yeontan sat next to her feet with all three heads looking up at her. A trail of water was starting to dry up on courtyard's deco-stone paths.

When Aqua noticed that some of the bushes were ruined because she head rammed through them, her blood ran cold. The princess realized that her royal clothes were dotted with branches, petals and dirt.

Aqua looked down at Yeontan. Its dark hair was coated in a layer of dust. One of the dog's heads even had a full rose on its nose. It sneezed loudly and petals flew everywhere.

"Tannie, please do not look at me like that," Aqua spoke with an awkward grin. Yeontan stared back innocently. "I know that we have made a mess."

Yeontan's three heads barked almost in a rhythm. Its tail wagged powerfully.

"Huh?," Aqua scrunched her eyebrows. "Do not blame me! We both contributed to this."

When Yeontan tilted its three heads in confusion, Aqua sighed loudly. She ran a hand through her dark hair and stared at the leaves and branches left behind on her fingers.

"Look at me, talking to a dog," Aqua shook her head and stood up. "Yeontan, come."

Yeontan barked happily and circled around Aqua's feet. The princess laughed and picked up the dog. She sneezed loudly when it shook its fur and spread dust everywhere.

Aqua walked across the courtyard and ignored the stares she was getting from the guards. She already thought of what Ari would say about how dirty she was and braced herself for the usual scolding from her twin brother.

Then Aqua paused. She took a while to realize that Ari was nowhere to be seen.

"Brother?," Aqua called out loudly and cupped a hand next to her mouth. "I cannot see you!"

"Ari left not so long ago."

Aqua turned around. She spotted her Aunt Shay standing next to the palace doors, her arms crossed over her chest. The ends of her short dark hair met her cheeks.

If Aqua were to be honest, she was a bit disappointed at how Ari left without a word, especially because the two of them were meant to hang out. At the same time, she was used to her twin brother slipping away silently.

"I see," Aqua smiled and put down Yeontan.

Shay didn't say anything and just glanced down at the ground. As soon as Aqua unhooked Yeontan's leash, the dog ran up to her aunt's feet and started to lick her toes.

This made Shay smile and carry Yeontan. Just when Aqua was about to pass, she spoke. "Aqua."

"Yes, Aunt Shay?," Aqua turned towards Shay with a smile and pet Yeontan.

"Look out for your brother," Shay wore a stern expression. "Okay?"

Aqua's smile faded. She sometimes thought Ari was difficult, especially since he was so quiet all the time. Still, he was her brother and she cared about him.

"Of course, Aunt Shay," Aqua nodded and gave Shay a formal bow. "Please excuse me."

Once Shay was out of Aqua's view, her smile faded once again. The princess heard the palace doors close behind her as she glanced around in search of her twin brother. He was still nowhere to be seen.

Aqua debated where she should go first. To her right was the doorway to the kitchen, where she could hear clanging pots and pans. To her left was the path to the eerily silent training room. Her star shaped necklace was also glowing.

Knowing full well where Ari would be, Aqua turned to the left and walked down the seemingly narrow hallway to the training room. She stood in front of the door and took a deep breath.

Aqua braced herself for the worst and held her breath as she entered the training room. The sight before the princess made her eyes widen significantly.

The training dummy was a wreck. Its stuffing was neatly gathered into a pile with shredded cloth, its body barely holding onto whatever was left of it. Pieces of wood splinters were also stacked next to it.

Aqua sighed. Seeing no sign of her twin brother, she slowly closed the door. When the princess turned around, she almost jumped when she suddenly became face to face with her mother.

"Mother," Aqua exclaimed and bowed. "You surprised me."

You laughed at Aqua's expression and gently folded your hands over your stomach. "Apologies, Aqua. I came to ask about your walk with Yeontan. It seems like you had fun."

Aqua swallowed hard at the question. She had flashbacks to the messy courtyard and dusty Yeontan. Then the princess' blood ran cold when she remembered that she hadn't changed out of her dirty clothes.

"I am sorry, Mother," Aqua bowed deeply.

You laughed again and placed a hand over your own mouth. "There is no need to apologize. With you being here, I assume Ari has snuck off again?"

Aqua was silent for a bit before she nodded. You sighed loudly in obvious worry.

"He is not in the training room?"

"No, Mother."

"I see," You hummed softly with a nod. "I have checked his room and he is not there as well."

"Macht, Ari," Aqua ran a hand through her hair. "Where did you go?"

A short silence passed as Aqua continued to grunt in frustration. She could feel her mother's gaze pierce through her sharply.

"Give him time, Aqua," You spoke softly and held Aqua's shoulder. "I think Ari does not want to be found for now."

Aqua exhaled loudly. "Perhaps you are right, Mother."

"Do not be too frustrated with your brother, okay?," You asked with a smile.

For a moment, Aqua wondered why those were your choice of words. "Of course, Mother. Please excuse me."

Aqua bowed as her mother nodded. The princess slipped away from the hallway with a dry throat and could still feel your gaze boring into the back of her skull.

Suddenly, Aqua felt thirsty. Once she was back in the hallway, she eyed the kitchen door. Yes, a glass of water was what she needed.

The princess silently opened the kitchen doors and peeked in between them. Aqua saw the palace's head chef with her back faced towards the door. The chef was humming and was swaying back and forth. Food sizzled on the pans.

When another face suddenly appeared right in front of Aqua, she nearly fell backwards in fright.

"Hyojong, what in Macht's name are you doing?!," The head chef screamed from inside.

"Hyuna!," The assistant chef— Hyojong replied back. "I am pretty sure someone is on the other side of this door!"

