Chapter Text
It had been a month since Jungkook had learned to fly and since then his face was always lit up in a smile. So Jimin took him out every night so he could fly around the large field where he had first learned. No other attacks had happened since then but he still kept an eye on him. He decided long ago to keep the fact that lord Jeon attacked them to himself so he could see what he was really up to.
Now he was returning to his room after a long day of meetings with the samurai fleet that protected the kingdom. He felt bad for having to leave Jungkook all day but he had told him it was alright and that he would just spend the day by the lake painting with V. Jimin still felt bad so he promised him that he would take them to the market the next day. Upon entering his room, he was surprised when he didn’t see Jungkook or V running around playing like they usually did, but Jin straightening his bed.
“Hyung, where are Kookie and V?”
“Oh, the last place I saw them was by the lake a few hours ago.”
“He should be back by now.” A feeling of dread was already washing over him.
“Maybe he’s own his way no-”
Jimin didn’t even wait for him to finish as he ran out the room. Stupid, stupid, stupid, stupid. He knew he shouldn’t have let Jungkook out of his sight. He was so stupid! Making his way to the lake in record time, he looked around wildly for the figure of Jungkook but found nothing. Stopping at the big oak tree where Jungkook usually sat to paint his eyes widened when he saw the destroyed paint set and ripped pieces of work lying around the grass. Hearing a soft whimper he whipped his head around to see V lying by the tree unmoving. He quickly rushed over to him and knelt by his side. Gently running his fingers over the pup he whispered.
“What happened boy? Are you ok?”
He picked him up carefully hearing the soft whimpers and gave him a quick check finding nothing broken or bleeding. The little pup whined pitifully and Jimin rubbed his head softly.
“Don’t worry, you’ll be fine once I get you inside. Let’s go.” He said as he stood up and headed back to the palace. Walking back to the palace, his eyes were cold and narrowed. They had Jungkook. He knew it. That bastard took him. Lord Jeon.
Once he got back to his room he gave V to Jin who looked at him in surprise. “Take care of him.” He said and walked across the room to grab his sword and slip it into his belt. He was glad he was still wearing his samurai uniform from the meeting so he can leave promptly.
“Jimin, where are you going?” Jin asked worriedly once he saw Jimin grab his sword.
“To Lord Jeons’.”
“Wha-? Why?”
“To take care of business.” He said with narrowed eyes.
“What? Jimin what are you talking about? Please don’t do anything rash.”
“I’ll be fine Jin hyung. You just take care of V." And with that, he left the room before Jin could say anything else.
“But-” Jin sighed in the empty room still holding the poor pup in his arms. “Why is he going back there?” He asked no one in particular. He took a look around the room and then he noticed something. Where’s Jungkook? He didn’t come back with Jimin, and V was always with him. He looked down at the pup in his arms then his head snapped up to look at the empty door.
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He reached. He finally reached. It took him longer than he wanted due to him only being on horse back but after almost two and a half days, he reached the Jeon palace. But the sight he saw was akin to a nightmare. The Jeon palace was on fire. Flames licked around the large palace and he saw soldiers of the Jeon palace fighting off soldiers that were unknown to him. Servants were running up and down in panic and one who seemed to recognize him ran up to him.
“Prince Park!”
“What’s going on?
“The Kwon clan attacked our palace when they heard our lord found a hidden treasure! Please help us!” The servant shouted in fear. Jimin nodded and without a word, marched into the furnace that was the Jeon palace.
He sliced through anyone who got in his way. His wounds were many but he didn’t care. He had to find Jungkook. The heat from the flames burned his clothes and skin but he ignored it and trudged forward. His goal was to reach lord Jeons' master bedroom because he had a feeling that was were he would find Jungkook. When he kicked down the door he was glad he was right but was angered at what he saw. Jungkook was on the ground covered in cuts and bruises that had not known his body for a few months. He was only in his baji and his jeogori was off to the side somewhere getting burned by the flames that came through the side of the wall. His wings were covered in blood again and some littered the floor around him.
Jimins hand tightened on his sword and he looked up to see lord Jeon standing over Jungkook and next to his feet was an old rusty chest.
“Get away from him.” He said lowly but lord Jeon heard it and turned to him.
“You?” He asked with disbelief.
Jungkook looked over at him and a relieved smile formed on his tear stained face. “Hyung.” He whispered.
“Get out of my palace.” The lord said angrily.