"Your pasta is burning!"

"Huh? Macht damn it!"

Aqua slowly opened the door and stepped inside the kitchen. For a few minutes, she watched Hyuna and Hyojong quarrel in amusement. The head chef was ranting about how leaving boiling pasta behind would obviously cause it to burn.

Hyuna's short dark hair was hidden underneath her toque hat. Hyojong, on the other hand, had stringy hair that covered almost both of his eyes.

"Good afternoon," Aqua bowed slowly and gracefully. "I apologize for the intrusion."

A silence fell as the two chefs' argument came into a sudden halt. Aqua stared with a frozen smile as Hyuna dropped her bowl of batter. It clattered onto the ground with its contents spilling out.

"Princess Aqua!," Hyuna bowed immediately and dragged a stunned Hyojong to his knees. "We apologize for whatever disturbance we have caused."

"No, no, please carry on," Aqua greeted with a grin. "I only came to ask if either of you have seen my brother?"

"Prince Ari?," Hyuna raised her with a frown. "Apologies, princess, but I have not—"

"Actually."

Both Aqua and Hyuna turned towards Hyojong. The chef rolled his shoulders and stood up straight as he ran a hand through his hair. He then raised a knife, which the princess somehow did not notice was in his hand.

"The royal prince came in for some apples," Hyojong smiled, his eyes turning into crescents behind his fringe. "He was in quite a hurry."

Hyuna raised an eyebrow. "When did you see the prince?"

"When you went out to fetch some flour," Hyojong shrugged. "The prince was gone as soon as you came back."

"Excuse me," Aqua cleared her throat awkwardly as both chefs turned towards her. "Apologies for the interruption. Chef Hyojong, you mentioned apples?"

Hyojong nodded and ran a hand through his hair again. "Yes, princess."

Aqua racked her brain for a few seconds. Apples. Where would Ari bring apples? Maybe— Her eyes widened when she realized where her twin brother.

"Chef Hyojong," Aqua held her skirt and bowed gracefully. "Thank you so much."

Hyojong tilted his head in obvious confusion. "You are most welcome?"

As Aqua turned around and exited the kitchen, she heard Hyuna and Hyojong continue their bickering once again. The princess crossed the palace and passed through the portrait room.

Aqua quickly glanced at her father's portrait as she continued to pass through. Her thoughts about being on the throne was like a distant dream and something she looked forward to.

Whilst clutching her skirt, Aqua passed through the inner lobby and finally reached the door to the backyard. She slammed it open and quickly sprinted down the stairs.

Aqua was greeted by a wave of fresh air that blew her hair backwards. The princess raised a hand over her face and stepped into the backyard. Pebbles crunched loudly under her shoes.

After taking a deep breath, Aqua glanced around the backyard. At one side was a row of stables, each filled with different horses. Next to it was a stack of hay and wall of water.

Across that was the outside combat training area for soldiers. Some Helians were sitting around with glasses of water in their hands. Others were sparring with wooden staffs and spears.

What Aqua immediately noticed were the a figure standing near the stables. The princess took a deep breath and slowly walked towards the person.

Aqua stared. She spotted Ari petting Sangdol, their father's beloved aged horse. Its bright blue flames brushed her brother's fingers but he was not reacting to the heat.

"Brother!," Aqua called out in relief. "Thank goodness you are here."

Ari froze, his hand still pressed against Sangdol's mane. He turned around with a smile. "Hello, Aqua. It seems that you have finished walking Yeontan."

Aqua slapped her forehead when she realized that she once again failed to change. She replied with a laugh. "We did make quite a mess."

"Of course you did," Ari laughed back and continued to stroke Sangdol, who neighed at his touch.

In that moment of silence, Aqua scanned Ari's figure. He was still wearing his training suit, which looked more wrinkled and worn out than it did just a few hours ago. His silver hair was slightly disheveled.

Aqua could tell that Ari was out overworking himself again. Although she wanted to question her brother, the thick tense aura around him told her otherwise.

With crossed arms, Aqua watched as Ari fed Sangdol apples. The horse chewed loudly, its crunching teeth echoing in the silence.

"Okay, this silence is killing me," Aqua sighed and shook her head. "Riri, we must do something."

Ari raised an eyebrow as Sangdol neighed into his palm. "What do you mean?"

"Well," Aqua put a hand on her hip and pointed at Ari. "We both have accomplished today's training. I say we have a little fun."

"Fun?," Ari replied with a slight scoff. "And what exactly is fun, Aquatica?"

Aqua huffed and pouted. "I told you not to call me that!"

"Only after you stop calling me Riri."

"But! It is cute!"

"No, it is not. It makes me cringe."

"Oh really?," Aqua tilted her head in amusement. "Even when mother and father call you that?"

Ari was silent for a bit. He glanced at Aqua with an intense stoic gaze. "I only cringe when you say it, Aquatica."

What a meanie. Aqua huffed and crossed her arms over her chest. Ari was still staring at him with his naturally intense gaze. If she didn't know her brother so well, she'd think he was glaring.

"Nicknames are supposed to be shorter, Riri," Aqua whined with a mocking tone. "Not longer and harder to pronounce!"

"Aquatica is not that hard to pronounce," Ari teased and turned around to stroke Sangdol's mane again. "Besides, nicknames are not always short. Take our great grandmother Queen Marisa, who was dubbed by the people as—"

Ari paused when he felt something soft yet pointy hit his head. He turned around just to see Aqua hide her hay filled hands behind her. The prince glanced at the stack of hay nearby.

"Apologies, Riri," Aqua grinned innocently. "It was an accident."

Aqua kept the smile on and couldn't help but laugh at the amount of hay stuck on Ari's silver hair. She watched as her twin brother pulled the hay of his head.

Before Aqua could even blink, a clump of hay was thrown at her face. She coughed loudly since some of the dry grass entered her mouth.

Aqua furiously rubbed her tongue and faced a chuckling Ari. "Hey! That was uncalled for!"

Ari shrugged as a playful smile spread across his face. "Is it really?"

With gritted teeth, Aqua lunged at the stack of hay behind her and clutched them in both her hands. "This means war, Riri!"

Aqua threw both handfuls of hay towards Ari, who simply stepped to the side and dodged them both. The princess' eye twitched and she reached out to throw more dried grass.

Ari put on a straight face and easily caught a clump of hay. "You are too rash."

"Why are you so quick?," Aqua spoke in both frustration and shock.

"Because I train," Ari put on a solemn smile. "As hard as I can."

Somehow, Aqua felt the weight in Ari's words. She raised an eyebrow and looked up to face her twin brother, only to discover that he was no longer standing in front of her.

As soon as Aqua felt a presence behind her, a clump of hay slammed into the back of her head. She turned around with balled fists and spotted Ari casually tossing around a ball of dry grass in his hand.

Ari tilted his head. "You should work more on your reflexes. If Mother were here, she would say—"

Aqua cut off Ari when she suddenly tackled him forward. The twins landed in the pile of hay and sunk in it as if it were quicksand. Sangdol neighed in surprise.

For a moment, the twins were a mess of hay and tangled limbs. Aqua herself felt like she swallowed some of them. Ari was struggling underneath her, his legs kicking into the hay.

Aqua grunted when they both finally fell out of the hay. Unfortunately, they both also landed into the pool of drinking water provided for the horses. Hay floated as the two royals swam to the surface.

Ari rose first and spit out water as he coughed violently. His silver hear was matted on his head. Aqua followed and took deep breaths next to him.

When Aqua turned towards her brother in concern, she froze at the intense gaze she received. The princess swallowed hard as Ari continued to stare at her silently. Sangdol neighed loudly.

Aqua couldn't help but laugh at Ari's serious expression. She combed her fingers through her damp dark hair. "You look so serious, Riri! Can't you smile?"

Ari scoffed and put on a small smirk. He stepped out of the pool and ruffled his wet silver hair before extending a hand towards Aqua.

"We should go," Ari spoke with a now stern expression. "Now."

Eyebrows scrunched, Aqua tilted her head at Ari. When she followed her brother's gaze, she noticed the training Helian soldiers all staring at them from afar. Ah.

Aqua grabbed Ari's hand and grunted as she was pulled out of the pool. The princess held her skirt and squeezed out its water. A puddle formed on the ground next to her feet.

Ari looked more concerned than usual.

"Mother is going to be so mad when she sees us," Aqua laughed and shook her head.

"Exactly," Ari nodded and wiped away the strands of hay on his clothes. He put on a smile. "Which is why we must change immediately."

-

"I am sorry, you two did what again?"

Ari rubbed his newly washed silver hair with a towel. He looked up to see two amused faces on his holographic screen.

"Aqua and I rolled in hay," Ari spoke slowly this time. "Then we fell into the pool."

Sapphira laughed lightly on the screen, her hand hovered over his lips. Her wavy blonde was resting on her shoulders, her fringe falling just over her eyes.

Ari raised an eyebrow and slung the towel over his shoulders. He looked over at the screen and tilted his head.

"You're laughing?," Ari crossed his arms and put on a small smirk.

"I am sorry," Sapphira continued to laugh into her palm. "I find the image of you sitting in a stack of hay amusing."

Ari chuckled. He looked over at Sapphira's screen and stared. The prince raised an eyebrow when he noticed that her blonde hair was actually floating. Little bubbles were forming around her as well.

Ah. Sapphira was underwater. That made sense.

"Hey, Saph?," Ari spoke as he sat on his bed and glanced at the screen across him.

Sapphira tilted her head. She cupped her face with her hand. "Hm? What is it?"

Ari paused to open his drawer. He took out a dark turtleneck shirt and stared at it. "I was wondering. How can your family breathe underwater without gills?"

Sapphira went silent. She slowly raised her hand and calmly touched her own neck. Ari assumed that she herself was checking whether she had gills or not.

With an oddly professional looking smile, Sapphira lowered her hand. She opened her mouth to speak. Bubbles appeared and floated up and out of the screen.

"Do they not teach that in your royal biology classes?," Sapphira asked and drummed her fingers on her cheek.

"We have not reached the Tranen chapter yet," Ari turned his back to the screen and pulled out another shirt.

"Oh really?," Sapphira tilted her head. "Sounds like you were not listening though."

"Of course I was," Ari frowned and glanced over his shoulder. "I would remember if it was taught to me."

"Not to interrupt but Ari, you do realize that you are topless?"

Ari glanced at the screen. Next to Sapphira in a separate video feed was Ris. They were seated in a brightly lit white walled room with their arms crossed over their chest. Their short blonde hair was short and combed to one side.

Then Ari looked down and realized that he really was topless. Turning back towards Ris, he blinked at how they were turning away from the screen.

"My apologies," Ari nodded and put on his turtleneck. "Did I make you uncomfortable, Ris?"

"Shut up," Ris scoffed and narrowed their eyes. "...Do you have your shirt on?"

Ari couldn't help but laugh. He finger combed his wet silver hair. "Why don't you check?"