“Not until you give Jungkook back to me.” Jimin said just as angrily.
“No! This beast can open this chest and he’s not leaving until he does it!”
“Then you leave me no choice.” Jimin said, taking a step forward and taking a battle stance. The lord saw this and quickly grabbed a sword off a nearby wall. He unsheathed it and before Jimin knew it the lord was attacking him.
Maybe it was the three days without food and water or fighting off numerous amounts of soldiers to get there or maybe it was even his wounds that were continually bleeding, but whatever it was at this point, Jimin was losing. He was constantly defending himself instead of attacking and the lord even managed to cut a deep wound into his arm that was already soiled in blood. In the blink of an eye Jimin soon found himself on the ground with his sword thrown off to the side into the fire and lord Jeon standing above him with his sword aimed at his heart.
“No! Please no! Don’t hurt him!” Jungkook shouted when his saw Jimins position.
“Then give me the key to open that box! I know you have it!”
“No! Jungkook. Don’t give it to him! It belongs to you! Your mother said so!”
“Be quiet!” Lord Jeon yelled as he pressed the sword tip into his chest making Jimin clench his teeth, hissing in pain.
“No!” Jungkook screamed. “Stop, I-I’ll give it to you.” He said softly as he reached behind his neck with shaky hands and unclasped his chain.
Seeing this, lord Jeon looked at Jungkook in shock, seemingly seeing the necklace around his neck for the first time. He shook it off and stuck his hand out.
“Give it to me.” He ordered.
Jungkook got up on shaky legs and slowly made his way over to the two by the door.
“No Jungkook! Don’t give it to him! That belongs to you and only you! Remember what your mother said!”
“I said shut up!” Lord Jeon screamed as he pushed the sword forward. Right into Jimins heart.
“JIMIN!”
Jungkook dropped the necklace in his hand and ran over to the fallen prince. Falling to his knees, he pulled him into his lap and held him close.
“Jimin hyung! Jimin hyung!…no, no…” He cried.
“Kook-ie…” He said weakly, bringing his hand up and Jungkook immediately held it. “I'm s-sorry I-I couldn’t p-protect you.”
“N-No, no. Jimin hyung always protects me…always.” He said softly.
“I-” Before he could say anything, a coughing fit got to him and when he pulled his hand back, it was red. Seeing this, Jungkooks tears fell harder.
“J-Jimin hyung, p-please don’t leave me.”
“I’m s-s-sorry.” He said weakly. He opened his mouth to say something else when his breath caught in his throat. Jungkook watched in horror as Jimins eyes widened and his body stiffened then a second later it relaxed and his eyes slowly closed.
“No.” He said softly.
“No…Jimin hyung.” He shaked him.
No response.
“Jimin hyung, please. D-Don’t do this to me.”
No answer.
“Jimin…” He whimpered, holding him tightly and biting his lip to hold back his sobs.
When Jungkook had dropped the necklace lord Jeon immediately ran over and picked it up. Grabbing the chest he dragged it in front of him and brought the key to the lock with shaky hands. Finally, after all these years it was his. The treasure he had been searching for. Pushing the key into the lock he turned it then heard a click. He grinned and opened the chest. Before he could even look inside a bolt of blue energy surged through him and he fell to the floor.
Dead.
Within the chest a ball of light blue energy flew through the air and headed straight to an unsuspecting Jungkook who was weeping over the fallen prince.
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No. It wasn’t true.
Jimin can’t be gone.
He refused to believe it.
“Jimin…” He whimpered out, burying his face in his hair.
“Jungkook. ” A voice whispered.
“Jungkook."
He looked up slowly and blinked his blurry eyes. When his vision cleared he finally realized he wasn’t in his fathers burning room anymore. He was in a place that was all white. Where was he?
“Jungkook.” He looked up and his eyes widened.
“M-Mother?”
The lady in front of him nodded with a gentle smile on her face. She was wearing a white hanbok with gold designs embroidered on it and had her hair falling on her shoulders elegantly. She walked over to the stunned young man and kneeled before him. Reaching out, she placed her hand on his face and caressed it gently. Jungkook automatically closed his eyes at the soft touch.
“My son. You’ve grown so much.”
Jungkook opened his eyes slowly and stared at the woman who looked exactly like the young woman in his locket.
“M-Mother.” She nodded again and wiped away a stray tear that fell from his eye. “Mother, how? Why? I don’t understand.” He said as he stared at her more confused now than he’s ever been in his life. She smiled.