"Stop teasing them, would you?," Sapphira scolded, although there was a big smile on her face. "It is okay, Ris. He is no longer naked."

Ris peaked through the corner of their eye before ultimately turning to the screen. Their wings flapped shyly behind. They leaned on their seat and exposed the frilly collar of their polo.

"Excuse me but I was not naked," Ari retorted as he sat in front of the holographic screen. "Just topless."

"Same thing."

"I disagree."

"Well, I agree to disagree."

"That does not make sense."

"If you two were not the best of friends," Ris interrupted again with a bored look on their face. "I'd think you guys were a couple."

A thick silence fell in the bedroom. Ari glanced at Ris, who did not seem to be bothered by the intense gaze they were receiving. Instead, the Hemelian stared back with a sort of teasing smile.

Sapphira had a blank expression. She just stared at the screen, her eyes flicking between Ari and Ris' figures. A tiny piece of stray seaweed passed behind the Traneian princess.

It was Sapphira who broke into soft laughter first, which sounded like giggles under her palm. Ari chuckled almost immediately and shook his head at the thought. Ris tilted their head in confusion.

"What?," Ris scrunched their eyebrows together. Their wings folded. "What's so funny?"

"Ari and I? A couple?," Sapphira giggled again and formed water bubbles around her. "That is a hilarious thought, Ris."

Somehow, Ari was not sure if he was supposed to be insulted by that remark or not. Sapphira still kept giggling, even when a golden figure appeared behind her.

Ari watched silently as pair of seemingly clawed hands raised up behind Sapphira. A sinister smirk was on the figure's face. Ris opened their mouth to speak but stopped when the Helian prince shushed him silently.

The moment the figure clamped his hands on Sapphira's shoulders, she released a loud and shrill scream. What followed afterwards was squeaky laughter.

"Father," Sapphira exclaimed with a hand pressed on her chest. "Please do not scare me like that."

Jin clutched his stomach and spun behind the water. He laughed loudly as his long golden tail swished in the water. Only then did Ari realize that Sapphira herself was in her mermaid form.

"You should have seen your face!," Jin wheezed in between his laughter. The pearls on his blonde hair bounced. "You looked like you were about to pass out!"

Sapphira sighed and palmed her face. She shook her head and smiled at the screen. "This is what I have to deal with everyday."

"Oh come on, Sapphira!," Jin engulfed Sapphira in a tight hug and squished their cheeks together. "You know you love it when I crack jokes."

A silence passed as Jin finally shifted his gaze towards the screen. Both Ari and Ris greeted Tranen's King with a formal head bow and an arm crossed over their chests.

"Speaking of jokes," Jin put on an even bigger smile, which almost radiated as bright as his pearl crown. "Maybe you youngsters would want to hear one."

Sapphira's expression immediately turned sour. A crooked grin appeared on the Traneian's face as she raised both of their hands up. Ari laughed at the desperation seeping from her.

"Father," Sapphira chuckled dryly. "There is no need—"

"What do you call a fake noodle?," Jin asked with a wide grin, his laughter already coming out.

Sapphira palmed her face. Ris stared at the screen silently. Ari, who thought it was best to at least be polite, gave the still laughing Jin a smile.

"A fake noodle?," Ari hummed and folded his hands on his desk. "What is it, Uncle Jin?"

Jin opened his mouth to reply but was stopped by his own laughter multiple times. Ari waited patiently with a frozen grin. Ris looked mildly curious.

And although Sapphira was not saying anything, Ari could tell that she was debating whether to turn off her camera or not. He made a gesture at the Traneian, who groaned as a reply.

Jin finally took a deep breath and put on a stern expression. "Impasta."

Ari's smile fell. Jin broke into laughter again and clutched his stomach whilst holding a very embarrassed Sapphira's shoulder tightly.

Ris tilted their head and scrunched their eyebrows in confusion. "I don't get it."

Jin's smile faded almost instantly. Now it was Sapphira who was laughing hard, with her hand hovered over her mouth. Ari folded his fingers over his lips and held in a chuckle.

"What?," Ris asked and leaned closer to the screen. "I am serious. I don't get it."

"What is that you do not understand, Ris?"

Hearing another voice that belonged to neither of them, Ari cleared his throat and looked back up on the screen. Ris was glancing at someone behind their camera. There was the sound of a creaking door as well.

"Dad," Ris called out. Their wings flapped excitedly. "It was something Uncle Jin said."

A chuckle came before a tall white winged figure appeared behind Ris. He held the younger Hemelian's shoulders and bent down to peek at the screen.

What greeted Ari was Jungkook's bright bunny smile. His long blonde hair was tied into a ponytail that rested over his shoulder. A long fringe was parted on his forehead and nearly covered his eyes.

Ari couldn't help but smile at the Hemelian King's presence. "Hello, Uncle Jungkook."

"Hey, Ari, Sapphira," Jungkook's eyes crinkled as he continued to grin. "Why the long face, Jin? Cracked one of your jokes again, yeah?"

Jin sighed and shook his head. His blonde hair, alongside with the pearls on his head, was flowing in the water.

"Kids these days don't understand my stellar sense of humor," Jin spoke with a pout. "Jimin always laughs!"

"Uncle Jimin laughs at everything, Father," Sapphira deadpanned with a smile.

"Not the point!," Jin huffed and crossed his arms. He then put on a fake crying face. "At least Jimin spares me from the embarrassment. I guess only he cares about me."

"Father, you are being dramatic again."

"How can I live knowing my own daughter despises my jokes? The horror!"

Jungkook shook his head in amusement. He looked down at Ris with a fond smile. "What joke did your Uncle Jin say, Ris?"

"Something about fake pasta," Ris spoke with their thick Vredeian accent. "Impasta."

Jungkook blinked, his smile being replaced with a frown. He tilted his head. "Impasta? Why impasta?"

"Not you too, Jungkook!," Jin whined and basically sank out of view. "If the sea intends to swallow me whole, please do so."

Sapphira stared at the ground for a while before she looked up at the screen with a smile. "Ari, what was your question again?"

"Oh, right," Ari cleared his throat and put on a serious expression. "I was curious about how Tranen's royal family could breathe underwater without gills."

Sapphira looked down again. Jin slowly swam back in view and opened his mouth to reply. Surprisingly enough, no sound came out of the Traneian King's mouth.

"I will be honest," Jin spoke softly, almost quietly. "I do not know."

Everyone released a collective sigh as Jin put on a sheepish grin. Sapphira put on a very fake smile. "Well, Ari, it seems that you need to study to find out."

"I guess so," Ari replied with a chuckle. "You know, it is about time we—"

"Riri, I'm coming in!"

Ari's eyes widened when he heard his bedroom door open. He turned around just in time to see Aqua barge inside loudly. His door rattled as it slammed against the wall.

Aqua was wearing a towel over her chest, which ended just above her knees. Her wet dark hair was wrapped in a loose bun.

"Aqua," Ari called out and held his temple. "At least knock before storming in."

"Sorry, Riri," Aqua grinned sheepishly. "I think some of my shirts were mixed up with yours."

Ari glanced at his screen. Jin and Jungkook were no longer present and the prince assumed that they left at the mere glimpse of his bare skinned sister— or maybe they had more King errands to do.

Both Sapphira and Ris were staring forward. Ari couldn't tell whether they were looking at him or Aqua. Thus, he was unsure whether he should tell his friends off or not.

Instead, Ari made a shushing gesture. He spun his seat with crossed legs and glanced at Aqua. She was already digging through his cabinets. The prince twitched a bit at all the clothes strewn on the floor.

"Have you found it yet?," Ari asked calmly. He caught a scarf that was thrown his way. "And I told you not to call me Riri."

Aqua didn't reply. Instead, she bent forward and was nearly consumed by the drawer. Before Ari could speak some more, she finally pulled out a very large grey shirt.

Ari was about to judge the clothing choice when he realized something. "Isn't that my shirt?"

"Here you are!," Aqua sighed in relief and hugged the tank top. "Thanks, Riri. I shall be making my—"

Aqua froze the moment she turned around. Ari followed her gaze and glanced over his shoulder. He saw Ris nodding with a tight smile, along with Sapphira waving elegantly.

"Hello, Aqua," Sapphira greeted with a soft tone. "I like your top. May I ask where you purchased it?"

"Actually, Saph, it's my top," Ari reminded and raised his finger in the air.

A very tense silence passed. Ari stared and expected the worst but he was prepared for Aqua's loud ear-piercing scream. The prince nearly fell off his seat.

"Why are you screaming?!," Ari exclaimed and clutched the edge of his desk. He barely balanced himself.

"Why didn't you say you were Holo-Screening with Sapphi and Ris?!," Aqua shouted and dove behind Ari's bed. "I was nearly naked!"

"I am pretty sure we have both seen you naked more than once, Aqua," Ris tilted their head with a grin.

"Not the point!," Aqua wailed from the floor. She raised her fist behind the bed. "It is an invasion of privacy! I deserve dignity!"

"She is starting to sound like Father," Sapphira mumbled quietly from the screen.

Ari took a deep breath to calm himself down. He crossed his legs and folded both of his hands over his knee. "Think of this as a lesson, Aquatica."

"Lesson?!," Aqua hissed and finally raised her head. "What lesson?!"

"Of being more observant," Ari hummed and nodded sternly. "If you noticed what I was doing beforehand, you wouldn't have had to go through what you did."

"Macht, you sound just like Mother."

"And she is right because—"

Ari was cut off by his bedroom door slamming open yet again. This time, both he and Aqua nearly jumped out of their own skin. Even Sapphira yelped slightly from the screen. Ris, on the other hand, did not react in any sort of way.

After composing himself once again, Ari glanced at his doorway. He was surprised to see both of his parents standing there with weapons in their hands, both wearing their evening pajamas. His father held his snakehead staff whilst his mother held a katana.

"Where are they?!," Taehyung's deep voice screamed. "Where are the intruders?!"

Silence passed as the Bristene family stared at one another. Ari was still on his seat with an arm sprawled across his desk. Aqua, having fallen out of shock, was laying on the ground next to the bed.

"Taehyung, this is bad," You spoke sternly. Ari was a bit terrified by your expression. "They must have escaped."

"You're right," Taehyung noudded in agreement. "We must form a search party immediately."

"Father! Mother! Wait!"

Aqua screeched and scrambled to her feet. She nearly dropped her towel, which made Ari instinctively blink hard. Her hand trembled as she clutched her brother's baggy shirt.

"There are no intruders!," Aqua waved her hands wildly and desperately held up her towel. "Everything is alright! Please do not for a search party!"

"But you were screaming," Taehyung narrowed his eyes, both in question and concern.

Ari calmly stood up. He quickly glanced over his shoulder and saw Sapphira wave before her call ended. Ris looked like they had no intention of hanging up but they eventually did after hearing Jungkook call their name.