“My son, the chest was opened and now it is time for me to give you what is yours.”
“Mine? What are you talking about?”
“Your gift my child.”
“Gift?”
“Yes, your gift.” Slowly she rose up on her knees and gave him a soft kiss on his head. He glowed a faint white for a moment and then it disappeared. He blinked.
“Mother?” She looked back down at him, gentle smile still in place.
“Now, you’ve received your gift so I must be going my son.” She said getting up slowly. Jungkooks eyes widened.
“What?! No! Mother, you can’t go!”
He tried to reach for her but couldn’t, something was stopping him. He looked down to see Jimin, a lifeless Jimin, in his arms. He gasped
“Jimin!” He looked up at her with pleading eyes. “Mother, please…please save him.”
“I’m sorry my son, but that is something I can not do.”
“Why?! Please mother, I’ll do anything! Just save him!” He cried out. She looked at him sadly and walked back to kneel before him. He watched as she reached into her hanbok sleeves and pulled out a locket. His locket. Without a word she leant forward and clasped it around his neck. Pulling back, she got up and began to walk back. “No! Mother, please! Don’t go!” He sobbed out. He couldn’t take it. His mother was leaving him again and Jimin was dead. He couldn’t take it.
“Don’t worry, Jungkook. We will meet again. I know that now. Find me when you’re ready.” She said gently.
“Mother…” He whimpered out. And before he could blink. She was gone.
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“Mother!”
He opened his eyes to see he was back in the burning room. Everything was going up in flames. He looked around the room and saw his fathers burning body and turned his head away. Looking back down he saw Jimin was still in his arms and he held him tighter. He slowly got up and held Jimin close to him as he began to move his wings.
“C-Come on hyung. L-Let’s get out of here.” He mumbled. Shutting his eyes tight and holding Jimin as close to him as he could, he bent his knees then jumped, crashing through the burnt ceiling and flames. Gritting his teeth through the pain he continued to ascend through the levels of floors and ceilings of the Jeons palace until he reached fresh air. Coughing out the smoke from his lungs, he looked left then right then headed to the forest a good distance away from the palace.
Landing on shaky feet, he immediately sat down and pulled Jimin onto his lap as he leaned against a tree. Holding him close he held the lifeless body to him and cried.
“Jimin hyung, why did you leave me? Why?!” He sobbed, rocking him back and forth. There was no response as expected, but he kept talking. “I never even got to thank you for saving me so many times.” He sniffed. “You can’t leave me now…you promised to take me and V to the market tomorrow.” He mumbled weakly. A loud sob came out and he cried harder. That was when it started to rain. He looked up at the dark clouded skies and quickly brought his wings up to wrap around him and Jimin, to shield them from the harsh weather.
“Jimin…” He said softly. “You were the first person to treat me like…a human. I-I never knew what it felt like to have someone care for me until you came along…So I-I want to say…thank you.” A tear drop fell on to Jimins cheek and slowly…slowly…rolled down.
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~1 year later~
The cool fall breeze swept around him and he shivered. Finishing his prayer, he stood up and looked down at the grave stone. Bending down again to adjust the flowers he brought he stood up once more. Sighing, he turned around.
“Come on V, let’s go.” The little pup barked in reply and hurriedly followed his master.
Walking with slow steps he leisurely made his way out of the small cemetery and looked up when he heard his name.
“Jungkook!”
Turning, he saw a familiar figure running up to him and smiled.
“You’re finished already?”
“Yes, I just wanted to pay my respects before I go.”
“Ah, I understand. Let’s go then.” He nodded, and the three made there way into the forest.
After a few moments of silence, it was broke by a question.
“Do you really have to go?” Jungkook smiled sadly.
“Jin hyung, I know you want me to stay but I have to go.” He said softly. Jin nodded in understanding.
“I know, but it’ll be so quiet back at home without you.”
“Are you saying I’m loud?” He asked with a grin on his face.
“I wouldn’t say loud…more like boisterous.”
“That’s the same thing!” He said laughing and giving him a friendly shove. Jin laughed as well and they fell into a comfortable silence.
“I’ll miss you Jungkook.” He said quietly. The younger looked at him and gave him a sad smile.
“I’ll miss you too, hyung.”
They walked for what felt like hours until they reached the edge of the forest which extended into a clearing that held a large cliff. Jungkook smiled and inhaled the fresh air.
“Mou~ You guys are late. I was waiting here since forever.”
Jungkook smiled and turned his head.
“We’re not late, you’re just early.” He said, now walking towards his left, with V and Jin right behind him.
“You guys told me to be here before sunset.”
“Exactly, meaning you probably ditched your princely duties since this morning using this as an excuse to leave."
“Not true!”
“Jimin hyung…” Jungkook said with a knowing smile. The young prince pouted and looked away mumbling. ‘Not that early.’ Shaking his head the young prince looked back at him.
“Anyway, that’s not the point. The question is, are you ready?”
Jungkooks smile faltered a bit and he looked away at the sun that was beginning to set.
“Yes.” He said softly. Jimin smiled sadly.
“Then, I guess you should get going then.” He nodded.
“Here, don’t forget your things.” He said, handing him a bag full off food, clothes, money and other miscellaneous items. He nodded in thanks. Hearing a bark they looked down to see V looking up at them with his tail wagging. Jungkook smiled and picked him up, holding him close to his heart and burying his face in the soft fur.
“I’m gonna miss you boy.” He whispered. V barked and squirmed in his embrace, turning to lick his face and making Jungkook giggle. He gave him one last hug before giving him to Jin. He hugged Jin as well and took a step back.
“Well, I guess I should get going.”
They nodded.
“I think V and I will take our leave as well.” Jin said. “Jimin, we’ll meet you back at the palace, after stopping by the cemetery and paying our respects to Jungkooks father.” He then turned to Jungkook. “You be careful Jungkook.” He nodded and watched as Jin departed into the bushes. He turned back to the young prince in front of him and without a word they walked to the edge of the cliff. When they reached, they stood in complete silence just staring at the view of large mountains before them. A while passed until Jimin spoke slowly.
“I hoped that this day wouldn’t come…but I guess me hoping wouldn’t change the fact that it was coming anyway, huh?” He said with a smile as he turned to the other young man. Jungkook turned to him and Jimin wasn’t surprised to see the tears already falling down his face.
“I’ll come back.” He said softly. “I’ll definitely come back.”
“I know you will.” And he brought Jungkook into his arms in an instant, feeling him cling to his neck as he cried. He just tightened his hold around his waist and did his best to hold back his own tears as he spoke.
“Now, when you find your mother, I want to meet her, ok?” He felt him nod in his shoulder. “And I want you to eat your meals regularly and take baths when you can. Don’t forget to be careful of strangers and if anything…if anything happens. I want you to come find me, ok?” He felt Jungkook nodding to everything he said and sighed. His crying had stopped and now he just held on like he didn’t want to let go, which was actually true. Jimin rubbed his back soothingly and felt him relax in his arms. A few moments passed and Jimin sighed. Reluctantly, he pulled back and looked him in the eyes. He smiled softly and wiped away his tears.
“Come on now. You need to go before it get’s too dark.” Jungkook nodded and shakily brought his hands down to unloose his jeogori. Sliding the piece of fabric off his shoulders he let it drop to the ground. He gasped when Jimin suddenly pulled him into another hug. “Be careful, ok? Come back home if you need anything.” He whispered. Jungkook sighed and nodded, letting a tear escape his eye when Jimin pressed a kiss to his forehead. Taking a deep breath, he let him go and took a step back. “Now, go. Spread your wings and fly Jungkook.” He said softly.
Jungkook nodded and turned to pick up his bag before turning back to give Jimin a smile.
“Thank you Jimin hyung, for everything.” Jimin smiled.
“I should be thanking you too.” He said as he held his hand to his heart. Jungkook smiled knowingly then turned back to the setting sun.
“I won’t say goodbye, because I know I’ll see you again. So for now I guess it’s, see you later.” He turned back with a bright smile on his face. Jimin grinned and nodded.
“You’re right. Then, I guess I’ll see you later.”
He nodded and slowly ascended into the air. He hovered over the cliff and gave a small wave. “See you later.” He said softly. Jimin nodded and waved back.
“See you later.”
And with that Jungkook turned around and flied off into the vast sky. Jimin smiled and felt the first of many tears fall from his eyes.
Jungkook smiled as his tears fell. He was flying freely in the sky like he always dreamed of. All thanks to one person. Wiping his tears, he smiled brightly into the sunset. They would meet again. He knew it. He just knew it.
Oh to be free and soar in the endless sky.