Once the screen was clear of his two friends, Ari turned back towards his parents. He gently held his father's snakehead staff and pushed it downwards.

"Relax, Father," Ari smiled. "Aqua screamed because she slipped and fell."

"Oh," You sighed loudly in relief and turned towards Aqua in concern. "Are you okay, Aqua?"

"Yes, Mother," Aqua smiled and clutched both the towel and the shirt over her chest. "I am fine."

You and Taehyung glanced at each other in a moment of awkward silence. Ari watched their expression change into a range of different emotions that he couldn't catch up with. Aqua rocked on her heels quietly.

"Alright," Taehyung spoke first with a reassuring nod. "That is good to know."

"Sorry for overreacting," You said with a grin, the katana disappearing into an explosion of mist in your hands. "You two do understand why we worry, right?"

If Ari would be honest, he actually didn't. To him, there was no potential threat in Hel that could be a danger to their lives. Still, he assumed it was a natural parental instinct.

"Of course, Mother," Ari bowed slightly. "We apologize for disturbing your private hours."

"Please," You chuckled. "If it's you and your sister, then it is not a disturbance."

"Your mother is right," Taehyung said whilst embracing you. "Any-who, if you kids do not mind, we'll be going back to business."

You nudged Taehyung playfully. Ari froze and glanced at Aqua, who looked extremely confused. Just before she could ask what that meant, he cleared his throat and pushed his parents out of his bedroom.

"Mother, Father, thank you for your concern," Ari bowed again.

Taehyung smirked. "Aren't you going go ask what kind of business—"

"Good night!," Ari nearly screamed before he shut the door.

For a few minutes, Ari remained in front of the door and listened to the voices outside. He heard his parents bicker playfully until their voices eventually faded. The prince released a loud sigh.

Ari faced Aqua, who was still awkwardly standing next to his bed. The princess then slowly put on a smile. "Thank you, Riri!"

"For handling the situation?," Ari raised an eyebrow. "I mean, you could have explained it—"

"I meant for the shirt!," Aqua huffed and stomped forward. "And the idea. I should Holo-Screen my friends too!"

Ari squinted and stepped to the side. Aqua nearly charge towards the door and sprinted out of the room. She then peaked through the doorway with a bright smile.

"Good night, Ari!"

With that Aqua closed the door. Ari listened to her footsteps fade as she ran across the hallway. He sighed and ran a hand through his silver hair.

Ari glanced at this star shaped necklace. It was glowing brightly that staring at it made his eyes ache. He clutched it with a smile.

-

Violette took a deep breath. She stared at the mirror and studied her reflection. Her purple hair was tied into a loose bun. She wore a striped crop top and pants that were ripped at the knees— something her Dad said was called Ripped Jeans on Earth.

It made Violette wonder why Earth called their pants differently. Skinny jeans, leggings, jogging pants— Why not just pants? After all, Bliksem-Aarde's leg clothing were just called pants of different colors.

"Okay Violette, focus," Violette took another deep breath. She glanced below her mirror and at her dresser's desk.

Her music player glowed as it constantly requested for Violette's orders. She tapped on the holographic screen and glanced at the list of songs. The princess scrolled through it silently.

Violette smiled when she found the song she was looking it. She pressed it and an album cover art immediately appeared. Jimin stared back with a smile, the neon lettering of Me glowing behind him.

The soft violin chords played and echoed in Violette's room. She swayed to the intro's beat and hummed to it. Glancing at her bed, she stared at her night robe and smiled.

Violette grabbed the robe and held it as if it were her dance partner. No particular face or person came to mind— in fact she loved the idea of dancing with someone, whoever it may be.

Jinin's voice started to sing and Violette followed perfectly with the rhythm. She hugged the robe and danced, swaying gracefully with her imaginary partner.

Violette hummed the lyrics and twirled elegantly. She bent backwards and pretended to be dipped by the white robe.

"Oh! Do be careful," Violette laughed and continued to dance around.

For a moment, Violette let herself be submerged in her dream. She imagined herself dancing in a big ball held in Aarde-Bliksem's castle. Her fathers would watch in joy as she danced with the most handsome— or beautiful noble in the country.

Or maybe royalty from a distant planet. After all, space travel was almost possible now— well, that was what Hel claimed anyways.

Just when Violette leaned in to smooch her robe, a voice called to her loudly. "Violette?"

Violette's fantasy world shattered. She turned around and froze in horror. Both Jimin and Namjoon were standing at her doorway with stunned expressions on their faces.

A very awkward silence passed as the trio stared at each other like statues. Violette slowly dropped the robe on her feet. She felt like being swallowed whole by the ground right there.

"D-Dad! Papa!," Violette chuckled dryly and slowly picked up her robe. "Did you knock?"

"We did," Namjoon replied with his hands on a frozen Jimin's shoulders. "A lot."

Violette's blood ran cold when she realized what the situation was. Both of her fathers had been knocking on her door but she was too caught in her fantasy to hear it.

"I am so sorry!," Violette bowed deeply. "I made you both worry."

"Vi, it's fine!," Namjoon raised his hands and wore a crooked smile. "We thought you were dead but really, it's okay."

Violette sighed in relief. That feeling soon faded when she realized Jimin hadn't said anything. She turned to see him staring back silently with his mouth slightly ajar.

"Papa?," Violette asked slowly and clasped her hands together. "I'm so sorry. Please forgive me!"

"Chim," Namjoon leaned in and whispered. "Come on, baby. Say something."

Jimin only closed his mouth when Namjoon poked his cheek. Violette started to panic when his eyes glittered with tears.

"P-Papa!"

"Chim?! What's wrong?!"

Jimin sniffled and wiped his tears. He leaned on Namjoon, who immediately embraced him, before he started to speak in between sobs.

"Vi," Jimin sniffled again. "You're so beautiful when you dance."

Violette was honestly touched by those words. "Thank you, Papa."

The tension faded almost instantly. Namjoon chuckled with his deep dimples. Violette laughed as well and almost looked identical to the Aardeian King.

"You only say that because it's your song," Namjoon said jokingly glanced at Jimin with a fond smile.

Jimin pouted through his tears. "That is half true. Still, Vi is an amazing dancer!"

Violette smiled at the compliment. She yelped a bit when Jimin suddenly lunged towards her and engulfed her in a big hug.

"Chim, you're overreacting again," Namjoon laughed in amusement, his comment going unnoticed.

"I am so happy," Jimin cried onto Violette's shoulder before pulling away from the hug. "You remind me so much of myself when I was younger, Vi. Have I told you the story of my first ballet performance?"

"Yes, Papa," Violette nodded with a smile. "You collaborated with many great dancers."

Jimin's smile faded. He scrunched his eyebrows. "What about the time I showed off my rapping?"

"With Earth's worldwide star Agust D? Yes, Papa."

"...And when I was nominated for a Grammy?"

"You cried during the speech. It was for Spring Day, right Papa?"

Jimin fell into silence and stroked his own chin with squinted eyes. "What haven't I told you?"

A few seconds of silence before Namjoon snapped his fingers from the back. He raised his gloved arm and put on a dimpled smile.

"What about when you announced my existence to your fans?," Namjoon spoke with a big grin. Violette raised an eyebrow in curiosity.

"Oh!," Jimin clasped his hands together in excitement. "Of course! That should have been the first thing I said. Sorry, Joonie."

Namjoon just put on a dimpled smile and didn't seem bothered by it at all. Violette could literally feel the strong love her fathers had for each other in the air. It almost made her jealous.

Violette's smile faded when she delved deeper into her own thoughts. "Were they accepting of it, Papa?"

Jimin tilted his head. Namjoon's smile fell as well. "Of what, Vi?"

"Of you and Dad," Violette spoke slowly and looked down at the ground. "Being a couple, I mean. You did say Earth had different... beliefs."

A short silence passed as Jimin and Namjoon stared at each other in concern. Violette kept looking at the ground whilst fiddling with her fingers.

Jimin sighed and gently held Violette's shoulders. "Most of my fans were supportive but... there were some who weren't very... fond of my sexuality."

"But that didn't matter," Namjoon spoke sternly as he stepped forward and embraced Jimin. "We blocked people like that from our lives. What really matters is that your father and I love each other."

"Vi, sweetie," Jimin held both of Violette's hands tightly. "One of the reasons why Joonie and I decided to stay here is because Vrede is very accepting of people like us."

"You don't have to be afraid," Namjoon smiled. "You've seen the amount of people who attend our yearly parades, right?"

Violette was filled with relief. Although her parents and all her friends knew, she still had a slight fear of it coming out to the kingdom as a rumor. She wanted to be the one to say it herself.

"Anyways," Namjoon wiggled his eyebrows teasingly. "Which lucky gentleman or lady were you thinking about?"

"Eh?," Violette blinked innocently.

"You were really into that dance with your robe," Jimin giggled. "Who were you thinking of?"

Violette blinked again. Once she processed her fathers' words, her cheeks flared into a beet red shade. She immediately waved her hands frantically.

"I— I wasn't thinking of anybody!," Violette stuttered with an awkward grin. "I was imagining anyone, really..."

Jimin giggled in response, his eyes turning into crinkled crescents. Namjoon, on the other hand, discreetly gave Violette a look— almost as if saying, I know you're thinking of her.

Violette swallowed hard. Whether she wanted it or not, she hated to admit that it was partly true.

"Oh right," Jimin ceased his laughter suddenly. "Vi, could you call Jasper downstairs for dinner please? Your father and I are almost done with the preparations."

Partly glad that she had a way out of this embarrassing situation, Violette nodded and walked towards the door. She then paused and turned around to face her two fathers.

"If I may ask," Violette tilted her head. "Why not let the royal cooks make our dinner instead?"

Jimin giggled again with a hand placed over his lips. "Joonie and I prefer our own little touch."

Violette laughed at that. She bowed at her parents before exiting her room and entering the hallway. The palace walls were decorated with dark yellow wallpaper patterned as elegant diamond shaped flowers and curls.

Hanging on the walls were portraits of both King Jimin and King Namjoon. What stood out to Violette was one largely framed photo of her fathers with her two uncles. It was named The Single Men Club.

Violette heard many stories about said club. What amused her the most was that it was one of the reasons why her fathers became a couple. The irony was amazing.

When Violette finally reached Jasper's studio door, she was greeted by a large Please Knock sign screwed into the wood. Just above it was his studio's name— Silent Beats. She laughed and knocked loudly.

"Jasper!," Violette called and continued to knock. "It's time for dinner!"

Violette waited for a few seconds, which quickly turned into minutes. She huffed and stuck her ear onto the door. Loud electric beats could be heard from inside.

"Jasper! Your music is too loud!"

No reply. Sighing, Violette raised her fist to knock again but paused when the door swung open instead. Jasper stood there, his orange hair disheveled under his headset's brace. His round glasses were hanging at the tip of his nose.

"What," Jasper whispered, his voice barely heard through the loud beats in the background.

"It's time for dinner!," Violette screamed at Jasper's face. She could barely hear herself.

Jasper blinked once, twice, before he pulled down his headset. "Don't scream."

"Your music!," Violette cupped her hands over her mouth. "Is too—"

Violette was cut off when Jasper literally placed a hand over her mouth. He stared back innocently, his thick lips forming an unintentional pout.

"Loud," Jasper scrunched his eyebrows. "You're too loud."

Violette's eye twitched. She gently pulled Jasper's hand off her face. "Are you writing another song?"

Jasper nodded with a small smile. "Want to listen?"

Although Violette still remembered it was time for dinner, she was much more interested in Jasper's new song. She nodded and the door was immediately opened wider for her to enter.

Violette glanced around. Jasper's studio was filled to the brim with what she assumed was musical production equipment. On the walls were posters of different bands, the biggest one being of their father Jimin during his idol days.

At the center was a large piano connected to multiple monitors. Jasper sat on his computer seat and pressed a button. The loud music immediately shut off.

Violette sat on the bean bag and nearly sunk into it. "You have the lyrics yet?"

"Not yet," Jasper put on his headset and started typing away on his keyboard. "But I have the beats for the first verse and the chorus down. I took the recording of one of your violin recitals and decided to incorporate it into the main melody."

Violette smiled at Jasper's babbling. He spun his chair and gave her large toothy grin.

"If you do not mind, I mean," Jasper added.

"I don't," Violette laughed and leaned lower into the black beanbag. "Don't worry."

Jasper basically bounced in his seat as he turned back towards the monitors and typed away. Violette saw what seemed like thousands of files opening and closing. At one point, there was even a blue screen.

Whatever problem Jasper had was immediately resolved. Replacing the blue screen was a now open music file, the cursor hovering just above the play button.

Jasper spun around again. He pulled off his headset and grinned. "Get ready to hear my masterpiece. Symphonia, version one!"

Violette watched in anticipation as Jasper pressed the play button. She hummed as the familiar melody of soft violin chords started to play. It made her think of that recital not so long ago.

When the soft tune ended, Violette scrunched her eyebrows in confusion. Jasper looked even more excited, his smile reaching his ears.

Violette blinked in surprise when a low drum beat started to play. What followed was the rave of an electric guitar. Then there was an explosion of loud upbeat music, the same loud one that had been playing a few minutes ago.

"So?," Jasper shouted a bit, his loud voice taking Violette by surprise. "How is it?"

Violette started bobbing her head to the beat. "I want to dance to it!"

"Then dance!," Jasper smiled and increased the volume by a tiny bit.

Shrugging, Violette stood up and continued to bob her head. She shook her hips and waved her arms in the air. Jasper cheered her on in his seat.

Violette felt free. She wanted to dance like this forever, without a thought or worry in the world. Jasper was still on his seat and was adjusting a few beats.

"Jasper!," Violette called out as she spun around. "You should dance too!"

Jasper looked up at Violette questionably. He pushed up his glasses and put on an anxious grin. "I'm not a dancer, Vi."

"Dance!," Violette insisted and pulled Jasper off his seat.

Jasper yelped, his confident expression fading instantly. He stood next to Violette awkwardly for a few seconds, his cheeks flaring as his sister continued to urge him to dance.

With his hands on his face, Jasper started to slowly shake his hips. Violette held in her laughter and continued to urge him to dance some more.

"Vi!," Jasper whined, his thick lips trembling slightly. "I'm going to die of embarrassment!"

"You're doing great, Jasper!," Violette smiled brightly and grabbed Jasper's hands. "Come on!"

Although Jasper's whole face was beet red, he still danced with Violette and let her spin him around. Soon, the two of them were laughing as Symphonia's beat played on a loop.

"Oh, so this is where you two were."

Jasper yelped loudly, which sounded more like a high-pitched Eep! He immediately lunged for his computer and paused Symphonia. Violette turned and saw Jimin standing at the doorway.

Violette felt a strong feeling of de ja vu as she rubbed her nape. "Sorry, Papa. We got carried away with Symphonia."

Jimin didn't look as angry as Violette expected. He raised an eyebrow curiously. "Symphonia?"

"Symphonia!," Violette replied excitedly. "It's Jasper's new song!"

"It isn't finished yet!," Jasper waved his hands frantically, cheeks still beet red. "It's not... ready."

Jimin's expression immediately lit up. He cooed loudly and clasped his hands together. "My babies are so talented. I could never ask for anything more."

"You're being too dramatic, Chim," Namjoon peeked from behind the open door. "And the food— I mean, the shrimps are getting cold."

Everyone turned towards Jasper. His eyes immediately started to sparkle as his glasses slid down to the tip of his nose.

"Shrimps?," Jasper asked slowly before he put on a big grin. "Shrimps!"

In what seemed like spilt second, Jasper was already out of the room. Violette barely stepped out of his way. Jimin giggled loudly when he realized Namjoon was dragged away.

"Come on, Vi," Jimin called before he turned around. "We shouldn't keep the food waiting."

Violette nodded as she stepped out of the room. The moment she closed the door of Jasper's studio, his monitor lit up with a notification. Aqua's Holo-Screen call was left unnoticed.

-

A/N - Jasper is babie huhu fun fact his face turns rlly red when he's embarrassed 🥺

Anyways just to clear things up Violette is openly bi! I did say a lot of my chars wouldnt be straight, after all Vrede is very accepting of any sexuality!

Again sorry for super slow updates cos i'm really making use of this long af vacation! Please look forward to seeing more of Sapphira and Reuben hehe bye!!

same